Sir Sidney Poitier Swears in New Mayor of Beverly Hills!

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts -
Beverly Hills, CA 

The Installation of the new Mayor and Vice Mayor of Beverly Hills took place on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the beautiful Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, in the heart of the City of Beverly Hills.
I can only imagine how awesome it must have been for Mayor Lili Bosse to be administered the oath of office Sir Sidney Poitier! How wonderful it must have been, Vice Mayor Julian A. Gold, M.D. to be on stage, you and Mayor Lili Bosse, as you all live in the moment, moving the City of Beverly Hills forward
- what an honor! That truly is a moment in time that shall never be forgotten.
Congratulations, the Honorable Mayor Lili Bosse. I'm so so happy for you, two - and I'm sure your ancestors are proud of you as well!

Sir Sidney Poitier Swearing in the New Mayor of Beverly Hills
the Honorable Mayor Lili Bosse @
the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
(Photo by Kimberly Vinokur Reiss) 

Sincerely, Carla

Installation of the Honorable Lili Bosse as Mayor - the Honorable Julian A. Gold, M.D. as Vice Mayor

The Honorable Mayor
Lili Bosse 

The Honorable Vice Mayor
Julian A. Gold, M.D.

Congratulations is definitely in order!
The entire
City of Beverly Hills is excitedly getting ready for the Installation of the Honorable Mayor
Lili Bosse and the Honorable Vice Mayor Julian A. Gold M.D.  - @ The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, also know as on Twitter as: The Wallis BH
So grateful for a new day in Beverly Hills!

The Honorable Vice Mayor Julian A. Gold,M.D., The Honorable Mayor Lili Bosse,
Mr. Byron Pope, City Clerk, BH
(Photo by Byron Pope)

I'm so glad for Mayor Lili Bosse, until I'm singing Pharrell William's song, "Happy!"

Truly, Carla

City of Beverly Hills Invitation to the
Installation Ceremony 3.25.2014

Dorothy Irene Height - A Woman Who Comes From Strong People - UP! From Slavery to Freedom

Dorothy Irene Height & Oprah Winfrey =
WE are a strong group of People who are UP
From Slavery to Freedom 

 Looking back in time, and rediscovering things that I've read, reflecting on them,  and feeling so grateful for the gifts that our forefathers fought so hard for us to have today.
I realize each time, how fortunate we are to be living in this time/space/continuum.

I want to thank Google
(Larry Page,
Sergey Brin  & Crew)
for remembering the people in these United States, that have made a difference in so many lives!

Dorothy Irene Height, President, National Counsil of Negro Women,
Dr. John Hope Franklin,
Justice Thurgood Marshall,
Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm,
First Lady Michelle Obama,
Oprah Winfrey - my list goes on and on!

One of my all time favorite Super Heroes =
Dr. John Hope Franklin (March 24, 2009)
Dr. Franklin helped research information that led to
Justice Thurgood Marshall's land mark argument before the Supreme Court - Brown vs. Board of Education (1954)

Dorothy Irene Height & First Lady Michelle Obama =
WE are people who are UP From Slavery to Freedom

My list of people who have had a positive influence on my life
is at least 2 pages long (starting with my Mother and grandmother)
of all the people that I am grateful for making sacrifices so that WE can live in the USA and have access to the necessities of life;
A place to lay our head, food in our pantry and the need to remember that nothing in life worth having comes easy...
Love & light,
Carla

Every Now And Again....

Every now and again, I have to take a moment to stop and think about where it is that I'm going, and how I got to where I am in my life right now. After reviewing my mental pictures, I realize once again that love is the foundation for which I built my life. And I also have come to the realization (once again) that one component to life is, it's a bunch of snap-shot moments.

I remember taking a photo with my grandfather when I was just 18 months old, at their place in San Francisco. Whenever I look at the photo, I can still hear my grandfather's laughter, when he picked me up and sat me down beside him for the photo. I was so happy and so full of love, watching my Mother take the photo as I leaned up against my grandfather, that that moment is forever embedded in my mind. You see, my grandparents moved out of that house when before I turned 2. So, when I was going through the photo album one day, I looked at the photo, and said, "Mother, I remember taking this photo." She said, "Really? What do you remember about the photo? You weren't even 2!" I went on to describe the house, the bedrooms, and she said, "I'll be darn! You do remember!" and we laughed.

What I remember most about the photo, and that day, was the feeling that I had in my heart. I could feel the love from my Mom and my Grandfather. They made me so happy until I felt light and free as a Butterfly!

I remember Austin being 18 months old, and 2 and now 19 years old. He is my Lion Cub, and he made me so happy and I feel so blessed to have gotten the opportunity to share snap shot moments in his life, whenever I could. (Thank you, Jah!)

Now I look at my little cousin Mya, who is 2 years old. She is a joy! The other day, she started hopping.
And I started singing,
"Mya likes to hop!
Hop! Hop! Hop!
Go Mya Go!
Hop! Hop! Hop! Hop!"

 And Mya was just a hopping as I snapped my fingers and clapped and sang her song. She was so tickled!- And so was I! My heart was so happy, and it felt so full of love.

I am hoping and praying that this little girl will have such loving memories of her childhood. I'm hoping that she will grow up and remember the love that she got from our family.

It's important to remember that children are a gift, and they don't ask to be born. We as adults are obligated to raise them with love and direction. We are obligated to instill in them morals and standards and guard their innocence. We are to protect them from harms way. So when the little people we call children, are adults, they too can reflect on the love that will carry them through thick and thin.

So, every now and then, when you get a chance to spend time with a little person, remember to treat them with kindness, and love. One day they too, will become adults and remember the kindness you've shown them....Truly, Carla

10 Great Reasons to Love Being A Californian! 2014 - Ahem...Earthquakes INCLUDED

I am so glad to be a Native Californian. There are so many good things about our State, so I won't dwell on the negatives - only the positives. If you've just moved here- welcome!

I've decided to create a short list as to why I love being a Californian, and invite you to add to the list!

We are right on the Pacific Ocean, Proper - which means that we can hop in a car/jeep/bike or bus, and go from the Pacific Ocean, in the sunshine, through Fog,to the snow all in 1 Day! - For real!

NEWS FLASH: We just had an earthquake - magnitude 4.4 on the Richter Scale!
Watch as KTLA5  co-Anchor Chris Schauble and  co-Megan Henderson Rock with it!

Earthquakes are a fact of life - get over it - rock, sway and roll with it!

The Diversity of many many cultures, all culminating in the kitchen - which truly shows how we have so much more in common then differences. I mean, look at the varieties of  - Native American, American, African-American Soul Food (Traditional and the new healthier versions), Mexican, Chinese, Russian, Thai, Korean, Persian, Greek, Caribbean, and the list goes on and on!

We also have some of the best museums and Art Galleries.
Oh wait, yes, Silicone Valley!

So, to summarize things -
1) Pacific Ocean
2) Sunshine
3) Fresh Sea Food
4) Fresh Fruit & Veggies all year round
5) Fresh Air
6) Mountain views
7) The Diversity of Cultures
8) Snow is just a hop skip and jump away!
9) Art Galleries
10) Technology in abundance!

Earthquakes are a Natural reminder that we aren't in charge of nothing! Solution?

Pray and keep it moving!

What does your list read like? Let me know!

Truly,
A California Girl,
Carla

Examining Paul Robeson - America's Renaissance Man

Groundbreaking for the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Housing and Senior Center 2014

Mrs. Susie Tyner,
Director,BHPMSS

Mrs. Cathy Davis, MSW,
Executive Director, BHPMSS

Saturday, March 1, 2014,
Bayview Hunters Point Community showed up in support of the wonderful Groundbreaking for the
Dr. George W. Davis Senior Housing and Senior Center -
in conjunction with a fabulous celebration of Black Cuisine  Festival - w/ Mardi Gras Band in full Swing!

Mayor Ed. Lee, Mayor of the City and County of San Francisco was in the house!
Linda Fadeke Richardson, Chair Board Groundbreaking Committee,
warmly welcomed everyone.

Rev. Milton Williams opened with prayer.

Then everyone sang Lift Every Voice and Sing - Martin Luther
Michael Baines, Baines Group INC., General Contractor spoke enthusiastically regarding the current project,
mentioning the Honorable Mayor Willie L. Brown  - Who has played an important roll in making things happen in the city of San Francisco, for decades. The Honorable Mayor Brown, had an emergency, but was there in Spirit.


Michael Baines, Baines Group, INC.
General Contractor

The History/ Legacy of Dr. George W. Davis Lives On
Let me give you a little background on the significance of such an occasion.
You see, about 43 years ago, Dr. George W. Davis (1941-2010) opened up a place where Senior Citizens in the Bayview Hunters Point Area could go and feel safe and at home. Dr. George W. Davis had heart, and was passionate about preserving the dignity and pride of the Senior Citizens of the Bayview Hunters Point Community.
The people in the Bayview - Hunters Point Community knew that they could go to
Dr. George W. Davis with their issues and he would make sure that they were resolved, the best way that he could. He also helped the homeless and then he started the first Senior Ex-Offenders Program, the only program in the United States.
There are people in this world that truly believe in furthering a person's dream.
Cathy Davis, Executive Director, BHPMSS, wife of the late Dr. George W. Davis,
is a prime example of one of those people.


Mrs. Classie Kendrick,
Staff, BHPMSS

Cathy Davis and her staff, wake daily, working tirelessly, to ensure that the legacy that Dr. George W. Davis lives on in the Bayview Hunters Point Community, making things happen!
Dozens of Senior Citizens that live in the Bayview Hunters Point Community, frequent the Bayview Hunters Point Multi-purpose Senior Services Center; So many will tell you that Cathy Davis is passionate about Senior Citizens, and was personally there for them, helping them resolve their issues, finding safe places for these Senior Citizens to call home.

The crowd dancing at the Black Cuisine Festival,
doing a line dance!





The Dignitaries
The Featured Speaker was the incomparable United States Congresswoman
Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives.  With the full support of the San Francisco Community to the House of Representatives? Who could ask for anything more?
Brenda Wright, Senior Vice President and Community Relations Manager,
West Coast Region, Wells Fargo Bank was there as well - looking fabulous as usual!
Also on hand for this momentous event
was Dr. Arelious Walker, Board Chair, Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Inc.
Tony Salazar, President of West Coast Operations, McCormack Baron Salazar

The crowd went wild with excitement when
Rick Stevens  formerly of the group,
Tower of Power, took the stage!

Then we went on to the Black Culinary Event, which took place in front of the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center on  1706 Yosemite St., in Bayview, to celebrate Black Cuisine, more specifically, Mardi Gras - Happy Phat Tuesday, Y'all! 

Rick Stevens,  formerly of the group,
Tower of Power

So many people in the San Francisco Community
came out to enjoy the Black Cuisine!

There Was An Abundance of Culinary Delights!
Assistant Chef, Kenny Rodgers threw down in the kitchen, he prepared ribs, chicken, ox tails, greens and more!
Big Mama's Cafe & Healthy Cuisine served it up proper!
Mrs. Classie Kendrick and Mrs. Chestene Mason prepared Chitlins and Mrs. Chestene Mason also prepared some screaming
Macaroni & Cheese for our "Kente Café"; Irene Norman prepared the
Sweet Potato Pies, and Mr. Harold Stewart prepared some excellent Banana Pudding!

What an amazingly wonderful groundbreaking ceremony for the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Housing and Center! How lovely it was to enjoy some delicious, soulful food @ Black Cuisine Event!
Hope to see you and your family there next year!

Developers:
Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Inc.
McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc.

General Contractors:
Nibbi/ Baines Group Inc.

Architects:
David Baker Architects
Michael Willis Architects
Public Partners:
San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development
San Francisco Housing Authority
San Francisco Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure
California Department of Housing and Community Development
United States Department of housing and Urban
Development Choice Neighborhoods Initiative

Finance Partners:
Citi Community Capital
Wells Fargo Bank, NA
Wells Fargo Community Lending and Investment
To get in contact with Assistant Chef,  Kenny Rodgers - krodgers@tndc.com

African American Heritage Month - Black Inventors Exhibition @ City of Los Angeles Over Bridge Gallery | Women's History Month

LA City Council President Herb J. Wesson, JR. Councilmember,
10th District

Who would ever think to go to Los Angeles City Hall,
to see an excellent exhibition on African American Heritage -  Black Inventors? Well, I had the pleasure of  visiting the office of LA City Council President, Herb J. Wesson, JR., 10th District, and taking a personal tour of the exhibition with the very knowledgeable Albert Edmund Lord III, Deputy, South-East, 10th District.
The Exhibition was truly educational. I learned so much regarding Black Inventors in the USA. There are so many women who have invented so many things in the USA. Take for example, the invention of the Illusion transmitter Patent. Valerie Thomas, an African American, received a patent for an illusion transmitter. "The device produces optical illusion images that appear to be inside, or behind the mirror, concave mirrors create images that appear to be real, or in front of the mirror itself. The technology was subsequently adopted by NASA and has since been adapted for use in surgery as well as the production of television and video screens."
If you can, get on over to see the exhibition, which ends March 7, 2014. You will be so glad that you did! Knowledge = Power. Thank you, Mr. Lord III for dropping knowledge!



Carla Thomas, Albert Edmund Lord III, Deputy - South East,
Herb J. Wesson, JR. - LA City Council President,
10th District 

Organizers:
Office of the Council President Herb J. Wesson, Jr., Council Member 10th District; Office of Council Member Curren Price, 9th District; Office of Council Member Bernard Parks, 8th District; Office of the Mayor Eric Garcetti; Los Angeles Professional Managers Association and Los Angeles Association of Black Professionals; Department of Cultural Affairs

Location: City of Los Angeles Over Bridge Gallery| 200 N. Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90012