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Mayor Pete Aguilar

SAN BERARDINO, CA – Today, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, Democratic candidate for Congress in California’s 31st district, announced his campaign’s Middle Class Initiative, a set of priorities to expand our nation’s middle class, focusing on the issues that affect the daily lives of Inland Empire residents. In his statement, Aguilar pledged his commitment to these issues and the middle class families he hopes to represent in Congress.

“This race is all about the Inland Empire’s middle class,” Mayor Aguilar said. “As our economy continues to recover, we must remain committed to policies that will grow our middle class and expand opportunity for those aspiring to get there, like raising the minimum wage. As I meet with voters and listen to the concerns that affect their families, the same issues come up again and again: a quality education for their kids, a good paying job after college and a secure retirement”.

“These are the values of the middle class, the values of my family and families across our region. I will do everything I can to make sure we deliver”.

Pete Aguilar’s Middle Class Initiative is a 3-part priorities list that focuses on strengthening education, creating a robust and fair economy with good paying, middle class jobs and a commitment to our seniors and future generations of retirees.

Education: A fair economy starts with an equal shot at success, and every student in America deserves an opportunity to succeed. As the father of two young children, Pete supports early childhood education for all students and robust funding for schools across the country. He is also an advocate for Pell Grants and student loan reform. College graduates should enter the workforce ready to start their adult lives, not drowning in debt that will prohibit them from buying a home or starting a family.

Economy: Pete is committed to supporting policies that will grow our economy and create jobs. He supports small businesses, one of the greatest engines of economic growth in our communities, equal pay for women and raising the minimum wage. Pete also believes that corporations should pay their fair share and be encouraged to keep jobs here in America instead of outsourcing good paying, middle class jobs overseas. He is a strong advocate for smart investments in manufacturing, infrastructure and renewable energy.

Retirement: Pete believes that we have a moral obligation to keep our promise to seniors and future generations of retirees. He will always support Medicare and Social Security and refuses to balance the budget on the backs of seniors. Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity.

Pete Aguilar is a small business owner and Mayor of Redlands. He is a strong advocate for economic growth and fairness in the Inland Empire, a leader who has reached across party lines to serve the best interests of middle class families in San Bernardino County.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Festival in Las Vegas set for November 14-16 on the Strip at Night

Las Vegas, NV  – Guaranteed to be one of the biggest weekends in running this year, pop-culture icon Snoop Dogg will headline the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Festival in Las Vegas on November 14-16, 2014. The global superstar will perform on Sunday during the pre-race concert at 3:00pm, prior to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America taking over the Las Vegas Strip at night.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas has proven over and over again to be one of the biggest and most anticipated running events in the world,” said Josh Furlow, EVP of Global Events for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. “We are thrilled to continue this legacy in 2014 by announcing Snoop Dogg, one of the most legendary, chart-topping artists of the past two decades, as the headliner for this year’s festivities.”

A multi-platinum artist, actor and entertainment icon, Snoop Dogg is at the forefront of popular culture as one of the most commercially successful artists in music. He’ll kick off the pre-party by performing chart-topping hits, which include “Gin & Juice,” “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?),” “Nuthin’ But A ‘G’ Thang,” “Next Episode,” “Beautiful,” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”

The 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Festival returns to Las Vegas the weekend of November 14-16; the only running event to be illuminated by the neon lights on the Las Vegas Strip. Each of the marathon and half-marathon courses run down both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard, featuring everything from the iconic  ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign to the Fountains of Bellagio with the finish line at the base of the Mirage Volcano.

The unique course and nighttime start attracts thousands of participants from around the world to experience the one-of-a-kind event with live bands at every mile, a Run-Thru Wedding for couples to elope on the go, the infamous group of Running Elvi and pre and post-event parties throughout the weekend at Vegas’ top nightlife venues.

Weekend activities begin with a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo where all participants pick up their race number, gear bag and t-shirt. This ultimate running resource will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15.  New in 2014, festival weekend will include the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k presented by SLS Las Vegas on Saturday night where runners can take the on Remix Challenge; running two events and potentially garnering three medals in one weekend.

As the event’s official charity, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America will return with the Team Challenge half-marathon training program. Over the now six-year history of the Rock ‘n’ Roll event in Las Vegas, more than $20 million has been raised for CCFA through the Las Vegas race to find a cure for the 1.4 million Americans living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

For more information or to register for Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas, visit StripatNight.com or follow @RunRocknRoll on Twitter.

About Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas

A Competitor Group event, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon to Benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America will take over the world famous Las Vegas Strip on Sunday night, November 16, 2014. Since 2009, more than $20 million has been raised for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America at the Las Vegas race and the event annually generates $165 million in annual economic impact to the region. Race participants enjoy the sights and sounds of lavish hotels, world-class entertainment and some of Vegas’ hottest music sensations performing on the course.

The Victor Valley branch (1082) of the NAACP held a press conference to voice concern over the death of Dante Parker, who succumbed while in police custody.  The details of his death while in police custody are sketchy with apparent lapses that are both troubling and cause for concern.

The conference was opened by Southwest Area Director of the NAACP, Ron Hasson, he shared the why, and the organization’s concern for the rash of deaths of African American males by law enforcement.

The second speaker was president of the local branch, Samuel Carl, who built on the statement by Mr. Hasson, calling for transparency, accountability, and the use of body cameras for all deputies in the field.

Cameron Sehat, an attorney representing the family stated what his office hopes to accomplish, and the possibility of a lawsuit against the department.

Mrs. Bianca Parker, the surviving spouse of Dante, his mother Deltra McCoy, two of their five children, twin daughters scheduled to graduate from Silverado High School in 2015, and other family members were present.  Mrs. Parker read the birthday card she had purchased for her husband’s birthday, he was killed on August 12, and his 37^th birthday was August 14,  She shared the trauma of not knowing what had happened, that fateful Tuesday evening that will always be etched in her memory.  They delayed dinner, waiting for his return, his dad and brother were visiting to celebrate his birthday.  The incident with police apparently occurred around 4pm, but Mrs. Parker was not notified, she started calling hospitals around 11pm, and that led to her receiving the news around 1am that her husband would not be returning to the family he adored, nor to his job at the Daily Press Newspaper.

There was not a dry eye, even among seasoned journalists, who have seen it all… as she shared the heartbreak, the anger, the pain, etc.

A.Majadi, 1^st vice president of the San Bernardino branch of the NAACP also spoke at the conference, and Ms, Deltra McCoy, his mother.

Media outlets represented were: KNBC News; CBS/LA; Channel 7 eyewitness News, the San Bernardino Sun, The Precinct Reporter and the Daily Press.  Other media outlets gathering information about the conference included The American Newspaper, and Westside Story Newspaper.

The Victor Valley branch of the NAACP is appreciative for those outlets for embracing the cause of human rights by their mere appearance.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- SHAD Club #62, a male group associated with Gamma Omega Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., has received the “Club of the Year” by the National Council of SHADS.  It is the third consecutive year the club has received this prestigious award.  SHADS are the husbands of active sorority members in Eta Phi Beta. The club was given this award for its work with young males in the community.  The goal of the club is “to be positive role models to young men in our area.”

One of the key programs the club sponsors is an Annual Oratorical/Essay Contest.  The goal of the contest is to help young men hone their skills in research, organization and presentation skills.  Contestants of the contest receive cash prizes totaling more than $1,000  per year.   The club has been sponsoring this contest since 2007.

The National Council of SHADS also recognized Tom Jones as its “Man of the Year.”  Mr. Jones is an original member of SHAD Club #62, and serves the local chapter as chaplain.  Tom was recognized for his work in the church, community and the club.  He serves as a deacon in New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and is active in many local clubs and associations.  One of his passions is his work with the prison ministry of his church.

Dr. D. Marie Battles regional director of Eta Phi Beta Sorority and Bettie Bell president of Gamma Omega Chapter were on hand to congratulate the club and Mr. Jones for their accomplishments.

Nia Campbell

RIVERSIDE, CA- The Riverside Branch National Association for the Advancement of colored people (NAACP) competed at the NAACP National Convention held in Las Vegas this past July 19-23. The Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) division is a major youth initiative of the NAACP that provides a forum through which youth of African descent demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise.

The crowd was electrified at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada as the 2014 NAACP ACT-SO Awards Show got underway. Bresha Webb who hosted the program kept the audience energized. There was an amazing tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou, based on her legendary poem, I Rise. R&B/pop group, McLain’s performance included an ode to hip-hop legends TLC. The show concluded with the crowd participating in a sing-along of Pharell’s Happy.

Over 600 NAACP youth from around the country participated in ACT-SO this year. The program included 26 categories of competition in the fields of science, humanities, business, and performing and visual arts. Nia Campbell, Riverside NAACP branch’s ACT-SO member was one of five winners coming from Region One which included: Japan, Korea, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Utah.

Campbell is a recent graduate of King High School and she plans to attend Valley College in the fall. Her passion is writing and she took home a bronze medal in the category of playwriting. She is currently working on three novels and a book of poems.

LOS ANGELES, CA- Where can Inland Empire entrepreneurs go to learn how they can grow their business?  The CA Black Chamber of Commerce and Foundation has the answer during their annual Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit to take place at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel on August 21 to 23.

This year’s theme is “Fitting Pieces Together for Business Success”. The event opens with the First Women’s Symposium “Success Above the Glass Ceiling… Is It Real?” and welcome reception on Thursday and closes on Saturday with the Ron Brown Awards Gala honoring leaders in government, small business of the year, and chamber of the year.

Learn how to develop partnerships and contract with major suppliers in the public and private sector, as well as how to build wealth in minority communities. Non-profits can learn grant writing and non-profit funding strategies along with applied technology. Speakers for the weekend include Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ACT-1 Group; Cynthia Marshall, AT&T Senior Vice President-Human Resources; Lisa Cagnolatti, Vice President Business Customer Division, Southern California Edison; Carol H. Williams, CEO and Founder Carol H. Williams Advertising, Inc.; and Barbara Perkins, President, Iyanla Vanzant Enterprises. During the summit, youth entrepreneurs will learn how to identify alternative business opportunities and access capital for their business ideas.

For more information on the summit, visit www.calbcc.org or call BPC Media Works at 951.682.6070.

Wonderland Dreams shirt in Blue

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire has become a Mecca for the fashion industry. Local residents shop at specialty boutiques, attend fashion shows or begin careers as fashion designers. Paul Martinez, a San Bernardino resident, plans to be a leader in this movement with the launch of his clothing brand, Fresh Clinic, early next year.

Martinez  has been obsessed with fashion since his first day of college at UC Riverside. “I remember thinking that if I wanted to make myself presentable to employers in the fashion industry, then I better start taking my clothes more serious,” said Martinez.

As a new college graduate, Martinez struggled to find a job and fashion internships were competitive. Financial setbacks and the economy made Martinez a fashion entrepreneur. Fresh Clinic started as a blog for Martinez to express his love for fashion, but because of the weak job market it’s now become a business. Fresh Clinic combines urban and upscale clothing for a unique take on modern fashion.

Martinez embraces what his home, the Inland Empire, can bring to the table.

“I believe it is important to buy from local designers, hire local models and work with local professionals. The only way the Inland Empire will be competitive in this industry is if we work together and bridge the gap with professionals in Los Angeles,” said Martinez.

Martinez works with local graphic designer Luke Vicious, of Rialto, to design a collection of shirts.

“I have been following Luke for a few years as a fan of his art, but now it’s cool we are working together,” said Martinez.

Vicious has made his impression on the fashion industry for the past few years, and designs for Los Angeles brands StampdLA,

One Love shirt front

TISA and JoyRich.

As a young veteran in the fashion industry, Vicious is confident in Martinez’s future success.

“Paul is a great client to work with, being that his ideas have meaning behind them. It motivates me to do my best, and I see his graphics as works of art that tell a story. These original concepts will always stand out because they can’t be bought on a site or duplicated. This makes Fresh Clinic a rare, valuable brand because it keeps fashion traditions alive,” said Vicious.

Martinez also works with Amanda Pelaez, a graphic designer and graduate of Cal State San Bernardino.

“I like Amanda’s work because she is able to design the ideas I give her without needing much direction. She is definitely a self starter who does not waste time,” said Martinez.

Pelaez is excited about her work with Fresh Clinic. “Working with Paul has always been gratifying. He knows what he wants, and he tells you clearly & concisely. I look forward to the future of Fresh Clinic,” said Pelaez.

Martinez is hopeful for the future. He now has a job and is managing his own business.

“I learned to create opportunities for myself, instead of waiting for them to come my way. I encourage everyone, especially the youth in our communities, to do the same.”

Fresh Clinic’s goal for the community is to provide free fashion shows, fashion events and scholarships to Inland Empire residents.

“I want to give our people something to look forward to, to bring hope back into their lives. We all have a long road ahead, but the most important message is to never give up. I’m happy to say my team has no room for quitters.”

You may contact Fresh Clinic by email at FreshClinic@live.com. Visit the Fresh Clinic website at www.FreshClinicLife.com for updates on the brand and follow Fresh Clinic’s Creative Director on Instagram @freshclinicpaul.

Yolanda Holder

CORONA, CA – Last year Inland Empire resident and 2x Guinness World Record holder of “Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year”, Yolanda Holder, set foot on a trial of walking from Corona to the Bay Area. That prior year in 2012, she power walked 120 marathons by breaking her own record of 106 marathons in 2010.

The “Walking Diva” is set to break yet another record. On Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 31 she will be walking from Corona, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to spread the word about healthy living and the benefits of walking 30 minutes a day. This event will also be used as a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association.

For those who would love to become corporate sponsors or would like to know more about Yolanda Holder and her campaign, visit www.yolandaholder.com.

Brittany Evans

RIVERSIDE, CA – While teens are surrounded by a world of social media, selfies and hashtags, one teen in Fontana is making a difference by breaking the mold of conformity. Her name is Brittany Evans, 18, and unlike most teens Brittany would rather be about her business than taking tons of pictures to show off to her friends. She not only has beauty and brains but she is the first in her family to become an inventor.

Her invention is called Sparkbudz (patent pending) it is an all new earphone in which you can magnetically attach and detach when you are alone or with a friend. “It’s a cool concept, I love it!” says Brittany. “Every day I wake up and thank God for such an amazing, witty invention”.

In addition to her building her brand, Ms. Evans is also finishing her education in communications at Riverside Community College. After completing her degree, her plans are to become a motivational speaker and mentor, and she is already getting a jump start through speaking engagements at her local church.

“I myself have been bullied, threatened and been back stabbed. I never want to see anyone go through what I have encountered”, Evans states.

Since then she has forgiven her enemies and works hard to fight against bullying.

She continues, “You don’t have to start a big campaign to fight against bullying. You can start off small by giving advice to a friend or peer who is being bullied, or ultimately by reporting it!:

The Sparkbudz inventor is giving back through her work that she currently does at her school in assisting others in their public speaking abilities. With her earnings that she makes, she donates 10 percent towards her tithes and offering and 80 percent towards her God given plan.

“God has blessed me tremendously to the point where I feel I don’t deserve it. I give not because I have to but because I want to,” Evans said.

For updates on Speakbudz, please follow @official_sparkbudz on Instagram.

ONTARIO, CA – As the dog days of summer come to an end and the regular summer swim season closes, San Bernardino County Regional Parks hosts its Doggie Pool-ooza event at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park in Ontario on Saturday, September 6th. During this annual event owners can bring their four legged pals, who have had to endure the summer in a fur coat, for one last dip in the cool pool.

The event is sponsored by the Rancho Regional Veterinary Hospital, the VCA Central Animal Hospital, and Ontario Spay and Neuter, who will be providing discounted nail trimming for $5 and $15 micro-chipping. The event will also include vendor booths, Li’l Dog Races and other contests, such as the K-9 Swimsuit Competition, Talent Show and Barking contest. There will be demonstrations on pet first-aid and a Humane Society workshop. Don’t miss the Disc Dogs Frisbee Show at 11:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.

If you don’t already have a pet, there will be on-site adoption opportunities from Animals R First Fund, Grey Save, Rescue Works!, Upland Animal Services, and Hope to Home for Cats. There will be a food truck area for all human attendees, including the Baby’s Bad-Ass Burgers, the Bakery Truck, California Grill Truck, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, and the Rolling Sushi Truck. To cool the humans off, Snowie’s California will have their shaved ice on sale including a syrup station to put your own flavors on the icy treat.

Friends of Regional Parks will there be collecting slightly used/clean blankets, bags of dry dog food, and other dog supplies to be donated to local pet shelters. Each item donated will enter participants into a drawing for fabulous pet prizes.

Canine participants must be six-months-old, have a current license and proof of up-to-date vaccinations, and must be on a six-foot leash when not in the pool.

Entry fee is $5 per person and $1 per canine participant, parking is free with admission. The event is on Saturday, September 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. The park is located at 800 North Archibald Avenue, Ontario, Ca 91764. For more information call the San Bernardino Regional Parks Department at (909) 387-2461.