Inland Empire Weekly September 25 2014

Inland Empire Weekly

IECN

Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!

Vol 10, NO. 06

THIS WEEK

Day for Kids brings family fun to Redlands Boys and Girls Club

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SBVC hosts Teach-A-Rama A13

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

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Area youngsters played the day away during Day for Kids at the Boys and Girls Club in Redlands.

Redlands-Riverside's non-profit organization and its Greater annual Day for Kids event. partners.

More than 200 youngsters particBounce houses, face painting and rea youth were celebratipated in a number of free activied Saturday at the Boys Day for Kids, cont. on next pg. and Girls Clubs of ties planned and organized by the

By Yazmin Alvarez

Students gather to celebrate Peace Day YouthHope helping homeless youth A20

INSIDE ONE SECTION, 24 PAGES

A7 A13 A14 A4 A6-7 A9

HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecnads@yahoo.com

September 24, 2014

HSSBV Annual Casino Night & Dog House Auction Oct. 18

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Honoring Hispanic Month & Mexican Independence Day

Calendar Classifieds Legal Notices Opinion Service Dir. Sports

.com

he Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley will be hosting Ante Up for Animals Casino Night and Dog House Auction “Mask”querade on Saturday, October 18.

Festivities are from 5:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at 374 West Orange Show Road, San Bernardino.

Attendees can gamble the night away and have the opportunity to win several fabulous raffle prize packages! Guests are encouraged to wear a mask for the Mask-querade and will also enjoy music, a photo booth, food and fun! Event attire is business casual.

Tickets are available for purchase now and can be purchased by calling 909-386-1400 ext 224 or 218 or visiting www.hssbv.org! Ticket prices are $25 for single tickets or $40 for couples. Each ticket includes entry to the event, food, drink ticket, raffle ticket, and $100 in Casino Cash. This event is for guests 21 years of age and older.

Sponsors for Ante Up for Animals Casino Night and Dog House Auction include Subaru of San Bernardino, FrontLine Plus, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Jordan Insurance- An Empire Company, Security Bank of California, Blue Buffalo, Bayer, Fairview Ford Sales, Inc., Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Gresham Savage Nolan & Tilden, and PK Design.

All proceeds from this event benefit the HSSBV programs and services. ~Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley

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IECN PHOTO/

A Peace Day celebration was held Sept. 19 at Montessori in Redlands, bringing more than 500 students together to practice kindness.

By Yazmin Alvarez

tudents from Montessori in Redlands and The Grove School learned a special lesson last week: “caring is kind-

ness and it starts with you.”

More than 500 students gathered around a “peace pole” at the Montessori campus to celebrate International Day of Peace.

“Peace flags” created by Grove

students along with a large cardboard dove feathered by drawings from Montessori students made for a canopy over the crowd as Peace Day, cont. on next pg.

Got News?

Have news, an event or want to recognize someone in the Inland area?

Send information to Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com or call 909-381-9898 ext. 207.

Page A2 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly Day for Kids, cont. from front

free food from Panda Express and the Kiwanis Club of Redlands were just some of the highlights that got the thumbs up from those who attended.

But the real draw was the plenty of activities, games and prizes available for simply having fun.

The annual event was planned after seeing a need to provide area youth and their families a fun, free event weeks into the school year.

“It’s an opportunity for families to spend that much needed quality time together,” said P.T. McEwen.

“It’s a day of fun and community.”

The success of the event led the BGC to partner with the city of Redlands' Parks and Recreation division which delighted Mayor Pete Aguilar, who made a stop to check out the activities and talk with families.

Organizers of the event plan to hold a similar event next year in the hopes of attracting more bodies to the Hansberger Clubhouse where the event took place. McEwen stressed the event was not a BGC member-only event, but something the entire community could look forward to as a signature event in town.

To learn more about the organization, which serves the cities of Redlands, Mentone, Riverside, San Bernardino and Loma Linda and surrounding communities, visit begreatie.org. ~iecn.yazmin@gmail.com

Boys and Girls Club members took the opportunity to “slime” staff with jell-o during Day for Kids Sept. 20.

2014 Peace Day Celebration at Montessori in Redlands.

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

COURTESY PHOTOS

COURTESY PHOTO

2014 Peace Day Celebration at Montessori in Redlands.

Peace Day, cont. from front

for constructive purposes. And at the same time, we must develop a science of peace based on this new orientation of humanity.” Dr. Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1949, 1950, and 1951.

The celebration is an annual gathering for Montessori and Grove schools.

they shared spoken word, songs and words from their favorite peacemakers.

Montessori in Redlands Head of School Maura Joyce quoted her “favorite peacemaker,” Dr. Maria Montessori, who believed peace could be achieved through education: “Through new education, we must enable children to grow up Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter with a healthy spirit, a strong char- with Inland Empire Community acter, and a clear intellect, so that as Newspapers and can be reached adults they…will gather energies at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A3

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Questions continue to surround natural gas storage, diesel emissions in neighborhood

ver a period touching three centuries, thousands of students have attended Ramona-Alessandro Elementary in San Bernardino.

Hundreds of thousands have lived for generations in neighborhoods around the school. They have adapted to the sounds, sites and smells of the former Santa Fe Railway. Many made their livelihoods from it. Now, residents say adapting is getting harder. Whether the uncomfortable feeling of having 60,000 gallons of natural gas stored in tanks in the neighborhood is real or the result of a savvy media campaign, having the potentially explosive liquid stored at the Omnitrans bus fueling station continues to make the neighbors feel uneasy.

To compound the situation, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe operates a 24-hour transportation hub within distance to thousands of those same neighbors. Residents say their community is on the brink of becoming a possible combustible catastrophe. Advocates agree that expansion of industry is always zoned for low-income areas. Never near something like the Arrowhead Country Club.

Taking on the railroad means going before congress. Going before Omnitrans means appearing before San Bernardino County.

Residents say it is ultimately up to the San Bernardino City Unified School District since it is responsible for the health and safety of students.

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice is asking Omnitrans to move its two natural gas tanks further from Ramona Alessandro Elementary.

They also want BNSF to use greener technology to limit toxic levels of diesel emissions.

The Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice

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COURTESY PHOTO

Erika Flores, community orgainizer at Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice.

cites a report by Loma Linda University showing that residents living near the railway have a significant high rate of asthma and cancer. Community Action officials say having that much natural gas stored near an elementary school poses a threat, even if it's small threat. Furthermore, no one seems to know if there is a danger from the mixture of diesel and natural gas emissions.

Community Action spokesperson Ericka Flores said her group has petitioned the San Bernardino school board for seven months for a resolution in support of having Omnitrans move its natural gas tanks further away from RamonaAlessandro Elementary. "It's pretty well known what kind of accidents have already occurred from natural gas explosions," said Flores.

"There is never time evacuate."

The Center is scheduled to be

PHOTO COURTESY/OMNITRANS

Omintrans spokesperson Wendy Williams.

heard again by the school board on Oct. 7th. They plan to appear again at the Oct. 1 board meeting of Omnitrans.

The results of the 2012 Loma Linda University study, entitled Project ENRRICH basically calls San Bernardino a "hot zone" for economic development, due to cheap land, relatively inexpensive labor, and a bankrupted city ready to negotiate. The Loma Linda study indicated that industry's growth will continue within San Bernardino's city proper due to its population's inability to fight it.

Such growth will cause further negative environmental impacts, says the study.

Dr. Samuel Soret was the lead researcher on the Loma Linda University pilot study. Soret's research concluded that San Bernardino could be exploited due to a large population of limited English speaking, which is strongly associated with "poverty, food insecu-

Movies return to Ed Hales Park with ‘Muppets Most Wanted’

n Friday, Sept. 26, Movies in the Park is back with “Muppets Most Wanted” at Ed Hales Park.

The activities begin at 6 p.m. and the film will begin at dusk.

Before the movie Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar will celebrate the “Joy of Reading” reading one

of his favorite books, along with local author Diane Adams, reading from one of her own works.

Redlands Sunrise Rotary’s Read for Life program will provide free books for all ages while supplies last. Additional pre-movie activities will be provided by the Frugal Frigate bookstore. Movies in

the Park is sponsored by the City of Redlands Development Services and Quality of Life departments.

For more information or call the Redlands Community Center at (909) 798-7572 or visit us on the web at www.cityofredlands.org.

St Bernardine Church Holds Free Multicultural Festival

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t. Bernardine Church, at the corner of Fifth and F Streets in San Bernardino, is holding a free Multi-Cultural Festival on Saturday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“This parish community has been holding this festival for more than 50 years” said Loraine O’Campo, Chairperson of the Festival Committee. “This parish has served the downtown area for more than 152 years and each year the area and its needs become more diverse. This event embraces the different cultures St. Bernardine’s Church

serves”.

The festival will feature live entertainment, activities, and great food.

The entertainment will include DJ music and karaoke, Ballet Folklorico Nuevo Sol de San Bernardino, song and dance routine

by Mia Madrid, Henencia Mexicana Ballet Folklorico and live music provided by Throw Down Chancla. There will be crafts and games for the children.

Food includes traditional hot dogs and hamburgers, Hawaiian barbecue chicken, Italian food, tacos,

mole, poszole, Puerto Rican Pernil y Arroz con Gondules and Empanadas.

There will be a Beer Garden, Sweet Shoppe and a Crafts booth.

There will be an opportunity drawing with the first prize being $1,000, 2nd $500 and 3rd $300.

Many other prizes will be raffled off throughout the day.

The proceeds of this event will help St. Bernardine’s provide the assistance to needy San Bernardino residents.

For more information call Lorraine O’Ocampo at 909) 910-2854

PHOTO COURTESY/OMNITRANS

CEO/General Manager of Omnitrans P. Scott Graham

rity and environmental inequality."

Soret pointed out that more industry could follow due to "swaths of undeveloped land."

Flores explained that most of her Westside community feels environmental issues from BNSF and Omnitrans are considered the same threat. In an effort to continue their 10-year cause, Flores and others attend San Bernardino school board meetings as well as Omnitrans board meetings. Her research revealed a number of possible malfunctions that could ignite natural gas at the San Bernardino Omnitrans fueling station.

Omnitrans spokesperson Wendy Williams said there hasn't been a safety incident in the 30 years her company has been located at 5th Street and Medical Center Drive.

Williams said the Omnitrans site is a state-of-the-art facility, which is inspected by her staff daily and monthly by an outside vendor.

"Natural gas is the cleanest, safest and cheapest of all the fuels," said Williams in a phone interview.

Williams explained that members of Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice met with Omnitrans board members on Sept. 10. "As a response to their concerns we will conduct a feasibility study and a cost analysis. Then possibly change to a pipeline type of delivery system instead of using storage tanks,' said Williams. She says those options will be discussed at the Oct. 1 meeting of the Omnitrans Board.

Williams further said that Omnitrans went through all the proper permitting processes. She told that before Omnitrans was located on 5th Street, it was the location of a large car dealership that stored large volumes of traditional gasoline. "It's always been mixed use here. It was once the major corridor of Route 66. There is a church, a park across the street and stores have been here. There is nothing to indicate that its unsafe."

Flores says the neighborhood is uncertain about underground storage of natural gas or the routes that pipelines would take for its delivery. Either way, Omnitrans currently needs 12,000 gallons of fuel daily to operate. According to the Omnitrans website, it received a presentation in September from Proterra, a firm which produces electric buses. Omnitrans is looking to replace its current fleet, yet said it was too early to confirm the purchase of electric buses, which uses no liquid fuels.

Penny Newman, executive director of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice has not responded to numerous requests for comment on this matter.

The San Bernardino Unified School District did not return a promised phone call on September 12th.

OPINION&EDITORIAL Page A4 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Anthony Victoria

California State University is right for standing up for victims of sexual violence

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ollege is a time for adolescents and young adults to venture into a world that’s filled with the dynamism of our nation’s future leaders.

However, the college experience can also be a stressful time, a difficult time, especially for those who are and have been victims of sexual violence.

California could become the national model to stem such conflict. The California State University– the largest in the United States – announced on September 23 that it will appoint advocates for victims of sexual assault on all 23 of its campuses and I believe it is a step in the right direction.

Our state’s top universities, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC are among numerous institutions around the nation who have been abysmal when dealing with sexual cases. As a result, the federal government is now conducting investigations at these campuses.

The CSU’s decision to provide a support system couldn’t have came at a better time.

One in five women are raped during their lifetime, according

to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, with 40 percent of women reporting that the assaults occurred during their time in college. Imagine if your sister, your daughter, or your wife were to be a victim of rape in a place that is supposed to encourage diversity and integrity? But it’s not only limited to women. Men can be victims too.

And when these people undergo so much vulnerability and struggle with self-conscious issues, it becomes difficult for them to report this to administration. Which is why it’s a wise move to bring in people who have empathy and the strength to support them in their time of need. By having a trained, designated victim advocate on campus, victims of sexual violence can learn about different options for reporting and learn about the various resources available in their community.

The benefits may sound clear.

However, there is a potential negative effect this decision could have if it’s not approached correctly. It’s important that these advocates stay firm and strong in their willingness to do the right thing. Administrative pressures can hinder progress that a victim undertakes due to the fear of retaliation, but it shouldn’t be an issue‒especially if you have public servants advocating for the same thing.

Sen. Barbara Boxer and Rep. Susan Davis, who this summer authored a bill that would require all U.S. colleges and universities that receive federal funding to enact similar measures, praised the CSU in a press release and expressed that others should follow suit.

“I hope this trend will continue on university campuses across the nation,” said Representative Davis in the statement.

As U.S. president Barack Obama expressed last week through a new initiative, “It’s on Us”. It’s up to us to hold people accountable and not look the other way. Perhaps it is time that we become advocates ourselves and condemn these continuing acts of sexual violence and abuse.

Anthony Victoria is a community writer for the Inland Empire Community Newspaper Group and can be reached at avictoria@iecn.com or at (909) 381-9898 Ext. 208

YOUR COMMUNITY COMMENTARY!

All letters must be signed. Please include your name, address & phone number for verification purposes only. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Disappointed in Colton Councilmember

At the 16 Sept. 2014 Colton council meeting, during public comment, I was dismayed to hear some disparaging news about one of our council members.

Colton’s representative at the Omni-Trans and IVDA meetings is Councilman Frank Gonzales. It was reported that the councilman was late in attending the last 12 of the 12 Omni-Trans meetings, being so late at one, that the meeting was adjourned as he arrived on Why would a group, the vast majority of whom are not residents of San Bernardino, be spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours putting up signs all over town urging San Bernardino voters to reject Measure Q, a repeal of San Bernardino Charter section 186 which sets public safety pay.

Do they care more about San

What kind of world are we living in? My dad was as “real” a man as you could ever find. And yes, he did take a switch to my brother and me on occasion. We deserved it every time he did it. He didn’t “beat” us, but yes, he did leave some welts. I think we turned out pretty well.

Legal Advertising & Receptionist

Published weekly on Thursday.

Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #73036 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.

RIALTO RECORD

Established 1910.

In the story of the “Pied Piper of Hamelin,” a swarm of rats were enchanted by the beautiful sound of a piper and followed him out of town to drown in the ocean. When the mayor refused to pay the agreed upon fee, the piper repeated the process but this time with the town’s children. An unnecessary disaster based upon greed.

Today, that sweet sound is the pitch of the GOP with their “no taxes” tune. Let’s look at some of those Republican governors. In

El Chicano

Established 1969.

Published weekly on Thursday.

Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #154019 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.

Inland Empire Weekly Established 2005.

Vote yes on Measures Q and R to help San Bernardino deal with its terrible financial situation, get out of bankruptcy, and move forward with a more businesslike City Charter to becoming a more prosNo, they are people trying to pro- perous, efficient, modern city. tect their personal financial interests in San Bernardino’s present Lynda K. Savage, Charter section 186.

San Bernardino

In 1953, my fifth-grade teacher had a paddle hanging beside her blackboard and she knew how to use it. Did we back-talk her? Absolutely not. We learned not to sass our parents and we respected our law-enforcement officers, too!

Now you can be tossed in jail if you raise a hand against your child and they know it.

stop it. We are not preparing them for life.

If the letter writer never had to spank his kids, maybe he was blessed with some very angelic children. I wasn’t and most other people aren’t, either. All you have to do is walk through a jail or prison to see that. It wasn’t that way in the “good ol’ days.”

Redgie Snodgrass, Redlands

Greed breeds unnecessary disasters

Deadline is Tuesdays at noon. Readers may also submit their perspectives online at iecn1@mac.com • For advertising inquiries email iecnads@yahoo.com Colton Courier

Ronald H. Lawrence Colton, Ca.

Bernardino than their own towns?

Do they have nothing better to do with their time and money than to meddle in San Bernardino politics?

In my opinion, this country started going to hell when we Ask anyone who grew up in the stopped disciplining our kids. Give 1940s or 1950s if children were them a “time-out”? Give me a better behaved then or now. Ask break. any teacher. Most children are out of hand and there’s no way we can

(909) 381-9898 • FAX 384-0406

Established 1876.

is supposed to represent the interests of Colton but can’t make it to meetings on time and in some cases not show at all. Councilman Gonzales should have been replaced, as our representative, a long time ago, by a council member who has more of an interest in his ancillary duties for the city.

Actually, kids need to be spanked sometimes

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110, Colton, CA 92324 • Office Location: 1809 Commercenter West, San Bernardino, CA Letters are printed in the order they are 92408 received and are subject to editing for clarity.

Gloria Macías Harrison Bill Harrison Co-Publisher Diana G. Harrison General Manager Diana G. Harrison Managing Editor Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez Community News Editor Anthony Victoria Advertising/Classified Sales Bruce Martinez

July 10th. Checking the minutes of the last 12 meeting showed his being late was recorded, as required by the Brown Act. Receiving a $125.00 stipend for each meeting does not seem earned. His attendance records at the IVDA meetings are almost as bad. Four occasions he was on time but was late five times and was absent three times.

In my opinion, this is an embarrassment to the city of Colton. He

Vote yes on both San Bernardino measures

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Fictitious Business Name Danielle Castaneda of San Bernardino County, State of & Accounting CIRCULATION California, case #26583 and thereVERIFICATION Graphic Artist/Web Mgr. Michael Segura fore qualified to publish legal notices.

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Colton Courier • RIALTO RECORD El Chicano • Inland Empire Weekly

We are award-winning newspapers, having been so recognized by the Inland Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists In addition to mail subscriptions a combined total of 20,000 copies are distributed to approximately 400 locations in Redlands, Mentone, Highland, San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Bloomington, Grand Terrace Loma Linda, Moreno Valley, Riverside

2011, Texas was in a $27 billion crisis. It has the highest percentage of uninsured people in the nation.

Texas is 49th in school spending.

Texas’ unemployment rate is higher than the national average.

him in November.

North Carolina (Gov. Pat McCrory) is currently $300 million in debt. They are projected to reach a half-billion dollars of indebtedness next year when tax cuts go into efOther GOP governors: New Jer- fect. sey’s Chris Christie has a gaping shortfall in the budget of $2 bil- There are more failed tricklelion. The state’s credit rating has down GOP governors, but space been downgraded seven times. prohibits their mention. Business Where will the money come from? follows the no taxes tune and the people end up drowning in debt.

Meanwhile, Kansas (Gov. Sam An unnecessary disaster based Brownback) is drowning in debt upon greed. and the schools are failing. The people are suffering so much that Felix Sepulveda, Republicans are voting against San Bernardino

E-mail us your opinions, photos, announcements to iecn1@mac.com.

Letters limited to 500 words www.iecn.com

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A5

Gloria’s Corner

voters to make their voices heard.

And I applaud the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women that valiantly register, educate and provide voter information to general public with the hope of increasing the voter turnout. The last day to register to vote for the November 4th election is October 20.

Gloria Macias Harrison

Register to Vote: All elections are important but when there are very local issues involved it vital that every eligible citizen vote. This November 4th we, the citizens, of this region must cast our vote for both federal and state offices as well as local positions in city government and school governance.

Right now there are many groups out there registering people to vote with the hope that these citizens will actually vote. I am especially pleased to see younger groups such San Bernardino Generation Now registering young potential

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The Drought: Because of the severe drought in our state, Governor Brown is asking Californians to do their part by using 20% less water and preventing water waste. The state and our local water departments have some easy to implement water saving tips. For the outdoors, replace grass with drought tolerant landscaping; use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway, sidewalks and patio; and water only late in the evening or early in the morning to minimize water evaporation. For indoor, run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full; check for leaks in the kitchen and bathroom; and when possible replace toilets and appliances with water efficient models. These are just a few tips, your water department will have more and some agencies like the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department offer rebates for qualifying resident to replace toilets

and regulators for outdoor watering systems. Call 384-5141 or visit the website at www.sbcitywater.org for more information.

Education Info: This week the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) rate for the Class of 2014 was 95.5 percent matching the high rate from last year. The CAHSEE is administered each year in the ten grade and students who do not pass the exam have opportunities in grade eleven and twelve to pass the test.

This exam measures competency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Congratulations Class of 2014.

Also this week the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University released a report that is critical of charter school oversight but does offer recommendations to make corrections.

The report states that lack of oversight has led to too many cases of fraud and abuse and too little attention to equity. The largest problems are the lack of transparency and having school mangers serve on governing boards.

Loving tribute: Former San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles, a woman of many talents and a trailblazer for so many of us, has published a book that honors her mother whose wisdom guided her life. Como Decia Mi Mama - As My Mother Would Say is filled with dichos (proverbs) that those of us coming from traditional Mexican families will recognize. As I read this book it made me remember my grandmother

Words to Think About: The Bible misunderstood

By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.

he Bible is, without a doubt, the most misunderstood book ever printed. It is not a scientific book or an accurate historical book, even if some try to make it so.

It does contain some science and some history, but not much. Most of it was written more than 1900 years ago. The writers saw the world as everyone at that time did.

The world was flat. Travel was by foot, slow boat or by donkey.

Most people didn’t live beyond forty years. Jesus was an old man at age 33, when he died. Education was limited to a very few.

In my opinion, the biggest misunderstanding is in believing the Bible is humorless, joyless and without laughter. Nothing can be further from the truth.

To prove my point I will site the Bible itself and Elton Trueblood’s book, “The Humor of Christ.”

Laughter is a result not the cause of a humorous event. An absurd event, a ridiculous event, a contradictory event. Or an imaginary humorous event that memory has resurrected from the past.

A case of absurdity is evident in the life of Abraham and Sarah.

They were told by an angel they would have a baby. He is 100 and she is 90 years old. The absurdity of such an event causes both to laugh. By the way, they name the baby Isaac; which means laughter.

The Bible doesn’t always reveal the cause of laughter, only that laughter occurred. In Psalm 126:2, it says, “our mouths were filled with laughter.”

Child psychologists tell us that babies laugh between 20-30 times an hours. It is the result of pleasure, happiness and contentment. It is reasonable then to presume that whenever these emotions are present in all instances by all people, laughter will naturally follow.

There are three basic elements, one of which is usually present in humor: absurdity, hyperbole (exaggeration) imagination. Remember the very popular sit-com a few years ago-MR. ED? It was about a talking horse. Absurd to be sure. But it’s right out of the Bible. Numbers, chapter 19.

The Scripture is about Balaam and his donkey. The donkey talks and berates Balaam. A laugher to be sure. Absurd? Absolutely.

Use your imagination about these stories. Noah and the Ark. Bill Cosby made it great with his interpretation. Imagine all the animals defecating. What a mess. Or Jonah living in the stomach of a great fish. Or a kid (David) stoning a giant with a slingshot and then cutting off his head.

There are scores like these in the Bible that are built for laughter.

What about Jesus? In the book, “The Humor of Christ,” written by Elton Trueblood, he laments the “widespread failure to recognize and appreciate the humor of Christ.” He further criticizes the admirers of Jesus as well as his critics in his lament.

It is important to recognize His use of paradox and irony, along with satire in His humor. Jesus’ use of humor was more in the style of Mort Sahl than that of Bob Hope.

At times he was very caustic. Trueblood was stimulated to write the

book after witnessing his young son crack up laughing. “He laughed because he saw how preposterous it was for a man to be concerned about a speck in another’s eye and ignore the beam in his own eye.”

His son knew the human eye was not big enough for a beam. It was absurd. The same goes for the ridiculous idea of a man going through the eye of a needle.

The “whited sepulchers” jab by Jesus toward the Scribes and Pharisees is extremely humorous.

Many of the parables are filled with irony. Trueblood points out the use of hyperbole in many of the miracles: feeding thousands with a boy’s lunch or Peter sinking in the water because he didn’t know where the rocks were.

In my view, a great example that Jesus was often humorous and funny was the attraction of children to Him. He demanded that children be allowed to be close to Him. Also an interesting Scripture describes Jesus as fraternizing with low lifes. (publicans and sinners) Also His enemies called Him a “wine-bibber.” That’s like making Jesus an alcoholic. Now use your imagination. Whenever a group of men get together, with a few drinks, they swap stories, humorous ones and laugh uproariously.

That’s true in Highland, L.A., New York or Jerusalem. Today, last year or 2000 years ago.

These are but a few samples of Jesus’ use of humor. To display Jesus’ serious side and ignore His humorous side is to ignore a large part of the Gospels.

Amen Selah. So be it.

who taught, as did Judith’s mother did, life lessons through her stories and sayings. Thank you Judith for this book. It has made realize that how much wisdom I have had at my disposal throughout my life.

Save the Date: Saturday, September 27 - The Unforgettables Foundation presents the 1st Annual Battle of the Badges car wash and vendor showcase at the 66ers Stadium, 280 South E Street, San Bernardino. Police, firefighters and paramedics will be raising money for The Unforgettables by competing to see who can wash the most cars, trucks and bikes in a four-hour period. For information call 909.335.1600

Monday, September 29 - the So CA Black Chamber do Commerce will host a Business Mixer from 6:30 to 8:30 at the San Bernardino Community Hospital, 1800 Western Ave.

Friday & Saturday October 10 & 11 - the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, Members of the Over The Hill Gang, and the City of San Bernardino present " Rendezvous Back to Route 66" at the San Manuel Baseball Stadium, 280 South E Street.

For information call 909.885.7515 or contact rendezvoustoroute66.com or sba.chamber@verizon.net

Thursday, October 23 - University of Redlands presents Gloria Steinem, writer, lecturer, editor and feminist activist at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel. This event is open to the public. For ticket information visit the University website, www.redlands.edu/offices-directories/campusevents/2669.aspx#.VBDR7X10w y8

Saturday, September 27 Friends of the UCR Botanic Gardens present a lecture with dinner with Joseph Cahill, President of the Venture Botanic Garden on the topic A New California Botanic Garden for the 21st Century. The event starts at 5:30 with appetizers and dinner and lecture to follow. For information on the Favorite quote in Honor of InFriends Fall Dinner call ternational Day of Peace (Sep909.784.6962 or contact ucr- tember 21): bgevents@gmail.com "Imagine all the people living life Sunday, September 28 - Rialto in peace. You may say I'm a Mayor Deborah Robinson's 5K dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

Around The Rock hosted by I hope someday you'll join us, and Susan Patane. The event starts at 8 the world will be one." a.m. at the Cemex Lytle Creek Plant, 3221 N. Riverside Ave. Pro-John Lennon ceeds will benefit Athletics for Life.

Register at Gloria Harrison is publisher of www.miningawareness.com the Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at gloharrison@me.com

BUSINESSES & SERVICES Page A6 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A7

Calendar

C

ity Council Meetings

Center, 400 N. Pepper Ave., holiday.) Registration fee is $8 Colton. For more information, per person for four weeks of lesplease call (909) 887-3472. sons. Partners are not required. emocratic Lunch- No dance experience is necesWalk-in registration is eon Club of San sary. available at the Redlands ComBernardino munity Center or register online The Democratic Luncheon Club a t of San Bernardino meet at noon www.cityofredlands.org/classes. on Fridays at Democratic Head- For additional information, quarters, 136 Carousel Mall (near please call instructor Joe Sidor at the central glass elevator) in San (909) 792-6076. All classes are Bernardino. For additional infor- held at the Redlands Community mation visit website www.sb- Center multi-purpose room. dems.com Speaker Schedule: 9/26 Leticia Garcia, Candidate for County School Board

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Colton: First and third Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 650 N. La Cadena Dr. Highland: Second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 27215 Base Line. No meetings in August.

Loma Linda: Second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m. (check city Web site as dates are subject to change); 25541 Barton Rd. Redlands: First and third Tuesallet Folklorico day, 3 p.m.; 35 Cajon St. Cultural Classes Rialto: Second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 150 S. Palm Ave. San Bernardino: First and third Mondays 5:30-6:30 5-11yrs, Monday, 3 p.m.; 300 N. “D” St. Mondays 6:30-8:30 11-adult. No charge. 951-233-7027. Knights of fternoon Delight Columbus, 740 Pennsylvania St., Colton, Ca. Dance Socials

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A

All seniors, couples and singles, welcome at free dance socials.

Opportunity to make new friends and remember music of our youth.

Joslyn Senior Center: First and second Tuesday 2 p.m., 21 Grant St., Redlands (909) 798-7550.

Redlands Community Center: Every third Friday 2 p.m., 111 Lugonia Ave., Redlands (909) 7987572.

Highland Senior Center: Every fourth Tuesday 2 p.m., 3102 E. Highland Ave., Highland (909) 862-8104.

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he Inland Empire Prime Time Choraliers

Saturdays from 10am-12pm Come Sing with The Inland Empire Prime Time Choraliers as they begin a new season on Tuesday, January 7, 9:00 AM. Rehearsals are held each Tuesday Morning. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 785 No. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92401 (corner of Arrowhead and 8th).

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allroom Waltz dance classes

A

RMC weekly Farmer’s Market

Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in front of the hospital. Stop by on your lunch break for certified fresh produce and artisan breads. ARMC partners with the Southland Farmers Market Association on the weekly market to help promote health and wellness to the community.

S

an Bernardino Farmers Fair & Market Night

Mondays-San Bernardino Farmers Fair and Market Night held at Perris Hill Park, 1001 East Highland Ave from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information call (909) 844-7731.

F

ree classes in basic Italian

The Redlands Community Senior Center offers a perfect and simple introduction for newcomers to the Italian language. This free course is designed to give travelers to Italian speaking countries, or those who are simply interested in enlightening themselves, an introduction to communicating and understanding the basics of Italian.

Immerse yourself in the Language

of Love at the Redlands Community Senior Center every Thursday, beginning Sept. 18, from 12:15 1:15 p.m. in the Grand View room.

No signup is required. For more information please call the Redlands Community Senior Center at (909) 798-7579.

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ockin’ & Reading Festival

Friday, September 26- 5pm.

A FREE celebration of libraries, literacy and fun for the entire family. Scholastic Book Fair, There will be literacy resources and activities, library and educational information. There will also be live music featuring Latin Flair and family movie in the park starting at dusk. Admission is free. Seating is limited but guests may bring their own chairs for movie and concert. To be held at Fleming Park (corner of La Cadena and F streets).

F

inal Wilson Scholarship October Festival Picnic

Saturday, October 4-10am6pm. This event is to reunite & visit with old friends. Funds generated by this picnic will be awarded as scholarships to Colton High School seniors.

Event includes catered lunch from 12 noon to 3pm only, DJ music by Abel Mendez, dancing, raffle, & 50/50. Price is $25 per person or $40 for two and will be held at South Colton Veterans Park, “O” St. & Pine St. For info call Louie Hernandez at (909794-0601.

H

ealth Fair

Sunday, October 5-9am-2pm To be held at the Consulate of Mexico, 293 North D St., San Bernardino. Free Medical Examinations. There will also be flu Saturday, September 27-9am- vaccines and more. Call (909) 1pm. Police, firefighters & para- 889-7846. medics from San Bernardino and Riverside County will be raising money for charity by competing to see who can wash the most cars, trucks & bikes in a 4 hour Saturday, October 11-7amperiod.To be held at the 66ers 2pm. To be held at Rialto High stadium, 280 S. “E” St., San School. Clean out your garage or Bernardino. Call 909-335-1600 bring your yard sale to our event. for information.

Space rentals available. Please no food or drink sales. All space rental and food sales are fundraising for the school.Entrance fee is 50 cents.For inforThursday, October 2- 6pm- mation contact parent volunteer 9pm. To be held at the National Tammy Lawson on any ThursOrange Show, 689 South “E” St., day or Friday at 805-794-4497.

Or contact Band Director Mr. San Bernardino.

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attle of the Badges Car Wash

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.H.S. Knight Band Swap Meet

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C

ommunication Classes

Mondays at 6 p.m.: Town & Country Toastmasters Club offers classes in the Sequoia Room at Arrowhead Regional Medical

Waltz lessons will be held beginning Monday, May 5, through June 2 at the Redlands Community Center. The class runs Mondays from 6:45 to 8 p.m. (There will be no class on Monday, May 26, due to the Memorial Day

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Page A8 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

California Public Utilities Commission to hold public hearings in Fontana on September 29

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8 percent. The July rate hike, which hit below-average users harder than it hit above-average users, who traditionally pay higher rates — could be a sign that SoCal Edison plans on more rate restructuring.

The CPUC estimated back in August that three-quarters of Edison customers will see their monthly costs increase by more than $5, while a third of customers will pay

at least $10 more per month. In addition, separate rate changes will affect customers enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy program. Forty percent of these customers will see their energy bills go up more than $5 per month, although most of these customers will face an increase no greater than $10 per month.

So Cal Edison’s restructuring plan will cut California’s current

tier structure from four tiers to two. The Tier 1 electricity rate would increase an additional 8.7 percent, meaning customers will pay an additional 16.2 cents per kilowatt-hour by 2018. The current tiers 2, 3, and 4 would be meshed into a single tier that will be billed at 19.5 cents per kilowatthour by 2018.

Edison and other big utility companies have justified their proposals by explaining that they will provide more equity among consumers. Edison went as far as to criticize the current four tier system.

"There is no cost basis for rate differentials of this magnitude and they produce uneconomic outcomes," the company wrote in the filing. "SCE estimates that there is currently an annual subsidy of over $600 million paid by higherusage to lower-usage residential customers."

Meanwhile, environmental advocates say that the changes will seek to discourage customers from going solar and conserving energy, which in turn will lead to the construction of more dirty power plants and decrease generation of local clean energy, such as the use of rooftop solar.

“We think that ratepayers are al-

out of state.

“When the father and grandparents arrived at our office, we all watched as the little boy ran to his grandma and gave her a big hug,” said Supervising Deputy District

Attorney Denise Trager-Dvorak, who oversees the CAU. “When his father appeared, he ran into his dad’s arms and told him how much he missed him and that he was sorry he hadn’t come back sooner.”

According to Deputy DA Kurt Rowley of the CAU, in this case, as in many others, the offending parent or guardian was unaware they were in violation of the court order. In the case above, the young boy’s father filed for full custody after the mother took their child across state lines, denying him of his legal visitation rights. It was only until CAU investigators located the mother was she made aware of the fact, and returned the child without much ado.

The term “child abduction” connotes a heinous crime, but Rowley explained that under California law if a person deprives the other party of physical custody it falls under that category. The situations can be as passive as failing to re-

turn a child after a visit, and withholding a child even when the other party is aware of their location.

Rowley cites numerous cases where the investigation entailed children being taken across state lines, both into and out of California. The scope of the CAU is not just statewide; its reach is global.

International cases have involved investigations of children either taken to or from Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Germany, Great Britain, Indonesia, Argentina and Mexico.

In cases of international child abduction, the CAU implements the terms of the Hague Convention, an international treaty signed by more than 60 countries. This effort involves a working relationship with the U.S. State Department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Attorney General of California in helping to recover children taken to or from foreign lands.

The CAU is comprised of a team

By Anthony Victoria

he California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will be holding two public participation hearings on Monday September 29 at Fontana city hall at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. that will allow Southern California Edison customers to discuss several proposed changes in electricity rates.

CPUC officials have said that they will consider public input before making a decision. The state’s electric utility companies created rate reform proposals earlier this year to meet the goals of Assembly Bill 327.

The Ratepayer Equity Act, which was passed in the state legislature last year and became effective as of January, enabled the CPUC to consider changes that will affect the way utility companies charge their customers for electricity. The law has allowed utility companies to spread costs across residential energy users.

Southern California Edison customers are already feeling the burden as a result of a hike that took effect in July. The company raised residential electricity rates across the board, with average energy users seeing their bills increase by

PHOTO COURTESY/MEL W. WANG.

Sierra Club My Generation Campaign organizer Yassamin Kavezade.

ready paying their fair share and we should not be creating a billing structure that discourages the strides we have made in local clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Marta Stoepker, the deputy press secretary for the Sierra Club.

Yassamin Kavezade, an organizer with the Sierra Club My Generation Campaign and a student at UC Riverside, believes Inland Empire residents need to recognize the importance of attending these public hearings. Without their input, large utility companies will continue to build “cozy” relationships with CPUC officials, Kavezade said.

“The CPUC is an agency that is supposed to mediate the public voice on matters like energy, but instead has established a cozy relationship with large utilities,” she said. “For example, look into the San Bruno case happening right now with Pacific Gas & Electric.

The time for testimony is one of the few ways people can let their voices be heard. People can also become part of the process if the CPUC and utilities decide to listen and do the right thing in order to pave a way for local, clean-renewable energy.”

that includes Rowley, DA investigators Karen Cragg and Larry Jackson, and Secretary Bert Mendez. In fiscal year 2013 there was an average of 25 open investigations per month (the high month with 43, and the low 13), and four criminal cases were filed.

“The work they do every day is very emotionally-charged, and they continually do their best to ensure that children are safe and that the court’s child custody orders are followed,” said TragerDvorak. “In this situation, it was very rewarding to watch dad, with tears in his eyes, happy to have his son back, and hugging him like he would never let go. I had to fight back tears myself.”

Rowley is most proud of the hard work and dedication of his team in resolving cases without escalating the situation, as well as looking out for the best interest of all parties involved, especially the children, with compassion and sensitivity.

County Child Abduction Unit reunites children, enforces custody rights

PHOTO COURTESY/ SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit successfully reunited a fouryear-old boy with his father after his mother took him across state lines, violating the father’s custody rights. District Attorney Investigator Karen Cragg and the young boy play games and color with crayons while waiting for the father to arrive at the DA’s Office.

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By MJ Duncan

he safety of the child is the primary concern of the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit (CAU), which is charged with returning a child to the rightful parent or guardian to comply with family court. In late August the CAU successfully reunited a four-year-old boy with his father after the child’s mother took him

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A9

Cherry Creek blanks Grand Terrace

Redlands throttled by Linfield College

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By Richard Dawson

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

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Redlands defenders tackle Linfield WR Charlie Poppen who scored two touchdowns in the game.

By Richard Dawson

he University of Redlands football team has had a tough schedule the first two weeks of the season.

One week after being shutout 360 at Mary Hardin-Baylor, the Bulldogs again struggled on both sides of the ball in a 36-3 rout from No. 5 Linfield College at Ted Runner Stadium on Saturday night, September 20.

The game was preceded by the annual “Rah Rah Redlands” event but there was not too many cheerful moments once the game started.

Linfield (2-0) marched 49 yards over ten plays on its second drive, setting up a third-and-3 from the Redlands 6. The ensuing pass into the end zone was incomplete leading kicker Michael Metter to trot on and convert a 23-yard attempt to put Linfield on the board 3-0 in the first.

The Bulldogs looked poise to score on their next possession after quarterback Kevin Russell found Sam Angelo for a 35-yard completion to the Linfield 39 but the drive stalled after that and the Bulldogs had to punt.

After that it was all Linfield. The Wildcats got the ball back at the Linfield 17 and needed just five plays to get to the Redlands 3 thanks to a 37-yard completion from Sam Riddle to Evan Peterson.

Two plays later, Riddle rushed in from one-yard out to make it 9-0 with 2:22 remaining in the first.

Riddle added two passing scores before the half as the Wildcats used drives of 80 and 78 yards to build a 26-0 lead.

The Redlands offense struggled to find a rhythm all night, mustering only 156 total yards compared to 559 yards for Linfield.

Redlands kicker Sean Murray ended the shutout with a 27-yard field goal in the fourth.

Angelo led the Bulldogs air attack with 61 yards on five catches.

Redlands will try and right the ship at Pomona-Pitzer on October 4.

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

QB Kevin Russell and the University of Redlands offense struggled to find a rhythm during a 36-3 nonconference loss to Linfield College on Saturday, September 20.

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rand Terrace got hit with a sledge hammer before it knew what hit happened on Friday night.

Nationally ranked Cherry Creek high school of Colorado came to town and dominated from start to finish of a 41-0 non-league rout.

The visiting Bruins wasted no time, needing three minutes to score a touchdown on their first drive.

Grand Terrace (1-2) got the ball back on the ensuing possession and the first pass by quarterback Ivan Zacarias was intercepted and returned for the defensive score to make it 14-0 with 8:02 left in the first quarter.

After a Grand Terrace three-andout, Cherry Creek (2-2) continued the onslaught, this time starting at its own 45. Facing a third-and-9, Joe Caplis found Joseph Parker for a 20-yard completion to the Titans 28. Four plays later, running back Milo Hall scampered into the end zone from 17 yards out to push the lead to 21-0.

The Titans struggled to protect Zacarias all night and couldn’t get the running game going against the Bruins stout defensive front.

The lead increased to four scores after a six-play, 68-yard drive was capped off with a 2-yard plunge by Cherry Creek running back DJ Luke. A missed extra point attempt kept it 27-0 less than a minute into the second.

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Chris Santoscoy intercepted two passes for the Titans.

One of the bright spots for the Titans was Chris Santoscoy, who picked off two passes, including one backed up against the Titans end zone that he returned to the Bruins 20 on the first possession of the third quarter. Unfortunately, the Titans failed to capitalize on the turnover due to a holding call and a lost fumble which seemed to sum up the night.

Grand Terrace will look to right the ship against Alta Loma on September 26.

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Grand Terrace RB Jimmy Smith (#22) runs behind QB Ivan Zacarias during a 41-0 non-league loss to Cherry Creek on September 19.

Page A10 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A11

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month Mexican Independence Day! M

A Day In History: September 16, 1810 The Mexican War of Independence Begins iguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, launches the Mexican War of Independence with the issuing of his Grito de Dolores, or "Cry of Dolores," The revolutionary tract, so-named because it was publicly read by Hidalgo in the town of Dolores, called for the end of 300 years of Spanish rule in Mexico, redistribution of land, and racial equality. Thousands of Indians and mestizos flocked to Hidalgo's banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and soon the peasant army was on the march to Mexico City.

In the early 19th century, Napoleon's occupation of Spain led to the outbreak of revolts all across Spanish America. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla--"the father of Mexican independence"-launched the Mexican rebellion with his "Cry of Delores," and his populist army came close to capturing the Mexican capital. Defeated at Calderón in January

1811, he fled north but was captured and executed. He was followed by other peasant leaders, however, such as José María Morelos y Pavón, Mariano Matamoros, and Vicente Guerrero, who all led armies of native and racially mixed revolutionaries against the Spanish and the Royalists.

Ironically, it was the Royalists-made up of Mexicans of Spanish descent and other conservatives-who ultimately brought about independence. In 1820, liberals took power in Spain, and the new government promised reforms to appease the Mexican revolutionaries.

In response, Mexican conservatives called for independence as a means of maintaining their privileged position in Mexican society.

In early 1821, Agustín de Iturbide, the leader of the Royalist forces, negotiated the Plan of Iguala with Vicente Guerrero.

Under the plan, Mexico would be established as an independent con-

stitutional monarchy, the privileged position of the Catholic Church would be maintained, and Mexicans of Spanish descent would be regarded as equal to pure Spaniards. Mexicans of mixed or pure Indian blood would have lesser rights.

Iturbide defeated the Royalist forces still opposed to independence, and the new Spanish viceroy, lacking money, provisions, and troops, was forced to accept Mexican independence. On August 24, 1821, Spanish Viceroy Juan de O'Donojú signed the Treaty of Córdoba, which approves a plan to make Mexico an independent constitutional monarchy. In 1822, as no Bourbon monarch to rule Mexico had been found, Iturbide was proclaimed the emperor of Mexico. However, his empire was short-lived, and in 1823 republican leaders Santa Anna and Guadalupe Victoria deposed Iturbide and set up a republic, with Guadalupe Victoria as its first president.

Page A12 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month Mexican Independence Day! Pete Aguilar Hosts "Meet and Greet" in Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month

I

n recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, Democratic candidate for Congress in California’s 31st district, recently hosted a "Meet and Greet" with Latino community leaders and residents in San Bernardino. Residents of the 31st Congressional district joined Aguilar for a discussion and Q & A on important issues facing middle class families in the Inland Empire.

“We are here tonight to fight for a quality education for our kids, a good paying job so that we can buy a home and pay for college, and a secure retirement when that time comes,” Aguilar said. “The choice in this election comes down to moving forward on smart policies

COURTESY PHOTO

that will grow our middle class, like comprehensive immigration reform and creating jobs by investing in education and infrastructure, or the same old obstructionist mantra from House Republicans that have only hurt our economic recovery.”

During the event, several residents expressed concern over Chabot’s approach to funding for critical programs, his lack of a policy agenda to create jobs and his out of touch stance on immigration reform.

“I’m concerned that Paul Chabot will be more of the same in Washington,” said George Aguilar (no relation), city of Colton Utilities Commissioner and Candidate for Colton City Council. “I can’t trust

him to go to Congress and work across the aisle to pass immigration reform, create jobs and get things done for the people of our community.”

Chabot supports radical policies that are out of touch with the values of the residents of San Bernardino County.

He has endorsed anti-immigration policies like Arizona's extreme law that allows law enforcement to stop people at will and detain them without cause and demand proof of citizenship, saying that California should pass a similar law. In addition, while running for California State Assembly in 2010, Chabot’s answer to our state’s budget challenges was to slash all programs by 20% with exception of public safety, drastically cutting funding for education, veterans and seniors.

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

Inland Empire Latino Art Association exhibit honors Hispanic Heritage Month

A

special art exhibition to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month recently opened at the San Bernardino County Museum.

Entitled “Sueños y Realidad,” the exhibit is organized and curated by the Inland Empire Latino Art Association and features works by two dozen artists.

Participating artists in Sueños y Realidad include Louie (Hippieone) Solano and Gil Arreola, Fontana; Bill Marquez and Victor Suarez, Grand Terrace; Efren Montiel Jimenez, Rialto; Theresa Hernandez and William Borges, Riverside; Lindy Lucero Gonza-

les, Annette Ramirez, and Rudy Ramirez, Colton; Vanessa Machado, Redlands; Richard Wynne, Lake Elsinore; Lorraine Rangel, Highland; Ernie Colunga, Yeni Burgos, Thomas Ramirez, Johnniemane Solis, Alfonso Mendez, Sabino Zermeño, Brad Borrero, Robert Chairez, and Rose Marie Loya, San Bernardino; Marilou Santiago and Nick Bejarano, Mira Loma; Oscar Vega Romero, Los Angeles; and Klaus Pinter, Austria. Paintings, block prints, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media are included in the exhibit.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A13

2014 Teach-A-Rama is huge success

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COURTESY PHOTO

he 2014 Teach-A-Rama “Through the Looking Glass” was held at SBVC on Saturday, September 20, 2014.

Approximately 80 educators, professionals, and community members from San Bernardino City Unified School District, Fontana Unified School District, Redlands Unified School District, San Bernardino Community College District, Compton Unified School District, Rialto Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, San Diego Unified School District, Riverside Unified School District, and Los Angeles Unified School District partici-

COURTESY PHOTO

pated in this event. The purpose of this gathering was to look at the different cultural elements students encounter in the classroom, providing educators with a closer look at the factors currently impacting minority students in the classroom.

Teach-A-Rama was sponsored by the Office of Instruction at San Bernardino Valley College working in partnership with representatives from the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. and Delta Rho Chapter for the Far Western Region.

Following the welcome, the purpose of the event was shared by

Dr. Haragewen Kinde (Vice President of Instruction at San Bernardino Valley College), Joyce Payne (Basileus with Delta Rho Chapter), and Dr. Margaret Hill (Board Member for the San Bernardino City Unified School District).

Presenters included: keynote speaker, Dr. Louie Rodriguez (Professor at California State University, San Bernardino and author of “The Time is Now”), Euricidi Fitz (PAR Consultant with San Bernardino City Unified School District), Keisha Handy (Academic Coach with Monterey Elementary School, part of San Bernardino City Unified School District), and Dr. Kennon Mitchell (Assistant Superintendent of Student Services with San Bernardino City Unified School District).

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A14

Beers, brats and Bavarian dance among highlights at Redlands Optimist Club’s Oktoberfest

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

The Frank Rote German Band headlined this year’s Oktoberfest at Sylvan Park. The event was a fundraising effort for the Redlands Optimist Club in support of youth programs and scholarships.

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By Yazmin Alvarez

he Redlands Optimist Club held its annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday at Sylvan Park, offering up a day of fun for the whole family.

Festivities included traditional games and plenty of food including authentic German bratwurst

from Gazzolo’s Sausage Co. Restaurant of San Bernardino.

Youngsters enjoyed the Chicken Dance, a bounce house and a rock climbing.

While German beer was a crowd favorite --this year’s event offered German beers from Munich, as Anheuser-Busch and Stater Bros. were event sponsors -- tunes from

the Frank Rote German band, games and contests kept attendees on their feet.

Several tried their hand at Hammerschlagen, a drinking game involving a stump of wood, nails and a small hammer and Cornhole, a bean bag-type toss game.

Yodeling, beer stein holding and best lederhosen contests were also part of the festivities.

Although attendance was thin during the start, festival goers trickled in later in the day as the weather cooled.

Attendance was one thing event organizer and Optimist Club member Bill Jury said was a concern for the fundraiser.

Last year, the Optimist Club partnered with Hangar 24 for Oktoberfest, but since breaking away to host the event individually, Jury said, he knew crowds would be slim.

But Jury stayed hopeful.

“You can’t judge an event on the first hour,” he said. “Plus it’s early, we’re hoping for the best.”

Organizers were hoping to raise $10,000 to help meet all ambitions for the year.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from Oktoberfest will benefit the community, organizers said, along with efforts to fund youth-oriented programs and scholarships for local students.

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Oktoberfest goers dressed in their best lederhosen for chances to win commemorative steins.

Below: Several tried their hand at Hammerschlagen, pounding a single nail into a stump of wood.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A15

Homeless youth find sanctuary, support, unconditional love at YouthHope

PHOTO COURTESY/YOUTHHOPE

Non-profit, Redlands-based organization YouthHope relies solely on private donations, fundraisers and grant writing. Pictured here is a recent donation of backpacks in time for the new school year.

YouthHope has already seen over 900 homeless youth this year, and serves 40 – 60 on a regular basis.

T

By MJ Duncan

here exists a running trail upon which our local homeless youth travel that originates in Redlands and takes them to Venice Beach, San Francisco and ends in either Portland, OR or Seattle, WA, at which point they become lost on the radar before they disappear into the ominous world of human trafficking, drugs and murder. One local resident has worked earnestly to prevent homeless youth from embarking upon that treacherous trek by offering unconditional love, support, and direction that has successfully kept them from leaving the area. Heidi Mayer, executive director and founder of the Redlands-based, non-profit organization YouthHope and resident of Yucaipa, has dedicated her efforts in offering guidance and encouragement to homeless youth since 2009.

According to Mayer her life changed when she accompanied her youngest son on a church mission to San Francisco to offer support to homeless youth. It was at Golden Gate Park where she met Winter, a teenage girl who had been living on the streets for so long she couldn’t recall her age.

Mayer remembered telling Winter that hers was a pretty name, which evoked a smile from the teenager who shared she had never heard that before.

“When I embraced her, at that moment my life changed,” Mayer recalled about the experience, and regretted that she had believed in the stigma attached to homeless people. “How dare I judge people before knowing them. Winter changed my heart and that’s when I knew I wanted to stop kids from struggling. They are the most honest, kindest, real people you’ll ever meet.”

Though Mayer’s non-profit is situated in Redlands, she serves homeless youth throughout the Inland Empire. According to Mayer, there are 1,400 homeless youth just in the Redlands Unified School District in 7th – 12th grade and over 3,000 in K – 12; in Colton there are over 5,000 homeless students in K-12. A fraction of those actually live on the streets, while the majority “couch surf” or

sleep in their cars.

“We’re here to tell them that they don’t have to run, that there are other options than the streets, which are tough,” Mayer said.

“We tell them that together we’ll figure it out, and my main goal is to keep them in this area because the more they run the more they’re (susceptible to) rape, trafficking and drugs.” Mayer feels lucky that since the onset of YouthHope only three or four youth have actually left.

The drop-in center located at 1175 W. Redlands Blvd. is under construction, but volunteers and Mayer provide food to 40 – 60 youth each day in the parking lot, and have already seen over 900 homeless youth this year. The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 – 6 p.m.

When construction is complete it will be accessible five days a week, with the ultimate goal of being open seven days.

“We love our kids unconditionally,” Mayer said about herself, two staff members, and the hundreds of volunteers. “There is no judgment made. Be real, honest, love and accept them.” Though she doesn’t condone drug or alcohol use, Mayer said she will never turn away a homeless youth who is high. There are two rules at the drop-in center, which serves as a

safe haven: No fighting and no selling/sharing of drugs or alcohol.

The YouthHope community is a tight-knit family, who recently lost one of their own – Marcus, 17, who attended Redlands East Valley and was to be the first in his family to graduate from high school, was shot and killed in cold blood last week. Marcus was a mainstay at the drop-in center, the first to arrive and last to leave, and always with an enthusiastic desire to help where needed. According to Mayer they are all devastated by the tragedy and held a memorial service for Marcus at the drop-in center for the YouthHope family to mourn, support each other in their grief and to bid their farewells.

Education is a top priority for Mayer, who believes that without a GED or high school diploma employment opportunities are bleak.

YouthHope offers its own GED program, as well as counseling on the youth’s future. Mayer and her volunteers help youth enroll in college or trade schools, and as a result numerous former homeless youth served by YouthHope have gone on to graduate from college and become successful contributors to society.

Additionally, YouthHope provides free medical, dental and optometric care; job training; prepared meals and food pantry program; clothing and hygiene items; and one-on-one case management services. All services are free. Bus passes to transport youth to school are also provided, which costs $41 for minors under 18 for the month.

“Omnitrans raised its fares, and that’s over $3,000 at the end of the year to get kids to school,” Mayer relayed. “I know they’re going to school because they show me their homework, tests, quizzes, not just the class schedule.”

Mayer, who does not receive any pay from the organization, relies solely upon private donations, fundraisers and grant writing.

Currently youth are congregating in the parking lot of the facility, even in blistering three-digit temperatures. The facility still needs insulation and dry wall, and the black top needs to be pulled out and replaced with cement, with 33 percent landscape.

For more information on YouthHope, or to donate or volunteer, please call Heidi Mayer at (909) 633-4543 or visit www.youthhope.org.

Casa De Flores 342 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92410

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Our Specialty Complete Florist Service Wedding & Bridesmaids Dresses, Quinceaneras & Baptismals, Tuxedo Rentals Mon.-Fri. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Sunday Closed

(909) 885-7051

PHOTO COURTESY/YOUTHHOPE

Heidi Mayer, executive director and founder of YouthHope, has dedicated herself to loving and supporting homeless youth throughout the Inland Empire. The non-profit organization provides meals, clothing, hygiene items, one-on-one case management services, bus passes, and most importantly, unconditional love to the droves of homeless youth who need it.

De Nava Selected New Assistant Superintendent For County Schools

R

ich De Nava, a former director with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will return to the organization as the new assistant superintendent of Business Services, County Superintendent Gary Thomas announced today.

De Nava served from 2009-12 at the director of Internal Business at County Schools. For the past two years, he has been the assistant superintendent of Business Services for the San Jacinto Unified School

District in Riverside County.

“Rich is recognized around the state for his leadership in school finance. Our county districts and County Schools office will benefit from his knowledge and expertise that he will bring to his new position,” Thomas said.

De Nava has served as president of the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Eastern Section and as chairperson of the County Office School Finance Subcommittee for the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCESA).

He will begin his new position with County Schools in early November and work with Deputy Superintendent Ted Alejandre, who is the newly elected county superintendent, to make a seamless transition when Alejandre takes office in January.

Prior to his previous stint with County Schools in 2009-12, De Nava worked for six years in the Upland Unified School District, where he was the director of Business Services and director of Purchasing and Food Services.

Page A16 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 25, 2014 • Page A23

Sinfonia Mexicana presents "Recuerdos"

infonia Mexicana's “Recuerdos” Dia de los Muertos Concert, celebrates Mexico's most colorful and magical holiday by honoring the legacies of Mexico's most beloved artists-the singers and composers, the music of Jose Alfredo Jimenez, Jorge Negrete, Pedro Infante, Javier Solis, Rocio Durcal, Lola Beltran and others who forged the modern mariachi tradition-and celebrating the lives of our loved ones who are no longer with us.

The performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 7:30 PM and will feature Maestro Jeff Nevin and Mariachi Garibaldi, Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy with Vocalist/Violinist Angie Villela and Ballet Folklorico Flores del Desierto EI Dia de Los Muertos is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico and celebrations are becoming more common in areas of the United States, with a large Hispanic population. Its origins are distinctly Mexican. During the time of the Aztecs, a month long summer celebration was overseen by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead.

After the Aztecs were conquered by Spain and Catholicism became the dominant religion, the customs became intertwined with the Christian commemoration of All Saints' Day. Specifics of the celebration vary with region, but one of the most common customs is the making of elaborate altars to welcome departed spirits home. Vigils are held and families often go to cemeteries to fix up the graves of their departed relatives.

Dr. Jeff Nevin Jeff Nevin, Ph.D., is a professional classical trumpet player, mariachi trumpeter and soloist, a conductor specializing in the interpretation of Mexican music, and an award winning composer whose works have been performed by the San Diego, Colorado, Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Pasadena, San Bernardino, Key West, East Texas, Santa Rosa, Desert, Idaho Falls, Baja California and La Jolla Symphonies, as well as

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Sol de Mexico and many other ensembles. Together with Mariachi Champana Nevin, has established a reputation for presenting the highest quality classical and mariachi music performed with the mariachi ensemble alone, soloing with symphony orchestras, and appearing with world-renown singers including Placido Domingo, Aida Cuevas, Fernando de la Mora, Jorge LopezYanez, Jose Luis Duval, Monica Abrego and others. In addition to numerous performances in the US and Mexico.

Mariachi Garibaldi: Mariachi Garibaldi is the performing ensemble from Southwestern College, the first school in the world to offer a college degree in mariachi music. Students study mariachi performance, music theory, instrumental and vocal technique, mariachi history, as well as general education requirements. Former students have moved on to receive Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Music, perform mariachi professionally, and they are beginning to fill the great need for mariachi teachers that exists across the US today.

Mariachi Garibaldi has performed countless engagements in and around San Diego including several national education conferences.

They have been featured in both American and Mexican national news broadcasts, including a prominent role in the documentary “In the Name of Mariachi Music” which details the impact the US is having on the history and future of mariachi. Mariachi Garibaldi’s concerts at Southwestern College consistently sell out. They have traveled to perform for the famed “Encuentro de Mariachi” in Guadalajara nearly every year since 2002, and they have recently performed in Brazil (2014), Russia (2012 & 2009), France (2012 & 2010), and China (2010). Their newest CD “Un canto por el mundo” was inspired by their world travels and features music they performed on 4 continents.

They also recorded a 2-CD set “Mariachis Garibaldi” in 2009, and

their version of “Hotel California” was featured on the recording “Mariachi Rock-O” along with Mariachi Vargas, Sol de Mexico, and others.

Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy: Sinfonia Mexicana of San Bernardino established the Mariachi Youth Academy in February 2009 at the Sturges Theatre for the Performing Arts as an opportunity for area youth to learn and perform Mariachi music and to give them an understanding of its origins and cultural significance.

The mission is to establish a continuing and comprehensive course of study that will challenge and enhance the student's ability to read music, master their instruments and enhance stage presence through the art of performing Mariachi music.

The goal is to prepare and encourage academy students to further their musical education. The program instills responsibility, discipline and stresses the advantages of higher education.

The Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy has performed with some the world's best Mariachis and shared the stage of the California Theatre of the Performing Arts with world-renowned vocalists and classical conductors. The Mariachi Youth Academy has performed at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA and is the only Mariachi youth group to have performed with the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. The group has also performed in many community events.

Sinfonia Mexicana Academy Student, Angie Villela will be featured as she performs with the Academy and Mariachi Garabaldi, she is a violinist with the Academy since 2012. Special guests is Ballet Folklorico Flores del Desierto under the direction of Irma Aguilar.

Angie Villela was born 2002 In Los Angeles California, She is currently studying at Mount Gleason Middle School. In 2013 she was awarded the Herbert Zipper Scholarship in Colburn School Performing Arts Center. She currently is

receiving high levels of studies and Master classes on Opera Soprano in 6 different languages, Conservatory Music Level lessons on Music Theory, Piano, Musical Theater, Acting, Ballet and Choirs, also in 2013 she was awarded the L.A. Secondary Music Teacher Association Scholarship at Grammy Headquarters Facility.

As a soloist she has performed at: 2012 Ford Amphitheater with Mariachi Monumental de America, 2013-2014 Noches de Variedades at El Mercadito of East L.A., 2013-2014 Herber Zipper Hall Musical Theater Opera Workshop, and Opera Friday Nights Recitals, 2014 Artistic Tour at Tracy and Salinas CA. With Mariachi Imperial de México de Mario Rodriguez.

2014 Encuentro de Naciones por la Musica Mexicana representing USA with 28 more countries in Mexicali Baja California México.

Scheduled 2015 Performances: Mariachi USA Hollywood Bowl and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Angie Villela is a true “Star of Tomorrow”!

Tickets may be purchased by calling the California Theatre ticket office at 909-885-5152 or visit Sinfonia Mexicana business office at the California Theatre of the Performing Arts, 562 W. 4th Street (between E and F streets) in San Bernardino. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Page A24 • September 25, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Keaton Simons woos crowd at HSSBV benefit concert

COURTESY PHOTO/RICHARD SQUIRE

Musician Keaton Simons kept his showcase simple Sept. 19 using only a guitar and a few other instruments along his sultry voice to woo the crowd.

K

By Yazmin Alvarez

eaton Simons didn’t need any sort of flash to make fans swoon at a nearly sold out benefit concert Friday night at the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley.

A mic, two guitars and his sultry voice was all it took to help the organization raise thousands in support of animals.

It was the musicians second time returning to the San Bernardinobased facility -- which provides a variety of services benefitting area pets -- and for this year’s showcase Simons’ surprised the audience with some freestyle beats to keep the session lively.

“A little beatbox action never hurt nobody,” he said.

The crowd went wild.

Simons was asked to return to the

hours plus and the suave Simons held the audience with his acoustic format and even joked between songs.

The audience, all in Simons’ palm, were cheering, singing along and even shouting out requests of his hits.

He was happy to oblige.

Asked if he would be willing to make a third stop at the facility next year, he did not hesitate to answer.

“Of course,” he said.

Charming yet humble, Simons stayed after the show to mingle with fans, signing autographs, striking up conversations and even offering a few smiles for selfies.

The Humane Society is gearing up for two more fundraising efforts to close out the year - the anIECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ nual Casino Night on Oct. 18 and Santa Paws on Nov. 22.

To learn more about either events Fans were treated to a meet and greet with Keaton Simons after or the Humane Society, visit a benefit concert Sept. 19 at the Humane Society of San hssbv.org or call 909-386-1400.

Bernardino Valley.

venue by organizers after last year's show helped raise more than $1,800 for the nonprofit.

His second time around did not disappoint either.

More than $2,200 was brought in from the benefit concert with the help of sponsors and a raffle prize, which included a souvenir pass signed by Simons, a code to download his entire catalogue of music and a $25 Visa gift card from Inland Center Mall, said HSSBV Development & Community Outreach Coordinator, Jill Henderson.

“Partnering with someone as kind and talented as Keaton Simons is very exciting for the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley. His passion for animal welCOURTESY PHOTO/RICHARD SQUIRE fare and willingness to help animals in our community is admirable,” she said.

Musician Keaton Simons performed for two hours plus during a benefit concert for the Humane He performed for more than two Society of San Bernardino Valley Sept. 19. The show raised more than $2,200.