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EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Screenwriter, director and producer, and Riverside native, Naomi K. Bonman, along with her team, have released their sneak peek for her lighthearted, romantic comedy, Manifested Bliss. Manifested Bliss is a testament to both women and men that they can manifest and create the relationship that they desire. No one has just to settle for a dead-end situation. People will walk out knowing that there is life after divorce and that you’re never too old to find your soul mate if you have yet to come across him or her.

To watch the sneak peek, please visit www.theawakenedlounge.com/manifested-bliss.

REDLANDS, CA— “I have been asked many times, how and why did The Salvation Army start ringing those silver bells during the Christmas season to encourage donations,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “Well, this is how it all began…

Captain Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.

As a sailor in Liverpool, England, Captain McFee saw people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California too.

Captain McFee set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying, “Keep the Pot Boiling” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.

His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which was formed in 1887.

Lynn Valbuena, Chair of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Red Kettle Kick-Off event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle 2022 Christmas campaign on Thursday, November 17^th at 5:30 PM.

Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. For local information call (909) 792-6868.  Donors may drop off turkeys, hams other food, cash or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands California 92373

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals of all. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world.

The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino since 1887, and Redlands since 1885, supporting those in need without discrimination.  They serve the cities of: San Bernardino, Redlands, Highlands, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, and the mountain communities.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Board of Education of the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) presented the inaugural Outstanding Community Partner Award to Loma Linda University Health for its longstanding support of the district’s 46,000 students.

Loma Linda was honored on Tuesday, September 20 during the Board of Education meeting. Dr. J.C. Belliard, representing Loma Linda University Health, received the award, a custom, mahogany plaque made by students in the Bing Wong Elementary School iSTEAM Lab.

Loma Linda’s steadfast support touches all corners of SBCUSD. Doctors and medical students have provided training for hundreds of SBCUSD students. And at least one of those students used the knowledge she gained from Loma Linda’s training to save the life of a loved one who was having a medical emergency.

Loma Linda also supports our families through free immunization clinics and food pantries. And this past weekend, Loma Linda University Health kicked off a new effort to get young people and families more involved in outdoor recreational activities.

“Partners like Loma Linda University Health are invaluable because they help us better serve families and students,” said Ginger Ontiveros, the District’s Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer. “We are grateful to have them in our corner.”

Loma Linda University Health has also worked closely with students in the Indian Springs High School’s Academy of Manufacturing and Product Development Design pathway to help students gain experience in designing and making prosthetic limbs.

SBCUSD launched the Outstanding Community Partner Award as a way to recognize the contributions of its many educational partners. The award will be presented monthly to a deserving organization.

Juanita Nixon Kelly, a 70-year resident of San Bernardino, California will celebrate her 100th birthday on October 3. She was born in Texas, Texarkana in 1922, raised in Oklahoma, then she moved to Los Angeles, California in 1937 at the age of 15, and later graduated from Jefferson High School in1940.

Kelly moved to the Westside of San Bernardino in 1952, where she raised a beautiful family of eight children, four girls and four boys. She has always had a love and desire to help others which led her to be employed at St. Bernardines Hospital and San Bernardino County Foster Care. She also worked as a clerk with the Voter’s Registrar with the voting polls in the family home for 10 years.

After retirement, she became a volunteer for the San Bernardino County Senior Companion for 27 leaving the program at the age of 90, continuing with her walk and work with God and the Church. Her years in the church she served as Sunday School Teacher, choir member, choir president, choir director, and mistress of ceremonies. God has blessed her to live and witness six generations of her family. Having grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren the number exceeds well over 100.

Kelly’s favorite scripture is Psalm 34:1, which states, “I will bless the Lord at all times his praise shall continually be in my mouth”. Her favorite song is “Because He lives I can face tomorrow”.

She has come this far by faith leaning on the Lord! She was also one of the founding organizers in Bethesda M.B.C with Pastor Fred M.Williams; New Jerusalem M.B.C; and Burning Bush M.B.C with Pastor Solomon Stewart. She is an active member of Living Faith Full Gospel Church with Pastor Shelby Roberts.

She was the recipient of the “First Annual Juneteenth Recognition Award”, The Inland Empire/High Desert Component Choir of the L.A Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc in 2022, Dansby Stardivant II, GMWA Asst, Chapter Rep. She has also received recognition and honor from the offices of Joe Baca San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors 5th District, Assembly Woman Wilmer Carter, Mayor Pat Morris, President Bill Clinton, and San Bernardino city council. She her family’s Queen/ Matriarch.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Kaiser High School ROTC color guard started the day off presenting the flags, and Valerie Evans singing the most beautiful rendition of America the beautiful.

Judges Dramond Crawford, Phil Cochran, and R.D. Evans had the hardest job, tasting and judging food from each of the grillers. Making the ultimate decision must have been hard, but somebody had to do it and they were the best men for the job.

Winners of the competition went home with cash prizes, trophies, and plaques. First place chicken, Fontana Police officers’ association, first place ribs San Bernardino County Fire Fighters, second place ribs St Andrews Masonic Lodge #16, and second place chicken went to San Bernardino Police officers’ association.

Parents enjoyed finger licking good barbecue with live entertainment provided by Summit High School band, Route 66 dance studio, Heart and Soul Dancers, and the Tims family praise dancers.

Fontana Kiwanis Key Club students from 3 high schools in Fontana assisted the children in the kids zone with a community service project making cards for kids, that will be delivered to kids hospitalized with chronic illness, and games.

The success of the DAY’S event is due to everyone who participated, and your interest in being “Unity in CommUNITY”.

Our weekly coverage of local news in San Bernardino County is supported by the  Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program supported by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support minority-owned-and-operated community newspapers in California.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Employees’ Benefit Association (SEBA) is awarding a total of $40,000 to distribute to teachers throughout San Bernardino County as part of their annual Back to School Shop with a Cop: Teachers’ Edition event.

“We are extremely thankful to our partners at SEBA, who continue to dedicate their time and resources to reward extraordinary teachers who are dedicated to serving our students throughout San Bernardino County,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “This program is an example of how educational and community partners can unite to enrich the learning experience for our students.”

San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre will join SEBA President, Sgt. Grant Ward in visiting 16 school sites as part of this year’s program.

“We are fortunate to have generous donors and a valuable partnership with San Bernardino County Schools,” said Ward. “Together, we are able to make a positive impact in the community we serve and say thank you to our teachers for their hard work and dedication.”

A total of 160 teachers will be recognized, and each teacher will receive a $250 gift card that may be used for classroom supplies, innovative learning resources, teacher tools and other classroom needs.

On Aug. 23, all 14 teachers at Snowline Joint Unified School District’s Wrightwood Elementary School received $250 gift cards each for the first visit of this year’s event. The school held an assembly to celebrate all of their teachers.

With the support from generous sponsors, approximately 4,000 students countywide will benefit from the gift cards awarded to teachers as part of these Shop With a Cop events.

For more news and information, visit the SBCSS Newsroom and follow us @SBCountySchools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. #transforminglives.

The I.E. Live Market Nite group connected the whose who of the Inland Empire. They had dignitaries from all over the I.E., such as Kimberly Calvin, Councilwoman for the 6th Ward, Mayoral candidate Helen Tran, Chief Paulino from San Bernardino City Unified School District, Representatives from Supervisor Joe Baca Jr’s office, and Pam Montana, President of the local Kiwanis Club, and Board member of PAL Charter Academy, just to name a few.
The event was held at the PAL Center one of the longest operating agencies in Muscoy and has a 38-year community tenure in the I.E. Founder Dr. Mildred Henry of the PAL Center stopped by to support the event and promote her newly released book “From the Ashes, I Rise. “I’m so proud of Mr. Radden and his I.E. Live Team for bringing this event to the PAL Center and the Muscoy community Dr. Henry stated”.
The event played host to well over four hundred families and kids. I.E. Live Event Coordinator, Jasmine Jefferson, owner of I.E. Pop Up Events said, “It was just a great day for our community. We gave away free shoes, backpacks, and gifts and raffled off prizes such as Beats by Dre, headphones, a TV, and Clipper tickets.” Tickets were to a game against the Lakers. They were donated by the president of the Knockitoff Youth Foundation, Robin Mckinnon known as Malibu. She was also the host of I.E. Live Event. The music and production were done by DJ Muda. He is known as one of the top DJs in the Inland Empire.
Sistas Making a Difference, delivered a powerful punch to the day by giving out hundreds of free shoes. Founder Ronnie Miller said, “it’s always great when you can put smiles on children’s and families faces. Giving back to the community is what this event and the Founder is all about!” Founder of the I.E Live event, Dwaine Radden Sr. said “music, food, sports, and recreation is always a good recipe for a great event. They had a game truck, jumper, and a water slide for the kids.
Radden assembled a powerhouse group of organizations to be a part of the I.E. Live Market NiteTeam. PAL Center, Sistas Making a Difference, Knockitoff Youth Foundation, 20/20 Vision, Talon36.com, I.E. Pop Up Events. He said “We all had a seat at the table to create this history-making event. Our mission was to create unity in the I.E. Community. We have been plagued with countless murders of men, women, and children throughout San Bernardino and in the I.E. We must find ways to reunify our community if we want to restore the I.E. greatness we once had!”
R&B singer Latrice Kristine of the I.E. was the headliner, and she was accompanied by some dynamic performances by Dre-Lamonte, Kam, and Cornell Lamar, all from the Inland Empire. Vendors came from all over the area to be a part of this event. Reggie Dixon owner of Notorious R.I.B. from Riverside said “it must have been a pretty good day, I’m out of food.” I.E. groups also, partnered with the local Amateur Athletic Union (A AU) Football and Cheerleading organization which conducted plenty of foot traffic for the event. AAU leader MaishaTurner said, “it was a good day. It felt like a big family reunion.”
The next event will be held on November 5th, 2022 at the PAL Center, 2450 Blake Street. For more information on how you can be involved with the upcoming event. Call 909-314-6623 or email them at ielivemarketnite@gmail.com.

Our weekly coverage of local news in San Bernardino County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program supported by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support minority-owned-and-operated community newspapers in California.

By Solomon O. Smith | California Black Media    

For the first time in history, a Black woman, Sedalia Sanders, was honored by the League of California Cities Past Presidents Council with its 2022 Past Presidents Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sanders has had a lifetime of firsts, pushing boundaries in local politics. As a past president of the California League of Cities, elected in 1995, she was given the President’s Council’s highest honor at the opening of the organization’s three-day conference last Wednesday, at the Long Beach Convention Center.

On stage were some of the past winners — but no African Americans. Cheryl Viegas Walker, also a past president of the league, presented the award.

“Today we recognize a true champion of local government,” Viegas Walker said, voice wavering. “One of my dearest friends and mentors who has been not only a champion of local government but a champion of quality-of-life issues, making our cities better places to live, to work to raise our families.”

Sanders delivered her acceptance speech with a combination of wit and humor. Thanking the audience for coming, she asked those who did not come to see her to “refrain from saying so.” Her speech recalled events of the last 80 years of her life and how they contributed to making her “part of the greatest generation.”

Sanders described her accomplishments as those of a “small town gal” from a “rural community” acknowledging the difficult job of governing, particularly with the recent pandemic. She emphasized the importance of a diverse, fair representation in government.

“So those who look like me, meaning of the same gender, those who may look like me, meaning the same ethnicity, and those who may look like me, because you’re my age or more,” said Sanders, “know that if you live long enough, work hard enough, all things can be accomplished.”

In a moment of reflection backstage, Sanders recalled how her political career began. The mayor of El Centro wanted her on the Board of Trustees of El Centro Community Hospital in 1982 but he warned her that she would need to be appointed to the position.

“This is 20 years after Martin Luther King, Jr. marched on Washington,” said Sanders. “He was killed in ‘63 and people were still worried about whether we (African Americans) have the knowledge, understanding or know-how and education to do this.”

But she persisted. Sanders said she won them over with her willingness to work hard and her tenacity. She went on to win, and defend a seat as a city councilwoman, and later mayor, of El Centro, in Southern California from 1984 to 1999.

Leaders that were inspirational to Sanders at the time included former Los Angeles mayor, Tom Bradley. She remembers meeting him and being asked how she was able to do it. She answered. “it wasn’t easy,” to which Bradley responded, “tell me about it.”

Bradley was the first African American to win the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Sanders has achieved a long list of accomplishments and received several awards over 30 years in California politics. She has been mayor of El Centro, the president of the League of California Cities, a two-year member of the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities, a member of the Taskforce on Rural Competitiveness appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson, and the Vice-Chair of the Rural Development Council.

Hard work and faith were what Sanders says got her through some of the most contentious parts of her political career. Now in her eighties, she is not done yet. She has been reappointed by Gov. Newsom to the Executive Committee of the California Commission on Aging Commission, where she has been serving since 2016.

For Sanders, the message is clear— no one should be told they are not as good as someone else. Everyone should be able to participate in the governing process.

“What I’m hopeful for is that the presentation I made today in my acceptance speech will inspire someone so that they can see that they can do this.”

LOS ANGELES, CA—- From an inspirational keynote by acclaimed television personality and Founder, State of Menopause Stacy London to a “queening ceremony” performed by personal transformational vision coach Barbara Biziou, WisePause Wellness LIVE provided a full day of presentations, panel discussions, therapeutics and most importantly, solutions from top physicians, functional medical practitioners, and experts for women on the topics of hormones through menopause.  Over 25 speakers covered a myriad of issues women 35-65+ face ranging from incontinence, belly fat and sleep, to sex, brain fog and nutrition during the daylong event held at the Skirball Cultural Center on September 10, 2022.

“WisePause Wellness is about empowering women with knowledge and information,” says WisePause Founder, Denise Pines.  “The message that we convey to women is that they are not alone, and they don’t have to suffer in silence because there are answers out there.  WisePause brings together experts to discuss virtually every menopausal symptom that women experience, so for the attendees it is like having their own personal appointment with a medical team to not only get crucial information, but also to see how they can thrive during this period of their lives.”

In addition to presentations from the stage, attendees were treated to Table Talks during lunch, where they could sit down one-on-one with experts to ask their own questions on topics such as hair loss, sex, mindfulness, stress, weight loss, facial rejuvenation, CBD and more.

Over 30 exhibitors showcased their latest health, beauty, medical and nutraceutical products and services designed for women 40+ and at the event.  Many of the exhibitors also presented their products in a 2-minute pitch during the WisePause Lifestyle Showcase segments, to provide more information on advances in women’s health and wellness.

At the end of the day, after a relaxing sound bath, attendees feasted on Mediterranean-inspired food at the “Afterparty” and were treated to massages, acupuncture, skin and eyebrow consultations and sampled products at the Best Self Wellness Experience.

Concludes Pines, “The feedback I’ve gotten on WisePause Wellness has been amazing.  I kept hearing the words ‘powerful,’ ‘transformational,’ and ‘I had no idea that what I was experiencing was due to hormones and menopause’ throughout the day.  That is the environment I wanted to create—a safe space for women to talk about what they are going through, get answers and most importantly, a place where community is cultivated and developed through shared experiences.”

Sponsors of WisePause Wellness include Toyota, Tea Botanics and Equelle. Partners included New Beauty magazine, State of Menopause, MoxieLash, Gennev, GoodPharma, Potency NO. 710 and podcast Hot Flashes & Cool topics.

Stacy London, Founder, State of Menopause on Loving Your Age – photo credit Joan Fuller

Panelists (l-r) Master Your Hormones panel Dr. Leita Harris, Dr. Michael Krychman, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz and moderator/WisePause Founder Denise Pines – photo credit Joan Fuller

Ramos worked to secure $5 million in current state budget

SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-Highland) today presented a symbolic check of $5 million to BLU Educational Services/ Foundation to expand the organization’s College Exodus Project aimed at helping at-risk students attend and graduate from college. He presented the check to Chief Executive Officer Dina Walker as well as BLU students.

Ramos worked to help secure the funding in the 2022-23 state budget. The lawmaker said, “BLU has worked steadfastly to help at-risk youth receive the opportunities and assistance they need to earn a college degree and the skills they need for career success. I was proud to work with BLU and my colleagues to get this funding into the state budget. It benefits the students directly, but it is also helping our region build a skilled workforce with close community ties. We need the students’ talent and energy if we want thriving communities in our future.”

BLU has worked with local communities since 1996 to help students with limited resources and opportunities receive the assistance and opportunities to complete high school and further their educations while also helping them find internships and develop leadership and workforce skills. The mission of BLU’s College Exodus Project is to help students get their undergraduate or graduate degrees from accredited colleges and universities. BLU’s goal is that those in the project will contribute to the Inland Empire economy through entrepreneurship, employment, and/or volunteer service. BLU provides comprehensive college information, assistance, and support to help students with admissions, financial aid, retention, and graduation from public and private institutions throughout the country.

Dina Walker, BLU’s president and chief executive officer, said, “BLU’s College Exodus Project is a bold step in the diversion arena, placing a priority on education, collaboration, and the young person as a whole. This work is a commitment to the hopes and dreams of our youth and families, and a healthy productive community. This project will be one of the most impactful projects in this region!”

Kaylie White, a freshman at San Bernardino Valley College, participated in Blu’s College Exodus Project and was a graduate of the Entrepreneur High School class of 2022. “My experience with BLU has always been amazing. The advising staff are very resourceful and caring. They go above and beyond to make sure you’re getting the best of the best,” White stated.