Happily Divorced And After

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Each of five San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) high schools awarded students more than $1 million in college scholarships, with the total scholarships awarded to all SBCUSD graduates totaling $8,134,645.

Students at San Bernardino High School (SBHS) earned $1,856,489 in scholarships, the most of any SBCUSD high school. Cajon High School students earned the second largest amount, $1,680,014, which included $646,000 in military academy appointments and scholarships for the U.S. Army, Marines, and Coast Guard.

“I’m not surprised that San Bernardino High students earned so many scholarship dollars,” said Corina Borsuk, whose family funds an annual scholarship for SBHS graduates. “As the oldest high school in the area, many famous and successful people have graduated from the school, and they often give back by establishing scholarships specifically for Cardinal City graduates. Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal.”

The San Bernardino High School mascot is a cardinal, and the school is a chartered city known as Cardinal City.

With 481 scholarship recipients, Cajon High School boasted the largest number of students earning scholarships. Arroyo Valley High School had the next largest group of scholarship recipients, totaling 293 deserving students.

Cajon and Arroyo Valley High Schools both offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (I.B.) program, which awards both a California diploma and an internationally recognized diploma to students who successfully complete the rigorous coursework. Earning top grades in these classes is often a sign that students will do well in college and attracts scholarship donors.

Of Middle College High School’s 79 graduates, 72 earned scholarships. That’s 91 percent of the graduating class. More than 87 percent of San Bernardino High School’s graduating class of 287 students received scholarships.

Unlike other SBCUSD high schools, Middle College High does not have attendance boundaries. Interested students must apply to attend, and those who are accepted are enrolled in high school classes on the Middle College campus and college classes at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). SBCUSD covers the cost of attending SBVC, including text books.

While Middle College High serves high school students who want to get a jump on their college education, Inland Career Education Center (formerly San Bernardino Adult School) serves adults who are returning to school to earn a G.E.D. or high school diploma. The 197 members of the ICEC class of 2017 earned $22,450 in scholarships.

Rounding out SBCUSD high schools, Indian Springs High School graduates earned $540,001 in scholarships, Pacific High School graduates earned $424,511, San Gorgonio High School graduates earned $1,156,858, San Andreas High School graduates earned $23,700, and Sierra High School graduates earned $43,322 in scholarships.

SBCUSD graduates received scholarships from a variety of public and private donors, but a large share of the scholarship money came from the Making Hope Happen Foundation and the San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association.

The Making Hope Happen Foundation is a non-profit foundation that supports the educational mission of the San Bernardino City Unified School District. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit makinghopehappenfoundation.org or call (909) 381-1294.

The San Bernardino Community Scholarship Association coordinates the contributions of groups and individuals who wish to give scholarships to SBCUSD graduates. Donors may contribute to an existing scholarship or create a new scholarship of their own based on criteria that is important to them. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sbcusd.com/SBCSA or call (909) 381-1250.

High school students nationwide can now apply at DisneyDreamersAcademy.com to be among 100 selected to participate in the 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, mentoring program that takes place in March at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The program has produced many success stories, inspiring students to become authors, nurses, pilots, doctors, journalists and engineers following the three-day all-expenses-paid experience at Walt Disney World Resort where the theme parks become vibrant ‘classrooms’ leading to career discoveries and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Program applicants must answer essay questions about their personal journeys and dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. Selected applicants, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort.

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, through Oct. 31, 2017. A distinguished panel of leaders will evaluate the applications, and selected participants will be announced in early 2018.

For more information regarding applications, interested applicants can visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or learn more about the program on Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy or Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University Health featured prominently during the 47th annual Emmy Awards presented by the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Saturday, June 24, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. 

“Life on the Line,” a documentary TV series that highlights Loma Linda’s stories of transforming lives, won Emmy Awards in six of its seven nominated categories.  

Mound City Films produces “Life on the Line,” contracting with Loma Linda University Health’s Department of Advancement Films. 

The show tells stories of hope and courage arising from Loma Linda University Health. Cosmin Cosma, MA, director of advancement films at Loma Linda University Health, said he is thankful for the talent and dedication the team has put into producing the series. “Receiving television’s highest award is a testament to their commitment to professionalism,” he said. “It’s our privilege to share stories of hope and courage arising from Loma Linda University Health’s medical work.”

The team has previously received a total of 13 regional Emmys, one of which was for “Life on the Line.” 

This year “San Bernardino Strong” was nominated in the documentary category, while episodes or a season of “Life on the Line” were nominated and received Emmy Awards in the following categories:

• Sports – Daily or Weekly Program or Special

• Director – Non Live (Post Produced)

• Editor (No time limit) – Program (Non-news)

• Photographer – Program (Non-news)

• Editor (No time limit) ­– Short ForM 

• Graphic Arts – Graphics: Life on the Line: Show Open

Cosma said the documentary film form is a lengthy process, with filmmakers often spending a year or more experiencing the journey side by side with the individuals who are sharing their stories.

“Receiving recognition from the members of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences boosts our morale and gives us the energy and drive to tell more stories,” Cosma said.

Receiving 2017 Emmy Awards were Cosmin Cosma, Erik Edstrom, Patricia Kelikani, James Pendorf and Michael Wolcott.

“By bringing their artistry and technical skill into the difficult moments of our patients lives, these filmmakers craft powerful stories that hearten all involved and create meaning out of what are some of life’s darkest points,” said Garrett Caldwell, DMin, executive director of public affairs at Loma Linda University Health. “Their work beautifully illustrates the faithfulness of our employees to fulfill our mission to continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences – Pacific Southwest Chapter serves television professionals in San Diego, Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. 

The chapter received over 900 entries for the 47^th show, 217 of which were nominated. From those, more than 100 Emmy Awards were given.

By Shalom Ysrayl

For the uplifting and encouragement of my people…

The calling back of the children of Israel. The word speaks to us, “If it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant [we are the remnant, the children of the fathers] of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in mine eyes, says the Mighty One.” [Zechariah 8:6]. This passage is the Resurrection of the children of Israel; if it’s marvelous in our eyes, how much more marvelous is it in the eyes of Yah, our Savior [Ezekiel 37…Dry Bones Live]. When they say; how will it be accomplished then you say, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says Yah.” Yahweh bless you!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Bob Dutton is pleased to announce the signing of the 2017 Annual Property Assessment Roll showcasing steady property value growth in the region. The assessment roll contains 810,304 taxable parcels valued at $206,576,804,207, which is a 6.1% net increase as compared to the 2016 assessment roll. Notably, this is the first time in the county’s history that total valuation of property surpasses the $200 billion mark.

Upon his signature, Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Dutton delivered the 2017 Assessment Roll to San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector Oscar Valdez.

“Throughout the year, Assessor staff worked diligently to fairly and accurately assess property in San Bernardino County. I am pleased to report steady growth in property valuations,” said San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Bob Dutton.

Taxpayers wishing to see their personal assessed values may visit the Assessor’s website at www.sbcounty.gov/assessor and click on the Online Services, Property Information Management System link. The public can also call the Assessor’s toll-free number at 1-877-885-7654.

To view the 2017 Assessment Roll which includes all 24 cities and unincorporated areas, please click here.

By Lue Dowdy

‘All Talent Wanted’ is What It Do! Audition slots are filling up fast! There are only a few slots left for the LUE Productions Talent Competition. There will be a $500 grand prize for the winner. We are looking for talent in all areas, including Gospel Artists, rappers, hip-hop artists, poets, dancers, musicians, bands, drill teams, singers, singing groups, and comedians. Talent must be from the Inland Empire and under the age of 19.

Come audition with us on Saturday, July 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Text LUE Productions at (909) 567-1000 to lock in your audition time and to receive the location. All others will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.

NEW HOPE CHURCH is accepting applications to fill two Security Guard positions at the Family Life Center and the New Hope Church. Applications are available at the New Hope Church Office. For additional information, please contact the Church Office at (909) 887-2526.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Must have strong security knowledge
• Ability to work independently and complete duties and projects with little direct supervision
• Ability to accurately work under pressure in meeting deadlines
• At least some security experience

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s no smoke, there’s a firestorm.

Many know that smoking and secondhand smoke are harmful to their health but very few are aware about the dangers of “third-hand smoke” exposure.

Third-hand smoke is the residue from tobacco smoke that accumulates on surfaces. It sticks to walls, windows and furniture or can settle as toxic dust in homes and cars. It even sticks to clothing and hair. The residue builds up in the environment, becoming more toxic over time, according to TobaccoFreeCA.com.

In San Bernardino County, the California Health Collaborative (CHC) has been crusading for tobacco-free apartment units since 2015. Through voluntary tobacco-free housing policies, CHC touts the benefits for renters, property managers and owners, said Roberto A. Terrones, Program Coordinator for San Bernardino County’s Tobacco Control Program.

Terrones said that many in the housing industry expect for tenants of apartment buildings to be against these types of tobacco free policies, but that is not the local nor state-wide sentiment when it comes to these changes. While there has been some blowback, he said, many tenants appreciate the new rules.

“We survey the tenants before we go smoke free. Some people think these smoking policies aren’t popular but we’ve seen that a lot of people are for it,” Terrones said. “People that were opposed don’t always smoke but they see it as a right being taken away. We’re not telling you that you can’t smoke but you have to smoke somewhere else outside of the property.”

One-third of Californians live in multi-unit housing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Units share common walls, floors or a ceiling, which means that millions may be exposed to secondhand smoke even if they do not allow smoking in their home.

Nine out of 10 people do not smoke in their homes, Terrones said. About seven out of ten people who want tobacco free-housing are people that don’t smoke.

The importance of having tobacco-free housing is to protect the health of tenants, said Evi Hernandez, CHC Director of Program Services. Many times, Hernandez said, they are protecting people that cannot afford to live in single-family homes and those at highest risk for serious illness caused by tobacco smoke exposure, including children and the elderly.

“Among other things, any contact with third-hand smoke can cause skin irritation, trigger asthma attacks and lead to respiratory illnesses,” Hernandez said.” You don’t really see it in the form of smoke and if you’re not aware that it’s there, you can’t avoid it.”

Terrones said the county has been successful with subsidized housing because while many of the tenants’ love where they live, the smoke is killing them, he said. And for financial reasons, they are unable to move. “It’s essentially a trap,” Terrones said. “They can’t just pick up and leave because of their financial situation.”

Some have agreed to set aside a certain percentage of smoke-free units, but as Terrones said, “If you can smell what your neighbor is cooking, you can smell if they’re smoking.”

Long considered a health hazard, secondhand smoke seeps through doors, open windows, outlets and ventilation systems. The health benefits may be obvious, but decreasing the hidden financial costs are a bonus as well. Estimates to ready a unit for rent after a smoker has lived there could be in the thousands of dollars, Hernandez said.

“I’ve gone to these multi-complex houses and their blinds are completely yellow. You can’t get rid of the smell in the carpet. Sometimes the smoke is so pervasive it penetrates the walls and a treatment/paint plan can take weeks,” Terrones said. “It’s (another) benefit of multi-unit apartments to go smoke free.”

When an apartment complex goes tobacco-free, CHC offers a resource directory for tenants that includes local tobacco cessation resources and information about the California Smokers’ Helpline (1-800-NO-BUTTS). 

For further information, contact the County of San Bernardino Tobacco Control Program at (909) 647-4532 or go to sbctcp.blogspot.com

About The San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program (SBCTCP)

The SBCTCP serves in the capacity of local lead agency for tobacco prevention, education and control efforts in San Bernardino County. With funding support from the California Department of Public Health – Tobacco Control Program, SBCTCP is administered by the California Health Collaborative to implement a comprehensive tobacco control plan that includes the following objectives: 

1) Retain and engage community members representing diverse/priority populations and non-traditional partner agencies in the San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Coalition; 

2) Partner with apartment managers/owners, apartment management companies, the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, and tobacco control stakeholders to guide efforts that result in the adoption of smoke-free policies at multi-unit housing complexes; and 

3) Coordinate efforts by incorporated cities in San Bernardino County to adopt a policy that eliminates sales and distribution of tobacco and/or electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDD) products in pharmacies where licensed professionals provide health care services. 

Program plan strategies were developed based on results of a community needs assessment and prioritization process and adhere to priority areas and guidelines set forth by the California Tobacco Control Program. 

“Recognition and support of this kind is an inspiration to grassroot organizations who sacrifice and work tirelessly to serve as positive change agents. Congratulations to all the other nonprofits who were recognized, we are honored to be esteemed with such distinguished organizations across the state of California. Assemblymember Reyes has shown genuine concern and has been a savvy partner with the willingness to tackle real issues and the concerns of her constituents.

“Nonprofit organizations are vitally important to the economy and well-being of California. But too often nonprofits are ‘hidden in plain sight.’ We are thrilled that the State Assembly has passed a resolution for the second year in a row that puts the spotlight on nonprofits as an economic power that uses that power for the common good. We congratulate all of the award recipients on being honored for the great work they do every day to make California a better place,” said Jan Masaoka, CEO of California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), a statewide alliance of over 10,000 organizations, representing and promoting California’s growing nonprofit sector and working to bring the full power of nonprofits to strengthening communities.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

Going around bragging that you’ve arrived! Well thus saith the Lord; “to the arrogant, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.” [Psalms 75:4]. “You think you’ve arrived; but you haven’t arrived yet, says the Lord. Matter of fact your ship is about to sink. Your train is about to leave the station and you are about to experience the ride of your life. [Isaiah 2:12]. After I’m done with you, you will understand how blasphemous it is for you to take ANY of MY GLORY for yourself. Don’t you ever be lifted up in pride where you think it’s you, your talents, your abilities, and how great you are! It’s ALL ME and NOT you! It was Me who delivered you and set you free. It was Me who brought you out of bondage and poverty. It was Me who caused you to get wealth. But how quick you are to forget where I have brought you from. How quick you are to forget those times when you didn’t have a dime to your name. Just because you are in a good place and you seem to be able to provide well for yourself, don’t forget that it is I who has given you, not only the things you have, but also the very ability to provide for yourself.” You got me twisted! You better check yourself before you wreck yourself! It would do you good to remember where I’ve brought you from and where you could have been. If you want to maintain the blessings which I have granted you, then you would be wise to always remember that apart from me you can do nothing. The preposition is “apart” . . . from Me. The result is: nothing, zilch, naught, diddly squat, zippo, without Me! [John 15:5] You Got That!  “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols…  because no man will get my glory!” [Isaiah 42:8]. “For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another.” [Isaiah 48:11].

I want you to know that the Bible plainly states that one of the things God hates above all others is pride. God tells us over and over that He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Stealing God’s glory is not something that can be taken lightly!  We must understand that if we become arrogant, everything is taken away from us, our position, authority, power, and so on. Case in point, King Nebuchadnezzar [Daniel 4:29-31 34-37] As soon as Nebuchadnezzar said, “I did it,” God said, “The throne has left you.” When he became arrogant, God took away all his prosperity and power in a moment. [Proverbs 16:18] Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity, wisdom and glory; for seven years, he lived like a wild animal, being drenched with the night dew in the grass of the field. Afterwards, he realized that everything came from God and that he had been foolish to think that he had done everything by himself. He truly repented, and as he praised and thanked God with a humble heart, God restored his sanity and wisdom.

Do not forget the Lord – Remember the fact that all grace and blessings come from God. And as [Deuteronomy chapter 8] says, “Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors. Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these [] years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these [] years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.  Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”  But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the Lord destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the Lord your God.”