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SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On last Tuesday, December 13, the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) unanimously approved the material revision for the PAL Center and PAL Charter Academy to expand their grade levels to middle school.  Since taking the helm in 2014, CEO Dwaine Radden, Sr., continues to execute, and exceed expectations by making Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry’s vision a reality; shaping a school environment conducive to learning, and meeting students’ needs. 

Under the leadership of founder, Dr. Henry, the PAL Charter Academy became the first Charter in San Bernardino County in 2000 and is still “growing” strong. PAL Charter Academy will now serve 6^th through 8^th grade students in the upcoming 2017 – 2018 school year.  And it is with great excitement that the PAL legacy will forge on for generations to come. “Go Bulls!”

The Way World Outreach held its 12th annual Christmas present giveaway at its Hallmark campus on Sunday evening, where over 2,000 youth received a gift of their choosing. Pictured is The Way World Outreach Children’s Pastor Susan Zavala with Jovonn Taylor, 9. (Photo credit MJ Duncan)

By MJ Duncan

“Sometimes on Christmas morning we get nothing, and then I go into my room and cry,” 11-year-old Polo Dominguez told The Way World Outreach Children’s Pastor Susan Zavala.

This year Polo and his 10 siblings, along with over 2,000 other children up to age 13, are guaranteed at least one present. The Way held its 12^th annual Christmas present giveaway at its campus in the north end of San Bernardino on Sunday evening that included service and snacks for inner-city children and their families.

For those without transportation four shuttles were transported residents from the downtown campus on Arrowhead and 10^th Street to Hallmark Pkwy. Gifts were organized by age that included skateboards, scooters, action figures, watches, basketballs, boxing sets, dolls, Doc McStuffins, Play-Doh, and much more. Children were escorted ten at a time by two volunteers to pick their present.

“We changed the format this year from handing out wrapped gifts to letting kids pick what they want so they wouldn’t be disappointed to open a present they really didn’t like,” Zavala explained.

Pastor Marco Garcia, Associate Pastor Robert Cuencas, church staff and volunteers shopped for over 3,500 toys at various warehouses in Los Angeles last Thursday; funding came strictly from donations.

“There are so many toys to choose from,” an excited and thrilled Joe Sedono, 8, gushed. “I’ve always wanted a scooter!”

According to Zavala on Christmas Day there will be plenty of toys to give out at the downtown campus for those who were not able to make it to the event.

“We made sure to purchase enough for the community so that no one would be left out this Christmas,” Zavala said. “The way the children’s eyes light up and to witness the joy on their faces is absolutely amazing and so heartwarming.”

Parents and guardians had the opportunity to sit in service with Pastor Cuencas while their little ones enjoyed Christmas messages, activities and snacks.

“This event is so overwhelming, it brings so much joy to be able to give back to the community,” said Pastor Cuencas. “There is nothing more rewarding that to be there for people when they need it the most, and to have a positive impact on them by offering presents during the Christmas season, hope and God’s love.”

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Christmas is a season of giving; however, no Christmas holiday would be complete without…you guessed it, the jolly old Christmas tree.  On Thursday, December 15, the PAL Charter Academy High School held their 6th Annual Christmas Tree contest.  Students were invited to write essays on “If I Only Had One Wish for Christmas.”

PAL Center CEO, Dwaine Radden Sr. said, “The students’ essays were incredible and heartfelt, you could hear a pin drop.”

He continues, “Their words penetrated to the depths of my core and stirred my spirit.”  

Judged by PAL Staff and Board members, the top three essays received a Christmas tree and gift card.  Thanks to the generous donation of Christmas trees by Northwestern Christmas Trees, who have partnered with the PAL Center for this contest for the past 6 years, the winner Jasmine Moreno, and the runner ups, Kenyatta Deshazior, and Louie Gonzalez went home with a special gift to share with the whole family. Congratulations to all the winners!

Northwestern Christmas Trees is located at 1955 S. Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Local celebrity Vincent Ayon aka Invinceable, the publisher of Phat Inc. Magazine, is once again donning his Santa hat. With the support of Subaru of San Bernardino, the former hip-hop artist proudly presents his 4th Annual Red Carpet Toy Drive. Hosted by Albert Ricks of Subaru San Bernardino and Phat Inc. Magazine, the 4th Annual Red Carpet Toy Drive takes place on Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m. at the San Bernardino Auto Center, located at 645 Auto Center Drive in San Bernardino. The Red Carpet Toy Drive has become a staple in the Inland Empire community and is recognized as one of the area’s most entertaining and charitable events. Over 200 toys were collected and distributed last year.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Subaru of San Bernardino for our annual Red Carpet Toy Drive,” says Invinceable, founder and publisher of Phat Inc. Magazine. “It’s an honor for Phat Inc. Magazine to be able to continue to bring cheer during the holiday season to so many wonderful kids. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together in the Christmas spirit while making a difference in the life of a child.”

The Red Carpet Toy Drive is free to the public and promises to be a day filled with music, courtesy of the Inland Empire’s own Chris Loos of Old School 104.7 FM, live music performances, special guest celebrities, raffles, giveaways, and free goodie bags to the first 100 guests. Attendees who bring an unwrapped toy will receive a complimentary taco plate and a free beverage.

As with previous Christmas events, proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of the San Bernardino Mountain Communities. According to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau over 28.5% of children in the Inland Empire are living far below the poverty level. For over 20 years the Boys & Girls Club of the Mountain Communities has been helping these young people to reach their dreams and realize their full potential.

Invinceable has always strived to make his community proud. The rap music artist first made national headlines with the release of his single, “A Soldier Never Dies.” The touching anthem was dedicated to the memory of Invinceable’s cousin, Anthony Hector Vargas, a Marine who lost his life in a San Bernadino neighborhood home after returning from battle in Iraq.

For additional information regarding supporting or attending the Red Carpet Toy Drive, contact Invinceable at hello@phatincmag.com.

VICTORVILLE, CA- The High Desert Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host a Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday December 17.  The celebration will be at Victor Valley College downstairs in the Student Activities Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  This event is for all ages and free to the public.  Come learn about Kwanza and participate in this event.
The Alumnae Chapter will also sponsor the 11th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Peace March Monday January 16, 2017.  The location is the corner of Seneca Rd. and Civic Drive in Victorville (Victorville Courthouse).  The March begins at 10 a.m.  This event is free and open to the public.
For more information on both events, call 760-951-0680 or 760-240-7147.

SAN BERNARDINO – Redlands High School continued its winning ways as it wrapped up its record 14th San Bernardino County title in the 35th annual Mock Trial competition that was decided on December 10.
Cajon High School, which was looking for its first county title, gave a spirited and competitive performance, but Redlands’ experienced team pulled out another victory. It was the school’s third title in the past four years.
“This truly was a team effort in every sense,” said Redlands coach Donna St. George, who has been with the team for each and every one of the school’s county titles.
Superior Court Judge Charles Bradley congratulated both Cajon and Redlands for the expertise and poise each showed in the finals at the San Bernardino Justice Center.
“I have no doubt both of these teams could go onto the state competition and win. You are very, very good,” he said.
With the victory, Redlands advances to the state mock trial competition in Riverside in March.
Team members for Cajon are: Lily Bolanos; Valerie Covarrubias; Lauren Helt; Siduri Ho; Eva Henery; Natalie McGlockin; Angela Monroy; Tyler Peyton; Melody Satele; Steven Schwartz; Anna Smith; Jalen Stevenson; and Madison Thomas.
Redlands team members were: Courtney Cappelli; Emma Dixon; Vibhi Ganapathy; Tiffani Le; Bailey McKernan; Michael Moralez; Hazel Naftzger; Tiffany Rekem; Christian Valdez; Tyler Vallecorsa; and Katelyn Zabaleta.
Approximately 400 students representing 32 high school teams have participated in the Mock Trial competition this year. This event is co-sponsored by the San Bernardino County
Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, December 10, community members and elected officials came out to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration. The annual celebration was held at San Bernardino Valley College. This year there was a special skit presented by the PAL Charter Academy.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc will be hosting its Men of Tomorrow Rites of Passage ceremony on Saturday, December 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at California State University, San Bernardino in the Student Union, Event Room A.
The program will be in collaboration with our fraternity’s national initiative, to inspire young men to complete high school, and college.  Over the past eleven months, members of the fraternity have been mentoring a group of young men (ages 8-18) on various skills that are vital to their future success.  They have attended workshops on goal setting, self-respect, and peaceful conflict resolution, to name a few.
These young men will be honored during Saturday’s luncheon to celebrate their commitment to complete this intensive learning program they began at the beginning of the year.  To RSVP to this event, please contact Kevin Hall at khall1949@yahoo.com by Thursday, December 15. The event is free but parking is $6 for vehicles that do not have a CSUSB parking permit. The street address of the student union is 5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, December 10, PAL Charter Academy students Jesse Hamilton, Brent Matthews, Rica Taylor, Jacqueline German, Edward Orrego and Devyn Graves attended the 50th Anniversary Kwanzaa Celebration at San Bernardino Valley College.  These students actively participated in the event by presenting a skit that highlighted The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, working together, supporting one another, purpose, creativity and faith.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Thirty-five Reading Heroes who raise the bar for literacy throughout San Bernardino County were recognized by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday as part of the Countywide Vision project’s Vision2Read initiative.

In February, the Vision2Read campaign asked the public to identify people in the community who go above and beyond the call of duty to motivate others to read and improve literacy skills and nominate them as Reading Heroes.

“I’m pleased to learn that so many sectors in our community are collaborating to improve literacy in this county,” said James Ramos, chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “These Reading Heroes come from private business, public schools, libraries, and community organizations. Several of these Reading Heroes are spending their own personal time to make sure our children and adults are learning what they need to succeed in life.”