BLACK PUBLISHER FACES CHALLENGE HEAD ON

The Brown family from right to left, back row: Daughter Rene Lynn, Hardy Jr. and his wife Sonietta. Front row: playwright Rickerby Hinds and his wife, the Brown's daughter Paulette; Hardy, wife Cheryl, daughter Regina Wilson and husband Kurt.

Hardy Brown in 1995 at the top of his game.  He was the Human Resources Director for Kaiser Permanente’s Fontana Hospital and co-publisher of The Black Voice News.

Gen. Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, with Hardy Brown and Cheryl Brown at reception in Palm Springs, Calif. where they encouraged Powell to run for President.

Hardy Brown and presidential candidate Bill Clinton at the Democratic Convention in 1991.

Hardy Brown and then perpetual Speaker of the California State Assembly Willie Brown.

The many faces of Hardy Brown.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) You might think that a man diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), a rare, degenerative, neurological disorder related to Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS), would be ready to hang it up, or to be self-pitying and withdrawn. But not if that man is Black publication leader Hardy Brown of Southern California’s Inland Empire.

His speech may be seriously affected so he can no longer take calls from advertisers, and his gait may rely on a cane, a walker and occasionally a wheelchair, yet this 66-year-old co-publisher of “The Black Voice News” goes to the office daily and still turns out his often humorous and always incisive editorial for the weekly newspaper. As his co-publisher wife Cheryl says, “Hardy still puts in six hours a day. He’s a man of very strong faith, and believes God has him here for a reason.”

What reason? Perhaps, as New America Media, an association of more than 700 ethnic media outlets puts it, for more than 35 years Hardy’s newspaper “has been a strong advocate for the voiceless and disenfranchised of Riverside and San Bernardino counties [the Inland Empire].” Reason enough, many would say.

It was 1972 and a handful of students of the University of California at Riverside founded “The Black Voice” to counter traditional newspapers which were seen as ignoring the concerns of Black students. 

Eight years later, former UCR students Hardy and Cheryl, married since 1962, bought the ‘paper, amended the name and broadened the coverage to take in Black community concerns throughout the Inland Empire’s now 4.2 million population with nearly 500,000 African Americans.

Today the newspaper boasts a circulation of 10,000 via subscriptions, retail stores, newsstands and churches.

Two examples over the years highlight the weekly’s community concern and the strength of its stance:

In 1998 a Black Riverside teen was shot dead while sitting in her car as four local police pumped 12 rounds into the girl. Over the following two years “The Black Voice News” refused to let the tragedy slip from public view, focusing on the case with front page stories each week. When the City Council considered reinstating the four police officers that had been fired following the shooting, it was Hardy Brown’s strong editorials in opposition that pushed the Council to not reinstate the four.

Also, early in the 21st century “The Black Voice News” became one of the first news sources to show that the government’s Health and Human Services department admitted that an Institute of Medicine report had minimized unequal treatment of Blacks and Latinos in healthcare.

As Hardy Brown told “California Publisher” in 2003, “Our newspaper is one of advocacy. It is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We advocate justice freedom and self-empowerment through our editorial content.” 

Brown said his role models in the newspaper field were Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm. “They were the founders of ‘The Freedom Journal,’ America’s first Black newspaper. Their credo was ‘We must speak for ourselves.’

Over the years co-publishers Cheryl and Hardy have expanded their community commitment beyond the pages of the newspaper. Created 20 years ago, The Black Voice Foundation provided scholarships to local students, offered technology and media workshops and backed community awards for commitment to local causes. Their Building Better Communities program fostered local businesses, organizations and agencies to improve neighborhoods.

Also, the ‘paper has organized numerous activities honoring the early Black scientist Booker T. Washington who visited Riverside in 1914, and has partnered with the local school district on a video project recording elders telling of their lives while aiding them to learn computers, scriptwriting and video editing. 

Additionally, “The Black Voice News” was integral in the development of “Footsteps To Freedom,” a study program for teachers exploring the “Underground Railroad” effort to get disenfranchised Blacks to the north in the 19^th century.

But Hardy Brown, as capable and energetic as he has been, couldn’t have accomplished it alone. That’s why his wife Cheryl is listed as “Co-publisher,” handling the bulk of Brown Publishing’s business while doing some writing, photography and editing. 

“After 46 years of marriage,” Cheryl says, “We’re still deeply in love. He’s my best friend. We’re together 24 hours a day, and it’s wonderful. Hardy is fun and funny, yet has always been a conscientious hard worker. We do have separate offices, though.”

Daughter Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds plays a major role with the company, too, as CEO of Brown Publishing and the newspaper’s Associate Publisher while Regina Brown works for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Son Hardy Jr. has recently taken the reigns of the Black Voice Foundation.

Paulette began with the ‘paper while in high school, then took a break to teach English Literature at the University of Cincinnati before returning.

“Our dad takes everything one day at a time,” Brown-Hinds notes. “And he has great faith which carries him along. The rest of us struggle with his disease more than he does. Aside from his slowing down a bit and his trouble walking and speaking, Dad’s as bright and alert as ever.”

PLS is caused primarily by the degeneration of the upper motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, meaning a growing spasticity and weakness of the voluntary muscles. Research suggests between 500 and 2,000 are afflicted with Primary Lateral Sclerosis in the United States. 

The legs, arms, hands, speech and the swallowing muscles will all eventually be affected. Life expectancy is normal, but, regretfully, there is neither cure nor treatments beyond easing symptoms.

“We first began to notice something was wrong in 2002,” Cheryl Brown recalls. “A limp became more pronounced, then Hardy would occasionally fall. Then there were two years of tests and waiting for a diagnosis.” Doctors initially suspected Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS); very little was known about PLS. 

“They worried that Hardy wouldn’t be around long,” Cheryl adds. “But Hardy had faith, and wouldn’t accept their diagnosis. It was Riverside’s Dr. Ron Bailey who said Hardy likely had PLS, and another doctor sent my husband to UCLA for more tests, confirming the new findings.”

The North Carolina native came to Los Angeles in 1960, and soon found work with Kaiser Steel in Fontana, then with what is now known as Southern California Edison as, first, a garage attendant chauffer and then the first Black person employed by Edison as a meter reader and customer service technician.

After seven years there, Brown joined the management of Kaiser Foundation’s Health Plan for the Comprehensive Health Care Program benefiting low-income families. Following numerous advancements and other management positions, he retired to acquire and direct “The Black Voice News” and establish Brown Publishing Company as chairman. 

The rest is publishing history.

To reach Hardy Brown or the Black Voice News Foundation call (951) 682-6070 or email Cheryl Brown at CherylBrown@BlackVoiceNews.com

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Art Institute Students to Host Fashion Show

Keeira Ford models a formal strapless gown created by designer Cassie Betts at a fashion show earlier this year organized by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Her work and that of Soulful Commandoe, a design company featuring urban wear for men, will again be on display when students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire present “Rock 2 Glam,” at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 at their 630 E. Brier, San Bernardino campus.

(San Bernardino, CA).  Fashion students at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire are hosting a runway fashion show Sept. 24 at the college’s campus.  The event is open to the public at no charge.

The show, ‘Rock 2 Glam’ is a journey from rock & roll to glamorous fashions.  It is coordinated by students in the summer Fashion Show Production and Sales & Event Promotion class.

The designs of Beverly Hills designer Cassie Betts and Soulful Commandoe will highlight the runway show.  Runway models featured in the show will be volunteers from the fashion programs at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

The show begins at 4:45 p.m. in Seasons, the restaurant at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute, 630 E. Brier, San Bernardino, CA., 92408.  Hors D’ Oeuvres will be served and parking is available at no charge.  For more information call Shannon Valenzuela, (951) 533-5445.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree program in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree program in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree program in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Oct. 5 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/), a system of over 40 education locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, and culinary arts professionals.

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Meet Riverside County Superintendent Kenn Young

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Riverside Marriott.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Young, on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The reception takes place at the Riverside Marriott Hotel, 3400 Market St., from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. It will allow business and community leaders an opportunity to meet their county superintendent and share their concerns about education with him.

“Kenneth Young worked in business for many years before he was an educator, so he understands the concerns we as business people may have,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great opportunity for minority business owners from throughout the Inland Empire to discuss their concerns with him.”

Superintendent Young has served as the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools since 2007.  Previously, he was the County Deputy Superintendent of Schools.

As county superintendent, he has fiscal oversight of all 23 school districts in the county along with the Riverside County Office of Education. He oversees a staff of almost 1,800 employees working at 162 different locations across Riverside County.

Superintendent Young’s primary focuses as county superintendent have been increasing high school graduation rates and better preparing students for college and the workforce.

He has also served in senior leadership positions at local school districts, including deputy superintendent.  He has chaired several school district boundary, busing and budget committees. 

Before he worked in California’s public school system, Superintendent Young spent 17 years in the field of civil engineering, 14 of which he was president and CEO of an engineering construction firm.

He has taught adult education and high school students in public schools and high school students in a non-profit operated religious institution. 

He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Education. 

Kenn and his wife Beverly have lived in Lake Elsinore for the past 29 years. He has six children and three grandchildren.

The reception is co-sponsored by Riverside Marriott, The Gas Company, Arrowhead Credit Union, Southern California Edison and Dameron Communications.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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Visit Zambia and Profit

 

Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador from Zambia to the United States, poses with community leaders.  Left to right: Pastor Raymond Turner; Field Representative to 5th District Supervisor Josie Gonzales,  Michael Townsend; Field Representative to Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, Shelia Futch; President of Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, Carl Dameron; Dr. Lewanika; Mayor Pro Tem, Rikke Van Johnson; and Celeste King.  Photo by Chris Sloan.

Dr Inonge M. Lewanika, Ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Zambia was the Guest of Honor at a reception hosted by the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and other community leadership organizations, held at the Castaway Restaurant.  The large audience that came from throughout Southern California to meet and honor Ambassador Lewanika  included Africans as well as African Americans. Photo by John Coleman.

Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, Ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Zambia was the Guest of Honor at a reception hosted by the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, and other community leadership organizations, held at the Castaway Restaurant.  Photo by John Coleman.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Inland Empire residents have a personal invitation from the Ambassador of Zambia to visit and perhaps make a profitable investment in her country.

“Zambia is a beautiful country with many things to offer. I invite you to experience it yourself,”  said Ambassador Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika during a reception the Inland Empire  African-American Chamber of Commerce held in her honor on Thursday, Sept. 10 at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center in San Bernardino.

This reception was part of a week long tour she made through the Inland Empire to raise awareness here about the country of Zambia. As her country’s ambassador, she also encourages American citizens to visit and make investments for profit, while at the same time helping the country with needs such as job creation, health care, education and housing.

Zambia was established as an official nation in 1964. It is home to the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors can also see lakes, wetlands, tropical birds and abundant wildlife in this country, which has 11 million people in area about the size of Texas.

Victoria Falls is reason enough to see Zambia, says Ambassador Lewanika. These falls are so large, the mist can be seen from miles away.

“It is like thunder,” she said. “And the mist from the falls is like smoke. Its ancient name, “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” means “Smoke from Thunder.”

The country has much more to offer than a beautiful waterfall, Ambassador Lewanika said.

“Our greatest resource is our people,” she said. “They are very friendly and very warm.”

The largest contributor to Zambia’s economy is farming, especially maize and corn. The next largest industry is mining for natural resources such as copper, gold, diamonds, other precious stones, and possibly soon, oil. 

“Oil has not been discovered in Zambia,” she said. “But it is probably there. Our government has commissioned a study for oil exploration, because of the certainty that there is oil beneath our ground.”

Americans who purchase land in Zambia for farming, mining or development, likely would quickly turn a profit, Ambassador Lewanika said.

“It is very cheap to buy land in Zambia,” she said. “I know of one investor who made a 300 percent profit. I don’t of anywhere else in the world you can do that besides Zambia.”

“People are coming from all over the world to invest in Zambia,” she said. “They come from China.  They come from Japan. They come from all over the Middle East.”

Americans are especially encouraged to invest, because Zambian officials recognize that many in the United States do so not to exploit, but in search of business endeavors that will mutually profit them and their Zambian employees.

“You know we are human,” she said. “You don’t treat us like we have small brains like the boors in some countries do.”

In her current position, she travels throughout the United States meeting as many Americans as possible. But long before that, she lived with an American family for two years while pursuing a college education here.  That family, and most of the other Americans she has met, gives her a highly favorable impression of the United States’ people.

“I came to this country when I was 17 years old, and at that time, Zambia did not have any colleges or universities of its own,” she said. “I want to thank you for the investment you made in my life.

To find out more about Zambia, visit www.zambiatourism.com ,  call Helen Harris (909) 648-4605  or e-mail  inlandempirefriendsofzambia@gmail.com

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Mom's Asthma Turns 15 Year Old Into Spokesperson for American Lung Association

15-year-old Otana Jakpor is a spokesperson for the American Lung Association in California - Inland Counties chapter because of her knowledge about air pollution, a subject she is especially interested in because of her mother's severe case of asthma.

For her study on the pulmonary effects of indoor air purifiers, Otana Jakpor, 15, has become a recognized expert on air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency awarded her one of its Environmental Youth Awards for 2008 (one is given in each of 10 regions of the EPA), thus earning her recognition from then President and Mrs. Bush at the White House.

At 15, Otana Jakpor is already a senior at Woodcrest Christian School in Riverside. Next year, she plans to begin university preparation for medical school. Since she is already recognized by the American Lung Association and many others as an expert on the subject, she will also study environmental health.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) It seems natural that Otana Jakpor would have an interest in air pollution. As long as she can remember, her mother Karen has battled severe asthma.

Otana’s focused studies on air pollution, starting with a science project she did just for fun two years ago that analyzed the effects of air purifiers, make her a recognized expert on the subject. She’s presented testimony at state and national hearings, as well as at events for the American Lung Association in California – Inland Counties Chapter.

One of these upcoming events is the Healthy Air Walk, taking place Oct. 3 at Fontana Park, 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana. To learn more about this event, which is the Inland Counties chapter’s largest fundraiser for the Association’s efforts to prevent and educate people about air pollution, go to www.healthyairwalk.org or call (909) 884-5864.

As Otana sees it, the American Lung Association needs this money to fund both education and research, both of which are important in helping people overcome the debilitating effects of air pollution.

“The air we breathe needs to be protected,” she said. “It’s great to have scientific research, but if people don’t know about it, the research is not going to help anybody.”

Her knowledge on air pollution also led to a summer internship this year with the University of Southern California, where she performed community outreach and education on this topic, as well as helped with scientific research conducted by the university. All before starting her senior year of high school, which she did on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Karen Jakpor was diagnosed with asthma in 1996. Otana was then 3 years old, and started out by helping Mom take her medicine.

“She would put my medicine into my nebulizer (a tool that combines air or oxygen and liquid medication for quick inhalation) for me,” Karen said. “She called it my bubble medicine.”

In 2004, Karen was pregnant with a second daughter, Jibiana, now 5. Otana took on a much greater role as Mom’s care provider during the pregnancy.

“It was an extremely high risk pregnancy and the hospitals in Riverside weren’t equipped to handle it,” said Karen, who is herself a former physician who practiced in Riverside.

“I had to be delivered at Kaiser Hospital in Los Angeles, and because of complications, I had to live near the hospital. My husband Riase wasn’t able to come with us because of his work, so I rented an apartment where Otana and I lived that summer. She helped me whenever I had an asthma attack, and sometimes with basic needs like cooking and cleaning. She was only 10 years old.”

After Karen gave birth to Jibiana, life returned to normal, at least as the Jakpors know it. Karen has been in the hospital or emergency room with asthma 47 times over the last 12 years. If the air quality in Riverside is less than good, as has been the case most days since the Station Fire in Los Angeles County and other wildfires closer to Riverside, breathing is a struggle for Karen.

But, other than that one summer, Otana has enjoyed a normal childhood that for the past few years has focused mainly on school and friends. However, with aspirations of becoming a doctor, Otana is especially interested in science and research.

In 2007, as a 13-year-old, she read an article in Consumer Reports magazine indicating indoor air purifiers may actually add to the air pollution inside a home, as they emit ozone, a component of smog. But there were no published studies showing how this would impact people’s breathing ability.

Since Karen owns several types of respiratory monitors, Otana decided to use them to study the effects of these air purifiers. She borrowed purifiers from her mom and other people, and recruited 24 of her friends to come to her house and test their ability to breathe while using the purifiers.

Based on her research, Otana determined many of the purifiers were, in fact, emitting enough ozone to render indoor air unhealthy, and that this impaired breathing ability, especially among her friends with asthma.

She then learned the California Air Resources Board was attempting to regulate the amount of ozone air purifiers sold in California could emit. She submitted her research to this agency, which in turn asked her to present her study in an upcoming public hearing.
“The hearing room was packed with people,” Karen Jakpor said. “But many of these people sold air purifiers for a living.

“They said things like “My air purifiers save lives and you’re trying to take away my family’s livelihood,” she said. “A lobbyist for the industry stated ‘there are no studies proving any link between air purifiers and increased ozone.’ The CARB staff just smiled, because they knew Otana’s turn to speak was coming.”

Otana’s testimony led to a ruling by the California Air Resources Board making California the first state to limit how much ozone indoor air purifiers could generate. Purifiers now must generate 50 parts per billion ozone or less.

After the hearing Terry Roberts, director of the American Lung Association in California’s Inland Counties chapter approached Otana, and asked her to volunteer as a spokesperson during upcoming hearings and other public events. This has given Otana an outlet to publicly share more about air pollution, and to urge passage of legislation that will reduce pollution’s impact on the air we breathe.

Karen also became involved with the American Lung Association then, serving as a member of its Indoor Air Quality Committee.

The American Lung Association battles air pollution and other threats to respiratory health on many fronts. One is in the legislative arena, by lobbying for regulations such as the one Otana helped pass by sharing her findings about indoor air purifiers. Another is by teaching people about air pollution and what they can do to prevent it. A third is by funding formal research studies about air pollution.

The American Lung Association was established in 1904 and was instrumental in its first 52 years in nearly eradicating tuberculosis. In 1956, it expanded its mission to fight all forms of lung disease. In its last five decades, it has also strived to reduce tobacco use and air pollution, both of which are serious threats to lung health.

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The Art Institute Receives New Signs

San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris presents a new CalTrans freeway sign to Emam El-Hout, President of The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. Posted on the I-10 Freeway at Waterman, the sign directs students to the campus, which offers artistic and creative degrees. More than 4 million cars pass the location every month. Robert Swapp photo.

San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris presents a new CalTrans freeway sign to Chef Eyad Joseph, Public Relations Director John Barry and President Emam El-Hout at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. Posted on the I-10 Freeway at Waterman, the sign directs students to the campus, which offers artistic and creative degrees. More than 4 million cars pass the location every month. Robert Swapp photo.

One Woman, Two Lives

Upland, CA — Residents of Upland, its surrounding cities and the Inland Empire, will soon find out what has theatre goers abuzz in Los Angeles. It’s the powerful new smash summer hit One Woman, Two Lives starring Kellita Smith of The Bernie Mac Show, King’s Ransom, and Three Can Play that Game. The play made its world debut July 17, 2009 at The Imagined Life Theater in Los Angeles and has since taken audiences and critics by storm.

After seeing a performance of “One Woman, Two Lives” Tommy and Gloria Morrow, publishers of the Inland Valley News Inc. in association with The Grove Theatre, were so moved by the piece that they reached out to playwright and novelist, Alretha Thomas and the rest as they say is history. One Woman, Two Lives opens at The Grove Theatre, on Friday, September 11, 2009 at 8pm. In honor of that memorable day, the producers have dedicated the opening performance to the men and women who protect our nation. Additionally, a contribution will be made to 426 Civil Affairs Battalion/315 Psychological Unit and Helping Hand for Veteran’s Inc., with a special reception, attended by the Mayor of Upland, John “JP” Pomierski, to immediately follow the performance.
In One Woman Two Lives, Kellita Smith portrays Samantha Cooke, a conflicted woman torn between two worlds, is fighting to sustain and protect her family from a past that threatens to undermine her almost perfect present. Married to Jonathan, played by Keith Bossier (The Young and the Restless), a successful mega preacher, Samantha has been voted First Lady of the Year.

The accolade, however, causes the mother of three to doubt herself and her worthiness. In spite of receiving encouragement from her family and neighbors, Samantha can’t seem to shake the uneasiness that begins to envelop her. As the play takes on surprising and startling twists and turns, her doubts and worries unfortunately become warranted.

Three time NAACP Best Director Image Award recipient Denise Dowse elicits beautiful and memorable performances from this ensemble cast which also stars veteran and award winning actors Esther Scott (You Got Served, Dreamgirls, The Geena Davis Show, Billy Mayo (Desperate Housewives, The Traveler) Sammie Wayne and Sharon Munfus.

This limited run will continue throughout the month of September with performances on the 13th at 2 and 8pm, the 18th at 8pm, the 20th at 8pm, the 25th at 8pm, the 26th at 2pm and 8pm and the 27th at 2pm and 8pm at the Grove Theatre, 276 E. 9th Street, Upland, California 91786.
Tickets are $35.00 and $33 for seniors. For tickets, group sales and more information regarding “One Woman, Two Lives” please call 909-920-4343 and or go to www.grovetheatre.com or www.Onewomantwolives.com .

This is a wonderful opportunity for your organization, Fraternity or Sorority, Girls Night

Riverside County To Save Money With Fraud, Waste & Abuse Prevention Program

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved a fraud, waste and abuse prevention program on Tuesday, Sept. 1 that will save the county money. It was developed by Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) At the urging of Riverside County Auditor-Controller Robert E. Byrd, the Board of Supervisors today approved a money-saving policy that will make it easier to identify and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse and save valuable county funds.

“In addition to saving money that can then be directed to better serve the needs of our citizens, fraud, waste and abuse prevention programs are also a prerequisite for receiving the federal stimulus funds,” Byrd said.

“This policy updates existing standards of ethical conduct for all county employees to specifically address the issues of fraud, waste and abuse,” Byrd explained. “Ethical conduct of those in public service is of the utmost importance.”

“Fraud, waste and abuse is illegal, wasteful or improper activity involving county assets or resources,” Byrd explained. “It includes theft, deception, willful misrepresentation and extravagant, careless or needless spending or consumption of county resources, whether intentional or not.”

The program Byrd initiated aims to control instances of fraud, waste and abuse and other actions that detract from the efficiency and effectiveness of County operations by:

• Implementing ways to report anonymously and confidentially. At any time, including evenings, weekends and holidays, county employees, citizens and vendors can report known or suspected fraud, waste or abuse by calling a hotline at (800) 461-9330 or by going to www.CountyOfRiversideSpeakOut.com



• Creating a policy on ethical conduct to specifically address fraud, waste and abuse. County employees are now required to identify, report and work to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.

• Educating county employees about this new program.


One of the most important functions of the Auditor-Controller’s office is to audit all of Riverside County’s expenses at the end of each fiscal year. This includes compiling an annual report, which is released about six months later.

The Auditor-Controller’s office also verifies, processes and creates more than 1,000 warrants to vendors each day and processes and drafts more than 40,000 paychecks for county employees each month. It oversees the disbursement of more than $3 billion in tax money each year.

In 2002, Robert Byrd became the county’s elected Auditor-Controller with more votes cast than in the entire history of the office. He was subsequently re-elected to a second four-year term in June of 2006.

Byrd has been chair of the Riverside County Employee Campaign and the Legislative Chair for the State Association of County Auditors. Additionally, Byrd is a commissioner on the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, and a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers, the Government Finance Officer’s Association and the State Association of County Auditors.

Committed to his community, he’s a member of Riverside Rotary, board member of the Next of Kin Registry, is on the International Relations Council for the City of Riverside, and is a member of La Sierra Academy’s Board of Trustees.
For details on the Riverside County Auditor-Controller's office call (951) 955-3800.

Robert E. Byrd, CGFM, who is elected by the voters of Riverside County, heads the Office of the Auditor-Controller. The Auditor-Controller staff and management teams are dedicated to providing sound financial accounting, auditing and reporting in order to serve the citizens of Riverside County. More information is available on the Web at http://www.auditorcontroller.org.

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How To Run For Elected Office and Win

Corey Jackson and others who have a great deal of experience dealing with elected official have formed Citizens of the Inland Empire to help African-Americans who wish to serve their community through elected or appointed public office. To inform those interested in such offices, it is holding a candidate recruitment and development event on Tuesday, Sept. 15


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Anyone interested in running for elected office, but especially African-Americans, can learn more about the process at a networking event on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Citizens of the Inland Empire and the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidate Recruitment and Development Mixer at 6 p.m. at Castaways Restaurant & Banquet Center, 670 Kendall Drive.

“It’s a networking event to say ‘hey we need people to run for office,’ and to show them ways that we can help,” said Corey Jackson, chair of the Citizens of the Inland Empire.

“There are many ways people can serve their community through elected or appointed office,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “People may not know what that entails, so we want to help guide them through the process.”

Armstead explained that besides the most visible offices, such as the state Legislature and city councils, there are many other offices that make communities run smoothly, such as school boards, water boards and planning commissions. All of them give opportunities for African-Americans to have their voices heard when decisions are made.

At the event, organizers will show participants what offices for which they could run for election, and resources such as campaign strategy, fund raising and volunteers that would be available to them. They will also discuss ethical and legal obligations candidates face.

Since many commissions are held by citizens appointed to the office, rather than elected, the event will also address how to secure such appointments.

To RSVP, send an email to citizensoftheinlandempire@gmail.com.

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Barbecue Raises Awareness and Money to Fight Deadly Lung Disease

Michelle Thompson (right) in 2007 with her little sister, Natalee Smith. Michelle died a year later from asthma. Her mother, Jennifer Smith, is holding a barbecue on Sept. 5 in Hesperia, in Michelle's memory, to raise money for the American Lung Association. She is also organizing a team to walk in the American Lung Association's Healthy Air Walk on Oct. 3 at Fontana Park.

(HESPERIA, Calif.) Michelle Thompson, then 16, died a year ago from asthma. Death from childhood asthma is rare, but Michelle’s mom wants to make it even more so.

“My daughter died a horrible death, and it could have been prevented,” said mom Jennifer Smith. “My hope is that no more children will die the way she did.”

One of the ways Jennifer Smith has worked through her grief is by volunteering with the American Lung Association in California’s Inland Empire chapter. As the organization prepares for its Healthy Air Walk, its largest fundraiser of the year, Smith is organizing a team to walk in Michelle’s memory.

The team, which so far consists of Smith and four other High Desert-area volunteers, is hosting a barbecue Saturday, Sept. 5 at Albertson’s grocery store, 16840 Main Street, Hesperia. It lasts from 11 a.m. until food is no longer available.

The team hopes to raise $1,600, a goal Smith chose because of her daughter’s age when she died.
Along with others from the Inland Empire, the team from Hesperia will participate in the Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Fontana Park, 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana. Healthy Air Walks are held throughout California to raise money for programs that reduce air pollution and prevent lung disease, including asthma.

Smith volunteers with the American Lung Association in California’s Inland Empire chapter because it proved to be a valuable source of information about asthma.

“Before Michelle died, I didn’t realize people could die from asthma,” said Smith. “I had a lot of questions, and was seeking a place to find answers. The American Lung Association was that place.”

Now that she knows more about asthma, Smith is working with the American Lung Association in two other areas as well. One of her goals is educating the public about asthma, from families where a member suffers from this chronic disease, to health care providers, school workers and others one might rely on during an asthma attack.

Her other goal is working with the American Lung Association in California to help California’s Legislature create a comprehensive plan for dealing with asthma. The current plan varies from county to county, Smith noted, and two hospitals or schools within a county often take different approaches. The American Lung Association in California’s website calls these approaches “piecemeal at best.”

“Asthma can be deadly,” Smith said. “But it’s a death that is preventable.”

The American Lung Association was established in 1904 and was instrumental in its first 52 years in nearly eradicating tuberculosis. In 1956, it expanded its mission to fight all forms of lung disease. In its last five decades, it has also strived to reduce tobacco use and air pollution, both of which are serious threats to lung health.

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Zambian Ambassador to Visit Inland Empire

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, President Carl Dameron, will host a special reception in Ambassador Lewanika’s honor on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino.


Dr. Lewanika will be on ‘Empire Talks Back’ radio show, and Meet with Business, Church, and Government Leaders

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, the Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States of America, will visit the Inland Empire between September 4 and September 11, 2009 prior to returning to her post in Washington, D.C. This is the Ambassador’s second visit to the Inland area, and she plans a very full agenda while she is here.

The public is invited to have ‘Breakfast With Her Excellency’ on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the T. Hughes Building, located at 1777 Baseline, in San Bernardino, CA 92411. For more information, call (909) 648-4605. To RSVP, send e-mail to ZAMBIAFRIENDS@gmail.com.

Later that afternoon, also on Saturday, September 5, 2009 Ambassador Lewanika will be the honored guest on the Empire Talks Back radio show, hosted by Westside Story publisher Wallace Allen, at 1 p.m. on KCAA 1050 AM, or on WebTV at kcaaradio.com.

The Ambassador will also be the featured speaker at two churches on Sunday, September 6, 2009. At 9:30 a.m. the congregation of Temple Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor Raymond Turner will welcome her to their morning service, located at 1583 W. Union Street in San Bernardino, CA 92411, (909) 888-2038.

Ambassador Lewanika will then travel to Ecclesia Christian Fellowship to speak at 11:00 a.m., hosted by Pastor Joshua Beckley, at 1314 Date Street in San Bernardino, CA 92404, (909) 881-5551.

On Tuesday, September 8, she will meet with the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches during their regular weekly meeting at 10:30 a.m. She will also make a 3:00 p.m. stop at the San Bernardino City Hall Council Chambers where she will be welcomed by the Mayor and Common Council.

The next day, on Wednesday, September 9, the Ambassador will take a one day trip to Sacramento to meet with Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter, of District 62.

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, President Carl Dameron, will host a special reception in Ambassador Lewanika’s honor on Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino.

The reception is open to the public, as well as educators, professionals, business owners, and chamber members, in order to meet and greet the Ambassador and learn how to expand business opportunities between the Inland Empire and the nation of Zambia.

Reservations are required. To be included call Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017 or sign up at evite: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ESXRNKUMZMRBFBICDJIW

Sponsors include the Westside Story Newspaper, the Improve Business and Community Development Association, The Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches, The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, Edison International, The Gas Company and Dameron Communications. The Castaway Restaurant is located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, CA 92407, (909) 881-1502.

In addition to serving as a statesperson, Ambassador Lewanika encourages cultural, educational, and commercial exchanges between Zambia and the U.S. and partnerships between African American institutions and those in her country.

A graduate of New York University where she earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood and Primary Education, she was one of the International Youth Foundation’s founding board members, and serves as the Chairperson of YAPYA: Youth Investment Trust of Zambia, and on the board of the directors of the ImagiNations Group. Her primary commitment is to youth and children, and she has worked with UNICEF in key leadership roles across Africa.

A world traveler and accomplished linguist, Ambassador Lewanika speaks eight languages and has lived in five countries. Prior to serving as the Zambian ambassador to the U.S. Dr. Lewanika was Ambassador and Special Envoy for the Zambian President during his term as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (now African Union); and she served as a member of the Zambian Parliament from 1991 to 2001.

To find out more about the Ambassador’s itinerary during her California visit to the Inland Empire, contact Helen Harris at (909) 763-2101, or e-mail her at calledtoleadership@msn.com.

Quick Facts About Zambia
Capital - Lusaka
Government - Republic
Currency - Zambian kwacha (ZMK)
Area total: 752,614 km2
water: 11,890 km2
land: 740,724 km2
Population - 11,668,000 (2005 est.)
Language - English (official), major vernaculars - Bemba, Kaonda, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga, and about 70 other indigenous languages
Religion - Christian (+75%), Muslim and Hindu (24% or less), indigenous beliefs (1%)
Calling Code +260

Country Background

Zambia, republic in south central Africa, bounded on the north by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) and Tanzania; on the east by Malawi; on the southeast by Mozambique; on the south by Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia; and on the west by Angola. The area is 752,614 sq km (290,586 sq mi). Zambia’s capital and largest city is Lusaka.

Like in many other African countries, ethnic diversity is a striking feature in Zambia. The relatively small population of just over 11 million people comprises of over 70 different languages, also referred to as tribes. Almost all share the same historical origin of belonging to the Bantu-speaking group. The Bantu-speaking group has over 500 languages spoken in central, eastern, and southern Africa.

Scholars estimate that the number of distinctive native languages spoken in Africa totals at least 2,000 - more languages than are spoken on any other continent. Among these 2,000 languages only about 50 have 500,000 or more speakers. In Zambia the major ones include Bemba, Nyanja, and Tonga. (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc)

Zambian Weather and Climate

Although lying within the Tropic Zone, much of Zambia enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate because of the high altitude. The average temperature in Lusaka during July, the coldest month of the year, is 16°C (61°F); the hottest month, January, has an average temperature of 21°C (70°F). Annual rainfall ranges from 750 mm (30 in) in the south to 1,300 mm (51 in) in the north. Nearly all of the rain falls between November and April.

Major Travel and Tourism Info (Country Travel Guide)

Zambia 101 (Basics) - Major travel and tour destinations

Zambia offers travelers some of the world's best safari opportunities, a glimpse into the “real Africa,” and Victoria Falls, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Economy
Much of Zambia remains poor, with GNP per capita on the order of $400 a year US, and the bulk of Zambia's population lives on subsistence agriculture. The economy continues to revolve around copper, but after decades of issues the industry is now doing better thanks to higher commodity prices and investments made after privatization. Another recent success story has been tourism, with the misfortunes of its neighbor Zimbabwe driving tourists to the northern side of the Victoria Falls and Zambia's safaris.

For more on the history of Zambia go to: http://www.zambiatourism.com/travel/hisgeopeop/history.htm

Riverside County Auditor-Controller Seeks Re-Election

Robert Byrd is seeking re-election for a third term as Riverside County Auditor-Controller. He will kick of his campaign 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Riverside Marriott Hotel.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) As Auditor-Controller, Robert E. Byrd has paid Riverside County’s bills, audited the books and kept the county in the black for the last eight years.

With economic challenges like foreclosures, double-digit unemployment and lagging retail sales making that increasingly challenging, Byrd doesn’t see 2010 as a time to change course. He’s therefore running for a third term.

He will formally announce his candidacy at a reception 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at the Riverside Marriott Hotel, 3400 Market St., Riverside.

“My re-election is critical for the citizens of Riverside County,” Byrd said. “I have the experience to understand, integrity to do the right thing and vision needed to help us through this unprecedented fiscal crisis we are in. And I have identified opportunities to enhance the efficiency of this county.”

In 2002, Robert Byrd became the county’s elected Auditor-Controller with more votes cast than in the entire history of the office. In so doing, he was the California’s first African American elected to that office. He was subsequently re-elected to a second four-year term in June of 2006.

Byrd revolutionized the office of the county’s Auditor-Controller by restructuring it to provide optimum customer service while improving the quality and flow of information to the county’s management. He adds, “We refocused Riverside County’s audit function to not only serve its regulatory mandates, but also to facilitate more efficient and effective county operations, thus bringing fresh standards to the county’s processes and county cost savings.”

Byrd has improved service provided by the Auditor-Controller’s Office. Some of the ways he has done this are:

• Assisting parents who receive child support by collecting garnishments through the state’s automated system. This allows more efficient payments to the parents who receive support.

• Providing Property Tax Division reports through the Auditor-Controller’s website, www.auditorcontroller.org

• Developing a new property tax system through a partnership between the Office of the Auditor-Controller, Office of the Tax-Treasurer, and Office of the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder.

• Providing county employees immediate access to their W-2s and paycheck stubs via an electronic system

• Publishing County of Riverside Financial Highlights, an easy to read report summarizing the contents of County of Riverside Comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2007-08.

The comprehensive report, 180 pages in length, contains detailed financial information, including financial statements, disclosure notes, supplemental schedules and statistical tables. The Highlights document, illustrated with colorful graphs and charts, shows how Riverside County spent money in the 2007-08 fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), including construction projects started that year.

• Establishing an Information Technology Division in the Auditor-Controller’s Office to keep the Office’s technology operating efficiently, so as to better provide information to all who are interested.

Byrd’s goals for the next four years include:

• Developing a method to pay vendors electronically, which will improve efficiency and internal control.

• Making additional improvement to the new property tax system, so the Office of the Auditor-Controller can efficiently track receipt and distribution of property tax revenue.

• Establishing a program that employees of county departments receiving audits will use to communicate electronically to the Office of the Auditor-Controller how they are resolving issues discovered during the audit.

• Establishing a method for county employees to sign up online for direct deposit, or to make changes to their records via online technology.

• Assisting and training Riverside County in better internal control and risk assessment methods.

• Continuing to offer management development programs to county employees.

Byrd sees his professional contributions as going beyond what’s expected of his office. He has been chair of the Riverside County Employee Campaign and Legislative Chair for the State Association of County Auditors. Additionally, Byrd has been a commissioner on the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission, and members of the Society of Municipal Finance Officers, the Government Finance Officer’s Association and the State Association of County Auditors.

Committed to his community, he’s a member of Riverside Rotary, board member of the Next of Kin Registry, is on the International Relations Council for Riverside and performs as Finance Chairperson for La Sierra Academy’s Board of Trustees.

Robert E. Byrd, CGFM, who is elected by the voters of Riverside County, heads the Office of the Auditor-Controller. The Auditor-Controller’s office is dedicated to providing sound financial accounting, auditing, and reporting in order to serve the citizens of Riverside County.

To RSVP for the reception or for more information, call Brenda Erickson at (909) 888-0017.


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American Lung Association in California Announces 2009 Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk

Save the Date! Saturday, October 3, 2009, Fontana Park, Fontana

(San Bernardino, CALIF.) – The American Lung Association in California holds its annual Healthy Air Walk – Inland Empire on Saturday, October 3, 2009. The 3-mile fundraising walk begins and ends at Fontana Park in the City of Fontana.

Registration begins at 8:00 am and the Walk begins at 9:15 am. Concerned citizens from all over the Inland Empire will come together to raise money and awareness for this Healthy Air movement so we can all breathe easier.

Held in communities across the state, the Walks bring people together whose sole purpose is to raise funds for programs that reduce air pollution and prevent lung disease.

Other events are planned for

• Greater LA: Saturday, October 3, Downtown Burbank
• Orange County: Sunday, October 4, UCI, Aldrich Park

To sign up for the walk or recruit a team, participants can go directly to www.healthyairwalk.org, or call 800-586-4872.

Californians breathe some of the unhealthiest air in the nation. Ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) cause 6,100 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases; 1,500 hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease; and 210,000 cases of asthma and lower-respiratory symptoms. An estimated 20,000 premature deaths each year in California are linked to particle pollution.

Air pollution is costly both in lives and dollars, causing an estimated $1.6 billion in associated hospital and medical expenses as well as 1.4 million lost workdays each year in California.

The American Lung Association in California actively works to reduce harmful air pollution and protect lung health, successfully fighting for landmark legislation in 2006 which set the nation’s first statewide cap on global warming pollution.

Despite strong opposition by the construction industry, the Association helped secure new regulations for off-road diesel equipment that will result in a 75-percent reduction in health-damaging diesel soot from off-road diesel engines by 2020.

Additionally, the Association has helped secure a number of laws to reduce car and truck emissions and our dependence on petroleum, and has fought for health-based air pollution standards that protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.

To protect people from indoor air pollution, the Association helped secure legislation banning indoor “air cleaners” that actually emit ozone air pollution. We fund a number of lung disease studies each year, including research that establishes a clear connection between air pollution and lung disease.

The Association works to protect people from secondhand smoke and over the years has successfully fought for a number of model policies that reduce tobacco use and protect people from secondhand smoke, including the current landmark legislation putting tobacco under the jurisdiction of the FDA, which will become law this year.

The Healthy Air Walk – Inland Empire is sponsored by the City of Fontana, Healthy Fontana, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Omnitrans, Hilton Garden Inn - Fontana, BrightSource Energy, STIHL, Molina Healthcare and by media sponsors Dameron Communications, KABC7, KGGI 99.1, Radio Disney, Charter Communications, Century Group Newspapers, and Inland Empire Weekly.

About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.


Contact: Jim Arnold, jarnold@alac.org or 213 384 5864.

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Meet Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, the Ambassador to the U.S. from The Republic of Zambia

Meet Dr. Inonge M. Lewanika, the Ambassador to the U.S. from The Republic of Zambia.

This event is free.

The Event is hosted by The Inland Empire African American Concerned Churches, Wallace Allen, Publisher of the WestSide Story Newspaper, The Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications.

Find out about Economic Opportunities in Zambia. Ask about current events and meet with your family and friends.

For more information call Carl M. Dameron at (909) 888-0017.

You must have a reservation to attend. Make your reservation at:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=ESXRNKUMZMRBFBICDJIW

Missing Son Diego Arteaga Found

(Pahrump, Nevada) Diego Arteaga 19, has been found. He was reunited with his parents Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga tonight at about 10:45 p.m. at a McDonald's restaurant in Pahrump, Nevada.

Diego, son of prominent San Bernardino physician Albert and Maria Arteaga, had been missing since Monday August 10th when he was last seen leaving Amargosa Valley on foot about 60 miles north of Pahrump, Nevada.

“We are so happy to have found our son safe after two days of worry,” said Maria Arteaga.

“We are so grateful for the many people who called in tips to us and to the wonderful people of Pahrump who listed to our story and helped us find our lost son,” said Albert.

The Arteagas offer special thanks to Deputy Robert with the Nye County Sheriff's Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department who did so much to help find their son.

For more information call:

Carl Dameron

at (909) 534-9500 - Cell

(909) 888-0017 - office

carl@DameronCommunications.com

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Wellness Conference Gives Tips For Staying Healthy

Mai Brooks, who runs Jump Rope Boot Camp in Inglewood as part of her family’s business, demonstrates proper jump roping technique in a workshop at the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference.


The Rev. Bronica Martindale leads Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference participants in a dance routine that simulates planting, sowing and harvesting healthy fruits and vegetables.


Dr. Romeo Brooks, one of the main speakers for the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference, tells guests more about how to eat well at the booth for Roots Nutrition, a business he and wife Mai own in Inglewood.

Phyllis Clark, dressed in a svelte evening gown to show how the principles of healthy living have helped her, welcomes guests to the Fifth Annual Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) A conference jam-packed with advice for staying healthy took place Saturday, Aug. 1 at California Baptist University.

The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference especially targeted African-Americans, but the advice presented works for all races. It is, first of all, to avoid stressing out about things. Secondarily, it is to make healthy lifestyle choices – that means eating well, exercising and avoiding tobacco.

Keynote speaker Dr. Ruth Tanyi, a certified preventive health care specialist in Loma Linda, shared the effects of stress on one’s body.

“Stress is the number one killer,” she said. “The human body works best when there is a balance in the mind, body and spirit.”

Dr. Tanyi defines stress as what an individual perceives as above or beyond their ability to cope. She also defines two types of stress – acute stress lasting from a moment to no more than two weeks, and chronic stress, which lasts more than two weeks.

Stress doesn’t have to reach chronic stages, she says.

“Depending on what we choose to believe, we can override our emotions,” she said. “We can have control over our heart rate and our blood pressure.”

For instance, if someone receives a traffic ticket, it will most likely be stressful at the time, she said. But, a person can then continue to worry about it, or say “It’s OK, I can go to traffic school, this will all work out.”

Physiologically, what often happens in an acutely stressful incidence such as the traffic ticket is an adrenalin rush, which in turn causes a person’s heart rate and respiration to increase. The adrenalin also sends a signal to one’s pituitary gland, which in turn sends a signal throughout the body to release hormones, which causes an adverse reaction to the body’s immune system.

“If you choose to get over it, the adrenalin will go away,” she said. “But if you keep worrying, your immune system is now suppressed. The immune system is supposed to ward off disease, but if it is suppressed, we become susceptible to all kinds of chronic diseases. The list is endless.”

Besides worrying, along with feelings of anger or jealousy, other causes of chronic stress are poor diets, physical inactivity and lack of sleep. Illnesses it can lead to include depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.

Dr. Tanyi also shared some tips for managing stress, such as taking control of situations, obtaining knowledge about situations and focusing on your strengths, rather than weaknesses. She also advocates creating “good stress” through positive thoughts and enjoyable activities.

Another important way of reducing stress, according to Dr. Tanyi, is to forgive people who have offended you.

“A lack of forgiveness causes you stress, which can cause cancer, diabetes and heart disease,” she said. “It’s about you. The people who have hurt you have moved on, they aren’t there anymore. So for you to move on, you have to forgive.”

The second speaker, Dr. Romeo Brooks, focused on reducing stress through a positive attitude. He calls this “languaging your life.”

Dr. Brooks began his presentation by asking the audience to stand up, jump up and down and wave their arms around. He then noted that the participants had willed their body into this exercise, and likewise could will their bodies into many other healthy lifestyle choices.

“The words we speak are symbolic of how we think and feel,” he said. “Life is ours to experience as we say it is.”

Dr. Brooks used the analogy of a hurdler racing around a track.

“He doesn’t say ‘who put this hurdle in my way, I’m trying to accomplish something. He jumps over it. We all have adversities we have to jump over. Life without conflict is impossible, but if you say conflict is here to make you a better person, it will.

Dr. Brooks also encourages people to live life with purpose and goals.

“You have to say this is what I want, this is where I am going, this is what I am going to do to get there,” he said. “When you live your life without a purpose, it’s listless. It’s lifeless. We need life in our body. We don’t need toxins and chemotherapy. You cannot poison the body into health. You have to deliberately start changing your language.”

In the afternoon sessions of the conference, participants were able to choose two of four workshops to attend. These included exercise demonstrations and sessions on financial health, nutrition and preventing child abuse/teen violence.

A panel of fitness experts hosted the workshop on exercise. They were:

• The Rev. Bronica Martindale of San Bernardino, who leads children’s ministries and a health ministry at The Masters’ Plan Nazarene Church. She guided the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference participants through an interpretive dance that symbolized gathering, sowing and harvesting healthy fruits and vegetables.

• Breanne Houston, owner of Stroller Strides in Riverside. With the help of several female audience volunteers ranging from a college student to grandmothers, she demonstrated a cardio workout that she normally offers to pregnant and new mothers who perform these exercises while pushing pregnancy weight or baby jogging strollers through three Riverside-area parks.

• Mai Brooks (wife of Dr. Romeo Brooks), who runs the Extreme Jump Rope Boot Camp as part of the couple’s business, Roots Nutrition in Inglewood. With the help of male and female audience volunteers, she demonstrated how jumping rope is one of the best exercises for the cardiovascular system.

The other speakers were Gwendolyn Moore, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant in Riverside (nutrition); Deborah Monroe-Heaps of the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (child abuse/teen violence prevention) and Denice A. Young, CPA and owner of Brighter DAY Enterprises in Torrance (financial health.)

The Healthy Heritage Movement (www.healthyheritagemovement.com) mission is to eliminate health disparities in the Black community by providing cultural relevant resources, peer navigation, and advocacy training,” said conference founder and organizer Phyllis Clark. This was the fifth year she put on this conference.

Besides hearing the speakers and workshops, participants were able to obtain information from local health care providers, and receive basic health screenings and referrals for other free or low-cost preventive health care services.

Sponsors include The American Cancer Society, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), The Purpose Center International Ministries, City of Hope, the Riverside Community Health Foundation, Inland Agency, Abbott Vascular, and Dameron Communications.

For more information about sponsoring or participating in the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference in 2010, go to www.healthyheritagemovement.com or email Phyllis Clark at hhwcmovement@yahoo.com, or call her at (951) 288-4375.

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