City News Group Hits a Home Run by Hattie Strong - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

JUNE
S M T W T F S
31 01 02 03 04 05 06
07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

City News Group Hits a Home Run

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer
August 28, 2013 at 07:22pm. Views: 186

City News Group (CNG) officially launched its website during the City News Group Appreciation Night at the 66ers baseball game held at the San Manuel Stadium. CNG wanted to show their appreciation to those that mean the most: subscribers, writers, photographers, volunteers, and, of course, advertisers. To show that appreciation, CNG hosted a night at the local AAA baseball stadium for a night of the all-American pastime, baseball. Each invited guest received a free ticket to watch the IE 66ers play and a free ice cream to cool off from the hot August night. They also received, on a random basis, gift certificates for tanning sessions, restaurant coupons and coupons for a free car wash from Hand Car Wash USA. The most appreciated guest was Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) Superintendent Jerry Almendarez, who was honored with throwing the first pitch to City News Group Publisher Margie Miller. “Jerry was chosen because of his dedication to the communities we serve and his selfless acts of kindness as he strives to improve the lives of young people throughout the Inland Empire,” said Miller. For Miller and her CNG staff, the night was all about the community. “Every year we try to find a way to say thank you to the CNG family of supporters, from subscribers to advertisers, to community writers and photographers. All of these supporters help make our newspapers a buffet feast for the eyes that feed the heart, mind and soul. They [the supporters] make the long hours worthwhile,” said Miller. The crowds had been ushered in to watch the game between the IE 66ers and their rival, the Bakersfield Blaze; even though Bakersfield won 2–1, it was still a night to remember. City News Group subscriber and friend Nina Torres, a Career Guidance Counselor at Washington High School in the CJUSD, said she would use the words leadership, family and community to describe the event. “I definitely feel like I am a part of the City News family. They bring our city and community to life. I have never seen a community organization and business so dedicated to bringing a community together!” Torres said. Another special treat came during the seventh inning stretch when Joanne Lapointe sang “God Bless America.” The stadium was hushed by her beautiful voice as she sang a cappella. To a packed San Manuel Stadium and a group of over 1,100 CNG supporters come out for a night of fun, camaraderie and baseball, CNG unveiled its latest addition: its new website, to serve its six cities: Colton, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Redlands, San Bernardino and Moreno Valley. Finally, the City News Group has its own interactive online presence, complete with social media interaction, a community calendar, a delivery site locater and much more. With the launching of a new website, the City News Group will be able to provide its communities with a whole host of services, said Miller. “The website will allow us to serve our communities better by giving them access to a state-of-the-art calendar of events that will not only publicize their events, but can also be used as a tool to plan future events,” Miller said. “The website itself will carry the same informative articles but will also allow people to comment and share through their Facebook accounts. Most of all, this website will allow us to sustain our presence as a local media source.” Flashing on the billboard during the first pitch and throughout the game was the announcement of the City News Group website, developed over 18 months of collaborative work between CNG Publisher Margie Miller, CNG Information Technician and Webmaster Dale Dickson and CNG Editor Helena Mitchell. “The nearest I could compare it to is maybe writing a novel. Sleep, code, eat, repeat was my mantra for many months,” said Dickson, who wrote the code to match the design Miller dreamed of—one that is both user-friendly and visually appealing. “The best part is when people talk about the site and how easy it is to use,” Dickson finished. “This website would not have been possible if not for our in-house webmaster Dale Dickson and our Editor Helena Mitchell,” said Miller. “The two of them have made my vision possible and added contemporary touches of their own.” Mitchell said, “A big part of what we do is service—service to the businesses, service to the organizations, service to the residents, and service to our readers—and I know we are all excited about being able to offer faster, more comprehensive information to those who make the work we do worth it. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you online.” Visit the City News Group website at www.citynewsgroup.com, where you can view upcoming events, read local news in your area, and view more photos from the City News Group Appreciation Night by clicking on the "Appreciation Night Pictures" button on the right-hand side of the site.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

June 4, 2026 at 02:04pm. Views: 214

Across Moreno Valley, students are reaching a milestone that represents years of dedication, growth, and perseverance. To the Class of 2026, this moment belongs to you, and it’s one worth celebrating.

Photo Courtesy of: The Petersen Kids

By The Petersen Kids, Community Writer

June 4, 2026 at 07:55am. Views: 158

Niel “Pete” Petersen Turns 95 this weekend. B.Y.O.B, Bring Your Own Bible. Pete has long been a cherished and prominent member of the Grand Terrace community. He has also shared his insights and experiences as a contributing writer for City News Group, helping inform and inspire local readers. A man of deep faith, Pete is an active member of both Colton Christian Church and Centerpoint Church. As he celebrates his 95th birthday, the community joins together in honoring a life marked by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI-generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1347

Business professionals and community leaders attend a luncheon networking event featuring guest speakers and local updates.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1126

Brenden Muir proudly represents Titan Baseball with dedication, leadership, and passion both on and off the field.

Photo Courtesy of: Truly Adams

By Justus Baker-Postell, Community Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1508

Truly “The Truth” Adams secures a second-place podium finish at NOLA Motorsports Park during the opening rounds of the 2026 Ligier Junior Formula Championship.

Photo Courtesy of: Alisha James

By Carl M. Dameron , Contributing Writer

May 13, 2026 at 01:38pm. Views: 1304

PHOTO CAPTION: “This means so much to me because I love my students and the population I serve,” said Black Rose Award Winner Alisha James, Senior High Teacher at San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).

Photo Courtesy of: City News group AI Generated Image

By The Opinion of Vivian Johnson, Community Writer

June 3, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 294

Budget priorities can influence how communities support economic development, business licensing, and local entrepreneurship. This AI-generated illustration represents the connection between city financial planning and small business growth.

Photo Courtesy of: Dr. G (Dr. Luis S Gonzalez)

By Dr. G (Dr. Luis S Gonzalez), Community Writer

June 3, 2026 at 12:04pm. Views: 311

Dr.G, Council Member and Community Advocate and Delma Ledesma, award recipient.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Miles Thornton, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 432

Colorful resin keychains highlight how simple materials and creativity can produce polished, one-of-a-kind accessories at home.

Photo Courtesy of: Bububácsi

By Paige Mercer, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 350

A hand-decorated ceramic mug demonstrates how simple painting techniques can transform everyday items into custom home décor.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Lucas Hart, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 426

These balloon rockets races encourage curiosity, teamwork, and problem solving.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Anthony Romano, Community Writer

June 2, 2026 at 11:02am. Views: 339

Tender teriyaki chicken glazed to perfection brings together sweet, savory, and satisfying comfort in every bite.

--> -->