Inland Empire Weekly Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!
Vol 12, NO. 18
THIS WEEK
Gloria’s Corner and Words To Think About
Redlands Boys & Girls Clubs’ extravaganza brings holiday cheer to youngsters
A3 & A5
The Way celebrates Christmas early with over 2,000 San Bernardino youth
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IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands firefighter-paramedic Christian Dominguez helps one of hundreds of Boys & Girls Clubs members pick out a toy during a Holiday Extravaganza at the Burrage Mansion. to hundreds of children, making Riverside — were bussed over to Christmas wishes come true. the Burrage Mansion in Redlands Seven hundred children — all edlands firefighters were different sorts of heroes members of the Boys & Girls Toys, cont. on next pg. last week playing Santa Clubs of Greater Redlands-
By Yazmin Alvarez
Redlands High Terriers named 35th annual Mock Trial champions
Patient's build Gingerbread Village exhibit at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital A9
INSIDE ONE SECTION, 16 PAGES
Gloria’s Corner A3 Words To think About A5 Legal Notices A11 Opinion A4 Sports A16
HOW TO REACH US Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Fax: (909) 384-0406 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: sales@iecn.com
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COURTESY PHOTO
Redlands co-captains Tiffani Le and Tiffany Rekem hold the county Mock Trial award plaque.
trial champions recently. against Cajon High School in the Wrapping up its record 14th San fictional case of People v. Awbrey, edlands High Terriers Bernardino County title in the were named San 35th annual Mock Trial competiMock Trial, cont. on next pg. Bernardino County mock tion, the Terriers took the stand
By Yazmin Alvarez
IECN
.com
December 22, 2016
Redlands Animal Shelter seeks donations
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s the year comes to a close, the Redlands Animal Shelter is looking for donors who can help subsidize the rising cost of spaying and neutering animals for adoption. In 2015 the shelter found homes for 1,357 dogs and 1,268 cats. Adoptions so far in 2016 are 563 dogs and 589 cats. While space at the shelter, located at 504 N. Kansas St. is limited, the Animal Shelter – a division of the Redlands Police Department -- endeavors to find homes for every adoptable animal it takes in. In order to cut down on the number of unwanted pets, all animals adopted from the Redlands Animal Shelter are spayed or neutered before they are released to their new owners. The adoption fees paid by the new owners cover only a portion of the cost of the surgery, which can vary from $49 for a feline neuter to more than $120 to spay a large dog. In order to continue to encourage adoptions, the Redlands Animal Shelter subsidizes a substantial portion of the adoption costs to keep fees modest for new pet owners. The fee for a dog adoption is $86, including $50 for the spay/neuter surgery and $23 for vaccinations, and $50 for cats, including $28 for the surgery and $15 for vaccinations. Senior citizens and disabled persons pay a lower fee. The shelter spends an estimated $3,000 a month or more covering the cost of the surgery beyond the fees charged. Last year, many of these costs were covered by generous community donations. Donations will allow the Redlands Animal Shelter to continue to find good homes for hundreds of dogs and cats each year. To donate: 909-798-7644.
Got News? 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 • December 22, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly Toys, cont. from front
for the nonprofit’s annual holiday extravaganza to personally handpick a toy to take home.
The toys were donated through the fire department’s annual Spark of Love toy drive, and from local businesses including K-FROG 95.1 FM and iHerb. “Our goal is to serve the community,” said Redlands Fire Capt. Reggie Brown. “That’s the whole function of the department and we do that in many different ways. This (event) is just another way we give back.” And to provide youngsters with
full holiday cheer, crafts and activities were set up throughout the grounds to keep little ones busy before sitting for storytime with the big guy himself — Santa. Children were then taken to one of two rooms filled with everything from toys to bicycles, to personally select their gift to take home. Christian Dominguez, Redlands firefighter-paramedic was among the firefighters helping children select their perfect toy. “This is my first time participating in the event and it’s very fulfilling to be able to be a part of something like this. The look of happiness on kids faces is the best part.”
IECN PHOTOS/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ
Redlands firefighters help members of the Boys & Girls Clubs pick out a toy during a Holiday Extravaganza at the Burrage Mansion.
Mock Trial, cont. from front
Dec. 10 at the San Bernardino Justice Center. It was the school’s third title in the past four years, and would have been Cajon’s first county win. “This truly was a team effort in every sense,” said Redlands coach Donna St. George, in a news release. St. George has coached the team to victory through each of its county titles. Superior Court Judge Charles Bradley congratulated both Cajon and Redlands for the expertise and poise each showed in the finals. “I have no doubt both of these teams could go onto the state competition and win. You are very, very good.” The victory for the Terriers advances the team to the state mock trial competition in Riverside in March. Each year, the Mock Trial competition simulates a criminal case where students portray the principal courtroom characters on both
Redlands High School Terriers - 35th annual Mock Trial Champions.
sides of a case before a real judge. This year’s case involved a human trafficking and false imprisonment trial. 35th annual Mock Trial Teams members: Redlands High School: Courtney Cappelli; Emma Dixon; Vibhi Ganapathy; Tiffani Le; Bailey McKernan; Michael Moralez; Hazel Naftzger; Tiffany Rekem; Christian Valdez; Tyler Vallecorsa; and Katelyn Zabaleta. Cajon High School: Lily Bolanos; Valerie Covarrubias; Lauren Helt; Siduri Ho; Eva Henery; Natalie McGlockin; Angela Monroy; Tyler Peyton; Melody Satele; Steven Schwartz; Anna Smith; Jalen Stevenson; and Madison Thomas. Approximately 400 students representing 32 high school teams have participated in the Mock Trial competition this year. The event is co-sponsored by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office.
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Christian Valdez of Redlands delivers his closing argument for the prosecution during the 35th annual Mock Trail competition.
Gloria’s Corner
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 22, 2016 • Page A3
bel Colin. Receiving Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards for 4,000 hours were: Aurora Vilchis, Patricia Aguilera, Iwona-Maria Luczkiewicz Contreras, Rob Garcia, Jesse Felix, Valentina Felix and Enrique Murillo, Jr. Medallion of Honor from LEAD projects were given to: Stephen Villasenor, Doris Selva, Rosemary Linda Miranda, Zometa, Tammy Garcia-Chang and Jesus Acuna-Perez. Congratulations!
Gloria Macias Harrison Volunteers honored: For the fifth time, planners, volunteers and service providers for Latino Education and Advocacy Days (LEAD) Projects received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Key LEAD Summit planners received national Lifetime Achievement recognition from President Obama. The awards were given in three categories at the annual LEAD Volunteer Recognition Dinner December 16th. Recognized at the Bronze level for 100 hours were: Dalia Hernandez, Jerry Casillas, Le Andre Fields, Doris Selva, Arturo FernandezGilbert, Josefina Canchola, Patricia Luna, Elidia Valencia, Isabel Torres, Sandra Abiles, Jacqueline Carmina, and Mari-
IECN Holiday Hours
Friday, Dec. 23 9am-12 Noon
Monday, Dec. 26 CLOSED -----------Friday, Dec. 30 9am-12 Noon
Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 CLOSED
Christmas trees, meals and gifts. exhibit is the ancient Egyptians' Thank you! attitude toward life and death. For information call: Helping each other: 909.537.7373 or visit: A very special thank you to all raffma@csusb.edu the community volunteers, sponsors, planners, churches, nonprofits, businesses and city and county agencies working together to provide our children and families with some joy, toys, provisions and a helping hand during the holidays. The coordination of Save the Date: so many people for the parades and food, toy and clothing give- Thursday & Friday, Decemaways is inspiring. As a resident ber 22 & 23 - The City of Redof the Inland Empire, I feel hope- lands and its Quality of Life ful for our region in 2017 in spite Department present Outdoor Holiday Experience at Ed Hales of the many challenges ahead. Park, Fifth and States Street in the downtown central business Art Exhibits, Theatre & Sem- district at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. Two half-hour presentations feature an inars: animated production by Redlands company White Frog accompaExhibits & Theatre: nied by narration of the poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" comNow - January 15 - San Bernardino County Museum monly referred to as "The Night presents Over Here, Over There: Before Christmas". Hot chocolate In Times of War. This exhibit not will be served and a special visit only honors those who made sac- from a visitor from the North rifices made by the soldiers in the Pole will add to the festivities.
New Club Officers: I had the pleasure of installing the Latin American Women's League officers for 2017 at the Leagues December Dinner meeting. Congratulations Rose Mary Martin, President; Renee McIntyre, Vice-President Scholarship; Mary Smithhammer, Vice-President Membership; Gloria Mazzola, Vice-President Finance; Lu Molner, Treasurer; Tina Beltran, Corresponding Secretary; and Rosalie Corona, Recording Secretary. These ladies have been active for many years pro- conflict but also those making viding young Hispanic women sacrifices on the home front. with scholarships. Now - July 31, 2017 - the Holiday Giving: Robert and Frances Fullerton Kudos to the members of the Museum of Art presents Journey Colton Police Officers Associa- To The Beyond: Ancient Egyption who helped Santa deliver tians In The Pursuit Of Eternity toys, candy and Christmas Cheer at the Cal State San Bernardino to kids and families spending the Campus, 5500 University Parkholidays at the Arrowhead Re- way in San Bernardino. Museum gional Medical Center. This hours are Monday, Tuesday, event is part of the Association's Wednesday & Saturday 10:00 Operation Giving, which sup- a.m. to 5:00 pm., Thursday 11:00 ports families in need, and senior a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closed on Suncitizens groups by delivering day and Friday. The focus of this
Sunday December 25 - Christmas Day - Merry Christmas!
posters, there will be a slide show of humorous, poignant and inspirational posters. Those interested in making puppets will need bamboo poles 6 to 10 feet long. This free event is an excellent opportunity to converse and network while involved in a creative process. To register and for more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/event s/802310609871891/
Sunday/Monday January 1-2 Happy New Year 2017 Coming in January 2017:
Monday, January 16 - the annual Martin Luther King Prayer breakfast will be held at California State University San Bernardino in the Coussoulis Arena at 7:30 a.m. For ticket information call Beverly Jones at 909.434.6583
Thursday, January 19 - the Martin Luther King Statue Committee will hold a wealth laying ceremony at 10:30 a.m. at the statue at San Bernardino City Hall, 300 N. D Street.
Saturday, January 21 - the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and the African American Task Force present a community and District event, The Importance of African American Art, History and Culture and the relevance for our schools at the Professional Development Center Room B, 4030 Georgia Blvd., San Bernardino. Favorite Quote:
"To your request of my opinion of the manner in which a newspaper should be conducted, so as to be most useful, I should answer, "by restraining it to true facts and sound principles only..." - Thomas Jefferson, re: the First Amendment 1807
Tuesday, December 27 Friends of Milpa present a workshop entitled "Protest Posters and Puppet Making” from 12:00 (noon) to 5:00 p.m. at the Garcia Center for the Arts, 503 W. 11th Street, San Bernardino. Participants in this advocacy poster and puppet workshop are asked to bring their own supplies and To submit an event or info for enough to share. The protest Gloria's Corner please email poster is an artistic form of com- gloharrison@me.com munity based media usually cre- Also visit: www.iecn.com for ated on paper averaging 11" x online news. 17". In addition to creating
OPINION&LETTERS Page A4 • December 22, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Boulevard. Projection is by Event Design Lab. Holiday Lights Displays
Highland Highland Holiday Lights 5 to 10 p.m.
By Yazmin Alvarez
Holiday happenings and light displays
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is the season to be jolly!
Enjoy holiday merriment with these family-friendly events and list of neighborhood lights displays happening throughout the Inland Empire.
Redlands Holiday in the Park at Ed Hales Park in Redlands from 6-8 p.m. Free event includes original animated show, hot chocolate and Santa at 7 p.m.
The City of Redlands Quality of Life Department is hosting an outdoor holiday animated experience in Ed Hales Park, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 and Friday, Dec. 23.
Two one-hour presentations each evening will include an animated production by Redlands company Whitefrog Design, accompanied by narration of the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” commonly referred to as “’T’was the Night Before Christmas.” There will also be free hot chocolate provided by Augie's Coffee House and a special appearance by a visitor from the North Pole at 7 and 8 p.m.. Fifth Street will be closed each evening between State Street and the alley just south of Redlands
Dancing Lights Holiday Christmas display on 29558 Crest View Lane in East Highlands Ranch. The interactive display features more than 50,000 lights, all choreographed to dance to the beat of the Holiday music. I n f o r m a t i o n : www.facebook.com/DancingLightsInHighland
Fontana 11311 Homewood Drive - Animated Christmas musical light display using 64 Light-O-Rama control channels, 1 Cosmic Color Ribbon, and over 8700 RGB and LED lights. Show plays from 5pm to 9:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 5pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday. Listen to the music on your vehicle radio from at 91.3 FM. Also, the show plays on outdoor speakers until 9pm, but continues on the radio till the show's end. Information: www.lightsofthevalley.com
Rancho Cucamonga Thoroughbred Christmas Lights – Located on Thoroughbred and Jennet streets, a major holiday-season attraction brings traffic from miles around.
Alta Loma Christmas Lights – Located along Thoroughbred Street and other adjacent roads in Rancho Cucamonga.Numerous houses offer hot chocolate and cookies. Porta-potties are provided for public use. Hours are Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., closed Sunday. Yucaipa Holiday Lights
33375 Manning Street – Sixteen houses with Christmas lights coordinated to music. Tune car radio to 92.5 FM when viewing the houses. Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5:30-10 p.m. For a more detailed list, visit ieshineon.com
Views expressed in Opinion & Letters do not necessarily reflect the views of IECN
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Let’s set differences aside for the holidays It’s extremely concerning that many families are divided this holiday season due to the recent presidential election. Family unity is the glue that holds our nation together. It is
the foundation of the “American Dream” and our children look to family for the definition of love, which encompasses everything our nation stands for.
If we are to heal our country’s deep divisions, we must come together first within our families. Jane Kirst, Rialto
Focus on important issues The fact that Democrats hold more than two-thirds of the seats in the state Senate and Assembly means they can change our state for the better. One of the most important issues they should take into account is guns and/or gun control. They should protect our Second Amendment, but make sure that guns don’t fall
into the wrong hands like terrorists or criminals. A photo ID and background check should be required to purchase a gun.
As a nation, possibly the worst thing we could do is to keep spending government money for the military. In 2015, the government spent $598.5 billion toward military training, weapons, etc. We must start
spending money on other important issues like medical research and poverty. Military spending is not bad, but if lawmakers really want to change America, they must focus on other matters crucial to this nation. Carina Negrete, Montclair
Methane bill will drive dairy industry out of state
Senate Bill 1383 finally makes it official, Gov. Jerry Brown and his band of green lunatics now have declared themselves smarter than Mother Nature, and by assumption smarter than God. The egomaniacs in Sacramento have now come out against motherhood, apple pie and the American way. They
now want to regulate the amount and quality of methane (bovine gas) coming out of the rear end of bovines that reside in California. There is a definition for this, it’s called BS.
It’s time California voters take the reins as was done in more than 30 states in the presidential election; 2018 is just a short time away.
Now the dairy industry will be driven out of California like many others, by the regulatory costs of doing business here. Don’t worry, when the new BS takes effect the price of dairy products will remind us. Henry VanderLeest, San Bernardino
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 22, 2016 • Page A5
Words to Think About: Christmas Myths vs. Realities
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By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.
hristmas. Or the Mass of Christ, as it was originally called. Jesus’ disciples knew nothing about it. Neither did the Patristic Fathers. The birth of Jesus was not celebrated by Christians until hundreds of years after His birth. Pope Julian was the first to use the word in 345 A.D. At that time there were two competing religions: Christianity and Mithraism. Because of Em-
peror Constantine, Christianity won out. They immediately engaged in syncretism. This was the process of incorporating other beliefs and practices into Christianity. So it was with December 25th. It was the birthdate of Mithra, the god of Mithraism. It became the birthdate of Jesus. Matthew and Luke state that at the time of Jesus’ birth, Mary His mother was a virgin. Strange as it may seem, this uniqueness was rather common in ancient times. For example: Zoroaster, Mithra, Perseus, Horus and Krishna were all alleged to have been born of a virgin. It was as a sign of purity. Helena, the mother of Constantine, arbitrarily established the location of Christian sites in the Holy Land. For example, the location in Bethlehem of the birthplace of Jesus. I’ve been there. The Cathedral is entered through a small door. At the back of the Chancel is a stairway descending about 20 feet. At the bottom is an ornate altar and a silver star with a one foot hole in the middle. Looking into the hole there is a light about twelve feet below. That is the place where Jesus was born. So it is believed. Did you know that the Wisemen never came to the manger?
The Gospel of Matthew states they came “to a house.” Tradition says there were three magi. Only because three gifts are mentioned: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Again, tradition says they were named: Balthazar (the oldest), Melchior (middle-age), and Caspar (a young man). Consider the time of the yearDecember. I’ve been to Jerusalem and Bethlehem in December. It was rainy, snowing and cold. It is comparable to our mountains in December. Hardly the time of year for sheep on a hillside. There are huge limestone caves in the area that shelter the animals. The time of the manger story is most likely to have occurred in the Spring of the year. A few years ago a Southern California University had a Christmas display on campus. Several sidewalks were lined with giant Christmas cards-designed by students in the Department. The winning exhibit was a card with Santa Claus hanging on a cross. It symbolized the commercialism of Christmas. Where does God fit into this crass secularism? It’s time to wake up to the realities of Christmas. Guizot was a great French painter. One of his
remarkable paintings depicts the shepherd scene. The lower left shows several shepherds gazing up into the sky. Dimly portrayedin the upper right- are several angels, singing. It is so real one can almost hear them. “Glory to God and peace on earth.” BUT, surrounding the shepherds, fast asleep, are several sheep dogs. They don’t see or hear the angels. The depiction should be obvious. Emmanuel is the real message. “God with (in) us. A few years ago I was Protestant Chaplain on the Ship Hope in Tunis, Tunisia. Upon arriving there I was asked to preach each week at the Anglican Church-the only Christian Church in Tunisia. Their priest had become ill and went back to England. On Christmas Eve I participated in three services: at the church, on the ship and with the Catholic priest at the Midnight Mass. I ended my sermon at the Anglican Church by telling the story of Handel’s great oratorio, The Messiah. Written in 21 days, it was sung for the first time in 1741. The British king, George II was present at the presentation. I reminded them that at the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus, the king stood and the entire audience did the same. To my com-
plete surprise the audience to whom I shared the chorus, AROSE as I repeated the words to the Hallelujah Chorus. This practice continues to this day. My favorite Christmas story involves a nine year old freckled faced boy, a red wagon and the baby Jesus. A Methodist Church had a manger replica on the front lawn. Wisemen, shepherds, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. Christmas fell on a Sunday. As the pastor came early, he noticed that the baby Jesus was absent. Someone must have stolen it. A few members came early also. Who had stolen the Christ child? Suddenly the nine year old kid, pulling a red wagon strolled up with the Christ Child in the wagon. When asked why he had the Baby, his answer solved the problem. “I promised the Baby Jesus that if I got a red wagon for Christmas that I would take Him for a ride in it.” Finally, Stella and I wish all who read this article a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful and prosperous 2017. May God’s Best Be Yours, Always. Amen. Selah. So be it.
would receive a football autographed by Emmitt Smith. Smith raised the bar by announcing on stage that would donate one of his personal NFL touchdown game balls to the highest bidder, starting the bid off at $10,000. Guest and sponsor, Antonio Rodriguez, was the winner of both footballs. During the celebration dinner Eric Arrington was bestowed posthumously with the first ever PossAbilities Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a dedicated mentor, prayer warrior, counselor and friend who gave so much of his life to PossAbilities. His wife, Shirley, accepted the award. Sheila Marchbanks was recognized as Member of the Year for her work with PossAbilities and the sickle cell support group. Additionally, Zimris Solis was inducted into the Hall of Heroes,
individuals recognized for their ability to thrive through disability, give back to their community and lead by example. The true celebration came at the conclusion of the event when it was announced that over $77,000 had been raised for PossAbilities. However, additional funds coming in after the event increased that total to $88,000. “We have always considered our mission to be an extension of the healing ministry of Jesus Christ,” said Pedro Payne, PhD, director, community outreach at Loma Linda University Health. “That is why the services we provide our members are always free of cost. Everyone with a permanent disability is welcome to join – we never turn anyone away. Your generous support makes it possible for us to help our members live active and productive lives!”
$88,000 raised for PossAbilities program during 13th annual Celebration Dinner
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A check for $77,554 was presented near the end of the Celebration Dinner Sunday night. From left, Dr. Gary Fitzgerald, Pedro Payne, Dr. Richard Hart, Nikki Gaitan, Cotie Williams and front, Jenna Rollman. oma Linda University Health PossAbilities, powered by Quest Diagnostics, hosted its annual Celebration Dinner Sunday, Dec. 4 at the National Orange Show. Over 900 people came to the event, including PossAbilities members and their families, donors, and other Loma Linda University friends and family. A new spin on the event this year welcomed guest speaker Emmitt Smith, former NFL running back for the Dallas Cowboys, who left the audience with
an awe-inspiring quote: “The price of victory is high, but so is the reward.” As a free, non-profit, community outreach program, PossAbilities’ goal is to provide those with permanent physical disabilities support and resources to stay active and healthy in life – a task that could otherwise be daunting. “I think many – if not all – of our members can relate to that statement,” said program manager Cotie Williams. Dealing with an injury can be physically and mentally challeng-
ing, “but once you are able to overcome your obstacles, the road ahead is encouraging,” Williams added. During the fundraising event for PossAblilities, guests had the opportunity to participate in the dash for cash, pledging to contribute any dollar amount of their choosing. Funds from this portion will support the sponsorship of Jenna Rollman into the Paralympic sports program. To encourage guests, it was announced that the individual who donated the most during the dash
Page A6 • December 22, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Quality of Life team tackles blight, trash and homeless encampments in SB
Courtesy/sBPD
the year-old Quality of Life team in san Bernardino operates six days a week responding to calls of trash, blight and homeless encampments that pose a risk to public safety. san Bernardino Police Department southern Commander Lt. richard Lawhead is pictured far left with the city’s Quality of Life team comprised of Public Works, Parks & rec and Police Department personnel. (repeated requests for identification were not provided in time for print)
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By MJ Duncan
he San Bernardino Police Department in the past year has vamped up its efforts in forging community relations and actively seeking residents’ opinions as to their chief concerns regarding crime. The overwhelming response wasn’t the high crime rate, rather, the blight that has overtaken the city. Hence the Quality of Life team was established a year ago, charged with addressing issues of blight, trash and subsequent homeless encampments. The 6-person team consists of two staff members from Public Works, two from Parks & Recreation, one landscape inspector and a police officer. “We engaged with the community to determine how they want to be policed, and the overwhelming complaints were to do with the way the city looks,” SBPD Southern District Commander Lt. Richard Lawhead said. “The idea was for us to clean the place up for business owners and residents who have become frustrated with repeated incidents of blight on or
near their properties. If it looks bad, it is bad.” According to Lawhead a simple household item such as a mattress can be a hassle to get rid of. It costs $30 for its disposal and for some the cost is too steep when they are struggling to provide food for their families. The alternative is to dump it illegally. This, Lawhead said, tempts homeless individuals to claim it, resulting in an impromptu encampment. “There is nothing illegal about being homeless, it’s their right to be so, but when it infringes upon the rights of someone to use a sidewalk or the area being littered with trash, human defecation and drug syringes, we intervene,” Lawhead explained. “We also work with the school district to ensure that our kids are provided safe pathways to schools.” Burrtec offers bulky item pickups twice a year at no charge for residential home tenants, but not for multi-housing units where numerous evictions occur and a heap of mattresses left behind. At the outset the Quality of Life team was on-call once a week, today they operate six days a
week responding to 30 sites a day. For Lawhead the state of the city is personal. With 25 years of service to San Bernardino he says he owes his lifestyle to this city, and is sincerely committed to residents’ wellbeing. “A culture change needs to occur within the police department for officers to feel a connection to the community in which they serve,” said Lawhead, who has volunteered extensively with youth intervention programs throughout the years. “New officers need to realize that their success is incumbent to this city thriving, and we are slowly seeing a shift in that direction.” Residents are urged to engage with the police department and to report blight, trash and homeless encampments that pose a risk to public safety. A license plate number goes a long way, but Lawhead discourages residents from jeopardizing their personal safety by actively engaging with perpetrators. The Quality of Life team can be reached via the city’s direct number (909) 384-7272, the GORequest app, and on the city’s website “SB Access Online.”
IECN Holiday Hours
Friday, Dec. 23 - 9am-12 Noon Monday, Dec. 26 - CLOSED
Friday, Dec. 30 - 9am-12 Noon
Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 - CLOSED
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 22, 2016 • Page A7
The Way celebrates Christmas early with over 2,000 San Bernardino youth Photo/MJ DunCan
(Left) Polo Dominguez, 11, told the Way World outreach Children’s Pastor Susan Zavala that he and his 10 other siblings don't always get a Christmas present. this year they did.
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By Mj Duncan
Sometimes on Christmas morning we get nothing, and then I go into my room and cry,” 11-year-old Polo Dominguez told The Way World Outreach Children’s Pastor Susan Zavala. This year Polo and his 10 siblings, along with over 2,000 other children up to age 13, are guaranteed at least one present. The Way held its 12th annual Christmas present giveaway at its campus in the north end of San Bernardino on Sunday evening that included service and snacks for inner-city children and their families. For those without transportation four shuttles were transported residents from the downtown campus on Arrowhead and 10th Street to Hallmark Pkwy. Gifts were organized by age that included skateboards, scooters, action figures, watches, basketballs, boxing sets, dolls, Doc McStuffins, Play-Doh, and much more. Children were escorted ten at a time by two volunteers to pick their present. “We changed the format this year from handing out wrapped gifts to letting kids pick what they want so they wouldn’t be disappointed to open a present they really didn’t like,” Zavala explained. Pastor Marco Garcia, Associate Pastor Robert Cuencas, church staff and volunteers shopped for over 3,500 toys at various warehouses in Los Angeles last Thursday; funding came strictly from donations. “There are so many toys to choose from,” an excited and thrilled Joe Sedono, 8, gushed. “I’ve always wanted a scooter!” According to Zavala on Christmas Day there will be plenty of toys to give out at the downtown campus for those who were not able to make it to the event. “We made sure to purchase enough for the community so that no one would be left out this Christmas,” Zavala said. “The way the children’s eyes light up and to witness the joy on their faces is absolutely amazing and so heartwarming.” Parents and guardians had the opportunity to sit in service with Pastor Cuencas while their little ones enjoyed Christmas messages, activities and snacks. “This event is so overwhelming, it brings so much joy to be able to give back to the community,” said Pastor Cuencas. “There is nothing more rewarding that to be there for people when they need it the most, and to have a positive impact on them by offering presents during the Christmas season, hope and God’s love.”
(Right) Children up to age 13 methodically surveyed the dozens of age-appropriate gifts available for their selection. Pictured are Vincent Lopez and Joe Sedono getting a little help making their decisions from volunteers Jack Parten and J.J. Fuentes.
Page A8 • December 22, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Warm clothing to be provided to homeless at Perris Hill Park on Christmas Eve
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By Anthony Victoria
an Bernardino resident Darrell Frye understands what it is like to live in hardship. This holiday season he teamed up with several retail stores and nonprofits to help warm up those living on the streets. “We know homeless people live all around our city and we know they are struggling,” said Frye. “This is something that is past overdue.” The “Warm-Up San Bernardino” clothing drive intends to provide sweaters, jackets, beanies, gloves, blankets, and other warm essentials to approximately 100 homeless residents at Perris Hill Park on Christmas Eve. Since December 5, Frye said he and volunteers gathered about $600 in donations from stores like Target, Ralphs, Stater Brothers,
and the American Hotel Association. Motivation for the project stems from Frye’s frustration of seeing homeless individuals be neglected by the community at-large. “We [view] homeless like it’s normal,” said Frye. “It was a chance for me to bring up the elephant in the room, and say ‘hey you have a chance to help’.” For more information, contact Darrell Frye at (909) 495-6039.
PHOTO/ANTHONY VICTORIA
(Right) San Bernardino resident Darrell Frye.
Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 22, 2016 • Page A9
Patient's build Gingerbread Village exhibit at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
Photo of Wakins by Don Finch)
Dixie Watkins (Above) founded Big Hearts for Little Hearts in 1999 with other volunteers to help patients at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. (left) Pictured are examples of houses made by patient's on display at Gingerbread Village.
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By Harvey M. Kahn
hat started as a chef who baked cookies for a few sick kids has developed into one of the most meaningful Christmas displays in the greater San Bernardino region. Through the work of 130 patients at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, the Gingerbread Village has grown into a full blown exhibit that can be viewed through December in the lobby at the Children's Hospital. Volunteer Dixie Watkins explained that the baker who initiated the Gingerbread Village project 17 years ago was a patient at Loma Linda University Hospital. "He would bake different parts of a gingerbread house and the children would glue them together to build and decorate their own house. We'd then put them on a small display," said Watkins. "The growth of the fun project had increased to the point where
the baker couldn't continue and now Costco donates all the cookie parts and the candy decorations. Each child's house is identified with a stand up tag that is shown behind a white picket fence." To help celebrate their grandiose Gingerbread Village, children who are able can have their picture taken with Santa and receive goodie bags with teddy bears and books. Watkins told of corresponding projects like the Tree of Hope Campaign and Carols in the Lobby. She said displays include angels in Christmas trees as a backdrop to represent the memory of children they have lost. Along with serving as a diversion for those hospitalized with major illnesses at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Watkins told of the charitable Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild that helps with fundraising. Watkins founded the organization in 1999 and has since served as its president as needed. She explained
that Big Hearts for Little Hearts is affiliated with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital but is a separate, private non profit group. Watkins said the sole purpose of the guild is to support the care of patients and their families. She told of year-round fundraising efforts that help pay for health care for the young patients. A fact sheet provided by Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild shows it and three sister Guilds have a combined 370 members who raised $317,000 last year. Since its formation in 1999, the Loma Linda Chapter has raised $1.6 million in total funds for those at LLU Children's Hospital. The Guild held its annual Holiday Tradition Dishes for Wishes fundraiser in October, featuring special menus prepared by local restaurants that are served to guests by police and fire volunteers. It will host its annual membership luncheon next month at the Redlands Country Club. Other events the Loma Linda
PHOTO COURTESY/DON FINCH
More of the 130 Gingerbread houses on display at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.
Guild has hosted are fall and spring readings, Valentine Party's, Luke's Birthday Bash, and the Family Fun Fitness 5K & Expo. Watkins got involved with volunteering at LLU Children's Hospital after she and her husband graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She was on the founding board in 1996 of the Ronald McDonald House. She noted huge gains in
curing Children's leukemia, the once nearly fatal blood disease that can now be cured 95 percent of the time. She welcomes new members to the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild. "With all the bad news out there, seeing the children having a good time is a real good news story," concluded Watkins. (Fanny and Dan D'amelio contributed to this story.)
Page A10 • December 22, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers
Redlands Community Hospital honors volunteers at annual holiday program Chair, as well as the Chair of Volunteer Services. Robinson has supported a number of the hospital’s special events as well as community health fairs. She can be found regularly in the hospital gift shop, welcoming visitors or purchasing gifts for patients. The Kimberly-Shirk award, named after Mary Kimberly-Shirk, the first member of the hospital’s auxiliary, is presented each year to an outstanding volunteer who demonstrates leadership, enthusiasm, loyalty, energy and compas-
sion for patients and their families. In addition to the award presentation, the program included the installation of 2017 Auxiliary Officers Diane Brown, corresponding secretary; Betty DeLeon, recording secretary; Donna Chaffey, treasure; and Wendy BradyPosjena as vice president, along with musical entertainment by the Citrus Valley High School Choir and the unveiling of the Auxiliary Quilters 2016 patch. The patch will be mounted on the hospital main lobby wall along with the other
quilt patches from previous years, according to the news release. The Auxiliary also presented the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation with a $65,000 check, all of which was raised through proceeds from the Auxiliary Gift Shop, book fairs, quilt ticket sales and other fundraising activities. To learn more about Volunteer Services at Redlands Community Hospital, visit www.redlandshospital.org or call 909-335-5526.
courtesy photo/redlands community hospital
minnie robinson, an 18-year auxiliary volunteer with redlands community hospital, received this year’s mary Kimberly-shirk Volunteer award of excellence,award for her nearly two decades of service and more than 10,000 hours with the hospital.
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By Yazmin Alvarez
edlands Community Hospital, much like many others, relies heavily on its volunteers to ensure daily functions operate smoothly. From running the gift shop to providing emotional support, helping out in nursing units or in emergency services, RCH volunteers offer invaluable support to patients, visitors and staff. To ensure their helping hand and unwavering efforts have not gone unnoticed, RCH recently honored their volunteers during its annual Auxiliary Holiday Brunch and Installation earlier this month at the Redlands Community Hospital Stan and Ellen Weisser Education Pavilion. “We celebrate our volunteers for their continued time, energy, skills
and talents they generously give, helping us make Redlands Community Hospital better and our community stronger,” said Jim Holmes, president and CEO of Redlands Community Hospital, in a news release. “It is our volunteers who exemplify the true spirit of giving by bringing their passion and determination each day to make a difference at our hospital.” Minnie Robinson, an 18-year Auxiliary volunteer, was honored for just that. Robinson received this year’s Mary Kimberly-Shirk Volunteer Award of Excellence, for her nearly two decades of service and more than 10,000 hours with the hospital. She has held leadership roles on the Auxiliary Board as the Service Awards Chair, Hours Awards
courtesy photo/redlands community hospital
the 2017 redlands community hospital auxiliary Board 2017 (from left) david caminiti, diane Brown, Betty deleon, donna chaffey and Wendy Brady-posjena. the board was named during the hospital’s annual auxiliary holiday program dec. 7.
courtesy photo/redlands community hospital
redlands community hospital Foundation Board receives a gift from the auxiliary for $65,000 during the hospital’s annual auxiliary holiday program.
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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 22, 2016 • Page A11
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Page A16 • December 22, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers