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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Henry Salazar was three years removed from high school when he began a two-year tour of duty in Vietnam. Within months he had survived one of the largest and most brutal military campaigns of the war, when Vietcong and North Vietnamese forces launched simultaneous attacks on American and South Vietnamese troops.

The Tet Offensive of January and February 1968 was a turning point in the war, and for the 21-year-old Salazar, a defining period in his life.

“It was a nightmare. I didn’t think it was going to end. They were pounding us. We were pounding them. I watched buddies getting killed, but what got me the most was seeing the displaced people – the innocent victims of war who lost their homes, lost their villages, lost everything,” Salazar said as hundreds of service veterans gathered Thursday to share their experiences with high school students as part of “Rancho Remembers.”

The annual event, at Rancho Cucamonga High School, is designed to help students understand U.S. military history beyond what they read in text books.

“It’s a wonderful program for our school, but also for our veterans, who love sharing their stories and the reaction they get from the students,” said Cary Willborn, Principal at Rancho Cucamonga High. “They’ve served our country with honor and dignity, and this is one small way of showing them how much we appreciate their service.”

Sanchez, who served as an Army paratrooper, said he’s felt that appreciation each of the six years he has attended the event. He was joined this year by veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War, Gulf War and War on Terror.

“It’s very special for me to be here,” he said. “We’re able to talk with (students) about the history of war and why we have a military, and how very, very fortunate we all are to live in this country.”

Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, said ‘Rancho Remembers’ provides a rare opportunity for students to experience history from those who lived it.

“We’re so appreciative of the support of our veterans, who, from the very beginning, have been eager to participate and provide our students with lessons they’re not going to get anywhere else,” Holton said.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Ephesians New Testament Church extends an open invitation for you to attend the personal enrichment Worship Services June 13^th – 14^th, 2019 at 17220 Merrill Avenue in Fontana at  7:30 p.m.

The Speaker for each evening will be Dr. Rosie O’Neal of the Koinonia Christian Center, Greenville, North Carolina.

Dr. O’Neal is an acclaimed international speaker who is known for her down to earth approach to the Gospel. This promises to be an awesome worship experience, great music and a prophetic Word for this season.  For More Information contact the church at (909) 823-2310. Bishop Emory B. James, Pastor.

Los Angeles area residents owe nearly $51 billion in student loan debt, according to a recent study by Experian

Appropriations bill increases funding for federal student aid programs by $492 million  

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Recently, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced that the Fiscal Year 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Related Agencies Appropriations Bill contains her priorities to provide Inland Empire students with financial support to pursue higher education. A 2018 study by Experian found that California student debt has more than doubled over the last 10 years. The legislation increases funding for federal student financial assistance programs by $492 million for a total of $24.9 billion. Federal student financial assistance programs like grants do not need to be repaid, while work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for school.

“We cannot allow high costs and a crippling student loan crisis to keep the dream of a college education out of reach for Inland Empire students. Federal student financial assistance programs make it possible for low-income and first-generation students, not just a privileged few, to pay for college without being buried under debt that they’ll have to repay for the rest of their lives,” said Torres. “This increased funding will lessen the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their studies and preparing for a career.”

Specifically, the legislation increases:

• The maximum award for Pell Grants to $6,345, an increase of $150, to help keep pace with inflation.

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program by $188 million for a total of $1 billion. The President had proposed eliminating this program.

• Federal Work Study by $304 million for a total of $1.4 billion.

Torres has long been a strong supporter of federal student financial aid programs. She is a cosponsor of H.R.2084, Year-Round Pell Grant Restoration Act, which would make qualified students eligible to receive more than one Pell Grant in an award year.

Funds raised at May 19 event will help construct new outdoor space for the youth and adult patients served at the Behavioral Medicine Center

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA—- Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center hosted its third annual “Stand Up to Stigma” 5K on Sunday, aimed to increase awareness of the behavioral health treatment available for the local community.

The May 19 race brought together people of all ages to show their support for those dealing with mental health issues. The event drew more than 714 registrants, making it the largest year for the event.

Hundreds of community members, students, staff and mental health supporters lined up at the starting line — sending a message of hope and healing to the communities of the Inland Empire.

“Around the country, organizations like ours strive to raise awareness for and educate the public about mental illness and, in doing so, reduce and eliminate stigmas and other misconceptions about mental health,” said Edward Field, MBA, vice president and administrator of the Behavioral Medicine Center. “Thank you for joining us in our effort to engage our friends and neighbors and end the stigma around mental health.”

For the past 28 years, the Behavioral Medicine Center has supported and healed those suffering from mental health and substance use issues by compassionately treating the whole person and not only their illness. The center’s services and programs cover issues such as addictions, anxiety, eating disorders and depression, ranging from children to senior adults.

The event featured a surprise check presentation from local restaurant owner, George Sapp. Sapp said he is excited for the opportunity to support other businesses in the community — especially those businesses changing lives. “I am pleased to announce that one way we plan to stomp the stigma surrounding mental health — and at the same time collaborate with the BMC — is by pledging our support with a donation of $35,000,” he said.

The funds raised during the event will support the construction of a multipurpose outdoor therapeutic space for the youth and adult patients served at the BMC, a part of the Vision 2020 – The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow.

May is national mental health month, a time when events like the 5K help spread the word that mental health is something everyone should be able to discuss openly. One in five adults and children experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. More than 16 million American adults live with major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

For information about the range of services available at the Behavioral Medicine Center, go to llubmc.org.

Additional photos available here.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Some people serve others day in and day out regardless of thanks or fanfare, and yet without them and their active involvement, the world would be a less safe and far less inspiring place.  Mr. John Burks is one such individual indeed. Not only is he a chaplain with the Ontario Police Department but he is also employed as a CTE teacher at PAL Charter Academy on the Muscoy campus in San Bernardino, California.  His years of hard work and dedication paid off on Friday, May 10th, when he was awarded a star at The 26th Annual Volunteer Walk of Fame. Dwaine Radden Sr., CEO of the PAL Center, said, “The accolades come as no surprise to those who work and serve alongside him. We are proud of his accomplishment and are happy that he has received the recognition he so richly deserves.”

LOS ANGELES, CA— The Empower Her Project CEO and Founders Raquel Wilson and Tynisha Lewis announced today that the 2nd Annual Women of Color Empowerment Brunch will be held Sunday, June 9, 2019, from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm at Jordan Downs Community Center, 1501 E. 103^rd Street in Los Angeles, California. The brunch is designed to bridge a gap between young millennial women of color who are starting out in business, connecting them with veteran women of color from around the world who are already thriving in business. “It is time for us as women of color to come together to empower and celebrate one another, when we do this, we are unstoppable,” says Wilson and Lewis.       

The brunch will feature seven veteran women of color in business and will honor three women of color in politics, activism, and community service. This year’s honorees include Former Councilwoman Jan Perry (Honoree), Community Partnership ConsultantLinda Miles (Honoree), Activist Susan Burton (Honoree), panelists B. René Norman (Celebrity Red Carpet Photographer), Deborah Griffin (Entertainment Publicist), Ericka Chancellor (Professional Cosmetologist), Natasha D Burton (Producer and Brand Builder), Sauda S. Johnson (Attorney), Tonya McKenzie (Author, Motivational Speaker and PR Consultant), Umaymah Rashid (Content Creator, Digital Media Producer and Marketing Manager) and moderated by Syd Stewart,Founder & Executive Director of Better Youth.

Open to the public. $30 to attend and tickets may be purchased online at Eventbrite. Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-women-of-color-empowerment-brunch-tickets-57290228616

To become a sponsor of The Empower Her Project, contact: info@empowerherproject.org with Sponsorship Inquiry in the subject line. All press and media inquiries, please contact Deborah Griffin at deborahmckj@yahoo.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: @empower_inc

Instagram: @theempowerherprojectinc

Facebook: @theempowerherproject 

Official Social Media Hashtags: #WCEB2019 #TheEmpowerHerProject

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About Empower Her Project

Empower Her Project is a 501(c)(3) provides women of color who are starting in business a platform to network with polished women who are already thriving in business. The organization provides professional development and advocacy opportunities. For more information on Empower Her Project, please go to www.empowerherproject.org

About Raquel Wilson – Empower Her Project

Raquel Wilson is a former foster youth from Compton, CA. She has been a vessel for foster care youth and an advocate for at-risk youth since age 17. She is an active participant in volunteer work in her community and is passionate about being powered by service. She created The Empower Her Project to empower, mentor, and inspire young and matured women of color through workshops and programs that celebrate women in business & future entrepreneurs.

About Tynisha Lewis – Empower Her Project

Tynisha Lewis also known as “Ty,” is a former homeless youth and first-generation transfer student graduating with a B.A. in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and minoring in Africana Studies at Cal State University, Northridge in May 2018. Her past work experience includes working as a student writer for CSUN Today and Warner Bros. Television Publicity Intern. She also served as CSUN PRSSA Director of Member Services and as Social Media Director of Real To Reel Global Youth Film Festival. Tynisha has been inspired by the endless creative possibilities in the world of entertainment in which she is truly passionate about. Her hobbies include reading, writing, volunteering and mentoring at-risk youth.

Company AIMS TO TRIPLE SPEND WITH DIVERSE SUPPLIERS OVER NEXT 5 YEARS

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— OAKLAND, CA— Blue Shield of California has set new targets to dramatically increase the amount of business it does with suppliers of goods and services from diverse businesses, including those owned by minorities, women, disabled veterans and the LGBT community.

“If our mission is to provide quality affordable healthcare worthy of our family and friends and sustainably affordable, then we must also do our share to make a greater impact in the communities where we operate and live,” said Pradip Khemani, Senior Director of Global Business Services at Blue Shield of California.

Blue Shield’s target for diverse supplier spend is 12 per cent of its procurement budget by 2023, up from about four percent in 2018. This means millions of dollars in incremental economic opportunities for these business owners compared to $28 million in supplier diversity spend in 2018.

Blue Shield purchases a vast array of services in their regular operations, and the following are the top categories:

1. Professional Services such as event planning, catering, language translations, etc.
2. Advertising and Marketing including promotional items
3. Consulting
4. Information Technology
5. Human Resources
6. Facilities
7. Office Supplies

Joe Partida of Partida Benefits, a local of Blue Shield, “It was great to have the opportunity to host this breakfast and I hope the upcoming Blue Shield move to Oakland allows me to sell more coverage.”

Suppliers who wish to do business with Blue Shield and are certified or working to obtain certification as a diverse supplier will be given key consideration during the procurement process.

To learn more about Blue Shield’s Supplier Diversity program, visit the Supplier Diversity page under Corporate Citizenship page at https://www.blueshieldca.com/about.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) recently announced that the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is the recipient of the 2019 Kris Sinclair Leadership Award for its successful implementation of a new strategic direction, which has led to impressive growth in concert attendance and community engagement over the past three years.

This award is named in honor of Kris Sinclair, ACSO’s long-timer former executive director, and is given to an ACSO Organizational Member that demonstrates recent and measurable leadership initiatives by its staff and/or board in one or more of the following areas: finance, governance, staff development, audience development, education, or community engagement.

“The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra is a great example of how orchestras that have been in operation for decades can still continue to evolve and grow and provide relevant and meaningful art experiences for their diverse audiences,” said Sarah Weber, executive director of the Association of California Symphony Orchestras. “In the last few years, the leadership of the orchestra has programmed innovative concerts, provided music education for thousands of at-risk youth, and increased community awareness and ticket sales through expanded media coverage. They did hard work to make a plan for improvement, and that plan is yielding amazing results.”

With the Sinclair Award comes a $5,000 prize, which the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra will use to install new software for ticketing and to train staff to effectively utilize the system.

Grand Terrace Troop shares 800 boxes to say ‘thank you’

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— The Girl Scouts Grand Terrace Troop 76 delivered 800 boxes of their famous cookies to construction workers on the building site of the new Loma Linda University Medical Center and Children’s Hospital towers, Thursday, April 25. The troop of 14 girls braved 90 degree heat for more than an hour to personally give each construction worker a box of cookies as their way to say thanks for building the new hospitals.

One of the troop’s scouts, Ava Firnkoess, 9, said she suggested the activity because she was inspired by the construction workers’ dedication and teamwork.

“When we drive past the construction site, the workers are here rain or shine,” Firnkoess said. “They’re working together to build this hospital for the community, and I wanted to thank them for that.”

The troop stationed themselves near the exit of the construction site at the end of the workday. With multiple cookie boxes in their arms, scouts offered a box to each worker that passed, even running to catch those who hadn’t noticed them.

The cookie delivery was met with smiles and surprise. Although many workers tried to give monetary donations to the scouts, they always answered with a “no, the cookies are free —we just wanted to say thanks.”

Loma Linda Campus Transformation Project Director Eric Hoffman, on behalf of McCarthy Building Companies, said they were touched by the troop’s generosity.

“We are extremely grateful to Girl Scout Troop 76 for their generous donation of 800 boxes of cookies,” Hoffman said. “McCarthy, our subcontractors and all of our craft workers are honored by their recognition. It’s easy at times to think of what we are building just in terms of concrete, steel and drywall. This was a very heartfelt reminder that this is not just another project.” 

The troop was able to donate the boxes of cookies through the support of the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council I Care Program. This program gives people the option to buy a box of cookies and donate it back through “Cookies Share,” allowing the troop to take those donations and give it to a charitable organization of their choosing. This program empowers the troops to give back and become more involved in their communities.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Makeup artists, hair stylists and photographers flocked to Jensen Alvarado Ranch and Museum in Riverside earlier this month. They were among roughly 40 volunteers who helped create senior portraits for foster children preparing to graduate high school in May.  

“It’s amazing,” said 18-year-old Melissa Sauceda, a senior at Rancho Verde High School. “All of us don’t have the support and money to do it ourselves. We don’t have our parents so just to have volunteers to do it for free is just a great feeling.” The event, known as ‘High School Senior Portrait Day,” started five years ago with a dozen students. This year 60 kids signed up. DPSS Children’s Services Regional Manager Michelle Wohl said returning caretakers who bring students from all over Riverside County helped the event grow.

“This year DPSS signed a contract with Riverside County Regional Parks. With help from park rangers and Jensen Alvarado Ranch and Museum, foster youth teamed up with volunteers to spend the entire day preparing for senior pictures.

“It really gives us the opportunity to talk with the community about the awesome things that happen in child welfare,” Wohl said.

The foster youth ranged from age 17 to 20 and came from several school districts and communities across Riverside County, including Moreno Valley, Indio, Perris and Beaumont.