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LOS ANGELES, CA- Bungalow Music & Arts Festival will bring LA’s best artistic teens to the stage for a festival curated just for them. Whether it be music, dance, or interactive art, the main goal of the festival is to create a safe space for teens to express themselves. The festival is slated to come this summer at the Echoplex and Echo in Los Angeles.

In addition to music and art, there will also be speakers and mentors from the community that will offer advice, tips and opportunities on topics ranging from being an artist in the city, health, college and more.

This festival will definitely be interactive and hands on featuring art pieces, college admin representatives, food trucks, and more. There will also be an exclusive area for all the parents to kick back and chat while the kids enjoy everything that the festival has to offer. 

Your teenage cannot miss this opportunity of a life time. However, to ensure that the festival will be a success, the creators have an crowdfunding campaign up where you can learn more information, and of course donate!

For more information, visit kickstarter.com/projects/1947194560/bungalow-music-and-arts-festival or follow them on Instagram @bungalowmusicfestival.

RIVERSIDE, CA- California’s longest-running free literary event, Writers Week, will return to the University of California, Riverside for its 41st installment February 12 to February 17, 2018.

Feminist icon and National Medal of Arts recipient Maxine Hong Kingston, best-selling novelist Janet Fitch, and Haitian-American essayist and New York Times columnist Roxane Gay will headline the event, joining an additional 17 authors for an on-campus series of presentations and readings.

In keeping with the event’s emphasis on showcasing diverse voices, this year’s lineup of featured writers reflects a range of perspectives from around the country and world, said Tom Lutz, a professor of creative writing at UCR and the event’s director.

“The writers work in very different genres as well: realist novels, historical novels, slipstream, science fiction, graphic novels, memoir, autofiction, poetry, prose poetry, spoken word, fantasy, and creative nonfiction,” Lutz said.

The series is free and open to the public, and all events will take place in Room 1128 of Interdisciplinary Building North. Complimentary parking permits will be available at the kiosk on West Campus Drive at the University Avenue entrance to the campus.

Writers Week is presented by UCR’s Department of Creative Writing, with additional support from African Student Programs, the LGBT Resource Center, The Well, and the Women’s Resource Center.

This year’s participating writers are: Hadara Bar-Nadav, Sherwin Bitsui, Christ Buckley. Micah Chatterton, Charmaine Craig, Nanette Deetz, Josh Emmons, Janet Fitch, Tee Franklin, Roxane Gay, Myrian Gurba, John Jennings, Maxine Hong Kingston, Krys Lee, James Luna, Marco Maisto, Gina Nahai, Tess Taylor, Justin Torres, and Vickie Vertiz.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Harleys and motorcycles of every caliber came out to Quaid Harley-Davidson for the 25th annual toy ride benefiting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) on Sunday, December 17.

Dealer co-owners and uncle-nephew duo Glenn and Brandon Quaid both acknowledged the importance of the event while addressing the crowd of hundreds of people in attendance.

“It’s important for us to be here and show the kids some love,” said Brandon Quaid.

Over $7,000 was raised for the hospital through ride registrations and independent donations. Additionally, new, unwrapped toys were donated by riders and event attendees, filling a box truck with goodies for patients at LLUCH.

“Once again, our bikers have come together for a great cause,” said Glenn Quaid.

Loma Linda Fire Department was also on hand with a fire truck for photo ops before they led the leather-clad riders through the streets of the city toward the hospital.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Crystal Wymer-Lucero, who has worked on the Cal State San Bernardino campus for more than 12 years, rising through the ranks at the university, most recently serving as the Alumni Engagement director, has been named the CSUSB Alumni Affairs director. 

Wymer-Lucero’s appointment will begin on Jan. 1, 2018. Wymer-Lucero, ’07, previously served as the Development and Special Events coordinator in Intercollegiate Athletics as well as the Information Security Awareness coordinator in the Division of Information Technology Services.

During her time in Alumni Relations, Wymer-Lucero was part of the team that increased the number of unique alumni volunteers by nearly 400 percent since 2015. She also helped create the CSUSB Alumni Workshop Series, which has reached more than 400 unique alumni since its inception.

“I’m delighted to have one of our alumni leading Alumni Relations,” said Ron Fremont, vice president of University Advancement. “Crystal brings enthusiasm and dedication to her role in leading the department, and her knowledge of CSUSB as a student, an alumna and as a staff member give her a unique insight of the university that will ultimately benefit our alumni and engage new generations of alumni.”

Over the past two years Wymer-Lucero and her colleagues have grown the Alumni Mentor Program by nearly 200 percent and established a new Alumni Association Board of Directors. During that same span, the Alumni Association has welcomed thousands of alumni back to their alma mater through homecoming celebrations and special events, and contributed to doubling the growth of alumni association memberships.

In September 2017, Alumni Relations celebrated CSUSB’s inaugural graduating class with a special reunion of Golden Grads, who were honored at Convocation.

“I am excited and honored to have been selected to serve as the Director of Alumni Relations at my alma mater,” said Wymer-Lucero. “CSUSB has a vibrant, talented, and diverse alumni community in all 50 states and 43 counties, and working to strengthen ties to CSUSB no matter where our alumni reside will truly be fulfilling and rewarding.”

Wymer-Lucero will oversee the operations of the Office of Alumni Relations, including the CSUSB Alumni Association and its chapters, and the Student Ambassadors Society. In addition, she will serve as a key member of the University Advancement leadership team, collaborating with our alumni, our division and the campus community.

Wymer-Lucero was awarded a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with an emphasis in mass media and working toward a master’s degree in communication studies integrated marketing track.

For more information about Cal State San Bernardino’s Alumni Affairs, visit www.csusb.edu/alumni.

Children received free bicycles as Christmas presents on Tuesday, December 19 at an event in Perris. Riverside County’s Community Action Partnership and Bicycles for Children, a non-profit based in Corona, is teaming up this year to provide 75 bicycles to children across the county who met the agencies’ gift guidelines.

RIVERSIDE, CA-Few things will light up a child’s eyes at Christmastime more than a shiny new bicycle.

On Tuesday, December 19, Community Action Partnership (CAP) and a Corona-based non-profit organization, surprised 75 Riverside County children who will be riding a new bike just in time for the holidays. The Holiday Bike Giveaway is handing out the bicycles this week to children from each of the county’s five supervisorial districts.

“It is such a wonderful feeling to see the smiles and laughter when the kids ride the bicycles for the first time knowing they will be able to take the bikes home,” said Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington.

The first batch of bikes was handed out on Tuesday in Perris and others will be given out Wednesday, December 20 in Palm Desert and Thursday, December 21 in Riverside.

“The holidays are a special time of year for our children and families. I am pleased to join with Community Action Partnership of Riverside County to put a smile on the faces of so many children during the holidays,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

The children were selected by a committee made up of CAP staff after being recommended by parents, community members and others. Financial need is a key factor in the selection, CAP officials said. CAP is part of Riverside University Health System-Public Health.

The CAP program started in 2015 and scores of bicycles have been given out over the years. Bicycles for Children, a non-profit based in Corona, was a key partner, and John White, peer assistance and leadership teacher at El Cerrito Middle School, is the program coordinator, said Brenda Salas Freeman, executive director for CAP.

“The program continues to grow which shows there is a need in the community,” said Salas Freeman. “It is worth it to see the joy the bicycles bring to the children.”

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.

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!

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

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.

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 7^th 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.