I
By Manny Sandoval
In an extraordinary feat of musical and cultural significance, Rialto natives
IZ Avila and Bobby Ross Avila, known collectively as The Avila B r o t h e r s , h a v e e t c h e d t h e i r names in the records of Super Bowl history
Their collaboration with global superstar Usher for the halftime show of Super Bowl LVIII not only captivated millions of viewers but also marked the event as the most-watched televised telecast in history, with a staggering 202 4 million viewers tuning in This monumental achievement has made them the f i r s t M e x i c a n A m e r i c a n s t o m u s i c a l l y p r o d u c e a S u p e r Bowl halftime show, a milestone that resonates deeply with their heritage and the diverse c o m m u n i t y o f t h e I n l a n d Empire
For IZ Avila, this accomplishment is a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance " G r o w i n g u p i n R i a l t o a n d embarking on a 30-year journey to the Super Bowl, my brother and I always knew that no box was big enough for us," he
shared "This is a great testament to those in the Inland Empire with dreams and aspirations that may seem unrealistic to others We are living proof that dreams and belief in yourself can lead to extraordinary achievements "
Reflecting on the day of the S u p e r B o w l , t h e b r o t h e r s described it as surreal "Riding to the venue with our mom and dad, I put my hand on my dad's l e g a n d g o t e m o t i o n a l a s I reflected on the journey," said IZ "It was a moment to take in and enjoy "
W h e n t h e G r a m m y a w a r dwinning brothers first received the news that they would be producing the halftime show, t h e i r t h o u g h t s i m m e d i a t e l y turned to their family and mentors "I called my brother, my mom, and industry legends like Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis," said Bobby "The excitement was overwhelming, especially for our parents It was a proud moment for all of us "
IZ added, "The calls and texts were great, but what would have been greater was to reach
Avila Bros cont on next pg
San Ber nardino’s 7th Ward For um Tackled Af f ordable Housing and Employment with Candidates Or tiz, Penman, and Incumbent Alexander
By Nathanael Hernandez, IECN/SBVC Film Student Intern
The race for the San Bernardino City Council's 7th Ward seat heated up as candidates Treasure Ortiz, James Penman, and incumbent Damon Alexander shared their visions for the city at a forum on Thursday, Feb 8 The event, organized by The People's Forum and live-streamed by KVCR Public Media, allowed each candidate two minutes to address critical issues facing the city, such as affordable housing
and quality of life improvements
Foundation, kicked off the forum by asking the candidates about their motivations for running for City Council Alexander introduced himself as the elected American Legion District Commander, responsible for "10,000 veterans and their families " Penman, a former city attorney, cited a lack of respect and opposition in the current City Council as his reasons for running,
emphasizing that "this must change " Ortiz, focusing on community needs, expressed her desire to improve public safety, street conditions, and build a better future for San Bernardino residents
The candidates were then asked about their plans to ensure affordable housing in light of record-high home prices Ortiz proposed financial education and rent control reform to address the issue of "slumlords" who raise prices without maintaining properties Penman highlighted his experience in dealing with rent control through code enforcement, mentioning his efforts to close over 500 gang and drug houses and relocate affected residents with a $250,000 council fund Alexander emphasized his current actions, such as implementing code enforcement and requiring landlords to undergo an 8-hour course to protect renters from exploitation
On the topic of improving working conditions and quality of life, Penman advocated for attracting the right businesses to the city that offer livable wages, not just minimum wage Alexander spoke about his efforts to support small businesses during COVID19, including providing $2 5 million in ARPA money for grants and opening an entrepreneur center to educate business owners Ortiz emphasized the importance of utilizing existing resources and encouraged a self-reliant approach to success
Avila Brothers
out to folks no longer here This achievement was in honor of our brother Aaron Spears, who passed away last October Lighting him high during the performance was emotional for my brother and I Audiences may have noticed an empty drum set on stage, which was there to honor Aaron ”
Musically directing and producing a halftime show involves a myriad of responsibilities, from managing budgets and schedules to coordinating with various departments "It all starts with music," explained IZ "We spent over a month figuring out the setlist and tweaking it until the very last moment It's an intense process to ensure the performance is as great as possible The setlist changed a couple of times, and that process was never-ending until February 9th "
Bobby shared insights into the rehearsal process, highlighting Usher's dedication to perfection "We were getting our call sheets at 1 or 2 in the morning, and a lot of what was going on was spontaneous Usher loves to rehearse and make sure he's perfected at the highest level The whole week leading up to the Super Bowl was based on preparation Watching the stage come together and timing everything out was incredible It felt like a perfect performance Our bar was Michael Jackson and Prince "
With Usher's extensive catalog of music, selecting songs for the performance was a collaborative effort "The transition from 'Turn Down for What' was the setup for 'Yeah'; as we were coming out of the ballads section of the performance As a way to honor women, we put in the song 'Bad Girl,' which we produced as part of the Confessions album, and H E R came out to perform will i am brought out 'OMG ' Everything was intentional," said IZ
The Avila Brothers also shared their experiences working with Lil Jon and other industry icons "Lil Jon is very passionate and knows how to serve the crowd It's been a great collaboration, and our batting average seems to be very good together," said Bobby
When asked about their first Super Bowl halftime show memory, both brothers cited Michael Jackson's iconic performance "It's always going to be Michael and Prince for us," said IZ "We put
that pressure on our shoulders to at least be in the conversation with what they showcased "
After their historic Super Bowl achievement, The Avila Brothers are focused on utilizing this moment to tell their story and highlight their contributions to music and culture "We're focused on our documentary (which has already begun shooting) and life story at the moment, riding this wave until it reaches the shoreline," said Bobby
The brothers credit their success to the unwavering support of their family and mentors "Our mom and dad, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and our cousins have been our superheroes They've paved the way for us and have been a constant source of support," said IZ
Bobby expressed concern about the current state of the music industry but remains optimistic about the future "The art of music and craftsmanship has been deluded, but having Usher on the Super Bowl stage pushed the envelope He showed us what we don't see as much anymore, and it's great that the younger generation got to see a true artist," he said in response to people under age 21 discovering Usher via his halftime show
The Avila Brothers are also excited about their upcoming projects and investing in new talent "We're excited about our artists in development including Obed, MKY, and our work in Nashville We're also focused on investing in our own artistry as The Avila Brothers," said IZ
Both brothers emphasize the importance of hard work and preparation in achieving success "We've done our 10,000 hours, and to put on something this big, you have to have been doing it for a while," said IZ Bobby added, "Talent means nothing without the work you put behind it Find something you love and put your energy into it "
The Avila Brothers' journey from Rialto to the Super Bowl halftime stage is a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication Their historic achievement not only celebrates their Mexican American heritage but also sets a new standard for musical excellence on one of the world's biggest stages
Ward 7
The forum also addressed the city's infrastructure challenges, particularly the issue of potholes and road resurfacing Ortiz suggested focusing on preserving salvageable streets and allocating funds specifically for paving, stating that she has a plan and knows how to execute it Penman argued for a complete rebuild of the streets, while
Alexander pointed to the city's current street payment plan and the effectiveness of "Hot-Patching" for repairs
As the forum concluded, the candidates presented diverse approaches to addressing San Bernardino's challenges With the primary election on March 5th, voters will have to decide which candidate's vision aligns best with their hopes for the city's future
San Ber nardino Symphony Orchestra Par tner s with City Libraries f or Fr ee Concer t Tickets
By Tony Barber, IECN/SBVC Film Student InternIn a unique collaboration, the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra has teamed up with the city's libraries to offer free concert tickets to library patrons
Dr Anne Viricel, Executive Director of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, announced that any library cardholder who checks out a book from one of four participating San Bernardino City Libraries will receive a certificate entitling them to one ticket to any concert in the upcoming 2024 season, while supplies last
The participating libraries are the Norman F Feldheym Public Library, the Dorothy Inghram Branch Library, the Paul Villasenor Branch Library, and the Howard M Rowe Branch Library Each library patron is eligible for
one voucher per library cardholder
In addition to this offer, local students under 18 and college students with valid school IDs can purchase symphony tickets for $15 for any concert presented by the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
The 2024 season includes six concert events, and each voucher obtained from the libraries will be accompanied by a flyer describing each concert and its times
Concertgoers are also encouraged to check out the afterglow/pre-glow opportunities available in the California Room of the Historic California Theatre
This initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to celebrate local culture and experience the arts in San Bernardino
T hird Annual Pr estige Film Festival Set to Illuminate Colton with Cinematic Brilliance
By Manny SandovalFilm enthusiasts and cinephiles are in for a treat as the Prestige Film Festival returns for its third year, promising an even more impressive lineup of cinematic gems This year, the festival will unfold at the 3 Iron Brewery in Colton on April 27 and 28, showcasing over 50 films from a diverse array of genres and countries
After two successful years in Banning, the festival has found a new home closer to its roots in the San Bernardino and Highland area "We wanted to bring the festival closer to our community and make it more accessible to local filmmakers and audiences," said Chuck Cerda, President of the Prestige Film Festival
The festival kicks off on April 27 with a ceremony at 5 PM, where filmmakers and actors will be honored in categories such as Best Animated Short Film, People's Choice Award Best Actor Best Actress, Best Short Film, and Best Student Film The evening will also feature live music, adding to the celebratory atmosphere
One of the highlights of this year's festival is its commitment to accessibility "We've decided to offer free entry to everyone this year, thanks to the generous support of 3 Iron Brewery," Cerda explained "This allows us to lower
the barriers for filmmakers and audiences alike, making the festival a truly inclusive event "
The Prestige Film Festival has gained international recognition for its dedication to diversity in cinema With participants from over 40 countries, including Iran, Italy, China, and Brazil, the festival has become a global platform for showcasing unique stories and perspectives "Our mission is to celebrate diversity in film and we're proud to have received a state award from Fiona Ma for our efforts in our first year," Cerda added
Among the films to be screened is "Marbles" by Kyle Hatley a poignant exploration of grief and strange abilities, nominated for Best Short Film and the People's Choice Award Another notable entry is "The Old Man in the Rocking Chair" by Eric Yoder, a suspenseful tale featuring Niko El Santo, whose performance has earned him a nomination for Best Actor
The festival also provides a platform for emerging talent, with a focus on student filmmakers "Beneath Her Sorrows" by San Bernardino Valley College film student Juan Manuel Villegas is nominated for Best Student Film The film delves into the impact of death on those closest to the deceased, showcasing Villegas' storytelling prowess
Read more at IECN com
Community News
Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) announced the hiring of its newest team member, Nataly Morales Sandoval, adding to the organization’s roster of experience in community engagement and clean energy programs
As energy programs analyst, Nataly will focus on expanding energy program offerings including customer rebates, incentives and savings tools, which currently include OCPA’s Residential Product Marketplace, OhmConnect, and community grant programs
“As a not-for-profit community energy provider, OCPA is required to reinvest revenue back into the communities we serve to support long-term sustainability,” said Interim CEO Joe Mosca “Nataly’s experience educating and empowering communities to learn more about energy-efficient programs is integral to our organization’s growth and creating awareness of the benefits we offer our customers ”
A seasoned professional with a background in environmental justice, Nataly has made impactful contributions in her role as a community engagement manager at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator where she led 10 com-
munity benefit pilots introducing energy-efficient technologies to environmentally underserved communities Nataly holds a master ’s degree in public policy with an emphasis on urban planning from the University of California, Riverside
OCPA serves more than 200,000 residential customers and 31,000 commercial customers who are actively participating in the community energy movement in the cities of Buena Park, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, and Irvine
For more information about OCPA’s Energy Programs, visit h t t p s : / / w w w o c p o w e r o r g / e nergy-programs/
Community News
Spectrum announced Great Harvest Community Center has received a $35,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant in support of their Closing the Digital Divide Task Force program In 2023, Spectrum is awarding $1 1 million total to 46 nonprofit organizations through Spectrum Digital Education, which supports broadband technology programs, education and training in unserved and underserved communities throughout the company’s service area
The $35,000 grant is the fourth Spectrum Digital Education Grant awarded to Great Harvest Community Center, bringing Spectrum’s total support for the organization to $95,000 over the past four years
Great Harvest Community Center is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide
growth through digital literacy, broadband adoptions and resource distribution while cultivating leadership skills and empowering tomorrow’s global leaders and entrepreneurs They will use the grant to provide laptops for their digital literacy programs Their purpose is to make computer learning fun for everyone, realizing that fear and anxiety are obstacles that prevent many from digital learning
“Once again, Great Harvest Community Center Community Center would like to thank Charter Communications for presenting us with a Spectrum Digital Education grant,” said Great Harvest Community Center Co-Founders Greg Walker and Mickey Yates “Through this funding opportunity, we have been able to donate laptops to the San Bernardino County School System and San Bernardino Valley College CalWORKs program This has enabled 550 households to receive free digital literacy
training and have a full computing device, coupled with their Affordable Connectivity Program broadband connection ”
Walker and Yates added “We like to view it as helping individuals that have been typing in lowercase, locate the SHIFT button on their keyboard They are using the exact same letters, but now their words are more impactful, with the capital letter emphasis Giving individuals a full computing device, free training and an affordable broadband connection is like pressing the SHIFT key, because now they can use the correct tools Charter Communications has enabled Great Harvest Community Center to make a SHIFT in the education and careers of so many disadvantaged individuals ”
Spectrum’s Commitment: $9 Million and Counting
Great Harvest Community Center is
one of 46 nonprofit organizations across 14 states that Spectrum is supporting through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grants Since the program’s 2017 launch, Spectrum has committed more than $9 million total to the initiative and has awarded 261 grants to 143 unique partners As of September 2023, Spectrum Digital Education has helped to fund more than 30,000 digital education classes, distribute over 13,000 devices including laptops and support the creation of 157 tech labs
“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact, Charter “Through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve ”
IE Veterans Str uggle to Find Existing Benefits and Ser vices Acr oss Vast Region, According to New Repor t
Community News
Today, the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) announced the release of a new study examining the existing benefits and services available for military veterans and their families in the Inland Empire
The study, titled the "IE State of Veterans Report," and commissioned by the Friends of Veterans Fund at IECF, sheds light on the challenges IE veterans face when seeking programs, resources, and organizations and the call for a more inclusive and responsive system to their evolving needs
While many benefits and services are available to veterans and their families, finding them in the Inland Empire can be daunting, and this highlights the need for our community to take a proactive role in supporting those who served
Over several months, the study involved extensive research, surveys, and interviews with veterans, service providers, and stakeholders across the Inland Empire The findings reveal crucial insights into the current state of veteran support services, identifying gaps, successes, and areas for improvement, and propose short- and long-term solutions toward enhancing the lives of veterans within the Inland Empire community
Key highlights from the study include:
• When combined, the veteran population percentage in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties nearly doubles that of Los Angeles County
• The IE is home to a diverse population of veterans who have unique needs and challenges
• IE veterans are less aware of where and how to access the benefits and services
they earned
• The population of women Veterans has seen remarkable growth, increasing by over 30%
• Staff turnover is a big issue with work focused on veterans because of compassion fatigue
“This report comes at a crucial juncture in our ongoing efforts to care for our Veterans,” said Rep Mark Takano (D-Riverside) “With countless heroes returning from deployments around the world and making the Inland Empire their home, we must remain vigilant in addressing their needs ”
Added Mayor of Riverside Patricia Lock Dawson, “In partnership with our neighboring cities in the Inland Empire, we recognize the importance of a united effort in addressing the challenges our Veterans face and enhancing the benefits and services available to them ”
Key Recommendations
Consistent themes emerged during this study, which align with established bestpractices seen in neighboring counties are summarized below:
• Awareness – Veteran awareness of where and how to access the benefits and services they earned Community awareness of challenges and opportunities of our Veterans and their families
• Access – Providing wrap-around services through a public-private partnership and multi-solvers, relying on a “no wrong door” policy for benefits and services
• Engagement – Create a movement of community support to embrace our Veterans so they have a better sense of belonging, which in turn strengthens our civic muscle
Read more at IECN com
Time f or Change Foundation to Honor NFL Star Bobby Wa gner with Philanthr opist of the Year Award
Community News
Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will honor outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond for our communities and continue to make a difference in the lives of others
Bobby Wagner, a football player of the NFL, will be honored with the Philanthropist of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor Born in Los Angeles and raised in Ontario, CA, Bobby Wagner was drafted 47th overall in the 2012 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks Quickly excelling on the field, Bobby won a Super Bowl in 2013, and throughout his career, has earned nine Pro-Bowl selections, six First-Team All-Pros, four- Second Team All-Pros, a 2010 NFL All-Decade Team, the Seattle Seahawks Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee (2x) and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship award He currently leads all active players in total tackles
Bobby’s passion to promote
stroke education and assist stroke patients has led to a partnership with the American Heart & Stroke Association, as well as the creation of the Phenia Mae Fund in partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Cedar Sinai, and Kaiser Permanente Additionally, Bobby has worked closely with several organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of King County, Time for Change Foundation and HBCUs, to advocate for health and wellness, education, and child development
“We appreciate the heart behind Bobby’s giving which is why we chose to honor him at this year ’s gala,” said Vanessa Perez, Executive Director, “his support to his local community is helping single mothers provide a stable home for their children, that’s priceless!”
Other Award Honorees include:
Dawn Downs at Symbiosis with the Businesswoman of the Year Award, Laurena Bolden at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with the Community Champion Award, Dr Rita (Faridah) Ali from We 2 Matter with
the Humanitarian Award, Rev George Lamb at F A C C T with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Kellie Todd Griffin at CA Black Women's Collective with the Michelle Obama Courage Award, Pastor Craig Hadley from Paradox Church with the Nancy Varner Angel Award, and Rialto ROTC with the Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award
Time for Change Foundation’s 22nd Anniversary Awards Gala will be held on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California at 6:00 p m PST To support the work of Time for Change Foundation, you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book, or purchase a Gala ticket
To register for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’s visibility in the community, please visit our website at www TimeForChangeFoundation org, or contact Florence White at (909) 886-2994 or by email at f w h ite@timef o r ch an g ef o u n d ation org
San Ber nardino County’s Sherif f ’s Depar tment Enhances Law Enf orcement in Muscoy f or Added Safety and Security, Championed by Super visor Joe Baca, Jr.
City of San Ber nardino Names Andr ea Russell as Dir ector of Human Resources and Risk Mana gement
Community News
The City of San Bernardino has announced that Andrea E Russell has joined its leadership team as its new Human Resources and Risk Management Director
“Andrea Russell has demonstrated her diverse and distinguished human resources experience in her time with the City,” said City Manager Charles Montoya “Her background in recruitment will play an important role as San Bernardino continues to strategically hire additional staff ”
Russell joined San Bernardino in June 2023 as a Supervising Human Resources Analyst and has been serving as the Interim Human Resources and Risk Management Director since January Prior to joining the City, Russell was a Human Resources Advisor to multiple public sector agencies in the areas of recruitment and candidate selection, applicant tracking systems administration, and employee classification and compensation
“I am honored to serve the City of San Bernardino as Director of Human Resources and
Risk Management,” said Russell “This is an exciting time for the City, and I look forward to contributing to its success ”
Prior to consulting, Russell spent over 20 years in human resources for local government agencies, including with the County of San Bernardino and cities of Covina, Riverside, and Henderson (Nevada) While at the County, she led their classification and compensation process; overhauled the recruitment processes from requisition to hire; implemented innovative off-site hiring events; and worked with union representatives
Russell holds a bachelor ’s degree in business administration from Nevada State University, and a master ’s degree in human resources management from Capella University
The Human Resources and Risk Management Director is responsible for the planning, organization, direction, implementation of San Bernardino’s City-wide human resources and risk management programs This includes recruitment, employment, classification, compensation, employee relations, training and development, performance evaluation, benefits, and workers' compensation for the City’s 879 employees
Community News
In a move to bolster safety and security in the unincorporated areas of the Fifth District, Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr , celebrates the announcement of additional law enforcement personnel to unincorporated communities within the Fifth Supervisoral District
These four additional deputies will be strategically placed at Central Station in San Bernardino, focusing on areas identified as priority zones for crime prevention and proactive policing efforts in the unincorporated communities of San Bernardino, and Colton Two deputies will be assigned to targeted patrol duties, concentrating their efforts in the community of Muscoy
Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr , shared, “In addition to the deputies we’ve already placed in our unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Rosena Ranch, we’re further reinforcing our commitment to safety by adding more deputies in our district ” Supervisor Baca, Jr, further emphasized “Additional
deputies in Muscoy means we are really stepping up for our underserved neighborhoods, especially where it’s needed most It’s about making sure everyone, no matter where they live, feels safe and looked after ”
Implementing additional law enforcement resources in these areas highlights the Supervisor ’s responsive and proactive approach to community safety The decision to enhance law enforcement comes in response to community feedback
“This is not just about increasing law enforcement numbers; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of our residents,” Supervisor Baca, Jr added “We are committed to creating a safe environment where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and communities can flourish Together, we are making our district a safer place for everyone ”
Residents can expect an increased police presence in the coming weeks, along with continued efforts to engage the community in these safety initiatives
SB County 5th District Commissioner & Real Estate Br oker Alber t Calder on Recognized f or Community Contributions
