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YUCAIPA, CA— Austin Olive hopes to make the Paralympic swimming team in 2024.

The 18-year-old Yucaipa resident is working hard to improve his time in the water and build his muscles. But along the way, Olive will have to qualify for a chance to make the team during events like the recent California Classic at Crafton Hills College.

Held October 26 and 27 in CHC’s Aquatics Center, the Classic – hosted by US Paralympic Swimming – put a spotlight on para-athletes looking to showcase their abilities as they compete against their peers in several events.

The meet was open to swimmers from all over the United States with any physical, visual or intellectual impairment. Several will move on to the Paralympics next year in Tokyo, while others like Olive are focused on future Games.

Olive – or Auggie as he’s known – found swimming after he found it difficult to keep up with his peers on the baseball field. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, swimming opened several doors for Yucaipa High School alumnus, particularly when it came to addressing his competitive spirit, said a family member at the event.

“Swimming makes me feel weightless,” said the current CHC student. “When I’m in the water, I don’t feel anything weighing me down both emotionally and physically. My stress and anxiety go down when I’m in the pool.”

Several athletes at the Classic have similar stories, some of which are known while others are still being discovered. Event organizers invited the community to the event with the intent of introducing competitors to local residents.

Several took US Paralympic Swimming up on its offer.

“One of the greatest things about this day in age is the Games are becoming more and more visible,” said Erin Popovich, associate director of the organization. “And when we can involve communities who do not get to see the Paralympics in person or on TV, once they see something like this, they understand it.”

The next stop for Augie and the other 44 Classic athletes is the National Championships in Dallas, Texas, in December. Popovich said the championships will lead to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo next summer. And then the fun starts all over again in anticipation of the 2024 Games in Paris, France, she added with a chuckle.

Twenty-twenty-four sounds like it is a lifetime away, but Augie has no plans on slowing down just yet.

“It’s pretty cool how fast I can swim even though I’m getting older and my muscles are growing,” said Olive. “Just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they should be counted out. Do not ever give up.”

You can follow the progress leading to the Paralympics online atwww.paralympic.org/paralympic-games.

RIVERSIDE, CA—- A new television series for FX billed as “The Old Man,” starring Jeff Bridges, filmed in Idyllwild on Oct. 30.

The show is based on the Thomas Perry novel about a former CIA agent who has been living off-the-grid, until an assassin enters the picture.

“The Old Man” marks the first starring role on TV for the Academy Award winning actor Bridges.

The Film Commission was able to meet the needs of the film production in downtown Idyllwild, while taking into account the impact to the local businesses.

“The Film Commission attracts productions to our unincorporated communities, such as Idyllwild, where they create a strong, positive economic impact to local businesses,” explained Riverside County Film Commissioner Bettina Breckenfeld. “It leaves us with interesting movie stars and productions to tout for future projects.”

The Film Commission works with county partners to coordinate traffic and pedestrian flow around the production to ensure safety and minimize delays.

“The Old Man” wrapped up filming in downtown Idyllwild on the eve of the community’s annual Halloween Parade and Carnival on Oct. 31.

“Come on up to Idyllwild for a good ol’ fashion, down-home Halloween,” said event organizer Chris Singer. “We’ll even have a costume contest for humans and dogs.”

Idyllwild’s Halloween Parade kicks-off at 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the top of North Circle Drive, followed by a carnival at 7 p.m.

There will be trick-or-treating at local businesses, a dunk tank, face painting and cake walk. With a $5 wristband, carnival goers can also enjoy other games and jump houses.

The Riverside County Film Commission assists with easy online permits, incentives and locations for films, TV shows, commercials and music videos in Riverside County. The office provides professional, expedited concierge services from start to finish. Go to www.FilmRiversideCounty.com  for more information.

Family members and advocates to hold vigil for Vickie Lee Hammonds, who died in custody at the California Institution for Women (CIW) 

CORONA, CA—- The family of Vickie Lee Hammonds and California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) will hold a vigil and peaceful demonstration on November 9th, 3pm PST at the California Institution for Women (CIW) state prison in protest of her preventable death while incarcerated. 

Vickie Lee Hammonds’ death on June 5th was one in a long series of avoidable injuries, suicides and preventable deaths caused by a culture of negligence that persists throughout the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and at CIW in particular, despite years of public scrutiny. In the weeks leading up to her death, Vickie––diagnosed with COPD and diabetes––had repeatedly informed CIW staff that it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to breathe. Multiple witnesses report that her repeated requests for emergency care were sidelined or ignored. 

“Our sister Vickie was not just an inmate with a CDCR number, she was a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,” said Alma Hammonds, sister of the victim, from a statement on behalf of Vickie’s family. “We all want to know why she was so neglected and allowed to die.” 

Advocates for prisoners held in CIW, which was once identified as having a suicide rate 8x the national average, report a wide range of troubling issues plaguing the facility: refusal to provide emergency medical care by custody and medical staff; incredibly long wait times to have medical needs met; botched surgeries; and extreme medical indifference to people suffering with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. 

“The State of California, the CDCR and CIW have to take responsibility for in-custody deaths, the neglect that allows them to continue, and the callousness of their collective response when they occur,” said CCWP organizer Eva Nagao.  “We’re here to support Vickie’s family in their demand for justice, and to make sure others in the prisons know we are watching––that we’re fighting alongside them for their survival.”

TIME: 3pm PST 

DATE: Saturday, Nov 9th, 2019 

LOCATION:  In front of CIW Prison (16756 Chino Corona Rd, Corona, CA 92880) 

This Veteran’s Day, Black Angus Steakhouse is taking some time to stop and salute the brave men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.

To honor our veterans and active-duty military this year, on November 11, Black Angus will be offering an “All American Steak Plate” for only $9.99.

The All American Steak plate includes an 8 oz. Certified Angus Beef® Top Sirloin steak with mashed potatoes, fresh broccoli with garlic butter, and a non-alcoholic beverage for only $9.99. 

OFFER DETAILS:

• Valid on November 11, 2019 only for all veterans and active-duty military
• No coupon necessary
• Offer valid one per veteran or active duty military personnel
• Military Guest must display valid Military ID or other proof of service
• Spouse and other military dependents are not eligible
• Offer is valid with coupons other party members would like to use
• Offer includes non-alcoholic beverages only (coffee, milk, tea and soda)
• Offer good throughout the entire restaurant, including BullsEye Bar
• Dine-in Only not valid for takeout or delivery
• No Substitutions
• $15 Be Our Guest may not be used for this promotion

YUCAIPA, CA – Nominations for the 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award from Crafton Hills College are being accepted through November 25. This prestigious award recognizes and honors the exceptional individuals whose attendance at Crafton helped them achieve their educational and professional goals, enabling great service to their communities. Each year, the Crafton Hills College Foundation recognizes a former student who exemplifies the dynamic and positive qualities the Crafton experience strives to produce. The Crafton Hills College Foundation Gala Committee reviews nominations and makes a final selection.  Nominees are judged on their accomplishments in their chosen fields and for their community service. The selected recipient is presented with the award as an honored guest at the Annual Foundation Gala, Dinner and Auction each spring.

Nominees can self-nominate or be nominated by someone else. Nomination forms can be found online at www.craftonhills.edu/alumni. For more information, contact the CHC Foundation at 909-389-3245.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Candidate attended Crafton Hills College and completed credit courses.
• The candidate demonstrates achievement of an exceptional nature and shows professional growth within their chosen field.
• Through leadership or active volunteering, the candidate has made a positive impact on their respective community.
• If selected, the candidate agrees to be present at the Foundation Gala on April 18, 2020, to accept the award.

Past recipients:

• 2019 – David Avila
• 2018 – Steve Leverette
• 2017 – Troy Mondragon
• 2016 – Lea Deesing
• 2015 – Scott McNaul Hernandez
• 2014 – Michael J. Smith
• 2013 – Raquel Prieto

By Naomi K. Bonman

The last weekend of October was kicked off in an empowering and fulfilling way! It was definitely a great way to wrap up Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the 3^rd Annual Queens Brunch held Saturday, October 26 at the Ontario Gateway Hotel in Ontario, CA.

The day started at 9 a.m. with a social hour as ladies checked in. After checking in, as you entered into the doors into the ballroom, you were welcomed by pink decorations and ladies of all nationalities decked out in their ‘Sunday’s Best’ hats. You immediately knew that you were about to be blessed.

Since the inception of the brunch in 2017, the event has successful grew from 30 women in the founder, Adrienne Braxton’s backyard, to over 200 women in a hotel ballroom. The Queen’s Brunch is definitely a life changing event filled with empowerment, encouragement and support.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. with a prayer and ice breaker. The ladies were able to get to know one another with selfies. This period of the event is the perfect way to kick the event off because it allows guests to get a little comfortable, especially for those who come to the brunch solo. They get to feel like they know some people.

Brunch was then served immediately after the ice breaker with the program starting shortly after. Each year the highlight of the event is remembering those who received their wings by calling out their names during a tribute and moment of silence.

A week prior to the brunch, the community lost a shero, Wyteria Musgrove, to breast cancer. In her honor, a special table was decorated in gold and red towards the front of the stage.

Although those who have passed are remembered at the event, the event was all filled with empowerment, encouragement and support through powerful testimonies of survivors, poetry and song selections of inspiration.

If you missed the brunch this year, mark your calendars for October 10-11, 2020. The brunch will be two-day event. Stay tuned!

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. 

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.

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. 

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  

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)