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LONG BEACH, CA – Over the weekend, I Am Woman… kicked off its first conference with “I Am
Woman 2017.” Held at The Grand hotel in Long Beach, Calif., this past Saturday, the purpose of the event was to connect with other women through the idea that every woman is a part of “I Am,” the Creator and source of all things, while bringing women together to support one another.

The “I Am Woman 2017” conference was attended by 97 women. Prior to the event, they were able to patronize the attending vendors and indulge in delectable hors d’oeuvres. The event opened with a spoken word piece from Estee E Dot Marie of E Dot Expressions. Marie’s piece entitled “I Am Woman,” set the tone for the conference as she touched on the roles of womanhood. Comedienne, Chelley Chelle kept the crowd entertained with her comical wit and humor as she joked about being a career community college student for the past 10 years.

The women also partook in spiritual exercises presented by licensed Spiritual Holistic Practitioner, Clergy and Counselor, Vionela Vaughn-Austin, who encouraged the attending women to “be [their] own brand through conscious conversations. In addition to Vaughn- Austin’s spiritual exercises, the conference included additional speakers like Mimi Donaldson, author of “Pitch Perfect: Speak to Grow Your Business in Seven Simple Steps,” who taught the women how to successfully deliver 30-second elevator pitches by “[leading] with the need” and how to identify one’s uniqueness.

Breast cancer survivor, 28-year-old Jazmy’ne Austin, shared her story (for the first time) about defeating Breast Cancer, while 25-year-old “Jae Chanel” shared her story about surviving domestic violence and sex trafficking as she performed a monologue from her play “Victim.” Each lady contributed to the conference by delivering their struggles and overcoming obstacles, such as undergoing a double mastectomy (Jazmy’ne Austin) and giving birth to a son at 14 years old (Jae Chanel). These challenges have made them the women they are, today.

27-year-old speaker, Lauren Mirabal, is a Life Insurance expert and serial entrepreneur, who is
passionate about helping women and men succeed as small business owners.

The UCLA graduate assists her clients with understanding their personal finances and aiding in
financial planning. At the conference, she educated the attendees on the importance of Living Benefits and illness-related policies and their advantages. Policy holders who have recently updated his or her coverage within the past year has the Living Benefits policy included in his or her coverage.

A women’s safety demonstration was provided by Beverly Chaney, owner of The Wellness Boutique in Torrance, California. and independent representative for Damsel in Defense. Growing up and during her marriage, Chaney experienced physical abuse. These experiences led her to join Damsel in Defense as a means of teaching women to defend themselves and prevention against abuse and battery.

Actress Erica Ringor, from “Love & Basketball” provided the women in attendance with goals and aspirations for health and wellness (as she is also a Nutrition Coach for Herbalife) and the power of the Law of Attraction. The 42-year-old spoke on the importance of encouraging and inspiring oneself by starting with a positive mindset and attitude.

At the close of the event, the founders of I Am…, Ricsyhelle Davis and Rhonda Brent presented each speaker with a token of appreciation in the form of a bracelet, or a gift certificate to Massage Envy.

About I Am…

– I Am… is an organization for women to have the ability to help each other in business, as well as market themselves through empowerment workshops allowing their services to be recognized in their communities. The name I Am… derives from empowering light within ourselves.

ONTARIO, CA- On January 27, 2001, Malake D. McGee was born at Miller’s Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, California. At birth, he was diagnosed with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension. During the first few hours of birth he was placed on a ventilator that was to help break down the meconium in his lungs. The ventilator wasn’t working so the doctor on duty suggested he be transferred to a Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for a more intense procedure.

Malake was transported to CHLA by helicopter. Upon arrival, he was placed on another type of ventilator for 48 hours. The ventilator was not working so he went through a major procedure called Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. This procedure requires a cannula to be placed in a large vessel in the neck where the blood drains from and returns to the veins. During this time he was heavily sedated. When dad Michael McGee had to sign off for the surgery, the surgeon asked if he had gotten any sleep and he stated “NO” not for three days.

The surgeon told him about the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House (LARMH). When his dad went and spoke with LARMH they had no rooms available. Later on that night when the surgeon saw Michael he asked him if he had gotten a room and he stated “no”. The next day a social worker contacted Michael to introduce herself. Later that day she called him with good news informing him that they had a room available for him and his family at the LARMH.

For two weeks LARMH helped EASE the family’s state of mind while going through this journey by talking to other families with different journeys. LARMH gives you HOPE knowing that the staff, volunteers and other companies are caring, inviting and treats you as if you are a part of their very own. 

By volunteering at the Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House throughout the year and raising funds for the Walk For Kids, the family feels they are able to give back to an organization that was able to help them during a time when we really needed it. 

You can also give back to the Ronald McDonald House by participating in the Walk For Kids event this Sunday, April 2 at Citizen Banks Arena in Ontario. For more information, please visit www.walkforkids.org.

The Social-Lites Inc., recently hosted their 50^th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Ball on Saturday March 11, 2017, the event was very well attended at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

“Men of Tomorrow Pushing Forward” is the theme for the 2017 Beautillion Scholarship Program. The Beautillion Chairwoman Miss Lisa Blacksher stated, “On this 50^th Anniversary of the Beautillion, the Class of 2017 will continue the tradition of becoming Great Leaders”.  Also working by her side was Beautillion co-chair Cynthia Wilhite.  The keynote speaker was Pastor Ollie Jackson Jr., past Sir Knight of 1968.   

Mr. Jonathan I. Rodgers, senor at Cajon High School earned a GPA of 4.24 was Dub as 2017 Sir Knight at the 50^th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Ball. Mr. Rodgers was awarded and received various scholarships and gifts; he will be attending a College of his choice. Mr. Rodgers received a Mr. Congeniality award in the amount of $200, which was voted by his peers, he also received the first annual “ Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader Scholarship Essay” award in the amount of $6,000.   He received an Academic Scholarship award in the amount of $1,000, a Beautillion Scholarship award in the amount of $5,000, and a Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship award in the amount of $1,000. He also received various gifts such as a Mac Book Pro Laptop, Printer, Luggage, and a personal fitted Men Suit of his choice.

Mr. Steven Henderson was recognized as first runner up for the Sir Knight title and was awarded and received various Beautillion Scholarships awards and gifts, Mr. Akil Cooper was recognized as second runner up for the Sir Knight title and he received the first annual “Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader Scholarship award in the amount of $700. He also received various Beautillion Scholarship awards and gifts. Mr. Christopher Fulton, Mr. Julian Houston, and Mr. Vonte Walker Sir Knight Candidates received various Beautillion Scholarship awards and gifts.

The Social-Lites Inc. wants to congratulate all the participants in the 2017 Beautillion Scholarship Program.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino Valley College Foundation’s annual Valley-Bound Commitment Program: Recognition of Excellence Luncheon took place Friday, March 10, 2017 at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). Thanks to support from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the award-winning Valley-Bound Commitment Program (Valley-Bound) has provided a free first year of college to hundreds of local high school students, including the cost of textbooks, transportation, registration fees, and school supplies.

Valley-Bound is designed to create a smooth transition into college for local high school students, preparing them to achieve their academic and career goals. Valley-Bound students attend a week-long summer orientation, meet with an educational counselor, participate in field trips to four-year universities, and fulfill a community service requirement.

Of the 263 Valley-Bound students who have graduated and transferred since the program’s inception in 2008, 55 have earned a bachelor’s degree, 17 will earn their bachelor’s by the end of this year, and the remaining are in the process of completing their bachelor’s coursework. In addition, four students have earned master’s degrees, eight are currently in graduate programs, and one is in a postgraduate program.

Current Valley-Bound student Devale Haywood speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

Devale Haywood, a current Valley-Bound student, is majoring in psychology and plans on transferring to a four-year university. He is considering pursuing a career in psychiatry or clinical psychology.

“My counselors have helped me really understand what it takes to transfer and be a good student,” he said.

Valley-Bound alumna Natalie Reeves speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

Alumna Natalie Reeves graduated from SBVC with her Associate of Arts and transferred to California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) where she earned her bachelor’s in Health Care Management last year. Her brother, Vance Reeves, graduated from SBVC in 2015 with his associate’s degree and is currently studying at CSUSB, where he will pursue teaching in the field of mathematics.

“(Valley-Bound counselor) Carmen Rodriguez was amazing,” he said. “Whenever I needed her, she was there.”

Valley-Bound alumnus Vance Reeves speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

SBVC President Diana Z. Rodriguez expressed deep appreciation to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for making the Valley-Bound program possible. Rodriguez welcomed the afternoon’s special guest, Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Valbuena reflected on the importance of understanding the challenges facing students from low-income backgrounds and discussed what it meant to give back to the community.

“It makes me so happy that we are here to do this for you,” she said.

Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians speaks during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

The luncheon concluded with a round of applause for Valley-Bound students, faculty, and staff, who gathered for photos with Chairwoman Valbuena.

Current and former Valley-Bound students pose for a picture with Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians during the Valley-Bound Luncheon on March 10.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Enrollment is currently underway for the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) State Preschool Program.

The program helps students ages 3 to 4 develop language and literacy skills, math and scientific-thinking skills, and gain socialization and play experiences. Participating students also receive a daily meal. The program is free for children whose family income does not exceed the State of California guidelines.

Not every SBCUSD elementary campus offers preschool. However, qualifying students may attend preschool even if it is not offered at their home school.

The State Preschool Program and enrollment packets are available at the following school sites: Arrowhead, Bradley, Burbank (next to the SOAR charter school campus), Cole, Cypress, Davidson, Emmerton, Harmon, Hillside, Hunt, Inghram, Lankershim, Lincoln, Lytle Creek, Monterey, Mt. Vernon, Muscoy, Newmark, Riley, Rio Vista, E. Neal Roberts, Roosevelt, Salinas,San Bernardino High (on the Arrowview Middle School campus), Urbita, Vermont, Warm Springs, and Wilson. Enrollment packets are also available at the Preschool Central Office, West Highland Administrative Annex, 1535 W. Highland Avenue, Room #7, San Bernardino. Parents can also call (909) 880-6706 for more information.

All SBCUSD schools except for Middle College High School are closed for Spring Break March 20–31. The Inland Career Education Center (formerly the San Bernardino Adult School) will be closed March 20–24 only. ICEC offers a separate preschool program for children whose parents are enrolled in classes on the campus. Contact ICEC directly at (909) 388-6000 for more information.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Prayer, community services and music were among the activities at Saturday’s community block party hosted by San Bernardino Pastors United. The event took place at the playground of Jefferson Elementary School in San Bernardino. At the first block party in September 2016, over 3,000 attendees came out which prompted the organization to do a second event.

“We need the peace to increase and the violence to end,” said Clyde Stewart of Westside Christian Center in San Bernardino. “But in order for that to happen our entire community needs to come together as one. Only then can change begin.”

He continues, “We want to strengthen our community. We want our community to thrive and as much as we’d like to jump we need to begin with small steps,” Stewart said. “We are making great strides, but we still have a long way to go.”

SB Pastors United is a group of local church leaders whose mission is to create a positive impact in the community. Throughout the afternoon, speakers inspired the crowd with words of wisdom, prayer groups asked for God to look out for them and counselors were on hand to give honest advice to a community in crisis.

“How many murders have happened here?” asked the Rev. Reginal Young of Out of the Pulpit Street Ministry Saturday. “One is too many. We need to end the violence. Fathers need to take responsibility for their children and become a positive role model so those kids can be productive. We need to end the cycle and begin with a new one.”

If you missed this event, SB Pastors United are planning to have regular events with the next one on Saturday, June 17 at Anne Shirrell Park, then September 16 at Riley Elementary.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino Community College District announced today that it had selected Mark V. Lágrimas to become KVCR TV/FM’s interim general manager.

The post at KVCR represents something of a homecoming for Lágrimas — he graduated from Aquinas High School in San Bernardino before going to UCLA and working for CBS Television, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Disney Channel and ABC Studios as a financial and research specialist. Lágrimas produced the film, “They’re Watching” streaming now on Netflix, and served on the board of directors of SBCCD’s Economic Development & Corporate Training Foundation, which brings together business, education and civic leaders to help students of all ages gain new skills to re-enter the workforce.

 “We are delighted to welcome Mark, whose deep roots in our region and the entertainment industry will help us bolster KVCR’s ability to deliver the world-class programming that Inland Southern California deserves,” said Bruce Baron, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District, which includes San Bernardino Valley College and Crafton Hills College in Yucaipa. SBCCD holds the broadcast license for KVCR – the PBS and NPR affiliate station for Inland Southern California.

“Having the opportunity to help shape the future of KVCR and uplift our region through rich and innovative programming is a privilege and honor,” said Lágrimas.“As the traditional ways of broadcasting are rapidly evolving, I’m committed to advance KVCR’s storied legacy and educational mission by creating new partnerships, both regionally and nationwide, and bringing cutting edge media strategies to ensure KVCR’s continued success and relevance into the future.”

Lágrimas joined KVCR on February 24 and will serve a one-year contract. He is filling the void left by Alfredo Cruz, who has taken a leave of absence to focus on his health.

Lágrimas will manage all aspects of the station’s public television and radio programming on Channel 24 and 91.9 FM, respectively. He will also oversee First Nations Experience (FNX), the first and only nationally distributed TV channel exclusively devoted to Native American and World Indigenous content, created in partnership between KVCR and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Students at Kimbark Elementary School see their environmentally conscious efforts as a way of life.

They recycle as much as possible, are vigilant about conserving water, and love spreading their concern for Mother Earth with other students from across the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

And, state officials are taking notice.

The California Department of Education recently recognized Kimbark Elementary as a Green Ribbon School, an honor that went to fewer than 30 public schools across the state. The award acknowledges schools that demonstrate exemplary achievement in three key areas: environmental impact, student and staff health and wellness, and environmental education.  Kimbark was honored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson at a ceremony held at Redondo Union High School on March 3.

“These schools and districts serve as role models for their students in two important ways,” said Torlakson, who started his public service career as a high school science teacher and coach.  “First, they manage their own facilities wisely by saving energy, conserving water, and reducing their impact on the environment. Next, they provide innovative education programs that teach students about nature, the importance of clean air and water, and how to make good choices to preserve the environment for future generations.”

As a magnet school with an environmental emphasis, Kimbark Elementary students have always focused on conservation as a way to reduce their impact on the planet, said Principal Mario Jaquez.

That focus became even more evident in the last year, when the state’s drought dried up one of two wells in the unincorporated, semirural community of Devore, where Kimbark is located. Students turned that near crisis into an opportunity to conserve water.

“Our students and parents understand why our grass isn’t green,” Jacquez said. “They know that we’re being water wise.”

Aside from significantly reducing its water use by 92 percent from 2013 to 2016, Kimbark Elementary also cut its greenhouse emissions by 40 percent as part of the District’s energy conservation program. And, plans are underway to decrease student’s reliance on plastic water bottles by turning to stainless steel, canteen-type bottles, Jacquez said.

Kimbark students are spreading their concern for the environment across the District by teaching other students to recycle. Recently, fifth- and sixth-grade students in the Kimbark Environmental Leadership Program, also known as KELP, visited Belvedere Elementary School in Highland to help children learn how to be better stewards of the environment.

This spring, Kimbark students will put on “Recycle,” an original musical funded by a $12,000 grant from the San Bernardino Fine Arts Commission.

CSUSB President, Tomás D. Morales, receives his flu shot from Palm Desert Campus’ family nurse practitioner, Cecile Dahlquist. (Photo Credit:  Albert Angelo)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – More than 800 students have received free flu vaccines, nearly 500 of them at a two-day flu shot clinic in February, by the Cal State San Bernardino Student Health Center in partnership with the Santos Manuel Student Union.

The clinic is part of an ongoing partnership with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health to help students maintain their overall health and wellness, which enables them to focus on academics.

According to the Spring 2016 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment Survey, more than 12 percent of the CSUSB students who participated in the survey indicated that cold/flu/sore throat caused an academic impact for them — defined as receiving a lower grade on an exam or an important project, a lower grade in a course, an incomplete, or dropping the course all together (ACHA 2016).

Holding free flu shot clinics is the latest student-centered approach implemented by the CSUSB Student Health Center to help students maintain their overall health and wellness to enable them to focus on academics.

Similar clinics were also hosted at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, where university President Tomás D. Morales visited the R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Student Health and Psychological Counseling Center to receive his vaccination.  The health center received donations of gift cards from several campus community members, and other campus departments provided give-away incentives to boost student participation.

“The Student Health Center is eager to collaborate with campus partners in order to provide student-centered approaches to health,” said health center director Dr. Grace Castillo Johnson.  “Partnering with the Santos Manuel Student Union makes it convenient and efficient for students who have limited time between classes.”

Cold and flu season is at its peak in the winter. Flu vaccines are free to students, while supplies last.  Faculty and staff are also welcome to get vaccinated for a fee of $15. To date, 40 faculty and staff have received vaccines.

For more information, contact the CSUSB Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit news.csusb.edu.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In a pair of unlikely events, PAL Scholars made history while honoring Black History.

On Saturday, February 25, 2017, two teams comprised of eight students in total represented not only PAL Charter Academy High School but the entire city of San Bernardino as they competed in the African American History and Knowledge Bowl hosted by the Phi Rho chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated at the University of California Riverside. Embarking on uncharted territory, Coach Christopher Love was able to prepare PAL Students: Lizbeth Aleman, Danielle Colley, Kenyatta Deshozier, Michelle Estrada, Jesse Hamilton, Edward Orrego, Angelina Robles, and Shamiya Tucker for competition in the weeks leading up to this event.

 “This was fun, we definitely will be ready next year” reported student participants Jesse Hamilton and Shamiya Tucker. “These students have made us proud today as they competed with high school students from all over southern California. We banded together and made it happen. They have made me proud!” Coach Love added as he recapped the event. Unfortunately, neither of the PAL teams were crowned History experts on this day, but they have certainly laid the foundation to be a force to be reckoned with in next year’s competition of this annual event.

            Equally as impressive was PAL Arts & Athletics uniting to support Cajon High School’s BSU Inaugural Black History Celebration on Monday, February 27, 2017. The collaborative effort allowed PAL scholars to showcase their artistic ability amidst the crowd of over 100 spectators. PAL performed their hit skit, “Have Faith” which was written and directed by Mr. Alex Avila of Avila Production (AP). This powerful piece was back by popular demand and Lizbeth Aleman, Devyn Graves, Jesse Hamilton, Brent Matthews, and Edward Orrego offered yet another stellar performance.

Coach Domonique White, PAL’s Athletic Director offered the following statement, “Faith was the culmination of the celebration of Black History. Our students were asked to do that which would stretch them from their comfort zone. They not only accepted the challenge but excelled in the opportunity and are eager to be challenged again. This has been a great way to conclude black history month at PAL.”