BIG BEAR LAKE, CA-  The Friends of The Big Bear Alpine Zoo announce their 4th Annual BLUES FOR THE ZOO music festival to celebrate this unique mountain animal rescue sanctuary.  BLUES FOR THE ZOO is set for Saturday, August 3, 2013 at the Big Bear Lake Swim Beach Outdoor Amphitheater with a line-up of world-class artists.

The lakeside setting offers a scenic backdrop for an afternoon of internationally recognized musicians along with a selection of local arts and crafts and a freshly prepared food/beverage menu.  Headlining the afternoon of music will be the Windy City Harmonica Breakdown, bringing together two generations of Chicago musicians, with a rare west coast appearance by preeminent harmonica great Billy Branch, a charismatic stage performer and respected educator.  Branch hand-picked fellow harpists Russ Green and Omar Coleman to showcase the best of Chicago blues for this event.

Popular Southern California group Cafe R&B, are also on the bill.  New Times describes the band’s lead singer; “Roach has a voice like a velvet-covered freight train, sliding down honey-coated tracks. She shimmies and shakes, vibrates and vamps, titters and taps like a country preacher with two fists full of snakes.”  Guitarist Byl Carruthers punctuates the music with his deep blues electric style and drives Cafe R&B through a set of well-known blues classics plus a selection of original material.

Opening the festival will be the boogie woogie grooves of pianist Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, considered one of the missing links between the past and modern-day blues piano players. From Vancouver, British Columbia, this Juno Award-winning (Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy Award) artist -resplendent in a brightly colored, French custom-tailored stage suit -  hammers out deeply felt blues, and puts a fresh coat of paint on traditional roots-based rock and roll.

Profits from the charity concert will benefit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which rose from the ashes of the 1959 forest fires that devastated the natural eco-system of the San Bernardino Mountains.  The facility is distinguished as the only zoological location in the United States located in an Alpine/Sub-Alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of its indigenous species.  The zoo is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured and confiscated animals.  The majority of the rehabilitated animals are successfully released into the wild.  If unfit after rehab treatment, the animals are given a “Home for Life” at the park.  Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization formed to support the park’s programs through fundraising, volunteer coordination and educating the public on the treatment, protection and conservation of wildlife.  Some of those making a home at the Moonridge Animal Park include grizzly bears, bison, timber wolves, bobcats, bald eagles, Canadian lynx, coatmundis, raccoons and mule deer.

Tickets, go on sale June 1, 2013 -  $30 in advance and $35 at the gate. Children 10 and under admitted free of charge.  Music runs from 3:00pm to 7:00pm with gates opening at 1:00pm.  Beach chairs and blankets are welcome for lawn festival-style seating, no coolers please (a selection of food and beverage will be available on site). Parking on the grounds is $4.00 per vehicle.  Tickets may be purchased in person or via telephone from the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce 909-866-4607, at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo Gift Shop (43285 Goldmine Drive in Big Bear Lake) or online at www.bluesforthezoo.com.  For lodging/ticket packages call the Big Bear Lake Resort Association 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR or go online at www.bigbear.com.

Sponsors for the 2013 event include; Big Bear Valley Recreation & Park District, KBHR-FM, Big Bear Grizzly, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and The City of Big Bear Lake.

HOST HOTEL:  NORTHWOODS RESORT
call for festival rates 800 866 3121
Phone Number: 9095470504

On Saturday, June 15th, 2013, Augustine Casino is slated to present the 6th Annual ‘Juneteenth in the Coachella Valley’  at La Quinta Resort featuring actor and performer L. Young along will rising soul singing sensation Gina Carey.  The 6th annual event honors African-American culture and heritage and is a benefit for Family Health & Support Network’s (FHSN) foster care program.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Fatherhood: Dispel the Myth.”  This year’s programs will recognize extraordinary fathers and men within the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas presenting them with the 2013 Fatherhood Pioneer Award.

“National statistics rarely account for the number of men who play a significant role in the lives of their own children, adoptive children, foster children, step-children, community children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friend’s children,” explains FSHN co-founder Sandra Austin. “There are some terrific fathers out there who are doing a wonderful job with raising their children, and we want to show the community that good fathers do make a difference.”

The evening begins with a V.I.P. reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and the Pioneer Awards at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear “smart casual white.” Tickets are $55 for foster parents, $60 for general admission, and $85 for V.I.P. reception and seating. Group tickets and sponsorships are also available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 760-340-2442 or by going to www.juneteenthcv.com.

V.I.P. tickets include a private reception with a wine tasting, photo opportunity and networking, premier seating during the Pioneer Awards and main event, and a performance by Gina Carey. Carey has written and recorded three independently released gospel albums and five soul recordings, including My Journey, Melodic & Love Letters, Love Letters 2, and Live Love & Laugh. Her latest album Gina Carey…The Songbird was released in January 2013.

Headliner L. Young hails from Louisville, Kentucky and was groomed for music via his local church. By the time he was five years old, he was singing in the adult choir and at age 13, had established himself as an actor, working professionally in regional theater. Before he graduated from the prestigious Youth Performing Arts High School in Louisville, he had already traveled to Brussels, London, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and toured the continental U.S. as a performer.

Young has released three albums to date: 2004′s They Just Don’t Know, 2008′s The 12th Letter, and Love Is A Verb in early 2012. He resides in Los Angeles, where he has graced the stage and studio with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, R. Kelly, En Vogue, Patti LaBelle, Toni Braxton, Gladys Knight, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Teena Marie, Stanley Clarke, and Jermaine Jackson. Young is also credited with music written for Network TV shows such as BET’s The Game, ABC’s According To Jim, 20/20, and One Life To Live, VH1′s Basketball Wives, and USA Network’s Burn Notice.

Keynote speaker Dr. E.M. Abdulmumin, Ph.D. is a university professor and administrator, licensed psychologist, martial artist, and founder of the DuBois Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and families. He is the principal investigator and Director of Building Resilience in American Families, a prevention and early intervention program sponsored by the Riverside County Department of Mental Health.

Family Health & Support Network, Inc. (FHSN) is a private, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, established in 2003 and is licensed by the State of California to function as a Foster Family Agency and governed by the State of California Title 22 Code of Regulations. FHSN currently has contracts with Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties for placement and administrative oversight of children and youth who are removed from their homes as victims of abuse and neglect.

A few months ago, when I first learned of the “Family Affairs Parenting from an Africentric Workshop” being offered at the Second Baptist Church of Indio, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it was helpful but my first thought was probably similar to those of fellow community members “I wish someone would dare try to tell me how to raise my children.”

However, as time has progressed since the group’s first class, I will admit that curiosity got the best of me especially since they had such a large turnout of participants for the 15-week long program.  I coaxed my husband into skipping the game and tagging along with me to take pictures while helping me to find out what all the commotion was coming from this new group.

Of course, we walked in late to a program that was well underway, tried to blend in and take a seat in the corner.  I am appreciative that the organizers didn’t put us on blast and make us introduce ourselves.  Instead we were offered pens and paper along with a sign-in sheet.  Then, we hunkered down to listen to the ending of what turned out to be a dynamic discussion.

“Setting family rules for behavior is necessary,” said Dretona Maddox, RN/MSW and workshop facilitator, “They help children learn what behaviors are respectful.” Maddox, went on to give scenario after scenario of life in her household and the experience with her own children.  Many of the stories were hilarious and many of which I could relate to in my own household.  Other parents began to chime in and share.  Many talked about their own upbringings and experiences.  The whole evening reminded me of an Africentric group I used to serve in as a mentor for and how we would sit in a circle and, as a community, solve some of the issues our children faced.  It was encouraging and it felt like being amongst kindred spirits.  It felt like being with family.

“The program is fantastic,” said Robin Brown a program participant who now has six grandchildren.  “I’ve learned ways to get my grandchildren’s attention by getting down to their level and looking them eye to eye.  They learn from me what they need to do, not what I don’t want them to do.  It’s just a different more effective approach. “Although, his children are grown and he is a grandparent, Brown squeezes as much time as he can in with his grandchildren and makes sure his time spent with them is impactful.

Another impressive attendee was queen mother Ivye Lewis who is a great-grandmother to 7 boys and 4 girls ranging in ages from 4months to 16 years old.  Mrs Lewis was in attendance with her 26-year old grand -daughter Keana Phares.   “I raised my children and everything now is so different,” said Lewis “the information in here is very good, the history of how we raise and our kids along with the stories….it’s just good information with a whole lot of laughter.”  According to Keana the program is teaching her new ways to deal with her children.  She enjoys just hearing what the others have been through.

Youth minister Sharla White is thankful that their church decided to host the program.  “I Love it, it is awesome,” said White.  “The turnout, the instructor, they remind me of when my kids were growing up.  I can’t believe this course has been available here (the Coachela Valley) this whole time.”

I left the program, yes early, but with a new perspective.  I drove home with my husband and we both discussed how phenomenal the information was and that we both learned something new.  I went home, gave my children some new rules and I write this article to say thanks to the program organizers.

The Family Affairs Parenting from an Africentric Perspective is provided to the community by the Family Health & Suppport Network, Inc. through a grant by the Riverside County Department of Mental Health. And for more information regarding upcoming workshop they should contact Sandra Austin, BRAAF Program Director at: 760/340.2442 or visit the website www.FHSNET.org

For more information on the specific workshop at Second Baptist Church of Indio contact Sharla White (760) 578-2346.

Focused and determined to support and strengthen every displaced pregnant & parenting teen that walks through the  doors of Purposely Chosen Inc, organization founder Dretona Maddox, MSW/RN sends out a special request for support from the community.  The group is hosting a short notice baby shower Saturday, March 9th for a 17year old teen.  The girl, due on April 16, 2013 is in need of love and support from the community.  “If you can donate anything,” says Maddox, “even a pack of diapers, we would greatly appreciate it!”

Purposely Chosen Inc., has an established mission to meet the needs of these young teens while through the provision of an environment that helps to fulfill their basic physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs.  The group feels that this extra support is essential to help the youth overcome the obstacles of homelessness and to become productive parents.  The organization’s baby showers help to serve as not only physical support for the young mothers to be but also, help to fill the much needed gaps in emotional support.  For more information or to donate visit  www.purposelychosen.org

President Obama as Django

In the midst of celebrating Black History Month and the upcoming 85th Academy Awards, I have been consumed with contemplating the significance of Quentin Tarantino’s epic Western film Django Unchained.  The film has five Oscar nominations, including that of Best Picture.  I heard Spike Lee’s criticism of the film and I was reluctant to see the movie because of it.  But, my students strongly encouraged me to watch the film–they emphatically said it was great.  After watching the movie, I understood why it had such an impact on them.

The film was the most liberating and empowering one that I have ever seen. Out of the hundreds of movies that I have seen in my lifetime, I do not remember one where the black man uses wit, savvy, and a conspicuous bravado to outsmart and outgun whites and ride off victoriously.  Sidney Poitier’s wit and savvy made him a big screen legend.  But, Poitier never played a character like Django.

In Roots, Kunta Kinte was defiant but was eventually broken by his overseer and forced to change his named from Kunta to Toby—Kunta was no Django.  Brilliantly played by Jamie Foxx, Django is a different type of black hero.  His defiance and his capacity to exact revenge by successfully fighting violence with violence is something that is uniquely foreign to the American cinematic experience.

The film’s statement on race is just as revolutionary as the character Django is defiant.  One of the most humorous scenes in the film is when the Ku Klux Klan rides to find Django and his German bounty hunter comrade, Schultz.  While looking for the two, the Klan begins to question why they are wearing white sheets over their heads, making it difficult to see. This satire of our own homegrown terrorist organization is reflective of Tarantino’s fearless cinematic grit.

This film would have been deemed too dangerous to make four decades ago.  And if we had not been exposed to a black president for the past four years, the storyline might have stretched our imaginations.  At some point after watching this film, I realized that politically speaking, Obama is Django.  The metaphors of the two are inescapable: the black hero who wins against all odds—the one who out-foxes the venomous opposition by overcoming their ridicule, ugliness, and hatred.

The hatred displayed by some towards the strong, calm, intelligent, savvy, independent-minded black hero is just as palpable today as it was in the 1850s.  If Obama were candid, he would tell us that he can empathize with Django.

In reflecting on Black History Month, the fact that this type of film could be made and embraced by so many means that progress has been made.  The fact that Obama was reelected means that progress has been made. The fact that more Americans favor inclusion instead of exclusion means that progress has been made.  And, those who refuse to embrace this new reality are quickly becoming a shrinking minority, which means that progress has been made.

The president and the first lady have been in the trenches fighting the good fight since Obama’s first inauguration.  They have fought with class, courage, and strength. Their fortitude has allowed them to victoriously raise their champagne glasses twice.

The last scene of Django Unchained shows the defiant hero, Django, on a horse beside his beautiful wife riding triumphantly into the sunset.  The metaphor could not be more striking.

Renford Reese, Ph.D. is a political science professor at Cal Poly Pomona. He is the author of five books and the founder/director of the Prison Education Project: www.PrisonEducationProject.org<http://www.prisoneducationproject.org/>

Reprinted with permission.

Los Angeles Daily News
Guest Columnist: Renford Reese, Ph.D.
Posted: 02/18/2013 02:56:27 PM PST
http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_22615573/president-obama-django?IADID=Search-www.dailynews.com-www.dailynews.com

Faith Community Church along with Gico Music Productions is currently looking for Actors to perform in an upcoming Christian based play “The Unexpected”written, directed and Produced by: Gina Carey.  Auditions will take place Sunday, February 24, 2013, 6pm – 7:30pm, Faith Community Church Address: 31145 Plantation Drive, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 Phone :( 760) 343-2601

 “THE UNEXPECTED” is an emotionally moving drama about a 17 year old teenage girl named “Samantha Burkmore”, and her traumatic journey into adulthood. Samantha, the only child of the wealthiest couple in Burkmore, California, will soon find themselves dealing with “ THE UNEXPECTED” event that will change the course of their lives forever. Throughout this intensely powerful sentimental drama, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seats as you witness the tragedies and victories of the Burkmore family.

Scripture Reference: NAS Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit

 Casting will take place for the following roles:

Samantha Burkmore

Linda (Samantha’s best friend)

Jane (Samantha’s Group Home Friend & Lawyer)

Sara Burkmore & David Burkmore

Darla (Sara’s sister)

Maggie (Darla’s best friend)

The Social worker (Ms. Williams)

Jeannie (The Secretary)

 Police

Obligation:

-At least 2 Rehearsals per month (every other Sunday) Beginning Sunday March 10, 2013

- Rehearsal times are from (time) 1pm – 2:30pm … Times may change

Compensation:

-Non Union actors only

-Volunteers (No monetary compensation)

-Meals and Snacks will be provided during rehearsals

–Experience and Networking

Cause: Evangelism, Outreach & Charities

Faith: Non-Denominational Christian

To schedule an audition, please email your headshot and acting resume to:

Contact

Email: TheUnexpectedThePlay@gmail.com

Contact: 760 678 5815

Faith Community Church
31-145 Plantation Drive
Thousand Palms, CA 92276

760-343-2601 (phone)
760-406-9605 (fax)

by mail:

P.O. Box 2972
Palm Desert, CA 92261

All inquiries will be considered. Ages17 and older only. Actors under 18 will need parental permission.

Local resident Ahmses Maat was one of few individuals invited to present an abstract to the 8th International Symposium on Regional Cancer Therapies this past weekend of February 16-18, 2013.  The event, held at the HyattGrand Champion Resort and Spa, Indian Wells, California is committed to promoting research, development and application of regional cancer therapies as well as exchanging information and promoting education among professionals regarding these therapies.

Maat currently serves as a cardiovascular perfusionist at Desert Regional Medical Center. A perfusionist is a highly trained member of the cardiothoracic surgical team which consists of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, surgical technologists and nurses.  His main responsibility is to manage the physiological and metabolic needs of the cardiac surgical patient so that the cardiac surgeon may operate on a still, non-beating heart.  Through his training in this field, Maat in collaboration with BioMedSimulation.com invented a way to simulate surgical scenarios thus allowing the physicians and surgical teams a method to improve the quality of patient treatment and enhance desired outcomes.

The symposium was sponsored by the David C. Koch Regional Cancer Therapy Center, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences and UPMC Cancer Centers.

Queen Latifah  is scheduled to perform for a second year at the 19th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala benefiting clients of Desert AIDS Project. Presented by Integrated Wealth Management.  The event, Saturday, Feb 9, 2013 is a Black-tie affair with ticket prices at $475 each.

The Queen will join other celebrity entertainers including;Melissa Etheridge, Matthew Morrison from hit TV show Glee, Stephanie J. Block Broadway star, Megan Hilty plays Ivy Lynn on NBC-TV’s Smash and Broadway star Marko and Chehon with choreographer Ray Leeper from “So You Think You Can Dance.”   For more information visit  www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-969-5743.

The new Tennis Sweet heart, 19-year old Sloane Stephens who recently up-seated Serena Williams in the Australian Open is scheduled to compete in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells March 4th-17th. Stephens, who made it all the way to the Semi Finals lost in a controversial match with Victoria Azarenka, has revitalized American’s love for the game.

Sloane Stephens, 19, turned professional in October 2009 and is sponsored by Under Armour and Head Rackets. Due to WTA age eligibility rules 2011 was a big year for Sloane. For the first time Sloane was eligible to play a full WTA tournament schedule. She enjoyed a breakthrough on the WTA tour in 2011 becoming the youngest player ranked in the top 100 (#89).

Sloane picked up a racket for the first time at age 9. Her family then moved to Florida where she began her pursuit of her goal to become a professional tennis player. Sloane honed her technical skills at Saviano High Performance Tennis Academy (SHPT) in Ft. Lauderdale. Sloane believes that she has to be “fit” and ready to go for every tennis match. She has an incredible team of strength and conditioning staff who help her keep her body in the best possible condition for competition.

In 2010, Sloane won three of the four Junior Grand Slam Doubles titles: the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, with Hungarian partner Timea Babos. She reached the singles quarterfinals at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the semi-finals at the US Open.

First time filmmaker Ryan Coogler awed audiences as he walked off with the US Dramatic Audience Award from Sundance Film Festival .  Coolger was  noted for his “skillful realization, devastating emotional impact and it’s moral and social urgency—-and for anyone out there who thinks for one second that movies don’t matter and can’t make a difference in the world,” said Tom Rothman, Fox Searchlight Founder & Sundance Juror.

Fruitvale based on the life of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, the young man shot execution style by a BART police officer early New Year’s Day 2009, while handcuffed and weapon-less. The incident was captured on several cell phones and went viral ultimately instigating protests and outrage.

Fruitvale features actor Michael B. Jordan and Oscar winner Octavia Spencer.  Jordan, 25,   is not new to Hollywood. His face is recognizable from some of the most beloved television shows in recent memory –- “The Wire,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood.”   The film, was one of the first to be bought by the revered Weinstein Company at Sundance 2013, at an rumored $2 million and change.