Inland Empire Weekly December 04 2014

Inland Empire Weekly

IE Front 2_01/05/06 IEW Front 12/3/14 12:09 PM Page 1

IECN

Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!

Vol 10, NO. 16

THIS WEEK

Elf the Musical presented this weekend

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University of Redlands’ Feast of Lights A11

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COURTESY PHOTO/NATHAN GONZALES

The 1960s mod-style home will be among the six on this year’s home tour benefiting the YMCA’s Legal Aid Clinic.

By Yazmin Alvarez

ix beautiful homes decked in holiday splendor will open their doors to dozens of guests this weekend as part of the 2014 Redlands YMCA holiday

home tour.

“This is the 47th year for the The annual event, a fundraiser home tour,” said Shelli Stockton, for the YMCA’s Legal Aid Clinic chair of the home tour committee, which serves hundreds of low-to- in a news release. “And like in past moderate income residents, is set from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m Dec. 7 Home Tour, cont. on next pg. throughout Redlands.

Toy donations sought for Christmas Block Party in Redlands

Salvation Army serves up a Thanksgiving feast to many A20

INSIDE ONE SECTION, 20 PAGES

A7 A13 A14 A4 A6-7 A12

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

December 04, 2014

Redlands Holiday Home Tour to benefit YMCA

Sinfonia Mexicana to hold a “Tamaleada” Tamale Dinner

Calendar Classifieds Legal Notices Opinion Service Dir. Sports

.com

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COURTESY PHOTO

Toy donations are being sought for children in need for the 17th annual Christmas Block Party. The event is presented by the Redlands Police Department.

By Yazmin Alvarez

he Redlands Police Department and City of Redlands Quality of Life Recreation Division are turning to the community to help make

Christmas possible for children in need.

The agencies will host the 17th annual Christmas Block Party Dec. 13 at the Redlands Community Center and are in need of toy and monetary dona-

tions to help make the event possible.

The annual Christmas Party was created to assist families who are unable to enjoy a traditional Toy drive, cont. on next pg.

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ETworks Presentations, LLC, Warner Bros.

Theatre Ventures and Unique Features, bring the Broadway musical ELF to the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA. Tickets are on sale now for performances on Friday, December 5 at 8:00 p.m. (doors at 7:00 p.m.) and Saturday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. (doors at 10:00 a.m.)

ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.

Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone)The production will feature direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

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 • December 04, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly Home Tour, cont. from front

years, this tour is the product of hundreds of volunteers who bake for the pantry, sell tickets, recruit sponsors, host in the homes, provide parking assistance, and just do what needs to be done to make this event such a success year-in and year-out.”

This year’s home tour offers a look inside three turn-of-the-century houses, a 1940s adobe home and two mid-century ranch-style homes.

Houses on the tour are the Barnes home at 815 W. Cypress Ave.; the Kelly home, 907 Walnut Ave.; the Nelson/Cahraman home, 214 W. Cypress Ave.; the Greene home, 726 Chestnut Ave.; the Bangsund home, 648 Palo Alto Dr.; and the Gonzales/Loza home, 649 Los Altos Dr. For homeowners, the tour is an opportunity to showcase just some of Redlands’ history, said Nathan Gonzales, who will open his 2,400square-foot house as part of the tour.

As a historian, Gonzales said, preserving the early era of Redlands history is key and among the

COURTESY PHOTO/NATHAN GONZALES

Nathan Gonzales will be among the several who open homes for the 2014 Redlands Home Tour.

main reasons why his home is largely representative of that time.

“The house was completed in the mid 1960s and we tried to keep that spirit,” he said of the decor.

“There’s still some of the original flooring and tile work in the kitchen and guest bathroom.”

Furnished with pieces authentic to the mid-century era or items that

compliment it very well, guests will step back into time a bit and relive Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter the holidays in the ranch-style with Inland Empire Community home complete with an aluminum Newspapers and can be reached Christmas tree and wood paneling. at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com.

COURTESY PHOTO/NATHAN GONZALES

The Gonzales home, a 1960s house, is furnished with decor true to the era.

COURTESY PHOTO/HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Nelson home was built in 1910 and features five bedrooms and two baths.

Toy drive, cont. from front

Christmas celebration, particularly providing toys and presents for their children.

“Considering the number of lowincome families, those in need and those who are unemployed in Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, Quality of Life Department, local businesses and numerous volunteers have come together each year to assist local families,” said Officer Elyzabeth Green, in a news release.

Green said this year’s collection is critically important due to limited funding.

“The toy drive will be a major contributor to the toys/gifts given to the children this year. In previous years, the toy drives have matched the gifts purchased through grant funding allowing more than 1,000 gifts/toys to be donated to our community, local shelters and families in crisis.”

As part of the holiday festivities, organizers are planning to provide toys, food, bicycles, along with free activities and crafts for children.

The event draws between 3,000 and 5,000 families annually, said organizers.

The block party is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at the Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children between the ages of 4 and 12 can be dropped off through Dec. 12 at the following Redlands locations:

In addition to the home tour, a YMCA Holiday Gift Boutique and Holiday Pantry featuring original art, handmade jewelry, baked goods and other items from over 50 vendors will also be available over the weekend.

The boutique and pantry will be open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 6, and Dec. 7, in the Roy Coble gym, 500 E. Citrus Ave., Redlands.

Home tour tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Patron tickets, which include a champagne brunch at the Redlands Country Club and front-of-the-line access at the homes, are $70. The tickets are available online at http://www.ymcaeastvalley.org/holiday-hometour-tickets-available or by phone at (909) 798-9622.

Admission to the boutique and holiday pantry are free.

Proceeds from the home tour and the Dec. 6-7 holiday boutique and pantry benefit the YMCA of the East Valley’s Legal Aid Clinic.

COURTESY PHOTO/HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Kelly Home is a colonial farmhouse-style home that sits on a 30,000 square foot lot.

COURTESY PHOTO/HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

The Barnes home, a greek revival -style home dates back to 1882.

Ave. •Redlands Metro Nissan – 1665 Industrial Park Ave. •Gerrards Market -705 W. Cypress Ave. •Redlands Family Restaurant-107 E. Colton Ave. •A.K. Smiley Public Library – 125 E. Vine St. •Redlands Olive Avenue Market – 530 W. Olive Ave. •Oscar's Restaurant -19 N. 5th St. •DenM Shop – 18 E. State St •Toyota of Redlands – 921 New •Barton Road Kindercare – 1609 York St. Calvary Circle •Redlands Ford – 1121 W. Colton •Friday Night Live Student Club,

Citrus Valley High School •Hogi Yogi – 501 E. Citrus Ave. •Redlands Community Center 111 W. Lugonia Ave. •Redlands Police Department 1270 W. Park Ave.

Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter with Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 4, 2014 • Page A3

Words to Think About: Growing poverty epidemic

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By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.

overty is a growing problem in American society. It is becoming of epidemic proportion. The economic health is evidenced primarily among one percent of our population.

From all reports, those not being benefited by the economic growth are the minorities. The major ones are Blacks, Hispanics and Seniors.

For the purpose of this article, the focus will be on the latter one-Seniors and homeless children. It is conservatively estimated that by 2025, seniors will make up 20 per-

cent of our population. About 60 million. According to the U.S. Census Bureau there are 40 million Seniors today.

Sadly, approximately nine million seniors (age 50 and older) go hungry every day. They are forced to skip meals. Many of them are constantly buying poor-quality food; often from the cheap markets.

Seniors are too often caught in the “hunger” dilemma because they must choose between groceries and medicines. Senior income is the circumstance contributing to their hunger. A high percentage have only their Social Security to live on.

Sociologists call this the “poverty fight.” It consists of some twenty million low-income older people.

In addressing this situation, seniors are terminated from their job by younger people.

AARP reports that “more than 19 million older people over 50 cannot afford safe adequate housing. Unfortunately many times seniors that have minimal housing become victims of predators who rob them of their home, dignity and independence.

There is a further problem that

older people face that society and their families ignore. Isolation and loneliness are a major cause of poor health. While many churches and Senior Centers provide fellowship opportunities the lack of transportation is a problem-availability and cost.

The problem of minority growth in our country is expanding. There are 54 million Hispanics; 45 million Blacks; 40 million Seniors and 19 million Asians.

A horrible fallout of minority poverty is the affect it has upon the young children and the aging seniors. Very little is being written about homeless seniors but social workers are concerned about the swelling numbers of seniors on skid row and the increasing numbers of seniors that frequent the missions.

The plight of the aging is also evident in the surging numbers in food lines at churches-both Catholics and Protestants-and Social Services. They are sleeping in cars, doubling up with other seniors in small apartments and even in tents.

An even greater tragedy is the homelessness among children. Dr.

Carmela De Candia, director of the National Center on Family Homelessness, said recently, “Children are homeless tonight in every city, county and state in every part of our nation.”

She was addressing the fact that one out of every 30 children in the U.S. is homeless. This is the highest rate in history. The causes are obvious; the increase in poverty; the lack of affordable housing and the impact of domestic violence.

The National Center has also revealed that 2.5 million U.S. children were homeless in 2013. Of this number, approximately 8-10,000 children in L.A. County are experiencing homelessness right now.

In an article in the S.B. Sun on 11/18/14, Susan Abram and Beau Yarbrough reported, “San Bernardino County also has among the highest population of students who have experienced homelessness in the state.”

They further stated that in the Colton Joint Unified School District there are more than 23,000 students enrolled, “of whom more than 5,000 are homeless.”

For aid in dealing with poverty in

need of food, The Senior Nutrition Program, (909) 384-5434, can be of help.

Also, there are many churches and Senior Centers that distribute food to needy families and Seniors.

The most prolific provider that I have found in my research is “THE ROCK” church. It is located on South Waterman Avenue, just south of the Ten Freeway. They are particularly helpful to the homeless and the elderly. They provide them with food at no cost.

They have an over 8,500 square foot food Distribution Center that is privately funded. The Rock owns and operates tractor trailers that haul food to their campus. They also have a large walk-in refrigerator that allows them to keep the food fresh. Last year (2013) over 500,000 people were fed through the church.

I am reminded of a comment by Nelson Mandela. It is very appropriate: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”

Amen. Selah. So be it.

Support Small Business: Al Palazzo’s vision for San Bernardino

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PHOTO/MARKETPLACE

San Bernardino native and retired developer Alfred Palazzo.

By Anthony Victoria

l Palazzo has a vision—a vision that aims to transform the city of San Bernardino from a desolated and abandoned village into a prosperous community.

The 65-year-old retired developer has devoted to spend the rest of his lifetime educating residents and civic leaders of his development plan for the city. The plan focuses on building single-family housing, town housing neighborhoods, and commercial business centers along major streets near downtown such as E. St. and 5th St. What makes Palazzo’s plan so viable one may ask? Several residents have similar visions that involve proposals of utilizing the abandoned Radisson Hotel as housing for students and transforming the Carousel Mall into a born-again shopping center. Evidently, none have sparked any ac-

tion.

Palazzo—who said he worked with a development agency responsible for business office development near the Ontario International Airport—believes his plan may take up to 25 years to implement, which is why he is currently conducting tours to encourage community leaders, business students at local colleges, and private sector investors to learn about his vision. His fivehour tours consist of exploring residential, commercial, and corporate centers in the Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and Fontana area and comparing them to several locations in San Bernardino.

“From E. St to Baseline, and Highland the neighborhoods are not lined up, meaning some streets are too wide or too short and it does not allow for development to take place,” he said. “The city needs to invest in making the city look cleaner, sharper, and modern to entice investors. ”

One particular area of focus is Victoria and F St., where the Time for Change Foundation recently unveiled their Phoenix Square Affordable Housing Complex.

Palazzo said Victoria St. has the potential to be converted into a secondary street that can lead into town houses built for new buyers (young adults).

“The town house are spacious homes, which is what I want to encourage,” he said. “We can have young people living here, living a lifestyle that is close to work, close to school, and close to businesses.

I bring people here so they can appreciate San Bernardino. We can develop these type of plans.”

One key concept Palazzo emphasizes is the Public Square, which involves the construction of a public area consisting of benches, outdoor dining, water fountains, and aesthetic landscape in order to attract the general population into a commercial business center. The retired developer said if such developments were to be accomplished in key areas such as 5th and D streets and near Baseline Ave., it would enhance the commercial and residential value of San Bernardino and bring residents together.

“We need public squares everywhere in the city,” Palazzo said.

“They are a vital part of any kind of development. Whether it’s commercial, residential, or office development; the bottom line is to build bridges and meet your neighbor. It’s all about building our community. Whatever barriers you may have, they all fade away once you visit a public square. The community is crucial to our developments.”

Other concepts of development Palazzo goes over in his tours are: freestanding retail, industrial centers, central park developments, and secondary streets.

To take the tour, contact Al Palazzo at (909) 238-5905 or through email at alfredpalazzo@gmail.com.

Support Small Business is a bi-

weekly business spotlight column

by El Chicano and Colton Courier Community Editor Anthony Victoria. The author aims to encourage residents to take greater interest in small business

and take part in healthy dialogue to present ways to enhance development in our community. For more information, contact him at (909) 269-9585.

OPINION&EDITORIAL Page A4 • December 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

people of privilege, predominately white people of privilege, do not understand the plight of the black man. They do not understand their ancestor’s cruel role in history as the colonizers; people that were responsible for the Middle Passage, Indentured Servitude, the Three-Fifth Compromise, and the genocide of Native Americans.

Anthony Victoria

All lives matter: Police brutality goes beyond race

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or months the hash tag, #blacklivesmatter has transcended out of our social network news feeds and into city street protests. Following the news that Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted for killing unarmed black teenager Michael Brown, thousands of people all over the United States are now supporting the African-American struggle against police brutality and social, economic equality.

I understand the frustrations of the African-American community. They have every right to be disillusioned with the criminal justice system. After all, data shows that African-Americans make up approximately 1 million of the total 2.3 million prison population in the U.S. A study conducted by the Malcolm X Grassroots movement back in 2012 demonstrated that an African-American was murdered by law enforcement every 28 hours. The study further reinforces the argument that the darker your skin, the more likely you will become a victim of brutalization.

Despite all these facts and the reality of racism for people of color, I truly believe that the issue of police brutality and our nation’s constant struggle with the Military Industrial Complex goes beyond racial barrier lines. The more we make it an issue of black against white and vice-versa, we will further stray away from the multicultural communities that many of our predecessors fought for.

It should not mean, however, that we should totally exclude our white brothers and sisters from the discussion. Although not in high numbers like African-Americans and Latinos, they have experienced brutality at the hands of police too.

It was just three years ago that people across our nation were upset that law enforcement officers had brutally beat a white homeless man in Fullerton. That man, Kelly Thomas, was diagnosed with Schizophrenia and was beaten so badly that many of the bones in his face were broken and choked on his own blood.

That same year in 2011 Kayvan Sabeghi, a 32-year-old veteran who served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, was beat and arrested by Oakland Police during an Occupy Movement demonstration. According to the San Jose Mercury News, while incarcerated at the Glenn Dyer Jail, the prison staff refused to help him while he lay on the floor vomiting from his injuries, unable to move and begging for help.

Sabeghi eventually went unconscious in his jail cell.

Why did we not stand up and speak up then?

Whether it’s a social trend that has prompted the non-political average resident to cling on; whether it is the media’s propaganda tool to anger AfricanAmerican’s; or if it is a racial matter that continues the legacy of large scale rioting in our nation is up for all of us to decide.

I have already made up my mind. I believe that #alllivesmatter and we should be doing the best we can to ensure that future generations do not live through this madness.

Anthony Victoria is a community writer for the Inland Empire Community Newspaper Group and can be reached at avictoria@iecn.com or at (909) 3819898 Ext. 208

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Obama, politicians on the wrong track

President Obama and all politicians are on the wrong track. If you or I break the law, we can and should be prosecuted. What part of breaking the law don’t undocumented immigrants and politicians understand? And it isn’t five million; it is the total 11 million who I realize that President Obama believes he can claim executive discretion in deciding which undocumented immigrants to deport or not. I don’t understand how he can OK the issuance of work permits for those he chooses not to deport.

In his first two years in office, President Obama had a Congress with which he could have passed comprehensive immigration reform, but he and his Congress did nothing, instead.

Some who serve give more than they receive

Am I disappointed? You bet I am. pensions, at least until we recover?

The voters of San Bernardino voted to retain Charter Section However, it occurred to me, we 186, as is, mandated by the voters. might need to do some soulsearching, here. Our troops lay Not surprising. Far be it from me down their lives for us, too. Not to deny our police and firefighters knowing, as they leave for overa just salary and pension. Sure, seas, whether they will see their they put their lives on the line to families again. I don’t think their protect us. But when a city is salaries or pensions are on their struggling with bankruptcy, trying minds. to make ends meet, and when funds are not there, why is it so of- More likely, it’s their families fensive to negotiate salaries and who are left behind that concerns

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Colton Courier

Try this thought experiment and be brutally honest — picture Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson as an African-American.

Imagine all the facts as being exactly as before. Now ask if Wilson had a right to defend himself from a 300-pound man who had just punched him in the face and tried to wrestle his gun away?

Published weekly on Thursday.

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RIALTO RECORD

Established 1910.

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.

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Denise Berver Adjudicated as a newspaper of gen- Published weekly on Thursday.

As a community newspaper of eral circulation by the Superior Court general circulation.

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

OF CALI FO R-

them: Can they handle it alone? As they answer their call to duty they may be making the supreme sacrifice. I think that’s the word I am trying to use, “sacrifice” for the good of others.

Remember, it’s more blessed to give than to receive.

Marion D. Bilek, San Bernardino

What if Ferguson race roles were reversed?

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even though it is doing the same thing as a Democrat-controlled Congress once did in regard to immigration reform — that is, it is doing nothing!

enact a “constitutional amendment” on the issue, which would then “pass on” the responsibility for approval (or not) of immigration amnesty directly to the states, which is where it rightfully beThe best course of action for any longs!

And now the president is trying Congress deadlocked on the issue to make the Republican-controlled of immigration amnesty is for the James M. Ammann, Congress look like the bad guy, Congress and the president to only Whittier

(909) 381-9898 • FAX 384-0406

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

deportation. How can he ignore (or Existing law strictly forbids the change) the employment portion employment (or aiding the em- of the law? ployment) of undocumented immigrants, and from what I Hardy Pruuel, understand Obama’s executive Torrance order does not grant legal status, but only a temporary reprieve from

The do-nothing Congress

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.

Publisher

broke the law by crossing our bor- have not had one undocumented ders illegally. immigrant enter the country. Case solved!

Australia had a similar problem and they passed a law months ago Ed Wentz, that if you illegally cross their borColton der, you will never get to become a citizen. The past six months they

Unlawful employment

IECNInland Empire Community Newspapers

To an extent I agree that certain

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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

Eight percent of police officers killed in the line of duty are murdered with their own weapons by criminals who were just moments before unarmed. Police are trained not to let anyone dangerous get too close. Michael Brown outweighed Wilson by almost 100 pounds, had just attacked him, and was running at him. Anyone in similar circumstances would have defended

themselves.

What happened was tragic, but if either man was a different color, the rioters would not be stealing goods or burning innocent people’s businesses in the name of socalled justice.

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Jeff Hoy, Redlands

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 5, 2014 • Page A5

"Boxing saved my life; I hope we can save the live's of others," says Tony Cifuentes

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By Harvey M. Kahn

here was something a teen-aged Tony Cifuentes didn't like about being locked in San Bernardino County jail with men old enough to be his father. Cifuentes was arrested for suspicion of accessory to murder.

Later acquitted of that offense, Cifuentes had already accumulated quite a few charges in an expanding criminal file.

Fast forward to a few more arrests, then a commitment to the Bible and finally to his forming the Highlanders Boxing Club. Now, people old enough to be his father listen to his advice.

"I was locked up with guys in their 40's. They were big. They had all the tattoo's, the bald heads and the tough talk. That was all for intimidation. They didn't know a thing about fighting unless it was a bunch of them against one," said Cifuentes. "That's what they do.

It's never one-on-one. I looked at those guys and realized that God did not bring me on this earth to be around them. The world is a much better place than that."

Cifuentes, 34, says he had the fortune to be encouraged into the boxing gym where he learned discipline and respect. His transformation started making an impression on others and combined with his new self-confidence, attracted enough people to back him in the creation of the Highlanders Boxing Club. The Cifuentes story has already reached the mass media and is the topic of a current book being written by Redlands business woman Lauren Riggs.

Cifuentes is putting his past to use to help other young people.

The Highlanders Boxing Club celebrated its 10th birthday in November. "We try to get the kids into our gym before they join a gang because once you're in, it's almost impossible to get out. We want to get them away from the 'my hood' mentality before they kill each other in the senseless name of 'my hood.'

PHOTO COURTESY

Highland Boxing Club Director Tony Cifuentes is preparing for the facilities annual Christmas toy and holiday snacks give-away day.

He admits that the turnover rate is high at his bare essentials Highland facility, a converted warehouse that has provided safe space for hundreds of boys and girls for 10 years. Cifuentes explained that aspiring boxer's can learn about jabs, hooks and upper cuts, yet those skills are not considered the most important.

"The Highlander Boxing Club is a place where you can come and become a professional. Not just a professional boxer but someone who acts like a professional in public," said Cifuentes. "We teach how to dress well, speak well, and make the right choices. Yes, this place is also about second chances.

We are one of the few male role models in this neighborhood. This place is not really about boxing at all."

Although, he trains and manages professional fighters, Cifuentes knows boxing is not in the future of most. Through their classroom and counseling sessions, club members are encouraged to go to college. "We are

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown to Host Holiday Open House and Toy Drive

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his Christmas holiday, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) invites the public to attend her Holiday Open House on Monday, December 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Vanir Tower, which is located at 290 North D Street, San Bernardino, Suite 903.

Constituents and stakeholders are encouraged to take this opportunity to meet Assemblymember Brown and her staff and drop off a gift for the 2nd Annual Toy Drive.

“I’m pleased to host the Holiday Open House and Toy Drive to benefit local charities in the 47th As-

sembly District,” said Assemblymember Brown. “I’m also excited to receive legislative proposals from my constituency and discuss critical issues facing the 47th Assembly District. In addition, please share the joy and excitement of this holiday season by donating a new unwrapped toy to support our 2nd Annual Toy Drive. Let’s combine our efforts so we can bring good tidings and cheer to everyone in the 47th District this holiday season.”

For more information, please call (909) 381-3238. RSVP to Ashley.Jones@asm.ca.gov.

building a community here. A ministry. If we are to grow, we'll need ring doctors and business lawyers.

We direct those people to college."

Cifuentes was disappointed when he spoke about a community service agreement with the probation department that was terminated because of misconceptions.

"We accepted people into our pro-

gram who committed smaller crimes, possession of pot or fighting, but some of them looked like the wrong perceived image. We had a 90 percent success rate, but basically we lost our sponsorships."

Included in his campaign to attract youths to the after school club are motivational speeches given at local schools and at the Job Corp.

Cifuentes is known to walk the neighborhoods of 6th and Sterling to introduce himself and invite those hanging around to come to the Highland Boxing Club.

The cost to join the comprehensive program is $30 per month.

New members are on a threemonth probationary period. After that time, a local sponsor is approached to pay the membership.

"If one cannot be found. I will pay it," says Cifuentes. He named a list of current sponsors that include an assemblyman, county supervisor, mayor, police chief, individuals, and many small businesses. The City of Highland awarded the nonprofit club a $5,000 grant. Cifuentes supports his wife and children as a professional trainer and boxing manager.

He says there are a number of professionals in the Highlander stable on the cusp of breaking in.

Another from the club is trying out for the 2016 Olympics. He motivates his students with authority in

an attempt to decrease the recent trend of laziness. "I mean what I say and say what I mean. We hold everyone accountable for their actions. There are no excuses for getting in trouble because the law is the law. I'm tough on these kids."

Cifuentes recommends to stand up for yourself in public, but only before actual physical combat could occur. He admits that he's been taunted and it's not easy to ignore, however in the end it is not worth the fight. "I have to much to lose. We try to teach that. You have to pick and choose your battles in life."

Cifuentes says the Highlanders gym smells like a fitness center, yet looks nothing like 24-Hour Fitness. It has a capacity to train 80 students. There are currently 15 and another eight in the club's stable of active fighter's. Under his direction, there are assistant's Jeff Montana, Sunny Cifuentes and team leaders Gustavo Palacios and Russ Morton. Victor Dicosla is the coach.

According to Cifuentes boxing forces a person to think fast on their feet. Those tools can give a person a competitive not matter what you do. "There's much more to boxing than just throwing punches. You have to be smart and react in quick second. Boxing has saved my life. We hope to save the live's of others," said Cifuentes.

BUSINESSES & SERVICES Page A6 • Decembr 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 4, 2014 • Page A7

Calendar

C

ity Council Meetings

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 Tuesday, 3 p.m.; 35 Cajon St. Rialto: Second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m.; 150 S. Palm Ave. San Bernardino: First and third Monday, 3 p.m.; 300 N. “D” St.

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fternoon Delight Dance Socials

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.

Colton. For more information, are held each Tuesday Morning. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 785 please call (909) 887-3472. emocratic Lunch- No. Arrowhead Ave., San CA 92401 (corner of eon Club of San Bernardino, Arrowhead and 8th).

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The Democratic Luncheon Club of San Bernardino meet at noon on Fridays at Democratic Headquarters, 136 Carousel Mall (near the central glass elevator) in San Bernardino. For additional information visit website www.sbdems.com Speaker Schedule: Friday 12/5 Election of Officers Friday 12/12 Holiday Party and Potluck Friday 12/19 Hon. Marsha Slough, Presiding Judge, SB Superior Court: SB Justice Center and Court Update HAPPY HOLIDAYS Friday 1/9/2015 ~ Kenneth Munoz, Director, Yucaipa Valley Water Dist.: Water Crisis and Drought Prospective Members and Visitors are Welcome. NOTICE: 2015 Dues of $15 are now due and payable. Please bring to the meeting or mail a check to PO Box 451, SB 92402.

Visit us at www.sbdems.com or our new Facebook page at www.facebook/SBDems.

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Bernardino

allet Folklorico Cultural Classes

Mondays 5:30-6:30 5-11yrs, Mondays 6:30-8:30 11-adult. No charge. 951-233-7027. Knights of Columbus, 740 Pennsylvania St., Colton, Ca.

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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.

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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2014 alumni. The cost is only $10 to help cover expenses (food, materials & facilities), but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. $15 after November 1st.

Register at Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, ieflp.eventbrite.com. $10 before Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ArNov. 1 and $15 after. rowhead Regional Medical Center’s Volunteer Management Department will host a Holiday Craft Boutique in the hospital’s main lobby and at the café on the lower level. The event will feature December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 gift baskets, skin care products, Ride the train where elves will lead hand-crocheted items, scented canfamilies in Christmas songs, holi- dles, clothing, scarves, specialty day trivia games and story telling. foods, badge holders, purses, blanSanta greets the guests as they ar- kets and more! Proceeds from the rive at the workshop. Visit with event will benefit patient care proSanta & Mrs. Claus at a play area grams at ARMC. ARMC is located where children can experience at 400 North Pepper Avenue, in Thomas train tables, a child-pow- Colton. For more information, call ered roller coaster and crafts. Enjoy 909-580-6340. holiday treats while waiting to board your train and a child-size train ride ($2). Train times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m, 5:30 p.m and 7 p.m. Trains fill up fast. So it is advised to call the museum for reservations. 951-943-3020. Prices are: Non-members, ages 12 & up, $15; Friday, December 19 at 6pm and ages 5-11; $10; ages 2-4; $5. Mem- Saturday, December 20 at 4pm bers: Ages 12 & up $8; ages 2-11, and 7pm. The 40th Annual Festival of Music and Lights Christmas Con$5. More info at www.oerm.org. certs presents Christian vocal trio, Selah. The acclaimed group will present “Christmas with Selah” as part of their national Christmas tour at three concerts at the Calimesa Monday, December 8 at 6pm SDA Church, 4th & Myrtlewood Town & Country Toastmasters Club Dr., Calimesa. Recorded informais having an Open House and cele- tion about these concerts is available brating Toastmasters International by calling the Calimesa concert se90th Anniversary at Trinity Lutheran ries line (909) 795-4960. All conChurch, 2900 N. "E" St., San certs require tickets which much be Bernardino. Toastmasters helps in- purchased in advance. Reserved dividuals improve on their commu- seating tickets ($20, $15, $10) are via the internet nication, presentations and available (itickets.com) or by calling 800-965leadership skills. There will be refreshment and prizes. Come and see 9324 to place an order. Most major how Toastmasters can help you, be credit cards are accepted. No tickets a better you! For information: (909) will be sold at the door. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to pur887-3472. chase tickets early for best seating since seating is limited.

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RMC Will Host Holiday Craft Boutique

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agical Train Ride to see Santa

4

0th Annual Festival of Music & Lights Christmas Concerts

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oastmasters International 90th Anniversary Open House

BUSINESSES & SERVICES C

ommunication Classes

Mondays at 6 p.m.: Town & Country Toastmasters Club offers classes in the Sequoia Room at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, 400 N. Pepper Ave.,

T

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

MUSIC LESSONS

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Page A8 • December 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Gloria’s Corner

Gloria Macias Harrison San Bernardino:

It seems our town is the subject of many, many stories both locally and nationally. Recently a friend mentioned hearing our bankruptcy story on National Public Radio (NPR) and asked why is your city so dysfunctional.

As someone who was born and reared here with business and career roots in this city and area, I didn't have a simple answer. I could say our charter is not functional, we are held hostage by a

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couple of unions, we have high unemployment, homelessness, a dwindling middle class, a high level of poverty and an apathetic citizenry who does not vote.

Those actually are the easy answers because it would seem that with some effort there could be solutions.

There is a basic distrust of our city officials. With the recent recall there was hope there would be positive change. Recently, the mayor was basically given a vote of "no confidence" by the council when they did not approve the renewal of a consultant's contract to provide services as chief of staff. Not only is there is a lack of civility and respect among the council members, there are also wide spread rumors of strong threats of recall if votes are not in tune with some would be political bosses. All of this adds to the distrust of elected officials by the citizens of this city. The only glimmers of hope are the efforts of neighborhood groups and youth groups that have organized for safety and to clean up and fix up our neighborhoods. I know they worked very hard to get the vote out and are continuing those efforts. I still have hope and continue my civic involvement. I encourage others to stay and continue their efforts to improve the quality of life in our city.

Congratulations:

The Alcoa Foundation announced a $30,000 grant to the Alliance for Education project under the San Bernardino County Schools. The Alliance, started and nurtured by then county superintendent Herb Fisher, is the premier partnership between businesses and education communities working to foster Science Technology Education Math (STEM) learning both in and out of the classroom. The Alliance is focused on supporting strategic work in three areas: education, family involvement, and economic and workforce development.

The funds will be used to engage diverse, and underrepresented students in rigorous real-world academies and educational events. Also approximately 2,500 students from 10 schools will learn about post secondary and career opportunities in STEM-related fields.

The Alcoa Foundation, established six decades ago, focuses on projects that increase the number of students enrolled in STEM studies. Since 2000 the Foundation has invested more than10.3 million in Southern California, partnering Save the Date:

sity, San Bernardino.

Saturday, December 6 - the Westside Action Group (WAG) presents a all day Community Forum to discuss economic development, education,and election strategies. The event opens with breakfast and networking at 8 a.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, S. 701 Mt. Vernon, San Bernardino. Many speakers and round tables for discussion are featured along with a catered lunch. For information call: Stan Futch at 915.313.1844

erans Way, Colton. Food by Rosie catering and music by Grupo Neblina are features of this scholarship fund raising event for Colton High. For information on reservations call: 909.794.0601

Saturday, December 12 - the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. - Delta Rho Chapter presents the "4th Annual Educators' Prayer Breakfast" at the National Orange Show, Valencia Room, 689 South E Street, San Bernardino. Keynote Speaker is Ted Alejandre, Superintendent elect, San Bernardino County Saturday, December 6 - Schools. For ticket information, Friends of Santa Claus, Inc. call: 909.864.3267 or present The Glory of Christmas 909.991.6422 Traditions luncheon and fashion show starting at 10a.m. with tree preview and shopping with Saturday, December 20 - the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. This day San Bernardino Symphony of celebration includes: Holiday presents Home for the Holidays Specialty Boutiques, Silent Auc- concert at the California Theatre tion Gift Baskets, Live Auction, 562 W. 4th Street. The program Macy's Holiday Fashion Show, will include many holiday faand Designer Tree Raffle. For vorites with selections from information call: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, ticket 909.862.07 or email: bsimen- Handel's Messiah and Anderson's ton@att.net A Festival of Carols. For ticket information, visit www.sanFriday, December 12 - the bernardinosymphony.org or call Hispanic Inland Empire Cham- 909.381.5388 ber of Commerce presents Holiday Installation Dinner Gala honoring leaders in legislative, Favorite Quote: corporate, community, non- Something to remember: profit, small business, media, vet- Seven Dangers to Human Virtue eran, and youth categories. A 1. Wealth without work special Lifetime Achievement 2. Pleasure without conscience Award will be presented to 90- 3. Knowledge without character year-old Graciano Gomez. The 4. Business without ethics event is slated for The Hotel San 5. Science without humanity Bernardino, 285 Hospitality 6. Religion without sacrifice Lane. For ticket information call: 7. Politics without principle 951.213.9916 or email hispaniciechamber@gmail.com Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, December 6 - Inlandia Literary Laureate Juan Delgado joins The Storytellers to tell his story El Rip during Holiday Stories for the Multicultural Soul, part of Riverside's Day of Inclusion celebration. The event is sponsored by the Riverside Metropolitan Museum, Riverside Museum Associates, and the Multicultural Council and will start at 1 p.m. at the Box, Fox Entertainment Plaza. The event is free and open to all ages. Juan Delgado is a professor of creative Friday, December 12 - the writing, Chicano Literature, and Colton Wilson Alumni present poetry at California State Univer- the 10th & Final Wilson Scholar- Gloria Harrison is publisher of ship Holiday Dance from 5 p.m. the Inland Empire Community To 10 p.m. At the American Le- Newspapers and can be reached gion Post 155 Hall, 1401 N. Vet- at gloharrison@me.com

Judith Valles to speak at the San Bernardino Public Library

oin us on Saturday, December 6, 2014 as former San Bernardino Mayor Judith Valles presents her new book, As My Mother Would Say: Como Decia Mi Mama.

Judith Valles is blessed with a heritage rich in Mexico’s traditions. Her mother, Jovita Lopez de Valles, guided Judith and her siblings with old world wisdom and common sense. As My Mother Would Say is about being raised in a conservative Mexican Family that valued the traditions and sayings of Mexico. As Valles said in her book, “The proverbs or "dichos" were a daily dose of teachings from my mother. We believed she made them up as situations arose and it was not until we began using the "dichos" as adults, that other people we met from Mexico could relate, laugh and say ‘my grandma used to say that.’ While some of these dichos may not be sophisticated, profound, and intellectual, they are amazingly cogent.

They have been invaluable to me in developing my style in management and leadership.”

With a master’s degree in Spanish language and literature, Valles became the first Latina president of a university or college in the state of California in 1988. After she retired from a successful career in education, she made history

again by becoming the first Hispanic mayor of her city of San Bernardino in 1998, and the first female Hispanic mayor of any city in the United States with a population of more than 100,000. Now, in addition to serving as San Bernardino Symphony board president and community speaking engagements, Valles is board president for Casa Ramona Acad-

emy Charter School.

This free event will be at 2:00 PM on December 6 in Kellogg Room A at the Feldheym Central Library at 555 W. 6th Street in San Bernardino.

Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

For more information call Linda Yeh at 909-381-8238 or visit www.sbpl.org

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 4, 2014 • Page A9

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Crafton Hills College celebrates 81st Fire Academy Class graduation

CHC 81st Fire Academy graduates celebrate with Chief Mike Alder.

COURTESY PHOTO

rafton Hills College (CHC) graduated its 81st Fire Academy Class on Wednesday, November 19, 204 at 6 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

This year’s 23 graduates are Connor Buck (Chino Hills), Justin Erro (Rancho Cucamonga), Blake Foyil (Ontario), Jacob Foyil (Ontario), Raul Gonzales (Riverside), Phillip Krutsinger (Chino Hills), Austin Liuzzi (Yucaipa), Seth MacLeod (Skyforest), Dougles Marroquin (Fontana), Ruben Martinez (Bluejay), Ricardo Martinez (Yucaipa), Reuben Moody (Redlands), Kevin Mota (Alta Loma), Christopher O’Connor (Beaumont), Tim Pomierski (Rancho Cucamonga), Joshua Salmon

(Indio), Kevin Simpson (Redlands), Jacoven Tata (Upland), Ryan Wafford (Murrieta), Cody Wenger (Rancho Cucamonga), Jordan Whitehead (Rancho Cucamonga), TR Wilson (Redlands), and Fernando Zermeno (Mentone).

The objective of this certificate is to develop the skills required for Firefighter I Certification and to develop teamwork, attitudes and public service commitment. The Firefighter I Basic Training Academy is approved by the California State Fire Marshal's Office as an accredited Regional Training Center. In conjunction with CAL FIRE, these graduates also earned a CAL FIRE Basic Wildland Fire Fighting Certification.

Hospital Holiday Event Feeds 675, Provides Free Jackets, Flu Shots, Wellness Information

COURTESY PHOTO

Four month old Romeo Ordonez, along with (l-r) Makiah Jefferson, Rebecca Brooks and Jeanette Haro celebrate an early Thanksgiving meal during St. Bernardine Medical Center’s annual Thanksgiving dinner and health fair held at the Family Focus Center in San Bernardino.

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COURTESY PHOTO

Jackie Kimball, RN, gives a flu vaccination to Chue Berriel, San Bernardino, who attended the St. Bernardine Medical Center annual Thanksgiving dinner and health fair held at the Family Focus Center in San Bernardino.

n Tuesday, November 25, Dignity Health St. Bernardine Medical Center celebrated its 20th year of providing an early Thanksgiving dinner to those who might otherwise go without. Nearly 800 community members turned out for the event, held at St. Bernardine’s Family Focus Center. Over 120 hospital employees and volunteers served turkey and all the trimmings, provided free flu shots, dental checks, blood pressure checks and shared wellness educational materials at several health fair booths.

“Many in our community struggle with very difficult financial situations,” said Linda McDonald, vice president of Mission Services for Dignity Health Inland Empire.

“Our mission calls us to reach out into the community to show caring and generosity which demonstrate St. Bernardine’s core values

of dignity, collaboration and stewardship. It is in this spirit that we are pleased and honored to have served 675 community members,” added McDonald.

During the festivities, families also had the opportunity to select a free jacket or sweater donated through the hospital’s annual jacket drive. This is the seventh year St. Bernardine Medical Center has included the “Share the Warmth” holiday boutique in conjunction with the Thanksgiving dinner and health fair. “A significant donation of jackets, coats and sweaters from generous community members allowed nearly 800 individuals in need to choose fashionable winter warmth at our holiday boutique,” said McDonald.

Additionally, through the hospital’s Thanksgiving community outreach activities, 120 needy families were “adopted” by St. Bernardine departments and were provided a box full of ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving feast that they could prepare at home.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you are able to bring joy and comfort to individuals and families who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to enjoy a turkey dinner,” said McDonald.

“The generosity of our employees, family members, friends and community volunteers demonstrates the caring and compassion that we feel for those in our community who have fallen on hard times,” concluded McDonald.

COURTESY PHOTO

Over 120 hospital employees and volunteers served turkey and all the trimmings to 675 community members during the St. Bernardine Medical Center annual Thanksgiving dinner and health fair held at the Family Focus Center in San Bernardino.

Page A10 • December 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Sinfonia Mexicana to hold a "Tamaleada" Tamale Dinner With All the Trimmings

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oin Sinfonia Mexicana as it kicks off the Navidad (Christmas) Season with an old fashioned Tamaleada at the Rodriguez Ranch 11030 Nevada Street, Redlands. The dinner starts at 5 PM-8 PM and the entertainment will be by the Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy which will be the benefactor of the proceeds from the event.

Tamales have been traced back to the Ancient Maya people, who prepared them for feasts as early as the Preclassic period (1200–250 BC).

Tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 8000 to 5000 BC.[1] Aztec and Maya civilizations, as well as the Olmeca and Tolteca before them, used tamales as portable food, often to support their armies, but also for hunters and travelers.

Tamale use in the Inca Empire had been reported long before the Spanish visited the New World.[1] The diversity of native languages in Mesoamerica led to a number of local words for the tamal, many of which remain in use. The Spanish singular of tamales is tamal. The English word "tamale" is an American back-formation of tamales.[4] A tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (a starchy dough, usually corn-

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make a sweet tamal de dulce. Most recently the roasted pepper and Monterey Jack cheese (chile con queso) tamales have become a favorite recipe.

The cooking of tamales is traditionally done in batches of tens if not hundreds, and the ratio of filling to dough (and the coarseness of the filling) is a matter of preference.

Tamales are usually eaten during festivities, such as Christmas, the Day of the Dead, Las Posadas, La Candelaria Day (February 2 which is Ground Hog Day in the USA) and Mexican Independence Day. Tickets to the Dinner/Show are available by calling the Sinfonia Mexicana office at 909-884-3228 or Committee chairperson Rosie Rodriquez at 951-809-6181 or 909-793-5888.

COURTESY PHOTO

Sinfonia President Maria Saenz, Gloria Bocanegra, Carmen Cervantes and Trini Gomez.

based), which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper (hoya, corn husk). The wrapping is discarded before eating. Tamales can be filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, chilies or any prepara-

VA Loma Linda to Host Veterans Town Hall

Loma Linda Healthcare System senior leadership will hold a Veterans’ Town Hall at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec.11 in the auditorium of the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center at 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, Calif.

The town hall is designed to gain open and honest feedback from Veterans, their family members and other beneficiaries. Senior leadership and other subject-matter experts from the local VA healthcare system will be present to improve communication with and hear directly from Veterans and their families.

VA also welcomes input from congressional stakeholders, Veterans service organizations, nongovernmental organizations and other community partners at the meeting. The Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center is the centerpiece of the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System.

Opened in 1977, it is located ½ mile from its major affiliate, Loma Linda University. VA also provides primary care and mental health at outpatient clinics located in Blythe, Corona, Palm Desert, Murrieta, Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville.

Santa Claus to visit the San Bernardino Public Libraries

tion according to taste, and both the filling and the cooking liquid may be seasoned.

Tamales are a favorite comfort food in Mexico, eaten as both breakfast and dinner. The most

common fillings are pork and chicken, in either red or green salsa or mole. Another traditional variation is to add pink-colored sugar to the corn mix and fill it with raisins or other dried fruit and

Sinfonia Mexicana "Tamaleada" Tamale Dinner With All the Trimmings Saturday, December 6, 2014, 5-8 PM Rodriquez Ranch 11030 Nevada Street Redlands, CA Featuring: Complete Tamale dinner, coffee includes one drink. Etertainment: Sinfonia Mexicana Mariachi Youth Academy.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 4, 2014 • Page A11

University of Redlands’ Feast of Lights begins Dec. 5

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COURTESY PHOTO/CARLOS PUMA, UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

Feast of Lights, a Christmas worship service presented by the University of Redlands School of Music, takes place Dec. 5 through Dec. 8 at the university’s Memorial Chapel.

By Yazmin Alvarez

he University of Redlands School of Music once again marks the holiday season with “a tapestry of scripture, poetry, music and drama” as it presents the annual, Feast of Lights, Dec. 5-8.

Now in its 67th year, the Feast of Lights is a Christmas and worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ through spoken word, tableaux, song and orchestral pieces.

Annually, the service brings to-

gether students, faculty and the community to fill the university’s Memorial Chapel for the story of the birth of Christ and the symbolic message of the star of Bethlehem as it led the Wise Men to the stable.

The service, says university Chaplain John Welsh, is an introduction to the Christmas season and a gentle reminder to focus on its meaning.

“The hope is that the songs, scripture and prayers help you slow down, focus and think about what is really important and valuable this time of year,” he said.

The service concludes with the traditional Ceremony of Candles, which symbolizes the spreading of the light of Christ’s message by the twelve apostles throughout the word. Those that experience the Feast, will hopefully find a moment of peace, place, hope and belonging, he added.

Performances of the 67th annual Feast of Lights celebration begin at 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and 8 at the university's Memorial Chapel. A Sunday performance Dec. 7 begins at 4 p.m.

The event also supports the Family Service Association of Red-

lands with a canned food drive.

Guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to the performance.

General admission tickets are available for $25, $15 for seniors 65 and older and $10 for students.

Tickets for students of the University of Redlands are $5.

For ticket purchase and information call, 909-748-8116.

Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter with Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.gmail.com

COURTESY PHOTO/CARLOS PUMA, UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

The service will conclude the traditional Ceremony of Candles.

COURTESY PHOTO/CARLOS PUMA, UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

Chaplain John Welsh will lead the service, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

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The annual Feast of Lights tradition is a tapestry of scripture, poetry, music and drama.

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Page A12 • December 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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REV heads to first title game

By Richard Dawson

edlands East Valley’s football made school history, earning its first trip to a title game with a thrilling 34-31 win over Citrus Hill in a CIF-SS Inland Division semifinals game on Friday, November 28.

REV (12-1) advances to play at undefeated Riverside Poly for the championship on December 5.

The Wildcats had to overcome the loss of their quarterback Armando Herrera, who left in the first half with an apparent shoulder injury, along with a 24-20 halftime deficit.

It took three quarterbacks to contribute on offense in the second half, but each made plays that led the

comeback.

REV started the third quarter with an impressive 10-play, 81-yard drive that was capped off by a Malik Lovette 6-yard rushing score and a 27-24 lead.

The drive featured clutch plays as backup quarterback Seth Bates had convert a third down pass to Jakod Diaz and on the next play Joey Harmon found daylight for a 56-yard run to the Hawks 13 to set up the score.

Later in the quarter, Carter Flowers, who seemed to make a play when REV needed it most, forced a fumble and recovered the ball on the Citrus Hill 17.

The Wildcats wasted no time taking advantage of the turnover as

Steven Garcia connected with CJ Harris in the corner of the end zone to make it a 10-point lead.

Citrus Hill scored with 2:11 remaining in the game and was driving in the game’s final minute. The Hawks crossed the 50 before quarterback Jerrell Brown’s pass was intercepted by Flowers in the waning seconds to seal the victory.

Lovette totaled 206 all-purpose yards, including 106 yards and two touchdowns while running the wildcat formation.

Herrera tossed a 16-yard touchdown to Khris Vaughn in the first half before exiting.

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Tim Pendergraph lofts a shot over Lumberjack defenders.

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By Richard Dawson

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Taimon Faimalo scores a 4-yard touchdown in the first half for the Wildcats.

Malik Lovette (#6) scored two touchdowns during Redlands East Valley's 34-31 win over Citrus Hill during the CIF-SS semifinals on Friday, November 28.

CSUSB sweeps Humboldt State

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Carter Flowers (#5) celebrates with his teammates after his interception sealed the win for REV.

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

t feels good to be home, or in the Coyotes case, it feels good to be at Coussoulis Arena.

After opening the 2014-15 season with three games road games, the Cal State San Bernardino men’s basketball team got to play at home and defeated Humbolt State 82-71 during California Collegiate Athletic Association action

on Saturday, November 29.

The win gives CSUSB (2-1, 2-0 CCAA) an early season sweep of Humbolt State after defeating the Lumberjacks 77-70 the previous week.

Sophomore point guard Everett Turner and senior forward Casey Oldemoppen tied for a team-high 17 points to pace the Coyote offense.

The Lumberjacks made the game’s opening basket, but that was the only time they led the Coyotes in the game.

Despite leading most of the game, things got close with two minutes left in the game.

The Coyotes second double-digit lead of the second half dwindled down to four, 74-70, after a pair of free throws by David Howard.

Oldemoppen landed a jump shot on the Coyotes next possession to push the lead to six, but the Lumberjacks followed by drawing a foul and making a free throw to shrink the lead back to five.

With Humbolt State forced to foul, CSUSB got clutch free throws from Isaiah Morton and Taylor Statham in the final minute to secure the win.

CSUSB was scorching hot in the first half, landing 69 percent of its shots, and jumped out in front by as much as 14 in route to a 41-32 lead at halftime.

The Coyotes led by double digits in the second half until Austin Bryan hit a three-pointer for the

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Everett Turner led the CSUSB men's basketball team with 17 points during a 82-71 CCAA win over Humboldt State on Saturday, November 29.

Lumberjacks with 9:38 left in the game.

Humboldt State pulled within four, 61-57, at the 7:50 mark, but the CSUSB used an 8-0 run to push the lead back to 12 with just over five minutes remaining.

The Coyotes home stand is short lived as they hit the road and travel north for games against Sonoma State University and San Francisco State on December 5th and 6th.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 4, 2014 • Page A13

Page A20 • December 4, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Thankfulness in abundance at the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

Chris and Jennifer Alvarez came to serve last year, and returned this year to do the same. Chris and Jennifer are church members of Calvary Chapel of San Bernardino. Jennifer is a member of the church's Praise Band and was able to share her talents singing Christmas Carols to the guest.

M

By Ricardo Tomboc

ost people celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday once a year; however at the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino Thanksgiving is celebrated every day of the year. For the staff, they are thankful for every donation, all the supplies that come in to feed the clients and for the ability to minister to everyone in the community. For the clients that come through the doors, they are thankful for every meal that they are given, every grocery item they receive and every prayer that is said for them.

This year the Salvation Army Corps Thanksgiving meal was held at the Fifth Street facility; serving a traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings and a choice of pumpkin or pecan pie. This year Ritchie, the Salvation Army's cook, prepared and served up a

ham to go with the turkey meal.

The San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps has been serving the communities of San Bernardino, Highland, Rialto, Grand Terrace, Bloomington and Colton for over 126 years!

This year there were about 50 volunteers that showed up to assist with serving the Thanksgiving meal. Some volunteers helped prepare the food days before Thanksgiving. Other volunteers helped cook, clean-up, set-up tables and decorate.

There are many groups, families, couples and singles that come over the years to volunteer at the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps Thanksgiving meal. Chris and Jennifer Alvarez came to serve last year, and returned this year. Chris and Jennifer are church members of Calvary Chapel of San Bernardino. Jennifer is a member of the church's Praise Band and was able to share her talents PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

US Air Force Major Robert Simmons and his wife Juli and son Ryan all came to help.

Major Simmons is from the 452 ASTA, which is a medical unit at March Air Force Base, served on the food counter, and Juli and Ryan Simmons took the plated food to the guest at the tables.

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

The Pereira family (Cindy, Julie, Nery, and Paulo) from Azure Hill Church in Loma Linda, are serving for the second year in a row.

They helped serve at last year's Thanksgiving meal and are hoping to make it a tradition while teaching their children the value of helping others.

singing Christmas Carols to the guest.

US Air Force Major Robert Simmons, his wife Juli and son Ryan came to help. Major Simmons is from the 452 ASTA, which is a medical unit at March Air Force Base and he served on the food counter while Juli and Ryan Simmons served the plated food to the guest at the tables. Airman First Class Jonathan Perez, is a Medic also from the 452 ASTA unit at March Air Force Base. Jonathan brought his two brothers Yanni 16, and Gio 11 who helped dish out hundreds of pies! The Perez brothers live in the city of Yucaipa.

The Salvation Army Corps serves meals every day of the year from the 5th Street facility, serving the entire community. The Salvation Army Transitional Living Center feeds and shelters many families and single women on the daily bases.

The Pereira family (Cindy, Julie, Nery and Paulo) from Azure Hill Church in Loma Linda served for the second year in a row. They helped serve at last year's Thanksgiving meal, and are hoping to make it a tradition while teaching their children the value of helping others.

Although there were many places serving a Thanksgiving meal this year, the Salvation Army is one of the few places where meals are served consistently throughout the year. If you wish to donate food items and/or make a monetary gift, they can be dropped off at 746 W. 5th St., in San Bernardino or call (909- 888-1336).

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

Serving on the food line (left to right) is Nancy Veaegas, Niyahn Summey, Walt Summey and Robert Sanchez

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

Airman First Class Jonathan Perez (center), is a Medic from the 452 ASTA unit at March Air Force Base. Jonathan brought his two brothers Yanni 16 (left), and Gio 11 (right) who helped dish out hundreds of pies! The Perez brothers live in the city of Yucaipa.