Local

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Drivers, passenger bus riders and others could have been excused if they had paused in their travels last Saturday evening, feeling a need to ‘check out’ what was going on in Downtown San Bernardino.

It looked like party time at Court Street Square. Bright lights were strung through the trees and there were plenty of banquet tables, chairs and other seating with a lot of people standing about. Some were in lines of giant food trucks, others eating and well dressed people taking photos of each other.  People were having a good time!

THIS in Downtown San Bernardino?  A flashback of the past?  Or a vision of the future?

Assembly Member Eloise Gomez Reyes presented the 3rd Annual 30 Under 30 Award Ceremony and Art Showcase, presented at dusk, in otherwise apparently deserted Downtown, City of  San Bernardino was an outstanding success.

It was real, it was creative, and it focused on local youth and their roles in advancing the quality of life HERE in the Inland Empire (I.E.).

Opening the event, AssemblyMember Reyes did what is almost unheard of in the world of practical politics;  she gave credit to an earlier political leader for the model of this event AND shared the platform with that person.

The 30 Under 30 program recognizes the special services and other contributions young people from different backgrounds for years have been providing here in the Inland Empire. THEY are our future! 

A well-designed  printed brochure containing the photo of each honoree was distributed;  music chosen by each honoree was broadcast as the honoree contributions were read, he or she ….. received a plaque;  The honorees,  their families and friends and people from the community  were there to see them honored!  It was a warm, sultry evening; A great party.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Three San Bernardino City Schools started the 2019–2020 school year with new principals and two District departments welcomed new directors.

Students at Highland-Pacific, Lankershim, and North Verdemont Elementary Schools met their new leaders in August, while children at E. Neal Roberts Elementary are getting to know their principal a little better after Yosan Hailemariam took the helm just before the last school year ended.

Lauryn Wild is principal of Highland-Pacific Elementary.  M. Evette Peters, former principal of Highland-Pacific Elementary, is now the principal of Lankershim Elementary.  Kimberly Robel, previously a vice principal at Cajon High, is looking forward to leading North Verdemont Elementary, a tightknit school where staff and students are like family.

“I’m so excited to return to the closeness of an elementary school,” Robel said. “I’m looking forward to creating opportunities for students and teachers to stretch their wings and be their best selves.”

At the District level, longtime principal Ernestine Hopwood, who most recently led Chavez Middle School, was promoted to director of Charter School Operations, a department that oversees more than a dozen charter campuses in San Bernardino and Highland.

Dr. Wil Greer, who most recently taught in the Educational Administration department at Cal State San Bernardino, is the District’s new director of Equity and Targeted Student Achievement. Known as ETSA, Greer’s department is at the forefront of closing the academic achievement gap by promoting equitable learning outcomes for targeted and underachieving student groups.

Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer presented a check for $125,000 to the Loma Linda University Cancer Center on August 20. The funds were a portion of those raised at the 11th annual Believe Walk in October 2018.

Judy Chatigny, MSN, executive director of Loma Linda University Cancer Center, said the donation will be used to support the psycho-oncology program, which assists with services not typically covered by insurance, such as psychologists, spiritual chaplains, financial guidance, dietitians, wig banks, and the new offering of massage services for patients.

During the check presentation at Stater Bros. corporate headquarters, Chatigny said the Cancer Center is constantly finding new ways to serve patients. This year they have added a massage therapy service specifically for cancer patients. The therapists have been trained to service patients who are undergoing chemo. 

In addition, Chatigny said the Cancer Center has hired a financial coordinator to help offer financial support to patients who need high-cost treatments. In 2019 alone, the center has received $2.6 million in free drug and co-pay assistance for patients. 

“Patients face many challenges, and our focus is to at Loma Linda University Cancer Center is to help alleviate them in any way we can,” Chatigny said. “We are so very grateful for the continued partnership with Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer, who help our patients thrive during some of the toughest times in their lives.” 

Stater Bros. Charities chairman and president, Nancy Negrette, said Stater Bros. Charities believes in making sure the funds they raise stay in the community that Stater Bros. serves. 

“Many of us have had family members and friends who have received services at Loma Linda University Cancer Center, so we know firsthand how important the resources are to cancer patients in our community,” Negrette says. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Cancer Center so they can continue the work they do for our community.”

The Believe Walk was created through the partnership of Inland Women Fighting Cancer founding members Cathy Stockton, Annie Sellas and the late Nancy Varner, along with Stater Bros. Charities. 

Negrette said the first Believe Walk had 1,400 walkers in 2008. The walk has now grown exponentially to approximately 12,000 participants. Since its inception, the partnership between Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer has donated over $5.1 million to support programs, services and equipment for cancer patients in the Inland Empire.

The 12^thannual Believe Walk will take place in Redlands on Sunday, October 6.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- In 2016, Roland was young man sleeping on the streets of Victorville. The effects of Roland’s untreated mental illness and his substance use disorder resulted in broken relationships and homelessness. His life changed the day he decided to visit the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) High Desert Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Center. Behavioral health staff conducted an assessment and guided him into treatment. Today, Roland, 24, is not only celebrating his recovery from a mental health and substance use disorder, but his graduation from San Bernardino Valley College and acceptance into California State University San Bernardino School of Nursing.

Perhaps even more inspiring is that although Roland’s story may be extraordinary, it is not unique. This year alone San Bernardino County celebrated the recovery of two other formerly homeless youth who participated in TAY programs and have since graduated from community college and been accepted into four-year universities. Amir, 25, is attending Cal State San Bernardino and Wolfie, 21, is attending the University of California, Riverside.

The success of these programs is due in part to their ability to provide intensive behavioral health services, case management services, and in many instances, permanent supportive housing, all of which are funded in part by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). Other services and supports include peer support groups, medication, housing, employment, and reduced- to no- college tuition.

“MHSA allows counties like San Bernardino to develop programs like TAY that are specifically tailored to the unique needs of the community and those we serve,” said DBH Director Veronica Kelley. “TAY programs engage youth into appropriate treatment, reduce hospitalizations and/or involvement in the criminal justice system, reduces homelessness, and supports the next generation through personal connections that build and strengthen the resilience needed to succeed in life.”

TAY services are provided in coordination with the San Bernardino County Department of Children’s and Family Services, Probation, contractor providers, and other community partners. For more information on TAY services, call (909) 987-7194 (dial 7-1-1 for TTY users).

DBH envisions a county where all persons have the opportunity to enjoy optimum wellness, whether they have experienced mental illness or substance use disorders. Learn more about DBH behavioral health services by visiting www.sbcounty.gov/dbh.

Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation Presents its 2nd Annual Jazz on the Rooftop Event

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—- RIVERSIDE, CA— Get ready for a night of elegance and a trip down memory lane as the spirit of Harlem Nights is recaptured during the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Rooftop event. The remarkable night will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 on the beautiful rooftop of Riverside City Hall, located at 3500 Main Street from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This is a themed event and prizes will be awarded for the best dressed, so be sure to impress! The evening will consist of two live bands, dancing, dinner,  a silent auction and a few added surprises. 

Jazz on the Rooftop is the annual fundraiser for the Adrian Dell and Carmen Roberts Foundation (ADCR). Proceeds from the Gala benefit the following community events; Riverside Black History Parade and Expo, Empowering Young Women’s Conference and the Back to School Backpack Giveaway at Castle Park. 

Last year the event sold out, so be sure to purchase your tickets early.  Tickets are available on Eventbrite by searching, “Jazz on the Rooftop Harlem Nights”.  Tickets not available for purchase at the door. 

If you are interested in attending or becoming a sponsor, please visit our website at adcrfoundation.org.  

Congressman Pete Aguilar announced grant from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Loma Linda University School of Nursing has been awarded a four-year, $2.6-million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help grow the number of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the Inland Empire.

The grant, from the federal department’s Advanced Education Nursing Grant Program, will provide funding toward tuition assistance for qualifying students and enhance training. The school recently received confirmation of the funding for year one of the 4-year grant, a $684,848 installment.

“This grant will allow us to update and enhance the training provided to students,” said Gloria Mattson Huerta, DNP, Nurse Practitioner program coordinator and assistant professor at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. “This will include the development of standardized patient scenarios focusing on behavioral health issues, as well as managing the opioid crisis — both of which are significant issues in the Inland Empire as well as nationally.”

Pete Aguilar, Representative for California’s 31st U.S. Congressional District, has promoted adding HHS funding to provide high-quality affordable healthcare in the state’s medically-underserved communities.

“By increasing the number of highly-qualified nurses in our region, we can help ensure better health outcomes for our communities while creating good jobs in a growing field in our region,” Aguilar said. “I’m proud to announce this funding, and I look forward to a continued partnership with Loma Linda University in order to increase access to quality health care throughout San Bernardino County.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Chief Jarrod Burguan started his career with the San Bernardino Police Department in 1992 and has served as the Chief of Police for the department since 2013.

Throughout his career, Burguan worked in, supervised or managed every division within the department. His broad range of experience allowed him to become a knowledgeable and effective leader.

Chief Burguan was a source of strength for the department and community throughout his career which included the terrorist attack on the Inland Regional Center in 2015 and the North Park Elementary School shooting in 2017.

He was able to effectively communicate with the national audience and bring the local community together.

The City of San Bernardino and it’s residents would like to thank Chief Jarrod Burguan for his years of service and dedication to the profession.

By Reginald Young

“Be Great in Him”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Great praise is coming out of San Bernardino. On August 23, 2019, 6 P.M. at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship located at 1314 E Date St in San Bernardino, talented performers will bring their best praise. SB Pastors United puts on a unity mini concert and talent show every quarter to recognize youth in the city. The program allows individuals to come and compete with their gifts and talents. The performance that is the best will win: 1^st  place $300 and bragging rights, 2^nd place  $100 and, 3^rd place is $50. Each performer gets a chance to showcase their talent and skills.  

At the last event on June 28, 2019 first place winners, was Strait out of Xperience, they took us back with old gospel hymns. The second place winner was the Pacesetters, they were awesome with precision and skill, they brought the fire. The third place winner was Kalia Smith, she stole our hearts with a prophetic dance. Each of the performers did very well, the crowd was in awe.

In the upcoming event, there will be new performers that will bring their best praise. So come out and have a good time, the doors  will open at 5:30PM, light refreshments will be provided. For more information call 909-881-5551. Go to sbpastorsunited.org to register to perform.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— CHINO, CA— A Chino Girl Scout who saved her friend from choking, a citizen who helped a deputy fight off an armed suspect in Loma Linda and a San Bernardino school principal who made sure the walk to school was safe for students were among 31 Safety Heroes honored today by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department and County Fire.

“Safety Heroes are people who come along side law enforcement and emergency services to serve members of our community and help us keep our county safe,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “These selfless and courageous individuals volunteer to serve others on their own time. In doing this, they keep our county strong and ready to face whatever emergency may come our way. It is an honor to recognize them for their efforts.”   

Vision4Safety is a campaign of the Countywide Vision to bring people together to create safer neighborhoods, schools and workplaces in San Bernardino County. Last year, the Vision4Safety campaign asked the public to nominate Safety Heroes throughout the county who have made their communities safer by volunteering in emergency preparedness programs, leading neighborhood watch groups or stepping in to save a person’s life.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson, Assistant Sheriff Lana Tomlin and Interim Fire Chief Don Trapp joined the Board of Supervisors in honoring the nominees who reside throughout the county from Barstow to Chino Hills. To read the nomination of each of the 31 Safety Heroes and their contributions to public safety and preparedness, click here.

For safety tips, information about after-school programs and links to safety programs offered by local sheriff, police and fire agencies, visit Vision4Safety.com.

The Countywide Vision was developed by the community in 2010-11 and adopted by the Board of Supervisors and the San Bernardino Council of Governments Board of Directors in June 2011 in order to create a roadmap for the future of San Bernardino County, which includes creating a safe community for all who live, work and play here. Vision4Safety is one of four public campaigns launched by the Countywide Vision Project which also includes Vision2Succeed, Vision2BActive and Vision2Read.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA—  Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital performed a robotic-assisted Nissen fundoplication surgery in July on a young patient, ridding him of lifelong painful reflux issues and further extending the hospital’s use of robotic surgery for children.

Edward P. Tagge, MD, pediatric surgeon at LLU Children’s Hospital and Victoria Pepper, MD, pediatric surgery fellow, performed the procedure.

Tagge said the robot surgical system allowed for a more precise, seamless surgery for the physician

and a better recovery for the patient.

“The robot provides improved dexterity, tremor filtration, greater degrees of freedom and improved optical magnification,” Tagge said. “Patients who undergo robotic-assisted procedures have more precise surgical procedures and potentially shorter hospital stays.”

The procedure involved wrapping the upper curve of the stomach around the esophagus.

The patient — 5-year-old Daniel Velasquez from Bloomington, California — was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux or GER a few months after his premature birth and soon developed severe gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. He went through hundreds of tests, medications, sleepless nights, food restrictions, allergies, near-constant burning throat pain and ear pressure discomfort. In his five years, he had never slept a full eight hours, regularly waking up from choking, coughing, snoring or pain.

Daniel’s mom, Natasha Velasquez, said her son had the life-changing operation within a week of having a consultation with Tagge. Her son is now pain-free.

“My son has been in and out of hospitals his entire life,” Velasquez said. “He’s had to suffer for five years, but now, in one short week, it’s all gone — his life is completely changed.”

LLU Children’s Hospital joins the ranks of the few pediatric hospitals offering fully-functional pediatric robotic surgery programs. Robotic-assisted surgeries performed at LLU Children’s Hospital have included cholecystectomy, complex inguinal hernia repair, urachal cyst excision, splenectomy, pancreatectomy and IBD bowel resection.

“We have now equipped our hospital to have another tool to serve our patients better,” Tagge said. “It won’t be used for every surgery, but now it’s an accessible tool to treat patients in the Inland Empire and beyond.”