Local

Founders of BrittCares Jamie and Shirell Henderson and Comedian and Actor Kevin Hart

LOS ANGELES, CA-BrittiCares International, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, hosted their 7th annual “Thanksgiving With My Family” at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Thanksgiving Day. Comedian and actor Kevin Hart was a special guest and presented BrittiCares with $30,000 to continue in their mission of helping terminally ill children.

As children admitted to hospitals during the holidays don’t get to enjoy their families, BrittiCares’ “Thanksgiving With My Family” gave them the opportunity to dine together on a day meant to be spent with family and friends.

BrittiCares will host its annual, “Give Life For Christmas” Blood Drive, on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The community is urged to donate blood as donations run low during the holidays, yet the need remains great. For more information and/or to donate visit www.britticares.org.

“Taylion also believes that it takes a talented, unique teacher to connect with today’s students on an educational level. Terry Trebilcock is a shining example of a teacher that connects with his students,” said Tim Smith president of Taylion Academy.

“I have actually been teaching since about 1975, I taught engineering classes at Henry Ford Community College in Michigan,” said Trebilcock. “I also taught business classes at Chaffey College for about three years.”

“I like the feeling you get when the light bulb goes on for these kids, and you see what they can do with it,” said Trebilcock. “For example, two kids I taught last year in engineering classes, they liked engineering so much they applied at Chaffey to get for their engineering program.  To me, that’s the biggest payoff.”

LOS ANGELES, CA- As California endures a historic drought and recovers from recent wildfires, residents need to prepare for the possibility of mudslides and flooding triggered by the current major rainstorm affecting the southland, the biggest of the year. Dangerous areas include zones previously affected by the #ColbyFire in the San Gabriel Mountains, near Los Angeles, where up to 6 inches of rain are expected, and sections of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), in Malibu. Various downed power lines and flooding problems have been reported and mandatory evacuations issued. As a reminder, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, causing about $50 billion in economic losses each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. State Farm encourages residents to take the following steps to protect:

A) YOUR LIVES:

• Listen to first responders and to the news – If a mandatory evacuation has been ordered in your area, gather your most important documents and key belongings and leave your house promptly.
• Drive in “defense mode” – In heavy rain and during flash floods seek high ground, turn on your lights, slow down, maintain more distance with other cars, and avoid driving on roads covered by water.
• Keep Tank Full and Change Wipers – Wipers should be replaced if the windshield view is smeared.
• Have a Road Survival Kit in the car– It should include a: tool set, spare tire, car jack, first aid kit, blanket, rain jacket, plastic tarp, jumper cables, flash light, gloves, spare cloths, water, non-perishable food, and road flares.

B) YOUR PROPERTY:

• Inspect Your Home – As the storm progresses, inspect your home and monitor rain gutters, roof, yard, out-buildings, and trees and shrubs for possible hazards.
• Make an Inventory – Create an inventory taking photos and short videos of your possessions in each room.
• Create an Emergency kit – Make sure you have plenty of emergency supplies like batteries, blankets, flashlights, water and non-perishable foods.
• Have an Evacuation plan – If you live close to a hillside area, have a disaster evacuation plan.

C) YOUR FINANCES:

• Flood damage and homes – damage due to floods is typically not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. Should you live in an area that is prone to floods or mudslides, consider purchasing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program: Floodsmart.gov.
• Flood damage and cars – comprehensive coverage on a typical auto insurance policy will cover damage to a car caused by a flood.
• Talk to your agent – review your policies and discuss your insurance needs.

“While these weather conditions persist, if you can avoid driving unless necessary that would be best. And at home, monitor if the water is finding its way in and act,” said Jordi Ortega, spokesman for State Farm, who added: “Now is a good time to call your agent and review your home insurance policy.”

About State Farm

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve almost 84 million policies and accounts – approximately 82 million auto, home, life, health and commercial policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 41 on the 2014 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visithttp://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.

Dean Hua and students

SAN BERNARDINO, CA? HSI STEM Pass-Go sponsored the Annual Men in Mathematics and Science Event on October 24 at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC).  Over 300 students from San Bernardino, Carter, Indian Springs, Arroyo Valley, and Middle College high schools and SBVC attended.  SBVC’s Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Haragewen Kinde, and Project Director Marc Donnhauser greeted the students who were then treated to an interactive presentation from Subzero Ice Cream.

Subzero demonstrated the math and science behind using liquid nitrogen to produce ice cream. Participants then engaged in a question and answer period with a panel of STEM professionals from various industries including healthcare, business, education, technology, and the U.S. military. Students then participated in break-out sessions with stimulating topics including: Is Your Girlfriend Crazy?: The Mathematics Behind Relationships; Nuclear Power in the US Navy; Chemistry in Action; Computer Coding, and; Mathematics in Your Bones.

A current SBVC student delivered an inspiring presentation on “How Anyone Can Succeed in Mathematics.”  The entire event emphasized how vital mathematics is to STEM careers and taught students how critical thinking skills obtained through STEM Education can lead to successful careers and lifestyles.

California State University, San Bernardino STEM Pass-Go staff were present to inform students of the STEM Educational opportunities at CSUSB, and reinforce the seamless transition for STEM Students as they progress in their education from SBVC to CSUSB.  Students enjoyed lunch from the Carl’s Jr. Food Truck and dessert from Subzero Ice Cream.

The Men in Mathematics and Science Event was a collaborative effort between the HSI STEM Pass-Go Program, SBVC faculty and staff, CSUSB, and the Alliance for Education.

If you would like more information on this topic, please visit www.sbvcstem.org.

Candice

By Naomi K. Bonman

When people think of glitz and glam they think of Hollywood and Los Angeles. It becomes a dream of people from the East Coast to visit or live in California and see all of what Sunny L.A. has to offer. However, many forget about the hidden jewel that lies in Southern California. That jewel is about 60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles between the 10 and 210 freeways, better known as San Bernardino, which sits in the heart of the Inland Empire (I.E.). Within the city, there is an array of talent and lately we have seen more people ‘make it’ that have come out of the good ol’ I.E, and rising songstress, Candice, is one of them that is well on her way.

Candice, like many, grew up singing in the church and was inspired to explore music from her father. He would have her sing melodies, mostly Gospel, while he would play the piano. As she began to get deeper into the realm of music, she was blessed with the opportunity to sing back up and tour with Grammy nominated Neo-Soul singer and songwriter, Eric Benet. Singing with Benet later led her to tour with Ne-yo.

“It was an amazing experience,” Candice explained. “I am very humbled.”

The rising R&B chanteuse looks forward to doing more tours and shows as the New Year emerges upon us. Also in store for 2015 will be an album, Candice’s first album, which she has been putting her sole focus on. She is currently working with Compound Entertainment.

In addition, Ms. Candice would love to collaborate with more artists. On her roaster of those that she would love to work with include Beyonce, Andre 3000, and Brandy. These are a few of the musicians who inspire her within the R&B genre. She also loves Neo-Soul artists and Gospel artists, such as Lauryn Hill, Tamia, andYolanda Adams. They are also currently in rotation in her music playlist.

“I love that music that you can vibe to. That feel good music,” she said.

This diamond from the Inland Empire has accomplished a few milestones within her career so far; however, she is just scratching the surface and is still reaching her ultimate goal. While she is in pursuit of it she knows that hard work definitely pays off, so when she is not in the studio she is doing something musically, such as writing or going over her vocals.

“I’m a hard worker. I’m true to my art,” Candice states. “I feel that the industry is missing [true] R&B right now, and I’m here to fill that void. I’m hoping that everyone else has been missing it just as much as I have.”

When she isn’t perfecting her craft, Candice loves to read. She also has a spontaneous side and is the “get up and go” type of girl. She enjoys going on the highest ride at the amusement park or going bungee jumping.

For more information and to stay updated on Candice, visit her website candicernb.com, and follow her Twitter and Instagram @candicernb.

Riverside Fire Chief Michael Moore, flanked by firefighters from his city and Rancho Cucamonga at Riverside Fire Station 14, announces Riverside’s participation in Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE), which provides immediate short-term relief to fire and disaster victims.

RIVERSIDE, CA- When first responders answer the call in a fire or disaster, the job doesn’t end when the fire is out. Many times, firefighters wind up comforting families that have suffered a great loss. Firefighters always wish they could do more. Now they can.

Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) allows local firefighters to give on-the-spot aid to families and individuals who suffer substantial property loss in a fire or a major disaster. Created and funded by the non-profit California Fire Foundation, SAVE provides departments with Mastercard gift cards that can be activated right at the scene.

“As firefighters, we often have the sad duty to be with people on the worst day of their lives,” said Lou Paulson, chair of the California Fire Foundation and a retired Contra Costa firefighter. “By offering SAVE cards to those who have lost so much, firefighters are able to help people take the first step toward rebuilding their lives.”

At a news conference at Riverside’s Canyon City Fire Station # 14, Inland Empire fire departments announced their participation in the unique partnership. The Riverside City, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino City Fire Departments are among 30 departments statewide that have agreed to participate in SAVE. The $100 Mastercard SAVE cards are carried by incident commanders to residential fire and disaster calls. If the occupancy loss is 25 percent or more of total value, a SAVE card can be activated right at the scene.

SAVE cards were issued to 30 California fire departments in late August, following a successful test of the program in the Sacramento area. To date, more than 45 families touched by tragedy have been helped through the program.

SAVE is open to all California fire departments, paid and volunteer, subject to an agreement between the Foundation and employer and employee representatives. The Foundation continues to raise funds and seek additional sponsorships to bring SAVE cards to more communities and, eventually, increase the face value of the cards. Individuals interested in contributing can go to SAVE.cafirefoundation.org.

Ms. Dorene Dominguez with student tour guides from H. Frank Dominguez Elementary School

Dominguez & Vanir Leadership” – (left to right):
— Ms. Terri Anderson-Cardinal, Program Facilitator, H. Frank Dominguez Elementary School
— Mr. Alejandro Hernandez, Principal, H. Frank Dominguez Elementary School
— Ms. Dorene Dominguez, Chairman, Vanir Foundation
— Ms. Adrienne Cisneros-Selekman, President, Vanir Foundation

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Dorene Dominguez, Chairman of The Vanir Foundation in Memory of H. Frank Dominguez, San Bernardino Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden and the Vanir Foundation Board of Directors celebrate the grand opening and partnership of the H. Frank Dominguez Elementary School. The festivities included a school adoption by Cross Walk Church, first grade singers, and a special presentation of the H. Frank Dominguez plaque by Dorene Dominguez. After the ceremony, a mariachi band led guests to a reception followed by school tours by Dominguez Elementary school students.

The Vanir Foundation is pleased to announce their new partnership with H. Frank Dominguez Elementary School. As stated by Ms. Dominguez, “Since its inception in 2004, the Vanir Foundation has helped thousands of students by brining academic enrichment programs to our partner schools.” The Vanir Foundation has provided funding for:

• Apple iPad Airs for use of technology in the classroom;
• Science & College focused field trips to enhance learning outside the classroom;
• Honor Roll incentives to encourage student achievement;
• School Uniforms;
• and the highly successful “Engineering is Elementary” Program which exposes students to engineering concepts through a hands-on workshop approach.

This partnership will engage students in learning activities that stress critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills that are required for success in high school graduation, college, career, and life. Principal Alejandro Hernandez said, “We’re a 21st century skills school, planting the seeds of Hope, Inspiration, Knowledge, and Relationships.”

The Vanir Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3), is dedicated to partnering with schools in underserved communities by promoting achievement in math, science, language arts and engaging students in the field of engineering.

For more information and to donate to the Vanir Foundation, please visit www.VanirFoundation.org.

Ezekiel Azonwu is a spoken word artist that performs all across the globe. He is most commonly seen at P4CM events and during P4CM’s annual Rhetoric event.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Calling all of the creative minds and those who support the creative arts. On Saturday, November 22 at California State University San Bernardino, Momentum will be held. The night will be filled a grand creative arts festival featuring a live band and dancers and spoken word from Ezekiel Azonwu and several others.

The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students with I.D. and $10 for pre-sale tickets. Tickets are $15 at the door. To purchase pre-sale tickets please visit Jointhemomentum.eventbrite.com. Cal State San Bernardino is located at 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino.

DJ Quik

LOS ANGELES, CA- Enjoy a night of old school hip-hop, rap, and R&B. On Saturday, November 29, the Eventporium will be presenting the classic Soul2Soul concert series starring Club Nouveau, Christopher Williams, Loose Ends (featuring Jane Eugene), Whodini, and DJ Quik at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center located at 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd. in Redondo Beach (90278). Each of these artists dominated the music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s and are considered pioneers of the R&B and Hip-Hop genre.

Whodini gained national praise after signing with Jive Records in 1982, by releasing chart topping albums Escape, Back in Black, and Open Sesame, garnering 2 Platinum and 1 Gold certifications respectively.

Club Nouveau

British R&B trio Loose Ends rose to stardom in 1985 with the release of their single “Hangin’ on a String” that ranked #1 on the Billboard Charts in the U.S., making them the first British Group to do so.

Releasing their debut album in 1986 entitled Life, Love & Pain, R&B group Club Nouveau went platinum with four hits making it into the top 10 spots on the Billboard Charts consecutively. Their 1987 rendition of “Lean on Me” by Bill Wither’s earned the group a Grammy.

Christopher Williams

Christopher Williams’ single, “I’m Dreamin,” featured on the New Jack City Soundtrack (in which he also acted in) immediately hit #1 on the U.S. Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Charts.

With over 22 years, 80+ single production credits and 2 platinum/gold certifications, DJ Quik created his stage name on his speedy record production.

Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show will starts promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased on Eventporium.com, Goldstar.com, or Inglewoodtickets.com. Tickets may also be purchased by phone by calling (818) 272 – 8878.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Youth Edutainment League (Y.E.L. Program), which intends to decrease at-risk behavior. As a result, youth between the ages of 12 and 18 are offered hands-on programs that will teach them the inner-workings of the entertainment community.

Loose Ends

Whodini

Makeda Francisco

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Time for Change Foundation will hold its annual Taking Time to Give Thanks Concert to benefit Homeless Women and Children on Sunday, November 23 at the Community Hospital San Bernardino- Henderson Auditorium located at 1805 Medical Center Drive in San Bernardino. Featured artists include Makeda Francisco, lead vocalist of Rose Royce and the Time for Change Foundation National Spokesperson. There will be a meet and greet and gift drop off from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The community prayer and benefit concert will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5 or a gift for women and children that can rnge from coats, socks, bus passes, and gift cards.

Winter months tend to have a chilling effect on mothers who are unable to provide warm coats and socks for their children.  Oftentimes, it’s these items that most of us take for granted that can be the spark of hope for children as they walk to school with the precious gift of being warm.          Additionally, gift cards to places such as Target and Walmart enable homeless women to purchase items necessary to reclaiming their role as a nurturing and caring parent.  All financial contributions assist Time for Change Foundation in providing our shelter services, transportation, childcare and educational supplies, among other things.

For more information please visit www.Timeforchangefoundation.org or call (909) 886-2994