Local

In Response to Recent Contract Negotiations Where County Offered a $0 Raise to Workers

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Last week, San Bernardino County Caregivers held an action outside of the County’s Caregiver Appreciation Event in response to their recent contract negotiations where the County Negotiator offered a $0 wage increase to the county’s 26,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Providers.

“We declined the county’s invitation to their annual Caregiver Appreciation event because, as a caregiver, I don’t feel appreciated,” said 32-year-old Victoria Osorio, IHSS Provider in Yucaipa. “The county showed how much they appreciate us when they offered us $0 at the bargaining table. The $0 was not just an insult to me and my coworkers, but the seniors and people with disabilities who depend on us every day to help them get by. The county is lying to the community when they say they appreciate caregivers and the work we do.”

At a contract bargaining meeting on October 23, San Bernardino County Negotiator Bob Windle met with member leaders of SEIU 2015 and offered $0 wage increase and 0 benefits.

“The fight goes on,” said Miguel Benitez, Lead Organizer for SEIU 2015’s San Bernardino County chapter. “The demand for home care in our communities is on the rise and as long as these workers keep making minimum wage, the county won’t be prepared to meet that demand. Giving up is not an option.”

According to the CA State Plan on Aging, senior population (60+) in the county is expected to increase 107% to 550,488 in less than 12 years. However, IHSS providers haven’t received a wage increase in over 10 years.

The next meeting with the county is on December 12, 2018. On November 21, SEIU 2015 will also be hosting a Caring For San Bernardino Rally.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In support of the commitment and dedication of the kindergarten teachers in the 47th Assembly District, the office of Assemblymember Reyes partnered with five elementary schools, parent teacher organizations, and local police and fire departments to bring a pumpkin patch to the schools.

Last year, Cooley Ranch Elementary was unable to send their Kindergarten students on their annual Fall Pumpkin Patch fieldtrip due to lack of funds.  Assemblymember Reyes’ office was contacted and they set up a pop-up pumpkin patch so the children did not miss out on the experience.

This year, in order to continue the tradition, the Assemblymember’s office hosted a pop-up pumpkin patch at five different schools: Cooley Ranch Elementary School in Colton, Kelley Elementary School in Rialto, Vermont Elementary School in Muscoy, Randall Pepper Elementary School in Fontana, and Bradley Elementary School in San Bernardino. Four to five classrooms from each school participated.

“This year, my team and I gave out over 800 pumpkins to preschoolers and kindergarteners in the 47^th District,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “My team and I are committed to serving the constituents of our District. I enjoy working with our School Districts as well as police and fire departments to provide this creative activity for our children.”

Assemblymember Reyes’ Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch provided each participating student with one pumpkin compliments of Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, San Bernardino Councilmember Benito Barrios, UFCW Local 1167, and Cal Poly Pomona.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Submissions are now open for the 8th Annual SBVC International Student Film Festival. All student filmmakers at SBVC and worldwide are invited to submit films at www.filmfreeway.com/iema.Categories include narrative and documentary short, animation, and experimental. The deadline to submit is March 31. Works in progress will be considered.

The Inland Empire Media Academy, housed at San Bernardino Valley College, has celebrated the region’s student filmmakers since 2011. The 8th annual film festival will open Thursday, April 25 with a gala, media expo, panel discussions on media topics, and a screening of Inland Empire filmmaker Nick Nevada’s feature film debut, “Say You Will.” The festival will continue Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27, with screenings of student films from San Bernardino, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and other regions that enter the festival. The festival will close with an awards luncheon on April 27. Prizes will include cash, filmmaker technology, and much more.

For more information, contact Festival Director Lucas Cuny at (909) 384-8546 or lcuny@valleycollege.edu.

Pastor Robert Cuencas, The Way Arrowhead Campus

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The San Bernardino Pastors United is having their first All Church Citywide Youth Unity Service. The Pastors are inviting the community to come out and support our Youth through music and good fellowship.

The event is billed as a gospel service; however, it has the impact of more like a Gospel Concert. They will be bringing together youth from various churches, uniting cultures and bringing together denominations to re-ignite their Passions to win more souls, cover our youth with compassion, love and a prophetic mandate for service; plus, spiritually revive the City of San Bernardino.

The theme is, “A Generation Giving Back, A Service of Thanksgiving to the Lord”.  One of the guest speakers will be Pastor Bryant Trujillo from The Way World Outreach Church Family, as well as Dr. Reginald Woods, Life Changing Ministry; Dr. Joshua Beckley and Ecclesia Christian Fellowship; Pastor Rick Alanis Jr. Victory Outreach Church, and many other churches. There will be performances by Rank, Hurt, Dejaye-Xperience, Wood Dr. and Roscoe, Gaime Ovr3, TRAXX, Chron Tatum, KINGDOMKIDZ, Ms Cardinal San Bernardino High School and several other upcoming artists.  The audience will pick the winner: First-Second-Third place trophies will be awarded.

The event is being hosted by Pastor Robert Cuencas, The Way Arrowhead Campus at 1001 N Arrowhead Ave St., San Bernardino on November 16, Friday at 6 p.m.

For more info call 909-909-884-1385 Office, or (909) 353-7977. Go to sbpastorsunited.org and to register or audition for future events. Light refreshments will be provided.  Thank you in advance for working together to Restore Our Youth.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) has been named the recipient of a Veterans Resource Center Grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. The grant provides just under $200,000 to enhance and expand services of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) by allowing SBVC to purchase a new, ADA-friendly mobile cart, laptops and wireless access points, update the center’s front-line check-in area and replace worn flags, banners and emblems.

“The Veterans Resource Center at San Bernardino Valley College serves as a valuable resource and service hub for our student veterans and their families,” said SBVC President Diana Z. Rodriguez. “Being awarded this grant from the Chancellor’s Office will allow us to make necessary upgrades to our facility and better support our veterans as they strive for success.”

SVBC’s VRC opened in 2012 to support counseling, educational planning and transitional services to veterans and their dependents. The center was founded on the premise that challenges faced by veterans could be supported through a combination of student services, peer-to-peer networking and camaraderie through their transition to a nonmilitary lifestyle. Students utilizing the VRC receive academic and career advising, tutoring, peer advising and access to wellness and educational counseling.

An estimated 1.8 million veterans reside in California. As veterans return from their service, many look to their local community college as an affordable and accessible education option, and nearly 80,000 veterans and active duty service members enroll at California community colleges each year. The 2017-18 State Budget appropriated $5 million to be distributed by the Chancellor’s Office to applicants selected to participate in the Veterans Resource Center Grant Program. This one-time program provides grants to California community colleges to establish new or enhance existing on-campus Veterans Resource Centers.

For more information on the Veterans Resource Center at San Bernardino Valley College, visitwww.valleycollege.edu/vrc.

New Trilingual Immersion Program Teaches Students English, Spanish, and Vietnamese

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) offers K–12 students the option to attend a school other than their home school to take advantage of one of the many specialized educational programs offered at select schools. SBCUSD will mail application forms to families in December. The deadline to apply is January 18, 2019, before 4 p.m.

The Dual Language Immersion Program promotes bilingualism and biliteracy in English and Spanish for native Spanish speakers and native English speakers. Students receive academic instruction in English for part of the school day and Spanish for the remainder of the school day. The idea is that all students will be exposed to their native language and a second language in an academic setting. Bonnie Oehl Elementary School offers the 90/10 model, with instruction in Spanish for 90 percent of the day and English for 10 percent starting in kindergarten, with English instructional time increasing by 10 percent at each grade level. Arrowview Middle School and San Bernardino High School (SBHS) offer follow-up programs for students who successfully complete the elementary Dual Language Immersion Program or who can demonstrate they are fluent and literate in English and Spanish. Students in the Arrowview and SBHS programs take half their classes in each language.

The new Trilingual Immersion Program will be offered at Belvedere Elementary School. The trilingual program is similar to the Dual Language Immersion Program, with 80 percent of instruction in Spanish and 10 percent in English starting in kindergarten. Students will also have Vietnamese-language instruction for 10 percent of the day. As students progress through the program, English-language instruction will increase by 10 percent each school year, with Vietnamese-language instruction remaining consistent at 10 percent each year. Parents who are interested in the Trilingual Immersion Program must attend an informational meeting prior to their children entering the program.

Rio Vista Elementary School offers SANKOFA: Students Acquiring New Knowledge Optimizing Future Accomplishments. This research-based program uses culturally relevant teaching methods that resonate with culturally diverse learners. SANKOFA students are taught the same Common Core State Standards as all students, but in a way that allows African-American students to better connect to the material.

Kimbark and North Verdemont Elementary Schools offer environmental education programs that include hands-on activities in the school gardens and field trips that integrate nature and science into all aspects of the curriculum.

North Park Elementary School offers a Full-Day Kindergarten Program with a focus on developing the total child, academically, physically and socially. Students do not begin attending for a full day until the third week of school.

Students interested in the arts can apply to the Fine Arts Magnet Program at Anton or Palm Avenue Elementary Schoolsor the Creative & Performing Arts Magnet Program at Salinas Elementary School.

For a full list of all Magnet Programs, consult the 2019–2020 Options brochure or contact SBCUSD Enrollment and Placement Services at (909) 889-7576.

Students must be currently enrolled or pre-enrolled in an SBCUSD school and meet specific program requirements to be accepted into a Magnet Program. All qualifying students will be selected for Magnet Program participation based on a random, unbiased drawing on January 28, 2019.

SBCUSD provides transportation for students in most Magnet Programs, but parents should check with Enrollment and Placement Services at (909) 889-7576 for more information. Magnet Program applications must be completed and returned to Enrollment and Placement Services, 781A W. 2nd Street in San Bernardino, before 4 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019. Applications dropped off at a school site will not be considered.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— FONTANA, CA—- Project Boon’s 7th Annual Eat & Be Well Pre-Thanksgiving feast serves up free fun, food, haircuts, much-needed health services and eye exams to Inland Empire’s under-served populations.

Thanksgiving traditions get people into the spirit of giving. For the past seven years Project Boon’s Eat & Be Well event has brought this experience to every part of the community—connecting those who have to those who don’t.

Long-time volunteer, Karla Duarte of Korra Yoga says, “Volunteering for Project Boon events has given me a new perspective on life. A view that we could be grateful for each and every moment and every single blessing life gives us.”

On November 21st, the day before Thanksgiving, at Seville Park in Fontana beginning at 11 a.m., Eat & Be Well will enter its 7th consecutive year of bringing the Inland Empire community together for the common good.

The annual Project Boon event draws hundreds if not thousands of people together for a fun-filled day of feasting, entertainment, and games for the kids. Most importantly, it helps people in need stretch their budgets while still enjoying all that the season has to offer. Though providing a free bountiful meal to those in need is a reward in and of itself, Eat & Be Well also serves up health and wellness by partnering with both nonprofit and for-profit businesses that have programs to help the under-served.

In past years, this has included free flu shots from Walgreens, haircuts from local stylists and bus passes from Omnitrans to help people without transportation get to and from the event.

To serve up to 2500 attendees, Eat & Be Well relies on donations to cover costs and food items. You can contribute or sign up to volunteer at Eat & Be Well’s website or drop off turkeys and/or canned food such as sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, gravy, and cranberry sauce at The Hitch Burger Grill in Rancho Cucamonga. Visit our site for a complete list of items needed. Any excess food will be donated to support other food banks and holiday based events.

For more information on how to volunteer, donate, sponsor, or attend, visit eatbewell.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- To thank and honor the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces, Omnitrans again is offering free bus rides to US military veterans on Veterans Day, Sunday, November 11.

Veterans just need to show a veteran-status ID when boarding any Omnitrans bus to get a free ride.

“We’re pleased to honor our veterans with free bus rides on Veterans Day,” said Omnitrans CEO/General Manager P. Scott Graham, himself a veteran of the US Marine Corps.   About eight percent of all Omnitrans employees are military veterans.

Since Omnitrans introduced a veteran fare in January 2015, an increasing number of retired military personnel have taken advantage of the discount.  Boardings attributed to veterans in 2015 averaged 13,061 per month.  By 2018 it is up to 15,941 per month on average, an increase of 22%.

Omnitrans offers year-round discounts for veterans.  A single ride is $0.75 for veterans, compared to $1.75 regular fare. Discounted veteran 1-day, 7-day and 31-day bus passes are also available. Accepted veteran IDs include those issued by US Departments of Defense or Veterans Affairs, San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

All Omnitrans bus routes will be running regular Sunday schedules on November 11. The veteran free ride offer applies to Omnitrans freeway express and local bus routes, the sbX rapid line, and OmniGo community shuttles; it is not applicable to Access service for persons with disabilities.

Personalized trip planning assistance is available through the Omnitrans information center, at 800-9-OMNIBUS (800-966-6428), or online at www.omnitrans.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce (SCBCC) is proud to present its inaugural awards gala and fundraising dinner. Set for Thursday, November 15 at the beautiful and historic Rezek Centre (on St. Bernardine Medical Center Campus) located at 2101 N. Waterman Avenue in the City of San Bernardino. The event is set to begin at 6 p.m.

This promises to be an event you don’t want to miss. The entertainment is provided by jazz sensation Mark Allen Felton aka Panther.

The SCBCC is a non-profit business organization with a mission to improve the economic environment for the minority business community while fostering business development and prosperity.  The SCBCC also support the Alzheimer’s Foundation which provides resources, training and support for individuals and families affected by the disease and YouthBuild Charter School of California, a free, project-based charter high school rooted in social justice and community action for students ages 16-24, who need to earn a high school diploma. YouthBuild’s main focus is providing opportunities to low income and marginalized students.

The goal of the gala is to raise money to support the non-profit programs that the SCBCC serves and recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated dedicated service to the community through professional, personal and philanthropic endeavors.

Among the awards to be handed out will be those honoring Community Support, Community Advocate, Business Advocate, and the Humanitarian of the year.

The event promises to be a who’s who in the local business community.

Entertaining the gala crowd for the evening will be Mark Allen Felton. Felton, who is affectionately known as, Panther, is an entertainer extraordinaire. The saxophone is his instrument of choice. His musicianship is the stuff of the legendary artists that he holds in high esteem. Artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Grover Washington, Jr. and Kool & the Gang have influenced the Chicago native, and current Los Angeles resident. Panther has graced the stage with a number of legendary artists including Patti LaBelle, Jeffrey Osbourne, Chaka Khan and the late Al Jarreau just to name a few. He also toured the world with Ray Parker, Jr for five years.

For additional information on the Southern California Black Chamber Awards Dinner and how to purchase tickets visit the website at www.blackchamberofcommerce.org or call (888) 466-7408. Ticket prices are $25.00 per person, and a table of 10 is $250.00.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Last week, Youth Action Project (YAP), a San Bernardino based non-profit organization, announced funding from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)’s 2018 Mentoring Opportunity for Youth Initiatives grant program or $500,000.

In making the announcement YAP founder Joseph Williams was accompanied by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D- San Bernardino), Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson and San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis. The grant will allow YAP, Young Visionaries’ Executive Director Terrance Stone, Sigma Beta Xi’s Director Corey Jackson, and the Youth Action Mentoring Network – to detect and assist Inland Empire students who show risk factors for opioid abuse.

“Our region has not been immune to the nationwide opioid crisis, and too often when a young person in our community struggles with addiction, they have no clear place to turn. I’m grateful for the work of Youth Action Project to provide Inland Empire youth with the resources they need to lead happy and successful lives free from the weight of opioid addiction,” said Rep. Aguilar.

The OJJDP e3p3 Modeled Grant will include the City of Rialto, and middle and high schools in Rialto.

Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson said, “Rialto continues to be a pioneer in moving initiatives forward that will empower our residents.  The e3p3 Model, created by M.H.M. & Associates (a professional grant firm) serves in creating strategically aligned public, private partnerships.  This win affords the City of Rialto, students and their families in being one of the first that will benefit from the program efforts to dress the Opioid Crisis.”

The project was one of 12 projects funded nationwide to provide mentoring to youth at-risk of Opioid abuse.

YAP, Young Visionaries and Sigma Beta Xi have all been funded under prior initiatives using the e3p3 Model, designed to accelerate grant resources into cities/regions, and were excited to see it work once again to further assist youth in the region.

Earlier this year, Rep. Aguilar’s office held a Federal Grants Workshop to highlight best practices and share strategies for success when applying for federal grants which was attended by a representative from YAP.

“Our youth are in crisis, they are being influenced by many fronts to experiment with drugs and we will do all we can to help them combat bad information. Now more than ever drug use is promoted in music, movies and social media. We have to continue helping and mentoring our youth in making informed decisions. The resources awarded by OJJDP will support our efforts to make sure the real winners are our youth,” said Joseph Williams President San Bernardino Community College Board District Board and YAP CEO.”

Today’s announcement comes just over one year since Rep Aguilar announced an additional $500,000 to combat the broader opioid crisis within the Inland Empire.

For questions regarding this announcement, the project or the e3p3 Model contact Joseph Williams at 909-75-1068 or call Luvina Beckley from Grant writing firm M.H.M & Associates at 951-692-4646 or go online http://mhmandassociates.com