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Firefighters Who Battled Cranston Blaze Honored in Idyllwild Heroes Mural

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— IDYLLWILD, CA—- Call it an early Christmas present, or a Thanksgiving blessing, but Idyllwild residents have a beautiful new mural to visit.

Third District County Supervisor Chuck Washington, joined by firefighters and law enforcement, presided over the unveiling on Tuesday, November 20 of the community’s newest piece of art at the Idyllwild Public Library. The “Heroes Mural” pays tribute to firefighters, notably those who protected the Idyllwild community after a fire broke out in July along State Route 74.

The Cranston Fire, as it was called, ultimately blackened more than 13,000 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains, burning homes and structures and forcing the evacuation of Idyllwild, Lake Hemet, Mountain Center and Pine Cove. The scars of the fire remain visible.

“The mural represents the hard work that both law enforcement and the firefighters do to keep the community safe,” said Supervisor Washington, who was joined by Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Leonard Purvis of the Valle Vista station and members of CalFire.

The mural by artist Keith Blum spans the back-exterior wall of the library, which is part of the Riverside County Library System. The painting depicts firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, CalFire and Idyllwild Fire. Blum was originally inspired to paint a mural while attending an art show in Idyllwild. When the Cranston Fire broke out, Blum watched the fire and smoke from his home in Palm Springs.

“I saw the smoke coming off the mountain, thick and dark, often blocking out the sun and dropping ash on us,” he said, adding that he was moved to donate his mural after seeing the “valiant efforts of the firefighters” to protect homes in Idyllwild.

Blum spent a month painting the tribute with local businesses donating supplies, meals and lodging. He included a special thank you to his supporters in the mural.

“We are so excited to have this. We are so blessed to have this in our town,” Chief Reitz said. “We all come together for a common cause and that is to help our fellow human beings.”

The Idyllwild Branch Library is located at 54401 Village Center Drive.

The Third Supervisorial District includes the cities of Hemet, Murrieta, San Jacinto and Temecula. It also includes the unincorporated communities of Aguanga, Anza, Cottonwood Canyon, French Valley, Gilman Hot Springs, Green Acres, Homeland, Idyllwild, Lake Riverside, Mountain Center, Murrieta Hot Springs, Pine Cove, Pinyon Pines, Poppet Flats, Rancho California, Soboba Hot Springs, Twin Pines, Valle Vista and Winchester.

Visit www.supervisorchuckwashington.com for more information.

SEIU 2015, Local Faith Leaders Demand County to Take Back Their $0 Offer and Support a Livable Wage for IHSS Caregivers

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Earlier this month, home care workers of the In-Home Supportive Services program (IHSS) represented by SEIU Local 2015, clergy, and community leaders united for a prayer service and action at the Board of Supervisors office in appreciation and recognition of caregivers who are fighting for a contract that offers a livable wage.

County leaders offered a $0 wage increase to the county’s IHSS caregivers after months of negotiations and delivering over 13,000 petitions of support from community members.

“Caregiving is hard work,” said Pastor Harold Hines. “It isn’t easy to fully dedicate your time and energy to someone who depends on you to survive, and in San Bernardino County we are blessed to have over 26,000 people who are willing to step up to the plate and be caregivers to our community’s seniors and people with disabilities. We are thankful for them and the work they do. They deserve more than minimum wage.”

The event started with an invocation at St. Bernadine’s Church and ended with an action outside of the Board of Supervisors building.

Afterward, clergy leaders, caregivers and their care recipients walked up to the Board of Supervisors office and demanded the county create a pathway out of poverty for the county’s IHSS caregivers.

The next bargaining session between IHSS caregivers and the county will be December 12, 2018.

 

PAL Sees A Need, PAL Meets A Need

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINIO, CA— Provisional Accelerated Learning Center hosted their 4th Annual Pals of PAL Community Feast. The local community was invited to participate in an event that was established out of a desire to meet community needs.

The Pals of PAL Community Feast has attracted many families, friends, and individuals from all backgrounds throughout the community.  Each year this event aims to provide hope and joy for those who may have fallen on hard times.

PAL Center, an established non-profit organization for over thirty-two years was founded by Dr. Mildred Henry who saw a need to provide students and the community with a quality education. Birthed from her legacy, the PAL Charter Academy was established over 20 year ago and was designed to provide “Education with an Individualized Approach.” Her successor Dwaine Radden Sr., Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PAL Center & Charter Academy saw a need to provide a “Feast” style luncheon for the Community and students for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  PAL as also has hosted community gatherings, and food drives to support the needs of the community.

Radden said, “This event and other PAL outreach program has filled a huge void in the community. We believe in taking a holistic approach when it comes to addressing community and PAL students’ needs. There’s nothing greater than breaking bread and fellowshipping with the community, staff and students. We have been blessed with an incredible Board, Staff and Student Body here at the PAL Center and PAL Academy. They love giving back to the community!

Mr. Brantley is one heck of a cook. He is the true catalyst behind our Community Feast and I salute him for his efforts and generosity.”

Students, teachers, and administrators shared good food, laughter, and music with their community and helped those in need. A display board at the entrance of the PAL Community Center was covered with statements from students that read what they themselves were thankful for, providing inspiration to those who attended the luncheon. A PAL Middle School student wrote,

“I’m thankful for my mom because she works hard to provide for me”. “I’m thankful for the food that is placed on the table”, another student writes.

About 80 people from the community were served a spread of delicious foods. Students who volunteered served their community members while doing so with thanksgiving in their hearts. Smiles filled the room as the families ate and laughed as they shared stories with one another.

Director of Special Projects, Nicole Mitchell, said “If we aren’t here to serve then why are we here? We are meant to serve and help meet the needs of others. I’m thankful to see the smiles on the faces of our community here on our campus. I hope our acts of kindness will create a ripple effect in our community. I believe our actions are seeds planted that can grow and change hearts around our community for the better!”

Every Tuesday at 2 PM the PAL Center offers a Community Food Bank Program, which serves approximately 100+ community members. All students, staff, and parents are invited to be of service.

PAL is currently operating at two High School and Middle School locations in San Bernardino, a local Resource Center, as well as an online PAL Adult High School (PALAHS) diploma program. PAL is now enrolling for the 2018 – 2019 school year. For more information about any of the PAL campuses or services, please visit the website at www.palcenter.org or contact the main office at 909-887-7002. www.palcenter.org

 

Starbucks and Aspiranet Holiday Wish Drive for Foster Kids

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Everybody has a holiday wish. For foster kids, their wishes may not come true. For the ninth year in a row, Starbucks and Aspiranet are partnering to give at-risk kids and teens a holiday season they’ll never forget.

Nearly 270 Starbucks locations across California are taking part in this heartwarming holiday tradition. For many families who have participated for years, buying a gift for foster kids is part of their holiday shopping ritual.

Foster and at-risk kids from across California provide a gift tag with their wish. Tags are displayed at participating Starbucks locations. Generous families pick up a tag, buy the gift on the tag and return it, unwrapped, to the same Starbucks location. Aspiranet “Elves” distribute the gifts prior to the holidays. Throughout the Holiday Wish Drive, some Starbucks locations will be participating in gift wrapping parties.

Aspiranet’s Holiday Wish Drive runs from November 19 through December 14, and is possible only through the continued generosity of Starbucks.

Aspiranet is a one-of-a-kind social service agency dedicated to building a world where all children and youth are loved and cared for, and all families have the resources to thrive. Founded in 1975, the agency’s core mission is to help California kids and families. Aspiranet’s services include foster care and adoption family support, residential care, support for youth making the transition from foster care to adulthood, mental and behavioral health services, intensive home-based care, and community-based family resources. Aspiranet provides services throughout California.

Aspira means hope. We are a network of people bringing hope forward.

For complete information, including an interactive map of participating Starbucks locations, visit www.aspiranetholidays.org.

Music Changing Lives and First 5 San Bernardino Celebrated 20 Years of Changing Lives for Children Across Inland Empire and Beyond

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA—- Music Changing Lives and First 5 San Bernardino celebrated their 20th anniversaries together this past Saturday in Redlands.  The celebration highlighted the ongoing work their organizations provide to ensure children and youth have access to quality programs throughout the Inland Empire and beyond.

More than hundred supporters, donors, dignitaries and beneficiaries of both agencies attended the celebration and awards ceremony, held at the Redlands Community Center where Music Changing Lives operates year-round music and art programs for students.

The event showcased incredible musical performances from current and former students within the Music Changing Lives program.  The talent featured included hip-hop duet, “Goddess Girls” who performed their hit song “Storm,” and had the entire audience dancing and singing along.  Another amazing artist was nine-year-old “Pedro”, who captivated the entire room as he sang a Spanish mariachi song. Other featured artists included “Jazui,” who sings and moves like a young Selena; “It’s Klutch,” a hip-hop dance group; “Mark Valdez,” the best beat boxer in the Inland Empire; and “Dana” who played a beautiful song on the keyboard.

The celebration included a keynote presentation by Josiah Bruny, CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives, (MCL) who shared the history of his agency, the importance of afterschool programs, and what the future holds for the amazing organization.  He also honored his board, staff, donors and volunteers with beautiful awards for their dedication to changing lives.

Among other awards given out at the celebration, Tyler Ferrari of Senator Mike Morrell’s office presented Music Changing Lives and First 5 San Bernardino with certificates of recognition for their work in the community over the last twenty years.

A surprise award and painting was presented to Karen E. Scott, Executive Director of First 5 of San Bernardino from Music Changing Lives for their partnership and in recognition of First 5’s twenty-year milestone.  The beautiful painting was created by an artist in MCL’s programs.

The two agencies were brought together through the Inland Empire Community Collaborative, (IECC) who works facilitates non-profits to work together to strengthen their organizations and improve outcomes for individuals and communities throughout San Bernardino County.  First 5 San Bernardino is a fiscal sponsor for the IECC and Music Changing Lives is one of the non-profit agencies that participates in the collaborative.  It only made sense for the two agencies to celebrate their anniversaries together.

Guest speakers from the community included Councilwoman Toni Momberger and Councilwoman Elect, Denise Davis from the City of Redlands.  Both Councilwoman have supported Music Changing Lives and First 5 over the years and shared their history with the agencies and why they believe both programs are so vital to the community.  Several other elected officials were also in attendance to show their support.

MCL and First 5 have amazing track records for truly making a difference in the lives of children in need.  Both agencies are extremely proud of their twenty-year milestone and look forward to serving children and youth in our community for years to come.

If you would like more information about MCL or First 5, visit them on the web at www.MusicChangingLives.org and www.first5sanbernardino.org.

Five New Rialto Natives Inducted into the Rialto of Fame

There was a special recognition to the late Niya Santos who gained her wings this summer from Breast Cancer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- RIALTO, CA— On Saturday, November 17, five Rialto natives were inducted into the Rialto Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Rialto Sports Hall of Fame located at 214 N Palm Avenue in Rialto.

The individuals that were inducted into the Hall of Fame were: Delano O. Fleming, Coach-City of Rialto Youth Sports; Julie Garcia-Coach and Rialto Eastern Little League President; Johnny Dukes, Basketball-Eisenhower High School; Cory McJimson-Basketball; Eisenhower High School; and there was a special honorary to the late Niya Santos who ran track at Carter High School.

 

Over 200 in Attendance at San Bernardino Pastors United Youth Unity Service

Kingdom Kidz

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Over 200 community residence came out to “Bring Your Best Praise” Youth Unity Service on Friday, November 16 to the Way Arrowhead campus. Everyone had a great time, the atmosphere was charged with first performance by Traxx, then, the first-place winners, the Kingdom Kidz lit up the stage. They dazzled the crowd with song, and dance. They were a collaborative group of all ages that captured the hearts of the audience.

The Pastors decreed youth to succeed and live and not die, become doctors, lawyers, astronauts and to give God the glory. Pastor Bryant Trujillo, The Way Church Youth Director, preached a compelling message of a being thankful unto God, which summed the entire evening. A care package was given to everyone in attendance. Go and see the performances on Facebook, and you be the judge.

A follow-up service entitled, “A Worship Experience with –Dejaye Xperience” will be on Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. at San Bernardino SDA Church located at 1696 North G Street in San Bernardino. A photo opp will be taken of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place winners.  If time permits, there may be cameo appearances during the event. For more info call (909)883-2400- Office, or (909) 353-7977. Go to sbpastorsunited.org and to register or audition for future events.

San Bernardino County Caregivers Held Action Outside of County’s Caregiver Appreciation Event

In Response to Recent Contract Negotiations Where County Offered a $0 Raise to Workers

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Last week, San Bernardino County Caregivers held an action outside of the County’s Caregiver Appreciation Event in response to their recent contract negotiations where the County Negotiator offered a $0 wage increase to the county’s 26,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Providers.

“We declined the county’s invitation to their annual Caregiver Appreciation event because, as a caregiver, I don’t feel appreciated,” said 32-year-old Victoria Osorio, IHSS Provider in Yucaipa. “The county showed how much they appreciate us when they offered us $0 at the bargaining table. The $0 was not just an insult to me and my coworkers, but the seniors and people with disabilities who depend on us every day to help them get by. The county is lying to the community when they say they appreciate caregivers and the work we do.”

At a contract bargaining meeting on October 23, San Bernardino County Negotiator Bob Windle met with member leaders of SEIU 2015 and offered $0 wage increase and 0 benefits.

“The fight goes on,” said Miguel Benitez, Lead Organizer for SEIU 2015’s San Bernardino County chapter. “The demand for home care in our communities is on the rise and as long as these workers keep making minimum wage, the county won’t be prepared to meet that demand. Giving up is not an option.”

According to the CA State Plan on Aging, senior population (60+) in the county is expected to increase 107% to 550,488 in less than 12 years. However, IHSS providers haven’t received a wage increase in over 10 years.

The next meeting with the county is on December 12, 2018. On November 21, SEIU 2015 will also be hosting a Caring For San Bernardino Rally.

 

Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch Brought the Field Trip to Cooley Ranch Elementary School

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In support of the commitment and dedication of the kindergarten teachers in the 47th Assembly District, the office of Assemblymember Reyes partnered with five elementary schools, parent teacher organizations, and local police and fire departments to bring a pumpkin patch to the schools.

Last year, Cooley Ranch Elementary was unable to send their Kindergarten students on their annual Fall Pumpkin Patch fieldtrip due to lack of funds.  Assemblymember Reyes’ office was contacted and they set up a pop-up pumpkin patch so the children did not miss out on the experience.

This year, in order to continue the tradition, the Assemblymember’s office hosted a pop-up pumpkin patch at five different schools: Cooley Ranch Elementary School in Colton, Kelley Elementary School in Rialto, Vermont Elementary School in Muscoy, Randall Pepper Elementary School in Fontana, and Bradley Elementary School in San Bernardino. Four to five classrooms from each school participated.

“This year, my team and I gave out over 800 pumpkins to preschoolers and kindergarteners in the 47th District,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “My team and I are committed to serving the constituents of our District. I enjoy working with our School Districts as well as police and fire departments to provide this creative activity for our children.”

Assemblymember Reyes’ Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch provided each participating student with one pumpkin compliments of Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, San Bernardino Councilmember Benito Barrios, UFCW Local 1167, and Cal Poly Pomona.

Inland Empire Student Film Festival Now Accepting Submissions

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Submissions are now open for the 8th Annual SBVC International Student Film Festival. All student filmmakers at SBVC and worldwide are invited to submit films at www.filmfreeway.com/iema.Categories include narrative and documentary short, animation, and experimental. The deadline to submit is March 31. Works in progress will be considered.

The Inland Empire Media Academy, housed at San Bernardino Valley College, has celebrated the region’s student filmmakers since 2011. The 8th annual film festival will open Thursday, April 25 with a gala, media expo, panel discussions on media topics, and a screening of Inland Empire filmmaker Nick Nevada’s feature film debut, “Say You Will.” The festival will continue Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, with screenings of student films from San Bernardino, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and other regions that enter the festival. The festival will close with an awards luncheon on April 27. Prizes will include cash, filmmaker technology, and much more.

For more information, contact Festival Director Lucas Cuny at (909) 384-8546 or lcuny@valleycollege.edu.