In our December episode of Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America, our Impact Story looks at the causes of unemployment/under-employment among workers of color in the Inland Empire and explores inventive solutions. Plus, our Voice of Innovation segment introduces viewers to EasyCycle – Riverside County’s sole solar panel recycling company that uses unique technology to recycle solar panels without heat or chemicals. December is also National Learn a Foreign Language Month and we spoke with an MSJC Spanish professor on why learning a foreign language is beneficial. In addition, our Community Roundtable dives into the importance of community involvement as we welcome two community members who are making a significant impact. Our SOI team also takes a mouth-watering holiday trip to several local Temecula restaurants in our Food Corner segment. Learn about the fun holiday events happening in Riverside County and how there are more opportunities for filmmakers in the Inland Empire. Rounding out our episode, we take a look back at everything our nonprofit accomplished in 2024 in our Year in Review.
There is an unfortunate history of workers of color facing inequities in the Inland Empire but there are a growing number of resources available. The mission of The Inland Empire Black Worker Center is to build a Black Worker-centered movement that organizes to attain quality jobs, economic and social mobility, and policy change to ensure Black Workers, their families, and their community thrive.
The Black Worker Center has partnered with IEWorks whose goal is to increase the number of highly qualified candidates for mission-critical positions in the water/wastewater industry while ensuring economic equity across the Inland Empire. IEWorks will develop a diverse talent pipeline through apprenticeship, internship, and career awareness opportunities.
EasyCycle is the only solar panel recycling company in Riverside County. Using innovative technology, they are able to recycle solar panels without the use of heat or chemicals and reuse the materials to make other products.
Lead My Life Founder Cindee Williams and President of La Masters of Fine Jewelry Leah Finn, who is the Vice President of Philanthropy for National Charity League’s Temecula Valley Chapter, join Diane and Scott Strand at the roundtable to discuss the importance of community involvement.
December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month. In honor of this, Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America takes a look at the benefits of learning a foreign language with the help of MSJC Spanish professor Antonio Ramos.
The I-15 North Winchester on-ramp, heading west, will be closed from January 12 to February 14th. The closure is part of Phase 2 of the I-15 Congestion Relief Project.
Help save the life of a 15-year-old Temecula resident. If you are 18 to 40 years old, text “Summit with Sam” to 61474 to register with the National Bone Marrow registry and see if you are a stem cell match.
Click here to learn more.
In a special festive edition, our SOI team takes a trip to some local restaurants that will be open this holiday season.
Goat and VineThe
41923 2nd St #103, Temecula, CA 92590
The Gambling Cowboy
42072 5th St, Temecula, CA 92590
1909 Temecula
28656 Old Town Front St, Temecula, CA 92590
Gourmet Italia
27499 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
The Brunch House
32475 Temecula Pkwy G103B, Temecula, CA 92592
Here are the events that Spirit of Innovation: Arts Across America highlighted in December’s Good-to-Know:
Christmas Tree Lane
Outside of JCPenney at Temecula Promenade Mall
40820 Winchester Road
Temecula, CA
November 1 – December 18, 2014
Winter Wonderland
Hunt Park, 4015 Jackson Street, Riverside
December 14 – 9 am – 12 noon
The Polar Express
Southern California Railway Museum
Perris, CA
Hanukkah Candle Lighting
Inside Promenade Mall, 2nd Floor by Penney’s
40820 Winchester Road
Temecula,
December 26, 5:30 pm
20th Annual Hanukkah Festival
Riverside County Historic Courthouse
4050 Main Street
Riverside, CA
December 30, 6 – 8 pm
New Year’s Eve Grape Drop
Temecula Civic Center Quad Old Town Temecula
December 3, 6 – 10 pm
Drone light show @ 8:50 pm
East Coast Time Coast Down @ 9pm
Learn more about Kwanzaa here.
It used to be that filmmakers living outside of Los Angeles felt that filmmaking was too far out of their grasp. Filmmaker and actor Pryde Pierce explains how times have changed and filmmakers in the Inland Empire are flourishing. Hubs such as Future First and the 48-hour film project are important for creativity, connections, and learning. Film Festivals are another important resource, one of them being DigiFest Temecula.