Inland Empire Weekly Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!
Vol 12, NO. 01
THIS WEEK Gloria’s Corner and Words To Think About A3 & A5
Garcia-Tolson tries for more gold at 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games A8
A Day in the Park and Car Show Saturday to benefit Youth Hope
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By Yazmin Alvarez
fun day at Sylvan Park is planned Saturday and everyone is invited! The Redlands nonprofit, Youth Hope, will host its 3rd annual ‘A Day in the Park Car Show & Family Fun Extravaganza’ from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sylvan Park is at University and Colton avenues in Redlands. Admission to the family-friendly event is free, but costs apply for tickets to a Kids Zone area and activities including crafts, games and bounce houses. A Kiwanian pancake breakfast will also be served with all proceeds from the breakfast being donated to Youth Hope. A silent auction and opportunity baskets will also be available. Tractors, trucks and fire engines will be on display in addition to the more than 50 cars that will be showcased as part of the car show. Registration for the car show is Youth Hope, cont. on next pg.
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Calendar A3 Words To think About A5 Legal Notices A11 Opinion A4
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Clubs of Greater
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Day for Kids
courtesy photo/youth hope
more than 50 cars will be on display during youth hope’s a day in the park and car show at sylvan park saturday.
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Adventure, cont. on next pg.
Boys and Girls
Riverside
By Yazmin Alvarez
Remembering 9/11
September 08, 2016
Redlands-
California Inland Empire Council’s annual Adventure Weekend for Scouts Sept. 16-18
rchery, BB guns and canoeing are just some of the feats Boy Scouts of all ages can conquer during the California Inland Empire Council’s annual Adventure Weekend Sept. 16-18. The camping-style experience is open to all Scouts —Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers — to event a weekend of camaraderie, teamwork and citizenship. As part of Adventure Weekend, Scouts will participate in a series of events: Cub Scouts can participate in archery, BB guns, canoeing, wall climbing, and an obstacle course. Boy Scouts will compete in several categories; Tomahawk Throwing, map and compass, fire building, rapid transit, lashings, Dutch Oven cooking and campsite inspection. The top patrol will earn the inaugural Adventure Weekend Cup. Venturers will have a go at a human foosball game.
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Sept. 17
he Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater RedlandsRiverside will kick off its 50th anniversary celebration with its Day for Kids community block party on Saturday, Sept. 17. The free, public event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hansberger Clubhouse, 1251 Clay St., Redlands. Day for Kids celebrates youth and the community they live in, and offers families a chance to spend time together. There will be food, games, music, crafts and informational booths. “Day for Kids is an opportunity for everyone in the community to celebrate our youth and help start our 50th year in a big way,” said Club vice president Mark Davis. Volunteers and sponsors are being sought for Day for Kids. Volunteers can help with setup, running booths and cleanup, and sponsors can showcase their services at a booth and/or contribute to the event financially. Those interested in being sponsors and volunteers can email Day4Kids@bgcie.org or call (888) 822-6535, ext. 203.
Got News? courtesy photo/california inland empire council
Boy scouts of all ages are invited to the california inland empire council’s adventure Weekend sept. 16-18 in devore.
Send information to Inland Empire Weekly Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez at iecn.yazmin@gmail.com or call 909-381-9898 ext. 207.
Page A2 • September 08, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly Youth Hope, cont. from front
still available and can be made the day of the event or on the Youth website, Hope www.youthhope.org. The annual event is a fundraising effort for Youth Hope and proceeds will benefit the organization. To learn more visit, www.youthhope.org. courtesy photo/youth hope
several activities and games will be part of youth hope’s fundraising event, “a day in the park and car show” at sylvan park saturday. a Kids Zone complete with bounce houses for children will also be available. the event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adventure, cont. from front
Among other highlights will be jousting, food, overnight camping, and exhibits including Search and Rescue, Emergency Vehicles, Lego exhibits, and the Order of the Arrow Island complete with exhibits and the Indian Lore Merit Badge. An Order of the Arrow Pancake breakfast is set for Saturday morning before opening ceremonies, cost is for the breakfast is $5 per
person. Registration for the Scout event is still available. To register or to learn more, visit www.bsaciec.org. Adventure Weekend is held in coordination with the annual San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo at the Glen Helen Regional Park, 2555 Glen Helen Pkwy in Devore. Proceeds from the 17th Annual Sheriff's P.R.C.A. will support youth in Inland-area communities. Cash donations will be given to the
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Challenged Children’s Rodeo, Children’s Fund, the 4H Club of San Bernardino, the Yucaipa Equestrian Center, the California State Horsemen’s Association, Loma Linda University Hospital for breast cancer research, Man Up Crusade - bringing awareness to Domestic Violence, East Valley Second Chance, and several service clubs. Tickets to the rodeo are available online www.sheriffsrodeo.org.
@holyisthecat
courtesy photos/california inland empire council
Boy scouts of all ages are invited to the california inland empire council’s adventure Weekend sept. 16-18 in devore. the camping-style weekend will include exhibits and competitions for scouts of all ages including jousting, archery, canoeing and several obstacle courses.
Gloria’s Corner worth supporting.
Exhibits & Theatre:
Friday September 2 to 30, 2016 - the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino presents Nuestro Mexico, a photograph exhibit by photographer Nicole A.S. Pellegrino commemorating Mexico's El Mes de La Patria featuring Mexico and its people. The Mexican Consulate Office is located at 293 N. D Street, San Bernardino.
Gloria Macias Harrison
Saturday, September 9 - 25 the Redlands Footlighters present Noodles by L. Don Swartz, a delightful comedy about a zany famDirected by Lance ily. Christiansen, the play presents the Boodles and their crazy antics, guaranteed to make everyone feel better about their own situation. 8 p.m. performances are on September 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, & 24. 2 p.m. performances are on September 4, 11, 18, & 25. The cast includes Norma Ferrales, William Shaw, Kimi Palacios, Paul Martin, Henry Nickel, Michelle Johnson, Dan Baldwin, Gail Walker, Jillian Goddard, Eleanor Hastings and Dennis Johnson. Tickets may be purchased at www.redlandsfootlighters.org/buy-tickets or call: 909.793.2909. Redlands Footlighters is located at 1810 Barton Road, Redlands.
AWARDS! AWARDS! The San Bernardino Black Cultural Foundation is presenting its annual Black Rose, Humanitarian, and Community Service Awards at its annual banquet. This year's recipients are Ted Alejandre - Humanitarian Award, Damon Alexander - Community Service Award, Barbara McGee - Black Rose Award, Lelia D. Robertson Black Rose Award, Marcus Wilkerson - Black Rose Award and Darin Graham - Black Rose Award. Our congratulations to the Save the Date: awardees and to the Black Culture Foundation for recognizing these Saturday, September 10 deserving individuals in our comMolina Medical and the Tzu Chi munities. Foundation present a Free Medical Clinic from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Parade: At the National Orange Show, 620 The 17th Annual Cruizin E St. Arrowhead Ave. San Bernardino, Veterans Day Parade and Car Gate 9. This event is for those resShow on Saturday, November 5th idents who are uninsured or underis seeking groups and individuals insured. Services include: medical, to participate in this year's event. dental, vision and acupuncture. Hosted by E Street Cruizers Car Service provided on a first come, Club, the Inland Empire Military first served. For information call: Museum and Juan Pollo, it honors 855.665.4621 or visit veterans from all branches of servCare4HealthyCommunity.org ice past and present. The parade route starts at San Bernardino Saturday, September 10 - the High School and ends at the hisYoung Women Empowerment toric site of the original McDonFoundation present the 4th Analds, 1398 N. E Street. The event nual Women's Wellness Conferstarts at 8 a.m. with parade at ence at San Bernardino 10:00 a.m. There is a charge to Community Hospital Henderson register for the car show but none Auditorium, 1800 Western Ave. for those participating in the pafrom 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This rade. However everyone in the pafree event for all women focuses rade must be pre-registered. After on emotional and physical health the parade there will be music, and wellness, especially diabetes vendors and car show until 4 p.m. and depression. Participants are For information: Veterans - 909encouraged to dress to participate 888-0477, car show registration in dance/exercise activities. Break909-838-4071, vendors and groups fast and lunch is provided as well for parade participation - 909-885as entertainment and opportunity 6324. This community parade is
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 8, 2016 • Page A3
drawings. For more information featured in this kickoff of the visit: ywefoundation@gmail.com group's 50th Anniversary. For sponsor or vendor information Saturday, September 10 - the call: Mark Davis at 888.822.6535 second year, SBD Fest 2016 will or Day4Kids@bgcie.org be held at the San Bernardino International Airport. This event will Sunday, September 18 - the feature a Car & Motorcycle Show, Friends of the UCR Botanic GarAir Show, Concert, Kids Zone, dens present Friends Fall Dinner. Red Bull Moto Jam and a Plane Featured speaker is Nan Simonsen Pull. Gates open at 9 a.m. For reg- on the topic of landscape design. istration, ticket, and program in- The social hour begins at 6 p.m. formation call: 909.886.3822 Followed by a catered meal and program. For information contact Wednesday, September 14 - the Amber D. Jones at Arrowhead United will hold an amber.jones@ucr.edu Open House from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 646 North D Street, Saturday, September 21 - the San Bernardino. Admission is free; San Bernardino Public Library is lunch provided as well as raffle holding a Grocery Bag Book Sale prizes. To RSVP visit: www.face- for $2. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at book.com/ArrowheadUnitedWay the Feldheym Library, 555 W. 6th or email auwadm@ahuw.org St. For information call: 909.381.8251 or visit: Friday, September 16 - the Cen- wwwsbpl.org or ter for Individual Development w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / S B P L present Family Day, a day of food friends/ and fun followed by a movie. Potluck and games begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 22 - the Inland Congregations for Peace movie will begin at dusk. present Common Ground for Saturday, September 17 - Peace Walk, to End Gun VioClean up Day at Wildwood Park lence at 5 p.m. starting at Life (Waterman and 40th streets), San Center Church, 2350 Del Rosa Bernardino from 8 a.m. to noon. continuing to 2950 Del Rosa and Volunteers are needed and may ending at Cathedral of Praise, bring necessary tools if possible 3030 Del Rosa. The public is inbut definitely gloves to wear. For vited to join Faith and Community information visit: Leaders standing together to End gun violence. wildwoodpark.sb@gmail.com Saturday, September 17 - the San Bernardino Public Library is holding a Used Book Sale from noon to 4 p.m. in the Friends Room at the Feldheym Library, 555 W. 6th Street. For information call: 909.381.8251 or visit: www.sbpl.org or www.facebook.com/SBPLfriends/
Saturday, September 17 - the South Colton Oral History Project presents an Oral History of Mexican Americans in South Colton "Growing Up In South Colton" at the Hutton Center, 660 Colton Ave. Registration starts at 1:30 p.m. with program at 2:00 p.m. Featured are a photo display by Michael Gomez, a book signing of Growing Up Aleluya by Dr. Ernie Garcia, and descriptions of the oral history project by Cesar Caballero, Dr. Tom Rivera, Frank Acosta and Henry Vasquez. For information call: 909.213.0515
Saturday, September 17 - the City of Rialto presents Rialto Family Festival 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 150 S. Palm Ave. This family event will feature music, food, information booths, entertainment, kid activities plus a community ShredFest and much more. For information call: 909.820.2519
Saturday, September 17 - the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside present Day for Kids from 11: a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hansberger Clubhouse, 1251 Clay Street, Redlands. Games, food, entertainment are
nual Rendezvous Back to Route 66 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in downtown San Bernardino. This free event to the public features custom cars of any year, CARoberfest " Beer Garden", food vendors, merchandise vendors, kids' games, Open Header Contest, People's Choice Awards and a poker run. For information call: 909.885.7515 or visit: rendezvousroute66.com or sba.chamber@verizon.net
Saturday, October 1 - the San Bernardino Symphony Guild presents its 7th Annual Bach to Boots fundraiser at the Old Glen Ranch in Lytle Creek. This years’ event features a gourmet chuck wagon dinner, hayrides, silent and live auctions, line dancing and entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best western wear. The Guilds primary function is to raise funds to aid the Symphony and to promote an appreciation of fine orchestral music in our schools and community. For ticket information call: 909.520.5887
Saturday, October 8 - Arts Connection and the Arts Council of San Bernardino County present "From Competition to Collaboration" a conference aimed at communities strengthening through the arts by bring together participants from a wide variety of disciplines, sectors and perspectives. The conference will be held at the University of Redlands Orton Center from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For information and sponsorship opportunities visit: info@artsconnectionnetwork.org
Saturday, September 24 - the San Bernardino High School Miss Cardinal City Pageant at the Sturges Center for the Fine Arts, 780 N. E Street. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. For sponsorship opportuni- Friday, October 14 - the San ties contact Jamie Rios: Bernardino Valley Community College Foundation presents its 909.881.8217 90th Anniversary Gala at the Saturday, September 24 - new SBVC Athletic Complex. For #FightBlight Cleanup Day! Will information and sponsorship opstart at 7 a.m. at the Jerry Lewis portunities visit: www.sbvcfounSwim Center, 1135 E. Highland dation.org Ave., San Bernardino in the Highland Ave. and Windsor Parking lot. Saturday, October 15 - The Focus of the cleanup is Highland Community Foundation serving Avenue and Perris Hill Park. Vol- Riverside and San Bernardino unteers are urges to wear a hat and counties presents its 75th Anniversunglasses. Vests, gloves, water sary Gala at the Riverside Conand trash bags will be provided. vention Center at 6 p.m. For For information visit: www.SBC- information and sponsorship opity.org/KeepSBClean or FightB- portunities call: 951.241.7777 or light@SBCity.org visit: www.the community foundation.net/75years Friday, September 30 - Liberia Del Pueblo presents Legacy of Exemplary Service Awards from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the National Orange Show's Renaissance Favorite Quote: Room. This year the honorees "I can do things you cannot, you honored are all law enforcement can do things I cannot; together personnel for their service and we can do great things." contributions to the community of -Mother Teresa San Bernardino. To RSVP and ticket information call: 909.888.1800 or email martin- To submit an event or info for valdez524@aol.com Gloria's Corner please email gloharrison@me.com Coming in October: Also visit: www.iecn.com for Saturday, October 1 - the San online news. Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of San Bernardino present the 4th An-
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OPINION&LETTERS Page A4 • September 8, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
for our men and women in uniform?’
Despite Kaepernick’s statement to the press, expressing his admiration for service members, he has been vilified for his action--a move he says was made to shed light on the injustices against people of color in this country.
By Anthony Victoria
To stand or sit should be a cherished freedom
I
t's understandable to have a sense of pride for the place you live. Just ask Rick Monday, former centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, and current baseball play-by-play announcer.
In an iconic moment, Monday managed to snatch an American flag drenched with lighter fluid from two individuals who planned to burn it during a CubsDodgers game in April of 1976.
"What I did that afternoon, I just spoke for the people that I know in this country that love this country and didn't like what those people were trying to do," Monday told the Los Angeles Times on April 25, the 40th anniversary of the incident. "To me, it was a slap in the face to anyone that has ever put on a military uniform, and to their families."
It was no surprise then when reports surfaced of Monday’s open criticism of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the Star Spangled Banner. For Monday, the actions were a complete disregard for the men and women who have died for our country.
"For those who have served, that’s how they view it," Monday said, "and desecration of the flag is treason."
My question for Monday would be, ‘How is this desecration? Why is this a complete disregard
In a country where a large majority have stood quiet over the excessive use of law enforcement, expressed little disappointment with the affluence of rapists like Brock Turner, and raised no questions over Donald Trump’s clearly racist and unconstitutional solutions for America, we are overtly concerned over a black man’s decision to protest what may be the 21st Century’s biggest Civil Rights issue--police brutality.
While I admire Monday’s love for our nation, I’ve been left to inquire if one truly understands an individual’s freedoms to speak their mind.
As patriotic as Monday’s action seemed, there are some who may view it as ‘unpatriotic’. For example, the man whose flag was yanked away by the former baseball player was allegedly Native American. William Errol Thomas, the man in question, is alleged to have uttered shortly after the incident, “All Americans are squatters”, according to the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. Whether that’s true or not remains unknown. However, it implies that there may have been political motives to his outrage.
In the end, whatever actions we choose, they do not mean we are un-American. We all look at these actions through a certain set of perceptive filters.
Is Colin Kaepernick blindly choosing this action without knowing the potential risks and consequences? We cannot allude that he is. We can only imply that the young athlete is exercising his birthright to express his disapproval of perceived injustices.
I certainly hope that a choice made by any individual is an informed one--made with the purest of motives; and while at first glance, we may vehemently disagree, for this we can thank the freedoms we have as Americans to do so.
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Real men stand tall even when sitting. We live by certain principles and we are prepared to perform certain task. We each must perform as assigned by The Taskmaster. We are not the designer nor did we draw the blueprint. We do not know that we are planks being brought together to build an Ark. We Black people do not know that we are being raised from the dead. (This is the third day). We did not see who rolled the stone away from the ‘tomb of ignorance, that has been our home for more than four hundred and fifty years. Some of us do not know any of the original organizers of The Nation Association for the Advancement of
GUEST EDITORIAL submitted by Susan Lien Longville and Rikke Van Johnson who served on the San Bernardino City Council representing the 2nd and 6th Wards for a combined total of 22 years from 1998-2016.
Measure L was developed by a committee of volunteer citizens after two years of study and countless public meetings involving residents, the League
Deadline is Tuesdays at noon. Readers may also submit their perspectives online at iecn1@mac.com • For advertising inquiries email sales@iecn.com Gloria Macías Harrison Bill Harrison General Manager Diana Harrison Martinez Managing Editor Diana Harrison Martinez Community News Editor Yazmin Alvarez Community News Editor Anthony Victoria Advertising/Classified Sales Bruce Martinez
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.
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Established 1910.
Established 1876.
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El Chicano
Established 1969.
Published weekly on Thursday. Adjudicated as a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, State of California, case #154019 and therefore qualified to publish legal notices.
Inland Empire Weekly Established 2005.
Colored People, The Congress on Racial Equality, The Urban League and others. These people along with Mr. Colin Kaepernick and those I am unable to name are all representatives of the mind of people like Mr. John Brown. People who gave their lives in the service of others, may their rewards be greater than their needs. We Black people in The Americus are not responsible for what was done to us that resulted in our mental and spiritual death. However, we are responsible for our actions after being raised from the dead. What have we done, what are we doing and what will we do to improve our condition so that
do a Herculean job every day protecting their fellow citizens. For this we say thank you! Mildred Henry, Ph.D. Oak Hills, CA
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we will all be accepted in the ‘civilized societies’ of planet earth. We must read and study the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution in its entirety. Read between the lines and the obscured ‘fine print’. And please do not forget we were taught “ignorance of the law” is no excuse. Study the status of Blacks in the Americus during the year 1850, which was to be our Manifested Destiny. We must help those who are trying to help us. We will understand it better by and by. Sylvester Muhammad, aka Sylvester McGill, Rialto, Ca.
YES on Measure L
We are endorsing Measure L that the City Council has placed on the November ballot. We strongly encourage all residents of our City, whom we had the honor and privilege of serving, to join with us in fixing what clearly is not working at City Hall.
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and around the houses, yet the firemen were able to save people’s homes and possessions. Firemen came from near and far to fight the blaze and it is amazing how valiantly they fought and contained the inferno. These true unsung heroes
Mr. Colin Kaepernick, a real man
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 110, Colton, CA 92324 • Office Location: 1809 Commercenter West, San Bernardino, CA Letters are printed in the order they are 92408 received and are subject to editing for clarity.
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Unsung Heroes
Each time I travel to and from my home and see the devastation caused by the Cajon Blue Cut Fire, I utter a prayer of thanks for the firemen who did a magnificent job of protecting property and lives. I marvel at how the fire burned right up to
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of Women Voters, civic groups, and Cal State San Bernardino government experts. Then the City Council had the opportunity to amend it—and they did.
Measure L will replace the 1905 City Charter that was written when the population was less than 10,000. Today, with more than two hundred thousand residents, San Bernardino simply needs a new charter for City Hall to do a better job of meeting the needs of our residents and our struggling business community.
Measure L streamlines the City’s 111-year-old bureaucratic governing structure by providing clear lines of authority and accountability for the City Council, the Mayor and the City Manager. It is modeled after successful charter cities that are providing public services to their residents, overcoming problems, and moving forward competitively in a robust regional economy. Measure L also writes strict requirements into the charter for a public, annual independent financial audit, and a balanced City budget.
All of these fiscal and management changes will lead to more accountability and transparency at City Hall as was called for in the Bankruptcy Court’s Recovery Plan.
Measure L will also increase voter turnout by combining City elections with those for
state and federal offices. In the November 2012 Presidential election turnout was 61% but a few months later, turnout for the 2013 San Bernardino Mayor’s election was less than 16%. That means only a small fraction of registered voters are making critical, quality of life decisions for our neighborhoods. Combining elections will even save San Bernardino taxpayer dollars—money the City can spend on reducing crime, improving parks and libraries, and fixing our roads.
Measure L protects what residents like about San Bernardino. The new Charter ensures that our City will have our own local police department instead of contracting for services with the County. Our city library will remain under the authority of the Library Board. The Water Department will remain independent of the City Council and the Board of Water Commissioners will gain the authority to repair our crumbling sewer system.
We believe that Measure L will get San Bernardino back on the right track. Look for Measure L at the bottom of your ballot and join us in voting Yes. Rikke Van Johnson, rikkevanjohnson@msn.com Susan Lien Longville, susanl@sbvmwd.com,
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 8, 2016 • Page A5
Words to Think About: State of Christian Faith in America
F
By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.
or some time I’ve been thinking about writing an article about the state of the Christian faith in America. Especially since the Republicans have been defiling the air waves with their negative attitudes about the sorry condition of our government. I feel qualified to voice my views based on practical experience and academic observations. I have been an ordained minister
since 1952-64 years-and a graduate of two Seminaries, with a Master’s degree and a Rel. Doctor of Religion. I have pastored four Nazarene churches, three Methodist churches and two Congregational churches. The last church was Congregational where I was the minister for twenty two years. I have studied extensively the history of the Trump family, from Donald’s grandfather, through his father and to Donald and his three wives and five children. There is no evidence of a significant Christian influence in any of their genealogies. Donald’s ignorance of the Bible is reflected in his reference to Second Corinthians as the “two Corinthians.” Trump brags that he’s never smoked, used alcohol or drugs. But so did Hitler. His filthy and profane language does not enhance any Christian profession. The Republicans and Democrats can battle over their political differences, but my focus is the State of Christianity in the United States today.
In my opinion the Christian faith is stronger today, in every respect, than it has ever been since the founding of our nation in 1776. In the dawn of the 1900’s there was a great revival spirit that stimulated several new denominations. The Nazarene Church, Free Methodists, Pilgrim Holiness, Wesleyan Methodist, Church of God, Four Square, Christian Missionary Alliance, Assembly of God, Mormons, Jehovah Witness, Seventh Day Adventists among others. Outstanding preachers like Dwight L Moody, Billy Sunday, Amie Semple McPherson, C.H. Morrison, and Buddy Robinson swept the country. The 30’s, 40’s and 50’s saw the birth of several new Seminaries and the influence of men like Harry Emerson Fosdick. Liberalism became a companion to Fundamentalism. Christianity really flourished. A great change came about in Christianity that is seldom recognized. In my mind, tolerance is number one. Mainly between Catholics and Protestants. Intol-
erance was prevalent until it began to diminish during World War II. It is evident only in extreme denominations. Religious tolerance has followed social tolerance. The Civil Rights movement has also affected religious intolerance. What about today? While many of the mainline churches are declining in membership, others are filling the void. For instance, consider the Inland Empire. I have visited several churches with thousands of members, each. The Emmanuel Baptist, the Rock Church, the Way Church, the Ecclesia Church, the Packing House Church. They each have dynamic ministers, exciting programs and stimulating music programs. They are all growing. The Christian influence is booming beyond the local confines. I know of three churches that have over 30,000 members and still growing. In Houston, Texas, Joel Osteen’s church is huge. He’s on television and radio. Rick Warren’s church is another one in Southern California. A Methodist church outside of Kansas City has well over
20,000 members. Among the fastest growing Christian Churches are the Mormons, the Jehovah Witnesses, the Assembly of God and the Seventh Adventist Churches. Ever since Pope Francis became Pope, there has been a renewal among Catholic Churches. He is the complement to Catholics what Billy Graham was to Protestants. His views have radically changed many centuries old traditions. His life prior to the priesthood was not traditional. He was a world class tango dancer and a bouncer in a bar. He even admits that he had several girlfriends. Stella and I have even been attending the local Catholic Church My overall viewpoint of Christianity in America is very positive. I am reminded of Scripture that says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Atheism and agnosticism cannot compete with Christianity. They are sterile. Christianity is alive and well. Amen. Selah. So be it.
Displaced workers, community leaders demanding answers from Ashley Furniture
H
By Anthony Victoria
undreds of displaced Ashley Furniture workers marched and protested near the company’s homestore in Colton on Labor Day to seek answers regarding their employment termination. Many of the workers believe the company’s decision to shut down manufacturing plant operations comes from their attempts to unionize for better working conditions. “We were a united family with work, and now we are a united family without work,” said Israel Naja. “There were times when we weren’t heard, times when supervisors would not make themselves available. We are going to demonstrate to them that we mean action and that we are not all talk like they are.” On August 26, approximately 850 employees of Ashley's manufacturing plant were told by company representatives that they would be out of jobs after October 25. A statement released by the company explained that Colton’s bedding and upholstery production will be absorbed by other manufacturing facilities in Mississippi, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. “By shifting the majority of Colton production to other U.S. facilities we will create more efficiency and better use of existing capacity in our manufacturing network,” the statement reads. Naja and other leaders believe that to be untrue--instead claiming that the company failed to live up to their promises. They shared a letter written by Ashley Furniture Chief Executive Officer Todd Wanek--expressing a personal commitment to employees’ success and growth, while asking them to reconsider unionizing. “Please give time to think about
PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA
Displaced Ashley Furniture worker Israel Naja, center, speaking to members of the media about Ashley's failure to address employee concerns. A press conference and protest was held in front of the Ashley Furniture Home Store in Colton on Monday. what your vote will mean, I hope you feel as strongly as I do that we are family, one that is not perfect but one that we know is better when we work together directly to resolve our challenges,” reads the letter. “At the end of the day, I hope you share my belief that voting “NO” to the union is the right decision.” Ashley spokesperson Jason Lockington said the company’s decision to shut down Colton operations was not a response to the workers’ unionizing efforts. “It is absolutely not true,” he said in an email. Displaced workers on Monday said they were underpaid at times by the company without explanation, and not listened to when concerns were brought forth. Employees were often discriminated and harassed, according to Celia Alvarez. “Many workers were mistreated,” she said. “If you voiced your concerns or questioned the company, you were viewed al-
most like a criminal. There was a lot of intimidation that went on in order to force people out.” Steven Dela Portia explained he was punished for voicing an injury concern and was forced to go back to work. “I hurt my neck and my back, so the doctor placed restrictions on me. I spoke to human resources, but nothing was ever done,” he said. “When I heard there was a union, I expressed interest. When the company found out, I was segregated from all the employees and was forced to quit. In the end, I chose the union because I felt they respected me and were interested in addressing my concerns.” Senator Connie Leyva (DChino) came out in full support of the displaced workers--vowing to further investigate if Ashley breached federal labor law. “We’re not going anywhere,” said Leyva. “Stand strong together. We have your back.”
Page A6 • September 8, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Young Eagles flights rescheduled for Sept. 24 at Redlands Municipal Airport learn about safety, planes and their parts. Once on board, flights will explore Inland Empire skies including Redlands, Crafton Hills and parts of San Bernardino. The flights begin at 9 a.m. with the last flight concluded by noon. Participants will receive a logbook along with a Young Eagles certificate and an opportunity to take a pilot test for free. The Redlands Airport Association
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will serve lunch from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. to participants and donations are appreciated. For information on the local Young Eagles event, contact Beverly Buck at 909-771-3279. For more information on the EAA national program https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-education-and-resources/eaayouth-education/eaa-young-eagles -program
courtesy photo/eaa
youngsters can take flight sept. 24 in celebration of National aviation Day at redlands Municipal airport. By Yazmin Alvarez
oung aviation fanatics will have an opportunity to earn their wings Sept. 24 when the Experimental Aircraft Association offers free airplane rides over the Inland area. In celebration of National Aviation Day (Aug. 19), the Redlands Airport Association in partnership with the Redlands Chapter #845 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, will host free Young Eagles
Flights at the Redlands Municipal Airport, 1755 Sessums Dr. The group, which originally scheduled the flight event Aug. 20, had to postpone taking to the skies due to the Blue Cut fire in the Cajon Pass, which burned 20 acres of vegetation in San Bernardino County. With the fire fully contained as of Sept. 4, the group now looks to take passengers for flights Sept. 24, said Beverly Buck, Young Eagles coordinator. “We’re looking for the next gen-
eration of pilots to get on board — again,” Buck said. As part of the event, children will have the opportunity to learn about aviation, then take flight in a small passenger plane. “It’ll be the coolest thing and a memory of a lifetime,” Buck said. About half a dozen pilots will be on hand offering the free plane rides to children ages 8-17 years old. But before boarding, youngsters will have to complete a preflight class at 8:30 a.m. where they’ll
BUSINESS & SERVICES
courtesy photo/eaa
Free plane rides over the Inland area will be provided to youth sept. 24 at the redlands Municipal airport as part of the experimental aircraft association’s young eagles program.
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 8, 2016 • Page A7
Quality of Life team tackles blight, trash and homeless encampments in SB
Photos courtesy SBPD
The year-old Quality of Life team in San Bernardino operates six Photos courtesy SBPD days a week responding to calls of trash, blight and homeless encampments that pose a risk to public safety. San Bernardino PoThe Quality of Life team recently participated in a community clean-up day. Residents are encour- lice Department Lt. Richard Lawhead is pictured with the city’s aged to participate in the next one at Fiscalini Park on Sept. 24. Quality of Life team comprised of Public Works, Parks & Rec and two Public Works employees, two $30 for its disposal and for some Police Department personnel. (Repeated requests for identificaBy Mj Duncan from Parks & Recreation, one the cost is too steep when they are tion were not provided in time for print) landscape inspector and a police struggling to provide food for their ups twice a year at no charge for youth intervention programs officer. families. The alternative is to he San Bernardino Police residential home tenants, but, Lawthroughout the years. “New offiengaged with the commu“We it illegally. This, Lawhead dump Department in the past head said, not for multi-housing cers need to realize that their sucnity to determine how they want to said, leads to homeless individuals year, has vamped up its efunits where numerous evictions cess is incumbent to this city be policed, and the overwhelming claiming it and a resulting imforts in forging community relaoccur and a heap of mattresses left thriving, and we are slowly seeing complaints were to do with the way promptu encampment. tions and actively seeking behind. a shift in that direction.” the city looks,” Lt. Richard Law“There is nothing illegal about residents’ opinions as to their chief At the outset the Quality of Life Residents are urged to engage head said. “The idea was for us to being homeless, it’s their right to concerns regarding crime. The team was on-call once a week, with the police department and to clean the place up for business be, but when it infringes upon the overwhelming response wasn’t the today they operate six days a week report blight, trash and homeless owners and residents who have beright of someone to use a sidewalk high crime rate, rather, the blight responding to 30 sites a day. encampments that pose a risk to come frustrated with repeated incior the area being littered with trash, that has overtaken the city. Hence Lawhead the state of the city For public safety. A license plate numdents of blight on or near their human defecation and drug sythe Quality of Life team was estabis personal. With 25 years of servber goes a long way, but Lawhead properties. If it looks bad, it is ringes, we intervene,” Lawhead lished a year ago, charged with adice to San Bernardino he says he discourages residents from jeopbad.” explained. “We also work with the dressing issues of blight, trash and owes his lifestyle to this city, and is ardizing their personal safety by school district to ensure that our subsequent homeless encampsincerely committed to residents’ actively engaging with perpetraAccording to Lawhead a simple kids are provided safe pathways to ments. wellbeing. tors. household item such as a mattress schools.” The 6-person team consists of “There needs to be a culture The Quality of Life team can be can be a hassle to get rid of. It costs Burrtec offers bulky item pickchange within the police departreached via the city’s direct number ment for officers to feel a connec(909) 384-7272, the GORequest tion to the community in which app, and on the city’s website “SB they serve,” said Lawhead, who Access Online.” has volunteered extensively with
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Green Shack robbed, public outcry on social media
Photos courtesy Manal Iskander
The Green Shack in San Bernardino was robbed on Friday, Aug. 26 at 2:30 a.m. by three Hispanic male suspects. The vehicle is an early 2000 Chevy Silverado pick-up used for commercial glass replacement and removal. Anyone with any information is asked to call the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 384-5742 or Manal Iskander at (951) 212-4320.
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By MJ Duncan
prominent family-run establishment on Highland and Sierra Way owned by Jerry and Nardine Iskander and their daughter Manal, the Green Shack, has been serving the community since 1978 and fostered relationships with a broad and loyal customer base that is incensed by news of a recent break-in. While Jerry was undergoing open-heart surgery and the family at his side, three Hispanic male perpetrators, on Friday, Aug. 26 at 2:30 a.m., trespassed onto the property and within minutes took off with a safe. Fortunately there wasn’t a significant amount of cash in the safe. According to Manal, one of the men seemed to have experience in professional glass because he effortlessly removed the glass from the front door without causing any
damage in under six seconds. Police were dispatched, but theirs was not a high priority that night, and a Customer Service Officer arrived around 9 a.m. In the meantime Manal conducted her own investigative work through the use of high-definition video cameras that captured their faces quite clearly. These were subsequently posted on social media that has since gone viral; it was shared 383 times, with over 200 comments and 45,000 views. “I am very grateful for the community for rallying around me,” Manal said. “The end goal is for them to be caught, but if not, that they know that they are being blasted all over the Internet, and they will be recognized by someone.” According to Manal this community has expressed its contempt for these types of crimes and will not stand for it anymore. Through so-
cial media the public is able to take these incidents into their own hands by sharing pictures and videos in an effort to identify criminals. “I hope the public humiliation through social media will deter the robbers who robbed us from future crimes, and others from committing other crimes,” Manal said. A detective has been assigned to the case. The getaway vehicle is an early 2000 model 1500 Chevy Silverado truck with chrome wheels and used for commercial glass replacement and removal. Anyone with any information is asked to call the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 384-5742 or Manal Iskander at (951) 212-4320. The video can be seen on Y o u T u b e : www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OZ XWzAgLf4.
Page A8 • September 8, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Garcia-Tolson tries for more gold at 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games
PHOTO COURTESY/TEAM USA
Garcia-Tolson is projected to be a medal winner in 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
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By Harvey M. Kahn
loomington High School graduate Rudy GarciaTolson is one of 31 American athletes who qualified for the 2016 Paralympic Games currently being held in Rio de Janeiro. Garcia-Tolson, who was named men's team captain can be
viewed on NBCSN-TV on Sept. 9, Sept. 10, and Sept. 13 competing in the 100m butterfly, the 100m breaststroke, and the 200m Individual Medley in that order. Garcia-Tolson, 27 is making his fourth appearance in the Paralympics which always follow the Olympics by two weeks. Like Michael Phelps, GarciaTolson once held his division's
world record in the 200m Individual Medley. Garcia-Tolson had the chance to workout with Phelps in May when the decorated Olympian visited the U.S. Training Center, where GarciaTolson resides at the Colorado Springs, CO facility. Phelps encouraged Garcia-Tolson to recapture his record, something that Phelps was not able to do in Rio. The U.S. Paralympics are a division of the U.S. Olympics. Garcia-Tolson has won a total of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze over the course of his Paralympic career that began in 2004 in Athens while still a junior at Bloomington High. He won in the 2008 Games held in Beijing and in 2012 in London. He has also won in the long jump and cycling at the national level and was the first double amputee to compete in the ironman triathlon. He gained immense popularity in San Bernardino County when he was a 14-yearold distance runner. Garcia-Tolson says his favorite overall sport is wheelchair rugby. At last count, he held 17 national records in his class. Garcia-Tolson has appeared on national prime time television many times. He will be
Monster Energy FIM MXGP Motocross Returns
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Weston Peick: California Man!
By Joaquin Juarez
onster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac is looking to show the world what he is made of at one of southern California’s most celebrated tracks. Located in the midst of the Inland Empire, Glen Helen Raceway has been holding the FIM Motocross World Championship in the United States for one of the rounds, off and on, for awhile now. It is with great anticipation Glen Helen Raceway hosts the return of the Monster Energy MXGP of Motocross, presented by Chaparral. Motocross fans will again have the opportunity to cheer the greatest riders in the world as
Photo/Steve Emter they invade our backyard track. Riders from all over the world converge to try to bring home the win along with many of the top riders from our own AMA Pro Racing circuit. There is action taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will be qualifying and racing. The main event will take place on Sunday. Many top riders from the United States will be on hand to compete as well. Local hero Weston Peick will be competing on a track he practically grew up on. His JGR Yamaha teammates Justin Barcia and Phil Nicoletti will be on hand as well. Husqvarna riders Jason Anderson and Zach Osbourne will be some of the top riders to try to beat Europe’s best…who
are indeed awesome racers coming to the U.S. to show how great they are. A very excited person this weekend will be the returning American, Thomas Covington. In his third year on the GP circuit, he wants to take advantage of the chance to race in his home country. The MXGP class also showcases a ton of talent. Tim Gajser and MX2 champ last year, has all but sewn up the title. For all information regarding the Monster Energy MXGP of Motocross, presented by Chaparral, check out www.glenhelen.com. If you desire to find out more information on the series in general, go to www.mxgp.com. See you at the races!
featured again Nov. 16 on the CBS Special 25th Anniversary of the "Courage in Sports" episode. He received that award in 2001 and participates as one of its past
honorees. During his four-years swimming at Bloomington HS, he competed against some of the best overall swimmers in the state.
Courtesy Photo
Bloomington High School graduate Rudy Garcia-Tolson with Michael Phelps in May at U.S Olympic Training Center before each competed in their respective Olympic events in Rio de Janeiro.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 8, 2016 • Page A9
Page A10 • September 8, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Tianni Thomas taking her softball skills to historic Priairie View A & M University, Texas
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By Harvey M. Kahn
ormer Rialto High School softball standout Tianni Thomas says she's making a smooth transition into her new home in Prairie View, Texas. Thomas was a leading reason Rialto HS softball went on its best four-year run in school history when from 2013-2016 the Knights captured two San Andreas League championships and missed a third by half a game. Thomas will now play first base on scholarship at 140-year-old Prairie View A & M University, a historically Black school 47
miles north of Houston. Thomas said she was also recruited by 150-year-old Shaw University and by Morgan State and Jackson State, both 130-yearold institutions. In a phone interview from Prairie View, Thomas said college officials held an orientation telling of its historic importance, something she is just learning. "I really didn't have a preference where I went to college. They made me feel comfortable here and I like the culture," said Thomas. "I'm going to start learning more about the history." Her main focus will be on her psychology major with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist.
Photo/ TANTI CRAIN
Former Rialto High School softball star Tianni Thomas will be in the lineup this season at Prairie View A & M University.
Thomas plans to enter medical school as well. Playing softball after college is "something to think about." She said she gained her scholarship due to her play at the travel ball level "since scouts rarely attend high school softball games." She acknowledged that Prairie View has a new softball coach who is trying to rebuild its program through a big freshman class. "The team hasn't started workouts yet but I really don't expect that big of an adjustment. I have faced some very good competition at the travel ball level." Thomas was among a number of power hitters at Rialto High who slugged their way into championships. Thomas was a four-year starter and three-time All-San Andreas League 1st Team pick. In the title run of her junior year, she had a .547 batting average as the Knights won the SAL with a 14-1 record and were 19-6 overall. Rialto HS softball coach Joe Baca, Jr. said Thomas was part of a freshman class that by the time they were seniors left their mark of greatness. Baca, Jr. said Thomas earned Rialto's Ken Hubbs Award nomination because of her exceptional abilities at softball and basketball. "She was a great overall athlete who improved a lot at basketball," said Baca, Jr.. "She was well liked by her teammates and got along with everyone. When we needed that little extra push, she would get us going." Mark Goodacre coached Thomas during her junior and senior years while she played for his Fury travel team of Temecula.
Photo/TANTI CRAIN
Tianni Thomas was a key part of Rialto High School's two San Andreas League softball championships from 2013-2016. She will now try to duplicate that at Prairie View A & M University in Texas. Goodacre called Thomas a power hitter who can steal bases. "I know Prairie View was very anxious to have her but the scholarship was just an added bonus. She plays for the love of the game." Goodacre agreed with Baca, Jr. that Thomas has a great attitude and is very competitive. "She keeps the game in perspective and never let losing become the end of the world. She is just coming into her self and she'll continue to grow at Prairie View."
Goodacre also credited Thomas' mother Tanti Crain for being exceptionally supportive. Thomas finished her prep softball career with a .480 batting average. In basketball, she was a three-year starter who made second team All-SAL. She was both a scholar award winning athlete and school honors student all four years. She was also a member of the Black Student Union and served as a mentor to students in middle and high school.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • September 8, 2016 • Page A15
Mexican immigrant overcomes challenges to excel academically, is one of 15 accepted into master’s program in New York
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By Mj Duncan
or Alejandro Mundo the reality of immigrating to California from Mexico at the age of 12 could not have been farther from the idyllic American Dream he had conjured up during his childhood. His family settled in Hesperia for a short while where he began middle school and suffered from culture shock, language barriers and puberty, agonizing in his displacement and alienation. High school was a turning point for Mundo when he decided to use his negative experiences to propel him forward toward academic success. He focused his energies on advanced placement and honor classes, AVID, and was involved in academic and extracurricular activities. Within three years of moving to the U.S. Mundo was receiving accolades for his academic achievements. Mundo attributes his success to the immense support he received from his family, and the continuous motivation from his teachers at Hesperia High. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from Cal Poly Pomona last year, with a minor in Science, Technology and Society, cultivat-
ing his passion and fascination for earth sciences. It was during this time that he tutored students and acted as a teaching assistant that he discovered his love of teaching. “My focus changed when I decided to not only be a geologist, but to dedicate my knowledge, experiences and time to inspire and educate the following generations about the geosciences,” he said. “When I communicate and teach science, it becomes a fascinating journey, and I became captivated in education after discovering that my call was about teaching students about Planet Earth.” In June he began his master’s degree (MAT) at the American Museum of Art in New York City; he is only one of 15 students nationwide accepted. The 15-week program is unique in that not only will he have earned his degree, but he will also be certificated as a teacher. “When I received the acceptance letter I was amazed and couldn't believe it right away,” Mundo said. “I never imagined I could go this far in my life, and the fact of being accepted to this graduate program is one of the best things that has happened in my life.” There were some reservations.
Photos courtesy/A. Mundo
Alejandro Mundo, an immigrant from Mexico, moved to Hesperia when he was 12 years old. He found it challenging to assimilate to the American way and didn’t speak English. In high school a transformation occurred that propelled Mundo to academic excellence. He cultivated his passion of earth sciences at Cal Poly Pomona where he graduated last year (pictured) with a degree in Geological Sciences, and a minor in Science, Technology and Society. He recently began his master’s degree at the American Museum of Art in New York City; he is only one of 15 students nationwide accepted. At the completion of the program he will be teaching science at the secondary level and conducting scientific research.
Mundo had never left his family for such a long period of time, and he would be leaving everything familiar behind and beginning anew in an intimidating city. But he knew it was an opportunity he could not afford to pass up. “I'm hoping that during the MAT Program I will gain as much knowledge and many skills that will prepare me and enable me to develop further scientific research at a graduate level,” he said. “In addition, I'm also hoping that I will acquire the knowledge and skills to efficiently teach geosciences in high-needs secondary schools.” According to Mundo his minor degree will be an advantage in the classroom. “I have acquired knowledge about how to connect society with science through the effective use of technology. I have understood the relationship of science in today’s society, and have received particular guidance when linking both,” he explained. “This is a great advantage as a future science teacher, because I’ll be able to interact with students from different backgrounds and teach them remarkable lessons about science through high-quality technology.”
During this past year he presented his research thesis in California, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Washington D.C., New Orleans and Montreal, Canada courtesy of travel grants.
Photos courtesy/A. Mundo
Alejandro Mundo is pictured presenting his thesis at the Geological Society of America annual conference in October last year.
Page A16 • September 8, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers