Inland Empire Weekly December 29 2015

Inland Empire Weekly Features, Lifestyle & News You Can Use!

Vol 12, NO. 19

THIS WEEK

Gloria’s Corner and Words To Think About

Disney on Ice skates into Citizens Business Bank Arena with ‘Worlds of Enchantment’

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COURTESY PHOTO/ FELD ENTERTAINMENT

Sisters Anna and Elsa will skate into the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario Jan. 4-8 as Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Enchantment.”

Ice skates into the Citizens Will Ariel be part of Prince Business Bank Arena next week. Eric’s world? here are several burning Can Woody, Buzz and their felquestions that must be low toys escape Sunnyside Disney, cont. on next pg. answered when Disney on Daycare?

By Yazmin Alvarez

Redlands Fire Department names first BOSS award winner

Unforgettables Foundation walk to honor “Little Lives” A12

INSIDE ONE SECTION, 16 PAGES

Gloria’s Corner Words To think About Legal Notices Opinion

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

December 29, 2016

Redlands Animal

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Shelter seeks donations

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Colton Police distribute toys to young patients at Arrowhead Regional

IECN

.com

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By Yazmin Alvarez

ichard Beall of Beall Financial & Insurance in Redlands was named Redlands Fire Department’s first “BOSS” — Business Occupant Safety Survey recipient, that is.

The educational program aims to reduce the impact of government fees on small businesses and equips owners with critical knowledge needed to keep employees, customers and property fire safe by adhering to the requirements of the California Fire Code.

RPD’s program targets small, light hazard, commercial occupancies that do not normally have a high occupant load, and locations that have a relatively low amount of combustible materials including furnishings, decorations and other contents within the occupied space. Locations can include small businesses or professional offices, small retail shops and small personal service shops such as barber shops, beauty BOSS, cont. on next pg.

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?

COURTESY PHOTO

Maria Lopez works for Beall Financial & Insurance and is pictured with the annual award from Redlands Fire Department.

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 29, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly Disney, cont. from front

“Well, let’s see,” said ensemble skater Benita Williams. “It’s a magical show and anything can happen.”

Disney fans can find out the fate of their favorite characters in “Worlds of Enchantment” Jan. 4-8 — a show that brings four favorite Disney stories, “Cars,” “Toy Story 3,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Frozen” to life, Williams said.

Creating an ice spectacular will be Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of “Cars” racing across the ice to Radiator Springs, Buzz, Woody and the Toy Story 3 gang skating on a daring adventure back to Andy’s room, Ariel exploring her undersea kingdom and sisters Anna and Elsa, their pals Olaf and Kristoff entering the wintery world of Arendelle.

“There’s definitely something for everyone,” Williams said. “Songs, special effects and an under the sea party, on ice will definitely get the audience moving and singing along.”

And guests are encouraged to participate in the show, said Williams, “especially during Mickey’s special dance party.”

To get warmed up for the show, Mickey Mouse and his best friends will be teaching audiences dance moves right from their seats during Mickey’s Dance-Along Pre-Show Party. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to participate.

“It’s all about having fun and being active,” she said. “Seeing kids getting pumped up and excited with huge smiles on their faces, makes putting on the show

courtesy photos/ feld entertainment

Buzz, Woody and the rest of the toy story 3 gang will skate into the citizens Business Bank arena in ontario Jan. 4-8 as disney on ice presents “Worlds of enchantment.”

that much more fun.”

Tickets prices to Worlds of Enchantment start at $25 and are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or in-person at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Box Office, 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, in Ontario.

Disney on Ice presents ‘Worlds of Enchantment’ Ontario Show dates:

•Jan. 4-6 - 7 p.m.

•Jan. 7 - 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.

•Jan. 8 - 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m.

courtesy photos/ feld entertainment

take a trip to radiator springs when disney on ice presents “Worlds of enchantment” Jan. 4-8 in ontario.

courtesy photos/ feld entertainment

ursula will tempt ariel from disney’s the little mermaid in an under the sea kingdom as disney on ice presents “Worlds of enchantment” Jan. 4-8 in ontario.

BOSS, cont. from front

shops, or nail salons within Redlands.

The department is asking small businesses that receive a survey in 2017 to fill out the form and return it to the fire department for a chance to win the next award.

courtesy photos/ feld entertainment

mickey and the gang will get the audience moving with mickey’s dance-along pre show party.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early to participate.

Gloria’s Corner commitment to positive action.

Art Exhibits, Theatre & Seminars: Exhibits & Theatre:

Now - January 15 - San Bernardino County Museum presents Over Here, Over There: In Times of War. This exhibit not only honors those who made sacrifices made by the soldiers in the conflict but also those making sacrifices on the home front.

Gloria Macias Harrison

Now - July 31, 2017 - the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art presents Journey To The Beyond: Ancient Egyptians In The Pursuit Of Eternity at the Cal State San Bernardino Campus, 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino. Museum hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm., Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closed on Sunday and Friday. The focus of this exhibit is the ancient Egyptians' attitude toward life and death.

For information call: 909.537.7373 or visit: raffma@csusb.edu

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 29, 2016 • Page A3

3:30 p.m. starting at the Ronald McDonald House, 11365 Anderson Street, Loma Linda. This event is free and open to the public as a way of remembering all children who have lost their lives.

After a brief ceremony, a 3-block walk will commence led by Boy Scouts, children, physicians, firemen, funeral professionals, volunteers, community leaders down Anderson Street and ends at Campus Hill Church where there will be a ceremony of candle lighting and name reading of children who have passed. For information call Chaplain Tim Evans at 909.855.3130.

Monday, January 2 - the Annual Tournament of Rose Parade down Colorado Blvd will take place starting at 8 a.m. Millions on television in the U.S will view this parade, a tradition in Pasadena since 1893. The theme this year is "Echoes of Success" featuring three Olympic athletes with an impressive number of Olympic medals and World Records. The three Grand Marshals are: Janet Evans, five-time Olympic Medalist considered the greatest female distance swimmer; Allyson Felix, female sprinter with five Gold Medals; and Greg Louganis, diver with five Olympic medals and several world records that have not been matched.

At 1:00 p.m. the 103rd Rose Bowl Game will be played with Penn State Nittany Lions vs USC Trojans.

2017 I have asked many people during the holidays about their goals and intentions for 2017. Many like myself are determine to lose weight, live healthier lives, be more active in our community, pay more attention to family and improve the quality of life in our cities. There is also a feeling of apprehension as change is undoubtedly due to occur in 2017. I know we must remain positive and that brings to mind a quote from former President Jimmy Carter who tirelessly acts on his beliefs - " My faith demands that Save the Date: I do whatever I can, wherever I can, for as long as I can, with Saturday, December 31 - the whatever I have to try to make a Unforgettables Foundation pres- Wednesday, January 11 - the difference." With that quote in ents the 17th Annual Lights for Inland Empire Economic Partnermind let's face 2017 with the Little Lights Memorial Walk at ship (IEEP) will hold its Annual

Sunday January 1Happy New Year 2017

IECN Holiday Hours

Friday, Dec. 23 9am-12 Noon

Monday, Dec. 26 CLOSED -----------Friday, Dec. 30 9am-12 Noon

Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 CLOSED

Meeting and Awards Dinner from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard, Ontario. Featured are 7 Honorees who as individuals or corporations have demonstrated exemplary leadership in bettering the business climate and quality of life in the Inland Empire. For information call: 909.944.2201 or visit ieep.com

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.

Thursday, January 26 - the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce presents its Inaugural Regional Gala - Growth in the Inland Empire at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, 3585 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside. This event which promises networking with the region's Corporate leaders and government officials will feature Keynote Speaker Kelly Fredericks, Chief Executive Officer for the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). For information on sponsorships and tickets contact: Edward Ornelas at eornelas@ieChamber.org or call: 909.456.8900

Organizers of this event are looking for active participation to help formulate policies to put forth to the Board of Supervisors.

Advocates for the Arts are asked to RSVP to: info@artsconnectionnetwork.org to share information prior to the meeting.

Coming in February: Saturday, February 4 - Poetry Out Loud in partnership with the California Arts Council, the National for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation present the San Bernardino County Poetry Out Loud Competition. Competing will be students from Carter High School in Rialto and Summit High School in Fontana. Judges will evaluate student performances on criteria including voice and articulation, evidence of understanding and accuracy. The winners advance in competition in Sacramento. The completion is from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Garcia Center for the Arts, 536 W. 11th Street, San Bernardino.

Tuesday, February 7 - the Los Angeles County Museum of the Arts (LACMA) presents "Picasso and Rivera" - Conversations Across Time from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Museum, 5905 Wiltshire Blvd, Los Angeles.

This event, part of a series of Evening for Educators, will explore how these towering figures of the 20th century modernism engaged with their respective ancient Mediterranean and preColombian worlds. For ticket information visit: LACMA.org tickets include complimentary parking and dinner Favorite Quote:

"Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as oppose to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self judgement, self abuse and regret."

-Don Miguel Ruiz

Saturday, January 28 - the Arts Connect, the Arts Council of San Bernardino County, will hold an To submit an event or info for Arts Policy Meeting from 2:00 to Gloria's Corner please email 4:00 p.m. at the Garcia Center for gloharrison@me.com the Arts, 536 W. 11th Street, San Also visit: www.iecn.com for Bernardino. The topic is How to online news.

Move Funding Forward for the Arts in San Bernardino County.

OPINION&LETTERS Page A4 • December 29, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

By Anthony Victoria

New state laws for 2017

W

e move away from a climactic and controversy-stricken 2016 and enter another new year.

With that come changes in laws.

From stricter gun control to increased minimum wage earnings, here is a summary of a handful of the laws taking effect on Sunday (Jan. 1, 2017).

AB 1785: Use of Electronic Wireless Devices Assembly Bill 1785 will prohibit motorists from driving while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or wireless electronic communications device. According to the bill’s text, drivers may only perform the motion of a single swipe or tap of a device while it is mounted in a vehicle.

AB 53: Child Safety Seats Passed by the state legislature in 2015, this law requires children 2-years-old and younger to be placed and secured in a rearfacing car seat to comply with the current recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall are not required to be placed in rear-facing car seats.

SB 3: Minimum Wage The state’s minimum wage will rise to $10.50 per hour for businesses with 26 or more employees. Wages will increase every year from 2017 to 2022, until the hourly minimum wage reaches $15 per hour. Employers with 25 or fewer employees have an extra year to comply.

SB 880 and AB 1135: Firearms and Assault Weapons These bills will ban the sale of semi-automatic, centerfire rifles or semi-automatic pistols that do not have fixed magazine. The legislature previously banned assault weapons, though Senate Bill 880 and Assembly Bill 1135 attempt to close the “bullet-button” loophole for guns created in response to the state’s original ban. Those who purchased one of the listed weapons before Jan. 1, 2017 will have one year

to re-register it with the U.S. Department of Justice, according to language in both bills.

AB 2888: Sex Crimes, Mandatory Prison Sentence Assembly Bill 2888 will mandate a prison sentence for those who assault individuals who are unconscious or unable to give consent due to intoxication.

SB 813: Sex Offenses and Statute of Limitations Senate Bill 813 ends California’s 10-year statute of limitations on sex offenses--allowing sex crimes to be prosecuted against regardless of when they occurred. The law can only cover new offenses after Jan. 1, 2017.

SB 1063: Wage Discrimination and Application to Race and Ethnicity This bill will extend the current law against wage discrimination based on gender to wage discrimination based on ethnicity or race. Employers will be penalized for paying employees of a particular race or ethnicity less than others for similar work.

AB 1289: Transportation Network Companies and Participating Drivers Penalties Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, will now be required to perform a comprehensive background check on all of their drivers. Drivers who are registered sex offenders, have been convicted of specified felonies, have been convicted of a misdemeanor of assault, domestic violence or driving under the influence cannot drive for these companies.

AB 1494: Voting and Marked Ballots Assembly Bill 1494 will permit individuals to take “selfies” of their completed ballots and share it how they choose.

AB 797: Motor Vehicles and Rescue or Provision of Care for Animal Assembly Bill 797 will allow individuals to break into vehicles when an animal’s “safety appears to be in immediate danger of specified harm.” Individuals are then required to contact law enforcement.

AB 1322: Alcoholic Beverages, Beauty Salons, and Barber Shops This new law allows beauty salons, barbershops and similar businesses to offer beer or wine to their customers without a beverage license. However, last call is before 10 p.m., as opposed to the more common 2 a.m. time period.

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Releasing prisoners not in society’s best interests

President Obama has commuted 178 felony prisoners’ sentences and Gov. Jerry Brown has commuted one felon’s sentence and pardoned 112 felony prisoners in spiteful acts against the public’s interests and safety, striking dangerous blows against our domestic security.

Worse, Gov. Brown has pardoned 1,258 felons since taking office. Coupled with AB109

and Proposition 47, Brown has released thousands of felons to prey upon the people of California.

Even worse, President Obama rejected a U.N. resolution to spite Israel, while Gov. Brown continues to bolster sanctuary cities throughout the state, further endangering our national security against terrorism.

Indeed, the only thing Obama

has left to do is empty Guantanamo and pardon Bowe Bergdahl, Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden to secure his destructive legacy against America and the world — not to mention doubling the national debt — while none dare call it treason.

Daniel B. Jeffs, Apple Valley

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 29, 2016 • Page A5

Words to Think About: JANUS

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By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.

he word JANUS was well known in the early centuries of the Roman Empire.

It was Pompilius who named the first month of the Roman year, January. After the god

Janus. At that time it was the eleventh month and later Pope Gregory changed it to the first month of the calendar.

Originally, Janus was the Roman god of gates and doors, beginnings and endings and was represented with a double-faced head, each looking in opposite directions. He was the god of the beginning and ending of important events in a person’s life.

Harvest time, planting, marriages and births.

He was also the god of war and peace. There were several temples attributed to him.

In connection to his double faced head, he held a key in his right hand.

Following the advent of Christianity and the Roman Catholic Church the symbolism was changed to denote the passing of the old year to the new. The basic face-on the side of the human back-was to remind him of the failures and successes of the past year; the frontal face was symbolic of the year ahead. In his right hand was the KEY. The key was symbolical of the fact that each person has the key to what she or he does in the

coming year. Which is pretty much the truth.

I’m not a particular fan of the Apostle Paul. He was too much of a misogynist in his writings for me. However he wrote or plagiarized or modified several ideas from many ancient philosophers like Plato, Seneca and Philo.

It seems to me he was thinking of the god Janus when he wrote in the Epistle to the Philippians, in chapter 3 verse thirteen, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Consider this admonition to forget those things in our past. Not only the troublesome things, the disappointing events, the failures and disappointments, the times of sickness, the griefs. A good example in individual or group competition. Seldom do victors occur two games or competition in a row. The Apostle Paul is advocating that whether the past is good or bad, beneficial or harmful, they are best forgotten.

This is followed by a phrase

that is reminiscent of the frontal face of Janus. “And reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Notice first of all the ambiguity of the use of the word “thing.” It is a part of our past as well as the future. In other words, the happenings or experiences we might have. He challenges his readers, then and now, to focus on a distinct quote, “I press toward the mark for the prize.”

There are significant emphases in these words. First is word, “press. It refers to action and the expenditure of energy. Idleness never accomplishes anything; or pessimism. Expecting the worst will usually bring it to happen.

What often happens is the past is predictive of the future-idleness.

Erase the possibility of becoming a “couch potatoes,” by beginning January, one (1) 2017.

The second emphasis is the word “mark.” This suggests accomplishment. The list of those that envision achievement are too numerous to mention, except one, Richard Simmons.

I heard him tell a group “of fatties” to constantly imagine their skinny selves. Every day, he

said, “What is your dream, that you wish to accomplish?”

This also smacks of our custom of making New Year’s Eve Resolutions. A substitute for resolution can very well be “prize or goal.” In my experience as a therapist and minister, very few people ever achieve anything without first establishing an objective. The reason most resolutions stop after the first week is because of the lack of commitment. It has a sense of continuation in its grammar. Not temporary.

Finally, what kind of resolution do we make? Number one (1) is usually, “To lose weight.” From then on, “Eat more veggies and fruit”; “Attend church more often;” “Have lunch with friends or family each week;” “Read a book once a week.” Any of these are possible by preparation: enrolling in any exercise program like joining a gym; by buying the fruits and vegetables; attending church on Sunday; inviting your friend or family member, now, to lunch; visiting Barnes and Noble for a book. By the way, I practice what I write.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

vive in the wild. "They are so expensive ($5,000-$30,000) that if one got away everyone would know about it."

CBS reported that exotic hybrid cats can be produced to become a smaller looking version of a lion, tiger, or leopard. They are cute as kittens but at 2-3 years of age can begin acting very wild.

When they become uncontrollable, their owners simply release them into the wild. Villepique said the Maine Coon is also a very large domestic cat.

Villepique still thinks what people are seeing are large house cats or native wildcats. He says even the most trained eyes and minds can be deceived. "I did my doctor's thesis on mountain lion's and would be considered an expert, but I have been fooled." He told about the time he saw two bobcats that he thought for sure were mountain lions. "It's plausible that there are native black wildcats in San Bernardino but I'm not familiar with them."

Villepique, who's worked for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for ten years, does think it possible that the peculiar looking ring-tailed cat could been seen in the San Bernardino region. "They are usually found on the Lucerne Valley side of the mountains but it's possible," said Villepique who emphasized that he must stay away from speculation.

Villepique did say that reports of rural wildlife crossing urban limits have increased in the past five years. Like other experts, he says there are a lack of good pictures of unidentifiable wildlife.

"For $50 you can buy a infrared camera, hook it up outside and actually see what's coming onto your property," recommended Villepique. He adds that the drought has caused many animal species to widen their territory in search of food and water.

"Irrigated yards are very attractive. Keep your dogs and cats indoors. Keep the lids on trash cans," advises Villepique. He

says it's normal wild animal behavior to make a meal out of your pet.

Either way, Frank Gonzalez will still be wondering what strange sight he might see tonight

on the overnight shift. "That's one of the reasons why I took this job."

For more information: wildlife.ca.gov

Wild animal species come out of San Bernardino foothills during graveyard shift

PHOTO/Carol Williams

Photo of large Maine Coon domestic cat that is often mistaken for wild species.

COURTESY PHOTO

When agitated this 30 pound bobcat can possibly fend off nearly every wildlife animal in San Bernardino County.

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By Harvey M. Kahn

he only life Frank Gonzalez usually sees working the early AM shift as a newspaper courier is wildlife.

Seven days a week Gonzalez can witness a variety of species that may wonder out of the San Bernardino foothills into your neighborhood while you're asleep.

Gonzalez can identify most of the common species that once lived exclusively without human intrusion. Along with the usual coyote, raccoon, opossum, bear and deer, Gonzalez has seen many unusual looking animals he can't identify.

"I've seen cats that are not your domestic house cat variety.

A couple times I saw these two

large pure white cats with very long tails," said Gonzalez. "One night on the road to Oak Glen, I saw this large catlike animal standing on its hind legs like a weasel. Two weeks ago, I followed a good-size mountain lion down the middle of the road, right through a neighborhood. I followed it about one mile going 25 miles-per hour."

Biologists say they get numerous reports from the public telling of sightings of strange looking animals. Over the past 15 years, numerous sightings of large dog-sized, black cats have been reported in the greater San Bernardino region."What people are usually seeing are mountain lions or bobcats that can change in appearance according to the time of year," said state wildlife biologist Jeff Villepique. He explained that those wild cats can change color due to their winter or summer coats.

Both CBS and NBC television stations have run stories in recent years about sightings of unusual looking large cats. Other reports claim sightings of black jaguartype cats near Palm Springs and Banning. Experts say such big cats could be exotic cross-breeds that have escaped from their owners. A spokesperson for Petsmart in San Bernardino said a full grown African hybrid Bengal house cat is the same size as a bobcat, but a spokesperson at Petco in Redlands said it's doubtful that cross-bred cats could sur-

Page A6 • December 29, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Colton Police distribute toys to young patients at Arrowhead Regional

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By MJ Duncan

oung patients who spent the holidays at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center were surprised by an early visit from Santa who passed out toys and candy.

Colton police officers escorted Santa as he meandered through the hospital spreading Christmas cheer. The 5th annual Operation Giving is a holiday tradition of the Colton Police Officers Association, and over 430 toys were distributed on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

Toys were acquired through Living 4 Giving, Next Generation Solutions on behalf of the National DARE Program and the CPOA. “It is very humbling to witness the positive impact that we have on families and to change their view of law enforcement,” Colton Police Officer Rich Randolph said. “There were nine officers who participated in the event, and half of them did so on their own time.”

ARMC commissions the Colton Police Department for services, and Randolph spent three years as an Arrowhead officer and feels an affinity with the Arrowhead family.

“The (police) department has a great relationship with Ar-

PHOTO COURTESY/LAURA MORALES

On Wednesday, Dec. 21 the Colton Police Officers Association held its annual Operation Giving at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where over 430 toys were distributed to young patients. Santa (Ruben Morales) was escorted by police officers through the hospital to deliver toys, candy canes and Christmas cheer. rowhead and this is CPOA’s biggest event of the year in giv-

PHOTO COURTESY/LAURA MORALES

Assemblymember Eloise Reyes attended Operation Giving last Wednesday at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where over 430 toys were distributed by Santa (played by Ruben Morales).

PHOTO COURTESY/LAURA MORALES

Christmas came early for young patients at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center courtesy of the Colton Police Officers Association.

From left: Sgt. Steve Davis, Living 4 Giving president Laura Morales, Officer Rich Randolph and Officer Carrillo-SRO.

ing back to the community,” Randolph said. “The children are shocked, excited and thankful.”

According to Randolph there were a lot of logistics that went

into planning the event that included gathering and wrapping of toys, coordinating with hospital officials where each young patient was situated, and to be informed of all new pa-

tients admitted that morning.

“This event shows how committed and dedicated we are as a police department to our community,” Randolph concluded.

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 29, 2016 • Page A7

Nonprofit to award 10 scholarships to SBCUSD female students

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By Anthony Victoria

pproximately 10 San Bernardino City Unified School District female high school seniors will be receiving scholarships on behalf of the Young Women Empowerment Foundation, according to founder Gwen Dowdy-Rogers.

The nonprofit organization will be hosting their 2nd Annual ‘Step N Style’ fashion show at the Shandin Hills Golf Club on January 6 to raise money for the awards.

The yearly ‘soirée’--the french word to describe an evening party or celebration--is held by the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation to help young high school girls receive funding for college, while also highlighting women’s achievement in fashion design and modeling.

“This is an opportunity for young women to come out to interact and encourage each other,” expressed Dowdy-Rogers. “We’re motivating them to follow their passions.”

A meet and greet is scheduled for 6 p.m. on that day, followed by the fashion show at 8 p.m. Community leaders, such as Hardy Brown II, Terrance Stone, and Joseph Williams (The Fellas), and law enforcement officers will act as models for the show.

“We want to highlight those who give back to our community,” said Dowdy-Rogers.

Young Women Empowerment

Reyes to chair committee on legislative ethics

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oday, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (DSan Bernardino) was appointed to lead the Assembly Legislative Ethics Committee. The committee establishes and recommends standards of conduct for Assemblymembers and Assembly employees. “ I want to thank Speaker Anthony Rendon for appointing me to Chair this important committee,” said Assemblymember Reyes. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the California Legislature continues to operate with the highest standards in the nation.”

The Assembly Legislative Ethics Committee is responsible for the creation and implementation of standards of conduct for the Assembly. The committee reviews and acts on complaints concerning violations of Assembly standards of conduct. Lastly, the committee supervises the mandatory ethics orientation programs for both Members and staff.

serves to strengthen the character of young girls in San Bernardino, according to the nonprofit’s mission statement. The program seeks to empower young women to achieve their highest potential, particularly in education, while also inspiring them to return as leaders and mentors.

Dowdy-Rogers said the scholarship is named after former Cal State San Bernardino and Cajon High School student Tyrahh Stafford, who passed away in 2015. Stafford was a beneficiary of the program--having been mentored by members of the organization and later returning to advise young girls in college.

“She inspired a lot of people,” Rogers said. “She was an example

of how strong some women could become with the right support. All we want them to do is succeed, and later return to uplift someone else.”

The organization’s Chief Executive Officer Devona Robertson believes the scholarships are a source of motivation for both the young women and mentors.

“It’s a huge role we play,” Robertson said. “We’re planting the seeds in order to bear the fruit.

That’s the mindset we need to have when speaking to these ladies.”

To RSVP, visit the Young Women Empowerment Foundation’s website at http://www.youngwomenempowerment.org. For more information, contact Devona Robertson at (909) 965-0810.

Courtesy Photo

Participants of the young Women empowerment Foundation’s ‘Girl talk Conference’ in 2015.

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Unforgettables Foundation walk to honor “Little Lives” set Dec. 31 in Loma Linda

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courtesy photo/unforgettables foundation

on new year’s eve, families and friends will gather in loma linda to honor children who have died as the unforgettables foundation hosts its 17th annual lights for little lives Memorial Walk. the event begins at 3:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

By Yazmin Alvarez

amilies and friends will gather on New Year’s Eve to light candles to honor children who have died as the Unforgettables Foundation hosts its annual Lights for Little Lives Memorial Walk in Loma Linda.

Marking its 17th year, the three-block walk includes a candle-lighting ceremony and name reading along with a dove release as a “symbol to a heavenly journey,” a major highlight of the awareness event, according to the Unforgettables Foundation.

The nonprofit, founded in 1999, helps families who have lost a child from 32 weeks of pregnancy to 18 years old for all causes of death, pay for burial expenses. The walk to honor children began in 2000.

This year’s event will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda, 11365 Anderson Street. Three families — Andrea and Andres Garcia, Rocio and Ruben Hernandez, and Michael and Jennifer Zambrano — all who lost a child, will release a dove at sunset followed by a 12 dove release memorial flight.

In addition to the commemoration ceremony, the foundation will also recognize those who work to heal, rescue and save children. Three

physicians, Lance Brown, MD, Douglas Deming, MD and Kay Mukergee, MD, will receive the nonprofit’s Top Doctor Pediatric award for “their compassionate care toward our area children,” the news release said. Ken Campbell will be awarded the Unforgettable Kiwanis Friend of Children Award.

After the ceremony, a threeblock remembrance walk will begin and will be led by boy scouts, children, physicians, firemen, funeral professionals, volunteers and faith community leaders. The walk continues down Anderson Street and ends at the Campus Hill Church where there will be a 40-minute ceremony of candle lighting and name reading.

The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The Unforgettables has provided more than 5,000 families from throughout Southern California with financial and burial support through its chapters in the region and in Nevada and Canada. Chapters are in the works in other areas of the country, according to the nonprofit.

For information, call the Unforgettables Foundation at 909-335-1600 or visit www.unforgettables.org and on Facebook at The Unforgettables Foundation