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10/17/2003 – New Laker Bryon Russell brings the ball up court during a preseason game between Phoenix Suns and Lakers.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— The Board of Directors of Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) announces the Master of Ceremonies for its 2018 Piano Recital and Gala event is Mr. Bryon Russell former NBA Star. Mr. Russell is a native of San Bernardino and attended San Bernardino High School.

The NBA career of Bryon Russell spanned from 1993 to 2006 and included playing for the Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz. Mr. Russell is best remembered for guarding Michael Jordan at the end of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. Jordan made the game-winning shot over Russell, although many fans believe Jordan pushed off Russell during the play.

Mr. Russell has been a volunteer at the CAPSBC Food Bank Program for the past several years and is excited to be hosting this year’s Gala event. The event will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 4 p.m. at the University of Redlands, located at 1200 E. Colton Avenue in Redlands. On the grounds of the University of Redlands campus, the Recital will be held at the beautiful Memorial Chapel as a fundraiser for the CAPSBC Food Bank which serves 40,000 food insecure San Bernardino County households every month. Since its inception in 1984, the CAPSBC Food Bank has distributed over 200 million pounds of food at no charge to fight hunger.

Mr. Russell will host the elegant Recital, Gala Reception and Dinner which includes the presentation of the Community Action Legacy Awards honoring agencies and individuals who have made great strides in addressing poverty and hunger in our county. The efforts of all who are working to improve our communities is critically needed as 26% of San Bernardino County children live in poverty and there are 36,886 homeless children in our public schools.

The Piano Recital will feature “Two Piano Journey” with Michelle and Christopher Kuo, an incredible world-class piano ensemble team. They will perform music from the classical works of Sergei Rachmaninoff. Every single concert is performed, in full or in part, for the benefit of a nonprofit organization. They have performed in locations such as Carnegie Hall – NY, The Green Room – San Francisco, The Lighthouse Guild – NY, Rutgers University – NY, Friday Musicale – FL, Drew University – NJ, Old Dominion University – VA, and countless premier international sites.

Join us for a magical evening of music and fine dining. For tickets visit our website at www.capsbc.org Special pricing for seniors 55+ and students (all ages) will be available for the Piano Recital. For more information, call (909) 723-1523 or e-mail info@capsbc.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Pastors United (SBPU) will be having another Community Block party on Saturday, September 22, at Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School located at 1250 Medical Center in San Bernardino.

The Pastors are coming together to continue to unite the community through love, compassion and fellowship. The Churches continue to take a stand together as a united front to encourage and bless the community. These engagements help families with much needed resources, increases goodwill within the community, and allows law enforcement to interact with residence in a positive environment.

There will be Free food, groceries, shoes, backpacks for kids, clothes and health checks, face-painting, and jumpers for kids. There will be a life-saving message by Pastor Raymond Turner, Temple Missionary Baptist Church, powerful gospel music, and good fellowship. Please register by phone, email or at our website www.sbpastorsunited.org.

“Together we are strong; join with us as we bring “Healing, Change, and Progress” to the City of San Bernardino.” For more information call (909) 353-7977 or email sbpastorsunited@gmail.com.

Outspoken celebrity chef Martha Green will reprise her role as comedian, host

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—-SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Dishes for Wishes, an annual cooking demonstration hosted by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild, will take place Wednesday, October 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Renaissance Ballroom of the National Orange Show Events Center located at 689 S. E Street in San Bernardino.

The 19th annual event, a fundraiser for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, will feature specialty boutiques, an opportunity drawing, a colorful booklet of recipes to take home and cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs from the Inland Empire and Desert regions. The food will be served by local law enforcement officers, firefighters and Teen Challenge volunteers.  

As she has every year since the event started in 1999, Inland Empire chef/provocateur Martha Green will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

This year’s “Backyard BBQ,” will feature five celebrity chefs bringing a bit of international intrigue to the all-American motif. Four of the chefs — Martha Green, Patty Keresoma, Najwa Medina and Greg Sullivan — are well-known to Inland Empire foodies.

Green owns Martha Green’s Eating Room and Dough’Lectibles Bakery in Redlands. Keresoma, of ‘Da Island Touch catering, brings Polynesian flair to her creations. Medina, of Najwa’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Loma Linda, introduces Middle Eastern flavors into the mix. Sullivan, executive chef and director of food services/catering for Loma Linda University, is no stranger to cooking for large crowds.

Chef Pepe Schaefer may not be as well-known in the Inland Empire as the others, but that will likely change the moment guests sink their teeth into his innovative Peruvian fusion cuisine. Originally from South America, Schaefer recently moved to the Coachella Valley after serving as an executive chef in New York City.

Funds raised at Dishes for Wishes will help the guild purchase several neonatal near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) oximeters — technology that will allow physicians on the neonatal intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital to monitor tissue oxygen saturation levels in the brain, the kidneys and the GI tract of extremely premature, low-birth weight infants. 

Neonatal oximeters don’t require physicians to insert needles or lines into the bodies of vulnerable infants, but do notify physicians if oxygen saturation levels fall. Cerebral desaturation may indicate impaired oxygen delivery and poor perfusion to vital organs that can be dangerous, even deadly. Early detection allows physicians to respond before dangerous levels are reached.  

Additionally, having the NIRS oximeters at Children’s Hospital will allow physicians to collaborate with other West Coast medical centers — including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University and three Southern California hospitals — in long-term research studies on the beneficial outcomes of neonatal oximetry.

Angie Temple, Dishes for Wishes coordinator, says last year’s event raised more than $68,000 for Children’s Hospital. She said she feels confident this year’s Dishes for Wishes will be an occasion to remember.

“Who doesn’t love a barbecue?” Temple asks. “There’s just something delightful about it that can scarcely be rivaled. And since we’re updating this American classic with flavors from the Middle East, Peru and Polynesia, anything can happen. This year’s Dishes for Wishes should be one of the best ever!”

Admission is $65 per person or $650 for a table of 10. Corporate sponsorships are also available. Additional information and registration may be found at the Dishes for Wishes website.

Mayor R. Carey Davis

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Thursday, October 4, at 6 p.m., a Mayoral Forum between incumbent Mayor R. Carey Davis and challenger Council Member John Valdivia will be held at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship. This event will be streamed live on YouTube at ECF Online.

Council Member John Valdivia

The forum will give both the candidates an opportunity to showcase their views on municipal issues and to share their vision for the city’s future. It will also serve to inform the electorate, as well as motivate the community to get out and vote.

During the general election, which was held on June 5, Valdivia received 35.75 percent of the votes cast and Davis received 27.78 percent. The next election date will be Tuesday, November 6.

Ecclesia Christian Fellowship is located at 1314 E. Date Street in San Bernardino. Everyone is invited to attend. For additional information please contact Rikke Van Johnson at (909) 725-1053. If you would like to submit a question for the candidates, please send it to rikkevanjohnson@msn.com.

J. Boykin will be one of the artists at the first annual Jazz in the Park event put on by Akoma Unity Center

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Akoma Unity Center is hosting ‘Jazz in the Park’. The free concert will host live jazz and a variety of musical entertainment in an atmosphere the entire family can enjoy. 

The festival will take place at Ann Shirrells Park located at 1367 California Street in San Bernardino on Sunday, September 30. The festival begins at 4 p.m. Guests may enjoy the FREE concert and are able to purchase food from the various vendors located on-site. 

“Akoma Unity Center is beyond excited to bring our First Annual Jazz in the Park to the families of the Westside of San Bernardino,” Co-Founder and Executive Director, Kimberly Calvin, stated. “Why should the community need to look abroad for entertainment and great food? Our goal is to listen and inspire the community to bring what they desire to their backyards. We are committed to creating opportunities for the citizens of the Westside. Don’t miss what is sure to be a phenomenal family fun event.”

Akoma Unity Center is a 501 C(3) Non-Profit organization committed to providing children with high quality, no-cost afterschool structured recreation, and development programs in a safe and supervised environment. 

There are still sponsorship opportunities for business and individuals. For more information on the festival and sponsorships contact us at (909) 217-7956 or email info@akomaunitycenter.org. To RSVP, please visit http://bit.ly/2Qn6NDi.

Pageant founder and director Jamie Rios (front, center) with the Miss Cardinal City contestants.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— On Saturday, September 15, 18 young ladies from San Bernardino High School (SBHS) will compete for the title of Miss Cardinal City and the privilege to represent SBHS, aka Cardinal City, and the community for a year.

The pageant, which is in its 14th year, promotes school pride, self-esteem, and community involvement. Pageant director and founder Jamie Rios takes the young ladies to read to younger children, volunteer in soup kitchens, and attend community functions.

“They need to learn more about their own community and the diverse people and diverse needs of its residents in order to truly represent Cardinal City,” Rios said.

This year’s contestants are: Allysa Duque, Stephanie Galaviz, Lucia Vejar, Karina Leanos, Lucero Beltran, Karyna Robles, Katie Ortiz, Sofia Dominguez, Rosa Santana, Jessica Navarro, Biviana Vega, Marianela Vivar, Silvana Mazun, Emely Ruiz, Miranda Maestas, Jhunelyn Parafina, Sarah Garcia, and Jennifer Ramirez.

The young women also recognize that the pageant would not be possible without the civic-minded people and businesses who support Miss Cardinal City, including the sponsors, judges, and their families.

Community members are invited to show their support by attending the Miss Cardinal City Pageant. Tickets for the September 15 event are available by calling Jamie Rios at (909) 881-8217 or from any Miss Cardinal City contestant.

This year’s sponsors include: Mr. James R. Valdez Jr.; Daniel Pham, photographer; and staff; Mr. & Mrs. Obershaw; Stater Bros. Markets; San Bernardino City USD; D’Arca Formal Wear; Angel’s Closet Charities; Virginia Marquez; Mr. Michael Osborn; Toyota of San Bernardino; Gutierrez Carpet; Dr. Michael A. Lawrence and Mrs. Lawrence; Irma Bravo, makeup artist; San Bernardino County Probation Department; El Chicano newspaper; Miss California Plus America Pageant; First Presbyterian Church; Mr. Jim Smith; Ms. Cher Rue; Mrs. Gloria Macias Harrison; Mr. & Mrs. Frank Hernandez; Mrs. Terri Bunch; Ms. DeJonae Shaw; Ricardo Tomboc; Ruben Rinza Makeup 101; Dr. Harold Vollkommer and Mrs. Vollkommer; Revolution Youth Advocates; THREADZ; Kurves by KIMI Attitude Upgrade; Robert Hemmingway; Sturges Center for the Fine Arts; Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Cummings; Miss Greater Southern California Pageant; Sharon Doyle; The Sun newspaper; San Bernardino High School; Trophy House San Bernardino; SBCUSD CAPS Expanded Learning; Michelle Thames; and Elizabeth Cahue, Cahue Enterprises HR Consulting Inc.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Social Lites, Inc. of San Bernardino launch the 52nd Beautillion Scholarship Season under the leadership of Mrs. Tina Darling, Beautillion Chairperson. Young men seeking scholarship opportunities in addition to being mentored by leaders in the community are encouraged to attend the upcoming briefings to learn more about the program.  Parents are encouraged to attend briefing meetings to gain better insight about the program.

Bring a friend and tell a friend to join you in attending the two scheduled briefings.  Briefings will be held on Sunday, October 7 and Sunday, October 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Youth and Community Development (formerly Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino) located at 1180 W. 9th Street in San Bernardino.

The program will officially start on Sunday, October 28 and 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.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— It’s that time of year again! The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation, Inc will be presenting the 2018 Black Rose, Humanitarian, and Community Service Awards on Friday, September 14 at 6 p.m.  at the Doubletree Hotel in San Bernardino located on Hospitality Lane.

This year’s honorees include: Humanitarian of the Year-Chehab and Bricia Elawar; Community Service- Rev. Reginald Woods; Black Rose- Richard Goldson, Jonathan Buffong and Ezekiel Adeleeke. Tickets are $65.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— FONTANA, CA —- Ephesians New Testament Church cordially invites you to join them for their Annual Community Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Fontana located at10543 Sierra Avenue in Fontana on Saturday, September 8 at 11:00 am.

This is the semi-annual luncheon where we honor individuals that have made significant contributions to the overall quality of life of the Fontana community. The luncheon seeks to exhibit and say thank you to those that serve us as ideal citizens and role models for our youth. We hope that their continued work will inspire others to serve this community. This year the committee has chosen (6) individuals.

Supervisor Josie Gonzales, for her work here in Fontana as “The Original Fontana Girl’ she has done so much to help seniors, veterans and to make the vision of a wholesome place to live for families. She serves the County of San Bernardino but Fontana is her home she loves children and has been supportive and personally encouraging to them as a role model.

Mr. Michael Tahan, before he became a councilman he supported every nonprofit group in our community with his businesses as well as his personal time and donations.  Mr. Tahan, as a resident speaks to many moral issues and to the fairness in our society.  He is a wonderful father and has found a way as an elected official to balance his family time and serve his community.

Mr. Danny Marquez, is the board chairman for Veterans Partnering with Communities Organizations.  Mr.  Marquez saw a need in this community to help veterans socially and informationally connect the many vets we have here in Fontana.  He was able to secure a place where vets could come and get help with their benefits and meet others. His passion has brought light to the many vets that live here in Fontana and their needs.

ABS Collision Center, Mr.  Idilio Sanchez is the president of ABS Collision Center one of the prominent businesses in our community he is a community supporter and operates with integrity. He has helped many organizations in this community and currently serves in the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce helping other business to connect and succeed.

Ms. Jasmin Hall, is a Fontana resident that became interwoven into the fiber of our community by simply saying I’ll serve she was a candidate for city council appointment.   She has been appointed to the Inland Empire Utilities Agency and has served on that board for (5) years. Dir. Hall has extensive experience in community leadership by serving as the Fontana Planning Commission Secretary and serving as Chairwoman for the Fontana Parks and Recreation Commissioner.  Her willingness to help be it volunteer or public service is a role model in that  she has mirrored the JFK quote “Ask Not What your Country Can Do For You Ask What You Can Do for Your Country” 

Westside Baptist Church, Samuel Dawkins, Sr. Pastor.  Westside Baptist Church has been in the community for over 20 years.  They are community centered and serve us in many capacities, from a food and clothing giveaway program, to a feeding program.  Pastor Dawkins is entrenched in the community as well as his wife who now serves as president of the Exchange Club.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- ANGELUS OAKS, CA— This summer — and every summer since 2013, students from Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy dedicated several days of their summer break volunteering at Camp Conrad Chinnock.

A comprehensive educational program located in Angelus Oaks, California, Camp Conrad Chinnock provides training to kids ages 7 to 12 with Type 1 diabetes and their families by teaching them how to manage their medication, eat properly and integrate physical activity into their lifestyle.

Kaitlyn Phumirat, a third-year student at the School of Pharmacy, was one of 22 students volunteering at Camp Chinnock this summer. She said her experience was eye-opening.

“It was impressive to watch these kids work their pump devices, change their pump site injections, test their blood glucose, and calculate how much insulin they need to cover their carbohydrates intake really well at such a young age,” said Phumirat, who would have to wake up with kids in the middle of the night to check their glucose and tend to any specific needs the kids may have.

Diabetic children aren’t typically able to experience summer camp because diabetes has to be so closely monitored. “Diabetes management is tough,” Phumirat said. “While at camp I realized how much diabetes affects one’s sleep cycle, physical activity, and so much of one’s everyday life.”

Campers sleep in cabins, make new friends, learn archery, fish, swim, hike, and take turns cleaning the mess hall after meals.

The camp was started in 1957 by Robert Chinnock, MD, a Loma Linda University Health pediatrician. His son, Richard Chinnock, MD and grandson Timothy Chinnock, MD, both pediatricians, continue to support and participate in the camp today.

The camp is a safe haven to kids with diabetes, says Nancy Kawahara, PharmD, associate dean for professional affairs and community engagement at Loma Linda School of Pharmacy.

In 2008, Kawahara’s son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes — he was 11. That year, his endocrinologist encouraged him to attend the camp, which he did every summer through high school. 

“Camp Conrad Chinnock was a place where everyone understood him, and he cherished the time he had there,” Kawahara said of her son’s experience.

The summer of her son’s junior year of high school, Kawahara dropped her son off at the teen camp while she, along with four students from the School of Pharmacy, spent six days at a session with younger children. Kawahara and the students participated in various recreational activities and educational sessions to help kids with insulin-dependent diabetes. One of those students was Christopher (CJ) Jacobson, PharmD, who is now on faculty at Loma Linda University.

“That experience led to a robust pharmacy program,” said Kawahara, who, along Jacobson now take around 20 pharmacy students to camp every year. “It has been a blessing to the education of pharmacy students because they gain first-hand experience with what it is really like to live with a chronic disease,” she said.

Since that initial summer at camp in 2013, Jacobson has spent every summer there volunteering his time. Of this year specifically, he said he enjoyed watching how integrated the pharmacy students were becoming in camp life.

“They worked on fostering relationships with the campers,” Jacobson said. “It was warming to see not only how the pharmacy students embraced camp, but how camp embraced the them.”

Several students from Loma Linda University School of Medicine also volunteer at the camp each year.

“This camp experience definitely pushed me beyond my comfort zone,” said Phumirat, the pharmacy student, who feared she might hurt a camper while poking them or giving them an insulin injection. “But watching these fearless kids do their own shots and glucose tests helped me.”

Phumirat said her positive camp experience has helped her to understand diabetes and has helped her in her journey to be a pharmacist with compassion.