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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.

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.

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 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) was infected by a malicious ransomware attack over the weekend. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks data with threats to perpetually block access unless a ransom is paid.

While SBCUSD computer servers are currently inaccessible due to the cyberattack, student data and related family data is secure. Almost all student and family data is hosted on a third-party platform with its own servers, and those servers were not impacted.

“It’s true that there are significant challenges to access the District network because the District systems are down,” said District Safety/Emergency Manager Eric Vetere. “However, student data has not been compromised.”

School phones and student meals are not impacted by the cyberattack. Telephone systems for the Transportation Department, which coordinates student busing services with Durham School Services, were briefly affected, but Durham transported students without interruption. Transportation phone systems are now up and running. Lighting and air conditioning systems are not directly impacted by the ransomware.

“We are committed to doing all we can to continue serving our families and to strengthening our systems so something like this doesn’t happen again,” Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden said.

SBCUSD is working with law enforcement and a third-party expert to restore the network. At this point, there is no estimated time for restoration of services. As part of the ongoing investigation, SBCUSD cannot disclose the ransom demands.

Families are encouraged to follow SBCUSD on Twitter @SB_CitySchools, on Instagram @sbcusd, and at www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoUSD for updates.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Medical billing and coding are making a strong comeback in the employment market, and San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is welcoming students to get ready for the many well-paying opportunities ahead.

This semester, the campus has launched classes for students to earn a medical billing and coding certificate.

In the past, similar certificates have been available, including office technology certificates, but SBVC’s Dr. Stephanie Lewis said this is the first year the college is specifically offering the medical billing and coding certificate.

“It’s a wonderful program. It’s the first step to either work in the front office or back office for physicians offices or in the hospital setting or areas that specifically deal with billing in the medical field,” said Dr. Lewis, Dean of Mathematics, Business & Computer Technology.

Students carrying a full load of courses can realistically expect to finish the certificate within two to three semesters, depending on how they build their classes within their schedule, she said.

The field is in high demand, and pays well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, last year the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians was $40,350. Going forward, the demand for health information technician jobs is expected to increase as the population ages. Growth projections are 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. According to Salary.com, medical and billing technicians can earn between $38,666 and $46,963.

Students are required to take the core courses, including biology as an introduction to anatomy and physiology. They will take keyboarding, business English and medical terminology. Also, medical insurance billing and coding along with an introduction to electronic health records and personal computers.

The certificate is also attractive to students that are pursuing nursing, pharmacy technician or other related health fields.

“Sometimes, they’ll take these courses just to broaden their background in the medical field in general,” she said.

She said the course also gives students a good understanding of the depth and breadth of the field. Within the certificate, there are three medical type courses, including medical insurance billing and coding, electronic health records, along with medical terminology. Conversational Spanish along with medical office procedures are recommended courses.

Students will also gain a broad mix of adjacent skills.

“They have to be able to use the keyboard and to write and speak well, that’s the Business English course,” she said. “The total units for this is 22, so a student could finish this within two semesters if they went full time.”

Currently, there is a national movement to get medical records digitized and accessible. The field is open for healthy employment prospects, and earnings potential for years to come. She said they recently brought on two new adjunct faculty members to better serve the growing interest and student needs.

“We are pleased to have them on board. We’re pretty excited about it,” she said.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Members of the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated invite the community to join them this December in the celebration of its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. Since the Chapter’s charter on December 6, 1959, the sisterhood has served communities throughout the Inland Empire to improve economic and educational development, enhance physical and mental health, and to broaden political and international awareness as well as involvement.

This fundraising celebratory event will help support the Chapter’s annual scholarship awards, programs, and activities that: mentor school-aged youth; increase voter education and registration; advocate against domestic violence and human trafficking; support health-based groups such as the American Diabetes Association and the March of Dimes; and help youth as well as adults become more financially resilient.

WHAT: Celebrating Our Diamond Jubilee Anniversary: 60 Years of Community Service

WHO: San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Guest Host, Comedian Angel Gaines

WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 6:00PM – Midnight

WHERE: Doubletree Hotel, 285 E. Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA 92408.

Ticket cost is $100 per person. The deadline to purchase tickets is November 10, 2019. For purchases contact a Chapter member or go to the Chapter website at www.sbraacdst.org and use the PayPal link.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA—- Join us for an evening of inspiration, for our children, and our community.  This concert is featuring a wide range of performances by young, relevant string players, showcasing the breadth of their craft.  From classical to pop, traditional to experimental, YOU do NOT want to miss it!!!

The purpose of curating this concert is to inspire more youth of color, to participate in the orchestral instruments (violin, viola, cello, string bass).  The concert is also a means to provide a fundraising opportunity to allocate scholarships for private music instruction, so students can build the skills necessary to qualify for college scholarships, join professional orchestras, and/or land professional jobs within the music and entertainment industry.    

Date: Sunday, November 3rd, 2019

Place: La Sierra University Hole Memorial Auditorium

Time: 4:00 PM

Attire: Elegant

Tickets can be purchased online http://musiclifecrescendo.org/concert.  For more information or questions, please call 951-290-8323. 

Crescendo is a musical term which means to increase to a peak or climax. We believe our lives should reflect this progression: constantly growing, striving to reach one’s fullest potential. Many of the qualities needed to crescendo in life are cultivated by studying music. It is our mission to cultivate discipline, determination, tenacity, and build self-esteem, through music education. It means so much to us at Crescendo to be able to directly impact lives in our community. In addition to enhancing academic success and building self-esteem, music also provides tremendous therapeutic relief. As stress levels are through the roof and tension is high, music is such a powerful unifying force. We are extremely humbled and thankful to be a part of a unifying chord. 

Crescendo is Co-founded by brother sister duo Kybra Minisee & Keith Tutt II, along with friend Matthew O’Rane.  They each bring over 30 years plus of experience to the organization.  Kybra serves as Crescendo’s master teacher and musical director; Keith as performing artist & producer, and Matt, as conductor & curriculum specialist.  Crescendo’s students are trained not only to play read music, but to compose as well.

This concert is sponsored by Onyx Star Media and the BEMER Group.

Onyx Star Media, co-founded by Rita and Mirthell, produces family-friendly, comedic videos starring them and their four children. This rapidly-growing multi-media business has drawn a YouTube subscriber following of over three million people and accumulating over one billion views worldwide by living out their motto on camera: “Tell the Story…Feed the Soul…Make them Laugh…Heal the Heart.”

BEMER applications boost the blood flow, thus benefiting the body’s cardiac system, regenerative abilities and even mental acuity. Using BEMER every day in combination with the sleep program is the formula for the best results.  Just two 8-minute sessions per day are needed to improve your circulation. It is that easy to enhance your physical well-being.  Ask your independent BEMER Distributor if you want to know more.

In collaboration with local employers, San Bernardino County Child Support Services is hosting the Fall Job Fair. The job fair will be Tuesday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Loma Linda Child Support office at 10417 Mountain View Ave. in  Loma Linda. The job fair highlights the department’s purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of children, supplying employment opportunities to help assist parents in supporting their children and the continued effort to help build stronger, healthier families.

Employers will be filling multiple positions in various fields. Select employers will hire potential candidates on the spot. Employers will be set up outside the Loma Linda child support office court yard.  Interview stations will be available for employers who want to conduct job interviews on-site.  Laptops will be available for candidates to complete applications online. All attendees should bring their resumes and dress for success.

Employment opportunities will be available from TMT Communications Inc., Staffmark, Saladino’s Foodservice, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, California Conservation Corps, County of San Bernardino Real Estate Services, Riverside County Probation Department, FedEx Ground, Majestic Terminal Services, Dignity Memorial, US Census, Stater Bros. Markets, and the US Army.  West Coast University and Chamberlin University will also be providing information about their educational opportunities. 

“Many know us as the collectors of child support, we are much more,” Child Support Services Director Marie Girulat said. “Child support payments provide a measure of financial stability for families and create better outcomes for children. It is our job to help parents meet their medical and financial support and connect them to employment opportunities and other vital services to ensure they can provide for their children.”

San Bernardino County Department of Child Support Services is committed to serving the community by partnering with local employers to provide resources, educational opportunities and improve the quality of life for the customers served.

DCSS assists families by establishing orders for child and medical support, establishing parentage, locating parents, enforcing support orders, and collecting and distributing child support payments. DCSS is focused on helping the whole family with all aspects of services to gain self-sufficiency. DCSS is responsible for a caseload of approximately 106,000 cases with collections of over $189 million last fiscal year.

For questions, please contact Child Support Services at (909) 478-7182.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- October is Bullying Prevention Month, and San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) credits its innovative undercover anti-bullying teams with reducing student-on-student harassment.

The District’s Positive Youth Development Department, in collaboration with university professors, designed an effective, holistic system to respond to incidents of bullying centered around empowering students to encourage kindness and respect.

Known as the Bullying Intervention Team, the system involves a reporting process, tracking system, and a team of experts that assist school sites in conducting a Restorative Justice Practice called the Undercover Anti-Bullying Team (UABT) from start to finish. In place at more than half of the 72 SBCUSD schools, the UABTs have experienced success rates not seen with other bullying-intervention efforts.

“The traditional responses to school bullying, including suspensions, bullying contracts, or school policing, can make matters worse for the student being bullied,” said Marlene Bicondova, a former middle school principal who now leads the District’s Positive Youth Development Department. “What is very unique about this approach in particular is that influential students are empowered to do the work that has been deemed almost impossible for adults. Once the bullying issue is completely resolved, the team celebrates the success.”

Since the beginning of the UABT, 48 cases across the District have been resolved through this approach, while many more have been concluded at schools where counselors are trained to use the UABT intervention. Cal State San Bernardino professor Dr. John Winslade and Michael Williams, authors of the book Safe and Peaceful Schools, have been the catalysts in this groundbreaking work.

Although Bicondova and her team of experts agree that no single strategy is 100 percent effective, not one of the UABT efforts have failed to date. In fact, the Bullying Intervention Team has a bank of video testimonials from principals, parents, teachers, counselors, and students to prove that this is a highly effective and positive approach to eliminate bullying and restore relationships.

Join SBCUSD and the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center in celebrating Unity Day on Wednesday, October 23 by wearing orange. Unity Day is about standing together against bullying and uniting for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Learn more at https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Social Lites, Inc. of San Bernardino 53rd Beautillion Scholarship 2019-2020 program under the leadership of Mrs. Tina Darling, Beautillion Chairperson is now in progress. Its’ not too late for young men seeking scholarship opportunities in addition to being mentored by leaders in the community to participate in this fabulous program.

It is great to have leaders such as Dr. Rose Culpepper and Bessine Little, City Council Woman, 6th Ward mentor young men this past Saturday.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center for Youth & Community Development (formerly Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino) located at 1180 W. 9th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411.

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at tribicu2@msn.com or Ms. Lisa Blacksher, President at lisasocialities@gmail.com or Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, bettyebrewster@yahoo.com