Flash Mob Erupts at City Council Meeting

LJR would be the talk of the evening after performing a flash mob at the city council meeting in San Bernardino on Monday, Oct. 21. The flash mob was invited by the office of City Councilmember Robert Jenkins to prove the need for the arts and encourage additional city-wide efforts to fund additional free after school programs to the city’s youth. LJR Academy of Arts was founded by Lynnzora Rogers a few years ago, after she double majored and graduated with degrees in English and Theater from California State University, San Bernardino. Rogers volunteered for a few art programs in the area before deciding she wanted to dive into the world of non-profit organizations and extend a helping hand to youth turning to the streets. Joining Lynnzora in the cause was PAL Center Charter School. Most of PAL Center Charter School’s students have been able to balance school with their choice of art expression because it allows them to express themselves, according to event organizers. With the persistence of Jacquelyn White, Program Manager, and Principal Becky Sumbaro, PAL Center collaborated with Rogers and attended the council meeting to express their opinions and vocally support the arts. Arroyo Valley High School math teacher Lawrence Hardy attended with his Arroyo Valley Steppers Crew. Also in attendance was Lynnzora’s mentor and LJR Advisor, CSUSB Theater Professor Kathy Ervin, who shared she has always encouraged the importance of the arts to her students. During the presentations the audience applauded the students for the montage of acts, which included participants like ballet dancers, step dancers, a gospel singer, Shakespearean acting and a rap performance by Torey Fugate. Rogers urged the council to remember how important the arts are and the good it does for the children in many different aspects, mainly, she said, “in contributing to children’s intellectual awareness of their goals and surroundings, which results in making better life choices.”