Local

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— The Knock Knock Angels and Ashley Furniture/West Covina have created a collaboration to assist a homeless Veteran couple and their family by providing a complete interior makeover of home furnishings.  They have partnered to help give this family a new beginning from a troubled past that includes being a victim of sexual assault which led to challenges with substance abuse. 

Knock Knock Angels is a non-profit based out of Fontana, CA that has for the last five years helped countless families, single mothers, Veterans and the elderly bounce back and recover from tragic situations.  They help families by providing basic essentials for children and families to live and thrive in.  They are also known as a giving forum for people and companies to perform random acts of kindness in the community. 

On Friday, September 14, the Angels along with the help of Ashley Furniture, made over the home of Sherwin Sanchez and Heather Phillips, both of whom are Veterans.

Newly appointed Post Commander, Yolanda Davis of AMVETS Post 77, contacted Vickie Lobo, Founder of Knock Knock Angels, with a need for help for Sanchez, Phillips and their baby.  The Angels then contacted Charles Serrano, Store Manager of Ashley Furniture in West Covina, CA.  Upon hearing the family’s story, Serrano immediately agreed to help with providing furnishing for their home, which the couple and their child had been living in without any furniture.

The couple struggled with sobriety and have stayed clean since 2016. They eventually were provided housing by the Veterans Administration as well as financial benefits.  Together, Knock Knock Angels and Ashley Furniture will continue to assist this family with community support and furnishings for their apartment. 

Sherwin is a self-taught tattoo artist and Heather in now a full-time employee with Loma Linda VA hospital.  It’s a great ending to a horrible story but these are the types of families that Knock Knock Angels looks for when selecting families to assist.

Knock Knock Angels was founded in 2013 to provide household furnishings to needy families and individuals throughout the Inland Empire. The nonprofit organization facilitates home makeovers for people suffering from debilitating illnesses and victims of financial poverty.

Founder Vickie Lobo is a local Realtor in the Inland Empire who started her community service with a small group of friends who received donations of furniture and home décor to furnish small homes locally. Four years later, her dream has grown to assist multiple families yearly with dozens of volunteers and hundreds of items donated to each family.

To date, Knock Knock Angels has serviced many families and now has monthly Random Acts of Kindness to keep the community involved in the spirit of giving. 

For more information about Vickie Lobo and Knock Knock Angels, or to nominate a deserving family for their 2018 Christmas MiracleMakeover, please contact them  at (909) 496-2082 or  info@knockknockangels.org.

To volunteer for the makeovers please call (909) 496-2082. You may also visit their website  at www.knockknockangels.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) partnered with Andy Vargas, the lead singer of Santana and San Bernardino Community College to provide 14 students in the 47th District with the distinct opportunity to learn music production.

The Andy Vargas Music Production Academy is a 6-month program that began in April and will culminate in October with a graduation performance ceremony and issuing of certificates. The training was provided free-of-charge to the students. The students are receiving lessons in engineering fields, music writing, singing, licensing and marketing and skills on relationship building and networking.

Students who are participating, attend San Bernardino City Unified School District, Colton Joint Unified School District, Fontana Unified School District, and Rialto Unified School District.

Anthony Hernandez

Bethany Bjorkman

Alyssa Edwards

David Osorio

Lilliane Vargas

Priscilla Bracamontes

Natalie Luna

Anthony Cervantes

Nidrick Reed

Samantha Contreras

Alejandra Salamanca

Daphne Servine

Angela Sanchez

DeJuan Rabb

“I am honored to partner with Andy Vargas to bring the Andy Vargas Music Production Academy to the 47^th Assembly District,” said Assemblymember Reyes.

“Due to the disparity of funding for after school music and art programs in the Inland Southern California Region, I am working with the Andy Vargas Foundation to provide our students with opportunities to excel in the arts. I am excited to see the impact this program has made on our students.”

“We use music as a tool for self-expression, by giving children the skill of self-regulation and getting them ready for a successful life. My goal for our program is to share the inspiration that was given to me by the example of my peers. We learn by example, and when our students see the passion and love we have for music it becomes infectious,” said Andy Vargas. “When I visited the city of San Bernardino I saw the potential the city has to offer, and my heart immediately connected to the youth.”

This pilot program will allow Assemblymember Reyes to analyze the program’s success and participation to identify public policy solutions that will help provide successful after school and art programs in our district.

To learn more about the Andy Vargas Music Production Academy, visit http://www.andyvargasfoundation.org/the-andy-vargas-foundation-music-and-video-arts-program/

10/17/2003 – New Laker Bryon Russell brings the ball up court during a preseason game between Phoenix Suns and Lakers.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— The Board of Directors of Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) announces the Master of Ceremonies for its 2018 Piano Recital and Gala event is Mr. Bryon Russell former NBA Star. Mr. Russell is a native of San Bernardino and attended San Bernardino High School.

The NBA career of Bryon Russell spanned from 1993 to 2006 and included playing for the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz. Mr. Russell is best remembered for guarding Michael Jordan at the end of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Jordan made the game-winning shot over Russell, although many fans believe Jordan pushed off Russell during the play.

Mr. Russell has been a volunteer at the CAPSBC Food Bank Program for the past several years and is excited to be hosting this year’s Gala event. The event will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 4 p.m. at the University of Redlands, located at 1200 E. Colton Avenue in Redlands. On the grounds of the University of Redlands campus, the Recital will be held at the beautiful Memorial Chapel as a fundraiser for the CAPSBC Food Bank which serves 40,000 food insecure San Bernardino County households every month. Since its inception in 1984, the CAPSBC Food Bank has distributed over 200 million pounds of food at no charge to fight hunger.

Mr. Russell will host the elegant Recital, Gala Reception and Dinner which includes the presentation of the Community Action Legacy Awards honoring agencies and individuals who have made great strides in addressing poverty and hunger in our county. The efforts of all who are working to improve our communities is critically needed as 26% of San Bernardino County children live in poverty and there are 36,886 homeless children in our public schools.

The Piano Recital will feature “Two Piano Journey” with Michelle and Christopher Kuo, an incredible world-class piano ensemble team. They will perform music from the classical works of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Every single concert is performed, in full or in part, for the benefit of a nonprofit organization. They have performed in locations such as Carnegie Hall – NY, The Green Room – San Francisco, The Lighthouse Guild – NY, Rutgers University – NY, Friday Musicale – FL, Drew University – NJ, Old Dominion University – VA, and countless premier international sites.

Join us for a magical evening of music and fine dining. For tickets visit our website at www.capsbc.org Special pricing for seniors 55+ and students (all ages) will be available for the Piano Recital. For more information, call (909) 723-1523 or e-mail info@capsbc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) will be having another Community Block party on Saturday, September 22, at Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School located at 1250 Medical Center in San Bernardino.

The Pastors are coming together to continue to unite the community through love, compassion and fellowship. The Churches continue to take a stand together as a united front to encourage and bless the community. These engagements help families with much needed resources, increases goodwill within the community, and allows law enforcement to interact with residence in a positive environment.

There will be Free food, groceries, shoes, backpacks for kids, clothes and health checks, face-painting, and jumpers for kids. There will be a life-saving message by Pastor Raymond Turner, Temple Missionary Baptist Church, powerful gospel music, and good fellowship. Please register by phone, email or at our website www.sbpastorsunited.org.

“Together we are strong; join with us as we bring “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino.” For more information call (909) 353-7977 or email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com.

Outspoken celebrity chef Martha Green will reprise her role as comedian, host

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Dishes for Wishes, an annual cooking demonstration hosted by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, will take place Wednesday, October 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Renaissance Ballroom of the National Orange Show Events Center located at 689 S. E Street in San Bernardino.

The 19th annual event, a fundraiser for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, will feature specialty boutiques, an opportunity drawing, a colorful booklet of recipes to take home and cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs from the Inland Empire and Desert regions. The food will be served by local law enforcement officers, firefighters and Teen Challenge volunteers.  

As she has every year since the event started in 1999, Inland Empire chef/provocateur Martha Green will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

This year’s “Backyard BBQ,” will feature five celebrity chefs bringing a bit of international intrigue to the all-American motif. Four of the chefs — Martha Green, Patty Keresoma, Najwa Medina and Greg Sullivan — are well-known to Inland Empire foodies.

Green owns Martha Green’s Eating Room and Dough’Lectibles Bakery in Redlands. Keresoma, of ‘Da Island Touch catering, brings Polynesian flair to her creations. Medina, of Najwa’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Loma Linda, introduces Middle Eastern flavors into the mix. Sullivan, executive chef and director of food services/catering for Loma Linda University, is no stranger to cooking for large crowds.

Chef Pepe Schaefer may not be as well-known in the Inland Empire as the others, but that will likely change the moment guests sink their teeth into his innovative Peruvian fusion cuisine. Originally from South America, Schaefer recently moved to the Coachella Valley after serving as an executive chef in New York City.

Funds raised at Dishes for Wishes will help the guild purchase several neonatal near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) oximeters — technology that will allow physicians on the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital to monitor tissue oxygen saturation levels in the brain, the kidneys and the GI tract of extremely premature, low-birth weight infants. 

Neonatal oximeters don’t require physicians to insert needles or lines into the bodies of vulnerable infants, but do notify physicians if oxygen saturation levels fall. Cerebral desaturation may indicate impaired oxygen delivery and poor perfusion to vital organs that can be dangerous, even deadly. Early detection allows physicians to respond before dangerous levels are reached.  

Additionally, having the NIRS oximeters at Children’s Hospital will allow physicians to collaborate with other West Coast medical centers — including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University and three Southern California hospitals — in long-term research studies on the beneficial outcomes of neonatal oximetry.

Angie Temple, Dishes for Wishes coordinator, says last year’s event raised more than $68,000 for Children’s Hospital. She said she feels confident this year’s Dishes for Wishes will be an occasion to remember.

“Who doesn’t love a barbecue?” Temple asks. “There’s just something delightful about it that can scarcely be rivaled. And since we’re updating this American classic with flavors from the Middle East, Peru and Polynesia, anything can happen. This year’s Dishes for Wishes should be one of the best ever!”

Admission is $65 per person or $650 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are also available. Additional information and registration may be found at the Dishes for Wishes website.

Mayor R. Carey Davis

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Thursday, October 4, at 6 p.m., a Mayoral Forum between incumbent Mayor R. Carey Davis and challenger Council Member John Valdivia will be held at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship. This event will be streamed live on YouTube at ECF Online.

Council Member John Valdivia

The forum will give both the candidates an opportunity to showcase their views on municipal issues and to share their vision for the city’s future. It will also serve to inform the electorate, as well as motivate the community to get out and vote.

During the general election, which was held on June 5, Valdivia received 35.75 percent of the votes cast and Davis received 27.78 percent. The next election date will be Tuesday, November 6.

Ecclesia Christian Fellowship is located at 1314 E. Date Street in San Bernardino. Everyone is invited to attend. For additional information please contact Rikke Van Johnson at (909) 725-1053. If you would like to submit a question for the candidates, please send it to rikkevanjohnson@msn.com.

J. Boykin will be one of the artists at the first annual Jazz in the Park event put on by Akoma Unity Center

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Akoma Unity Center is hosting ‘Jazz in the Park’. The free concert will host live jazz and a variety of musical entertainment in an atmosphere the entire family can enjoy. 

The festival will take place at Ann Shirrells Park located at 1367 California Street in San Bernardino on Sunday, September 30. The festival begins at 4 p.m. Guests may enjoy the FREE concert and are able to purchase food from the various vendors located on-site. 

“Akoma Unity Center is beyond excited to bring our First Annual Jazz in the Park to the families of the Westside of San Bernardino,” Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kimberly Calvin, stated. “Why should the community need to look abroad for entertainment and great food? Our goal is to listen and inspire the community to bring what they desire to their backyards. We are committed to creating opportunities for the citizens of the Westside. Don’t miss what is sure to be a phenomenal family fun event.”

Akoma Unity Center is a 501 C(3) Non-Profit organization committed to providing children with high quality, no-cost afterschool structured recreation, and development programs in a safe and supervised environment. 

There are still sponsorship opportunities for business and individuals. For more information on the festival and sponsorships contact us at (909) 217-7956 or email info@akomaunitycenter.org. To RSVP, please visit http://bit.ly/2Qn6NDi.

Pageant founder and director Jamie Rios (front, center) with the Miss Cardinal City contestants.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, September 15, 18 young ladies from San Bernardino High School (SBHS) will compete for the title of Miss Cardinal City and the privilege to represent SBHS, aka Cardinal City, and the community for a year.

The pageant, which is in its 14th year, promotes school pride, self-esteem, and community involvement. Pageant director and founder Jamie Rios takes the young ladies to read to younger children, volunteer in soup kitchens, and attend community functions.

“They need to learn more about their own community and the diverse people and diverse needs of its residents in order to truly represent Cardinal City,” Rios said.

This year’s contestants are: Allysa Duque, Stephanie Galaviz, Lucia Vejar, Karina Leanos, Lucero Beltran, Karyna Robles, Katie Ortiz, Sofia Dominguez, Rosa Santana, Jessica Navarro, Biviana Vega, Marianela Vivar, Silvana Mazun, Emely Ruiz, Miranda Maestas, Jhunelyn Parafina, Sarah Garcia, and Jennifer Ramirez.

The young women also recognize that the pageant would not be possible without the civic-minded people and businesses who support Miss Cardinal City, including the sponsors, judges, and their families.

Community members are invited to show their support by attending the Miss Cardinal City Pageant. Tickets for the September 15 event are available by calling Jamie Rios at (909) 881-8217 or from any Miss Cardinal City contestant.

This year’s sponsors include: Mr. James R. Valdez Jr.; Daniel Pham, photographer; and staff; Mr. & Mrs. Obershaw; Stater Bros. Markets; San Bernardino City USD; D’Arca Formal Wear; Angel’s Closet Charities; Virginia Marquez; Mr. Michael Osborn; Toyota of San Bernardino; Gutierrez Carpet; Dr. Michael A. Lawrence and Mrs. Lawrence; Irma Bravo, makeup artist; San Bernardino County Probation Department; El Chicano newspaper; Miss California Plus America Pageant; First Presbyterian Church; Mr. Jim Smith; Ms. Cher Rue; Mrs. Gloria Macias Harrison; Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hernandez; Mrs. Terri Bunch; Ms. DeJonae Shaw; Ricardo Tomboc; Ruben Rinza Makeup 101; Dr. Harold Vollkommer and Mrs. Vollkommer; Revolution Youth Advocates; THREADZ; Kurves by KIMI Attitude Upgrade; Robert Hemmingway; Sturges Center for the Fine Arts; Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Cummings; Miss Greater Southern California Pageant; Sharon Doyle; The Sun newspaper; San Bernardino High School; Trophy House San Bernardino; SBCUSD CAPS Expanded Learning; Michelle Thames; and Elizabeth Cahue, Cahue Enterprises HR Consulting Inc.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Social Lites, Inc. of San Bernardino launch the 52nd Beautillion Scholarship Season under the leadership of Mrs. Tina Darling, Beautillion Chairperson. Young men seeking scholarship opportunities in addition to being mentored by leaders in the community are encouraged to attend the upcoming briefings to learn more about the program.  Parents are encouraged to attend briefing meetings to gain better insight about the program.

Bring a friend and tell a friend to join you in attending the two scheduled briefings.  Briefings will be held on Sunday, October 7 and Sunday, October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Youth and Community Development (formerly Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino) located at 1180 W. 9th Street in San Bernardino.

The program will officially start on Sunday, October 28 and commence on March 30, 2019 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino.

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at knight.beautillion@gmail.com or Ms. Joyce Smith, President at (909) 881-5841 or Ms. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, (951) 204-0022.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— It’s that time of year again! The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, Inc will be presenting the 2018 Black Rose, Humanitarian, and Community Service Awards on Friday, September 14 at 6 p.m.  at the Doubletree Hotel in San Bernardino located on Hospitality Lane.

This year’s honorees include: Humanitarian of the Year-Chehab and Bricia Elawar; Community Service- Rev. Reginald Woods; Black Rose- Richard Goldson, Jonathan Buffong and Ezekiel Adeleeke. Tickets are $65.