Local

(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.

(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, health checks, face-painting and jumpers for kids. There will also be a life-saving message by Pastor Raymond Turner of Temple Missionary Baptist Church, powerful gospel music and good fellowship.

Please register by phone, email or at at 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.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA—The Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce is the happy recipient of a 16-passenger bus recently donated by the Riverside Transit Agency.

Pepi Jackson, President of RCBCC stated, “I am elated about the fact that the bus is so roomy that I can get three-wheel chairs in it! This gift will allow us to provide even more services to our members, constituents and clients.” 

For more information about RCBCC call (951) 823-0175 or visit their website Riversidecountybcc.org.

The Wolverines will face off against cross-county rival Riverside City College in a “Bell Game,” a 70-year tradition between the two colleges.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The 2018 season opener for the San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) football team will revive a long-established tradition against cross-county rival Riverside City College (RCC). Since 1948, the highly-coveted “Victory Bell” trophy has been passed between the victors of the football games between the two schools. For the first time in seven years, SBVC and RCC will once again battle for the Bell on September 15, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the SBVC Stadium.

SBVC and RCC have competed in football since the 1920s, but it wasn’t until a special donation gave birth to the trophy game now known as the Bell Game. In 1948, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company donated the Victory Bell to the winner of the football game between the two colleges. The bell, suspended from a three-foot steel frame and weighing nearly 250 pounds, is rung in celebration by the victorious team after each face-off.

Since the rivalry’s inception, RCC’s record edges out SBVC, with 39 wins compared to SBVC’s 32. However, the teams haven’t competed since 2011, when the RCC Tigers defeated the Wolverines and took home the Bell. “I am glad each side decided to bring the game back, even for a limited time,” said SBVC Director of Athletics David Rubio. “With two cross-county rivals and both institutions having a great athletic history, there is no reason why this game should have waited as long as it did.” 

SBVC hasn’t possessed the Bell since 1996, back during a time when the college’s team was still known as the Indians. But this year, SBVC plans to take back the Bell for the first time as the Wolverines, the college’s mascot since 2001.

“Not only was it a trophy game, the game even went beyond pride,” said SBVC assistant football coach Pat Meech. “It had the potential to be lengthy return to a great matchup, it was about bragging rights, and it was great for the local communities.” 

WHAT: SBVC Football “Bell Game” Season Opener

WHERE: SBVC Stadium, 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, CA., 92410

WHEN: September 15, 2018 at 6 p.m.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— On Friday, August 31 in Redlands, Music Changing Lives (MCL) and Hartlis Apparel hosted a celebrity basketball game that addressed social issues amongst our youth, including prevention and intervention against drugs, gangs, teen violence and dropping out of school.

With pre-game activities including studio tours and interviews, incredible halftime performances and a super competitive game with only a 2-point win, this year’s Ball 4 A Cause celebrity game was a HUGE success.  

“What I loved most about the Ball 4 A Cause fundraiser was that we not only raised funds and awareness for our unique programs, but it also provided a forum to meet with alums that have participated in MCL’s programs from as long as 15 years ago,” Josiah Bruny, CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives, explained.

“We also got to meet new friends who are committed to helping keep music and art alive for youth throughout the region and our nation,” Bruny continued.

Common Vision Coalition, Hartlis Apparel, T-Mobile, QTFL Clothing and AT&T who provided families with resources and opportunities through music, art, fitness and cultural experiences to prevent these issues.

The game was the perfect way to kick off Labor Day weekend and several community members took part in the festivities. They included Redlands Community Police officer, R. Williams, Pastor Green of Second Baptist of Redlands and The Redlands Community Center and Quality of Life.

“At MCL we firmly believe strong families form the foundations of strong communities,” Bruny stated. “Everyone has a role to play in making families successful, including neighborhood organizations, businesses, nonprofits, policymakers, and, of course, families themselves.”

He continued, “And together we can continue to change the lives of our families!”

Some of the celebrities and artists that joined included Meg Delacy, Lisa Monah, Baby Girl, Dorjje and all MCL’s student performers whom all graced guests with an amazing halftime show.

“Last, but definitely not least thank you to all of the players who participated.  Words cannot express our gratitude for you helping raise awareness of the social issues our youth face. It was one heck of a game, but in the end MCL out balled Hartlis Apparel 76-74!” Bruny said. 

Be sure to check out the event photos at www.Facebook.com/MusicChangingLivesIE or Instagram at @MusicChangingLives. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools will hold a reading rally on Friday, September 7, for pre-kindergartners to third-graders on the campus of California State University, San Bernardino. The reading rally will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is in support of San Bernardino County’s Vision2Read Initiative, which looks to promote early literacy and support all children from cradle to career.

Cal State San Bernardino is located at 5500 University Parkway in San Bernardino.

For more information about the reading rally, call the County Schools’ Communications office at (909) 386-2413.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—REDLANDS, CA— On Friday, August 31, Music Changing Lives, (MCL) and Hartlis Apparel will host “Ball 4 A Cause,” a celebrity benefits basketball game to keep music and art alive and address social issues amongst our youth.  The event will take place at the Redlands Community Center, located at 111 W. Lugonia Ave. in Redlands from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Talent slated to participate in Saturday’s “Ball 4 A Cause” celebrity basketball game include actress Meg Delacy from The Fosters & Chicago PD; hip-hop artist Compton AV; celebrity host, TV personality and model Latricia “Purple” Renee, and several other local artist and pro basketball players from the IE that play overseas.  Plus, representatives from the Redlands Police Department will join in on the fun and play in the tournament.

Admission is only $15.00 and children 17 and under are FREE.  Tickets will be sold at the door and school aged children will need a student ID to get in free. For sponsorship, media or general event information, contact 951-992-0721 or email During the half-time show guest speakers at the event will address prevention and intervention against drugs, gangs, teen violence, dropping out of school and the important role music and art play in keeping our youth focused on their education and their futures.

CEO of Music Changing Lives, Josiah Bruny expressed his gratitude to those getting involved, “I want to thank my staff, board members and everyone who answered our call to come out and Ball 4 A Cause.  It’s vital we bring awareness to the issues affecting our youth and community, and I’m grateful for those who see the need and vision and want to get involved to bring change.  In the words of Helen Keller ‘Alone, we can do so little; yet together we can do so much,’ and I truly stand by that.”

The jam-packed event will also feature a tour of MCL’s music studio and art lab; and fans will have an opportunity to record a 15 second shout out for Music Changing Lives and Hartlis Apparel.

To learn more about Music Changing Lives, you can visit them on the web at  www.MusicChangingLives.org.  To shop Hartlis Apparel clothing, visit them on Instagram @hartlisapparel.

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— During the Spring of 2018, three San Bernardino City Unified School District students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Beijing, China. They, along with 18 Los Angeles high school students, were selected by On A Mission, Inc., a Los Angeles-area based mentoring program, to attend this trip designed for academically strong students ages 14 to 17. They returned to Tom Bradley International Airport on April 28, 2018, with an international stamp in their newly issued passports and a cultural experience.

Edwin Henderson, President and CEO of On A Mission, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an after-school program serving students living in Los Angeles area, and beyond. The organization aims to teach life skills to the students, help them become productive adults in today’s changing world. They conduct youth educational trips to places Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. This year he decided to take the organization first international trip.

Henderson opened the opportunity up to SBCUSD students when he addressed parents and student at a monthly District African American Advisory Council meeting with hopes to recruit local students. SBCUSD students selected were Yonathan Habtemariam (Cajon High School- 12^th), Trayvon Davis (San Bernardino HS- 12^th) and Anise Tyehimba (Cajon High School- 11^th).

In 2016, Edwin Henderson, Founder, and President of OAM, decided to expand and open the application process to students in the Inland Empire because he saw the need in the community. Habtemariam and Davis also attended On A Mission’s annual trip to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and New Your City in 2016. The trip included a tour of the White House, U.S. Capitol, the Martin Luther King Jr and Lincoln Memorial, V.I.P. tour of the Pentagon, Howard University, and more.

This was On A Mission, Inc. 8^th Annual Student Educational Tour (however this was its first international trip). Some of the experiences and places the students had the opportunity to participate in include: Forbidden City, Beijing Capital Museum, Tiananmen Square, 2008 Olympic Games Sites, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Rickshaw Ride through Beijing, Kung Fu Show, and an Acrobatic Show.

While visiting a local school in Beijing, they recognized many differences from the schools in the United States. While some in the study group learned how to write calligraphy, a few of the Chinese students asked a few of their American counterparts to play basketball with them. While playing basketball, Davis noticed the one of the Chinese student’s shoes were in bad condition. He opened his duffle bag and gave him a pair of his basketball shoes. The player was very appreciative. “I was humbled that I was able to give those (shoes) to him. He was grateful,” said Davis. “It felt good.”

“I had a window seat and was able to take some pretty amazing pictures as we flew across the Pacific Ocean and other countries such as Russia,” said Tyehimba of the 13-hour flight.

 “Although Anise would miss one week of school, going to China in of itself was an educational experience that no teacher or a textbook could provide,” stated Desney Tyehimba, parent, and educator in the SBCUSD. “Being immersed in another country’s culture, customs, time zone, language, and food for an entire week is a true example of what it means to be a global citizen.”

Before going on the trip, the students were given ideas and tips on how to raise money, so the trip would not put a strain on the family’s household budgets. Habtemariam took advantage of the tips and in addition to receiving support from family and friends, he was also able to secure a donation from the San Bernardino Police Foundation.

“Going to China reassured my appreciation for the county I live in,” reflected Habtemariam. “I think it’s cool how OAM, Inc. is intentionally showing students the world through a different lens.”

From October 24 to October, 28, 2018, Henderson will once again invite approximately 30 deserving students the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance visit five Historical College and Universities at The HBCU College Tour- Atlanta Homecoming 2018. The schools the students will be visiting are Alabama State, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, Spelman College and Tuskegee. It is important to note, only academically strong students, grades 9^th– 12^th only, will be invited to participate in the trip. The students must also pass a vigorous interview and selection process. In addition to the visiting the educational institutions, the students will also have an opportunity to visit CNN Headquarters, Coke Cola Headquarters and attend the Morehouse Homecoming football game.

On A Mission, Inc., looks forward to including more students from the SBCUSD on next year’s international trip. For more information contact On A Mission, Inc. at (323) 298-4779 or email: info@joinoam.org

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA— Sip, Swirl and Savor form the musical theme as noted Jazz artists perform live at the Inland Empire Jazz Experience, held Saturday, September 1, at the Mountain Vista Winery in Rancho Cucamonga.  Billed as an experience, the event is led by jazz luminaries Michael Haggins and Jason Webber and features distinguished musicians, Vaughn Fahie, Jazz Zone, Teryn Re and Nick Gomez. Set within the winery’s intimate arbor and picnic area, patrons will sip and sample wines from Mountain Vista’s award-winning cellar and can attend several free workshops, lectures and demonstrations.

“We are offering a unique opportunity to experience top jazz entertainment in a relaxing setting,” notes Brian Cochran, event producer and organizer. “Attendees will also be able to learn more about wine and music and get the best of both,” he adds.

Born in Pasadena, California, Michael Haggins grew up with music. His uncle Al Duncan was a session drummer for Chess Records in the ’50s and ’60s where he recorded with legends Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Etta James and  Sonny Boy Williamson. Haggins studied communications at California State University, Long Beach and at one time worked editing television shows like The Cosby Show and Dr. Phil. In the early 2000s, the bassist started his own band and ramped up his music career. Haggins’ most recognized songs, “Daybreak” and “Be Thankful,” have been featured in the television series, Community.  His works have also been featured in the television series Raising Hope and Wake Up With Al and also a part of the soundtrack of the motion picture, Hall Pass.

Jason Weber has been playing the saxophone for over 30 years. A veteran of the Southern California’s music scene, Jason has 8 CDs under his belt as well as numerous guest appearances on other artists’ recordings. He has performed with jazz iconsGerald Albright, Everette Harp and Brian Auger to name a few. With an average of 300 shows per year, he is in great demand for recording sessions and for performing with other artists.

The Experience includes workshops highlighting wine pairing, wine making and a history of Rancho Cucamonga wines hosted by Mountain Vista Winery. Additionally, Rancho Cucamonga’s Guitar Center showcase an introductory class in Jazz Music 101. 

“What an inventive way to learn about music, says Tony Hayes, Guitar Center manager.” It is a perfect setting to inspire, learn and enjoy,” he adds.

Cochran, sees the limited seating and intimate setting as a new step in the way concerts and festivals are presented. “We want our audience to do more than just enjoy the music.  We want them to participate and leave with memories.”

Biz Help 101 and Phat X. Inc are leaders in business development. With over 20 years in event planning and branding, they lead the area in marketing and event management. Tickets are on sale and are limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.iejazzfestival.com.