Local

Stater Bros. Raises $20,000 to Combat Hunger for the Holiday Season

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Stater Bros., in conjunction with its charitable arm Stater Bros. Charities, presented a check for $20,000 to Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County Food Bank to help local families struggling with hunger.

Throughout the months of November and December, all 171 Stater Bros. supermarket locations participated in their annual “Harvesting Hope Campaign” providing convenient ways for customers and employees to help their friends and neighbors in need this holiday season. 

“Stater Bros. is proud of our longstanding relationship with Community Action Partnership,” said Stater Bros. Charities Chairman and President Nancy Negrette.   “We are honored to provide support to an organization that is committed to promoting healthy communities and eliminating hunger.” 

“Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County is honored to be chosen as one of the many worthy non-profits of the Harvesting Hope funds.  Our deepest appreciation to Stater Bros. Markets, Stater Bros. Charities and Stater Bros’ customers for their generosity and support of our mission to help those in need.  We value our longstanding partnership with Stater Bros. over the past thirty-three years which has resulted in over 33 millions of pounds of food being distributed to nearly 400,000 individuals and families annually who are food insecure” stated Patricia Nickols-Butler, President and CEO of CAPSBC.

If you would like to make a donation to CAPSBC to further support the mission to help people and change lives, please make a check payable to CAPSBC, and mail to: CAPSBC, Attn: Administration, 696 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA. 92408, or a secure donation can be made on our website at www.capsbc.org/donate If you would like to volunteer at CAPSBC, please fill out an interest form at www.capsbc.org/volunteer.

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Opens in Murrieta

Kaiser Ribbon Cutting.jpg

On November 2, Kaiser opened its first phase in Murrieta with a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting. This 82,000-square foot medical office building offers a state of the art healthcare experience. Mayor Rick Gibbs addressed the crowd that gathered for the celebration and announced that this facility will be a great benefit to the over 100,000 Kaiser members in the region. Kaiser is approved for 825,000 square feet of development, so phase two will be coming soon!

LLU Children’s Hospital Patients Create Gingerbread Masterpieces

LOMA LINDA, CA-Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) got into the holiday spirit this week by creating a gingerbread village display in the hospital lobby.

Both in- and out-patients were invited to visit the hospital lobby on Monday, December 4 to build and decorate a gingerbread house of their own creation. Patients who were unable to leave the units were given everything they needed to make a house in their rooms.

The annual event is made possible by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, along with the generosity of two community supporters, Alta Vista Credit Union, which donated $3,200 toward the event; and Costco Wholesale, which donated over 130 gingerbread house kits.

Lynn Sleeth, president of the Loma Linda Guild, enjoyed watching the children assemble the cookie houses and festoon them with white frosting roofs and assorted, colorful candies. Whenever a house was completed, Santa or one of his helpers placed it on a large display structure designed to evoke the shape of a Christmas tree. Patients were also able to take a teddy bear and book of their choice.

Members of the Loma Linda Fire Department also came out for the event to assist patients with building and decorating.

“We are so blessed to have friends who believe in what we are doing for the children

 

State Film Awards Feature Four Riverside County Nominees as Finalists for the First Time

RIVERSIDE, CA- Hollywood is honoring four finalists nominated by Riverside County on Sunday, marking the first time the county has had any nominees at the annual California On-Location Awards.

Two film professionals, one location management team and a City of Palm Springs employee who assists production companies were nominated by the Riverside County Film Commission, a one-stop resource for film and TV production. The commission is recognized by the California Film Commission as the official advocate for filming interests in the region.

“We’re thrilled that the film industry is honoring the expertise these professionals have provided in finding exceptional locations in Riverside County,” said Riverside County Film Commissioner Bettina Breckenfeld. “The industry now is aware of both the quality of service provided by professionals in Riverside County and the amazing benefits of locating here.”

The Riverside County Film Commission nominated the four finalists, which were selected by the Film Liaisons in California, Statewide, a professional organization of film offices that promote and facilitate in-state filming. This marks 23 years that the organization has hosted the California On-Location Awards, which is the premier awards ceremony saluting location professionals, production companies and public employees for professional excellence while working on location in the State of California. 

The winners will be revealed during a formal invitation-only ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The ceremony will be streamed live atwww.californiaonlocationawards.com, and one of the platinum sponsors is the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. Finalists and winners were determined by a vote of the Film Liaisons in California, Statewide (FLICS), a steering committee from Teamsters Local 399, and location manager award winners from the past 10 years.

“I’m humbled by the acknowledgment for doing a job that I love so much” said Janice Lopez, program coordinator for City of Palm Springs.

The finalists nominated by Riverside County are:

Location Manager – Studio Feature Film: Steve Mapel for “A Star is Born”

Location Manager – Independent Feature Film: Kevin J. Collins for “Senior Moment”

Studio Feature Films – Location Team: Team for “A Star is Born”

Rick Schuler – Location Manager

Steve Mapel – Location Manager

Scott Fitzgerald – Key Assistant Location Manager

Kirk Worley – Key Assistant Location Manager

Scott Kradolfer – Key Assistant Location Manager

Suzanne Shugarman – Assistant Location Manager

Public Employee in the City Category: Janice Lopez – City of Palm Springs

Scenes from “A Star is Born” were shot in an unincorporated area of the Coachella Valley, which doubled for a road in Arizona. The film stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) and is scheduled for theatrical release May 18 in the United States. In the film, a movie star helps a young singer/actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.

“Senior Moment” was shot in Palm Springs with William Shatner as a retired pilot whose life falls apart after he loses his driver’s license. Christopher Lloyd co-stars in the romantic comedy, which features Jean Smart as Shatner’s love interest. No release date has been scheduled.

Lopez was key to assisting both “A Star is Born” and “Senior Moment,” which needed extensive help in April 2017 with quick permit turnarounds, road closures, parking needs and resident notifications in the City of Palm Springs. Lopez was able to meet their needs, allowing them to capture the footage they needed on tight timeframes.

The nominees plan to attend the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

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

Photo Recap: Delta Rho Chapter, Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. Host 7th Annual Educator’s Prayer Breakfast

On Saturday, December 9 in the Valencia Room of the National Orange Show in San Bernardino the Delta Rho Chapter, Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., celebrated its 7th Annual Educator’s Breakfast. Special guests included: Dr. Margaret Hill, Mr. Derek Harris, Mrs. Cheville McKenzie, Ms. Vicki Lee, Unspoken Praise (New Hope Missionary Baptist Church), Mr. Richard Blacksher, County Supervisor James Ramos, and Ms. Linda Bardere.

The honorees were Nancy Ross, Judy Wilson, Kevin Simon, and Mel Palmer.

This Weeks Job Listings

Jobs for This Week:

  • Car Audio/12 Volt Tech needed – in Anaheim, CA. $14.00-$25.00/hr. based on skill set and tools.  Call Dan (714) 808-0911 ext. 714
  • General Labor needed – in Ontario, CA. Call (909) 989-9400
  • Experienced Asphalt Workers needed – in Yucaipa, CA. Call Jan (909) 772-7144
  • Drivers’ Helpers/Appliance Delivery needed – in Perris, CA. Ayudantes de chofer (Perris, CA)  Call (888) 854-6455
  • Ramona Tire – is seeking a General Service Tire Tech/Tire Installer in Beaumont, CA. Contact Jesse (951) 846-5118
  • Paul Davis Restoration – is seeking General Labor in Temecula, CA. Apply in person 27570 Commerce Center #122, Temecula, CA 92590
  • Warehouse Associate needed – in Ontario, CA. $11.00/hr.  Call (909) 663-9150 or (909) 244-0152 and ask for Sandra
  • Facility Handyman needed – in Riverside, CA. Call Raquel or Jana (916) 714-9225
  • Window Cleaner needed – in the Inland Empire, CA. Call Bob (951) 775-5946
  • Lot Porter needed – in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Call (909) 483-3073
  • Gibson Overseas, Inc. – is seeking a Shipping Supervisor in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • Lollicup USA, Inc. – is seeking a Warehouse Order Selector in Chino, CA. $11.00-$13.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Burlington – is seeking a Put to Light Material Handler in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • Penske – is seeking a Warehouse Worker in Redlands, CA. indeed.com
  • Stark – is seeking a Wholesale/Amazon Order Picker in Chino, CA. $13.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Insurance Performance, LLC @ OHL Logistics – is seeking a Labeling/Pick & Pack in Redlands, CA. $10.50/hr.  indeed.com
  • TW Services – is seeking an Order Selector in Fontana, CA. $14.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • OPARC – is seeking a Shipping & Receiving Supervisor in Montclair, CA. $14.10-$16.69/hr.  indeed.com
  • Montalvan’s Sales, Inc. – is seeking an Order Puller in Ontario, CA. $11.10/hr.  indeed.com
  • Loyalty Business Center – is seeking an Inventory Cycle Counter in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • HD Supply – is seeking a Stocker in Pomona, CA. indeed.com
  • Stark – is seeking a Warehouse Picker 2 year Amazon Fulfillment experience in Forklift, in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • Under Armour – is seeking a Warehouse Team Mate Shipping in Rialto, CA. indeed.com
  • Walmart – is seeking a Freight Handler in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • Home Chef – is seeking a Warehouse Associate in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • KeHE Distribution – is seeking a Warehouse Selector in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • Weatherford – is seeking a Packaging Operator in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $15.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Le Saint Logistics – is seeking a Shipping and Receiving Clerk in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • Packer Sanitation Serving, Inc. – is seeking a Laborer (Hourly) in March Air Reserve Base, CA. indeed.com
  • Ashley Furniture Industries – is seeking a Warehouse Management Systems Specialist in Colton, CA. indeed.com
  • Priority Workforce – is seeking a Shipping and Receiving Worker in Colton, CA. $13.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Albertson’s – is seeking a Stocker – Retail in Redlands, CA. indeed.com
  • Seldat Staffing – is seeking a Formation Material Handler in Corona, CA. $10.50/hr.  indeed.com
  • TLB Food Factory – is seeking a Shipping Clerk in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • DHL Supply Chain – is seeking a Warehouse Operator (Case Picker) in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • East Penn Manufacturing Co. – is seeking a Warehouse Material Handler-Front Office in Ontario, CA. indeed.com
  • Lineage Logistics – is seeking a 2nd shift Traffic Clerk in Mira Loma, CA. indeed.com
  • Performance Team – is seeking a Safety Manager in Redlands, CA. indeed.com
  • Express Employment Professional – is seeking a Warehouse Coordinator in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com
  • Workforce Development – is seeking General Labor in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • National Tube Supply – is seeking a 1st shift Material Handler in Moreno Valley, CA. indeed.com
  • Penske – is seeking a Diesel Tech/Mechanic II in Ontario, CA. $24.75/hr.  indeed.com
  • Sika Corporation – is seeking a Warehouse Manager in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • Monster Energy – is seeking an Event Warehouse Specialist in Rialto, CA. indeed.com
  • United Natural Foods, Inc. – is seeking a Selector; Sign-on bonus $2,000.00 in Moreno Valley, CA. indeed.com
  • High Mountain Professional Solutions, Inc. – is seeking a Truck Unloader/Stocker in Chino, CA. $11.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Living Spaces – is seeking an Order Picker in Rialto, CA. indeed.com
  • The Gund Company – is seeking a Shipping/Receiving Operator in Ontario, CA. indeed.com
  • DHL Supply Chain – is seeking an Operations Manager in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • El Super – is seeking a Receiving Clerk in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • Sabert – is seeking a Material Handler in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Resilient Staffing – is seeking a General Laborer in Ontario, CA. $10.50-$12.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Sabert Trainee – is seeking a Packer Trainee in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • California Recyclers, Inc. – is seeking an Export Shipping Clerk in Fontana, CA. $13.00-$16.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • NiPRO Optics, Inc. – is seeking a Production Worker in Irvine, CA. $13.00-$14.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Velocity Vehicle Group – is seeking a Shipping & Receiving Person-Tech in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • Siemens – is seeking a Split Case Picker in Corona, CA. indeed.com
  • Resources Building Materials – is seeking a Yard Stocker/Order Puller in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • Associates Direct Services, LLC – is seeking a Warehouse Shipping Clerk in Industry, CA. $11.00-$12.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • La Surtidora, Inc. – is seeking a Grocery Clerk/Stocker in Bloomington, CA. $11.00-$12.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Merlo Creation. LLC – is seeking a Warehouse Associate in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • On Time Staffing – is seeking a Material Handler in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • Schneider Electric – is seeking a Warehouse Service Associate in Chino, CA. indeed.com
  • A & J Environmental Services, Inc. – is seeking a General Laborer in Chino, CA. $12.00-$15.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Leeper’s Stair Products – is seeking a Receiving & Inventory Control Worker in Corona, CA. indeed.com
  • United Employment Solutions – is seeking a Warehouse Picker in Ontario, CA. $12.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • XPO Logistics – is seeking a Supervisor Warehouse Operations – III shift in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • Fed Ex Express – is seeking a Handler (Non DOT) in Ontario, CA. indeed.com
  • Secard Pools & Spas – is seeking a Laborer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. indeed.com
  • Redneck Trailer Supplies – is seeking a Material Handler/Warehouseman in Mire Loma, CA. indeed.com
  • Maddox Concrete, Inc. – is seeking a Concrete Laborer in Corona, CA. indeed.com
  • Centuri Construction Group – is seeking a Laborer-Natural Gas Utilities Construction in Eastvale, CA. indeed.com
  • El Super – is seeking a Refrigerated Picker in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Autism Spectrum Intervention – is seeking a Registered Behavior Tech in Fullerton, CA. indeed.com
  • Church Ministry – is seeking someone to sit in on Bible Studies in San Bernardino, CA. $10.00-$20.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Fortune School of Education – is seeking a School Secretary in San Bernardino, CA. $16.67/hr.  indeed.com
  • Audi Ontario – is seeking a Cashier in Ontario, CA. indeed.com
  • United States Postal Service – is seeking a PSE Mail Processing Clerk in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • United Way – is seeking a 211 Employment Navigator in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $19.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Nordstrom – is seeking a Seasonal Fulfillment Center Agent in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • Fed Ex Express – is seeking a (P/T) Courier in Ontario, CA. $19.66/hr.  indeed.com
  • Auto Club of Southern California – is seeking a Customer Service Rep-Remote Work from Home in Riverside, CA. $18.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Future Energy Saver – is seeking a Solar Energy Consultant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $120,000.00-$180,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com
  • Signature Pest & Termite Control – is seeking a Wood Repair Construction Worker (Experience required) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $16.00-$20.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Verizon – is seeking a Retail Sales Rep in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • QCB, Inc. – is hiring for Entry-Level, Paid Training in Riverside, CA. $35,000.00-$60,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com
  • California State University San Bernardino – is seeking a Scheduling Coordinator in San Bernardino, CA. $37,380.00-$61,932.61k/yr.  indeed.com
  • Riverside CA – is seeking a Receptionist in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Merrick Engineering, Inc. – is seeking an AR Clerk in Corona, CA. $13.00-$16.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • ACU Web, Inc. – is seeking a Digital Marketing Manager in Riverside, CA. $40,000.00-$50,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com
  • The UPS Store – is seeking a (F/T) Center Associate in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • Valley Kia – is seeking a Receptionist/Office Assistant in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • Mission Inn – is seeking a Front Desk Agent in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Easterseals Southern California – is seeking an Administrative Scheduler in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. $18.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Freedom Solar – is seeking a Solar Design Specialist in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Comfort Keepers – is hiring for General Office Support in Riverside, CA. inded.com
  • Neiman Marcus – is seeking a Stock Associate in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • U. Army – is seeking a Police Officer in the Inland Empire, CA. $19,100.00-$90,000.00k/yr.  www.indeed.com
  • Adrenaline Martial Arts – is seeking a Boot Camp/Fitness Instructor in San Bernardino, CA. $20.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • UPS – is seeking a Seasonal Helper in San Gabriel, CA. indeed.com
  • NeXT Generation Enterprises – is seeking an Event Assistant in Colton, CA. indeed.com
  • Staples – is seeking a Warehouse Associate, Bulk in Ontario, CA. $15.70/hr.  indeed.com
  • Pomona College – is seeking a Case Manager in Claremont, CA. $4,716.00/mo.  indeed.com
  • New Balance – is seeking an Inventory Coordinator in Ontario, CA. indeed.com
  • com – is seeking a Retail Sales Consultant – Amazon Devices Pop-Up Store in Redlands, CA. www.indeed.com
  • Brady Corp. – is seeking a Call Center Sales Rep in Ontario, CA. $50,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com
  • American Funding – is seeking an Inside Sales Rep (Call Advocate) in Irvine, CA. indeed.com
  • San Bernardino Community College District – is seeking a Clerical Assistant I/II (Sub) in San Bernardino, CA. $14.10/hr.  indeed.com
  • Associates Direct Services, LLC – is seeking a Clerical Associate in Fontana, CA. $14.00/hr.  indeed.com
  • Acura of Riverside – is seeking a DMV Clerk in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • California Agency – is seeking a (F/T) Nanny in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Proof Positive ABA Therapies – is seeking a BCBA Clinical Supervisor in San Bernardino, CA. indeed.com
  • Riverside, CA – is seeking an Admissions Social Worker in Riverside, CA. indeed.com
  • Volunteers of America SW – is seeking an Office Assistant in Rialto, CA. indeed.com
  • California Aseptic Beverages – is seeking a Lab Tech in Fontana, CA. indeed.com
  • United Health Group – is seeking a Healthcare Call Center Associate (Bilingual a plus) in Ontario, CA. indeed.com
  • AOCE, Inc. – is seeking a Scheduler in March Air Reserve Base, CA. indeed.com
  • Allied Professional Nursing Care, Inc. – is seeking a Data Entry Clerk in Upland, CA. indeed.com
  • Cash Call, Inc. – is seeking a customer Service/Collector/ in Orange, CA. indeed.com
  • Pendragon North America Automotive – is seeking an Automotive Business Office/Accounts Assistant in Industry, CA. indeed.com
  • QCB, Inc. – is seeking a Public Relations Assistant-Entry Level in Upland, CA. $35,000.00-$60,000.00k/yr.  indeed.com
  • Kuehne & Nagel – is seeking a Customer Service Rep in Redlands, CA. indeed.com
  • Union Bank – is seeking a (P/T) Teller in Redlands, CA. inded.com

To Receive This Flyer on Line Email Q Doswell, II at: qdd25@verizon.net

NAACP Announces Open Voting for 49th NAACP Image Awards

For the first time in its award show history, voting for the 49th NAACP Image Awards will be open to the public. Viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nominees in 36 different categories across film, television, and music.

In previous years, winners of the awards were selected only by members of the NAACP, this year; members of the public who are not NAACP members may cast votes by visiting the NAACP Image Awards online at naacpimageawards.net

“We are excited about the opportunity to open voting to the public,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “The Image Awards represents a universe of powerful stories and images, told in ways that express our beauty and make us proud.”

Since 1967, the NAACP Image Awards has been the preeminent multicultural awards show celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and has also honored individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

While, this year, voters do not have to be members of the Association, the NAACP encourages those who participate in this year’s voting process to become members. “To become a member of the NAACP is to join a community of individuals from all facets of life who like you are committed to the elimination of discrimination of any type and making our nation a better place for all people,” said Johnson.

The deadline to cast votes for the 49th NAACP Image Awards is December 15, 2017. Viewers can watch the winners claim their trophies just one month later. The Two-Hour LIVE TV special, hosted by Anthony Anderson, will air on TV One on Monday, January 15, 2018, at 9pm/8c, with a One-Hour Live Red Carpet Pre-Show at 8pm/7c. The evening will be the culmination of a day of volunteer service, citizen action, and celebration on the national holiday honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For all information, to vote now and the latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at: www.naacpimageawards.net

Get Hired with FEMA

If you or someone you know is looking for a full-time job, FEMA is looking to hire across a wide range of specialties.

FEMA wants to hire local talent to fill a number of positions to continue the work begun after the October wildfires. Temporary full-time positions include logistics, administrative support, applicant services specialists and voluntary agency liaisons.

Several disaster reservists currently working the California disaster began their FEMA careers as local hires. Robert Hoffman joined the agency as a local hire after a hurricane hit in his home state several years ago.

“I was retired from a 40-year career in journalism, but I wanted to keep busy,” Hoffman said. “So I signed up for temporary work as a writer.” After three months, he joined FEMA on a permanent basis.

Disaster also brought Tanishia Masga to FEMA after a typhoon struck her native Saipan, in the Northern Marianna Islands. Masga, who was working at the time in Washington State, returned to Saipan and joined FEMA as a local hire in September 2015.  The following year she was hired as a reservist in logistics. Like Hoffman, Masga likes traveling around, meeting new people and helping survivors.

“The satisfaction derived from helping people out when fate deals them a lousy hand is a precious reward,” Hoffman said.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18 years of age or older, with a high school diploma or GED. Individuals will be required to pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting and a credit check, have their own transportation to and from work and live within 50 miles of the employing office.

Go to the CalJOBS website at www.Caljobs.ca.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx and search FEMA to see postings and job descriptions, and securely apply online.

For more information on California recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4344, Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion9 and WildfireRecovery.org.

Disneyland Resort Donates $10,000 to Native American Scholarship Program

For four years, the Disneyland Resort has supported the American Indian Chamber of Commerce scholarship program. This year, the Resort made a $10,000 donation during the chamber’s Native American Heritage Month commemorative luncheon at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where seven students were awarded scholarships.

“The Disneyland Resort has made a real impact on our community, and truly embraces us,” said Tracy Stanhoff, president of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce.

Ventura Fires Force Evacuation in Exclusive L.A. Area

Reported via The Los Angeles Times

Southern California wildfires raged into an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood on Wednesday, forcing evacuations, threatening multibillion-dollar homes and temporarily shutting a major highway.

The new fire also threatened the hilltop campus of one of the world’s richest museums, even as more than 1,000 firefighters in nearby Ventura County battled the biggest of the wind-fed blazes, which threatened more than 12,000 homes.

A brush fire erupted overnight and quickly spread, creating an alarming spectacle for pre-dawn commuters on the hillsides east of Interstate 405 before the California Highway Patrol closed the heavily traveled freeway.

The Skirball Fire, the newest of several uncontained brush fires that have sprung up in Southern California since Monday, prompted officials to order residents of the hilly, wooded area west of the Bel Air neighborhood out of their homes.

It was not immediately clear how many people were affected by the evacuation order in the area south of scenic Mulholland Drive and north of Sunset Boulevard.

“It would be safe to say there are hundreds of homes in the area,” said Brian Humphrey, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. Fire crews in the area were starting to see some structural damage, he added.

The nearby Getty Center museum said it shut down for the day to protect its art collection from smoke damage.

The largest of the fires, known as the Thomas Fire, raged in and around the city of Ventura, some 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Los Angeles, fire officials said. The blaze has charred more than 65,000 acres in Ventura and its foothills, they said.

The entirely uncontained blaze was whipped by intensifying, dry Santa Ana winds blowing westward from the California desert. Gusts were forecast to top out at 70 miles per hour (115 km per hour) on Wednesday and remain strong through the week.

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, freeing state funds and resources to assist firefighters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it approved grants to help cover the cost of emergency work for the Thomas Fire and two others.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday his thoughts and prayers were with everyone in the path of the wildfires.

“I encourage everyone to heed the advice and orders of local and state officials,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “THANK YOU to all First Responders for your incredible work!”

Although no casualties have been reported, the fires have destroyed at least 150 homes, forced mass evacuations, cancellation of classes of dozens of schools and resulted in the loss of power at more than 250,000 homes in Ventura County.

In the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles, the Creek Fire destroyed at least 30 homes, blackened more than 11,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 2,500 homes and a convalescent center north of Interstate 210 on Tuesday.

Three firefighters were injured and hospitalized in stable condition, the Los Angeles Fire Department said.