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PERRIS, CA- Embark on a magical train ride and visit with Santa Claus at his North Pole workshop on December 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21. You can ride the train where elves will lead families in Christmas songs, holiday trivia games and storytelling. Santa greets the guests as they arrive at the workshop.

Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at a play area where children can experience Thomas train tables, a child-powered roller coaster and crafts. Enjoy holiday treats while waiting to board your train and a child-size train ride ($2).

Train times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Trains fill up fast, so it is advised to call the museum for reservations at (951) 943-3020. Prices for non-members, ages 12 and up are $15; ages 5 to 11 are $10; and ages 2 to 4 are $5. Member prices for ages 12 and up are $8 and ages 2 to 11 are $5. For more information, please visit at www.oerm.org.

Tamyra Gray

PASADENA, CA- The Pasadena Playhouse and Lythgoe Family Productions (LFP) have announced the cast members for this year’s Panto at the Playhouse “Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight.” The cast will feature Disney recording artist Olivia Holt as “Aurora”(Disney’s “I Didn’t Do It”), Lucy Lawless as “Carabosse” (“Xena: Warrior Princess,” “Spartacus”), David Engel as “Nanny Tickle” (Broadway’s “La Cage aux Folles,” “Seussical”), Tamyra Gray as “The Good Fairy” (“American Idol,” Broadway’s “Bombay Dreams” and “Rent”) and returning from last year’s Panto at the Playhouse production of “Aladdin and His Winter Wish,” Ben Giroux as “Silly Billy” (CW’s “Hart of Dixie).“SLEEPING BEAUTY and Her Winter Knight” opens December 10, 2014 and plays through January 4, 2015 at The Pasadena Playhouse.

An updated version of the classic Grimm fairytale, in the style of a traditional British family Panto, SLEEPING BEAUTY and Her Winter Knight is a singing and soaring winter adventure that features family-friendly magic, with a comedic twist, dancing (with “So You Think You Can Dance” alumni), a live pony, interaction with the audience and contemporary music from Jessie J’s “Domino” to John Legend’s “All Of Me,” Pharrell Williams “Happy” to Survivor’s “Eye of The Tiger” and more. A Panto is known for its interactive style and humor that appeals to everyone from ages 2 – 102!

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena (91101).  The performance schedule is Monday at 7:30 p.m. (December 29 only); Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 12 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Special matinees are Wednesday, December 24 at 4 pm; Friday, December 26 at 4 pm; and Tuesday, December 30 at 4 pm.

Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529, online 24 hours a day at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. during non-performance dates.  On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Back row left to right Scout Leader Charles Price, Stater Bros. Manager Jorge Moreno, Stone Price, Austin Price, Lucus Compagna, and Scout Leader Anne Compagna. Front left William Anderson, and front right Jason Bun.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Boy Scouts from the Inland Empire collected 12,880 pounds (6 tons) of food for The Salvation Army’s San Bernardino Corps.  The food was donated by the Boy Scouts over two weekends in November. Last year the donations weighed in at 11,004 pounds.   The Boy Scouts have collected tons of food for the Salvation Army and other charities with meal programs for the past several years.

In December, the San Bernardino Corps assembles holiday food baskets for more than 600 local families. Canned food donations received from the Boy Scouts will be included in those baskets along with a $10 gift card to Stater Bros. for a Turkey.  In addition to the holiday baskets, a delicious Christmas Dinner is served on Christmas Day to those in need.

Meals for anyone who is hungry are served six nights a week at 4:45 p.m. Sunday through Friday at 746 W. Fifth Street in San Bernardino.  More than 40,000 meals are served annually at the Fifth Street location. For help or for more information call The Salvation Army at  (909) 888-1336.

Michael Ferrera (right), founder of Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing and finalist in the Cricket Community Stars: Salute to Solopreneurs contest is pictured with Monica Cevallos, Cricket Wireless Senior Marketing Manager during an in-store celebration on Small Business Saturday. As a finalist, Ferrera is eligible to receive the grand prize package of up to $5,000 in cash and mobility prizes. Photo provided courtesy of Steed Media Group

LOS ANGELES, CA- On Saturday, November 29, Cricket Wireless hosted an in-store celebration for its Cricket Community Stars: Salute to Solopreneurs contest. This year they selected Michael Ferrera of Los Angeles and owner of the Michael Ferrera Custom Apparel as one of the three finalists.

Family, friends, and the community were able to show their support as Ferrera competes for the grand prize package. Some of the prizes that he is eligible for include a cash prize of up to $5,000 and a free Samsung Galaxy S5 courtesy of Samsung along with a year of Cricket service.

At Saturday’s celebration, Ferrera recorded a video outlining his business story and community involvement. The video can be viewed on Cricket’s YouTube channel. To learn more about Michael Ferrera, please visit www.michaelferrera.com.

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.