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Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!

Vol 9, NO. 38

THIS WEEK

Bugs take over county museum during “Insectival”

Banning of “Bless Me Ultima” talk planned

Honoring the legacy of César Chávez A9

Gloria’s Corner A3

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Bradley Barcza, 3, of San Bernardino lets bugs take over during Insectival March 22. kind. festival, where guests got an upBy Yazmin Alvarez Instead, they were the hissy, scut- close-and-personal look at the world of insects. t was off to the races at the tling, spiny-legged type. Cockroach races brought out And while insect fanciers like San Bernardino County of all ages to attend the musefans Bugs, cont. on next pg. Museum Saturday, but the um’s annual “Insectival”--a bug leads weren’t the majestic hoofed

Circus visits Boys and Girls Clubs of Redlands

Community Fruit Tree Park & Garden A13

INSIDE ONE SECTION, 20 PAGES

Calendar A7 Classifieds A14 Legal Notices A15 Opinion A4 Service Dir. A6-7 Sports A12 Hollywood Gossip A19

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

March 27, 2014

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Circus Vargas clown, Alex Acero, rides a tiny bike sending children in amazement during a special performance at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Redlands Hansberger Clubhouse March 21.

By Yazmin Alvarez

oungsters at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Redlands’ Hansberger Clubhouse got a lesson in clowning around

But the Friday performance was last week. Performers from Circus Vargas’ more than just a sneak peak of the newest show--Magikaria--hit the traveling show. It was an opportublacktop for a 15-minute spectacu- nity to teach young ones that they lar, amazing members of all ages Circus, cont. on next pg. with their skills and magic acts.

he A.K. Smiley Library will host a talk about the banning of the book “Bless Me, Ultima” March 31. at the Library Assembly Room, 125 W. Vine Street Dr Priya Jha, professor of English at the University of Redlands will be facilitating this talk about banned books as part of The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts. The University of Redlands partnered with the A.K. Smiley Public Library and Crafton Hills College to bring a variety of programing centered on this great novel by Rudolfo Anaya. The Big Read is a program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. Redlands is one of 77 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2013-June 2014. From March 1 through April 27, our community will celebrate “Bless Me, Ultima” with a full calendar of events including book discussions, a movie series focusing on ‘coming-of-age’ stories and other relevant activities. Anaya, a professor emeritus of English at the University of New Mexico, wrote “Bless Me, Ultima” in 1972. It is a coming of age story about a young boy growing up in New Mexico during World War II, struggling with the complexities of his religion and the turbulence found in his extended family. Come hear why this book has been removed from classrooms in New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and California, and was No. 75 on the American Library Assn.'s list of top banned books in the 1990s. Free copies of the book are available at all three partnering organizations.

Page A2 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Circus performer, Hayley Kent, a hand balancer shows her skills. Circus, cont. from front

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Cockroach races were a big attraction during Insectival March 22 at the San Bernardino County Museum. Bugs, cont. from front sect, what they do, why we need Other groups such as master garthem and how they’re important,” deners, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and three-year-old Bradley Barcza he said. couldn’t get enough of the multi- To offer a hands-on learning ap- the Loma Linda University School legged critters, some event atten- proach, Ricci along with a group of of Medicine Advanced Imaging department members, and Microscopy Core were also on dees like his father, Steve, were other simply bugged out by the creepy brought along more than a dozen hand offering information about the insects to introduce to museum bug world. crawlies. “Bugs are all around but we often “It’s not for everyone,” said guests. Donna Barcza, Bradley’s mother, Crawling around in plastic con- don’t see them because we’re not of the dozens of insects available to tainers were blue death fainting looking...,” Redvale said. touch. “But we’re hoping to learn beetles, stink beetles, stick insects, To help discover bugs, children the difference between the good moths, Bess beetles and Madacas- and adults were provided with nets and bad bugs. We need to since car hissing cockroaches, scorpions to help catch insects flying around and hiding in trees. (Bradley) loves to have ants crawl and tarantulas to name a few. “Giving people a chance to get up “When you really stop and look, on because they “tickle”.” To offer answers to questions like close and touch (insects) helps kids you can find them everywhere.” the Barcza’s had, several bug ex- and adults alike get interested in perts were one hand to help shed science,” Ricci added. The festival was expected to draw some light about the insect world. in more than 1,500 guests as it is Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter Grad student, James Ricci, from UC Riverside’s Entomology De- the museum’s largest event attrac- with Inland Empire Community tion along with Train Days, said Jo- Newspapers and can be reached partment was among them. “We’re here to teach everyone lene Redvale, curator of education at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com. about entomology--what is an in- at the museum.

master gaucho Hilario Cabral and circus clown Alex Acero. “It’s just a taste of the show,” said Weiss. “It’s great to be able to bring a piece of it live to those who probably won’t be able to see it under the big top.” The Circus Vargas show made its way through San Bernardino and is scheduled to continue on in the Inland Empire through April 7 at Ontario Mills and from April 10-14 at the Chino County Fairgrounds. To learn more about upcoming Magikaria dates and showtimes, visit www.circusvargas.com.

can accomplish anything they put their mind to. “It was a special surprise for them,” said Janice Jackson, a site director at the Hansberger Clubhouse. “A lot of them haven’t been to the circus, so it was nice for them to get a taste of it here at the club. We have a lot of who could easily be a part of the (circus) environment right now--they’re very active and there’s this excitement in them. They can look at this experience and see it as a positive way to send your direction. It’s one of the many avenues we expose children to Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter here.” with Inland Empire Community The special performance exclusive to the Redlands clubhouse in- Newspapers and can be reached cluded acts from Magikaria show at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com. host Jon Weiss, hand balancer Hayley Kent, juggler Jeremy Garcia,

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Circus host Jon Weiss balances a ladder on chin.

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Bradley Barcza, 3, of San Bernardino was a big bug fan Saturday at the San Bernardino County Museum’s bug festival, “Insectival.”

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A3

Gloria’s Corner

soon so keep informed and make your vote count.

This column has a good amount of “Save the Dates” because there is so much happening in our area where we can be informed and can support our local non-profits.

Gloria Macias Harrison

Dear readers, I just returned from a three-week trip to the Orient and am finally recovering from jet lag and a slight cold so my comments are brief for this column. Since my internet was spotty and in some areas Facebook was not available to me I am buried in emails, mail and missed telephone messages but I am answering every one of them. I missed some wonderful events and of course the swearing in of new elected officials in San Bernardino. I am amused and concerned by the musical chairs in elected offices. We the voters have many decisions to make in special and primary elections coming up

Let me highlight one event coming up this Thursday, March 27. The first Mosaico Music Festival performance, a concert funded by the San Bernardino Symphony's James Irvine Grant will be presented in conjunction with California State University's Latino Education and Advocacy Days (LEAD). Conducted under the baton of Maestro Frank Fetta, the concert features musical selections celebrating Latin American music and culture and will feature mezzo-soprano Ana Gonzalez, tenor Gustavo Hernandez, and the Ballet Folklorico de Los Angeles. The Irvine grant funds two additional performances of this concert so if you miss it this time there is an opportunity to attend this summer at the Fontana Music Festival and at the Perris Hill Park Roosevelt Bowl this fall.

Also on April 17, Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP) will hold its 2014 State of the Region Economic Forecast with a presentation by Dr. John Husing. Joining him will be Dr. Debbie Freund, President of Claremont Graduate University, discussing Obamacare

and Steve Ruffner, Southern California President of KB Homes, discussing lnland Empire residential sector in 2014. This event takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. Check the IEEP website for details. Save the date:

Thursday, March 27 - the Latino Education & Advocacy Days (LEAD) presents its Summit V at California State University, San Bernardino from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. For information on program and featured speakers see web site: http://leadsummit.csusb.edu/

Network with UDWAFSCME, Local 3930 presents a special screening of the film Cesar Chavez. This first major motion picture about leader and cofounder of the United Farm Workers will be shown at the Riverside Plaza Stadium 16 Theater at 2:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 30 - the Chicano Latino Caucus presents the Cesar Chavez Memorial luncheon from 1 to 3 p.m. at the San Bernardino Hilton. For ticket information call George Aguilar at 951.905.3130

Wednesday, April 2 - Hispanic Lifestyle presents "Latina Conference 2014 at the Ontario Airport Hotel from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event recognizes Latinas featured on Hispanic Lifestyle television program and companion website hispaniclifestyle.com for their contributions to business, Thursday, March 27 - the community service, entertainment, County of San Bernardino Chil- and education. dren's Network presents the 16th Annual "Shine a Light on Child Saturday, April 5 - Sinfonia Abuse" Awards Breakfast at 7:30 Mexicana presents its 3rd Annual a.m. at the National Orange Show. Fundraiser Scholarship Gala at the For information call: San Bernardino Arrowhead Coun909.383.9677 try Club, 3433 Parkside Drive. This Black Tie Optional event will Friday, March 28 - Habitat for feature the music of Pedro Lopez Humanity San Bernardino pres- Y Su Trio Casablanca. For ticket ents "Habitat Around the World and sponsorship information call 2014 Annual Gala Dinner" at the Tony Bocanegra at 909.884.3228 National Orange Show. The event starts at 5p.m. With dinner and Thursday, April 10 - Time for program at 6 p.m. For ticket infor- Change Foundation presents its " mation call: 909.478.1176 Life's Precious Jewels Awards Luncheon" at the National Orange Saturday, March 29 - Crafton Show from 11:30 a.m. To 2:00 Hills College presents its Annual p.m. For sponsorship and ticket inGala Dinner and Auction "Hustle formation call: 909.886.2994 and Heart Sets Us Apart" in the Renaissance Room of the National Thursday, April 10 - inland Orange Show. For tickets and Counties Legal Services presents sponsorship information call its 6th Annual Celebration of Nicole Rodriguez at 909.389.3245 Equal Access to Justice Tasting Benefit from 5p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sunday, March 30 - Latino Riverside City Hall, Grier PavilThursday, March 27 - the Redlands Human Relations Commission presents the 12th Annual Cesar Chavez Scholarship Breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. At the American Legion Post 650, 1532 North Church Street, Redlands.

lion. All proceeds go toward providing legal services to the low income, the disadvantaged and senior citizens. For information call: 951.774.4402

Thursday, April 10 - THINK Together Programs in Redlands, Rialto and Colton present "A Giving Heart" celebrating the fruits of philanthropy with the favors of Tuscany. This event benefiting after school programs will be held at the Burrage Mansion, 1205 W. Crescent Ave., Redlands, CA. For sponsorship and ticket information call: 714.543.3807 ext. 8118

Saturday, April 12 - The Assistance League of San Bernardino presents the 53rd Annual Signature Headdress Ball " City of Nations" at the National Orange Show. This annual event features a luncheon and evening dinner performance for the presentation of the headdresses. For sponsorship and ticket information call: 909.792.8460 or 909.820.7700

Saturday, April 26 - The Rialto School District presents "Putting on the Ruiz" featuring Rialto's talented students. Slated for Carter High School, 2630 North Linden Ave. from 6 to 8:30 p.m supports the arts programs for the district. For ticket information call: 909.820.7700 ext. 2123 or ext. 2127 Favorite Quote:

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things" -Henry Miller

Gloria Macias Harrison is copublisher of Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at gloharrison@me.com

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown Encourages Communities to Get Covered this Weekend at Enrollment Event

s the March 31st Covered California deadline approaches, Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino) has partnered with the Service Employees International Union – United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) and the Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) to convene a healthcare enrollment event on Saturday, March 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the SEIU-United Long Term Care Workers (SEIUULTCW) Regional Office in San Bernardino. “According to recent data submitted by Covered California, over 100,000 Inland Empire residents are still eligible to sign up for healthcare benefits,” said Assem-

blymember Brown. “We need to bridge the gap and help individuals, families and businesses connect with quality, affordable healthcare. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this program.” Constituents will have an opportunity to sign up on site and review their healthcare options with certified enrollment counselors. Information will be available in both

Spanish and English. Those attending will need to provide a social security card, legal resident card or certificate of naturalized citizenship, date of birth, proof of income (tax return, W-2, recent pay stubs, etc.) and proof of identity for all family members on the application. The SEIU-ULTCW Regional Office in San Bernardino is located at 195 N. Arrowhead Av-

enue. RSVP by contacting Josue Website of Assemblymember Castillo at (909) 381-3238 or by Cheryl R. Brown: e m a i l i n g http://www.asmdc.org/members/a4 josue.castillo@asm.ca.gov. 7/.

OPINION&EDITORIAL Page A4 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

March 28, 2014. Cesar Chavez is celebrated throughout the Inland Empire throughout March and early April. Here are a few events: Inaugural Cesar Chavez Scholarship Breakfast Friday, March 28, 2014 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Student Academic Services Building Assembly Room $25 per seat (951) 571-6358 ~

Jazmine Collins

15th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Breakfast Friday, March 28,2014 The Riverside Marriott Hotel 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Cesar L. Chavez, grandson of Cesar E. Chavez ~

Cesar E. Chavez

f you’re Latino/a, you’ve probably heard the name. Cesar Chavez. Why was this man so important? So iconic? Cesar Chavez, a Mexican-American union leader and labor organizer was born Cesario Estrada Chavez on March 31, 1927, near Yuma, Arizona. Chavez dedicated his life to improving the life of farm workers using non-violent means to bring attention to the condition in which farm workers were subjected. Chavez led marches, called for boycotts and went on several hunger strikes to make an impact. He worked to bring awareness to the dangers of workers’ exposure to pesticides. Chavez worked as a community and labor organizer in the 1950’s and soon after founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962. In 1965, the union joined the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee in its first strike against grape growers. In 1966, both unions merged to form what would be renamed United Farm Workers. It is because of the tireless efforts of Cesar Chavez that many laborers and farm workers were able to see improved working conditions, increased safety precautions and increased wages. The movie, Cesar Chavez: History Is Made One Step At A Time, is set to hit the big screen on

Cesar Chavez 3rd Annual Luncheon HISTORIC FOX THEATER at American Sports University Saturday, March 30, 2012 399 N. "D" Street, San Bernardino, Ca. 92401 Meet & Greet 11:00 to 12:00 Lunch from 12:00 to 1:30 PM Seating will be limited Call to reserve your seat (909) 609-7835 ~

The annual Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Breakfast 7:00 a.m. March 31, 2014 at Chavez Middle School Tickets for the Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Breakfast cost $10 per person. To RSVP or for more information, call Sue Wright or Jessica Segovia at 381-1300 or Doris Reyes at 891-1013. Chavez Middle School is at 6650 Magnolia Avenue in San Bernardino. ~ 13th Annual César E. Chávez 5K Run/Walk Saturday, April 5, 2014 UC Riverside BELLTOWER 7:30 - 11:00 am ~

Inaugural César E. Chávez Blood Drive Challenge Monday, April 7, 2014 UC Riverside Everyone is welcome to donate regardless of blood type or legal status. Just bring an identification that has your picture and proof of age. All donors will receive a reward as well as complimentary juice and snacks.

Views expressed in Opinion & Editorial do not necessarily reflect the views of IECN

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.

Freight Rail: Hauling Our Empire to Economic Prosperity With 27,000 square miles and the state’s fastest growing population – experiencing nearly 60 percent growth in the next 15 years – we are truly building an empire. But we cannot sustain that kind of growth without freight rail.

Mainline rail capacity is critical to the movement of goods through our area. San Bernardino County plays a key role in moving domestic goods and provides critical access to markets. Ocean carriers can avoid a lengthy and costly truck haul of intermodal containers to San Bernardino by using ondock and near-dock facilities. As a result, some of the nation’s largest manufacturers have chosen the Inland Empire for their distribution centers, creating the jobs that are so critical to our continued growth. And the railroads will help us

maintain that growth.

US freight railroads are already pulling their weight, so to speak. They continue to invest at record levels – over $25 billion in 2013 – to grow and improve the national rail network.

You, the taxpayer, are on the hook to maintain our nation’s highways, waterways and airports. But freight railroads pay their own way. That’s right: railroads are privately owned companies spending far more on our railroads than most state departments of transportation spend on highways each year. That is staggering. These are private dollars – not taxpayer dollars – invested in a more environmentally friendly, efficient, economical way to transport all the things we use every day. I recently returned from Railroad

Day on Capitol Hill. This annual gathering is a great way to relay to Congress the importance of focusing on rail issues. In our area and throughout the nation, railroads will help us to restore the economy and the environment. Both here and across the nation, our future truly is riding on rail.

Railroads are flourishing, and they will help us flourish. We have a rail industry that is not only thriving, but also driving economic growth and job creation throughout the IE and nationwide. Let’s look to freight rail to haul our region into economic prosperity. Paul Granillo President and CEO Inland Empire Economic Partnership (IEEP)

More change needed in Rialto schools

The Rialto Unified School Dis- (according to a state audit) you trict, by accepting the retirement of begin to see the magnitude of the Harold Cebrun for $260,000, only district’s problems. concealed the underlying management issues within the district. Minimally, you need an effective process to select a qualified superPaying a superintendent intendent. Also needed is a school $260,000 instead of $360,000 for board that establishes contracts not doing his job is appalling to with superintendents that do not say the least. In addition, when you “… put(s) their financial well factor the $1.8 million allegedly being ahead of the students they embezzled by Judith Oakes, the $1 serve” (The Sun, March 11). million in unnecessary expenses within the Special Education pro- In Centinela Valley School Disgram and lax purchasing practices trict, for example, the superintend-

ent was being paid $660,000 a year in pay and benefits. If the Rialto Unified School District is really going to begin the process of “healing,” the public needs to evaluate their board members and vote for the ones who are really on the side of the students. Often times, board members win not because they are qualified to successfully direct a school district but because they know how to campaign. Leroy J. Martinez, Highland

Dodgers getting too greedy for own good

The only light the Dodgers have or are seeing lately is the “greedy big bucks green” light. With their Dodger’s Network deal with Time Warner, Magic Johnson and all the other new owners have effectively shut out millions of loyal Dodgers fans from being able to relax and follow the Dodgers on our home televisions.

at home are more informed, energetic, and enthusiastic when we are able to attend the games at Dodger Stadium. This energy is thus transmitted to players on the field, and factors into a winning season.

Laker’s Channel?

Good for the other broadcasters who refuse to pay and bow down to Time Warner and the Dodgers. Perhaps all of us disenfranchised fans should also stand up to this sports corporate greed and boycott Could the Dodgers be headed the this season of games at Dodger same direction as L.A.’s other stadium. beloved team, the Lakers — who Tony Ostos, What the Dodgers owners are overinvested in underperforming, West Covina blinded to is that fans who watch high-paid players and shut out loyal fans with their exclusive

IECNInland Empire Community Newspapers E-mail us your opinions, (909) 381-9898 • FAX 384-0406 Letters are printed in the order they are received and are subject to editing for clarity. photos, announcements Deadline is Tuesdays at noon. Readers may also submit their perspectives online at iecn1@mac.com • For advertising inquiries email iecnads@yahoo.com to iecn1@mac.com. Letters limited to Weekly RIALTO RECORD 500 words Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110, Colton, CA 92324 • Office Location: 1809 Commercenter West, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Gloria Macías Harrison Bill Harrison Co-Publisher Diana G. Harrison General Manager Diana G. Harrison Managing Editor Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez Jazmine Collins Community News Editor Production & Circulation Keith Armstrong Publisher

Accounting & Advertising/ Stephanie Smith Classified Sales Legal Advertising & Receptionist Fictitious Business Names

Colton Courier Established 1876.

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.

Established 1910.

Published weekly on Thursday. Adjudicated as a newspaper of general Denise Berver circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, Victor Suarez case #26583 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.

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 Established 2005.

Published weekly on Thursday. As a community newspaper of general circulation. CIRCUL AT ION VERIFICATION

O F CAL IFO RNIA

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

www.iecn.com

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A5

Loma Linda Loper's Road Running Marathon Club says quitting is not an option

By Harvey M. Kahn

ot close to running on empty, about 150 members of the Loma Linda Lopers running club assembled at the San Bernardino Hilton Hotel last week to celebrate their completion of the Los Angeles Marathon. For nearly all, the mere accomplishment of crossing the finish line after 26 miles was more important than the time it took. The feat was compounded due to 85 degree heat at the 29th LA Marathon held on March 9. The banquet setting gave many Loper's a chance to exchange stories about running their first 26mile marathon and the eight months it took to prepare. Some testimonials were humorous and others detailed harsh facts of life. With about total 500 members, the 37-year old Loma Linda Loper's club blazed the trail for many of California's 195 other road running clubs. It meets on Sundays at the Loma Linda Drayson Center. Loper's club director Kristy Loufek said about 65 of their members completed the LA Marathon. She explained that preparing for the 26.2 mile run is just one aspect of the Loper's mission. She told that the heat on race day was the biggest challenge. In her welcoming presentation, Loufek introduced a number of her membership who

CORTESY PHOTO/JULIE HSU

Members of the Loma Linda Lopers 15-minute pace group pictured with volunteer trainer Bill Carter who spent eight months preparing many runners for the 2014 Los Angeles Marathon. From left; Tina Cazas, Miriam DeLeon, Carter, Yarnie Cheng, and Jeannette Roostai.

overcame obstacles before even getting to Los Angeles. Loufek and co-host Robin Windhorst acknowledged the volunteers who lugged sacks of bananas, oranges and gatorade every Sunday morning. She pointed to volunteer coach Bill Carter, who for 15 years has run up to 22 miles every week to help train fellow Loper's. While the Loma Linda Loper's can be considered a large social club, their banquet mixer provided a different atmosphere to reveal more about themselves. Loufek's first observation was that every one

cleaned up and smelled so good that she hardly recognized them. New Loper, David Guevara told the audience that running a marathon was the furthest thing from his mind. Guevara was shot in the leg while serving in Afghanistan and upon his military discharge was happy to just walk let alone run 26 miles. Guevara slowly worked up to 12 miles and then started to think, "I can do this and then I started thinking, no I can't." Initially, Guevara didn't even know about proper foot wear and as his training progressed,

he realized that he physically would be able to run only one marathon. He admitted that during the LA Marathon he felt like giving up, but heard his pace leader's voice in his head, saying "finish what you started." Guevara finished with an excellent time of 4 hours, 31 minutes. Earl Purkiss was told that running his first marathon would be four times as hard as running a half marathon. Purkiss told about the various special events occurring along the LA Marathon course. "The Chinese drums and the Spanish guitars." Purkiss clocked a respectable 4:41 on the route that went from Dodgers' Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier. Husband and wife, Chris PerryHill and Gary Hill told the audience that running became a hobby to fill leisure time. They felt going to the movies and eating popcorn would just make them fat. The Forest Falls couple said going to the gym or lifting weights was not for them. Chris joined the Loper's first and later coaxed Gary into joining her. "Now, running is our date weekends and we crossed the finish line at the LA Marathon together." Rajan Christian, 44, took the podium and detailed the story about how his 81-year-old father, Dr. Moses Christian, is his role model and an ambassador to the sport of distance running. Moses Christian crossed the LA Marathon finish line

Words to think about: “Neither am I right nor are you wrong, It’s simply this, we’re different.”

By G. W. Abersold Ph.D

iterature is filled with human conflicts and in particular, differences of opinions. Sometimes they end in violent disagreements. The Bible tells of Cain and Abel. Their differences ended with Cain killing Abel. Julius Caesar and Brutus disagreed and Brutus stabbed Caesar. Political differences often end in violence. Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy are tragic examples. The high number of homicides annually in San Bernardino verifies the truth of this observation. Child abuse and spousal abuse are usually preceded by differences of opinion. Several years ago I wrote a poem I called, “La Differencia.” I heard a phrase the other day That speaks to me so plainly. “Neither am I right nor are you wrong, It’s simply this, we’re different.” How easy it is for me to say, That what I do is right. Or what you say is always wrong. No matter what I think. You live slowly, I live fast, I like this and you like that. Neither am I wrong nor are you right. It’s simply this, we’re different. More years than I would like to think about, a history professor in graduate school made a comment I’ve never forgotten. He said, “More wars have been fought, more men and women have been killed, more devastation has been

resulted from RELIGION than any other reason. Unfortunately religion is the cause for more disagreements between people; more differences among groups, more couples breaking up than for any other reason. Religion. The issues are clear cut. Consider the hundreds of religions in the world today. The thousands of denominations in existence. The millions of independent members with different opinions. Agreement on anything would be near to impossible. I heard a Bible scholar the other day discussing the greatest miracles in the Bible. His conclusion was recorded in the Book of Acts when it says there were 120 believers in one place, ALL IN ONE ACCORD. A famous Jewish one liner is that whenever two Jews get together, there are always at least 3-5 opinions.

I’ve been teaching a class on the history of the Bible for thirty-eight years. In the last fifty years great strides have been made in the field. For example the discovery of the Nag Hammadi Scrolls (1945) in Egypt and the Dead Sea Scrolls (1947) in Israel have brought significant information about the history of the Bible. Archaeology and Science have also added much information to the Biblical translations. Just within the last twenty-five years a plethora of credible scholars have written valuable books. Scholars like Elaine Pagels, James Robinson, Dominic Crossan, Bart Ehrman, Marcus Borg and Bishop John Shelby Spong to name a few. Two good examples. Recently the dissertation of Dr. Gordon Hynes (Ph.D.) professor at Redlands University for many years was brought to light. In it he catalogued over 200 examples that the

Apostle Paul took from Greek philosophers and poets in his writings. They are either exact words or paraphrased. The second discovery concerns Universalism, meaning that every person will be saved. The early Patristic Fathers like Origen and Ireneas believed it. It wasn’t until the advent of Augustine that the concept of “hell” was introduced. Most of the writings of the Fathers are now available. BOTH SUBJECTS ARE SUBJECT TO STRONG DISAGREEMENTS. I have three basic principles that I try to live by. First, as much as possible to “agree to disagree.” This is based

for the 19th time. Rajan Christian said his father has completed all 180 marathons that he's started. He ran his first at age-61. Rajan told how his father bribed him to run, too. "My father has run all over the world--Mt. Kilamanjaro, China, Africa, Dubai." Dr. Christian of Loma Linda is a practicing dentist in Banning. He advised that everyone has an inner strength that can be found when needed. He said it is up to every individual to draw on that discipline and have faith in God. He began running as a way to improve his health after undergoing a prostrate cancer operation 19 years ago. Though not taking the stage, Jeannette Roostai, 72, later said that running is becoming more important now that she is losing her hearing. She feels that running helps enhance her other senses. She first joined the Loper's at age 53 and has been a periodic member since 1995. Roostai retired from running after completing her 11th LA Marathon in 2011. "A terribly cold thunderstorm flooded the course. I said afterwards, 'That is it.'" Roostai said that coming back to finish the 2014 LA Marathon in temperatures reaching near 90 degrees heat was just too much. "That was my last marathon. I'm quitting while I'm ahead." Friends of Roostai from the Loma Linda Lopers, responded, "That's what they all say."

on respect for the other person. Stella and I have ten very, very good friends with whom we could not disagree with more. Yet, we have lunch with them regularly. We do respect them and their opinion. If the discussion is controversial, my second rule is: “Others are entitled to their opinions, but NOT to their own set of facts.” Neither am I. Years ago when I was doing graduate work for my Ph.D. in Humanistic Psychology, a professor gave the class some good advice. He said that when counseling someone: 1) Never tell them what to believe; 2) Never tell them who to vote for, 3) Never tell them how to make love, 4) Never tell anyone how to play golf. Generally I’ve been successful in three of these. I’ve miserably failed with one. Amen. Selah. So be it.

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BUSINESSES & SERVICES Page A6 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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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 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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more information, please call (909) begin a new season on Tuesday, 887-3472. January 7, 9:00 AM. Rehearsals emocratic Lunch- are held each Tuesday Morning. at Paul’s Methodist Church, 785 eon Club of San St. No. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino Bernardino, CA 92401 (corner of The Democratic Luncheon Club of Arrowhead and 8th). 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 Saturday, March 29 -Crafton Speaker Schedule: Hills College Foundation pres3/28 George Aguilar, Tribute to ents its Annual Gala Dinner & Cesar Chavez Auction " Hustle and Heart Set Us 4/5 ANNUAL BANQUET Apart" in the Renaissance Room SAVE THE DATE: Annual Ban- of the National Orange Show quet and Installation of Officers Event Center at 6:00 p.m. For 4/5/2014. Elk's Lodge, SB, Doors sponsorship and tickets call Nicole Open at 11:30. Rodriguez at 909.389.3245. Table of 8: $250 Blue Sponsor (Includes two tables and sponsor recognition): $500 Event Sponsor (Above plus recognition on Club Web site, social media and program) Saturday, March 29 -The HuIndividual: $35,Couple: $65 mane Society of San Bernardino Other Important Dates: Valley will be having a fundraisCDP Convention, Los Angeles 3/7- ing afternoon at Dave & Buster’s 9 Ontario (4821 Mills Circle, OnSD-23 Special Election 3/25 tario). Visit www.hssbv.org to Visit us at www.sbdems.com or download and print a flyer or stop our new Facebook page at by the Humane Society of San www.facebook/SBDems. Bernardino Valley (374 W Orange Show Road, San allet Folklorico Bernardino). When you bring the flyer with you to the Dave & Cultural Classes Buster’s between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 15% of your bill will be donated back to Mondays 5:30-6:30 5-11yrs, the HSSBV (including food, nonMondays 6:30-8:30 11-adult. No alcoholic drinks and powercharge. 951-233-7027. Knights of cards)! Play some games, eat Columbus, 740 Pennsylvania St., great food and help the HSSBV Colton, Ca. help animals at the same time! For more information on this fundraiser visits www.hssbv.org or call 909-386-1400 ext. 224.

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A7 Sunday, March 30-1-3pm Please join us in an incredible event Honoring An American Hero, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Luncheon at the San Bernardino Hilton Hotel, 285 East Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, California 92408. $30 per person For more information please call 951-906-3130 Proudly Hosted by the Chicano Latino Caucus of the Inland Empire

event will recognize several Latinas who have been featured on Hispanic Lifestyle television program and companion website hispaniclifestyle.com for their contributions in business, community service, entertainment, and education. Call 951.940.9099 for addiitonal information.

Sunday, March 30- 2:30pm The film Cesar Chavez more than four years in the making is the first major motion picture about the leader and co-founder of the United Farmworkers Union. Directed by Diego Luna, Cesar Chavez stars Michael Pena as Chavez, alongside Rosario Dawson, Jacob Vargas, America Ferrera, and John Malkovich. It is an inspiring story of an American hero that everyone should see. As part of its continuing effort to celebrate the legacy of Cesar Chavez, Latino Network, in conjunction with UDW AFSCME Local 3930, will be presenting a special screening of the movie at the Riverside Plaza Stadium 16 Theatre. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis and space is limited. Tickets may be purchased at the Nati Fuentes Centro de Niños, 2010 Martin Luther King Blvd., Riverside, CA 92507, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

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Page A8 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Health Care Enrollment fair signs up over 300 residents in San Bernardino

By Anthony Victoria

ore than 300 San Bernardino residents were present at Arroyo Valley High School on Sunday March 23 to sign up for the Affordable Care Act and for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) in partnership with the Puente Project at Arroyo Valley, San Bernardino Generation Now, the National Immigration Law Center, and One Justice hosted the Health Care Enrollment and Resource Fair to assist the predominantly Latino population in the city. The event also included DACA workshops. The program provides undocumented residents between 15 and 31 who arrived in the United States as children temporary work authorization for a period of two years. Law students were available to assist DACA eligible residents with the application process. Past health studies have demonstrated high uninsured rates for Inland Empire residents. The UCLA Center for Health Policy stated in 2011 that between 2007 and 2009, San Bernardino County had the state’s highest percentage-point increase for uninsured residents at 9.7. Growing unemployment and poverty saw the number of uninsured people in the county grow from 544,000 to 361,000 in 2007. By 2012, the uninsured rate was floating around 30 percent, according to the study. ICUC has made pivotal steps to outreach to their constituents in the Greater Riverside and San Bernardino areas. The organization has held six health fairs in Riverside County in the cities of Coachella, North Shore, Mecca, Palm Springs, Indio. They will be hosting a homeless health event on April 15 in Riverside. The fair held this past weekend was the first in San Bernardino County, with a subsequent event to this fair scheduled for March 29. In addition, they have held several workshops in recent months to train volunteers and members about DACA and the Affordable Care Act. “We’ve been doing a lot of outreach,” said ICUC organizer Jessica Cobian. “This has been the result of the work of our community leaders.They have been making announcements and tabling. We have also been getting support from the school board. They have been very helpful and they share our interest in offering these services to the community.” Cobian additionally expressed her delight in seeing student volunteers engage with the community and take a profound interest in health care reform and DACA. “A lot of the students at this table are from Arroyo Valley and they volunteered after we held the workshops,” she said. “They are really excited about helping the community. It was incredible how they were able to absorb all that information in just a few minutes. They were excited about the fact that their community can get Medical. Their family and

neighbors could receive health care for the first time. I think its really important to get the youth involved in these issues because they have so much energy. We are so happy to have their support.” Jose Angel Rubio, 55, said he feels much more relieved after receiving consultation and signing up for health care. “I feel much more content and so much happier after Today. I now have the security I needed for my health. I think they provided me with very helpful information and provided the best service they could.”

Anthony Victoria is a contributing writer for Inland Empire Community newspapers and can be reached at email add r e s s . . . . . . victoriaanthony91@gmail.com

PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA

ICUC organizer Karen Borja of Coachella Valley assists residents during the Health Care Enrollment and Resource Fair on Sunday March 23 at Arroyo Valley High School.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A9

A Community Salute to

César Chávez Latino Network presents special screening of Cesar Chavez An American Hero

he film Cesar Chavez more than four years in the making is the first major motion picture about the leader and co-founder of the United Farmworkers Union. Directed by Diego Luna, Cesar Chavez stars Michael Pena as Chavez, alongside Rosario Dawson, Jacob Vargas, America Ferrera, and John Malkovich. It is an inspiring story of an American

hero that everyone should see. As part of its continuing effort to celebrate the legacy of Cesar Chavez, Latino Network, in conjunction with UDW AFSCME Local 3930, will be presenting a special screening of the movie on Sunday, March 30, at the Riverside Plaza Stadium 16 Theatre. The private screening will begin prompting at 2:30pm with introductory remarks followed by the

movie. Efforts are being made to secure the attendance of cast members and/or producers. There will also be an opportunity to win a movie poster autographed by the cast. Tickets are available on a first come first served basis and space is limited. If you are interested in joining us for this special showing tickets may be purchased at the Nati

Fuentes Centro de Niños, 2010 Martin Luther King Blvd., Riverside, CA 92507, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. No tickets for this special screening will be sold at the theatre box office. For further information regarding this event please call Ofelia Valdez Yeager at (951) 453-4062 or Alfredo Figueroa (951) 781-4326.

Cesar Chavez: A Movie About a Cause and a Legend

By Katharine A. Díaz

abor leader César E. Chávez passed away in 1993 after a life's work of fighting for farmworkers' rights. Not only is César Chávez Day commemorated in several states and the César E. Chávez National Monument stands in his honor, now there comes a film about this legendary activist, Cesar Chavez, scheduled to hit movie screens on March 28. Directed by Diego Luna, actor (Y tu mama también and Milk), director and producer (The Well), the movie stars Michael Peña (Walkout and American Hustle) in the leading role as Chávez; America Ferrera (Real Women Have Curves, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and TV's Ugly Betty) as Helen Chávez, the leader's wife; and Rosario Dawson (Alexander, Rent and Men in Black II) as Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers union (UFW). Filmmakers focused on crucial periods of his life during the 1960's that included the Delano march, the grape boycott, his first hunger strike and the coming to the bargaining table with landowners. Peña brings those moments to life with a sensitive portrayal of the labor leader that allows us to feel the personal sacrifices he made in his life. Peña shows us that Chávez had a quiet resolve and respect for all, even the bad-guy growers. He also brings to life less-known incidences in the labor leader's fight. One such episode takes place during the grape boycott when Chavez travels to Europe to gain support for his cause and to block grape shipments sanctioned by the U.S. government intended for the European market. The scene in which he empties crate after crate of grapes off a bridge is all about sweet victory. Dolores Huerta, as portrayed by Dawson, is ever present. Her important role in the struggle may not be clearly defined in the movie, but it's clear that she was by Chavez's side every step of the way. Dawson captures her inner

strength. Ferrera's portrayal of Chavez's wife gives us more insights into Chavez's character. Through her we see how he struggled to be a good husband and father and understand how his struggles were hers too. Actual footage and news clips of

the time are seamlessly woven into the movie. Even when paired with the scenery, costuming, props, and casting from the film production, you believe you are back in the 1960's. Yet, the biggest sigh of relief comes not from the moment that news breaks that growers are will-

ing to meet with the UFW, but for a production that is respectful of the great labor leader. That said, this dramatic biopic of one great Latino leader reinforces the urgency for many more. We need to all get out and support this movie because with its success there will be more. And perhaps the next

one will be about Dolores Huerta, who continues the good fight.

Katharine A. Díaz is a freelance writer and author of the awardwinning cookbook Sabores Yucatecos: A Culinary Tour of the Yucatán (WPR Books: Comida, 2012).

Page A10 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

A Community Salute to

César Chávez

esar Estrada Chavez founded and led the first successful farm workers' union in U.S. history. When he passed away on 23 April 1993, he was president of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO Cesar was born March 31, 1927, on the small farm near Yuma, Arizona that his grandfather homesteaded during the 1880's. At age 10, life began as a migrant farm worker when his father lost the land during the Depression. These were bitterly poor years for Cesar, his parents, brothers and sisters. Together with thousands of other displaced families, the Chavez family migrated throughout the Southwest, laboring in fields and vineyards. Cesar left school after the eighth grade to help support his family. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945, and served in the western Pacific during the end of World War II. In 1948, he married Helen Fabela, who he met while working in Delano vineyards. The Chavez family settled in the East San Jose barrio of Sal Si Puedes (get out if you can). In 1952, Cesar was laboring in apricot orchards outside San Jose when he met Fred Ross, an organizer for the Community Service Organization, a barrio-based selfhelp group sponsored by Chicago-based Saul Alinsky's Industrial Areas Foundation. Within several months Cesar was a fulltime organizer with CSO, coordinating voter registration drives, battling racial and economic discrimination against Chicano residents and organizing new CSO chapters across California and Arizona. Cesar served as CSO national director in the late 1950's and early 1960's. But his dream was to create an organization to help farm workers whose suffering he had shared. In 1962, after failing to convince the CSO to commit itself to farm worker organizing, he resigned his paid CSO job, the first regular paying job he had. He moved his wife and eight young children to Delano, California where he founded the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). These were difficult years for Cesar and Helen Chavez. Helen worked in the fields during the week and on weekends with her husband to support the family. He

often babysat his youngest children as he traveled to dozens of California farm communities, slowly building a nucleus of dedicated farm worker members. "If you're outraged at conditions, then you can't possibly be free or happy until you devote all your time to changing them and do nothing but that," he said. "But you can't change anything if you want to hold onto a good job, a good way of life and avoid sacrifice." In September 1965, Cesar's NFWA, with 1200 member families, joined an AFL-CIO sponsored union in a strike against major Delano area table and wine grape growers. Against great odds, Cesar led a successful five year strike-boycott that rallied millions of supporters to the United Farm Workers. He forged a national support coalition of unions, church groups, students, minorities and consumers. The two unions merged in 1966 to form the UFW, and it became affiliated with the AFL-CIO. From the beginning, the UFW adhered to the principals of nonviolence practiced by M.K. Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 1965 strikers took a pledge of non-violence and Cesar conducted a 25 day fast in 1968 to

reaffirm the UFW's commitment to non-violence. The late Senator Robert F. Kennedy called Cesar "one of the heroic figures of our time," and flew to Delano to be with him when he ended the fast. By 1970, the boycott convinced most table grape growers to sign contracts with the UFW. That year, to limit the UFW's success to the vineyards, growers in the vegetable industry signed "sweetheart" pacts with the Teamsters Union. When the UFW's table grape agreements came up for renegotiation in 1973, growers signed with the Teamsters, prompting 10,000 farm workers in California's coastal valleys to walk out of the fields in protest. Cesar called for a new worldwide grape boycott. By 1975, a Louis Harris poll showed 17 million American adults were honoring the grape boycott. It forced growers to support then California Governor Jerry Brown's collective bargaining law for farm workers, the 1975 Agricultural Labor Relations Act. Since 1975, the UFW won most of the union elections in which it participated. Despite the farm labor board's bureaucratic delays, farm workers made progress. By the early 1980's farm workers numbered in the tens of thousands

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Colton Chamber of Commerce, thank you for investing in our Chamber, with members like you, we are able to provide a sustainable business community. Our mission is to foster and enhance the economic interests in our business community. To be the # 1 resource for businesses looking for growth, sustainability, information and education. We strive to be the voice for our business community

Thank you Colton Chamber of Commerce Members. Please continue to support the Colton Chamber and join us at the 2014 Colton Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Friday, April 25, 2014 Oak Quarry Golf Club

"One of the heroic figures of our time." -Senator Robert F. Kennedy were working under UFW contracts enjoyed higher pay, family health coverage, pension benefits and other contract protections. Then, in 1982, with more than $1 million in grower campaign donations, Republican George Deukmejian was elected Governor of California. Most objective observers agree that under Deukmejian, the farm labor board ceased to enforce the law. In 1984, Cesar called for another grape boycott. In July and August 1988, he conducted a 36 day "Fast for Life" to protest the pesticide poisoning of grape workers and their children. Cesar lived with his family since 1970 at La Paz, in Keene, California, the union's headquarters in Kern County's Tehachapi Mountains, east of Bakersfield,. Like other UFW officers and staff, he received subsistence pay that didn't top $5,000 a year. Cesar Chavez passed away on April 23, 1993, at the age of 66. More than 40,000 people participated in Cesar's funeral at Delano. He was laid to rest at La Paz in a

rose garden at the foot of the hill he often climbed to watch the sun rise. In 1991, Cesar received the Aguila Azteca (The Aztec Eagle), Mexico's highest award presented to people of Mexican heritage who have made major contributions outside of Mexico. On August 8, 1994, Cesar became the second Mexican American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This award was presented posthumously by President Bill Clinton. Helen F. Chavez and six of her eight children traveled to the White House to receive the honor. In 1994, Cesar's family and the officers of the UFW created the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation to inspire current and future generations by promoting the ideals of Cesar's life, work and vision. The Foundation's headquarters is at La Paz, the future location of the Cesar E. Chavez Library and the Cesar E. Chavez Training and Education Center.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A11

A Community Salute to

César Chávez

Chicano Latino Caucus to host César E. Chávez memorial luncheon

By Cynthia Mendoza

n Sunday, March 30 the Chicano Latino Caucus of the Inland Empire (Caucus) will be hosting a César E. Chávez Memorial Luncheon in honor of what would have been Chávez’s 87th birthday on March 31. Born in Yuma, Arizona, Chávez was “an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Association.” Workers (Wikipedia). Chávez is known for many things, including his non-violent approach to organizing and promoting labor and farm worker rights. He passed away on April 23, 1993 in San Luis, Arizona at the age of 66. The memorial luncheon, like many other similar events that will likely take place nationwide in his honor, will be a time of reflection on the changes that his life brought about as well as inspiration to keep his memory and legacy alive for the future. “These workers were our families; our parents, aunts, uncles,

COURTESY PHOTO

On Sunday, March 30 the Chicano Latino Caucus of the Inland Empire, shown here at their Sunday, March 23, regular membership meeting at Carousel Mall in downtown San Bernardino, will be hosting the César E. Chávez Memorial Luncheon at the San Bernardino Hilton in honor of what would have been Chávez’s 87th birthday on March 31.

grandparents, working in the most adverse conditions so we could have better lives,” said Caucus president Eileen Gomez. “His passion and diligence is an example to all who are still facing challenges, reminding us to keep pushing forward and to fight the good fight in unity.” “It’s important to celebrate his life to see how far we’ve come along in a short but, but also to re-

member how not long ago things were very different,” added Chicano Latino Caucus Immediate Past President George Aguilar about the importance of honoring Chávez’s life. “It is also an opportunity to look at what we need to do for the future.” Aguilar emphasized that Chávez’s work wasn’t just about Latinos, though, but for anyone who wanted to pursue the Ameri-

can dream of a better life for themselves and their children and future generations. The keynote at the breakfast will be Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO). Mario Martinez, General Counsel, United Farm Workers will be a guest speaker. In particular, Aguilar encourages young people to attend so that they

can familiarize themselves and gain a better understanding of the people and movement that made the many freedoms and opportunities they now enjoy and take for granted possible. “Our Chicano Latino Caucus membership will continue working to fund a memorial in his honor to be placed at César Chávez Park in Colton,” Gomez concluded. “We hope this will become a place that people of many cultures will visit and will remember the impact his fight for farm workers had on our culture.” The March 30th luncheon runs from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Sunday at the San Bernardino Hilton Hotel located at 285 East Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, 92408. The cost is $30 per person. For more information and to RSVP, contact George Aguilar at (951) 906-3130. Chávez’s life and work also inspired the upcoming film based on his life and work. The film, which opens on Friday, March 28, stars Michael Peña as Chávez, along with America Ferrera, Rosario Dawson and John Malkovich. For more information about it, visit the official Facebook page at facebook.com/CesarChavezMovie.

Page A12 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

A Community Salute to

César Chávez César E. Chávez: Awards and honors “We are going to pray a lot and picket a lot.” “There is no such thing as defeat in nonviolence.” “I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally nonviolent struggle for justice. To be a man is to suffer for others. God help us to be men.”

“Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures”

Top: This is the Cesar Chavez Memorial Murial that is located at Sonoma State University .

Chávez's wife, Helen Chávez, received the presidential Medal of Freedom for her late husband from former President Bill Clinton Above: This commemorative stamp was released on April at a ceremony held at the White House in August of 1994. 23, 2003.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A13

Nicholson Park soon to provide free, organic fruits to community

Photo/Courtesy

IECG founder, Mary Petit addresses the community during the first community engagement meeting for Nicholson Park fruit park project.

Jazmine Collins

icholson Park in San Bernardino will be gaining a great new addition to the park in the coming months. A community fruit tree park and community garden are in the works thanks to the non-profit organization, The Incredible Edible Community Garden (IECG). Nicholson Park is the second park to become a fruit park, the first being in Montclair last October. The project will include 30 fruit trees with a dedicated irrigation system, all of which will be provided by IECG. he organization will also maintain the fruit park for the first three years, which will include drip system maintenance and pruning. IECG will also assure that the fruit park is cared for with organic pesticides. The project is funded largely in part by the USDA Forest Service. Other partners include: city of San Bernardino, Parks and Recreation Department, Integrated Infrastructures, Inc. and Braceros Landscaping.fruit

A community engagement meeting will be held on March 28, at 6:00 p.m. for members of the community to select a location for the trees, select a name for the fruit park and select the types of fruit trees to be planted. “The Big Dig” will take place on April 12, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m where volunteers will dig the 30 holes for each fruit tree with equipment provided by IECG. Groundbreaking will take place on April 26, during which all trees will be planted. Members of the community are encouraged to volunteer in planting. The fruit park will be open to all members of the community and will not be gated or enclosed. “Once the fruit is mature and ready pick, it’s free to be picked by anyone who comes to the park,” says Petit. The second phase of the Nicholson Park project will include a community garden that is set to launch midsummer. Along with fruit parks and community gardens, the organization also began a tree planting program in San Bernardino county. “All of our work in in San Bernardino county. With the urban tree planting, the focus is on people that live or rented homes, apartments or condos in the underserved communities. Typically those communities are left out of the free trees that get distributed around those areas.” The organization helps to establish organic tree parks, community gardens, as well as tree planting throughout San Bernardino county in schools, churches, urban housing complexes and senior housing complexes. “Several of them we actually manage ourselves,” says Mary Petit, founder of the IECG. The program had a successful launch of a tree planting program last year, in which the organization

distributed and planted over 400 trees in 17 cities within the county. This marks the second year for the tree planting program and its well on its way to proving to be another successful year. IECG has also partnered with the county veterans affairs group to create the first “living memorial veterans garden” which is located at Cal State San Bernardino. “It’s the first one in the nation and we donated trees to Cal State. A group of them were to provide a veterans garden,” says Petit. Mary Petit says her organization is three-fold. IECG not only provides trees and gardens, but is also leading the way in developing aquaponics gardening. “Aquaponics is where you use a combination of fish farming to grow vegetables. The fish water grows vegetables. We will raise tilapia fish and the water from the tanks will go through a self-contained, recirculating tubing through grow baskets that will grow vegetables, herbs and even trees. And there is no soil involved, but the fish water is 100% organic and the plant life grows five to seven times faster than if you planted in soil.” Petit calls aquaponics gardening the “wave of the future” that could provide a more economical solution to planting during drought conditions. Petit is currently in the process of putting together an aquaponics demonstration at San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands within the coming months. For more information on how to become involved in the Nicholson Park project or for more information, visit: www.iecgarden.org

Photo/Courtesy

Eleanor Torres and Councilman Rikke Van Jonson at the first community engagement meeting for Nicholson Park.

Photo/Courtesy

Members of the community enjoy fresh fruits provided by the Incredible Edible Community Garden.

Page A14 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Grand Terrace flexes power against Redlands

Obituary Joseph Martin “Dino” Parrilla

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Melanie Olmos (#18) allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out eight to earn the win for the Titans.

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Marissa Jauregui (#48) struts to the plate after hitting one of Grand Terrace's four home runs in a 13-1 win over Redlands high school during the Redlands Softball Invitational title game.

By Richard Dawson

t only took one inning for Grand Terrace to seize control of the Redlands Softball Invitational title game that resulted in a 13-1 rout of Redlands High School on Saturday, March 22. The Titans cranked out five hits in the first inning against Terriers starting pitcher Skie Munoz, highlighted with back-to-back home runs by Alyssa Martinez and Marissa Jauregui to jump out to a 6-0 lead. Grand Terrace (4-0) went on to total 15 hits on the day, including four home runs and five doubles. The other home runs were solo shots by Eliyah Flores in the second and Jocelyn Battancourt in the fifth.

Flores scored four times as she also doubled twice and finished tied for a game-high two RBIs with Bettancourt, Alexis Allen and Brandice Olmos. Allen paced the Titans with a 4for-4 performance while batting turnaround. All the offensive firepower was more than enough for starting pitcher Melanie Olmos, who battled out of jams through five innings, allowing six hits and two walks while mixing in eight strikeouts. Redlands (8-1) had chances to get back into the game, loading the bases twice, but ended up stranding nine base runners. Defense didn’t do the Terriers any favors, as three errors extended innings for the Titans. The tournament was the first games of the season for the Titans, notching wins over Lake Elsinore Lakeside, Hesperia Oak Hills and San Bernardino Cajon in route to this game. Grand Terrace will look to keep its momentum going when it opens up Sunkist League play at home against Colton (3-3) on March 28. Redlands will look to bounce

Colton, Ca. He was 49. He was born in San Bernardino, Ca on Nov 11, 1964, to Jose Elias Parrilla and Andrella Segura Landin. He lived and work in the Upland area, was a member of the 11th St Baptist Church of Upland. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife Vera L McCaulou, sister’s Aurora I Morales and Anna P Jeffries. He is survived by his children Priscilla P Marine, Joseph A Parrilla and Sonia V Parrilla, grandchildren Sierra, Mason, Jackson and Alfonso, Siblings Dorothy Garcia, Veronica Monreal, Filimon “Tito” Segura and Peter Garcia and niece’s and nephew’s. Loved by Tia’s, Tio’s, cousins and friends . Memorial Service’s will be held April 4, Joseph Martin 2014 11am at Family Funeral “Dino” Parrilla Chapel 128 N Riverside Ave Rialto, Ca followed by Burial at 3 ied March 2, 2014 pm Bellevue Memorial Park On11:20pm Arrowhead tario. Medical Center in

VA Loma Linda Offering Patient Orientation Sessions

PHOTO/RICHARD DAWSON

Eliyah Flores (#15) hit a home run and added two doubles for Grand Terrace.

back when it opens up Citrus Belt League action that same day with a visit from Rialto Eisenhower (34).

he VA Loma Linda Healthcare System is hosting Veteran Orientation sessions on the third Friday of the month. The next informational session will take place March 21 at 1 p.m. in the auditorium at the Jerry L. Memorial VA Medical Center in Loma Linda, Calif. Another one will be held April 18, also at 1 p.m. in the Medical Center Auditorium. Each presentation will be the same, so interested Veterans need only attend one session. The Veteran Orientations will provide all interested Veterans –

whether they are enrolled in VA health care or not – with information about benefits eligibility, health care, housing, mental health, and many other programs offered by VA. No RSVP is required. Refreshments will be served. Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA health care can apply for enrollment at any time. Applications are accepted online at www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, by phone at 877-222-VETS, by mail, or in person at a VA medical facility.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A15

Bloomington Alumni signs professional contract with Pennsylvania Rebellion

By Anthony Victoria

nland Empire softball standout Ashley Carter made the ultimate New Years Resolution statement. According to her father John Carter, the 23-year old outfielder announced that her big goal for the coming year was to play in the National Pro Fastpitch league. Mission Accomplished. In February Carter signed a two year contract with the Pennsylvania Rebellion who are in their inaugural year in the NPF. “This has always been a dream of mine to play professional softball,” said Carter. “I couldn’t stand not playing anymore, so to have this opportunity is surreal.” As a four year varsity letterman at Bloomington High School, Carter achieved a .464 batting average, with 185 hits, and 63 runs batted in. In addition to making the San Bernardino Sun and Press Enterprise all-area softball teams, she made the all-Sunkist League team in her four years and was voted the Sunkist Most Valuable Player in her senior season. Carter went on to play at Cal State Fullerton. As a Junior she was selected to the All-Big West Conference First

COURTESY PHOTO/REBELLION PRO SOFTBALL WEBSITE

Ashley Carter signing her two year contract with the Pennsylvania Rebellion.

team as an outfielder and led the university in offensive categories such as hits, batting average, runs scored, and on-base percentage. As a senior Carter averaged .259 and led the Titans in hits with 44 and 13 RBI’s. She also led the team with 13 stolen bases in her final

season. Additional to her experience at the collegiate level, the 5’4 outfielder has played on the California A’s softball travel team. She was a starting outfielder on the 2012 squad that won the Women’s Elite Fastpitch Canadian Cup de-

Kids reel ‘em in at Junior Fishing Workshop

ver 100 youth participants came out to San Bernardino County Regional Park’s Junior Fishing Workshop at Yucaipa Regional Park on Saturday March 22. The event was sponsored by Supervisor Josie Gonzalez and Friends of Regional Parks. The workshops aimed to introduce kids to fishing and get them active and outdoors. The junior fishers arrived early to a very cold morning, but were eager to learn about fishing. The participants age range from 7 up to 15 years of age. They were split up

into groups and began their learning experience by rotating through five stations where they discovered the rules, what equipment and knots to use, how to cast their lines, where to hold the fish, and how to prepare their catches for dinner. After the participants made their way through each station, they had two hours of open fishing to practice their skills. An astounding 270 fish were caught during the open fishing session, with many of the participants catching the maximum of five. This is the most that the Regional

Parks Department has seen at a Junior Fishing Workshop in recent years. Many of these participants caught a fish for the very first time. About 3 troops of boy scouts were present and were able to expand their growing knowledge of the outdoors. There were also a number of families present that were all fishing together. The participants went home with a free souvenir t-shirt and a day full of great memories. For more information about future events, please visit http://www.sbcounty.gov/parks.

feating national teams from Japan, Australia and Venezuela. Despite her impressive resume, Carter went unselected in the 2013 NPF College Draft and was overlooked by the Akron Racers during a tryout earlier this year. She almost didn’t make the trip to the Rebellion’s open tryout in February due to the lack of money. “I decided to give coach (Rick) Bertagnolli a call because I was interested,” she explained. “He called me back telling me they had information on me and I made the decision to travel to Pennsylvania.” At the tryout Carter showcased her defensive skills in the outfield and displayed her hitting and baserunning skills to the coaching staff. The anticipation was nerve wracking according to Carter. “Coach B explained to everyone trying out that the longer it took to receive a phone call, the better. If you received a call right away, it wasn’t good news,” Carter said. “Later that day I received a phone call from coach and thought immediately that I wasn’t what they were looking for. It turned out they wanted to catch me before I flew out of Pennsylvania to negotiate a contract.”

Bertagnolli announced through the Rebellion website his delight in signing Carter. “Ashley is the type of player and a special young lady that we are looking for. She has speed, athleticism and a tremendous attitude,” he said. “The fact that she traveled from California for this tryout says a lot about her. She wants to win and contribute to the success of the team.” Her father John believes her daughter has what it takes to compete among the best players in the world, attributing her diligent work ethic to her success. “Something I always say to her is that dreams are unattainable, but goals aren’t,” he said. “I think she is phenomenal and she is standing out. She’s a hard working girl who works and stays in shape and I couldn’t be more proud of her.” As she reports to training in early May, Carter will be achieving her lifetime goal of stepping on the same field with many of her childhood idols. “I watched players like Cat Osterman and Caitlin Lowe growing up and to be on the same field with them and other olympians is crazy,” she said. “It’s been my dream for so long.”

Page A16 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

San Bernardino startup seeks to connect students, small businesses

Photo/Courtesy

Working side by side with city officials like Mayor Carey Davis, The Revolve Project team looks to create a positive impact.

The Revolve Project team hopes to improve the prosperity of the city by working in conjunction with city officials. By Jazmine Collins

magine exchanging phone numbers with the person next to you by simply tapping phones. It may be something you might expect in a sci-fi flick, but in all reality, the future is now. A group of San Bernardino entrepreneurs are hoping to use such technology, called near field communication, or NFC, to connect small businesses with students around the Cal State San Bernardino campus. The Revolve Project recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a $25,000 pilot program set to use NFC. The pilot program called Revolve Touch, will incorporate

NFC into several kiosks that will be strategically placed on and around campus to integrate social media check-ins for participating businesses. Participating businesses will place a kiosk at their establishment for students to utilize, and in return, students will be provided a coupon or discount for using the system. The idea is to offer small businesses the opportunity to gain exposure through social media platforms without drastically increasing their advertising budgets. Along with social media checkins, the technology will also have the ability to connect consumers with wifi connections from participating businesses. The kiosks will have a screen that can be cus-

tomized to display menus and other business information to participants. “We want to stir the economic pot,” says Cesar Gomez, Chief Operating Officer for the Revolve Project. “We want to prove that it works and if we can create an economic change for anybody, we need to do it for San Bernardino.” “The technology that we have, it’s going to be in all the new phones. We are really looking into the future as to how people interact,” says Gomez. “We want to connect people.” The Revolve Project will create a user interface for interested parties to sign up via the web and mobile applications. Gomez hopes to further develop

Photo/Courtesy

State Assemblymember Cheryl Brown shares her support for the Revolve Project team.

the technology for businesses to in- The projected pilot launch will be corporate the kiosks as a one-stop toward the end of 2014. For more check-in for interns, which will all information, visit: www.revolvebe validated with the system. project.com

Walk/Run to promote Child Abuse Awareness Month

COURTESY PHOTO/CASA

CASA of San Bernardino County and Youth Action Project are hosting the 7th Annual Care 4 Kids Run and Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Apr. 12 at Guasti Regional Park in Ontario from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.

By MJ Duncan

ASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and Youth Action Project are collaborating once again this year to host the 7th Annual Care 4 Kids Run and Community Resource Fair on Saturday, Apr. 12 at Guasti Regional Park in Ontario from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. CASA of San Bernardino County, a nonprofit organization established locally in 1984, aims to improve the lives of foster children and juvenile offenders with stable and consistent advocacy and mentoring provided through trained volunteers. In San Bernardino County there are approximately 4,000 children who live in foster care. They were abused and/or neglected and removed from their homes and families. As dependents of the court, these children pass through a court system which leaves them lost, confused and alone.

CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of their assigned foster youth directly to the court. They communicate frequently with youth and often become the sole source of consistency in that child’s life. Additionally, volunteers advocate for their education, ensuring that they are in the appropriate grade level and appropriate school setting. According to CASA Community Outreach Manager Maggie Harris, there are between 120 – 140 youth who are in need of CASA volunteers. Joseph Williams, CEO of Youth Action Project, said he was compelled to partner with CASA in the Run four years ago when he realized that there were “too many young people who were not reading and doing math as well as they should be,” which he considers a form of child abuse and neglect. “It’s important that we get mentors and volunteers to help the youth in our community.” Youth Action Project works to empower San Bernardino's youth by developing the skills and habits

needed for economic and social success. It partners with CASA because they believe that neglecting education is detrimental for the individual’s mental, physical and emotional health, as well as their future. The goal of the upcoming Walk/Run event is to raise awareness about the plight of young people in the county, issues related to foster care, literacy, education, and community engagement. There will be resources available including those aimed at stemming violence against youth. The community is encouraged to participate in the family-friendly event and connecting with others to promote the safety and health of young people. The first 300 registrants will receive a free lunch courtesy of In N Out Burger. To register for the event or for more information about becoming a volunteer call CASA at (909) 881-6760 for more information, or visit www.casaofsb.org.

COURTESY PHOTO/CASA

The 7th Annual Care 4 Kids Run and Community Resource Fair is aimed at raising awareness about the plight of young people in San Bernardino County, issues related to foster care, literacy, education, and community engagement. Pictured are Elizabeth Palafox, CASA advocate supervisor, and Trisha Hendrickson, CASA program manager.

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • March 27, 2014 • Page A17

New boxing club brings youth, officers together for training, positive interaction

PHOTO/CYNTHIA MENDOZA

The Cops 4 Kids & Communities boxing program in Colton brings together Colton youth with law enforcement officers from various Inland Empire agencies for a great physical workout and strong rapport building interaction. They train Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at their facility at 1589 Bordwell, Unit C, in

PHOTO/CYNTHIA MENDOZA

Correctional officer Yesenia Nelson, back to camera, is just one of several local law enforcement officers who donate their time on a weekly basis to train Colton youth at the Cops 4 Kids & Communities boxing program.

By Cynthia Mendoza

new boxing club in Colton is offering youth not just a place to learn a sport and keep their minds occupied but also a way to get to know the men and women of law enforcement in a positive and rapport building environment. Based in Hemet, the Cops 4 Kids & Communities program is now in Colton through the efforts of Carlos Palomino and others who felt the need for a boxing program. Palomino worked with the Colton Police Department’s PAL boxing program from 1999 to 2010. “Kids were calling me and asking, ‘Coach, where can we go?’” Palomino said about why he felt the need to keep a boxing program going strong. Palomonio came across the Cops 4 Kids & Communities program and after a few years of effort and seeking support, the program finally found a home at 1589 Bordwell, Unit C. in Colton. “We feel at home here. The kids are happy,” he said.

Currently there are about 15 kids in the program ages, six to 17. The police officers that train kids are from various agencies in the Inland Empire, including Riverside Police, San Bernardino Police, San Bernardino County Sheriff and Rialto Police. And yes, the officers donate their time. “No one gets paid for this,” Palomoino said. Through the program, the kids learn more self-confidence, respect for officers and self-esteem, apart from how to stay physically fit. Palmonio shared the story of one particular young man in the past who began the program at a certain weight and sort of quiet and shy. Within a short time he had lost 25 pounds and was beaming with confidence and excitement. And through positive interaction kids and officers also establish positive relationships and rapport that is conducive to life-long respect and understanding. When kids get to know officers in a relaxed social environment out of uniform, it reminds them that they too are real people, just like them. When they eventually see officers in uniform they’ve already established the goodwill and positive rapport. Palmomino also emphasized some of the benefits of boxing itself. “In boxing, you’re the team,” he said about the individual effort and reward that comes with the sport. “There is no competition against others and parents are very supportive of each other. And for ‘Coach’, as he’s known, the program and his reasons for bringing it to Colton also have strong personal meaning; a desire to help kids avoid the pain and hardship that comes from making

poor choices for lack of guidance and productive ways to spend time. His own nephew Ray Acala Jr. was shot and killed in 1997 at the age of 17 in Fontana. The person who shot him was never caught. “If I can help even one kid….” Palomonio says, and leaves it at that through slightly misty eyes at the memory of his nephew who would have turned 35 on August 11, 2014. Overall, through the work of the police officer, supportive parents and young 20-something coaches, many of whom have been working with Palomino since their teens, the program has been a success. “I feel like we’ve accomplished something here,” Palomino said. “We’re making a difference.” Just ask 11-year-old Tommy Moreno, an avid young boxer. “It’s a good workout and it gets you in shape,” he said. “We spar and have lots of fun.” For the time being, the program costs $25 per month, but with more community support and more signups, the cost may go down. The program is in Colton but is open to youth from any city. And while Palomino was instrumental in bringing the program to Colton, he made it very clear that he could not have done it without the support of several businesses and individuals, including: Leno’s Rico Taco; Redlands Ford; Mr. Hae Park, the building owner; Colton Councilwoman Susan Oliva and Colton Mayor Sarah Zamora. For general information on the Cops 4 Kids & Communities program visit http://www.c4kc.org For information on the Colton program contact Carlos Palomino at cops4kidsboxing@cs.com

San Bernardino Advisory Committee aims to provide education on Rooftop Solar

By Anthony Victoria

olar energy advocates GRID Alternatives believe that the city of San Bernardino is need of a feel good story and positive impact. On Wednesday March 19 they held their first San Bernardino Advisory Committee with the purpose of raising awareness about their organization’s programs to reach and uplift low income homeowners and communities within the city’s boundaries. GRID Alternatives is a non-profit organization that focuses on rooftop solar panel installations, paying particular interest on low income families and communities while at the same time providing job training for volunteers and trainees seeking a career in the solar industry. The organization partners up with other nonprofits such as, Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Housing Services for the Inland Empire (NHSIE), and the Sierra Club. Representatives from all three organizations, along with Josue Castillo, field representative for California Assemblymember Cheryl Brown (47th District), the Sierra Club My Generation Campaign, members from the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCEJA) and Grid Alternatives IE Regional Director Bambi Tran and

PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA

Members of several community organizations and GRID Alternatives discuss ideas to inform residents about their rooftop solar programs during the San Bernardino Advisory Committee Meeting on March 19.

Outreach Coordinator Leida Chambliss rounded out the committee members. “One of the biggest challenges we have is legitimizing,” explained Stuart Haniff, Development Officer at the Grid Alternatives Inland Empire office. “A lot of times when programs are introduced in San Bernardino and we tell people about what we do, we have a hard time overcoming barriers of distrust or misunderstanding. The bottomline is we are trying to make residents realize that this is not a scam.” “People always state what’s the catch?. There is no catch,” Haniff

expressed. “If you qualify, it’s an opportunity for them to be impacted by our programs.” For Chambliss some of the strengths of their program is their creation of instant savings for homeowners through the use of solar panels and their hands on job training. She also informed those present at the meeting the importance of establishing partnerships with community leaders, volunteers, and homeowners. “As soon as the solar system is turned on, homeowners could watch their meters go backward and see immediate savings,” she said. “Most of our installations are

done via volunteers. We are licensed solar contractors, but our volunteer workforce are people who are going to college or are unemployed contractors. The support we have from these people is exceptional. They help us spread the message and validate the work that we do.” During the group discussion, there were several ideas that were brought up in relation to community outreach and education regarding rooftop solar installation. Councilmember Johnson emphasized holding town hall meetings with political leaders to provide more education and pro-

vide residents the opportunity to ask questions. Castillo reiterated the idea further by stating he was willing to canvas his ward to speak to his constituents. “We can make residents feel comfortable by engaging with them and proving them it is not a scam. Our offices are open and willing to help,” said Castillo. “We can have the same idea, but why not have an open forum,” said Agyemang. “Right now we’re doing a lot of thinking for them but why not let them voice their opinions?” Ericka Flores, a community organizer CCEJA said that the process won’t be easy and it may take a bold effort to gain the community’s trust. “We do host a lot of community meetings. It has taken years of investment to have these relationships with these residents,” she said. “We have built that trust. I think if you want to get the point across, there’s no other legitimate source than another community person. A town hall meeting is great, but there is a lot of skepticism. If you can’t get one person in the neighborhood to spread the word, it will provide a link.” The committee plans on holding quarterly meetings with the next planned meeting taking place in June.

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Page A18 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

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Redlands Sunrise Rotary raises thousands at annual Crab N’ Jazz gala

By Yazmin Alvarez

he Redlands Sunrise Rotary Club recently held its largest fundraiser, Crab N’ Jazz, helping raise thousands in support of community and Rotarian programs for local youth. To highlight those that Rotary supports, the event was volunteer run with a total of 120 youth from local high schools and members from Yucaipa Rotary Club. Teens from Redlands East Valley, Redlands High, Citrus Valley, Grove and Arrowhead Christian took on the role of servers and entertainment was provided by Redlands High School’s jazz ensemble and Beattie Middle School’s jazz band to help make the seventh annual event at the Edwards Mansion a success.

While the event included its annual featured attraction--king crab-a few new elements were introduced this year, like smartphone bidding. A live auction headed by a Rotarian auctioneer from Seattle sold some big items like trips to Bali and dinners presented by Chef Laurant Baillon. The fundraising effort is the club’s major annual event that supports community projects and scholarships for students. Last year’s event helped raise $50,000. A portion of tickets sales from this year’s event will help fund the refurbishment efforts of a new facility for the areas homeless teens, a dozen $2,000 scholarships for local high school seniors, cover costs for summer camps for more than a dozen middle and high schoolers and

will also support Rotary’s Student-of-the-Month awards program, said Cheryl Evans, Crab N’ Jazz chairwoman. Ticket proceeds will also support Redlands Family Services Association along with Inland Harvest Food Bank, Evans added. The total raised at this year’s fundraiser was not available. “We’re eternally grateful for the support of club members and the generous community supporters that make our efforts possible,” said Evans. To learn more about the annual event or the non-profit organization, visit crabandjazz.com. Yazmin Alvarez is a reporter for Inland Empire Community Newspapers and can be reached at iecn.yazmin@gmail.gmail.com

COURTESY PHOTO/REDLANDS SUNRISE ROTARY

Redlands Sunrise Rotary’s 7th annual Crab N’ Jazz fundraiser offered guests a chance to patriciate in a live auction as well as bidding via text for big ticket items such as a trip to Bali.

COURTESY PHOTO/REDLANDS SUNRISE ROTARY

More than 300 attended the 7th annual Crab N’ Jazz fundraising gala at the Ewards Mansion in Redlands. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rotary programs and scholarships for local high school students.

VA Hospital, Clinics, Seek Volunteer Drivers 100% Hand Car Wash All American Package he VA Loma Linda Health- automobile insurance; however, VA support. Volunteers also assist with 00 00 care System and its Com- covers any accidents that may occur recreational activities in the community Clinics throughout during volunteer assignments. munity living center of the medical off off Southern California need Volunteer Drivers must pass the physical center. VA Volunteers receive a free

drivers to help transport Veterans to VA appointments. Many Veterans have limited resources, are too sick to drive, or may have no access to public transportation. Drivers are urgently needed in the following locations: • LOMA LINDA: Drivers in the greater San Bernardino/Riverside areas transport patients to appointments at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda. • COACHELLA VALLEY/MORONGO VALLEY: Drivers in the Cabazon Area and Coachella Valley/Palm Springs/Palm Desert will transport our Veterans to their appointments at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda using donated vans from AMVETS (American Veterans). • HIGH DESERT: Drivers in the High Desert Communities around Victorville will transport patients to the Outpatient Clinic in Victorville or to the VA Medical Center in Loma Linda using donated vans from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). • HEMET/MENIFEE/MURRIETA/TEMECULA: Drivers in these communities will transport patients from the Murrieta Clinic to VA Medical Center in Loma Linda using donated vans from DAV Volunteer drivers will operate a VA Medical Center van. A regular California driver’s license is required to drive the 7-passenger vehicle. All drivers must have

exam provided free by the VA. Drivers do not physically lift patients into the vehicle, but may be asked to provide some help for the ambulatory riders, such as adjusting seat belts, holding the door open, placing the step stool for the riders to board or unload from the van. Other VA Volunteers donate their time escorting patients to appointments, greeting patients and visitors, assisting at the information desk and providing administrative

lunch on days they volunteer and receive regular recognition in the form of service awards and ceremonies. For more information or to volunteer, call (909) 825-7084, ext. 6011. You can also get started by sending an email to llvavolunteers@va.gov for more information. A volunteer packet will be emailed to you with specific instructions on how to become a driver.

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Page A24 • March 27, 2014 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers