Local

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- SAC Health System has partnered with San Bernardino City Unified School District to start a school-based health clinic to serve and help our communities with their medical needs for school admissions. SAC Health System H.O.P.E. Center (Healthcare Options for Prevention & Education) will offer services on a walk-in basis.

This collaborative project will bring ease to the health screening process for parents and students as they start their new school year. Parents and their children will need to drop-off immunization cards and paperwork to their schools once completed at their medical appointments.

SAC Health System H.O.P.E. Center will be open three days a week: Monday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

SAC Health System H.O.P.E. Center official grand opening is on October 15, 2019 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. located inside the Welcoming Resource Center at 781 W. 2nd Street Suite A, San Bernardino, CA 92410.

By Reginald Young

The word is out. The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) in association with community leaders and the faith based community, will have another Community Block party on Saturday October 26, 2019 from 12PM – 3PM  at Dr. Mildred Henry Elementary, located at 1250 W 14^th Street, San Bernardino.

The residences in San Bernardino are still being plagued with violence, crime and shootings in the City. The San Bernardino Pastors and community leaders take a stand together in solidarity and let the residence know with boldness, theme “Our God Will Provide” Gen 22: 11-14. The SBPU pastor’s demonstrate by showing love, helping thy neighbor, covering one another.  On this day, pastors, law enforcements, dignitaries, school officials all join together on one accord.  

We are expecting thousands to be in attendance, Come early. At the event, there will be free food, free groceries,  free gifts and prizes for the kids, free clothes and free health checks, job resources. The host church will be Victory Outreach Church, located at 990 W Mill Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Pastor Rick Alanis Senior will deliver a life changing message. Please register by phone, or go to our website www.sbpastorsunited.org to register.  

The SBPU is asking the community to join us, as we remain strong, through providing:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more information call 909-353-7977 or contact the Victory Outreach Church 909-884-1921 email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Pass the Word! Like us on Facebook!  

Seeking to implement effective regional as well as local approaches to combat California’s growing homeless crisis, San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales has joined eight other County Supervisors on the California State Association of Counties’ (CSAC) Homeless Action Team.

CSAC formed the working group in August, which also includes its First Vice President Lisa Bartlett and Immediate Past President Leticia Perez, to complementGovernor Gavin Newsom’s Statewide Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force. Viewing homelessness from the county perspective, the Homeless Action Team will help to fill the gaps, ensuring the design and execution of a greater comprehensive strategy to address the economic, social, and health challenges California communities face.

“My colleagues on the Homeless Action Team and I are equally vested in reducing homelessness in our respective counties, as well as statewide,” said Supervisor Gonzales

“Now is the time for us to seek collaborative, comprehensive approaches that also will help us tackle the complex housing, economic, mental and physical health impacts we each face as we work to reduce our homeless populations. The Governor’s support and the recent funding allocations to address homelessness makes all of this possible,” said Gonzales.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who co-chairs Governor Newsom’s Statewide Homeless and Supportive Housing Advisory Task Force, also chairs CSAC’s Homeless Action Team. As the conduit between the Task Force and the Team, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas is ensuring that best practices, programs, and collaborative measures recommended by his fellow Supervisors will be put in place to effectually respond and threat the symptoms that trigger homelessness.

“I look forward to hearing from the other Supervisors as to what is working in other parts of the state, while also sharing our own successes,” said Supervisor Gonzales who is chair of San Bernardino County’s Interagency Council on Homelessness – a model partnership that addresses chronic homelessness.

“Homelessness does not respect jurisdictional boundaries; it is a tragedy that destroys everyone’s quality of life. It is critical that we work together to address this social ill,” she added.

RIVERSIDE, CA— Susan G. Komen Inland Empire’s annual signature fundraising event is set for Sunday, Oct. 13 in Murrieta where supporters will walk and raise money for breast cancer treatment, patient advocacy and groundbreaking research as part of the rebranded new MORE THAN PINK Walk™.

The community event at Murrieta’s Town Square Park will honor breast cancer patients who are no longer living and will celebrate the survivors.  Seventy-five percent of the net proceeds stay here in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to fund local programs to support mothers, sisters, neighbors and friends as they battle breast cancer right here in our community. The remaining 25 percent will fund groundbreaking research.

The organization announced in May the rebranding of the event, previously known as the Race for the Cure, with a renewed focus on community and the value participants bring to Susan G. Komen’s overall mission.

The inspiring family-friendly event demonstrates how the fundraising efforts of every participant fuel lifesaving research, critical patient care, needed community programs and public policy advocacy in a personal and powerful way. 

“By participating in the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire More Than Pink Walk™, you can help ensure that our vision to end breast cancer becomes a reality, as we strive to support those affected by breast

Cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures,” said Dr. Sandra Finestone, board president for Komen Inland Empire.  

The event will open at 6:30 a.m. Opening ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. with the Walk starting at 8:30 a.m.  Survivors and those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer will kick off the opening ceremony by leading the way through the “Pathway of Hope” where all participants will cheer them on.  Also new this year will be guest speakers Kara Adams, a survivor and author, and Metastatic Breast Cancer survivor Patti Martinez.  The emcee for the event will be one of Komen Inland Empire’s founders, Joan Sparkman. 

“Together we have the power to transform lives, one step at a time,” said Joan Sparkman, Founding Member of Komen Inland Empire.

The MORE THAN PINK Walk^TM sponsors show their commitment to our community by supporting our volunteers, survivors and those living with breast cancer, as well as everyone who has joined together to raise funds as part of this important event. 

This year’s sponsors include: Bank of America, the City of Murrieta, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Abbott, Arrowhead Water, BMW of Murrieta, The Valley News, The Camp Transformation Centers and more.

Susan G. Komen Inland Empire has a goal to raise $300,000 at this year’s MORE THAN PINK Walk™.  Reaching our fundraising goal means more research, care and action against breast cancer for our loved ones, our community and future generations.  Organizations interested in sponsoring the Walk are encouraged to contact the affiliate office to learn more about opportunities.

Register and begin fundraising TODAY at www.komenie.org. For more information you can call 951-676-7465.  Follow the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire on Facebook Susan G. Komen Inland Empire and or Twitter.

Volunteers also are needed and are encouraged to sign up online: https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/2019-more-than-pink-inland-empire-walk-murrieta-october-762428

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE,CA— At its Annual Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 2019, the Riverside African American Historical Society, Inc. (RAAHS) will honor several individuals who have impacted the development of the African American community in the Inland Empire. 

The following Unsung Heroes will be honored:  Daniel Hantman, Humanitarian; Karen Y. Johnson, Education; Dwight Jones, Religion; and Harold Ross, Community; all have made a positive difference in the lives of others and have not received nor sought recognition for their service. 

The RAAHS salute these individuals who advocate for and promote a strong visible presence in the community to hold fast to the moral standards of our heritage.

The Annual Meeting will be held at the Marriott Riverside, 3400 Market Street, Downtown Riverside, beginning at 2:30 p.m.  Donation $60 per person, payable in advance.  RSVP for the luncheon by contacting (951)684-1072 or emailing mompops8@aol.com.  Visit our website at: raahsinc.org

On Saturday, September 21, the Redlands’ Boy’s and Girls Club held its annual ‘Day 4 Kids’ event. Check out some of the photos below:

Photo Credit: John Coleman, Community Photographer

Monthly labs to K-12 students and community give insight into the art of filmmaking

SAN BERNARDINO, CA.– San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is giving K-12 students and the community a glimpse into the art of filmmaking with its monthly lab series.

The Inland Empire Media Academy (IEMA) series was developed to help students find their voice and develop an appreciation for the art and craft of film and visual storytelling. Labs, free to elementary, junior and high school students and $15 for members of the community, are held on Saturdays and participants can expect to receive a broader knowledge of film, TV and media production.

“This is a great way to learn about everything that goes into making a movie or TV show right here in San Bernardino,” said IEMA Director and SBVC Radio, Television and Film (RTVF) Instructor Lucas Cuny.  “It also gives people a chance to work with state-of-the-art technology and learn about the RTVF program here at SBVC.”

Held on October 26, “Set Tech 101” educates students on how to set up and break down all film and television set equipment. SBVC’s Kevin Lyons will teach participants how to set up a dolly, 12×12, c-stand, light stand, tripod, camera, sound equipment, as well as the right way to wrap a cable.

The series runs through November, goes dark in December and restarts in January 2020. All labs are from 1-5 pm in SBVC’s Media and Communications Building, Room 142. Registration is at valleycollege.edu/academic-career-programs/degrees-certificates/radio-television-film/film-festival/index.php. 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Recently, Congressman Pete Aguilar announced a federal grant of $3 million has been awarded to the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD). The funding comes from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will be matched by SBCCD, bringing the total investment to $6 million.

These funds will be used to renovate and modernize two buildings housing the San Bernardino Community College District’s Institute for Local Economic Advancement and Development (iLEAD) initiative. The first building, in northern San Bernardino, will house the iLEAD Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IE) Accelerator. Here students will receive hands-on career training in coding, 3D printing, digital media, machine technology, and construction. The second facility, in Downtown San Bernardino, will provide job training to formerly-incarcerated individuals through the iLEAD Center for Re-Entry & Access to Transitional Employment (CREATE) Program. The EDA estimates that the programs will create 369 new jobs, support 893 current jobs, and spur over $120,000 in private investments in the community.

“With this investment in our community, the EDA is recognizing the potential for growth within San Bernardino. I’m proud to announce this funding, which will create hundreds of good-paying jobs in our region and help continue the economic growth we’ve seen in the past few years,” said Aguilar.

“Whether a young student wants the skills to jumpstart their career or a formerly incarcerated adult wants a second chance at a better life, our partnership with the EDA will help open new doors of opportunity,” said San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Bruce Baron. “We look forward to putting this investment immediately to work and continue building a stronger workforce for the Inland Empire.” 

As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, Aguilar helps determine federal funding levels for agencies such as the EDA. In addition to his role on the Appropriations Committee, Aguilar serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the House Democratic Caucus.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Brenda Dowdy, homeless education project manager for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will receive the 2019 Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award at a national conference in Washington, D.C.         

Dowdy will be honored at the 31st annual National Association for the Education of Homeless Children Conference on November 3.         

For the past 13 years, Dowdy has worked in County Schools’ Children Deserve Success program, working with liaisons of the county’s 33 school districts in homeless education to provide services for students from pre-kindergarten through college.          

San Bernardino County is home to more than 33,000 students identified as homeless as defined by the federal McKinney-Vento Act.         

Dowdy has led efforts through County Schools to provide backpacks with school supplies, clothing, emergency food and personal hygiene items for students. She has run tutoring programs to help students with homework. She also has helped raise and coordinate distribution of college scholarships for high school graduates annually.         

For the past 14 years, Children Deserve Success partners with community organizations to host an annual holiday celebration for more than 200 students and their families.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—-  The San Bernardino Public Library will be hosting a visit from award-winning author and poet, Kwame Alexander and musician Randy Preston on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. This free all-ages event will be held at 6 pm in the Bing Wong Auditorium at the Feldheym Central Library, 555 W. 6^th Street.

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and the New York Times Bestselling author of 32 books, including The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson; How to Read a Book, illustrated by Melissa Sweet; Swing; Rebound, which was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal; and his NEWBERY medal-winning middle grade novel, The Crossover. Some of his other works include Booked, a National Book Award Nominee; The Playbook: 52 Rules To Help You Aim, Shoot, And Score In This Game Of Life; and the picture books Surf’s Up; Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band; and Out Of Wonder, which won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

A regular contributor to NPR’s Morning Edition, Kwame is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Prize, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award, The Dominion Energy Strong Men and Women of Virginia, and the 2018 NEA Read Across America Ambassador.

Kwame’s belief in the power of poetry and literature to inspire, engage, and empower young people is the guiding force behind his appointment as the inaugural Innovator-in-Residence at the American School in London. Kwame is the Founding Editor of VERSIFY, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers whose mission is to Change the World One Word at a Time. He’s led cultural exchange delegations to Brazil, Italy, Singapore, and Ghana, where he built the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded.

Randy Preston is a singer-songwriter, educator and storyteller, who grew up on 3 different continents.  Raised in England and Kenya, he gained a deep appreciation for the lore, the myths and the legends of the places he has lived.  This love of words and storytelling led to reams of bad poetry, a degree in English Literature, a mildly successful Christian rock band, and culminated in an 18 year teaching career, from the high school classroom to the university lecture hall.

Most recently, Preston has been touring with Kwame Alexander visiting schools and special events to entertain and engage people through catchy music and interactive storytelling. He’s written original songs for Kwame’s latest novels in verse REBOUND, SOLO, and SWING.

Books will be available for purchase at the event. This free program is sponsored by the California Library Literacy Services.

You can reserve free tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newbery-award-winning-author-kwame-alexander-tickets-74045822047 or call the library at 909-381-8238 or 909-381-8250.