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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On October 14, the San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation’s 90th Anniversary Gala brought hundreds of alumni, dignitaries and philanthropists to campus to celebrate SBVC’s 90th anniversary and to raise funds for student scholarships. At the end of the night, donors had contributed over $135,000 to help support programs ranging from athletics to music, as well as to provide low-income students with textbook vouchers.

“We disburse around $200,000 in scholarships to our students each year,” said Karen Childers, the foundation’s director. “The amount we have raised tonight has significantly exceeded our goal, so we are very excited.”

Augmenting the support raised by donors in attendance were two larger donations: $25,000 from Kitchell / BRJ and Associates and $300,000 from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The latter contribution was earmarked for Valley-Bound Commitment, a unique SBVC program which grants thousands of local high-school graduates a free first year of college, and which the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has supported since the program’s inception in 2008.

“I am proud to be affiliated with this community treasure,” said Emmy Award-winning actress Lindsay Wagner, a former SBVC professor who was the guest emcee for the event.

The gala was held in SBVC’s newest and biggest building: its 3-story, 108,000 square foot Kinesiology and Athletics Complex, which first opened to students in August 2016.

For more information and pictures, visit www.facebook.com/sbvalleycollege.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-One of the largest marches and rallies in the history of San Bernardino will be led by faith-based, political, business and community leaders on October 22, 2016 in the wake of an unprecedented year of crime and an alarming increase in homicides.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Acclaimed Author Felecia Poolé, releases her thought-provoking Stormi Girl Series. These powerful coming of age novels have everything you could ask for, thrills, tension, and tender moments. They touch on issues involving sex, mental illness, suicide, and religion, just to name a few.

IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM: THEY CALL ME STORMI volume one, is a riveting story of a young girl’s journey through love, sex, and betrayal, and her fight to keep her sanity. NO MERCY: THEY CALL ME STORMI volume two is the continuation of the young girl’s journey through revenge, lies, and secrets.

Poolé gives readers a glimpse of how life-altering situations can push some teens over the edge. Stormi, the teenage protagonist, is trapped between the spirits of good and evil, but only one spirit can win.  

The author’s characters are skillfully developed and you are walking in their shoes as they blindly move through life. You are reminiscent of your life as a teenager and parent. You’re reminded of the lies that you told and of the secrets that you hold. These cautionary tales will cause many parents to pay more attention to their teens and their associates. Parents will see that being open and honest about their life experiences as a teen, may help their teen when confronted with tough decisions. Teens will learn that trying to become an adult to fast, can put them in situations they are not prepared to handle.

Felecia Poolé is a mentor with My Sisters Keeper, a non-profit organization for youth girls ages 8-18. She advocates and encourages mentorship. She believes everyone has a story that needs to be told. Her slogan: “You Don’t Know My Story” resonates in the hearts of women young and old. Her passion to inspire others has made her a sought-after inspirational speaker.

For more information, please visit www.theycallmestormi.com.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On October 29, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due Season Fellowship will be hosting their H.U.G. Spirit of Christmas Toy Giveaway Sign-Up Day. You must pre-register to receive gifts at the toy giveaway. The first 1000 children registered will receive gifts.

Make sure to bring the following items: picture ID for each applicant, proof of income, proof of child (birth certificate or shot records), and proof of residency (San Bernardino ONLY). Toys will be given to children ages 0 to college age. Due Season Fellowship is located at 1024 N. G Street in San Bernardino.

For more information, please call (909) 534-1383.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Social-Lites Inc., of San Bernardino 50^th Beautillion Season has begun. Mentoring Young Men toward a better future is there Mission.

The Beautillion Scholarship Program is designed to assist the Young Men of the Inland Empire and surrounding Communities, who are High School Seniors, College Freshman and boys of ages 8 years through 15 years old in reaching their Educational Goals. Also the program helps to provide scholarship funding, as well as computers, gifts and awards to the young men.

All young men interested in participating in the Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program are encouraged to attend along with their parents to the Beautillion Meeting on Sunday October 30, 2016 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Boys and Girls Club at 1180 W. 9^th Street San Bernardino CA 92411.

For additional information please contact Ms. Lisa Blacksher, Beautillion Chair-Woman at (909) 659-4157, Ms. Cynthia Wilhite, Beautillion Co-Chair at (909) 838-0966 and

Mrs. Bettye Brewster, Social-Lites President at (951) 204-0022. Application available via email: Sociallites@msn.com or lisasocialites@gmail.com

ONTARIO, CA- BEOLA’S SOUTHERN CUISINE will celebrate their new restaurant at 1845 E. Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA 91761, with a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Empire on October 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. We are delighted to celebrate with the Local Cities, Regional and State Officials, Area Chambers, Inland Empire businesses and residents.

BEOLA’S Owner Troy McSwain is a self-taught Chef who opened Beola’s as an homage to his Southern roots. The recipes – and restaurant name are inspired by his late grandmother, Mrs. Beola McSwain. However, Troy’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle consists of offering home-style freshly cooked, made to order Southern cuisine that retains its authentic tastes but with a healthy spin. The menu offers dishes with locally sourced vegetables and lean proteins such as smoked turkey in of lieu of ham hock.

Along with his wife, Elizabeth, sons Troy III, 22 and Alex, 21, Troy McSwain II, owns and operates Beola’s Southern Cuisine. Their sons Troy III and Alex both assist with managing Beola’s staff and day to day operations. Elizabeth and Troy have over 50 years of combined experience managing businesses. They believe that quality dishes, a welcoming atmosphere and genuine, warm hospitality keep customers returning. The McSwains are connecting the community one meal at a time.

Lorenzo H Mills

March 13, 1937 – October 1, 2016

They say life is for the living and while he was with us Lorenzo H. Mills truly lived. Traveling the world, taking care of his family, servicing his country and serving in every possible capacity he could. Lorenzo will be missed by lives he never even knew he touched in keeping with the creed “Service… The Key to the Future.”

God gave the world a gift March 13, 1937 in Martinsville, Virginia. He blessed the world with a man that moved things forward. A hard worker, a selfless leader, and an example for all that witnessed his path to emulate in the name of progress.

Lorenzo Mills graduated from Albert Harris High School join the United States Air Force in 1956. Serving his country honorably he was recognized for his hard work and dedication to military service numerous times during the course of his adventurous life. In 1979, the Allied Forces of Southern Europe presented a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his faithful and efficient service in the United States Air Force. That same year he was awarded the Order of the Mole Award for his ‘meritorious performance of duty at Proto for contributing wholeheartedly to the fulfillment of the mission, and for surviving without the benefit of sunlight for a total of 1,500 days compiled over a period of 50 months.’

Lorenzo earned an Associate Art degree from San Bernardino Valley College. Next, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and then in 1981, a Master of Business Administration from the University of LaVerne studying in both Italy and Los Angeles.

Service was the theme Lorenzo lived by. He served his community with his time, insights, and monetary resources. Recently Life Stream Blood Bank called to schedule a blood donation. After hearing of his passing Life Stream revealed that Lorenzo had been a member since 1986 where in his lifetime of donations he helped save over 300 lives with his 14-gallon total of “whole” blood donations.

He was a member of Prince Hall Lodge #17, the Democratic Committee, Toastmasters, The Black Culture Foundation;and the Kiwanis Club. As a leading member of the Kiwanis Club of Inland Center, San Bernardino since 1987, and a William A. Dunlap Fellow, Lorenzo rose in ranks the position of Lt. Governor of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District, Kiwanis International Division 36. He served as President for three terms, Treasurer, and was a chair and member of numerous committees. In 2002, earning the position of Lt. Governor presiding over 15 Kiwanis clubs Lorenzo chose to focus on Pediatric Trauma Prevention.

Lorenzo H. Mills is preceded in death by his parents Lorenza and Gertrude Mills and sister Novella Mills-Hester.

Left to continue to love and honor the memory of Lorenzo is his wife Eula Mills, two sisters Norma Jean Gebo (Bob) and Sharon Price, and three children Lisa Mills-Hardaway, Natalie Mills and Lorenzo H. Mills II, seven grandchildren Jason Hardaway, Jheri Hardaway, Lorenzo H. Mills III, Mikalya Mills, Sophia Mills, Savannah Mills, Journey McCoy and a host of nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind many friends who have become family. Lorenzo was kind and knew no strangers…he will be deeply missed.. His memorial service will be held October 21, 2016, 10am, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1575 West Highland Ave. San Bernardino CA 92411.

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Saturday, October 15, the Los Angeles Sentential hosted its 11^th Annual Taste of Soul event in Los Angeles off of Crenshaw Boulevard. This year there were over 300,000 attendees. Pictured is the Black Southern California McDonald’s Operators, whom were part of the sponsoring group for the Taste of Soul. From left to right they include: Kyle Webb, Patricia Williams, Reggie Webb, Lindsay Hughes, Nichole Enearu, Rene Webb, Kiana Webb, and Norman Carter.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County Elections Office is recruiting poll workers for the November 8, 2016 Presidential General Election. Over 3,000 poll workers in San Bernardino County will be assigned to work on Election Day.

Poll workers are paid between $115 and $190 for working on Election Day and are typically assigned to work in or near their own neighborhood. Poll workers must be registered to vote, attend at least one two-hour training class, and be able to work on Election Day from 6 a.m. until approximately 9 p.m.

Many precincts require bilingual poll workers who speak Chinese, Khmer, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. Poll workers who provide this language assistance will receive extra pay.

To apply online, use the award-winning My Elections (M.E.) Gateway application on the San Bernardino County Elections Office website at SBCountyElections.com, or call (909) 387-8300.