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Patient shares her story during Loma Linda University Cancer Center’s 28^th annual Celebration of Life event 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)– LOMA LINDA, CA– Feathered hats, photo booths, inspirational chalk walls and words of wisdom were seen and heard throughout Loma Linda University Cancer Center’s 28^th annual Celebration of Life Event on June 2. The event offered a community that is battling, or that has survived cancer, strength for the journey. 

Over 200 attendees heard patient testimonials and updates on the latest advances in cancer care.

One of the many stories presented featured Marsha Bradley, who survived Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer twice, thanks to Loma Linda University Cancer Center, surgical oncologist Maheswari Senthil, MD. Bradley has worked as an educator for 34 years and never thought she would develop Stage 4 Colon Cancer.  After a successful round of chemotherapy in 2005, Bradley was cancer-free for the first time. When it returned the second time, in 2010, she came to Loma Linda University Health, where she partnered with Senthil to undergo a complex surgery called Cytoreductive surgery that was paired with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Senthil is only a handful of surgeons in Southern California who can perform this surgery. 

Bradley’s Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer journey was shared through a video testimonial during the event.

Senthil also shared the latest advances in cancer care, saying that genomic and precision medicine has allowed physicians to customize treatment to an individual patient. Through advances in cancer science, physicians have learned that behavior of cancer is different in everyone, even if it has the same name and stage. With the ability to personalize care through more precise diagnostics, as well as other advancements in treatment, the mortality rate has decreased for the three most common cancers in men and women. 

Regardless of new scientific frontiers, Senthil said compassion must remain the constant.

“If we do not care for our patients with compassion and kindness, what do any of these advances mean?” Senthil said. “It all comes down to basic human kindness and compassion in which the care is delivered, no matter how advanced the science is. At Loma Linda University Health, we have already done that, and the scientific advances are added to this regimen.”

In addition, two oncology nurses were given the Courage to Care Award for their exemplary compassionate care.

By IQBAL PITTALWALA

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— Nicholas V. DiPatrizio of the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, has received a grant of $744,000 from the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program, administered by the UC Office of the President, to investigate the impact of long-term cannabis exposure on metabolic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes.

People in good metabolic health have ideal levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference. Those with poor metabolic heath, on the other hand, have increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Researchers do not have a clear picture of the long-term impact cannabis use has on metabolic health, including diseases like Type 2 diabetes, which is marked by higher-than-normal levels of glucose in the blood.

DiPatrizio’s lab will study how cannabis affects the stable equilibrium of glucose — its “homeostasis” — in health and disease using a variety of cutting-edge technologies, such as tandem mass spectrometry.

“Scientists are still not sure how exactly long-term, or chronic, cannabis use affects health and a variety of tobacco-related pathologies, such as Type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic diseases,” said DiPatrizio, an assistant professor of biomedical sciences. “We will investigate in wild-type mice whether cannabis exposure is linked to higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes. We expect the knowledge we will gain in this project will help guide science-based public policy associated with the health impact of short-term and long-term cannabis use.” 

The three-year grant is the first cannabis grant received on campus, requiring DiPatrizio to acquire a Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule 1 license to perform the research — also a first for UCR.

DiPatrizio explained that while short-term cannabis exposure in rodents and humans increases eating, long-term cannabis use is paradoxically linked to lower body weights. Indeed, long-term cannabis use in humans can lead to improvements in some metabolic parameters, such as raising high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, often called “good cholesterol.” As such, his lab will also explore possible benefits of long-term cannabis use to metabolic health.

“We will also investigate how important the endocannabinoid system, which cannabis hijacks, is for maintaining glucose homeostasis and if cannabis exposure dysregulates the process,” DiPatrizio said.

The endocannabinoid system is located throughout the mammalian body, including the brain and all peripheral organs. It participates in the control of many physiological functions, including food intake, energy balance, and reward. Endocannabinoids, the body’s own “natural cannabis,” are lipid signaling molecules that enhance eating by binding to cannabinoid receptors located on cells throughout the body — similar to keys (endocannabinoids) turning open locks (receptors).

DiPatrizio explained that glucose homeostasis in mammals is controlled by the nutrient-induced release in the small intestine of incretins, metabolic hormones that stimulate a decrease in blood glucose levels by driving insulin secretion, which is necessary for maintaining stable glucose levels.

His research group will assess the impact of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, exposure on incretin release in wild-type and transgenic mice that are engineered to lack cannabinoid receptors in the lining of their small intestines and in pancreatic beta cells. The small intestines and pancreas, both heavily involved in controlling metabolism, are known targets of cannabinoids. 

DiPatrizio explained that THC, the main ingredient of cannabis, activates cannabinoid receptors on cells throughout the body and controls energy homeostasis. Some of the mice, making up the “control group,” will be fed a normal diet and remain lean; the rest will be put for 60 days on a high-fat and high-sugar diet, also called a Western diet, to turn them obese. Whole cannabis oil extracts, which naturally contain THC, and pure THC will be used in the experiments.

“We will explore if THC makes the obese mice leaner with improvements in metabolism,” DiPatrizio said. “We expect to find the endocannabinoid system in the small intestines of the lean mice controls incretin release and glucose homeostasis. Further, we suspect the endocannabinoid system becomes dysregulated in the obese mice and participates in cannabis-induced changes in metabolic function.”

DiPatrizio will be joined in the research by doctoral students and staff in his lab.

The Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program funds research that enhances understanding of tobacco use, prevention and cessation, the social, economic and policy-related aspects of tobacco use, and tobacco-related diseases in California. Solely funded through the tobacco tax and individual contributions, the program has funded more than 1,200 research grants on tobacco-related studies, with 95% of the revenue going directly to funding research and education efforts.

By John Coleman, Community Photographer

The 26th Annual Armed Forces Celebration was held at Kansas SDA Church in Riverside.

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(EMPIRE NES NETWORK—ENN)— U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) recently congratulated seven area high school students accepted to the U.S. military service academies. The students were nominated by a panel of judges with military backgrounds. Following a rigorous application and interview process, the judges made their recommendations to the respective service academies for final approval.

“Attending the nation’s military service academies is an incredible honor, and it’s one of my greatest privileges as a Member of Congress to nominate the best candidates the 35th district has to offer,”said Torres. “Students who graduate from these distinguished institutions don’t just leave with a degree in their hands, they also gain the skills, maturity, and connections to embark on a successful career in service to this country.”

The following are this year’s nominees, their city of residence, and the academy to which they have been accepted:

United States Naval Academy

·         Ryan Alexus, Pomona

·         Justin Chu, Pomona

·         Joshua Reyes, Ontario

United States Naval Academy Prep School

• Jessica Felix, Ontario

Air Force Academy

• Ryan Torres, Chino

United States Military Academy (West Point)

• Alexander Ramos, Chino

• Jacob Turner, Chino

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. 

This year’s class of students collectively received the equivalent of $3.5 million in scholarships to attend the military academies, or $500,000 per student. In addition to a free college education, the honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Congresswoman Torres will nominate, through a competitive process, one individual for each vacant academy slot allotted to the 35^th district.

Photos by John Coleman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— Derren may have developed the ‘rules’ for the Community of Family and Friends but THEY are the people who are maintaining them;   a wonderful model! 

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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Public Library will be hosting a free nutrition class at the Feldheym Central Library at 555 W. 6^th Street in San Bernardino. The class will be held in Kellogg Room A on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. 

Reach Out, a Local Non-Profit Organization, and Champions for Change are offering the classes in cooperation with the County of San Bernardino Public Health-Nutrition Department.

This nutrition program focuses on promoting healthy eating and active living to prevent and help decrease obesity  and other related chronic diseases within our communities. Learn how you can make healthier decisions that reflect your family’s traditions while staying within your budget in a fun and interactive program, including food demonstrations, cookbooks and free giveaways.

This month’s class is “Refresh Better”, encouraging people to choose healthy beverages.

These classes are free and open to the public, but registration is required.  Call Tamika Tonge at Reach Out to register or call the library at 909-381-8235.

Puraci recognized by Senator Mike Morrell for her career in education 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— INLAND EMPIRE—- Cristina Puraci, President of the Redlands Unified School District Board of Trustees, released the following statement announcing her candidacy to succeed State Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) in California’s 23rd District: 

“The Inland Empire was once an affordable place to live and raise a family. However, the out of control, rising cost of living in our region has diminished our quality of life,” said Puraci. “How much longer must we listen to Sacramento politicians push the same failed policies while our children, friends, and neighbors leave California for a better life? As your next State Senator, I will advocate for common sense solutions that will lower our cost of living, strengthen public safety and reduce homelessness, attract high-wage jobs, improve education for our youth, and protect our environment while preserving our Constitutional liberties.”

Cristina has dedicated over 15 years to the education field as a teacher and community activist. She was elected to the Redlands Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2016 and currently serves as the President. Cristina is also a member of several boards and committees including the San Bernardino County Drug and Gang Task Force and the Redlands Cultural Arts Council. An active community leader, Cristina is involved in several local organizations, like Refresh & Renew and Hands of Mercy, which provide food, clothing, and shelter to veterans and the homeless. 

Honored for her professional and civic leadership, Cristina has earned numerous awards including the WHO award (We Honor Ours) from the California Teachers Association. In 2017, Cristina was recognized by Senator Mike Morrell and Senate colleagues at the state capitol. “From humble beginnings, Cristina came here with admiration and respect for our Constitution, wanting to embrace the freedoms and opportunities that can only be found here in America,” remarked Morrell. “It was an honor to acknowledge her and the contributions she and her family have made to our community.”

Cristina has been a resident of the Inland Empire since immigrating to the United States in 1992. After attending San Bernardino Valley College, Cristina transferred to California State University, San Bernardino where she earned her bachelor’s degree before earning her master’s degree in Education from National University. Cristina lives in Highland with her husband of 27 years, Adrian, who is also a teacher. Together they have one son, Sebastian, who teaches biology, a daughter-in-law, Simina, and one grandson, Kevin.

State Senator Mike Morrell currently represents the 23rd District but reaches term limits in 2020, making this an open seat. The 23rd Senate District includes all or parts of Banning, Beaumont, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Cedar Glen, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Crestline, Homeland, Hemet, Highland, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Menifee, Mentone, Nuevo, Phelan, Pinion Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, Wrightwood and Yucaipa.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is switching to a flex week schedule for the summer for most schools and offices.

The first day of the modified schedule is Monday, June 10, 2019. The first Friday that offices will be closed is June 14. SBCUSD offices will also be closed June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, and July 26.

All offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 for the holiday.

Most SBCUSD offices observing the modified summer schedule are open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, but families and community members are encouraged to call for specific hours of operation.

For transcripts, call Student Records at (909) 880-6615. To report suspicious activity at a school, call the See Something, Say Something Hotline at (909) 388-6043. For Student Work Permits, call College and Career Readiness/Linked Learning at (909) 473-2084. Or call the main SBCUSD office at (909) 381-1100.

Kid-Approved Indoor Theme Park and Playground Experience Opens in Inland Empire June 1

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)–MONTCLAIR, CA— Montclair Place, an Inland Empire shopping center, has officially welcomed Kids Empire, the indoor theme park and playground. Open on June 1, 2019, Kids Empire is filled with every kid’s dream adventure, including play structures, drop-in ball pits, and more!

Kids Empire is designed to foster playfulness for healthy, happy kids, and encourages active play for kids to let out their great kid energy. The indoor theme park includes two main playgrounds: The Maze and a Tots Area. The Maze is fully equipped with a fun block arena, a soccer arena, dance floor, obstacle courses, slides, rides and more. The Tots Area includes age-appropriate structures like slides, ball pits, bouncing trampolines, bicycles, and a dance area. Tickets to Kids Empire are good for readmission the entire day of purchase.

After working up an appetite, guests can stop by the on-site Empire Snack Bar or venture out and enjoy other Montclair Place eateries like Doner & Gyros, Pokeway, Noodle World and more in the Moreno Street Market Food Hall or the newly opened Canyon Grill restaurant located in The Canyon. Kids Empire is also home to many birthday parties, offering exclusive party packages, customizable invitations, and meal options.

Great for after school, weekends, birthday parties and more, toddlers and young kids can enjoy all that Kids Empire at Montclair has to offer. The cost for admission is $15 per child with two adults free per child ($5 charge per additional adult). Socks are mandatory for all guests entering the park and are available for purchase at the front desk for $2.50.

Kids Empire is located on the Lower Level, near Sears. For more information visit https://montclair.kidsempire.us/.

The opening of Kids Empire at Montclair Place is on the heels of other recent developments for the Inland Empire shopping center. New additions include The Canyon, the first US location of Doner and Gyros, an expanded Forever 21 retail store, and a new Spectrum customer service center.

For more information about these developments and other Montclair Place updates, visit www.montclairplace.com.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Jeremiah Bryant was recently promoted to Director of Strategic Development at Omnitrans, after 12 years of increasing responsibilities at the transit agency.

He will lead a team of 15 employees.  Functions of the newly-formed Strategic Development Department include service planning, development planning, stops and stations, grant writing, and business intelligence.

 “We believe Jeremiah’s skills and experience will help Omnitrans strategically adapt to a rapidly changing landscape within transit and in the San Bernardino Valley,” said Omnitrans CEO/General Manager P. Scott Graham.  

 “I appreciate the investment Omnitrans places in its employees.  Nearly 12 years ago, I joined Omnitrans and hoped to use my analytical abilities to aid the agency.  Over the years, Omnitrans has invested in training, development and provided opportunities for growth,” Bryant said.  “I look forward to leveraging the investment the agency has made in me by leading the Strategic Development Department as we move to enhance Omnitrans’ service in the future.”

Bryant began his career at Omnitrans as a Marketing Analyst in 2007 and was promoted to Planning and Scheduling Manager in 2010.  He has represented Omnitrans on numerous regional committees and served as the Agency’s primary contact with the American Bus Benchmarking Group, a national industry peer group. He recently graduated from the inaugural Omnitrans Leadership Development Academy. 

Prior to working in transit, he held market research positions at Darnell Group.  Bryant also served as an economics instructor at Chaffey College between 2000 and 2016.

Bryant earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Master of Arts in Economics from University of California, Davis.