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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— As part of its process for selecting new history/social science textbooks, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) invites all stakeholders to review the books and give input.

The books are available for review now through September 14 at all Family Engagement Centers and high school libraries. The books are also available for review during business hours at the Professional Development Center (PDC) located at 4030 Georgia Blvd. in San Bernardino, and the Welcoming Resource Center located at 781A West Second Street in San Bernardino.

In addition, the publisher will make two presentations to showcase the books and answer questions. The presentation for 6th- through 12th-grade textbooks is on Tuesday, August 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PDC. The presentation for kindergarten through 5th-grade textbooks is on Thursday, August 23, also from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the PDC.

This is the first time that SBCUSD has adopted history/social science text books since 2006. For more information about the new textbook adoption, please call the District at (909) 473-2077.

Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and the Inland Ivy Foundation join forces in supporting higher education through scholarships

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, June 9, Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its charitable affiliate, The Inland Ivy Foundation held its Scholarship and Graduate Recognition Luncheon at the Arrowhead Country Club in San Bernardino.

The organizations presented eight scholarships to students graduating from local high schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The students selected demonstrated high scholastic achievement and active involvement in giving back to their communities through volunteering their time in community service and various extracurricular activities.

The scholarship recipients are Mya Biggers of Valley View High School, Hannah Chum of Hesperia High School, Kennedy Francis of Martin Luther King High School, Jervaughn Gaines of Vista Murrieta High School, Elani Hunter of Henry J. Kaiser High School, Serena Jimerson of Vista Murrieta High School, Gabrielle Stewart of Eleanor Roosevelt High School,  and Jaden Taylor of John W. North High School. A scholarship in memory of the late Hazel Hawkins-Russell, Ph.D. a local educator from Riverside known for her contributions to the field of education, and a member of the sorority was awarded for the first time this year.  The recipient Gabrielle Stewart  will be attending  Howard University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Washington D.C.

These high school seniors are all college bound and were selected from a pool of outstanding candidates.

In addition to awarding scholarships, Eta Nu Omega Chapter members from the  University of California Riverside, Kappa Theta Chapter,  California State University San Bernardino, Rho Delta Chapter and the children of members graduating from high school or college were recognized  and  presented  with certificates for their achievements.

Eta Nu Omega raises funds throughout the year through its charitable arm, The Inland Ivy Foundation to support community programs and to provide scholarships for college-bound students in the Inland Empire. Its annual fundraiser, “Pearls, Pumps and Fashions” will be held on November 18, 2018 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® was founded in 1908, and  is the oldest Greek- letter organization established by African American, college-educated women, and has a current membership internationally of 300,000.

Washington, DC – The national anti-hunger campaign No Kid Hungry has announced five winners of its 2018 Summer Meals Hero contest. This year’s inspiring line-up of local champions is proof that it really does take a village to feed kids in the summertime. The winners include individuals from school districts and community organizations across the country who were nominated by members of their local community. Whether they spend their workday in a church, a hospital, or a food truck, these No Kid Hungry summer heroes go above and beyond to change the lives of kids in need.

One of the five recipients of the national award is Betty Crocker, Food Nutrition Director at Redlands Unified School District. Before Betty came to the district two years ago, Redlands did not have a summer meals program. She quickly developed partnerships with the city and local community centers, launching the program in 2017. Thanks to Betty’s creative marketing and commitment to overcome challenges, the program saw significant growth this summer.

“She only cares about one thing, and that’s serving the kiddos!” says Daisy Munguia, a Senior Program Director for No Kid Hungry California. 1 in every 5 kids in San Bernardino County face hunger.

Summer can be the hungriest time of year for many children from low-income families. When schools close, students no longer get school meals, and families struggle to put food on the table. Summer hunger can have a long-term impact on a child’s health, ability to learn and general well-being. No Kid Hungry and its partners focus on connecting kids to the national Summer Meals Program as a critical way to end childhood hunger.

“Reaching kids during the summer months can be a tough nut to crack, but I’m so inspired by the work that’s happening in communities all across the country,” said Lisa Davis, Senior Director of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. “Thanks to everyday heroes like the amazing folks we’re recognizing today, many more kids will return to school this fall well-nourished and ready to learn.”

Study finds 22% of young adults in college cannot afford food, despite working and receiving financial aid

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Food insecurity among college students has become more common in recent years. A recent study entitled “Hunger on Campus: The Challenge of Food Insecurity for College Students,” surveyed 3,765 college students across 34 campuses in 12 states and found that 22 percent of the respondents were below the level of food insecurity and were considered to be hungry instead of insecure. The study also found that contrary to common stereotypes, most food insecure students are working and receiving financial aid*. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Kaiser Foundation to help address this critical issue faced by students who are working diligently to become educated, contributing members of our communities.

CAPSBC CEO Patricia L. Nickols-Butler stated, “Low-income college students need our support while they endeavor to better themselves. We are grateful to Kaiser Foundation for recognizing the importance of nutrition in education and making this investment in our young adults who represent the future of our communities.”

The nonprofit CAPSBC has been operating its Food Bank program since 1984. It is the largest provider of emergency food in San Bernardino County. The growing need of students prompted higher educational institutions to seek help from the Food Bank. As a result, the Campus Cupboard program was launched in January 2018. Current partner sites include San Bernardino Valley College and Chaffey College campuses in Fontana, Chino, and Rancho Cucamonga. Kaiser Permanente’s investment in the Campus Cupboard program will enable us to expand services in areas of high need in San Bernardino County.

The Campus Cupboard Program promotes healthy choices in the foods given as part of the Food Bank’s overall healthy Food Banking initiatives. Health nutrition education information for students will also be made available at the sites.

*Source: “Hunger on Campus: the Challenge of Food Insecurity for College Students” – October 2016 published by the College and University Food Bank Alliance, the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness, the Student Government Resource Center and the Student Public Interest Research Groups.

The newly renamed arts institution will bring enhanced programming and scholarship to downtown Riverside

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA —- UCR ARTS has a new name and a new vision.

Formerly known as ARTSblock, UCR ARTS is comprised of two entities — the California Museum of Photography and the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts — and strives to encourage community engagement and an appreciation of art and photography by providing visitors a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

“This name change is reflective of a renewed vision that embraces UCR ARTS’ relationship to the University of California, Riverside and a commitment to creating an inclusive and inviting place for the Riverside region and beyond,” said Sheila Bergman, executive director of UCR ARTS.

Housed in a pair of renovated department store buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, UCR ARTS’ history extends to the founding of the Jack and Marilyn Sweeney Art Gallery in 1963 and the California Museum of Photography in 1973. In 2010, the Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts opened, offering a new home for the Sweeney Art Gallery and new community space for the Inland Empire.

Now, UCR ARTS has shifted focus from growing in size to growing in reach by enhancing its programming and cultivating a thriving arts community.

Following four months of renovation, the California Museum of Photography, or CMP, has reopened its doors, providing access to its collection of 750,000 objects. With the largest public collection of photographic technology in the western United States and the world’s largest archive of stereoscopic photographs and negatives, the CMP is an important destination for researchers worldwide.

Offering a multidisciplinary creative space, the Culver Center serves as an incubator for bold and artistic expressions. A host of art installations and exhibits, a weekly film program, and music, dance, and theatrical performances, and community events are presented year-round in the Culver’s atrium.

“We are building on our history of exemplary exhibitions and performances by widening our scope,” Bergman said. “UCR ARTS is a place for the Inland Southern California community to convene and engage in robust arts and cultural programming.”

UCR ARTS is located at 3824 and 3834 Main St., Riverside. Learn more at ucrarts.ucr.edu.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- RIVERSIDE, CA— JoJo’s Grill-A-Dog – no MSG, no gluten, no fillers – build-your-own hot dog fast casual dining concept, is now offering franchise opportunities in Riverside. Co-founders Ryan Molnar and Jason Tang kicked off JoJo’s Grill-A-Dog’s humble beginnings with the opening of its Yucaipa location in 2010. Since then, the brand and the business processes have been refined into a successful and proven business operation in Redlands. 

“Hot dogs are an icon of American cuisine that never goes out of style,” said Molnar and Tang. “We are looking for franchisees who have a willingness and commitment to serving people high quality food in a pleasant environment. We’ve already identified a prime location at a reasonable rent, and also provide strong operational, marketing, accounting, audit, and legal support. Our franchisee’s success is our success, and we’re looking forward to growing the business and bringing the unique JoJo’s experience to the folks here in Riverside.”

“Entrepreneurs who have a strong management background, love good food, enjoy serving people, and believe in a ‘customer first’ culture should choose to become a JoJo’s franchisee,” said Molnar and Tang. “Start up cost for a JoJo’s franchise is below average, while the return on investment is above average in a short period of time. Our familiar, yet creative product offering uses quality ingredients, backed by an extremely simplified and streamlined process, national food and paper supply pricing, and relevant décor, design and branding. We want you to succeed!”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The PAL Charter Academy teachers and staff returned to work to gear up for their upcoming school year. The school had quite a productive and successful school year in 2017-18. 

Head of Schools, Kim Hawkins, said, ” We had a phenomenal 2017-18 school year. Our goal is to use the momentum from last year and make this year even better. The teachers and staff are motivated, excited and ready to go!”

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Dwaine Radden Sr., the teachers and staff kicked off their Bootcamp week. Radden, a former Teacher, Businessman, Championship coach and Hall of Famer came in true form bringing his winning attitude, and 21st-century approach to education when he delivered a gripping motivational speech.

His infectious message had the teachers and staff chanting, “We Are PAL, We Are PAL!,” Edward Brantley, Director of the Community Outreach Program, said, “Mr. Radden’s message to us was inspiring and motivating, his passion for students to succeed in school and life was spot on.”

The Bootcamp week was extraordinary and full of energy.

Mr. Radden talked to the teachers and staff about rewiring themselves for Next Level Teaching. He said, “Students, today are digitally wired and don’t think and learn the way we did. We must rewire the educational system and teachers for the generations to come. We must prepare our students for real-world challenges and the 21st Century”. His message came from a few chapters out of the book he is currently writing, Rewiring America and the Educational System We Live In.

The teachers and staff attended a series of professional development training sessions, and also participated in several team building exercises. The week was filled with exciting and innovative strategies for teachers and staff.  Dominic White, Director of Student Life, kicked off the first day with her high energy introduction of the school, and she also shared information she and others received from the National Charter School Conference in Texas they attended over the summer. She said, “Coach Radden charged a team of 6 teachers and one administrator to be “Hunters” and bring back innovative and creative ideas that we can incorporate into the school. My excitement and energy was a carryover from the knowledge and ideas that came from the trip”. She also serves as the Athletic Director for the school and was instrumental in securing the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) membership for the school.

Last year, the PAL Academy brought home its first men’s basketball league championship and received a 6-year accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, (WASC), the longest accreditation in school history. They became a member of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and bridged connections with local community colleges to provide advanced students with the opportunity to participate in the colleges’ concurrent enrollment program. The Academy received a host of other accomplishments and accolades last school year. 

Now Enrolling For Middle and High School 2018-19

PAL Charter Academy is a Free Public Charter school serving grades 6-12. The school is authorized under the SBCUSD and is the first and longest operating charter sanctioned by and in the City of San Bernardino. For more information call 909-887-7002 or visit their website at www.palcharteracademy.com.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy is currently hiring for a Mental Health Specialist to deliver and coordinate services for our High Desert program in San Bernardino. Please see the description below:

Contract position, responsible for implementing case management, facilitating group and individual intervention and prevention services for youth and parents. Population served includes adolescents and parents. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Social/Behavioral Health, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field or a minimum of two years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties. The Mental Health Specialist works directly with clients, under the supervision of the Program Coordinator.  Ability to counsel youth on factors contributing to youth violence (i.e. mental disorders, wellness, life issues, lifespan development, etc.).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

• work with adolescents participating in-school and after-school youth program, counseling and case management services;
• assess levels of risk;
• coordinate intakes and carry out needs assessments, including possible home visits;
• work with clients to develop individualized service plans in conjunction with other professionals, with specific goals and objectives, including substance abuse treatment, mental health care, vocational training, etc.;
• implement and facilitate individual and/or group counseling sessions;
• offer information and counseling support to clients and their families;
• maintain confidential client records, files, and prepare reports;
• travel to off sites to provide services;
• other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator

Minimum Qualifications

• computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office;
• excellent documentation skills;
• some involvement with youth serving organizations and
• understanding of adolescent developmental issues preferred

For more information please contact Terrance Stone, CEO at (909) 723-1695 tstone@yvyla-ie.org.

Download application here: YVYLA Employment Application

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINIO, CA— While all of the participants of the Little League® Western Regional Tournament enjoy their experience in San Bernardino, there are a handful of notable stars who have gone on to have professional careers. 

Darnell Coles

As a member of one of three local-area teams to ever play at the Western Regional Headquarters in San Bernardino, Darnell Coles led the San-Ri Little League from Rialto and San Bernardino to the West Regionals in 1974. Unfortunately, San-Ri lost in the championship game to a very tough Red Bluff team from Northern California. After a star career at Eisenhower High School, lettering in four sports, Mr. Coles earned a football scholarship to UCLA. Despite his scholarship, Mr. Coles was also drafted by the Seattle Mariners and chose to play baseball. Mr. Coles later starred with the Detroit Tigers, hitting 20 home runs in one season. He is currently the hitting instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ken Hubbs

Ken Hubbs – Colton (Calif.) Little League (1954)

While he never played at the Western Regional Headquarters, Ken Hubbs and the Colton (Calif.) Little League went to the Little League Baseball World Series in 1954. He lettered in four sports in high school, named All-CIF in three sports, and was named an All-American in both football and baseball. After being recruited by John Wooden to play basketball at UCLA, Mr. Hubbs was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and quickly made his way to the majors, setting many fielding records in his brief career. In 1962, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year and became the first rookie to also win the Golden Glove. Unfortunately, his career was cut short as he died shortly later in a plane crash. In his honor, Colton Little League has since been renamed Ken Hubbs Little League and continues to be an active Little League program today.

With thousands of players participating in the West and Northwest Regional Tournament, this select few were also able to take their talent to the ultimate level playing on the professional level.

For more information about Little League, please go to www.littleleague.org.

Rialto’s Night Out is a way to reduce crime in the community