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Charleys Kids Foundation, Puts Their Money Where Their Mouth Is

SAN BERNARDINO— Charleys Kids donated to San Bernardino’s Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy (YVYLA), to help give support to their S.A.M. Program, which stands for Student Achievement Mentor Program. Charleys Kids Foundation primarily gives grants designed to support the development and enhancement of the children’s program by providing tangible resources such as school supplies, books, and food. http://www.charleyskids.org/

A donation of $3,000.00 was donated to the Young Visionaries SAM Program. Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s Student Achievement Mentoring (SAM) is a program designed to address and reduce suspensions through effective implementation of positive behavior support systems. SAM is a goal-oriented program designed to support the educational and professional aspirations of all students. The Program seeks to increase the completion of developmental courses, retention and graduation rates. To accomplish this, the program increases exposure to educational, professional, and civic opportunities.

The Student Achievement Mentoring Program through mentoring works to:

  • Improved Self Confidence and Self Esteem
  • Increase Motivation
  • Broaden horizons and experience of students
  • Raise Achievements and Aspirations
  • Build Relationships
  • Establish Employment Development Skills
  • Support to Graduation

The City of San Bernardino is home to a diverse and prominently minority population: 66% Hispanic, 14% African American, 13% White, 4% Asian, and 3% other. 23% percent of the population is foreign-born. In San Bernardino, the 2016 median household income was $39,472, compared to $63,783 for the State. Unemployment has remained above both state and national levels since the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2018 unemployment rate for the City was 5%, compared to 3.9% for the county, 4.6% for the state, and 4.1% for the United States. 

Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy has large annual outreach events for the San Bernardino community. For example, February, “Hearts for Hygiene” at this event YVYLA collects 200 bags of hygiene and distribute them to the youth in our programs that need hygiene. June is Young Visionaries Annual Youth Conference, this conference average up to 300 youth in attendance.

The month of August the youth group has an annual “2000 Backpack and School Supplies” giveaway, the month of November is a Thanksgiving event giving out 1000 Thanksgiving Turkeys and boxes of food to 1000 families in need. During the month of December for Christmas YVYLA has their annual 1000 Toy giveaway to 1000 community youth. 

“We would like to Thank Charleys Kids Foundation for their generous donation and recognizing the need in our community” says Terrance Stone, CEO and Founder of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy. 

Cruisin’ Along Adds to Business with U-Haul Affiliation

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA—-  U-Haul Company of California is pleased to announce that Cruisin’ Along has signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Rancho Cucamonga community.

Cruisin’ Along at 13670 Victoria St. will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, pre-tow inspection, moving supplies and boxes.

U-Haul Truck Share 24/7® is revolutionizing the moving industry through its more convenient, more secure way to pick up and return a truck. Since 2017, U-Haul Live Verify? technology has allowed customers to conduct transactions entirely on their smartphones at any hour – day or night. There are no membership fees. Create an online account at uhaul.com to start skipping the lines and stop worrying about store hours.

Normal business hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. every day. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (909) 581-8522 or visiting https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Rancho-Cucamonga-CA-91739/036689/ today.

Cruisin’ Along owner Michael Mancinelli are proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of San Bernardino County.

U-Haul and Cruisin’ Along are striving to benefit the environment through sustainability initiatives. Truck sharing is a core U-Haul sustainability business practice that allows individuals to access a fleet of trucks that is larger than what they could access on an individual basis.

Every U-Haul truck placed in a community helps keep 19 personally owned large-capacity vehicles, pickups, SUVs and vans off the road. Fewer vehicles means less traffic congestion, less pollution, less fuel burned and cleaner air.

Cruisin’ Along is a great place to become U-Haul Famous®. Take your picture in front of a U-Haul product, send it in and your face could land on the side of a U-Haul truck. Upload your photo through Instagram using #uhaulfamous, or go to www.uhaulfamous.com to submit photos and learn more.




Crafton Hills College Foundation Unveils Legacy Society Wall

On Friday, October 11, 2019, a ceremony honored individuals who have made substantial gifts to support the programs and students at Crafton Hills College. Michelle Riggs, Director of Institutional Advancement, explained that “this Legacy Wall in the Crafton Center provides recognition of individuals who have given cumulative gifts, estate-planned gifts or irrevocable life-income gifts of $10,000 or more to the Crafton Hills College Foundation.” The CHC Foundation provides financial support to assist struggling Crafton students in reaching their educational goals and enhances the programs and services available at the college. 

Anthony Abate, CHC Alumnus

Alumnus Anthony Abate shared his journey with attendees at the event. “This wall represents the reason why many of us were able to continue working toward our goals. It also represents why many students here have realized, some for the very first time in their lives, that they are capable of succeeding regardless of their circumstance. The reason why my success story along with so many other students who have defied the odds is possible is because of the generosity and heart of all you, our donors, and the work that the Crafton Hills College Foundation does to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity,” Abate said. He detailed how the support of the CHC Foundation enabled him to succeed and graduate from Crafton with three degrees after having dropped out of high school. “Throughout my time here as a student, I noticed that something was significantly different about this school. For the first time, I was supported and surrounded by people who wanted me to succeed just as much as I wanted it for myself,” Abatecontinued. Grateful for the assistance provided when he needed it most, Abate recently became a member of the CHC Foundation Presidents’ Circle to give back and help others. 

Former CHC president, Gloria Harrison, shared her personal story of education and the reason that she and her husband Bill choose to support the CHC Foundation. She explained that their own higher education experiences were possible because of the opportunities available through community colleges. She believes it is essential to give back to our community and the institutions that helped her become the woman she is today. Gloria said, “The community college was where we got our start and realized that education was a means of being more than we ever thought we could be.”

Crafton Hills College President Dr. Kevin Horan closed the ceremony with his thanks to the individuals who invest in Crafton. “Your gifts allow us to give every student what they need to have a dream, complete their degree, and move on to create more goals and be outstanding citizens, contributing to their local community.” He went on to explain that Crafton students have the highest retention rate in the Inland Empire and the 19th highest among all 114 California Community Colleges. He continued, “Your investment in Crafton Hills College students is an investment in this community. Our students are engaged, finish their degrees and certificates, and will enrich the Inland Empire in the future.” 

To support the Crafton Hills College Foundation, visit https://www.craftonhills.edu/foundation.

Donors recognized on the Crafton Hills College Legacy Society Wall include:

Visionaries $500,000 +

Stanley Krasovec

Benefactors $100,000 – $499,999

Raymond Pryke 

Henry Stone and Elaine Rosen

Pacesetters $50,000 – $99,999

William and Gloria Harrison 

Bill and Nelda Rankin

Founders $25,000 – $49,999

Diane J. Pfahler

James and Theresa Ramos

Jon and Laura Winningham

Donald and Carol Averill

Wayne and Doris Milloy

Donald J. Nydam

Scholars $10,000 – $24,999

Leroy and Marilyn Balch

Paul and Joann Barich

Bruce and Elizabeth Baron

Jane K. Beitscher

Nicolas Campos

Win and Bette Carl

Gordon and Sara Clopine

Cheryl A. Cox

Donna M. Ferracone

Robert B. Martin and Mary E. Goldsboro

Luis and Patricia Gomez

Leon and Francine Hellerman

Douglas C. Heller-Taylor

Brent and Sherry Hunter

Sam Irwin

Nancy and Gary Kasin

Thomas and Josie Konzem

Steve and Rebeccah Marlatt

Patrick and Cheryl Marshall

Alaina Mathews

Brandon and Julie McKee

William and Linda Nassar

Charlie and Tommi Ng

Dr. Phong Nguyen

David and Diane Raley

Michael and Amy Strong

Harvey Ricketts and Betty Jo Wood

June C. Yamamoto  





Wolverine Football Team Sets Ten Individual Records in a Single Game

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— After a 2018 season that saw the San Bernardino Valley College football team rewrite the record books, the 2019 team picked up right where the 2018 team left off breaking 10 records in a single night. The Wolverines took on Santa Ana College, defeating the Dons 80-48 in the SBVC Stadium.

Quarterback Jeremy Moussa completed 38 passes for 636 yards and seven touchdowns as the Wolverines beat the Dons 80-48 Saturday night at SBVC Stadium. Moussa threw passes to 10 different players, with six different receivers scoring touchdowns. The 636 yards surpassed the school record for passing yards in a game, previously set at 495 yards in 1991 by Richard Robles. Moussa’s seven touchdown passes also ties Armando Herrera for most in a single game, which Herrera completed twice in 2018. And the 38 completions also set a new mark, besting Jamie Sander’s 1994 mark of 33.
But it wasn’t just the Jeremy Moussa show Saturday night. Running back Darrell Turner Jr. scored three times, gaining 106 yards on eight carries on the night. In all, the Wolverines ran 90 plays, gaining 792 yards – itself another record, besting the 1991 team’s mark of 673 set against East Los Angeles College.
Things were far from perfect for the Wolverines on the night. The defense allowed Santa Ana to gain 448 yards on the night, allowing the 48 points. And SBVC had troubles keeping flags off the field in the game, committing 25 penalties for 320 yards.
Single Game Records Set:

  • Most Completions: Jeremy Moussa, 38
  • Most Yards: Jeremy Moussa, 636 yards
  • Most Touchdown Passes: 7 (tied)
  • Most PAT Kicks: Ben Falck, 11 (Previous record, 9)
  • Team total yards: 792
  • Team first downs: 36 (Previous record, 31)
  • Team most pass attempts: 68 (Moussa 65, Schmucher 3. Previous record 63)
  • Team most pass yards: 670 (Moussa 636, Schmucher 34. Previous record 548)
  • Most points (both teams): 128 (Previous record 116 in 1930)
  • Team most points (Modern): 80 (Second all-time. SBVC beat Indio Fire Dept. 116-0 in 1930; Previous modern record 72, set in 2018)

Announcing The Third Annual CSUSB Run Like A Mother 5K Run/Walk

Benefiting Time for Change Foundation

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) is honored to announce that they are the beneficiaries for the 3rd annual Run Like a Mother 5K Walk/Run presented by CSUSB. 

The event is hosted by CSUSB students in the Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary Society and students in Health Science 404:

Women’s Health.The Annual CSUSB Run Like a Mother 5K is public health in action. It is a prime example of bringing the community together, all while raising consciousness on the pressing concerns that local communities face and celebrating those community organizations that strive to address these concerns. 

Tickets are $15 for non-students and $10 for students. You can register using this link: https://bit.ly/mother5k

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Time for Change Foundation’s mission to provide housing programs and self-sufficiency services to homeless women and children. You only have a few weeks left to register, and we look forward to seeing you there!

About 800 County Students Expected For STEMapalooza

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—-  About 800 students from 10 middle schools and several high schools in San Bernardino County will attend the annual STEMapalooza Student Conference at San Bernardino Valley College on November 1.

Students will spend the day visiting interactive and engaging exhibits that demonstrate the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event will feature special guest speaker Suveen Mathaudhu of the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

Mathaudhu is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UCR and chief scientist for the Energy and Environment Directorate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He will discuss STEM in comic books.

More than 20 exhibitors are expected to participate. Among them are: Air Quality Management District; CalPortland Cement; Cal Baptist University Engineering; Valley College Aeronautics, Automotive Collision, Diesel, Electronics, Machine Trades, other Applied Tech, and STEM programs; Cal State San Bernardino Cyber Security Center; Chaffey College’s InTech; ConvergeOne; Discovery Education, Explore Microscopy; NASA Jet Propulsion Lab; Healthy SBCSS; Inland Futures Foundation/San Bernardino Community College District; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in San Bernardino; and County Sheriff’s Department.

Participating schools – and their districts — include:

  • Curtis Middle School, San Bernardino City Unified School District;
  • Joe Baca and Colton middle schools, Colton Joint Unified;
  • Moore Middle, Redlands Unified;
  • Mesa View Middle School, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
  • Frisbee, Jehue, and Rialto middle schools, Rialto Unified;
  • Quail Valley Middle, Snowline Joint Unified;
  • Vineyard STEM School, Ontario-Montclair.

Various high schools from Colton, Rialto, and San Bernardino City Unified school districts also will be participating.      

STEMapalooza is made possible with the funding from Wells Fargo, Generation Go, ConvergeOne, San Bernardino Valley College STEM, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Alliance for Education and the MESA Program at UCR’s Bourns College of Engineering.




First biotech wet lab incubator in Inland Empire opens its doors

UC Riverside’s Wet Lab Incubator has opened its doors to biotech entrepreneurs throughout the Inland Empire.

The incubator, a 3,000-square-foot space in the Multidisciplinary Research Building specially outfitted to house startups in the life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, and medical technologies, is the first of its kind in the region. These innovators will no longer have to migrate to other parts of the state to find laboratory space and mentors to help commercialize their ideas.

“Things are going to change,” said Rodolfo Torres, vice chancellor for research and economic development, at a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 21. “We’re going to play a role in shaping how research and development is translated in our area. We’ll be inclusive of those that haven’t had opportunities in the past.”

Torres also said that the incubator is expected to create the kinds of high-skill and high-pay jobs that graduates usually seek in the coastal part of the state.

The new incubator can accommodate about 15 startup companies from UC Riverside and the Inland Empire. Twelve companies have already expressed interest. During the opening ceremony, Jay Goth, CEO and Founder of Murrieta Genomics, signed a lease agreement to become the first tenant. 

In addition to a panoply of state-of-the art laboratory equipment, residents will have access to UC Riverside equipment across campus, such as a nanofabrication cleanroom, proteomics, stem cell core, and plant transformation through a service agreement. Residents will also have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with UCR researchers, faculty and students, attend seminars, access patent research services and entrepreneurial development workshops, and use UCR’s SBIR/STTR Resource Center, which guides applicants through the process of obtaining commercialization development grants from the federal government.  

Mentoring and access to capital for incubator residents will be provided by UC Riverside Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center Small Business Development Center, or EPIC SBDC, a UC Riverside-led program funded by the Small Business Administration and the state of California. 

“This is the culmination of an effort started seven years ago when the Multidisciplinary Research Building was designed,” said Rosibel Ochoa, associate vice chancellor for technology partnerships. “It will be a vibrant entrepreneurial space in the middle of the UCR campus where innovators have a place to translate their ideas into companies to benefit the region.”

The wet lab incubator is the latest addition to a vigorous expansion of UC Riverside’s involvement in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Inland Empire, and is a central asset in Riverside’s new Innovation District. The Office of Technology Partnerships has received more than $17 million in external funding, created the $10 million seed capital Highlander Venture Fund, EPIC, and helps manage the EXCITE technology accelerator in downtown Riverside. This fall, Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars will introduce entrepreneurship training for students. To date, these programs have supported over 2,260 innovation teams, including 376 UCR students and faculty members through the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program.

“We have the whole package, access to capital, specialized mentorship, and a place to grow” Ochoa said.

The incubator is funded by grants from the US Economic Development Administration, the state of California, and internal UC Riverside funds.

Grads For Veterans Diploma Project To Be Honored

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Six veterans — who served in the military and had their high school completion interrupted — will receive their high school diplomas during a graduation ceremony on November 6.

This will be the 11th graduation class for the Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project, which is held in partnership between the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the County Department of Veterans Affairs. More than 280 veterans — from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War — have been recognized since the first graduation ceremony in 2009. This year’s ceremony will be held at Serrano High School in the Snowline Joint Unified School District on November 6. The school is located at 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan.

Veterans in this year’s graduating class are:

  • Steve Sanchez Bustos of Ontario, Vietnam War, Marines;
  • Steven James Meadows of Hesperia, Vietnam War, Marines;
  • Edward Alvin Molina of Chino, Vietnam War, Army;
  • Richard Donald Simpson of Apple Valley, Vietnam War, Navy;
  • Robert C. Standon of Ontario; Vietnam War, Navy;
  • James Michael Whitmore of Twentynine Palms, Vietnam War, Marines.

Following the graduation ceremony, veterans and their guests will be honored at the 25th annual Veterans Dinner taking place in the Serrano High gymnasium hosted by the Snowline Joint Unified School District, Tri-Community Kiwanis and Victorville Motors.       Operation Recognition Veterans Diploma Project provides veterans and internees, who were unable to complete high school due to military service or internment, the opportunity to receive a high school diploma, according to the state education code. Veterans who served in and received an honorable discharge from World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War; or individuals who were interned in a Japanese American relocation camp and are San Bernardino County residents are eligible to participate.


BBQ Festival goes International Horse Town Brew n’ Que Fest co-produced First joint Sanctioned International BBQ Cook-off

Norco’s Horse Town Brew n’ Que Festival has gone international.

NORCO, CA—- Norco resident, Debbie Yopp and Perth, Australia resident, Jason joined forces to present Brew n Que Australia, the first jointly produced International barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society. The event held October 5, had professional barbeque chefs from Australia and the United States turn the Ascot Race Course in Perth, Australia into barbeque nirvana in this first-time venture.  Australian teams Big Smoke BBQ took home Grand Champion and Tavoli Customs held down Reserve Grand Champion. with US team, Burnin’ n Lootin’ followed a close third in the overall competition as this unique competition opened new avenues in professional cook offs. 30 barbeque teams from Australia and the United states vied for cash, prizes and most importantly, bragging rights. Big Smoke BBQ will represent the Australia event as they compete in the 2020 Norco Brew n Que Festival. Norco representative, Jerry Aguilar of Burnin’ n Lootin‘ faced some of Australia’s most seasoned smokers to include top rated pit master Lance Rosen‘s of Big Boys BBQ from Melbourne, Rib Racks and Ribs ‘n’ Pigs BBQ from Perth.  The festival highlighted food demonstrations, classes, live entertainment and craft beer tastings from Australia’s top brewers.

The event also hosted a VIP Texas Experience lead by award winning pit master and restaurateur, Bill Dumas from Austin, Texas and United States expat, Joel Romo from Australia’s Gold Coast. Winner of Season One television show Barbeque Pitmaster and Master Chef, Harry Soo, presented his award-winning tips during a sold-out cooking class. Phillip Dell, winner of Food Network’s television show Chopped, lead creative cooking demonstrations that illustrated regional cooking styles which included tips for cooking kangaroo. Also included was a Kids Que for youth under 15 overseen by US pit master, Donna Fong.

Norco organizer and co-producer, Debbie Yopp, saw the event as a means to exchange ideas and develop better barbeque cooking skills. “It was wonderful to see teams exchanging rubs, sauces and cooking techniques with each other. “The event is a true ambassador program. Moreover, they are also developing relationships and gained a better understanding of Americans and our country,” said Yopp. “The Perth and Norco events are now an international showcase and an arena that allows us to learn from each other,” she added.

“The event moved competition barbeque in Australia to another level,” noted Jason Linto, president of BBQ Events Australia and an owner in the company presenting the event. It was exciting joining forces with the Norco barbeque contest to present this event. They are an all-American city. We have so much to share with each other and the unique arena makes this a great opportunity for all,” he added.  “We want to present the best that barbeque has to offer and we were thrilled to bring this experience to Australia,” he added.

Artist Tysen Knight Premiers ‘Masterpiece Mash-Up’ Collection at RobertJamesGallery.com

PALM SPRINGS, CA –  American street artist Tysen Knight launched his latest collection of paintings and drawings today at www.RobertJamesGallery.com  The works are part of Knight’s new Masterpiece Mash-Up series where he re-imagines paintings from the great masters including Pablo Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci and Grant Wood.

Knight, who grew up during the peak of the street art movement, says he was inspired by the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Andy Warhol.  He uses those influences along with the styles of great classic artists to create unique pop culture graffiti pieces that hang in private and public collections around the world.  “I like to blur the lines between street art and fine art to create something new that I hope captivates and inspires people from all walks of life,” says Knight.

According to the co-curators of RobertJamesGallery.com, Robert Byhre and James Hollenbeck,  “We’ve been fans of Tysen for several years and we asked him to create the Masterpiece Mash-Up collection exclusively for our online gallery.  The pieces listed on the site are the first in an ever-expanding series of original works on paper and canvas that we feel will best represent Tysen’s vibrant colorful whimsical style.”

In addition to his art, Knight has worked in many different forms of media including acting in feature films and music videos, modeling, and even directing his own full-length film, “The Art of the Hustle: Street Art Documentary,” which is getting critical acclaim at film festivals internationally.

To see this new collection by Tysen Knight, visit www.RobertJamesGallery.com  To learn more about Tysen Knight and his career visit www.TysenKnight.com