Inland Empire Weekly December 15 2016

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

Vol 12, NO. 17

THIS WEEK

Gloria’s Corner and Words To Think About

Avoid a holiday hazard: Redlands fire demonstrates Christmas tree burn

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IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Redlands Fire Department held a tree burn demonstration showing just how quickly a dry Christmas tree can engulf a home a flames. this holiday season, to keep fire ily become a major fire hazard, safety in mind. and firefighters last week demonedlands Fire Department Many residents have real is reminding residents Christmas trees in their home but Holiday safety, cont. on next that as they deck the halls without proper care, they can eas- pg.

By Yazmin Alvarez

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INSIDE ONE SECTION, 16 PAGES

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

Club hosting

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Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda boosts capacity with $12 million expansion

HOW TO REACH US

Riverside Country

Boys & Girls Club

2016 guide to Christmas resources in the Inland Empire

Gloria’s Corner A3 Words To think About A5 Legal Notices A11 Opinion A4 Sports A16

December 15, 2016

‘Drive for Toys’ for

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Colton Christmas Parade in Photos

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IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Several Inland Empire organizations and groups will host Christmas toy giveaways for children and families in need in area communities.

Empire. weeks to ensure families do not go Non-profit groups, local busi- without this season. The following everal organizations are nesses and some cities are hosting spreading holiday cheer toy giveaways and free Christmas Resources, cont. on next pg. throughout the Inland block parties in the upcoming

By Yazmin Alvarez

anyon Crest Country Club is hosting “Drive for Toys” on Monday, Dec. 19, for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater RedlandsRiverside.

Each player is asked to bring an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more. All toys will be donated to the Club for youth in need this holiday season.

“We are also very excited to be partnering with the Boys & Club of Greater Girls Redlands- Riverside for our toy drive,” said head golf professional Mike Drake. “This is an event we hold annually that has been well supported by our members, but we are trying to grow it with the help of the Boys & Girls Club. We are a private club, but for this event, we are open to anyone who wants to come play golf and bring a toy to help the cause.

We hope for this to be our most successful toy drive yet and the beginning of a promising partnership with the Boys & Girls Club.”

Tee times are available between 8 a.m. and noon. Cost is $50 per person and includes golf, cart, and range balls. A beverage and barbecue cart will be available.

“We’re grateful to Canyon Crest Country Club for thinking of our kids during the holidays,” said Boys & Girls Clubs CEO P.T. McEwen. “Drive for Toys is a great way to help kids and have fun.”

No denim is allowed. Men must wear collared shirts and women’s shirts must have collars or sleeves.

Canyon Crest Country Club is at 975 Country Club Drive. For more information, call (951) 272-9800.

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 15, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers • Inland Empire Weekly

IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ

A 64 square foot mock living room was set on fire to demonstrate the dangers of not properly maintaining a live Christmas tree.

Holiday safety, cont. from front

-strated just how flammable dry Christmas trees can be.

Station 261 on Citrus Avenue held a tree burn last week showing just how quickly flames can engulf a dry tree.

A 64 square foot mock living room was setup, complete with furniture, rug, curtains, and a decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath. When firefighters exposed the tree to flames, the holiday merriment was over.

Within 25 seconds smoke quickly banked down to the floor of the room “and that’s the deadliest part of any fire — the smoke,” said RFD arson investigator Rob Sandberg. The branches were fully engulfed and within another 15 seconds, fire had spread to the ceiling and to nearby furnishings. The entire room was thick with fire and

smoke and flashover occurred within one minute. In less than two minutes, the entire room went up in flames.

“These fires can be intense and when that flashover happens everything down below is going to get hooked. When that tree gets going, get out of the house. Even if that were to happen in my house, everyone is getting out,” said fire chief Jeff Frazier.

The demonstration was part of a critical public safety message to inform the community risk reduction through education.

“No call to 9-1-1 is the best call to 9-1-1,” Frazier said. “The more we educate the community of safety education, the safer we can all be.”

Frazier said additional safety demonstrations such as a handsonly CPR demonstration are in the works and will be open to the community.

IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ

A room in a house can become completely engulfed in flames in less than two minutes when a Christmas tree catches fire.

IECN PHOTO/ YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Redlands fire officials says the most deadliest part of a fire is when smoke fills a room. RFD held a Christmas tree burn to demonstrate the dangers of not properly mainting a live tree.

Resources, cont. from front

is a list of free holiday resources for families in need in the Inlandarea: Christmas Toy Giveaways

Christmas Dinner Luncheon for Seniors 60+ Dec. 15 — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lugonia Senior Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Reservations are required and going on now.

Information: 909-798-7579

Fontana

Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s 11th annual Toy Giveaway and Resource Fair Dec. 17 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Living Way Christian Fellowship, 16725 Valencia Avenue

Event will offer 500 turkeys and food bags to provide for a holiday dinner, 1,000 toys and community resources and vendors.

Information: 909-723-1695 Bloomington

Christmas Toy Giveaway

Dec. 18 — 10 a.m. to noon

Vida Life Ministries, 11608 Cedar Ave. Registration is going on now and is required for the toy giveaway.

Information: 323-823-4762 or 323-351-3724 Riverside

14th Annual Toy

Distribution and “Posada Navideña” for children 12 and under Dec. 18 - Noon to 4 p.m. in Riverside

Hosted by the San Gorgonio Pass Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Entertainment, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, crafts, hot dogs, beverages and more.

Event is open to the public.

For location information: 951-849-9029

Victorville

Victor Valley Rescue Mission Christmas Toy Giveaway

Dec. 20 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh Street

The Christmas event includes fun for the entire family and will feature Santa’s Village, crafts, games and live music.

The event is open to families with children 12 and under.

Registration is required.

Information: 760-955-5958

Gloria’s Corner

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

Gloria Macias Harrison Educator honored: Dr. Enrique Murillo, professor of education at California State University, San Bernardino and executive director of the Latino Education and Advocacy Days (LEAD) Summit was named Education Leader of the Year by Unidos Por La Musica (UPLM) a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic self-sufficiency and upward mobility to low-income community residents through education and the power of music. Recently both organizations partnered on the Summer Fiesta Music & Resource Fair in Ontario, attracting more than 2,500 people. Dr. Murillo received the award at the UPLM's Christmas Ball Gala earlier this month. Congratulations/Felicitaciones!

SBPD Grant: The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) awarded the San Bernardino Police Department a $430,000 grant for a year-long program of special enforcement, public education and awareness to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries. This grant will help the police department do educational presentations, do more safety enforcement, DUI checkpoints and other specialized training in its effort to reduce the number of pedestrian, bicycle, distracting technologies, drunk and drug-impaired driving incidents. Congratulations!

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.

Now - July 31, 2017 - the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art presents Journey To The Beyond: Ancient Egyptians

Now - December 10 - the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art presents "Volcanos, Wrecks, Riots, Nudes and Mythology: The Art of Edward Hagedorn" at the Cal State San Bernardino campus, 5500 University Parkway. The exhibit presents the major themes important to the artist, many of which still resonate today, including his reflections on landscape and the horrors of war. For information call: 909.537.7373 or visit: raffma@csusb.edu Save the Date:

Parade of Lights - Colton & Loma Linda - December 15 - 21 The Colton and Loma Linda Fire Departments present the annual "Parade of Lights" in eight separate nights to cover the neighborhoods in their cities. At dusk decorated Fire units will caravan throughout Neighborhoods escorting Santa and distributing candy canes.

Parade Schedule: Colton: Thursday, December 15 - La Loma and South Colton Friday, December 16 - Cooley Ranch area Saturday, December 17 Reche Canyon Loma Linda: Tuesday, December 20 – South end (Barton to the north, Laurel to the east, Beaumont to the south

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 15, 2016 • Page A3

Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway and Resource Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 16725 Valencia Ave., Fontana. In cooperation with community partnerships 500 turkeys and bags of food will be given away in addition to toys.

Ho Ho Parades - San For information call: Amanda Bernardino - December 13, 14 Vann (amanda@yvyla-i.e.org) or Lisa Harper ([harper@yvyla& 15 The Community Ho Ho Parade i.e.org) at 909.723.1695 Organizing Committee presents three evenings of parades with de- Saturday, December 17 - the parture and arrival parties for San Bernardino Symphony presfamilies in the San Bernardino ents Home for the Holidays at area. Parade routes and informa- 7:30 p.m. at the California Thetion are available at: www.ho- atre, 562 W. 4th Street. Music sehoparade.com and for lections featured include Ludwig information on car entries call Van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 Deb Marley at: 909.800.8211 in D minor "Ode to Joy"; Jeffrey Tuesday, December 13 - the Ho Biegel, Hanukkah Fantasy; Piotr Ho Parade starts at the Little Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Selections League Headquarters, 6707 Little from the Nutcracker, Morton League Drive at 6 p.m. A depar- Gould, Senate of Carols, and Irvture party with light refreshment ing Berlin, White Christmas. A starts at 5:30 p.m. The Wildwood chorus will add to the festivities Park Association is hosting the and attendees are urged to arrive HoHo Parade Arrival Party from an hour early to meet the com4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Wild- posers courtesy of Inland Valley wood Park, 536 E. 40th Street, Repertory Theatre Company, hear San Bernardino. Activities in- Carolers from San Bernardino clude: games for all ages, music, Valley College's Voci Soli and food and a free movie (The Secret meet the musicians at a post-conLife of Pets) at dusk with Santa cert reception. For tickets call: arriving around 8:00 p.m. Partic- 909.381.5388 ipants are asked to dress warmly.

Wednesday, December 14 - the Saturday, December 17 Ho Ho Parade starts at Blair Park, United Nations of Consciousness 1466 W. Marshall Blvd at 5:30 presents S.TE.M Fair and Toy with Departure Party of cookies Giveaway at the Anne Shirrells and apple cider sponsored by the Community Center, 1367 N. CalBlair Park and Muscupiabe ifornia Ave, San Bernardino from Neighborhood Association with 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event parade at 6:00 p.m. It will end at hosted by 6th Ward CouncilLytle Creek Community Center. woman, Bessine LittlefieldThe Arrival Party sponsored by Richard, will guide participants the Amtrak Neighborhood Asso- through various fun learning staciation and San Bernardino Valley tions to engage in STEM related College will include with a free activities. Games and ornament movie (Zootopia) refreshments, making will also be featured. candy and Santa arriving around Toys available for all ages, one 8:00 p.m. toy per child and child must be Thursday, December 15 - the present on a first come, first serve Ho Ho Parade starts at the San basis. To RSVP for priority visit: Bernardino Train Station, 1204 freetoys.eventbrite.com. For inW. 3rd Street at 5:30 with a De- formation email info@unclife.org parture Party sponsored by the or text 909.913.4520 San Bernardino History and Train Museum with cookies and hot Saturday, December 17 - Cecocoa with parade at 6:00 p.m. cilia's Taste of Life presents the The parade ends at the Perris Hill 4th Annual Toy Drive at the Senior Center. The Arrival Party American Legion Post, 1401 Vetsponsored by the DMV Neighbor- erans Way, Colton from 11:00 hood Association will feature the a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission to movie (Finding Dory), refresh- this event is a toy valued at $10 or ments and Santa arriving around more or a $10 donated. The event features DJs, food, opportunity 8 :00 p.m. drawings, live music and more.

Saturday, December 17 Young Visionaries Youth Leader- Saturday, December 17 - Cofship Academy presents its 11th fee Nutzz presents the 3rd Anand Oakwood to the west) Wednesday, December 21 – North end (California to the east, Rosewood to the north, Anderson to the west and Barton to the south)

nual Joy for Jackets from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at 119 E. Foothill Blvd.

Rialto. Meet with Santa, kid's activities, free milk and cookies are featured. Jackets are preassigned.

For information call: 909.874.2222

Sunday, December 18 - the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation will hold its 2nd Free Food Giveaway at Indian Spring High School, 650 Del Rosa, San Bernardino from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. This event will be arranged like a market and will feature fresh fruit and vegetables.

It will be First-Come, FirstServed and no registration needed. Recipients must bring their own shopping bags. The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation expects to serve 500 families.

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 enough to share. The protest poster is an artistic form of community based media usually created on paper averaging 11" x 17". In addition to creating 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/events /802310609871891/ Favorite Quote:

"Scientists have discovered that the small, brave act of cooperating with another person, of choosing trust over cynicism, generosity over selfishness, makes the brain light up with quiet joy" -Natalie Angier

To submit an event or info for Gloria's Corner please email gloharrison@me.com Also visit: www.iecn.com for online news.

OPINION&LETTERS Page A4 • December 15, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

By Anthony Victoria

Puente Project continues to ignite passions among students

Not all paths to success are straightforward.

I was struggling at this point six years ago--facing difficulties establishing myself as a disciplined student, while also trying to convince family that attending college was a wise decision.

Fortunately, the Puente Project-the great mentorship, counseling, and peer support program at San Bernardino Valley College-provided me with the motivation to continue forward in my educational trajectory. However, students continue to fall through the cracks because many feel they are not good enough for school.

Students of all backgrounds can utilize the resources offered through Puente to achieve success. For many, the University of California and California Community Colleges-sponsored program is an outlet for academic excellence and identity formation.

As current Valley College English professor Alma Lopez expressed to me during an interview on December 9, “Puente saved my life.” In the span of three decades, the Puente Project has rescued thousands of others as well. It is essential that the community continue to promote, endorse, and fund this transformational program.

Whereas some students benefit from substantial backing beyond high school, many first generation undergraduates lack that same support.

More specifically, AfricanAmericans and Latinos are left behind in regards to higher education. Approximately 37 percent of individuals belonging to these two ethnic groups complete a bachelor’s degree, according to the Pew Research Center. In addition, young Latino students are less likely to attend a four-year college, attend school fulltime, and attend a selective college.

Hence the creations of programs such as Puente serve as

channels for personal growth and confidence building. Providing this kind of help will play a vital role in shaping the future leadership in our region, while continuing to help low-income, non-traditional students navigate through college.

And according to the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU), specific programs and resources have contributed to the retention of underrepresented students and contributed to higher success rates. It simply comes down to making students believe that education is attainable and relatable to their everyday lives.

Puente’s writing component requires students to read Chicano Literature and discuss works in significant detail. For example, when reading Rudolfo Anaya’s Bless Me, Ultima--a novel that covers the influence of indigenous and Spanish culture on selfidentity--students may be adept at completing an assignment that relates to their own upbringings.

In addition, the program’s counseling and mentoring pieces are tailored for students. Individuals are able to meet their Puente counselor at the Liberal Arts building, as opposed to going through the rigorous process with the counseling department.

Mentors are assigned to students based on their career interests.

Such strategies will not result in dropout rates dropping to zero among African-American and Latino students. Nonetheless, it contributes to the creation of civic leaders, prominent leaders, and important scholars within these fragmented communities.

In the next 30 years, the Puente Project at San Bernardino Valley College will ignite the passions of students that need a little push to get on track.

It did for one student, who at one point didn’t fathom the idea of going to college. Because of Puente’s influence, I worked endlessly to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree. Now I’m striving to receive a Master's Degree. Si se pudo, Professoras Laura Gomez, Mary Copeland, and Alma Lopez. Y si se puede!

As puentistas, it is our responsibilities to ensure we continue to motivate students to utilize the power of the pen to further improve our society.

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

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2016 Presidential Election was quite Memorable

he 2016 Presidential election was definitely a memorable one for my family. I went to sleep on November 8th in dismay of the choice our country had made.

Donald Trump had successfully become the president elect of the United States of America.

My phone had not stopped ringing with text messages from family member across the country and outside of the country. They could not believe the end results of the election and neither could I.

Shorty after the results were announced, I could hear the tone of fear in my family's voice. They were all scared of what their future entailed with the announcement of the president elect of the United States of America. Trump has promised all of us a plan to make America first again, which included various methods of removing illegal immigrants from our country.

My family, assuming I have many of the answers to their questions in regards to our new president, did not hesitate to ask me what did I think was going to happen next. Will Donald Trump deport many of my family members who have been living here all of my life?

Will he put plans in motion as soon as Barack Obama is relieved from his duties? Will he stop at no cost to make America great again? My entire family began to be concerned about those relatives who are here illegally working paycheck to paycheck to maintain a somewhat stable home.

ily as members had to make arrangements with one another on the possibility that their children would be left parentless if mass deportations came to pass.

My young cousins had talks with their parents about the possibility of their parents not coming home. They told them who they would contact, and what they were to do in case anything happened. A majority of my cousins are very young and they were left scared and afraid of what their parents could immanently face due to their parents legal status. Their fears could become a reality if Trump decides to follow through with his ten point plan to make America great again.

The America he wants to create is putting fear in children who have known a life with their parents. Not a life where they must relocate and have a chance to live in a home without their parents. The night of November 8th everything changed for a majority of my family and many other families alike. This sense of fear has began to haunt them due to the election of one person.

One person who can change the lives of millions of people here in America. People who work hard to make a honest living to provide for their families. Now many people, just like my family, must live in fear because one person decided to break up families for a better America. No one should ever have to live in fear that they will be distanced from their family, especially young innocent children.

I along with many other Americans are displeased with the results from the 2016 elections. Many people throughout California have taken to the streets their frustrations by leading peaceful protest to show the entire country that they do not like the outcome of this election. Various organizations with different goals have joined together to show the entire country they do not agree with the electorate colleges choice of president.

From the beginning of his campaign trail, Trump expressed such negativity towards all immigrants that it framed them to all as the worst of the worst. This negativity has drawn a picture to all that immigrants just like my own family members are the lowest of the lowest, when in reality they are good people.

Just like many Americans I am disappointed with this 2016 presidential election, but now we must move on and find ways to make sure that the changes coming to our country do not affect us in negative ways. We must protect those we love and care for by fighting back these drastic changes that will cause negative impacts on the lives of many Americans.

Marissa Duran, Rialto, CA

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Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 15, 2016 • Page A5

Words to Think About: Modern Day Cruising

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By G. W. Abersold Ph.D.

ruising is a modern day phenomena. I first went on a cruise in the late 1970’s and they were certainly different from today. The food, the accommodations, the service, the entertainment were all inferior.

The ships today are bigger, more commodious and both the food and service are much better.

Today, most of the ships have balcony rooms and several larger rooms are designated as “handi-

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cap rooms;” the restroom facilities are at least twice as large. The newer ships also have more shops, more bars and make more stops on their routes. Amazing to me is that cruise ships now cover the world. Several transverse the globe.

From personal experience, many lines have short cruises. Examples: a three and four day cruise to Ensenada; and the same to Bermuda; and the same to the Greek isles.

The average ship has rooms with various prices. The inside cabins are cheaper; followed by outside rooms with a small window; next are rooms with a large viewing window; then comes the room with a balcony and the last are the suites. All businesses have a way to make money. Black Friday brings many of them out of the red. With cruise ships it is the price of their booze.

Also be aware that the people who go cruising are mostly seniors-like Stella and me. However, they do have programs for children and teenagers.

STELLA AND I RECENTLY WENT ON A CRUISE TO SANTA BARBARA AND ENSENADA. Santa Barbara is an unforgettable town about 95 miles north of Los Angeles. It is often re-

ferred to as the American Riviera; in contrast to the French and Italian Rivieras.

It has been described as, “Having white-washed houses dripping with bougainvillea, sapphire-blue water rolling up a rocky coast, palm-lined beaches, and an enviable climate.”

The scenery is dotted with Spanish and Moorish style buildings.

It was settled 8000 years ago by the Chumash Indian tribe that was attracted to the area by the abundance of fish in the Pacific Ocean.

In 1542, two sailing vessels, commandeered by the Portuguese explores Juan Cabrillo stopped from Mexico. He was followed

by Sir Francis Drake in 1579. In 1602, the Spanish Sebastian Vizcaino named the region but it wasn’t until 167 years later before Spain returned.

The Franciscan Missions came to Santa Barbara in 1786, the tenth of 21 in California. Its setting, surrounded by majestic mountains, leaves no doubt why it is called “Queen of the Missions.” It is a thrilling experience today to visit the mission and see its museum, chapel and historic cemetery where scores of the city’s founders are buried.

The Spanish ruled the area until 1822 when Mexico made California a Mexican territory. This

ended in 1847 when Santa Barbara became part of the United States.

A monumental event occurred in 1925 when an earthquake leveled the town. The civic leaders rebuilt the city in the Spanish colonial style that set the standard for the city today.

I would be doing Santa Barbara a great injustice if I neglected to mention two major assists nearby: the province of the Santa Ynez Valley wineries and the historic Danish town of Solvang-just a hop-skip and jump from downtown Santa Barbara.

Both are worth the time, effort and money spent at both.

Ensenada is an amazing city. It is no longer a small fishing village and a pot hangout for hippies as it was in the 1960’s. It is a city of about 425,000 people, a bustling shipping center, an international commercial fishing port and a thriving tourist destination from cruise ships.

As one writer puts it, “Ensenada is action-adventure destination filled with fascinating history, welcoming wineries, colorful streets, and breathe taking scenery.”

Twenty years after Cortez conquered the Aztecs Juan Cabrillo discovered this bay in 1542 and named it San Mateo. Sixty years

later, the Spanish explorer Schastian Vizcaino arrived and renamed it, “Ensenada de Todos Los Santos.” Meaning “Ensenada the city of all the Saints.

The village was dormant until the 1848 War with the U.S.A. In the 1930’s Ensenada hit paydirt when Hollywood discovered it and people like Lana Turner, Bing Crosby and scores of others discovered it.

Fishing, sight-seeing like the famous La Bufadora and shopping, make it a paradise for the large “gringo” population and the thousands of tourists.

Stella and I have visited both Santa Barbara and Ensenada many times and recommend both enthusiastically.

There are approximately 40 well known people that have homes in the Santa Barbara area. Among them are the following: Bo Derek, Brad Pitt, Carol Burnett, Cheryl Ladd, Dennis Miller, Laura Schlesinger, Ellen DeGeneres, John Travolta, Kenny G, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Dreyfus, Rob Lowe, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg.

Incidentally, President and Mrs. Ronald Regan had a ranch there that they frequently visited. My understanding is the estate sold it after their deaths.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

2016 guide to Christmas resources in the Inland Empire

By Yazmin Alvarez

everal organizations are spreading holiday cheer throughout the Inland Em-

pire.

Non-profit groups, local businesses and some cities are hosting toy giveaways and free Christmas block parties in the upcoming weeks to ensure families do not go without this season.

The following is a list of free holiday resources for families in need in the Inland-area: Christmas Toy Giveaways Redlands

19th Annual Christmas Block Party Dec. 10 — 10 a.m. to noon

Redlands Community Center, 111 W. Lugonia Avenue.

Hosted by the Redlands Police Department, Quality of Life Department, local businesses and numerous volunteers, the annual event offers free gifts to children in the Redlands community along with food, bicycles, games and crafts.

Information: 909-798-7633 Christmas Dinner Luncheon for Seniors 60+

Dec. 15 — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lugonia Senior Center, 111 W. Lugonia Ave. Reservations are required and going on now.

Information: 909-798-7579

Fontana

Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy’s 11th annual Toy Giveaway and Resource Fair Dec. 17 — 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Living Way Christian Fellowship, 16725 Valencia Avenue

Event will offer 500 turkeys and food bags to provide for a holiday dinner, 1,000 toys and community resources and vendors.

Information: 909-723-1695 Bloomington

Christmas Toy Giveaway

Dec. 18 — 10 a.m. to noon

Vida Life Ministries, 11608 Cedar Ave. Registration is going on now and is required for the toy giveaway.

Information: 323-823-4762 or 323-351-3724 Riverside

14th Annual Toy Distribution and “Posada Navideña” for children 12 and under Dec. 18 - Noon to 4 p.m. in Riverside

Hosted by the San Gorgonio Pass Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Entertainment, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, crafts, hot dogs, beverages and more.

Event is open to the public.

For location information: 951849-9029 Victorville

IECN PHOTO/YAZMIN ALVAREZ

Several Inland Empire organizations and groups will host Christmas toy giveaways for children and families in need in area communities.

Victor Valley Rescue Mission Christmas Toy Giveaway Dec. 20 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

San Bernardino County Fair-

grounds, 14800 Seventh Street The Christmas event includes fun for the entire family and will feature Santa’s Village, crafts, games and live music.

The event is open to families with children 12 and under.

Registration is required and is available now through Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mission, 15572 7th Street.

Information: 760-955-5958

Page A6 • December 15, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Ex-SBHS track star Bill McMurray became Top-10 professional heavyweight boxer

COURTESY/ESPN

San Bernardino High School graduate Bill McMurray (Left) fought or sparred with most of the top heavyweight boxers of the 1960's.

Pictured here fighting Sonny Liston in 1968.

F

By Harvey M. Kahn

ormer San Bernardino High School athlete Bill McMurray once fought heavyweight champions Floyd Patterson, Ken Norton, Sonny Liston and was a professional sparring partner for Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.

Keith McMurray says his father told him to never fight unless he is ready. At 57 years-old Keith McMurray will launch his comeback to professional boxing after a 18-year hiatus. McMurray's late father, Bill McMurray was among the top track hurdlers in the nation while attending San Bernardino High School from 1952-1954 before going on to produce a remarkable career in pro boxing.

Like his father, Keith McMurray can not claim a championship caliber record. Both were exceptional athletes who become box-

ers. Keith said his father was a imposing physical presence who was actually projected to be a receiver for the 1960 expansion Oakland Raiders. At 6'4" and 220 pounds, Bill McMurray could run the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds.

In a telephone interview from his home in Sacramento, Keith McMurray explained in detail how his father was never prepared for his fights with some of greatest heavyweights of all-time. "My dad fought former world champ Sonny Liston on four days notice.

He took a fight with another exchamp Floyd Patterson on two weeks. Same thing with his fight with another world champion Ken Norton." Keith said his own career somewhat paralleled his father's. "I'd often get a call asking if I wanted to fight tomorrow night." He said boxers need at least two months to prepare for a fight.

Bill McMurray had to work

very hard to win 27 fights and tried just as hard to lose 23. His official record was 27-23, with three draws and 11 knock-outs.

His pro career lasted from 1959 to 1971 but he remained a sparring partner until he was 38. Before that he was a undefeated regional army champ. He fought 16 fighters who were ranked in the top-10 in the world. He was knocked out by #1 ranked fighters Earnie Shavers and Eddie Machen. Lost on cuts in the 7th round to Norton.

He went the distance with ten world ranked fighters and knocked out #10 George Logan and held #4 ranked Tony Alongi to a draw.

Without a doubt, the biggest fight of Bill McMurray's career came in 1966 with a TKO win in the 8th round over #3 world ranked Thad Spencer, who was using McMurray as a tune up for a world championship fight with Muhammad Ali. As a 10-1 underdog, McMurray not only spoiled Spencer's chance at Ali's title but the win gave him the California State Heavyweight championship and placed him at #10 in the world. But he could only win three of his next 13 fights including losing seven by KO. "My dad never earned enough money where he could train fulltime like the others. He had to support his family by driving a truck 80 hours a week and never trained before most of his fights," said Keith McMurray, who thought his father flew from Sacramento to Pittsburgh and fought Patterson that night.

He pointed out that his father was a natural left-hander who like others at the time was made to fight right-handed. He said his dad never could punch with his right, relying on his left jab, his immense strength and exceptional athletic ability. By viewing his

1968 fight in Reno with Liston on Youtube, it was obvious McMurrray should not have been in the ring that night. He earned $3,000 for the fight, the biggest purse of his career. There were reports that he fought Liston with broken ribs.

Keith McMurray said he and his father were born in San Bernardino. His father married Margaret Banks, his high school sweetheart and they had four children. Records show Bill McMurray was known as Earnest McMurray at SBHS and SBVC, where he ran track for coaches Jim Brasher and Bill Hoyt. At SBHS, his track coach was Rudy Lanto and his football coach was Garth Huffaker. As a senior at SBHS, McMurray won a decathlon event that included five runs, two hurdles, pole vault, high jump and shot put. The next year at one track event he took 1st in the high and low hurdles, 1st in the 220, ran a leg in the 1st place mile relay, and came in 2nd in both the 100-yard dash and high jump.

His first pro fight was held at the Orange Show Swing Auditorium and he never fought in San Bernardino again. There were discussions of a local fight between he and Jerry Quarry for the state title but it never materialized.

Keith McMurray said his dad remained in boxing as a leading sparring partner until he was about 40. Numerous publications tell of McMurray being a very dangerous gym fighter, so good that he was sometimes fired as a sparing partner. Keith said George Foreman fired his dad but was quickly hired by Muhammad Ali, who called McMurray a talented boxer.

Bill McMurray was inducted into the inaugural class of the San Bernardino Black Athletes Hall of Fame in 1973. He

Courtesy Photo

Bill McMurray (at right) was an exceptional athlete who never had time to stay in proper pro boxing condition.

was later enshrined in the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame. Keith McMurray said his father passed this year at age 79, but says he can still hear his father's voice everyday. "I was there at fights when my father was knocked out. It never bothered me to see it. My father was like a God to me. Very inspiring. He taught me well because he knew about all the mistakes, said Keith McMurray, who admitted that his career was stalled due to time spent in California Youth Authority and lack of training.

"I have to redeem myself. Yes. I'm 57 and my wife is against it.

My father trained me since I was 4 and now I'm now able to train everyday, something my legendary father was never able to do. I'm coming back and I'm going to shock the nation."

Colton & Loma Linda Fire Departments Parade of Lights

Beginning Monday, December 12th through Wednesday December 21st, the Colton & Loma Linda Fire Departments will be presenting our annual “Parade of Lights”. At dusk, Fire units adorned with Christmas lights will caravan throughout the neighborhoods and escort Santa Claus on a decorated sleigh. Candy canes will be distributed to the children by Santa and Fire Department personnel. Residents should be aware that the use of emergency sirens will announce the parade in each neighborhood. Due to the size of the cities, the parade will be conducted on eight separate nights.

Neighborhood Schedule

COLTON Thursday, December 15th – La Loma Hills and South Colton Friday, December 16th – Cooley Ranch area Saturday, December 17th – Reche Canyon area LOMA LINDA Tuesday, December 20th - South end of Loma Linda- (Barton to the north, Laurel Avenue to the east, Beaumont avenue to the south, Oakwood to the west) Wednesday, December 21st – North end of Loma Linda – (California to the east, Rosewood Drive to the North, Anderson to the west, Barton to the south.

PLEASE NOTE – IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DOWN ONE WAY STREETS AND CUL-DE-SACS. WALK CAREFULLY WITH YOUR CHILDREN TO THE NEAREST INTERSECTION (CORNER) TO SEE SANTA AND RECEIVE A CANDY CANE

Boys & Girls Club to offer Winter Day Camp

B

COURTESY PHOTO

Kids paint during winter day camp at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside. oys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside is offering three weeks of day camp over winter break in December and January.

Day camp is for ages 5 to 14 and runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hansberger Clubhouse in Redlands.

Dates are Dec. 19-22, Dec. 27-30, and Jan. 3-6, 2017.

Cost is $100 per week per child.

Scholarships and early-bird discounts are available.

Day campers can go on field trips and participate in special activities.

Camp registration forms are posted at www.BeGreatIE.org, and are available at the Hansberger Clubhouse, 1251 Clay St., Redlands. For more information, call (888) 822-6535.

Bank of America helps the CAPSBC Food Bank this holiday season!

T

hey wanted to help their fellow community members in need of food assistance. They came to volunteer in large numbers.

They helped sort and pack food for the CAPSBC Food Bank.

They were inspired and asked, “What else can we do to help?”

Then Bank of America awarded a basic needs grant of $5,000 to CAPSBC help with general Food Bank readiness. A forklift in need of repairs and the purchase of a couple of pallet jacks are now feasible thanks to this generous donation from Bank of America. It’s just in time for the holiday rush and the great need in San Bernardino County.

CAPSBC CEO Patricia L. Nickols-Butler stated, “Emergency food remains one of the most requested needs in the county. It’s imperative that the Food Bank operates at maximum efficiency making this donation so important. We are very grateful that Bank of America has joined our efforts to address food insecurity, and help lessen hunger and malnutrition in our communities.”

As San Bernardino County's largest provider of emergency food, the CAPSBC Food Bank is tasked with collecting, warehousing, and transporting food to serve over 250 community and faith-based organizations throughout San Bernardino County. The Food Bank pro-

vides millions of pounds of food annually. Last year Food Bank assisted 385,418 households with 10.5 million pounds of USDA /Salvaged Foods, and supplemented over 1 million pounds of USDA/Salvaged Foods to Soup Kitchens/Congregate Feeding Agencies to help prepare 917,175 meals.

“This time of year when resources are spread thin and demand is high, organizations like the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County are critical in addressing the growing need for emergency food assistance.” said Al Arguello, Inland Empire market president, Bank of America.

“We recognize the important role CAPSBC plays in combatting hunger and malnutrition in our community, and by supporting them we know we are contributing to a larger effort to strengthen San Bernardino County as a whole.”

Anyone interesting donating to the CAPSBC Food Bank, may make a check payable to CAPSBC and mail to 696 S. Tippecanoe Ave., San Bernardino, CA 92408, or a secure donation can be made on our website at: www.capsbc.org/donate If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail: msalcido@capsbc.org or fill out a volunteer form at www.capsbc.org/volunteer

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 15, 2016 • Page A7

Obituary Colleen C. McNair

C

olleen C. McNair (September 3, 1937 – December 6, 2016).

Colleen was born in Rockwell City, Iowa to Joy & Berniece Crouch. The family moved to Rialto, California in 1943, and she graduated from San Bernardino HS in 1954. Colleen married Gene E. McNair and they raised their family in Rialto; they were married for 27 years. Prior to her retirement, Colleen worked as an evidence technician for the Rialto Police Department for 11 years. Colleen is survived by one sister: Patricia Manthe, two children: daughter, Shari McNairO’Heran (husband Kevin), and son, Darryl McNair (wife Peggy); also, four grandchildren: Leanna (Neil), Justin, Howard, and Brandon (wife Crystal), and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and one child, Rene O’dell.

Donations can be made on her behalf to: Friends of Rialto Police K-9’s P.O. Box 1732 Rialto, CA. 92377

Page A8 • December 15, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Colton Christmas Parade in photos

Photos/ANthoNy ViCtoriA

Courtesy Photo

Local children riding along with the Colton Community services Department.

(Back row left to right) Madison Barrera, Alma Vasquez, olivia sanchez, (front row left to right) Noah Limon and erynn sanchez all enjoyed participating in the parade with Colton relay for Life.

Photos/ANthoNy ViCtoriA

(Above left) Colton Christmas parade Grand Marshal Jane Gerth and (above right) Fiesta Village mascot Bogey. (Below) Colton Joint unified school District’s ‘stuff the Bus’ jacket and toy bus

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 15, 2016 • Page A9

Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda boosts capacity with $12 million expansion

D

By Yazmin Alvarez

ozens of families will be able to stay closer to their hospitalized children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital thanks to a recent $12 million expansion to the Ronald McDonald House in Loma Linda.

The renovation project — the Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House — was unveiled Dec. 11 and includes a 45,000 square foot expansion, adding an additional 33 new guest suites to the house built in 1996, tripling in size to meet the growing needs of more than 1,000 families served through the Ronald McDonald House charities program each year from areas including Riverside, San Bernardino, Coachella Valley and beyond, according to a news release.

The program often operates at 125% occupancy, working to place families at local hotels and covering those costs until a room becomes available. In 2013, more than 800 families were referred to hotels, the release said.

With the new upgrades supported through funding from groups such as the LA Kings, On-

courtesy photo/jon didier photography

inland empire ronald Mcdonald house celebrates $12 million expansion with local Mcdonald’s franchisees, the san Manuel Band of Mission indians, the Los angeles Kings and ontario reign at ribbon-cutting ceremony on december 11.

courtesy photo/jon didier photography

a ceremony held dec. 11 celebrated a $12 million expansion to the newly named inland empire ronald Mcdonald house in Loma Linda.

tario Reign, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and McDonald’s Operators of Southern California, families could expect to see brand new furniture, kitchens, laundry rooms, among other amenities that will provide a home away from home.

“When a parent hears their child is critically-ill and in need of medical attention, nothing matters more than being close by when they need you most,” said Jay Brand, board chair, Inland Empire Ronald McDonald House, in the release.

“These major lead gifts from the San Manuel Mission Band of Indians, McDonald’s Operators of Southern California and the Los Angeles Kings and Ontario Reign will help ensure we can strengthen even more families during an unimaginable time.”

Families are expected to stay in

courtesy photo/jon didier photography

the $12 million dollar project includes a 45,000 square foot expansion and the addition of 33 new guest suites complete with kitchens, laundry rooms and other amenities.

the new house by Christmas.

To learn more about the new Inland Empire Ronald McDonald

House or to donate, visit http://rmhcsc.org/inlandempire.

Page A10 • December 15, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers

Bells Are Ringing Throughout the Inland Empire

O

By Ricardo Tomboc

n Friday November 18th the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino began its traditional “Red Kettle” bell ringing Campaign. Bells began ringing at the larger San Bernardino area retail establishments. The bell ringing tradition has ushered in the Christmas season since 1891. It all started in San Francisco by Captain Joseph McFee, in an effort to collect enough money to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor immediately follow-

ing the San Francisco Fires.

This year’s first kettle workers at the Highland Wal-Mart shopping center were excited to be part of the holiday spirit. Mr. Haskins Herndon has been with the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino for over a year and this is his second year at ringing the bells. He was found greeting shoppers with a “Happy Thanksgiving” next to his Red Kettle!

Francisca Tousley of San Bernardino is ringing the bells for the first time. Francisca was greeting shoppers with a gigantic smile, and being a mother of two kids, Francisca naturally gravi-

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

Mr. Ray Carson from Highland has a history with the Salvation Army as a volunteer in Arizona and has had the opportunity to ring the bells at one time. Ray said that the Salvation Army “has a special place in his heart.”

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

Little 4-year-old Ryan Carranza drops his donation into the kettle as his mom looks on in the background. The Bell Ringer is Mr. Haskell Herndon who has been ringing the bells for the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino for 2 years now.

tated towards youngsters and even letting them ring the bell!

The kids seem to enjoy taking the donations from their parents to drop into the kettles.

Many people donate at the kettles for various reasons. Mr. Ray Carson from Highland, has a history with the Salvation Army as a volunteer in Arizona, and has had the opportunity to ring the bells in the past. Ray said that the Salvation Army “has a special place in his heart”. Melia Steward from San Bernardino, dropped her donation into the kettle and said that she, “donates frequently”, whenever she can.”

All the Kettle donations collected during the Christmas Bell Ringing season in San Bernardino are used to provide food baskets, feed the homeless and provide other essential goods and services during the Christmas Season.

This year the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino is trying to fill most of the bell ringer positions with volunteers as opposed to paid employees. The high cost of labor has made it difficult to feasibly operate the program. However, many have stepped up to the plate and have pledged to volunteer. Many service organizations like the Rotary Club have taken entire days at a time to sponsor a specific loca-

PHOTO/RICARDO TOMBOC

Gregory Agvila 8, from Cooley Ranch Elementary School drops his donation in the kettle while his Grandfather Robert Agvila looks on. Francisca Tousley of San Bernardino is ringing the bells for the first time. Francisca was greeting shoppers with a gigantic smile, and being a mother of two kids, she naturally gravitated to youngsters and even let the kids ring her bell! tion.

If you would like to volunteer your time at the Kettles or make a direct financial donation to the San Bernardino Salvation Army

Corps, you may call the Corps office at 909-888-1336. The new Salvation Army Corps office is located at 2626 N. Pacific Ave. in Highland.

BUSINESS & SERVICES

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 15, 2016 • Page A11

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Automatics • Manual Trans Transfers • Clutches Axles 116 S. Stoddard Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92401

Tel 909-889-1192 • Fax 909-889-5026

Inland Empire Community Newspapers • December 15, 2016 • Page A15

Page A16 • December 15, 2016 • Inland Empire Community Newspapers