Inland Empire Weekly Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!
Vol 12, NO. 27
THIS WEEK
Gloria’s Corner and Words To Think About
‘Every 15 Minutes’ a sobering lesson for Redlands High students
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February 23, 2017
‘The New Civil Rights Movement’
Shaun King talk
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Chauncey Spencer left civil rights foot prints from Tuskegee to San Bernardino
IECN
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at University of
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IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands High School students portrayed victims in an alcohol related crash Feb.16 during the Every 15 Minutes program.
walk in front of campus Feb. 16 scene and the passenger of the following a head-on collision with vehicle was flown by helicopter undreds of Redlands pedestrians. High School students The scene was grim and grisly. gathered at the cross- A student pedestrian died at the 15 minutes, cont. on next pg.
By Yazmin Alvarez
Redlands Fire Department shows how to ‘Act FAST’ during safety program Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital gala raises $1.1 million
Redlands
haun King is one of many voices—though an increasingly prominent voice—within the Black Lives Matter movement. King will talk about “The New Civil Rights Movement” at 5:30 p.m., Feb. 23 in the Memorial Chapel at the University of Redlands. Tickets are required and available through the link below. By using social media to highlight, amplify, and discuss news of police brutality, racial discrimination, and other civil rights issues, King has become an indispensable source for extending crucial conversations about social justice and equality. Widely known for using Twitter and Facebook to tell micro-stories of injustice, King’s social media updates have influenced how the world knows about those most affected by racism and police brutality. A strong advocate for families, Shaun has become an extremely visible fundraiser for victims of injustice. The UofR Memorial Chapel is at 1200 Colton Avenue. Admission to the event is $5.
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INSIDE ONE SECTION, 16 PAGES
Gloria’s Corner Words To think About Legal Notices Opinion
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HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: sales@iecn.com
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IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands firefighters respond to a mock medical emergency during Super Safety Saturday Feb. 18. look to see if their face is droop- picked up the emergency responBy Yazmin Alvarez ing, ask if they have numbness in der tips at Super Safety Saturday illiam Ten-year-old their arm, listen to their speech if Feb. 18 hosted by the Redlands Jesse Mendez knows it's funny or can’t talk and you call Fire Department. The free community program exactly what to do in 9-1-1.” Jesse, now an honorary junior an emergency, especially if someparamedic after learning how one is showing signs of a stroke. “You ‘Act FAST’,” he said. “You learned how to ‘Act F.A.S.T’ Safety, cont. on next pg.
Got News? Send information to Inland Empire Weekly Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com or call 909-381-9898 ext. 207.
Page A2 • February 23, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers •Inland Empire Weekly
IECN PHOTOS/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands High School students portrayed a drunk driver and victims in an alcohol related crash Feb.16 during the Every 15 Minutes program. 15 minutes, cont. from front
after suffering major spinal cord injuries. The driver walked away with only minor injuries. All were victims of one teenager’s decision to drink and drive under the influence. Fortunately, it wasn’t real, said Devyn Charles, 17, who portrayed the student driver as part of the California Highway Patrol’s Every 15 Minutes program. “You definitely see life differently after this,” he said. “I never want to be in the back of a (police) car again.” “Every 15 Minutes” is an impactful educational event used to show students the dangers of drunk and distracted driving through impactful video clips and realistic accident simulations. Students participate in activities over two-days which include a simulated traffic collision involving a drunken student driver and
three other students acting as the victims of the car crash simulation. The program concludes the following day with a mock funeral complete with casket, remembrance speeches and flowers. While some students may not see the impact of consequences during the simulated collision, it’s the next day at the funeral that really drives the point home, said Kate Pearne, the school’s principal. “That’s where the impact is,” she said. “This (program) shows just how quickly things can change when the right decisions aren't made.” Pearne said Redlands High does not have any recently alcohol related incidents involving students. Every 15 Minutes is made possible by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. First responders from Redlands police and fire departments also participated in the program.
COURTESY PHOTOS/
Safety, cont. from front
held at Station 261, offered residents of all ages an opportunity to
see how first responders arrive to a medical emergency and what procedures are taken to save lives. Those in attendance were also offered the opportunity to learn hands only CPR and practice the
IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Jesse Mendez, 10, learns hands only CPR during Super Safety Saturday Feb. 18.
FORENSIC SPECIALIST ELOISE TANKERSLEY REDLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
The scene of a mock traffic collision involving a drunken driver in front of Redlands High School Feb.16 during the Every 15 Minutes program. life saving procedure. “You could save a life,” said Redlands Fire Marshal Penni Overstreet-Murphy. “It’s great to see such a wonderful turnout and residents wanting to be involved in
community safety and the wellness of others.” Other highlights from the safety program included safety presentations, learning the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes,
how automatic external defibrillators work and where to find one in the city, and a chance to win raffle prizes and drawings.
Gloria’s Corner Question at the Museum, 5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga. For ticket information visit: www.chaffey.edu
Now to March 24 - California University San State Bernardino's Anthropology Museum presents Re/Collect: Memories of Childhood, curated by Dr. Arianna Huhn, with the assistance of Arlene Gutierrez, Brent Bella, Casey Lee and Lauren Adams. The objects on display and their stories embody the biographical stories of the Inland Empire community members. Additionally the Museum takes this exhibition as a starting point for investing in the community as a repository - a collection of valued individuals, experiences, and lives that reflect the beauty and Gloria Macias Harrison depth of the human experience. The Museum is located on the third floor of the Social and BeGreat Project: havioral Sciences building Congratulations to Crafton Hills (SB306) at the CAUSB campus, College, a campus of the San 5500 University Parkway. For inBernardino Community College formation call: 909.537.5502 District, and the City of Redlands for being selected finalists for an Now - April 2 - San Bernardino award from the Inland Empire County Museum presents Over Economic Partnership (IEEP) in Here, Over There: In Times of the Sustainability and Green De- War. This exhibit not only honors velopment category. This non- those who made sacrifices made potable water project is the result by the soldiers in the conflict but of an agreement between the Dis- also those making sacrifices on trict and the City of Redlands for the home front. the funding, design, installation and operation of the non-potable Now to April 8 - the Robert and irrigation system on the Crafton Frances Fullerton Museum of Art campus. 1,250 feet of non- presents "Enduring Vision and potable water pipeline will be in- Linked in Tradition: Selected stalled and at completion will Works by Four Generations of conserve approximately 100 mil- African American Women lion gallons of potable water per Artists" this exhibit feature the year. It is a project that not only works of Samella Lewis & Betye saves water, but also reduces op- Saar, Lois Marilou Jones, Elizaerational costs for the campus. beth Catlett, Gwendolyn Knight, The award is part of IEEP's ef- Mary Lovelace O'Neil, Nanette forts to recognize successful sto- Carter, Alison Saar, Lesley Saar, ries of local government Eve Sandler, Elizabeth Sunday, agencies, businesses, and leaders Kenturah Davis, and Lisa C. collaborating to break through " Soto. This event is part of Cal red tape" to carry out projects State San Bernardino's celebrathat benefit the region. Awards tion of Black History Month and will be made in six other cate- Women's History Month. The gories: Cooperation Among Museum is located on the Cal Cities, Counties or Agencies, State campus, 5500 University Business Retention & Expansion, Parkway. For information call: Real Estate Development & 909.537.7373 or visit: Reuse, Responding to Globaliza- raffma@csusb.edu tion, Public-Private Partnership, and Leadership in Public Service. Now to May 20 - the Robert The awardees will be announced and Fullerton Museum of Art this evening at IEEP's Turning presents "Not Ready to Make Red Tape into Red Carpet annual Nice: Guerrilla Girls in the Art event. World and Beyond", an exhibit organized and circulated by Columbia College Chicago. This exhibition of Guerrilla Girls, a Art Exhibits, Theatre & Sem- major presentation of the collecinars: tive, illuminates and contextualExhibits & Theatre: izes the important past and ongoing work of these highly Now to March 11 - the Wignall original, provocative and influenMuseum of Contemporary Art tial artist who champion femipresents Man Up! Masculinity in nism and social change.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Febrary 23, 2017 • Page A3 San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra presents Battle of the Beats from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rezek Center Pavilion at St. Bernardine's Medical Center. This fund raising event features San Bernardino's finest musical gems while enjoying delicious food, fine wines and silent auction items. For information call: 909.381.5388
Friday, February 24 - the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce presents its Annual Casino Night at 6:00 p.m. at the National Orange Show Off Site Betting Facility. This event features a Business Expo, the 109th Installation of Officers, food, casino games and opportunity drawings. For sponsorship and tickets call: 909.885.7515 or visit: sba.chamAdmission is free. The Museum ber@verizon.net is located on the Cal State campus, 5500 University Parkway. Saturday, February 25 For information on Museum LULAC/Flying Doctors present hours and parking call: 909. 537. the 6th Annual Community 7373. Health Fair from 8::00 a.m. to Now - July 31, 2017 - the 4:00 p.m. at the Cesar Chavez Robert and Frances Fullerton Community Center, 2060 UniverMuseum of Art presents Journey sity Ave., Riverside. Services To The Beyond: Ancient Egyp- provided include: dental vision tians In The Pursuit Of Eternity screenings, medical consultaat the Cal State San Bernardino tions, hearing tests, diabetes testCampus, 5500 University Park- ing, podiatry exams, flu vaccines, way in San Bernardino. Museum and more. Services are provided hours are Monday, Tuesday, on a first come, first served basis. Wednesday & Saturday 10:00 For information contact: Gilberto a.m. to 5:00 pm., Thursday 11:00 Esquivel at 951.236.3171 or visit: a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closed on Sun- www.lulacofriverside.com day and Friday. The focus of this exhibit is the ancient Egyptians' attitude toward life and death. Saturday, February 25 - the information call: Ontario Museum of History For 909.537.7373 or visit: marks Black History Month with raffma@csusb.edu a film screening of "The Help",
January 25 - March 1 - the city of Redlands presents a Diabetes Empowerment Education Program on Wednesdays at the Joslyn Senior Center, 21 Grant Street. This free program encourages lifestyle changes. Participants will learn about diabetes and how it affects a person's health. Pre-registration is required. For information and registration call: 909.798.7550 Save the Date:
Thursday, February 23 - the Friends of the San Bernardino Public Library present " Drum Song" and " An Audience with Rosa Parks" at 10:30 a.m. in the Bing Wong Auditorium at the Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. 6th Street. The two presentation feature teacher, Spoken Word artist, and West African dancer Makeda Kumasi, the founder of The Umoja Ensemble of the Inland Empire and a teacher at the University of California, Riverside. These cultural and historical presentations are scheduled for the morning to accommodate elementary schools but are open to the general public. For information call: 909.381.8238 or visit: www.sbpl.og
Thursday, February 23 - the Inland Empire Economic Partnership presents Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave, Ontario. This event will recognize the Inland Empire’s outstanding public agencies that are proactively cutting through bureaucratic red tape and opening the door for business growth and success. For information visit: IEEP.com/ieepecents Thursday, February 23 - the
the story of an aspiring author during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's who writes a book detailing the African American maids point of view on the white families for which they work and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. A discussion will follow the showing. The event is free but reservations are requested at 909.395.2510. The Museum is located at 225 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario.
Sunday, February 26 - the TZU CHI Mobile Food Pantry will be available at Indian Springs High School, 650 Del Rosa, San Bernardino from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The free food distribution includes vegetables and fruit and will be held on a first come, first serve basis. Partici-
pants are asked to bring their own shopping bags. For information call: 909.447.7799 x 455 or visit: www.tzuchi.us
Sunday, February 26 - the Garcia Center for the Arts and San Bernardino Generation Now present Lady & the Blues: Art & Poetry from African American Women from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Garcia Center, 536 W. 11th Street. Performers include Romaine Washington, Ginger Galloway, and Nikia Chaney with artwork by Linda Phelps-Young.
Tuesday, February 28 - Faith Bible Church, 2898 N. G Street, will host Evening With The Mayor, an update on the state of city by San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis. The Mayor will cover such topics as Public Works, Public Safety, and Community Engagement. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. RSVP @ Mayor@SBCITY.ORG.
Friday, March 3 - Kiwanis of Greater San Bernardino present Inaugural Golf Tournament: CNH Mid-Year South at Indian Hills Golf Course, 5700 Country Club Drive, Riverside starting at 7:00 a.m. for registration and practice with a Shotgun Start at 8:00 a.m. Lunch, awards and drawings at noon. Proceeds from this event go towards scholarships for local high schools and pediatric doctors at Loma Linda Hospital. For information call Joe Guerra at 951.660.8909 Favorite Quote:
"The framers of the Constitution knew that free speech is the friend of change and revolution. But they also knew that it is always the deadliest enemy of tyranny" - Hugo Black
To submit an event or info for Gloria's Corner please email gloharrison@me.com
Deadline is Friday noon of each week. Also visit: www.iecn.com for online news.
OPINION&LETTERS Page A4 • February 23, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
senselessly, right?
By Anthony Victoria
F
Some presidential and un-presidential thoughts
ebruary is known for many things: Aquarians, Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and is the month reserved for a celebration of our U.S. Presidential history. Every year, most of us, if anything, revel in the three-or four-day weekend we get from celebrating President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday or the annual President’s Day celebration the third Monday of the month. Did you know that U.S. Presidents have visited the area many times before? Of course avid students and followers of local history know this well. Former president Obama visited in December 2015 a few weeks after the terrorist attack that hit San Bernardino’s Inland Regional Center. Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan made appearances in San Bernardino in 2003, and 1988, respectively. Among the lesser known stops were made by Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 when he visited the nowrazed Platt Building that was located downtown. Situated on the current site of the Rosa Parks Federal Building is the place where Johnson operated an elevator as a young man in the 1920’s. Presidents Eisenhower, Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt also enjoyed brief stays in the city. In fact Roosevelt was overheard to say in an old Sun article, which covered the event in 1903, that he would actually like to live in the city. Oh how times have changed. Could you imagine a President saying that nowadays? Now, don’t get offended, San Bernardino does have its woes (what city doesn’t) but I cannot imagine any politician saying that seriously about any city the likes of San Bernardino. No politician would speak so
But then again…å Our current president has a way of saying things doesn’t he? He just spouts off like there is no tomorrow. As much as I respect our revered institution that is the office of the presidency, I am having struggles with what comes out of his mouth. Our president has taken senseless rhetoric to a new level. Given any opportunity to speak at a platform, presser, or on social media, he just cannot stop making it about himself. His presidency is barely a month old and each day we have been confronted with the same foulmouthed cycle: The press is dishonest, news is fake, He is ‘Making America Great Again’ (and again). Each day it seems, the president has invented a new fallacy or an alternative-fake fact. This presidential month has been nothing to celebrate about, let me tell you. Many sound people face deportation and a ripping out of their livelihoods here in this otherwise great country; other heads of state shake their heads in disbelief (Sweden is the latest); people live in fear of what this country could become. Some noted experts say the President is a ‘world-class narcissist’, no not crazy or otherwise mentally ill; yet the concern remains valid that this leader of the free world has an arm’s-reach access to nuclear warheads. Just the other day, people were out in protest to emphatically state that Trump ‘was not their president’. I’d like to know what world they are living in. I’m sorry to say this to the masses: but, yes, the man is our president. Unfortunately, the protests are a little too late. If people had turned out and voted like they protest, well just maybe...you know we might be in a completely different situation. The last presidential visit of some substance to the area when Bill Clinton stopped by San Bernardino Valley College almost 22 years ago to the day. Times-they have indeed changed drastically. I think I speak for many when I say, that Trump can stay away from the Inland Empire, however. No need to hear him mouth off insensibly from up close and personal. It’s bad enough when we cannot escape this daily and painful rhetoric on TV, the radio, or on Twitter. No, a presidential month, rather than a cause for celebration, is simply a reminder that we really don’t need any visits anytime soon.
Views expressed in Opinion & Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of IECN
YOUR COMMUNITY COMMENTARY! All letters must be signed.
Please include your name, address & phone number for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
State can’t afford more governmental programs
It seems that legislators in the Democratic Party are looking for another government program to add to our strained state: singlepayer health care, also known as universal health care.
A costly new governmental program is one obligation our state
cannot afford after our failures in taking care of infrastructure such as bridges and dams while public pensions are eating local and state government alive.
If we cannot take care of our current obligations, then why support the universal health care bill
from Sen. Lara?
We need to limit our obligations so we can afford the programs we have now instead of crumbling down to future generations. Matthew Munson, Ontario
‘The Founder’ serves up San Bernardino history
As former curator of the first original McDonalds Museum, I’ve been looking forward to “The Founder” to be released. This wonderful film tells the real story of the McDonald Brothers. They moved their humble hamburger stand to San Bernardino in 1940.
In 1948, they fired the carhops, reduced the menu and started fast food. In 1954, they purchased eight milkshake machines from Chicago salesman Ray Kroc. The rest is history. And it began on the corner of E and 14th streets. Right here!
This location also features the Living Mural, co-created by Phil Yeh, friends and yours truly. The Regal Theater on the corner of E and 4th streets is just a mile away from that very history. But they, for some inexplicable reason, refuse to show this film. Another costly mistake!
Recently, my wife and I drove to Redlands and spent $35 at the Krikorian Theater. After the film, we spent another $25 eating lunch at Taco Village. That’s $60 that would have been spent in San Bernardino! Multiply that. Again. And again.
It would really be nice if our city embraced the efforts of Albert Okura, who saved that site from the wrecking ball. His museum and our mural are a labor of love for San Bernardino residents and visitors worldwide.
I urge everyone to see this film, even if you have to leave town to do it. And then, come see where it all began: 1398 N. E St. San Bernardino. Tell them Rory sent you! Rory Murray, San Bernardino
Follow the law and you will have no problem Once again, I’m confused by people who knowingly break the law and then complain about the consequences. Park under a sign that says “your car will be towed,” get your car towed. Cross the border
illegally, get sent back across. Don’t follow the direction and/or order of a law enforcement officer, you may get shot.
Take responsibility for your actions and behavior. Life is difficult enough, people. Use your
brain, obey the law.
Paul Oyler, Alta Loma
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • February 23, 2017 • Page A5
Words to Think About: The Bait in Churches good fishing. 2. It’s not the clothing you wear. 3. Above all, it’s not the equipment-for example, the fishing pole. 4. It is the BAIT. Fish respond to the type of bait that is used.
I
By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.
recently heard a sermon based on Jesus’ call to His disciples to follow and He would make them fishers of men. The Minister then proceeded to extol the virtues of the denomination and his church. What it provided and the programs it had. I thought about it for some time and recalled my approach to that Scriptural reference. I had pastored 10 churches for about 55 years, for 3 different denominations. I’m not a fisherman, and know very little about the mechanics of the process. So, I consulted with several devotees of fishing. They informed me about several elements about effective fishing. 1. It’s not the location that makes
My interpretation of the story about Jesus and fishing is this. The bait that Jesus used was His MESSAGE. Life abundant; God’s presence; life everlasting. Stella and I have visited 4 Protestant churches (for several times each) in the last 6 months. Three of the four have a declining membership. All four have excellent facilities and middle-aged ministers. Educated and ambitious. The three have missed the challenge of Jesus. They brag about their potluck dinners, raffles, bingo, card parties, dancing, movies, game nights, financial drives-on and on. Of course, extolling their denominational affiliation, and raising money. Seldom is the sermon about the message that Jesus spoke about. There have been scores of research that speak of declining membership in churches in the USA. Including Catholics. I’ve studied the history of growing churches for years. Those that are growing have ministers that stress the messages of Jesus. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “You must be born again” “Thou shall love the Lord your God with all your, mind
and soul. And your neighbor as yourself.” “The kingdom of heaven is within you.” Etc. the list is extensive. My cursory observation about church growth is that the denominational churches are the ones los-
most ministers in the mainline churches. It is in regarding funerals. Recently I’ve had occasion to visit the services for several of my friends. First of all, in each one the minsters had very little information
ing members. Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, Nazarene, among others. The growing churches are the independent churches like The Way, The Rock, Ecclesia, The Covenant, Rick Warren’s Church, Joel Osteen’s church. From my experience, the former’s agenda is determined by the denomination and not so the independent churches. Another liability is financial. A friend, a pastor of a denominational church, said that the first $2000.00 dollars of the Sunday offering went to the denomination. That totals $104,000 each year. Again, my basic premise about the message of Jesus is more likely to be the emphasis of the independent churches. I have a further frustration with
about the deceased. In my 55 years as minister I’ve had well over a hundred funerals. In each case, if I did not know the deceased, I made it my responsibility to visit the relatives and get information about him/her. I’ve often said that I felt that my primary task as a minister was in the conducting of funerals. That includes the afore mentioned information. Secondly, in any Bible Concordance, there are usually about 50 references about hell and hundreds about heaven and the afterlife. How can any minister avoid talking about it and providing comfort to the loved ones? But they do. The older we get the more interested we get in the next life. Jesus spoke about it often. As mentioned before, the words of Jesus are like bait. It attracts listeners.
The bait that Jesus used was His MESSAGE. Life abundant; God’s presence; life everlasting.
Before I retired I preached under the assumption that as John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world” and that means everyone, past, present and future. Who am I to question it? Furthermore, I quote the Apostle Paul who says, “To be absent from the body is to be present with Christ.” (God) What better words to use to comfort the grieving. I also quoted the Gospel of John where Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He (she) that believes in ME. Even though they die, shall live forever.” I always close the service by stating: “I assume all of us today believe God hears our prayers. Also, I believe (the name of the deceased) is with God. Therefore, I will pray (and you join with me) that God, who hears our prayers will let (him/she) know how much they are missed, how much they are loved and how much they meant to us. Amen.” The avoidance by many clergy to address belief in heaven is tragic. Eugene O’Neill in 1925 depicts a very provocative incident in which Lazarus-who was raised from death by Jesus, is in Athens, Greece. When Caligula (the Roman Emperor to be) comes riding by, everyone is to bow. Lazarus refuses and Caligula threatens to kill him. Lazarus laughs and says, “O, Caligula, don’t you know that death is dead?” Amen. Selah. So be it.
Page A6 • February 23, 2017 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Chauncey Spencer left civil rights foot prints from Tuskegee to San Bernardino
PHOTO COURTESY/CHAUNCY SPENCER !!
Chauncey Spencer II keeps father's legacy alive as one of founders of Tuskegee Airmen.
T
By Harvey M. Kahn
he timing of Chauncey Spencer's 1956 transfer to San Bernardino by the Air Force Base as a systems analyst could not have been planned better. Spencer contributed volumes during his 15-year stay in San Bernardino. He demanded equal rights for all and went against the strongest decisionmakers in the city to seek it. Spencer continued to champion for civil right's until the days prior to his death at 95 in 2002. He first became nationally known for lobbying President Harry Truman to fund the Tuskegee Air-
men at its Institute in Alabama. His wife, Anna M. Spencer is still living. Spencer fought against discrimination at city hall, harassment by the police and segregation in the school district. His first fight for equality came in 1934 when he helped lay the foundation for black fighter pilots at Tuskegee. He and two other's proved through a series of aviation feats that African-American's could fly planes as well as whites. "It was President Roosevelt that signed the federal order in 1941 against discrimination. It was Truman who carried them out," said Spencer's son, Chauncey Spencer II. "My father respected Truman. He met with him a number of times, leading to my father being selected by president's Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson to serve on their civil right's ad hoc committees." Spencer's national accomplishments were covered at the time by the Afro-American press, by the Associated Press, and by the San Bernardino Evening Telegram. His son calls him one of nation's "unsung heroes." He acknowledged that his father did not always win friends in San Bernardino, especially in the 1960's when enforcing campus rules as security guard at San Bernardino High School. "My father was a strict law and order guy. Even at home with his eight children." The eldest Chauncey Spencer added to his already impressive resume when he was installed in
1958 as President of the San Bernardino Chapter of the NAACP. Shortly after, he helped form and later chaired the human relations commission. Former Mayor Al Ballard appointed him to the police commission, followed by serving with Roger Anton and Clabe Hangan on the panel of race relations at University of Redlands. During San Bernardino riots of 1965 and 1969, Spencer was called to help mediate by chief of police Louis Fortuna and mayor's Donald Mauldin, Robert Holcomb, and Ballard. About the same time, Spencer clashed with other African-American leaders in well publicized debates regarding the philosophy of the civil rights movement. He then sued and won a libel case against the Precinct Reporter. "In 1969, my father was security guard at San Gorgonio High School when they began busing students in from out of district. He was appointed to a task force there, too," explained Chauncey Spencer II. "My father did not believe in giving any one group special treatment. What's good for one was good for another. No one special. No kid gloves treatment for anyone. "My father tried to get school administrators to stop classifying students by race, color or religion. He pushed for dignity for all." The younger Spencer acknowledged his family had a unique perspective because their parents were an inter-racial couple, married in 1938.
He pointed out that his father's mother was noted Harlem Renaissance Literary Anne Spencer, whose home in Lynchburg, Virginia was center for dignitaries until the mid-20th Century. "Blacks were not allowed in hotels, so they stayed with my grandparents." Some of their colleagues were Langston Hughes, W.E.B. DuBois, Martin Luther King, and Marian Anderson. Their home is registered as a national historic site. He said also that his father's book, "Who is Chauncey Spencer" is in its fourth printing. Additional events to Chauncey Spencer's timeline: (1906) Born Lynchburg, Virginia(1930) earned sociology degree from Virginia Seminary College (1934) Founding member National Airmen Association of America. (1939) Flight of 3,000 miles covering ten cities ends in Washington with Truman meeting. (1939) Honored by mayors of Chicago and New York for role in integrating Air Force. (1948) Received Exceptional Service Award from Air Force for duty in WWII. (1953) Charged by Air Force with disloyalty and being a Communist. Found not guilty by court martial's. (1956) Transfer to France by Air Force canceled instead taken down a rank and transferred Norton Air Base. (1956) Appointed Board of Directors, San Bernardino County Republican Party. (1958) Elected President PTA, Franklin Jr. High School. (1959) Retired
Chauncey Spencer helped establish the African-American Airmen from Tuskegee Institute.
cliff overhangs, and small cabins of wood or stone. Dr. Ernie Garcia, the founder and operator of the Garcia Center for the Arts, said Sunú’s screening at the center may give Mexican-
Americans (Chicanos) a broader perspective of their culture. “I’m excited,” he said. “This film has been well received all over the world.” The screening will be on Satur-
day March 11 at 2:30 PM at the Garcia Center for the Arts , located at 536 W. 11th Street (Corner of 11th and ‘E’ Streets). For more information, contact Dr. Ernie Garcia at 909-862 3668.
Photo Courtesy/Black Holocaust Museum
from Air Force, opened Spencer's Steakhouse, Rubidoux. (1962) Opened labor relations consulting business, San Bernardino. (1965) Appeared in "Romeo & Juliet" production at San Bernardino HS. (1967) Daughter, Carole graduates from SBHS. (1970) Moved family to Highland Park, Michigan after being hired as administrator. (1974) His large volume of works filed at University of Michigan. (2016) Flight gear on display at Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and in Charles Wright American Museum. Chauncey Spencer II is the current chairman of the Tuskegee Airmen National Youth STEM Program and resides in Highland Park, Michigan.
Mexican documentary depicts lives of indigenous corn farmers
PHOTO/SUNÚ
A screenshot of Sunú, a documentary directed and produced by Teresa Camou Guerrero that gives viewers a perspective into the lives of indigenous corn producers in Northwestern Mexico.
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By Anthony Victoria
documentary based on the lives of indigenous corn farmers in Northwest Mexico will be screened at the Garcia Center for the Arts on March 11. Sunú, produced and directed by Teresa Camou Guerrero, gives viewers a perspective into the lives of maize producers that are threatened by urban sprawl and who view corn production as a way of life. The word Sunú is used by Rarámuri (or Tarahumara) native tribe members to describe corn production, according to Guerrero. The prestigious director expressed her concerns with the growing threat of urbanization and the lack of support the Rarámuri receive from the Mexican government. “For me the threat they face is
not with the problems of climate, or lack of motivation to continue planting, but in the lack of recognition on the part of the government and of the citizens of urban areas for the need of economic support,” she said in a director’s statement. “I wanted to create a documentary that speaks about the state of the growers of maize by the indigenous, the peasant temporalero and the industrial producer.” Mexican historians claim the Rarámuri are inhabitants of the country’s high sierras and canyons in the north west. They were originally from the state of Chihuahua; conflicts with Spanish conquerors of Uto-Aztecan land forced them to retreat and re-settle elsewhere. An estimated 60,000 Rarámuri natives currently live in Mexico. Most Rarámuri still practice traditional culture--living in caves or
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Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital gala raises $1.1 million
courtesy photo/lluch
More than 1,000 supporters turned out for loma linda university children’s hospital foundations 24th annual Foundation storybook Gala, thursday, Feb. 16 at the riverside convention center.
courtesy photo/lluch
A happily ever after was achieved as a check for over $1.1 million was presented at the conclusion of the 24th annual Foundation storybook Gala, thursday, Feb. 16.
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By Yazmin Alvarez
t was a fairytale ending at the 24th annual Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation Gala Feb. 16. Generous donations from more than a 1,000 guests in attendance helped raised $1.1 million toward Vision 2020 and the construction of the new Children’s Hospital tower. “This is an exciting time to be a part of our evolving story, and we thank you for playing an important role in our mission,” said Scott Perryman, vice pres ident/adminis trator, LLUCH, during the event. Vision 2020: The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow, will allow LLUCH to continue to provide care with the construction of a new Children’s Hospital tower that will expand licensed bed count to approximately 359. “With your belief in a happily ever after we can continue to care for children in Southern California,” Perryman said. Held at the Riverside Convention Center and presented by Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs, McCarthy and MPS Mechanical Contractors, this year’s event helped share inspirational stories of former patients and the medical staff that provided care, encouraging all that pass through the hospital doors to “Believe in
the Journey.” The efforts helped donations pour in through the evening. In 10 minutes, funds tallied $20,000 during the event’s kickoff $200 Dash. Guests were encouraged to get out of their seats and donate any amount from $1 to $200. An always energetic live auction led by Jim Nye had guests enthusiastically bidding for eight items, with the top-earning items being a red husky puppy selling for $8,000; a one-week vacation for two to Ireland with a closing bid of $8,500; and a coveted golf trip for four to Bandon Dunes, selling at $21,000. The evening of giving concluded with Fund-a-Future, which allowed guests to pledge an amount of their choosing toward Vision 2020 through the use of their cell phone. Additional highlights of this year’s gala included the return of event host Heather Froglear, a KFROG FM radio personality with help of 12-year-old Caden Henderson, a Redlands student and YouTube personality, and musical entertainment by America’s Got Talent season seven finalist William Close and the Earth Harp Collective. To learn more about more about Vision 2020 visit www.lluhvision2020.org.
courtesy photo/lluch
the Dash brought in donations from $1-$200 in support of Vision 2020 to build a new children’s hospital tower.