Local

San Gorgonio High’s starting linebacker to play prominent role in Friday’s semifinal game

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-Heidi Gonzales will never forget the day her then 10-year-old son was told he couldn’t play football.

“They told us they had no use for him,” Gonzales said, referring to representatives for the local football league. “They said he was a liability because he was deaf. But Desi didn’t listen.”

Fast forward seven years.

Today, Desi Gonzales is starting linebacker for the San Gorgonio High School varsity football team, a position he earned with pure grit and the help of an American Sign Language interpreter who excitedly signs play to him from the sidelines.Born with congenital hearing loss, Desi, 17, attended California School for the Deaf, Riverside until earlier this year when he decided to transfer to his home high school for his junior and senior year.It was a difficult decision that worried his mom, who wondered whether her only child would adjust to life in the hearing world.

Desi has more than adjusted.

At San Gorgonio High, he’s thriving academically and he hasn’t looked back.

“He can’t hear, that’s it,” Gonzales said. “There’s nothing else that’s different about him.”

Desi is anything but ordinary.

In his 16 years as San Gorgonio’s athletic director, Matt Maeda has seen a handful of deaf athletes try their luck in sports like track and basketball. But none had the perseverance and athleticism that made Desi stand out.

“Nothing’s been given to Desi,” Maeda said. “He’s had to earn it by working hard, harder than most other kids.”

On Friday, when Heidi Gonzales watches her son and his team take on Anaheim’s Western High School at 7:30 p.m., on San Gorgonio High’s home field, she’ll be beaming with pride that her son didn’t listen.

Partnership addresses long-term healthcare needs of Coachella Valley

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-RIVERSIDE,CA— The School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, and Eisenhower Health have formally established an affiliation for the joint training of future physicians to address the Coachella Valley’s medical workforce shortage.

Deborah Deas, the Mark and Pam Rubin Dean of the UCR medical school and chief executive officer of clinical affairs, and G. Aubrey Serfling, president and chief executive officer of Eisenhower Health, signed the affiliation agreement in an informal ceremony attended by leadership, faculty, and staff of both institutions in the Annenberg Health Sciences Building on the Eisenhower Health campus.

UCR Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox, who attended the event, described the new partnership as an investment in the long-term healthcare needs of the region.

“It’s about shared values, an improved quality of life in the Coachella Valley, and a world-class medical education — but it is also about a deeper vision,” he said. “The commitment is really a focus on the future, designed to serve upcoming generations, not only treat the patients of today. It is about helping to create a different Coachella Valley in 10, 20, 30 years from now, as these physicians become part of the environment here in the region.”

“With this affiliation, the future of health care in the Coachella Valley is moving forward,” Serfling said. “Establishing an affiliation with such a respected institution like UCR underscores our commitment to provide the very best care to our patients now and for years to come.”

Initially, the two institutions will partner to expand residency and fellowship training opportunities in the Coachella Valley. The UCR School of Medicine sponsors a variety of residency training and fellowship programs, including in psychiatry, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and cardiovascular medicine. Eisenhower Health currently offers residency training programs in family medicine and internal medicine, a fellowship in sports medicine and, beginning next July, a residency training program in emergency medicine.

Together, the two institutions will start additional graduate medical education programs. The strategy of expanding residency training in the Coachella Valley capitalizes on the primary driver of where physicians practice: where they complete their medical training.

This partnership “will allow us to be an example for other communities of similar demographics, communities that have so few physicians, of how we can come together to make something great,” Deas said. “We all share the common vision of providing the best quality care for the people of our communities. We will epitomize the African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ I’m sure we will go far together.”

“From the very start, our discussions were predicated upon the notion that this has to be a win-win situation for both institutions, and I believe we’ve achieved that,” said Dr. John Stansell, designated institutional officer of Eisenhower Health, who will work directly with Dr. Gerald A. Maguire, UCR’s associate dean for graduate medical education.

ByNaomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— In today’s day and age, when youth tend to deter off in the wrong direction, it is often times because they lack mentorship. People, and especially our youth, need that mentor to show them what they can achieve no matter what circumstances they may come from. Eugene Weems, founder of Vibrant Green for Vibrant Peace (VG4VP) has been called to be that mentor. He started VG4VP in 2013 to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies to all people affected by disaster across the country and to help reduce the effects of crime, gang activity, and recidivism by positively impacting the lives of at-risk youth and troubled adults.

“We strive to provide relief to those who are in need of necessities, counseling or guidance,” Weem explains. “VG4VP also assists single parents in an effort to ensure their children a successful future”

VG4VP is accomplishing it’s mission by implementing a set of strategies and tactics designed to bring gang members out of the bondage of the gangsta’ lifestyle and mentality. 

“This is not an ego-driven call for a contest. I simply want to show the tools that VibrantGreen for Vibrant Peace has developed, and I want to offer them for your use.They work, they are effective, and they create change,” Weem stated.I was able to sit and down and chat with Weem where he discussed his inspiration behind starting VG4VP, future events that the organization is doing and a few other things that he has in the works.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 1355 W. 21st Street, San Bernardino, CA, is pleased to announce and welcome the Reverend Godfrey R. Patterson as the church’s new senior pastor.  He was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church, at the 94th Session of the Southern California Conference on October 21, 2018. 

Rev. Patterson has more than 40 years of a successful pastoral experience where he has served congregations in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, California and Kansas.   His most recent pastoral assignment was at St. Paul AME Church, Wichita, Kansas. 

A native of Chicago, IL, he graduated from Northside High School, attended and graduated from Lambuth College in Jackson, TN; after which he responded to the “call of Gospel ministry” and enrolled at the Howard University School of Religion.  At Howard, he distinguished himself as both a campus leader and community organizer, co-founding the Howard University Student Aid to Political Prisoners and becoming a coordinator with the Wilmington 10 Defense Committee.   He is also the founder of InFocus Ministries, an “evangelistic social gospel workshop” and has traveled extensively throughout the nation winning souls to Christ and organizing these converts to become agents of positive change in the black community.

His credits as an author include: The Ten Black Commandments (Principles of Survival); two books, The Autobiography of a Stranger; Just Trusting in God; and a screenplay, “Framed.”  He is currently working on his third book, Meditations from the Heart of a Stranger, as well as video project connected with his book, Just Trusting in God.  His personal motto is taken from the words of Hale, “I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  What I can do, I ought to do.  And what I ought to do, by the grace of
God, I will do.”

Hollywood’s elite join invited guests to honor today’s heroes shaping society

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOSANGELES, CA— Some of Hollywood’s biggest names from film and televisionjoined more than 600 guests to celebrate today’s community champions andindustry titans from across the country at the annual EBONY Power 100Gala, presented by Nationwide, at the Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles onFriday, November 30.

The annual EBONY Power 100List recognizes the most influential and inspiring individuals from abroad spectrum of industry genres, across eight categories: CommunityCrusaders, Disruptors, Entertainment & Arts, Entrepreneurs, Innovators,MVPs, Power Players and the coveted Women Up category. Hundreds of guests descended on Beverly Hills for the EBONY Power 100 Gala, honoring those recognized in each category, for the star-studded spectacle attended by the who’s who in sports, entertainment, business, philanthropy, politics and social activism—hosted by internationally acclaimed actor and comedian ChrisTucker. Guests were encouraged to share their experience using #EBONYPower100.

Before the start ofthe gala, the world’s media lined a jam-packed red carpet, eagerly awaiting thearrival of some of today’s biggest names. A hand-picked selection of EBONYPower 100 industry honorees rubbed shoulders with acclaimed Hollywood celebritiesduring the red carpet arrivals ceremony, while dozens of guests registered fortheir table seating. Notable celebrities and high-profile personalities whoattended the gala, some of whom adorned the red carpet in effervescent gownsand bold tuxedos, included DavidOyelowo(Selma), Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries), Ne-Yo (singer), Chris Tucker (actor/comedian),Susan Kelechi Watson (This Is Us), Melanie Liburd (This Is Us), Bianca Lawson and KofiSiriboe (Queen Sugar)Dyllón Burnside,Hailie Sahar,Indya Moore and Steven Canals (Pose),Debra Lee (former CEO of BET), Ethiopia Habtemariam (Motown president), J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Sugar Ray Leonard (legendary boxer), Cedric Yarborough (actor), Ernie Hudson (actor), Cari Champion (ESPN), Mayor Andrew Gillum (Tallahassee, Florida), Mayor London Breed (San Francisco) and Mayor Stephen Benjamin (Columbia, South Carolina), Saweetie (singer), Hayley Law (actress), Marque Richardson (Dear White People), Israel Houghton (singer) and Adrienne Houghton (TV personality) Mehgan James (actress), Don Benjamin(model/musician), Amin Joseph (actor), Eva Marcille (actress/model), Deborah Ayorinde (actress), Courtney Kemp (co-creator, Power), and Symone Sanders (CNN), among others. Celebrity couplesin attendance included YolandaAdams (gospel singer), whoattended on the arm of honoree TitusO’Neil(WWE star), and CynthiaBailey (actress/model) joinedbeau Mike Hill (Fox Sports).

“This year’s EBONYPower 100 Gala was the most memorable to-date,” says EBONY Media OperationsCEO Michael Gibson. “This year wehonored the most eclectic group of outstanding individuals and prolific leaderswho represent excellence in their respective fields. The excitement on the redcarpet, leading up to the electrifying atmosphere in the ballroom reflected thetremendous attendance we had by Hollywood, professional athletes, politiciansand business leaders, not to mention the heroic community activists, all ofwhom have made a significant impact on our lives. I would like to thank each ofour 2018 Power 100 honorees, as well as our sponsors and readers for makingthis year’s event such a success.”

Following the introduction of actor ChrisTucker as the evening’s host, opening remarks were given by EBONY Media Operations Chairman Emeritus Linda Johnson Rice. Angela Bretz from Nationwide proceeded to introduce a heartfelt video about the legacy of EBONY Power 100. EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO MichaelGibson presented the inaugural EBONY Chairman’sAward to former BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee for her contribution to the broadcast industry. Susan Kelechi Watson and Melanie Liburd, actors from the hit TV show “This Is Us,” presented the honorees in the Women Up category, the first for the night, after which Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam proudly introduced the first label performance by JAMES DAVIS that struck a musical chord with the capacity crowd, who enjoyed their first dinner course while listening to the soul-rock fusion tracks performed by the three siblings.

The evening progressed with highly anticipated presentations of the remaining honorees in each of the eight categories that form the EBONY Power 100 List. GatheringSpot’s Ryan Wilson and TKPetersen presented the honorees video for the Disruptors category; Senior Vice President,Retirement Plans Distribution at Nationwide EricStevenson presented the honorees video for the CommunityCrusaders category; actor and comedian J.B. Smoove presented the honorees video for the Entrepreneurs category; Managing Director of LaborRelations & Legal Strategy for United Airlines Jessica Kimbrough presented the honorees video for theInnovators category; Vice Chairman of Ebony MediaOperations Willard Jackson presented the honorees video for the MVPs category; Lexus Advertising Manager Bruce Hines presented the honorees video for the Entertainment and Arts category, and EBONY Media OperationsChairman and CEO Michael Gibson returned to the stage to present the honorees video for the Power Players category. Linda Johnson Rice made a second appearance on stage to give a warm welcome speech for Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam, who was presented with the prestigious EBONYIcon Award to commemorate the label’s diverse and historic artistry.

Motown RecordsGeneral Manager Marc Byers appeared on stage to give an introduction to recording artist Ne-Yo, who graced the stage in a purple suit, complete with a foot brace that didn’t seem to hinder his exhilarating and unexpected four-track performance of his most popular tracks, including the hit single “Time of Our Lives.” The acclaimed artist was seen to weave among the seated gala guests, who stood and danced alongside his unrehearsed personal encounter. Following Chris Tucker’s closing remarks, guests made their way to the Nationwide Lounge to enjoy after-hours cocktails and classic beats by DJClark Kent. Chris Tucker was seen to be in a celebratory mood in theTerrace Room, while singing aloud to classic Motown tracks, as guests and celebrities alike danced with each other into the early hours. 

In celebration of those whose work and heroism continue to inspire and influence society, the publication announced its 2018 EBONY Power 100 List in October. For more than30 years, the EBONY Power 100 List has been curated by the editors of EBONY magazine and its staff, and is determined by the work, accomplishments and influential reach of each of the honorees. The complete 2018 EBONY Power 100List can be viewed by visiting www.ebony.com/power100-2018.

The EBONY Power 100Gala was hosted by EBONYFoundation and benefited theSickle Cell Disease Association of America. Learn more about sickle cell disease and donate by texting “EBONY” to 91011 and using #SCDHOPEWINS. Follow#EBONYPower100 on Instagram and Facebook. 

By Lou Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Fireis WHAT IT DO!
Rapper Mack Pepperboy is an artist with Cali Swagg Mixed with that Down SouthNew Orleans flavor who’s HOT.

It’s finally here! New music from this talented artist drops next week. His project, ‘It’s The Pepperboy’ showcases dope songs such as, “Fire” featuring Rock Singer/Rapper, Chase Enriquez and “Phone” featuring R&B Singer Zodi Wallace member of R&B Group Section III and “Change” featuring pop singer Bernice Celeste.

“A lot of heart and soul went into making this music,” Mack Pepperboy explained. “I wanted to move different with this project. I was able to link with other talented artists in order to create a new sound. I think my fans will dig where my head is and where I’m going with it.”

Currently under management with LUE Productions, this artist is one to watch for. Check him out yourself next week as he interviews and promotes his EP. All information and links below. Full project drops in the NEW YEAR! Appreciate the support! Until next week L’z!

On Sunday, December 9 at 3 p.m. Promo Video Drop for promo song, “Right There” featuring R&B Singer Yung Muusik, produced by Chef Music Studio’s. Video shot by Nycce Dreams. Special thanks to all the models and entities that helped to make it happen. Link https://www.facebook.com/Itsthepepperboy/notifications.

Also om Sunday, December 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. interview with L’s of ‘SouthSundayzRadio’. New Song Alert off new project, “It’s the Pepperboy”. “Fire” featuring Rock Singer/Rapper, Chase Enriquez and “Phone” featuring R&B Singer, Zodi Wallace member of R&B ‘Group Section lll’. The link www.SouthSundayzRadio.com

On Wednesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. live on Cali Best Radio with Lady Impress pushing tune in at NBC/CNBC KCAA 102.3FM &106.5FM.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—The San Bernardino County Board of Education unanimously elected Hardy Brown II as president of the five-member governing body for one year during its monthly meeting on Monday, December 3.

Brown, who was just elected to a new term in November, represents Trustee Area D, which includes the districts of Rialto, San Bernardino and Snowline.

In addition to the presidency, Laura Mancha was elected vice president of the Board. Mancha represents Trustee Area C, which includes the school districts of Chaffey Joint Union, Chino Valley, Cucamonga, Fontana, Mountain View and portions of Ontario-Montclair. Board members are elected to four-year terms.

Prior to the meeting, Brown, along with newly elected Board members Ken Larson of Trustee Area A and Rita Fernandez-Loof of Trustee Area B, were sworn into office.

The Board establishes policy, adopts an annual budget, approves building plans and hears 

student expulsion, inter-district transfer and charter school appeals. The Board meets monthly, regularly the first Monday of the month.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Learning about African American History on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at the Center for Youth & Community Development was engaging for all Beautillion Knights and their support group. Dr. N. Lawson Bush, V, Professor of Educational Leadership and Administration and Pan African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles and the former director of the University California Irvine and Cal State Los Angeles Joint-Doctoral Program in Urban Educational Leadership spent time educating Social Lites, Inc.  Beautillion Knights on African American History.  

Alumni Beautillion Knights are encouraged to contact Mrs. Tina Darling or Mrs. Bettye Brewster before the end of December 2018.  All Alumni Knights are welcome to attend Sunday meetings with the 2018 Knights every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Youth & Community Development (formerly Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino) located at 1180 W. 9th Street in San Bernardino.

The Social Lites, Inc. 52nd Beautillion program will commence on March 30, 2019 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino. 

For more information, please telephone chairperson, Mrs. Tina Darling at knight.beautillion@gmail.com or Ms. Joyce Smith, President at (909) 881-5841 or Ms. Bettye Brewster, Business Manager, (951) 204-0022.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You got to be kidding right? Tell me, it is not so…? Because don’t you know that you cannot dance with the devil without paying the devils’ price? Don’t you know that you can’t sleep in the sewer without getting dirty…? Don’t you know that you can’t compromise with evil and come away clean. Don’t you know…? You can’t hold hands with God and walk with the devil. Listen, Satan is the enemy of our soul, yet he comes to you as a romancing lover. He entices your emotions, serenades your senses, lures your lovesick heart and woos you in your weakness… he is after you. Make no mistake about it, he knows your desires and your passions and he will play on them to get what he wants… he promises everything and leaves you with nothing. He may love you and please you for a season; he ultimately will destroy you for eternity. Satan doesn’t give a cramp about you. He is not your friend and if you dance with the devil you will pay the piper. You better know that you know!

The truth about the devil is that he does not play fair. Satan is a liar! He will trick you into believing him! You gotta be on guard at all times. Satan is very sophisticated and specialized. He is the greatest under-cover agent of all times. Biblical descriptions of him include everything from an angel of light to a ravenous beast. Anyone is a welcome challenge to him, from Adam to Jesus himself. Nobody is too good or powerful for his advances. He can provoke, tempt, enter into, transform himself, and vex. He is a cunning trap-setter, and his prey is man. The bounty he collects is eternal damnation. You better know that you know!

Satan has been seducing for years and the results have always been the same. He seduced Adam and Eve and the result was the fall of mankind [Genesis 3: 1-6]. He seduced King David and the result was the death of his son and the division of his kingdom [2 Samuel 11-12]. He seduced Judas Iscariot and the result was the betrayal of Jesus and Judas committing suicide [John 13:21-30; Matthew 27:3-5]. He seduced Ananias and Sapphira and the result was that they dropped dead [Acts 5:1-11]. He tried to seduce Jesus and the result was the destruction of the Devil himself. Jesus forever proved that Satan could be defeated and that man did not have to bow down to his seduction. You can be victorious against the seduction of Satan…. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Stop cuddling with the devil. Because, sooner or later, sin’s consequences will catch up with you. You better know that you know!