SACRAMENTO, CA—- With a signature on Assembly Bill 29 authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), Governor Gavin Newsom hammers the final nail in the coffin for the 710 tunnel.

“This is a historic moment for the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles ending this 70 year old battle,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden who represents Pasadena and South Pasadena that lie in the 710 North Corridor. “Now is the time for the region to lead the way in implementing transportation solutions that move us past a car centric approach to reduce pollution and improve health and safety.”

Assembly Bill 29 specifies that State Route 710 is from Route 1 to Route 10, abolishing the freeway tunnel once and for all. The legislation will close loopholes in both Caltrans’ Final Environmental Impact Report and the 2017 Los Angeles Metro motion that drops the tunnel concept for strictly financial reasons.

The legislation marks the second time a freeway option was eliminated for the 710 North Corridor. In 2013, a bill authored by former State Senator Carol Liu and coauthored by Assemblymember Holden, SB 416, eliminated the surface freeway as an option. This bill that was signed into law allowed Caltrans to sell the homes it owned to private owners. 

“It is gratifying to see Assemblymember Holden’s Bill, AB 29, pass out of the Legislature and onto the Governor’s desk,” said Carol Liu.  The odyssey of the 710 Freeway extension overlapped the turn of the century, imposed hardships on homeowners and renters, and disrupted communities for decades.  I was pleased to play a role during my tenure in the Legislature and to partner with Assemblymember Holden and our constituents on the way to what I hope will now be the end of this journey.”

Assembly Bill 29 is the result of a three year legislative effort by Assemblymember Holden that began with the introduction of AB 287 in 2017 as well as AB 533 in 2018. Numerous discussions with Caltrans, Metro, and most importantly, members of the community, led to the passage of AB 29. The idea for changing the state’s highway code came directly from a South Pasadena resident.

Holden’s attempts to impact the region’s transportation future is not limited to Sacramento. In 2017 he urged LA Metro to remove the tunnel from consideration as an alternative, and to immediately begin allocating Measure R funds to projects in the area that would benefit the community. In September he sent a letter to LA Metro urging them to use Measure R dollars to best move people in the region, improve health and safety, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Changing the Highway Code makes it clear and unequivocal that there is no place for the 710 surface or tunnel route,” said Joanne Nuckols, longtime activist and South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Board Member. “But our fight is not over yet, we must make sure the projects implemented in the region improve air quality and don’t encourage more people to drive – which is why we fought the freeway extension in the first place.”

“As our state and cities integrate smart growth and transit oriented development into our evolving transportation infrastructure with an eye towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, this victory against the freeway tunnel represents a critical shift in how we envision our new transportation future,” said Holden. “I look forward to supporting local cities as they move forward with their proposals to improve the corridor and generate jobs.”

With the immediate success at the launch of the I Love Teachers network and benefits platform, I Love Teachers continues to make strides in teacher recognition. The latest addition to the I Love Teachers appreciation arsenal is the inclusion of two contests: Teacher of the Month and Classroom of the Month. Beginning in November 2019, winners of these two contests will be featured in the monthly ILT Bulletin.  These two contests serve to show teachers that they are seen, appreciated, and recognized for their hard work and creativity.

The Teacher of the Month contest consists of nominations submitted by friends, family, and colleagues via an online form. Winners are chosen each month, featured in our ILT Bulletin, and awarded a Target gift card of $100, a Teacher Appreciation gift box (that includes 4 items chosen by the winner from over 8,000 combinations), and a one year membership to the I Love Teachers’ Benefits platform. This platform provides access to over 1.3 million nationwide offers. 

In order for Classroom of the Month contest submissions to be viewed and admired by all, the submission process differs slightly from that of the Teacher of the Month contest. Teachers submit photos of their own classroom, or the classroom of a teacher they believe should win, via the Lounge, a publicly-visible social platform. Each month’s winning classroom submission will be awarded a Target gift card of $100, a Teacher Appreciation gift box, and a one year membership to the I Love Teachers’ Benefits platform. 

What makes these a great addition to I Love Teachers? They are a vessel for direct interaction with the ILT family of teachers across the US, and a way to continue to show support and appreciation for teachers. Recognizing the efforts and creativity of teachers helps to remind each and every one how very special, unique, talented and important they are. 

Learn more about the contests and for more information, contact Katherine Ward at I Love Teachers at katiew@iloveteachers.com or visit https://lounge.iloveteachers.com. 

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media 

On Oct. 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 539. The legislation puts restrictions on predatory lending practices in California he says “creates debt traps for families already struggling financially.” Critics say lenders who offer these high-interest loans target disadvantaged people, large numbers of them Black and Brown consumers living in some of the most underserved census tracts in the state. These are Californians who are typically denied traditional bank loans because of poor credit or lack of collateral. However, the high interest rates on these loans can be crippling.  According to documents provided to California Black Media, a LoanMe Inc. loan for around $5,000 would require a payback of $42,000 over seven years at a 115 percent annual percentage rate! Tacking interest rates on loans as high as 200 percent sometimes,  in addition to hidden fees, predatory lenders, critics tell us, typically structure their loans in ways that force people who sign up for them to constantly re-borrow money to pay off the mounting debts they already owe.  “Many Californians living paycheck to paycheck are exploited by predatory lending practices each year,” said Newsom.  “Defaulting on high-cost, high-interest rate installment loans push families further into poverty instead of pulling them out. These families deserve better, and this industry must be held to account.” The new legislation restricts the amount of interest that can be levied on loans ranging from $2,500-10,000 to 36 percent, plus the federal funds rate.  “Gov. Newsom’s signature on AB 539 sends a strong message that California will not allow lenders to thrive on high-cost loans that often leave consumers worse off than when they started,” said Assemblymember Monique Lim?n (D-Santa Barbara,) co-author of the bill.

“I am grateful to the broad coalition of community groups, faith leaders, local governments, and responsible lenders who supported this historic achievement and helped us achieve strong bipartisan support of this legislation.” Limon has been campaigning for the passage of AB 539 for more than two years now. She is also a champion for financial education that informs consumers about the dangers of high-interest loans.  Assemblymember Timothy Grayson (D-Concord), a co-author of the bill, says the governor signing the bill signals the end of the worst kinds of abusive loans in the state. “Californians deserve real access to capital, not exploitative loans that trap them in perpetual payments and compounding debt,” said Grayson. “We must do more to protect financially vulnerable, hardworking families from predatory lenders who profit off their devastation.” Figures from the California Department of Business Oversight (CBO) reveal that in 2016 the total dollar amount for payday loans in the state was $3.14 billion. The CBO also stated that seniors now represent the largest group taking out payday loans and more than 400,000 consumers in the state took out 10 payday loans in 2016. A third of those high-cost loans ended up in default.  Not everyone is cheering the passage of AB 539. Those opponents say the bill is restrictive and undermines the values of free-market capitalism.  The California-Hawaii chapter of the NAACP  opposed the bill, arguing that it limits options for poor African Americans who need to borrow money in emergencies.  “We are deeply concerned about the impact AB 539 will have on small businesses and consumers. As proposed, AB 539 will limit lenders’ ability to provide a variety of short-term credit options to borrowers in need.” said the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in an interview with California Globe.

On Friday, October 11, 2019, a ceremony honored individuals who have made substantial gifts to support the programs and students at Crafton Hills College. Michelle Riggs, Director of Institutional Advancement, explained that “this Legacy Wall in the Crafton Center provides recognition of individuals who have given cumulative gifts, estate-planned gifts or irrevocable life-income gifts of $10,000 or more to the Crafton Hills College Foundation.” The CHC Foundation provides financial support to assist struggling Crafton students in reaching their educational goals and enhances the programs and services available at the college. 

Alumnus Anthony Abate shared his journey with attendees at the event. “This wall represents the reason why many of us were able to continue working toward our goals. It also represents why many students here have realized, some for the very first time in their lives, that they are capable of succeeding regardless of their circumstance. The reason why my success story along with so many other students who have defied the odds is possible is because of the generosity and heart of all you, our donors, and the work that the Crafton Hills College Foundation does to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity,” Abate said. He detailed how the support of the CHC Foundation enabled him to succeed and graduate from Crafton with three degrees after having dropped out of high school. “Throughout my time here as a student, I noticed that something was significantly different about this school. For the first time, I was supported and surrounded by people who wanted me to succeed just as much as I wanted it for myself,” Abatecontinued. Grateful for the assistance provided when he needed it most, Abate recently became a member of the CHC Foundation Presidents’ Circle to give back and help others. 

Former CHC president, Gloria Harrison, shared her personal story of education and the reason that she and her husband Bill choose to support the CHC Foundation. She explained that their own higher education experiences were possible because of the opportunities available through community colleges. She believes it is essential to give back to our community and the institutions that helped her become the woman she is today. Gloria said, “The community college was where we got our start and realized that education was a means of being more than we ever thought we could be.”

Crafton Hills College President Dr. Kevin Horan closed the ceremony with his thanks to the individuals who invest in Crafton. “Your gifts allow us to give every student what they need to have a dream, complete their degree, and move on to create more goals and be outstanding citizens, contributing to their local community.” He went on to explain that Crafton students have the highest retention rate in the Inland Empire and the 19th highest among all 114 California Community Colleges. He continued, “Your investment in Crafton Hills College students is an investment in this community. Our students are engaged, finish their degrees and certificates, and will enrich the Inland Empire in the future.” 

To support the Crafton Hills College Foundation, visit https://www.craftonhills.edu/foundation.

Donors recognized on the Crafton Hills College Legacy Society Wall include:

Visionaries $500,000 +

Stanley Krasovec

Benefactors $100,000 – $499,999

Raymond Pryke 

Henry Stone and Elaine Rosen

Pacesetters $50,000 – $99,999

William and Gloria Harrison 

Bill and Nelda Rankin

Founders $25,000 – $49,999

Diane J. Pfahler

James and Theresa Ramos

Jon and Laura Winningham

Donald and Carol Averill

Wayne and Doris Milloy

Donald J. Nydam

Scholars $10,000 – $24,999

Leroy and Marilyn Balch

Paul and Joann Barich

Bruce and Elizabeth Baron

Jane K. Beitscher

Nicolas Campos

Win and Bette Carl

Gordon and Sara Clopine

Cheryl A. Cox

Donna M. Ferracone

Robert B. Martin and Mary E. Goldsboro

Luis and Patricia Gomez

Leon and Francine Hellerman

Douglas C. Heller-Taylor

Brent and Sherry Hunter

Sam Irwin

Nancy and Gary Kasin

Thomas and Josie Konzem

Steve and Rebeccah Marlatt

Patrick and Cheryl Marshall

Alaina Mathews

Brandon and Julie McKee

William and Linda Nassar

Charlie and Tommi Ng

Dr. Phong Nguyen

David and Diane Raley

Michael and Amy Strong

Harvey Ricketts and Betty Jo Wood

June C. Yamamoto  

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— After a 2018 season that saw the San Bernardino Valley College football team rewrite the record books, the 2019 team picked up right where the 2018 team left off breaking 10 records in a single night. The Wolverines took on Santa Ana College, defeating the Dons 80-48 in the SBVC Stadium.

Quarterback Jeremy Moussa completed 38 passes for 636 yards and seven touchdowns as the Wolverines beat the Dons 80-48 Saturday night at SBVC Stadium. Moussa threw passes to 10 different players, with six different receivers scoring touchdowns. The 636 yards surpassed the school record for passing yards in a game, previously set at 495 yards in 1991 by Richard Robles. Moussa’s seven touchdown passes also ties Armando Herrera for most in a single game, which Herrera completed twice in 2018. And the 38 completions also set a new mark, besting Jamie Sander’s 1994 mark of 33.
But it wasn’t just the Jeremy Moussa show Saturday night. Running back Darrell Turner Jr. scored three times, gaining 106 yards on eight carries on the night. In all, the Wolverines ran 90 plays, gaining 792 yards – itself another record, besting the 1991 team’s mark of 673 set against East Los Angeles College.
Things were far from perfect for the Wolverines on the night. The defense allowed Santa Ana to gain 448 yards on the night, allowing the 48 points. And SBVC had troubles keeping flags off the field in the game, committing 25 penalties for 320 yards.
Single Game Records Set:

• Most Completions: Jeremy Moussa, 38
• Most Yards: Jeremy Moussa, 636 yards
• Most Touchdown Passes: 7 (tied)
• Most PAT Kicks: Ben Falck, 11 (Previous record, 9)
• Team total yards: 792
• Team first downs: 36 (Previous record, 31)
• Team most pass attempts: 68 (Moussa 65, Schmucher 3. Previous record 63)
• Team most pass yards: 670 (Moussa 636, Schmucher 34. Previous record 548)
• Most points (both teams): 128 (Previous record 116 in 1930)
• Team most points (Modern): 80 (Second all-time. SBVC beat Indio Fire Dept. 116-0 in 1930; Previous modern record 72, set in 2018)

• Survey of 5,000 divorcees.
• 1/2 of Californian divorces have ended amicably.
• 1 in 5 do not know if their spouse has included them in their will.
• Interactive map included showing results across the nation.

In life, circumstances change over time – as do the people in it. You will go through friendships ending, break-ups or divorces and this could interfere with your plans when deciding to whom you will leave your estate in the event of your death. It may seem somewhat redundant to bequeath your stuff to your ex but in many circumstances, this might be the most convenient case. Perhaps you have children together or spent decades as spouses before breaking it off, or maybe you have simply chosen to remain friendly in one another’s lives. Whatever the reason, sometimes your past is part of your present.
 
USAWillGuru.com – a provider of will & testament information– surveyed 5,000 divorcees which found that 16% of Californians have included their ex-spouses in their wills.  
 
The survey also asked divorcees if they had experienced an amicable breakup, and it was revealed that almost half (46%) of Californians said their breakup ended on good terms – this was roughly in line with the national average of 45%.
 
However, Nevadans were the least likely to go through a harmonious breakup with only 15% saying they ended their relationship amicably. Comparatively, Utahns had the highest percentage of amicable breakups in America with a whopping 79% of respondents saying this was the case.
 
You can see a breakdown of results across America with this interactive map:

Do you consider yourself to be ‘in the loop’ with what your partner’s financial affairs? USAWillGuru.com’s research also discovered that in fact, nearly one-fifth (18%) of respondents admit they do not know what their partner has included in their last will and testament.
 
Equal expectations: 85% of people say that if they included their spouse or domestic partner as a beneficiary in their will, they would expect the same from their significant other.
 
Respondents were also asked who they plan to include as beneficiaries in their last wills & testaments and close to 3/4 said they would pass their assets on to their family. 21% said they would gift proceeds to charity and just 2% said their assets would go to their friends.
 
It is well known how close Americans are to their pets. So it was unsurprising that over 1 in 10 pet owners (12%) said they have included provisions for their pets in their wills. While it is not possible to leave physical assets to your furry friend, you can put measures in place to ensure your pet is adequately cared for after your death.

Useful information:

https://www.usawillguru.com/california

https://www.usawillguru.com/separated-but-not-divorced-yet

https://www.usawillguru.com/excluding-a-spouse

https://www.usawillguru.com/changing-a-will-after-divorce

For more information, please contact us on the details below:
cherry digital | lifestyle | info@hellocherrydigital.com | 971-266-4667

Benefiting Time for Change Foundation

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) is honored to announce that they are the beneficiaries for the 3rd annual Run Like a Mother 5K Walk/Run presented by CSUSB. 

The event is hosted by CSUSB students in the Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary Society and students in Health Science 404:

Women’s Health.The Annual CSUSB Run Like a Mother 5K is public health in action. It is a prime example of bringing the community together, all while raising consciousness on the pressing concerns that local communities face and celebrating those community organizations that strive to address these concerns. 

Tickets are $15 for non-students and $10 for students. You can register using this link: https://bit.ly/mother5k

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Time for Change Foundation’s mission to provide housing programs and self-sufficiency services to homeless women and children. You only have a few weeks left to register, and we look forward to seeing you there!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—-  About 800 students from 10 middle schools and several high schools in San Bernardino County will attend the annual STEMapalooza Student Conference at San Bernardino Valley College on November 1.

Students will spend the day visiting interactive and engaging exhibits that demonstrate the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event will feature special guest speaker Suveen Mathaudhu of the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

Mathaudhu is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UCR and chief scientist for the Energy and Environment Directorate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He will discuss STEM in comic books.

More than 20 exhibitors are expected to participate. Among them are: Air Quality Management District; CalPortland Cement; Cal Baptist University Engineering; Valley College Aeronautics, Automotive Collision, Diesel, Electronics, Machine Trades, other Applied Tech, and STEM programs; Cal State San Bernardino Cyber Security Center; Chaffey College’s InTech; ConvergeOne; Discovery Education, Explore Microscopy; NASA Jet Propulsion Lab; Healthy SBCSS; Inland Futures Foundation/San Bernardino Community College District; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in San Bernardino; and County Sheriff’s Department.

Participating schools – and their districts — include:

• Curtis Middle School, San Bernardino City Unified School District;
• Joe Baca and Colton middle schools, Colton Joint Unified;
• Moore Middle, Redlands Unified;
• Mesa View Middle School, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
• Frisbee, Jehue, and Rialto middle schools, Rialto Unified;
• Quail Valley Middle, Snowline Joint Unified;
• Vineyard STEM School, Ontario-Montclair.

Various high schools from Colton, Rialto, and San Bernardino City Unified school districts also will be participating.      

STEMapalooza is made possible with the funding from Wells Fargo, Generation Go, ConvergeOne, San Bernardino Valley College STEM, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Alliance for Education and the MESA Program at UCR’s Bourns College of Engineering.

UC Riverside’s Wet Lab Incubator has opened its doors to biotech entrepreneurs throughout the Inland Empire.

The incubator, a 3,000-square-foot space in the Multidisciplinary Research Building specially outfitted to house startups in the life sciences, agriculture, biotechnology, and medical technologies, is the first of its kind in the region. These innovators will no longer have to migrate to other parts of the state to find laboratory space and mentors to help commercialize their ideas.

“Things are going to change,” said Rodolfo Torres, vice chancellor for research and economic development, at a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 21. “We’re going to play a role in shaping how research and development is translated in our area. We’ll be inclusive of those that haven’t had opportunities in the past.”

Torres also said that the incubator is expected to create the kinds of high-skill and high-pay jobs that graduates usually seek in the coastal part of the state.

The new incubator can accommodate about 15 startup companies from UC Riverside and the Inland Empire. Twelve companies have already expressed interest. During the opening ceremony, Jay Goth, CEO and Founder of Murrieta Genomics, signed a lease agreement to become the first tenant. 

In addition to a panoply of state-of-the art laboratory equipment, residents will have access to UC Riverside equipment across campus, such as a nanofabrication cleanroom, proteomics, stem cell core, and plant transformation through a service agreement. Residents will also have the opportunity to interact and collaborate with UCR researchers, faculty and students, attend seminars, access patent research services and entrepreneurial development workshops, and use UCR’s SBIR/STTR Resource Center, which guides applicants through the process of obtaining commercialization development grants from the federal government.  

Mentoring and access to capital for incubator residents will be provided by UC Riverside Entrepreneurial Proof of Concept and Innovation Center Small Business Development Center, or EPIC SBDC, a UC Riverside-led program funded by the Small Business Administration and the state of California. 

“This is the culmination of an effort started seven years ago when the Multidisciplinary Research Building was designed,” said Rosibel Ochoa, associate vice chancellor for technology partnerships. “It will be a vibrant entrepreneurial space in the middle of the UCR campus where innovators have a place to translate their ideas into companies to benefit the region.”

The wet lab incubator is the latest addition to a vigorous expansion of UC Riverside’s involvement in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Inland Empire, and is a central asset in Riverside’s new Innovation District. The Office of Technology Partnerships has received more than $17 million in external funding, created the $10 million seed capital Highlander Venture Fund, EPIC, and helps manage the EXCITE technology accelerator in downtown Riverside. This fall, Blackstone LaunchPad powered by Techstars will introduce entrepreneurship training for students. To date, these programs have supported over 2,260 innovation teams, including 376 UCR students and faculty members through the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program.

“We have the whole package, access to capital, specialized mentorship, and a place to grow” Ochoa said.

The incubator is funded by grants from the US Economic Development Administration, the state of California, and internal UC Riverside funds.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- The founder of Provisional Accelerated Learning –PAL Center Dr. Mildred Dalton Henry will be honored at the upcoming Community Block party on Saturday October 26, 2019; 12PM – 3PM  at Dr. Mildred Henry Elementary, located at 1250 W 14^th Street, San Bernardino. Dr. Henry is a Portrait of an Achiever, she is still active within our educational system, educating young minds and mentoring and being an example for many to follow.

And yet, in San Bernardino, the residents are still being plagued with gun-violence, crime, and shootings. We encourage the community to not lose hope.  This is why the San Bernardino Pastors United -SBPU and community leaders come together, to take a stand in solidarity. The theme for the historic block party, “Our God Will Provide” Gen 22: 11-14.    

We are expecting thousands to be in attendance, Come early. At the event, there will be free food, free groceries,  free gifts and prizes for the kids, free clothes and free health checks, job resources. The host church will be Victory Outreach Church, located at 990 W Mill Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410. Pastor Rick Alanis Jr. will deliver a life-changing message. The SBPU is asking the community to join us, as we remain strong, through providing:  “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino, for more information call 909-353-7977 or contact the Victory Outreach Church 909-884-1921 email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com. Register by phone, or go to our website www.sbpastorsunited.org!