W e e k l y RIALTO RECORD
Vol 22, NO. 16
December 28, 2023
S B V C E l e v a t e s E s p o r t s S c e n e w i t h G r o u n d b r e a k i n g Wo l v e r i n e Fight Fest and Unique Stipend Oppor tunity with IECN
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LLUCH Spreads Holiday Cheer with Annual NICU Christmas Dress-up Pg. 4
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FTVM Students Aiden Estrada (left) and Isaiah Serano (right) commentating during a live competition of Mortal Kombat l.
By Manny Sandoval
n December 15th, San Bernardino Valley College's Film, TV, and Media Department (FTVM) made waves in esports with its second Wolverine Fight Fest. This event, held in the state-ofthe-art Institute of Media Arts Podcasting Studio, showcased nearly 20 student gamers vying for glory in the fierce battles of Mortal Kombat I.
With a registration fee of $12, the competition was a display of skill and a testament
Ring in 2024 with Two Spectacularly Low-Cost New Year’s Eve Experiences in Redlands
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Isaiah Serano winning in the fourth round of the esports competition.
to the community spirit of SBVC. The proceeds were funneled back to the students, with the first-place victor, Jerome Bragg, pocketing nearly $150. In a display of fairness and encouragement, the second-place gamer received their entry fee back, ensuring that every participant felt valued.
Professor Kevin Lyons, a key figure in the FTVM department, highlighted the technological prowess behind the event. "Today, we're also utilizing our control room. This is where they switch between our sources. We've got four camera angles, and we have
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A student operating the switcher - providing Twitch viewers a live glimpse between the podcasting studio and the commentators.
six live mics - 2 for the commentators, 2 for the gamers, and it's really cool," he said. Professor Lyons emphasized the department's diverse offerings, urging current and prospective students to explore beyond gaming and podcasting with film, television, and screenwriting courses.
The event was live-streamed on Twitch, attracting dozens The event was livestreamed on Twitch, attracting dozens of remote viewers who engaged with the live student and staff commentators, adding a Esports, cont. on next pg.
San Ber nardino, Colton, and Rialto Share in the Spirit of Giving a t A n n u a l C h r i s t m a s A r o u n d t h e Wo r l d
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PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
Sista’s Making a Difference CEO Ronnie Miller and volunteers posing for a photo before getting back to work halfway through the event.
By Manny Sandoval
wave of festive cheer swept through the cities of San Bernardino, Rialto, and Colton as they came together on December 16 at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) for the annual 'Christmas Around the World' event. Hosted by Sista's Making a Difference, the celebration drew thousands of families from these neighboring communities, fostering a sense of unity and joy.
The event was a cornucopia of festive activities, providing more than just entertainment to the families. Over 5,000 toys were given away, ensuring that no child left empty-handed. In addition to the free toys,
PHOTO MANNY SANDOVAL
A child making its way through Christmas Around the World at SBVC - with a snack in hand and receiving a new toy.
the event featured an eclectic mix of food vendors, craft stalls, social service booths, and live performances, including a muchloved show by Tommy the Clown.
Ronnie Miller, CEO of Sista's Making a Difference, reflected on the event's success, "We just wrapped another year of Christmas Around the World at SBVC. We want to thank everyone who got involved in helping us support the community this holiday season - our volunteers, community partners, our sponsors, and those who came out and supported us; we could not have done it without you. We were able to bless thousands of kids today with over 5,000 toys. Inland Empire, we truly appreciate all of you."
Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, a proud sponsor of the event, shared her admiration for the organization's efforts on social media, saying "Sista’s Making a Difference has been making a difference in the lives of countless children. We've been a proud sponsor of their impactful event. The children celebrated their gift with Santa with dozens of resource booths, music filling the campus, lines for blocks, and a large open tent full of toys." The support from influential community leaders like Assembly Majority Leader Reyes and Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. underscores the event's widespread community engagement and collaborative spirit. Toys, cont. on next pg.