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REDLANDS, CA- Amazon generously donated 550 smoke detectors and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors to the City of Moreno Valley Fire Explorers to help encourage residents to install these life-saving devices.

The smoke detectors will be given out to members of the public at the City of Moreno Valley’s 2017 Public Safety Expo on Saturday, April 1 at the Civic Center.

“Smoke alarms are a key part of home fire safety,” said Moreno Valley City Fire Marshal Adria Reinertson. “When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.”

Reinertson encouraged residents to install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area and on every floor. She also encouraged residents to test all smoke alarms at least once a month.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The PAL Center hosted its first annual Community Cookout on Saturday, March 18. The day consisted of fellowship among people from backgrounds, great music, and some good down home cooking.

The invitation was extended to community members, students, and staff who assist weekly in the Food Distribution Program.  There were 70 to 80 people who brought family and friends, in addition to students who participated in earning community service hours and work experience. 

The event is the school’s effort to say “Thank You” to the great people who contribute to building a better community. “We believe in working collaboratively with organizations such as the Community Action Partnership, San Bernardino Valley College, and Westside Kinship Support Services who help make our work a success,” Dwaine Radden, Sr., Chief Executive Officer, said.

To date the PAL Center has assisted 40 to 60 families on average with boxes of food and 15 to 20 students, parents, and citizen volunteers with community service opportunities every week. The PAL Center represents the family atmosphere of a village investing in the best interest of the people it serves through education, employment training, and outreach.  This is a great way we can make a positive impact on everyone involved. 

“It’s a win-win” says CEO Dwaine Radden, Sr.  “We recognize there is a large homeless population in this area, and poverty and hunger are two issues we can actually do something about. The PAL Center is proud to address these issues especially when it involves our youth and breaking down those obstacles that would hinder them from getting their education. “

If you would like more information about all that the PAL Center does, please visit www.palcharteracademy.com.

The journey that brought Indian Spring High School‘s boys’ varsity soccer team to win the CIF Division IV State Regional Championship is paved with grit and athletic talent.

Indian Springs defeated Citrus Hill High School 3-0 in the championship game on March 11, shutting out the school that beat them in penalty kicks just a week before. The soccer title is the first for the school, which has only had a soccer program for four years.

“Their ability to play as a team is tremendous,” said Indian Springs High’s Athletic Director John Chamberlain. “You see teams out there with two or three really good players.  But with us, you have 10 players on the field who are all playing at a really high level and building each other up. That’s tough to beat.”

The Board of Education will honor the Indian Springs soccer champs at a reception at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 in the Community Room at the Board of Education building, 777 North F Street in San Bernardino. The public is invited to attend.

Ranked 5^th in California and 24^th in the nation, Indian Springs’ soccer team overcame some obstacles to reach the championship and end the season with a record of 23 wins, 4 ties, and 3 losses.

Maintaining good grades was an issue for some players, who were motivated by teammates to attend tutoring to remain eligible to play, said coach John Arient.  Several players missed weeks of practice in December to visit family out of town.  Another player quit mid-season.

But through it all, the players remained a team and became even more unified as the season progressed.

For Arient, who has coached soccer and volleyball in San Bernardino City Unified School District for 18 years, the victory is a sign of even better things to come.

“The majority of the team is returning to play next year,” Arient said. “And, we’ve started seeing college recruiters coming to our games.”

In fact, a few players who graduate in June are being recruited by colleges like Cal State San Bernardino and Cal State Dominguez Hills, while others are planning to play soccer for San Bernardino Valley College and Chaffey College.

RIVERSIDE, CA- National Black Grads (NBG) is honored to present “It Takes A Village” 2017 Scholarship Celebration that will take place on Saturday April 1st, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Jessie Turner Center located at 15556 Summit Avenue in Fontana. Over 35 High School seniors from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties will be receiving scholarships. The scholarship categories include: STEM Awards, Leadership Awards, HBCU Awards, Student Athlete Awards, Academic High Achievers Awards, Resiliency Awards, Community Pioneer Awards, and Visual & Performing Arts Awards.

This event is open to the public with a $15 donation, but seating is limited. The celebration ceremony is sponsored by the Black Voice Foundation along with community partner local non-profit New Life Christian Church of Fontana. The Scholarship Celebration offers family members, educators and community members an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of local African American students. The scholarship donors are comprised of local organizations, businesses and individuals who desire to see Inland Empire students thrive in their educational goals and aspirations. Representatives from each donor organization will be in attendance. An anticipated highlight of the ceremony will be “The Reveal” where students will make final decisions on their college/university choice. Over 160 seniors from over 70 different Inland Empire high schools applied to the “It Takes A Village” Scholarship Contest where winners receive awards from $500 to $1000. Special guest include Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre, and Riverside County Office of Education Chief Academic Officer Cynthia Glover.

The Scholarship event foreshadows the NBG annually hosted I.E. HS Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony which is the largest HS Black Graduation Recognition Ceremony in Southern CA and will be held this year on May 4th at 6pm on the Ontario Convention Center. For more information please contact NBG directly at nationalblackgrads@gmail.com.

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.