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By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica R. Gardner, Navy Office of Community Outreach
U.S. Navy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— PEARL HARBOR – An Ontario, California, native and 2011 A.B. Miller High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Tovar has served in the Navy for one-and-a-half years and is a U.S. Navy quartermaster aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A Navy quartermaster, Tovar is responsible for navigating the ship.

Tovar credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Ontario.

“I was taught to be patient, disciplined and make the best out of every opportunity,” said Tovar

Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Tovar is most proud of earning a letter of commendation from the commanding officer of the USS Chung-Hoon.

“I was rewarded for working hard during my underway with them,” said Tovar

A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.

Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Tovar is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world’s population, many of the world’s largest and smallest economies, several of the world’s largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Tovar and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

“It’s an honor to serve and since no one in my family has served, it feels great to be the first,” added Tovar. “Being able to be a part of the best military in the world is amazing.”

Twenty-one African American artists featured in show recognizing Black History Month

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— The San Bernardino County Museum, in partnership with the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Inland Cities, East, presented an exhibit featuring the fine art works of prominent African American artists from throughout Southern California to recognize Black History Month. “Images of Black Culture, Life, & History” was featured at the Museum on February 1through March 3.  The Chamber hosted an exhibit reception at the Museum on Thursday, February 7.

Guest curated by Charles Bibbs, who also had two works in the show, the artists who participated included  Adeola Davies-Ayeloja, Alva, Bernard Hoyes, Christopher J. Wesley, Derrick Dzine, Diana Shannon Young, Emmy Lu, Errol Cook, Keith Mikell, Kenneth Gatewood, Manuelita Brown, Michael Massenburg, Maurice Howard, Nathaniel Bustion, Rosalind McGary, Synthia Saint James, Shaz Taylor, Theresa Shellcroft, Viveca Mays, and Zeal Harris. The show included paintings, watercolors, collages, ceramics, and quilts.

Curator of visitor engagement and exhibits, David Myers said, “these images are reflective of an array of experiences expressing power, beauty, provocation, hopelessness and hope. Charles Bibbs, with his immense talent and profile in the arts, brought together both established and emerging artists to weave a complex story of the African American experience. We are truly grateful to Charles and the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce for helping us ensure that our exhibits are representative and reflective of our community both during our Black History Month celebration and all year long.”

The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture, and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.

Photos by John Coleman

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(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Atrian Voorhees, from Apple Valley, California, prepares lobsters in the wardroom galley aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the South China Sea, March 1, 2019. The John C. Stennis is deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ikenna Tanaka)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Josh Maldonado, an engineer for Loma Linda Fire Department, was recognized with the Hometown Hero Award at the 26^th annual Foundation Gala on Thursday, February 21.

Maldonado has been a key player in raising over $50,000 through the annual Tip-a-Firefighter at The Old Spaghetti Factory, an event that he initiated in 2012. He continues to volunteer for a full day at the event, which is hosted at the Redlands and Rancho Mirage restaurant locations.

With two kids of his own who had both been treated at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Maldonado has been committed to giving back to the hospital that has been integral in his family’s life. He volunteers at numerous events, including the K-Froggers for KidsRadiothon, Gingerbread Village, Dishes for Wishes and the Quaid Harley-Davidson Toy Run. He has also coordinated thousands of dollars’ worth of toys to be donated to patients.

Maldonado not only gives of his personal time, but he also supports Children’s Hospital with an annual monetary donation. He shares his passion of giving back with others as well, being the voice for those who don’t have one, something that was instilled in him as a child.

“My family has always been one to help out where we can,” Maldonado said. “As a kid we always outreached in the city parks and at events. I’m trying to pass that on to my kids — that we can make life better for people, even if it’s just opening a door for someone.”

An Inland Empire native, Maldonado grew up in Colton. He married his high school sweetheart, Katie, 20 years ago, and they now reside in Grand Terrace.

After going through the explorer program at Colton Fire Department during high school, Maldonado attended Crafton Hills College Fire Academy. He was a firefighter at San Bernardino County Fire and then Fort Irwin before coming to LLFD in 2007.

“I feel very lucky to do what I do every day,” he said. “To be able to put this uniform on — to be able to have the platform to do things is humbling for me.”

According to Tiffany Hoekstra of the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Foundation, Maldonado is a true champion for children.

“He is always right there willing to help without any reservation,” Hoekstra said. “Josh is so incredibly humble and never seeks recognition for all that he has done, but from the bottom of our hearts we know he truly deserves it.”

Akoma Unity Center has partnered with Empowered Mindz Stem Academy to bring a free, rigorous, robotics classes to Young Engineers. Students from all over the Inland Empire and Orange County attended this program.

According to Jennifer Xicara, the center’s operations manager, “Akoma is excited to inspire the next generation of Engineers with 5 more sessions to go”.

Akoma Unity Center is located on the West Side of San Bernardino at 1367 N. California Street. The phone number is 909-217-7956.

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Date of event: Saturday, March 2, 2019

Purpose: Recognizing mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult, which is why it’s so important for everyone to understand the warning signs and risk factors.

Mental Health First Aid USA is an 8-hour training to teach participants how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps trainees identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Continental breakfast provided by Building Resilient Communities  Students responsible for lunch

Register quickly!  This class will fill fast.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Participants of the Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion Program attended both 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.  Church services at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, February 24, 2019. It was a wonderful experience to celebrate the end of Black History Month at one of the historic African American Churches in the Inland Empire.  New Hope Missionary Baptist Church located at 1575 W. 17^th Street, San Bernardino has been in the community for over 106 years.  One of the most wonderful experiences for all to take part in was a Black History exhibit set up in the fellowship hall that included samples of southern cooking all to enjoy.

Morning worship also included a guest speaker from Live Stream in partnership with the Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive Committee in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to inform congregation of the upcoming Blood Drive at New Hope Missionary Baptist church from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 31, 2019.

The Beautillion program will commence on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the National Orange Show of San Bernardino.  For more information, please contact: knight.beautillion@gmail.com

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—CORPSU CHRISTI, Texas (Feb. 14, 2019) — NHC Corpus Christi Sailors of the Quarter for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2019. From left, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) David B. Butler, of Munford, Tennessee, Sailor of the Quarter; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Raul M. Cervantes, of Yoakum, Texas, Senior Sailor of the Quarter; and Hospitalman Dominic Briones, of Apple Valley, California, Blue Jacket of the Quarter. Not pictured: Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Alec Bushong, of San Antonio Detachment, Junior Sailor of the Quarter. (U.S. Navy photo/Bill W. Love)

by Alan Nunn, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)– GREAT LAKES, Ill— Seaman Recruit Jasmine Recio, an Upland High School graduate and Upland, California, native, graduated as top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, Division 914, earning the Military Excellence Award on February 8.

Recio said she was honored to receive the MEA.

“I’ve been bestowed one of the greatest honors an RTC graduate can achieve, and having been compared against countless of other talented and motivated recruits in my training group, I consider it a blessing,” Recio said.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—ALEXANDRIA, VA— In celebration of its 25^th anniversary, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a nonprofit humanitarian and advocacy organization, has awarded a $25,000 “Silver Anniversary” grant to two Redlands-based agencies – Building Resilient Communities (BRC) and Redlands Area Interfaith Council (RAIC) – to help develop a new platform for emergency management.  

The two organizations will work together on the Emergency Preparedness and Response Collaborative project. For the project, the organizations will partner with the Redlands Emergency Management and Human Relations Commission to give different faith groups (Muslims, Catholics, Mormons, Christians, among others) the opportunity to work together. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide toolkits and train 45 volunteers from the various RAIC member agencies to become cultural liaisons who will work with first responders and establish an emotional and spiritual care team.

“Building Resilient Communities (BRC) was established to help community and faith-based organizations prepare for that inevitable moment when they are called upon to build, repair and restore their community,” said Debra J. Williams, president of Building Resilient Communities. “This project is a wonderful opportunity for the entire faith community to come together to learn and collaborate for a common cause.  The relationships built through this project will go far beyond preparing for a disaster.  Building Resilient Communities is proud to be a part of such an important endeavor and we truly thank Islamic Relief USA for recognizing the value of our project.”

“This Islamic Relief USA grant will allow Building Resilient Communities, Redlands Area Interfaith Council, the City of Redlands Emergency Management and other groups to collaborate on providing disaster preparedness and response services that incorporate and respect cultural and religious norms,” said Dr. Shaheen Zakaria, M.D., vice president of the Redlands Area Interfaith Council (RAIC) and a commissioner of the Redlands Human Relations Commission. “An intricate tapestry of individual values, norms and culture tie every community together. To understand their culture is to understand them. This will be a great way forward towards understanding and building bridges among various community groups in Redlands”.

The “Silver Anniversary Community Bridge-Building” program is an initiative designed to bridge the differences that frequently divide communities – such as religion, race, or political opinion. The grant announcement generated 175 formal inquiries from organizations working in 36 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. That response demonstrates that people all across America are interested in finding common bonds and are committed to a common mission for the sake of their communities. 

“The tremendous response from grassroots, community-based and national organizations shows that people who on the surface have little in common can come together to make the world a better place – a place where there’s more unity, more sensitivity, and an endless amount of potential and promise,” said Anne Wilson, director of programs for IRUSA.