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Back to School Next Week for San Bernardino Unified School District

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) students return to school on Monday, August 7. Monday is a regular school day. Late start and early dismissal schedules begin the second week of school.

A copy of the 2017–2018 school-year calendar is available for you to view and download at http://bernardino.ss13.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=59953&pageId=360733.

Parents who need to enroll their child should do so at their child’s home school. Call Boundaries at (909) 388-6100 or use the School Site Locator program by visiting http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/?districtcode=43985 to determine a child’s home school.

Parents of students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) should contact the Special Education department at (909) 880-6863 with questions or concerns about school enrollment.

CAPS Expanded Learning, the SBCUSD before- and after-school program, is not in session on Monday, August 7. Before- and after-school programs begin on Tuesday, August 8.

SBCUSD is focusing on student attendance in the coming school year. Every day your child attends school is an opportunity to learn and be successful. Every day your child misses school is a lost opportunity that puts him or her behind their peers.

70 Kilometer Bike Ride Raises Funds for The Salvation Army’s Path to Prosperity Transitional Living Program

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- When talking about San Bernardino, its reputation often precedes it. Words like poverty and crime roll off the tongue too easily. Then came the worst massacre in the United States since 9/11 and the City of San Bernardino was once again in the news. And the news was not good.

Ray Anderson, a business coach by trade and Salvation Army advisory board member, knew the negative images of his city were indelibly etched in the minds of people around the world. Adding terrorism to the list didn’t help. He wanted to see San Bernardino celebrated, not mourned or worse, ignored.

On the eve of his 70th birthday, the wheels started turning.

“We want to turn a negative image into something positive and uplifting,” Anderson said. “I’m committed to a personal effort to demonstrate that one person acting in faith can change the course of a family, a neighborhood and a community.

“Specifically, I want to do something to unite people behind the transformation of San Bernardino and show off the good sides of the town. I just turned 70, so how about I bike 70 kilometers through the city?”

Anderson, along with San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis and Major Dan Henderson of The Salvation Army Corps will cycle their bikes through San Bernardino in the 70:70K Ride on Saturday, October 14.

The goal is to raise $70,000 to purchase and rehab up to four houses for The Salvation Army’s “Path to Prosperity” program.  Through the program men have a safe, sober home to rent live in the while they compete their education, a job training and maintain a job while rebuilding their “spirit, family and life.”

The Path to Prosperity is open to any man who has successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program and can prove he has lived clean and sober for the last six months.

“The Path to Prosperity program is a final step to transform men with little hope into contributing members of the community,” Anderson said.

The Path to Prosperity is currently limited to 30 men for the 18-month program.  The need is so great that there is a waiting list of those hoping to join when space is available.  The addition of four new homes will enable Path to Prosperity program to serve as many as 25 men on the waiting list.

Anderson said the Path to Prosperity program has more than a decade of successfully returning 91 percent of clients, more than 323 graduates, back on the community, sober and self-sufficient.  He hopes to get as many people involved as he can to support the program, both through donations and the ride itself.

A goal of 250 cyclists, led by San Bernardino Mayor Carey Davis, will navigate through the city and pass by some of the spots that make San Bernardino unique.

The ride cruises along Historic Route 66, passes by the Little League West Regional Diamond, Cal State San Bernardino, San Manuel Casino, the International Airport, the 66ers San Manuel Stadium and ends at San Bernardino City Hall.

A Vietnam veteran, Anderson said he remembers what it was like to come home to a less-than-welcoming environment. But work was plentiful. Now, the opposite is greeting our veterans, Anderson said.

“Regardless of age, each of us can encourage and inspire others to pick up the gauntlet of change that will enable a new generation to reach for the stars with a simple act of focused giving,” Anderson said. “Specifically, I wanted to do something to unite people behind the transformation of San Bernardino.”

“The goal is to help men in trouble rebuild their lives through education or job training and return to society.  Instead of costing us $45,000 a year, recovered men can now contribute $30,000 or more to our local economy every year,” said Anderson.

People can participate in a number of ways. Everyone is invited to ride along, even if only for short segments. Riders can ask friends and family to support their effort with an on-line donation at various levels.

“You can contribute directly to the campaign at The Salvation Army,” said Anderson.

The cost to join the 70:70 Ride is $70 per rider.

“Realistically, I may never know the impact my chosen path made on the people, the city or those in the world around me,” Anderson said. “What I do know is unconditional love shown to me by family, friends and good-hearted people I’ve never met, compel me to return that love to a world desperately seeking it.”

For more information, on the 70:70 Ride call Cesar Gomez at (909) 230-292.  For information on the Path to Prosperity Program call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1336.

Men seeking help to overcome drug or alcohol addiction should call their local Adult Rehabilitation Centers at (909) 889-9605 in San Bernardino County or (951) 940-5790 in Riverside County.

 

Sherri Bryant Performs Live This Saturday

WALNUT, CA- In March, you were introduced you to Gospel Sensation, Sherri Bryant, who had recently released her new single, “You Are Greater.” This song took us through Sherri’s personal journey from fear to faith as she faced the possibility of losing her home to foreclosure. After seeing how God brought her through that time in her life, Sherri began writing and singing songs directly to God thanking Him for His incredible grace.     

Now that Sherri’s album is complete, she would love for you to join her and her friends at a concert celebrating our magnificent God and the release of her new CD, ‘True Worship’. Come with us as we take some time away from our busy lives to sing songs to God that come from deep down in our hearts.   

The concert will take place Saturday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. at City Blessing Church located at 18901 Amar Road in Walnut. Tickets are $5 at the door. 

OnTrac Opens Their Largest Facility in Fontana

FONTANA, CA- OnTrac, a logistics company specializing in contracting small parcel shipping services in the Western United States, welcomed the public to their flagship facility on Thursday, June 22. The Fontana facility is over five times the size of the two previous facilities OnTrac has in nearby Ontario. With almost 600,000 square feet, this facility is now the largest facility company-wide and services Fontana, Ontario and the entire Inland Empire. 

Shield Healthcare Purchasing Director Jeff Lichtenstein says, “I’ve been with Shield Healthcare for about nine years. All this time I’ve had a relationship with OnTrac and it has been a great relationship. Being able to cut through the red tape and deal with the people we need to deal with on a quick basis is very valuable for Shield Healthcare. We would like to congratulate them on their new Fontana facility.”

The Fontana facility is one out of 19 facilities California-wide and allows OnTrac to process packages that are offloaded to Commerce, as well as gain tremendous efficiencies and flexibility to keep OnTrac agile for their customers. There are 115 dock doors and 8,000 packages an hour travel through this facility. Next year, OnTrac plans on fully automating the Fontana facility and will have the capability of moving 35,000 packages an hour means that a package can move from unload to load in about three and a half minutes to get out on the road to their destination. By processing packages faster and minimizing the time in the facility, OnTrac is not only more efficient in this building, but also throughout their entire eight-state footprint. 

“This facility is important to us. Not only is it our newest facility.  It is also our largest at just under 600,000 square feet,” says Laura Peterson, vice president of public relations and marketing. “We have improved our square footage by five or six times and we’ve tripled the number of employees. And more exciting is that next year, we plan on fully automating this building, which I believe will make us the first regional carrier to have a fully automated facility.”

With the expansion in facility size and additional packages, OnTrac has also tripled their staff from what it was before. There are over 300 people employed at this facility and are OnTrac is still hiring today. As peak season approaches, OnTrac will be hiring additional sorters to manage the influx of holiday shipping. Currently, OnTrac is hiring a total of 17 positions between AM Package Handlers, PM Package Handlers, IR Package Handlers, and a Linehaul Dispatch. For more information and to apply, please go to www.ontrac.com/careers.

About OnTrac

OnTrac specializes in delivery services throughout the eight western area states, an area that is home to over 60 million consumers. OnTrac was founded in 1991, and has grown to become a top choice for e-commerce and companies looking to speed up parcel distribution without the cost of express shipping. In 2014, OnTrac launched DirectPost, and became the first regional logistics company to offer a USPS Package Consolidation Service. OnTrac is a SmartWay Transport Partner, a USPS Workshare Partner, and is integrated with over thirty different multi-carrier software providers. OnTrac is comprised of three divisions based on service offerings; overnight, messenger, and international.  For more information on overnight services, call 800.334.5000 or visit ontrac.com. For more information on messenger services, call 888.334.5001 or visit ontracmessenger.com. For more information on international services, call 800.628.4868 or visit ontracinternational.com.

Loma Linda University Launches Diagnostic Medical Sonography Bachelor’s Degree

LOMA LINDA, CA- Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions has introduced a bachelor’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography, expanding the program from a certificate degree to meet the needs of the industry that is increasingly seeking graduates of a four-year program.

Applications are now being taken for the program’s first bachelor’s degree co-hort. The priority deadline to apply is October 15, with a final deadline of December 15.

Medical sonography, commonly known as ultrasound scanning, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

Sonography is often used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, obstetrics & gynecology, prostate, heart and blood vessels. Sonography is increasingly being used in the detection and treatment of heart disease and vascular disease that can lead to a stroke. It is also used to guide fine-needle tissue biopsies. 

A sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings where the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. Sonographers assist physicians in gathering sonographic data necessary to reach diagnostic decisions.

“This is such a rewarding field,” said Marie DeLange, program director for diagnostic medical sonography at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions.

“There is great satisfaction and reward to be able to use critical thinking skills in partnering with physicians to determine a diagnosis to better care for the patient.”  

Loma Linda University’s diagnostic medical sonography degree is a 27-month program, approximately 80 percent of which is classroom coursework and 20 percent completed online. Students spend more than 30 hours a week in a clinical setting. Classes are held once a week for 2 to 5 hours.

Loma Linda University also offers a cardiac sonography certificate, which involves more in-depth study of the heart, including heart hemodynamics, normal anatomy, disease processes and patient treatment.

The cardiac sonography certificate program begins each autumn, and the program length is 12-months. This program prepares students to sit for the board exam and RDCS credentialing exam. All students are required to take and pass the ARDMS Standard Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before completion of the program.

Sonography is a good fit for a career…

  • If you want to work in a fast-paced, satisfying career in the medical field…
  • If you seek a significant role on the health care team to help in patient diagnosis…
  • If you desire more responsibility, working closely with physicians.

The sonography programs at Loma Linda University offer:

  • A variety of clinical sites with extensive clinical hours…
  • A broad exposure to patient cases…
  • A unique student experience with experienced faculty who care about you…
  • A learning environment that supports and motivates you toward your success.

This news release follows last month’s announcement that the school has also expanded its nuclear medicine certificate into a bachelor’s degree.

“We continue to offer newly expanded programs so our students — and their future employers — will receive the greatest possible benefit for serving patients,” said Laura Alipoon, EdD, RT, chair of the school’s Department of Radiation Technology. “We look forward to announcing more expanded programs soon.”

Medical sonography, commonly known as ultrasound scanning, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. Unlike X-rays, sonography is a radiation-free imaging modality.

Sonography is often used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, obstetrics & gynecology, prostate, heart and blood vessels. Sonography is increasingly being used in the detection and treatment of heart disease and vascular disease that can lead to a stroke. It is also used to guide fine-needle tissue biopsies. 

A sonographer may provide this service in a variety of medical settings where the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. Sonographers assist physicians in gathering sonographic data necessary to reach diagnostic decisions.

“This is such a rewarding field,” said Marie DeLange, program director for diagnostic medical sonography at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions. “There is great satisfaction and reward to be able to use critical thinking skills in partnering with physicians to determine a diagnosis to better care for the patient.”  

Loma Linda University’s diagnostic medical sonography degree is a 27-month program, approximately 80 percent of which is classroom coursework and 20 percent completed online. Students spend more than 30 hours a week in a clinical setting. Classes are held once a week for 2 to 5 hours.

Loma Linda University also offers a cardiac sonography certificate, which involves more in-depth study of the heart, including heart hemodynamics, normal anatomy, disease processes and patient treatment.

The cardiac sonography certificate program begins each autumn, and the program length is 12-months. This program prepares students to sit for the board exam and RDCS credentialing exam. All students are required to take and pass the ARDMS Standard Physics and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before completion of the program.

Sonography is a good fit for a career…

  • If you want to work in a fast-paced, satisfying career in the medical field…
  • If you seek a significant role on the health care team to help in patient diagnosis…
  • If you desire more responsibility, working closely with physicians.

The sonography programs at Loma Linda University offer:

  • A variety of clinical sites with extensive clinical hours…
  • A broad exposure to patient cases…
  • A unique student experience with experienced faculty who care about you…
  • A learning environment that supports and motivates you toward your success.

This news release follows last month’s announcement that the school has also expanded its nuclear medicine certificate into a bachelor’s degree.

“We continue to offer newly expanded programs so our students — and their future employers — will receive the greatest possible benefit for serving patients,” said Laura Alipoon, EdD, RT, chair of the school’s Department of Radiation Technology. “We look forward to announcing more expanded programs soon.”

Loma Linda University Cancer Center Now Offers Low Dose CT Scan for Lung Cancer

LOMA LINDA, CA Loma Linda University (LLU) Cancer Center is now offering lung cancer screening through a low dose chest CT scan.

The leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and the second most common form of cancer in both men and women, lung cancer typically goes undetected until symptoms present, which is usually in the latter stages of the disease, according to Brian S. Furukawa, MD, assistant professor of pulmonary and critical care at LLU School of Medicine.

“Not only can we now detect lung cancer at an early stage when it is curable, but with our multi-disciplinary approach our team can help patients modify his or her risk factors,” Furukawa said. “The most important thing you can do to decrease your risk of getting lung cancer is to quit smoking.”

CT, or computed tomography, is an imaging procedure that uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed pictures or scans of areas inside the body. CT images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels typically provide greater detail than traditional X-rays.

A recent study comparing yearly screening with a low dose chest CT versus chest X-ray showed a 20 percent reduction in mortality in patients at high risk for lung cancer. 

Although getting a CT scan is relatively quick and easy, screening is an individual choice. The Lung Cancer Screening clinic educates patients on the risks and benefits of screening to help them decide on which is best for them. The clinic also works with patients to help them quit smoking. In addition, if a scan reveals a concerning finding, a multi-disciplinary team of specialists is ready to discuss the next best steps to take for further work up and a treatment plan if cancer is detected. 

“There is a dedicated team to provide care at every level to our patients,” Furukawa said. 

To learn more about low dose CT for lung cancer, or to see if you are eligible, visit lomalindalung.org or call 1-800-78-CANCER.

 

San Bernardino Native Helps Keep One of The Navy’s Newest, Most Advanced Aircraft Flying

Danyelle Ridley

Danyelle Ridley

By Chief Petty Officer Bill Steele, Navy Office of Community Outreach

A 2013 Pacific High School graduate and San Bernadino, California native is serving with a U.S. Navy strike fighter squadron that flies one of the Navy’s newest and most technologically-advanced aircraft, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Danyielle Ridley is an aviation structural mechanic with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 “Super Hornets”, stationed in Lemoore, California. The squadron is currently training at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

As an aviation structural mechanic, Ridley is responsible for repairing the structure the jet aircraft and changing the hydraulic components.

“I enjoy anything with hydraulics,” said Ridley. “I think it’s interesting how it works. I never knew anything about hydraulics until I joined the Navy.”

The F/A-18 Hornet, an all-weather aircraft, is used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, it is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support, according to Navy sources.

The newest model, Super Hornet, is highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day or night precision strike. Compared to the original aircraft, according to Navy officials, Super Hornet has longer range, an aerial refueling capability, increased survivability and improved carrier suitability.

“I like that this is a training command—it gives us lots of room to learn,” said Ridley.

As a member of one of the Navy’s squadrons with the newest aircraft platforms, Ridley and other VFA-122 sailors are proud to be part of a warfighting team that readily defends America at all times.

Sailors’ jobs are highly varied at VFA-122, according to Navy officials. Since the squadron is the 10th largest in the world, with over 100 aircraft operating, sailors must make up and keep all parts of the squadron running smoothly — this includes everything from maintaining airframes and engines, to processing paperwork, handling weaponry, and flying the aircraft. 

Serving in the Navy, Ridley is learning about being a more responsible leader, sailor and citizen through handling numerous responsibilities.

“I first joined the Navy just to get education, but something about it makes me want to do it forever,” Ridley added. “It’s never boring at work, it’s not repetitive. Jets are exciting.”

Eta Nu Omega Kicks off a Summer of Giving

RIVERSIDE, CA- On Sunday, June 11, the Eta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. through its charitable arm, The Inland Ivy Foundation, presented scholarships to six young women from the Inland Empire who have demonstrated high scholastic achievements and outstanding character.  The recipients are Brooklynn Brumley of Rancho Verde High School, Celeste Gaynair of Sultana High School, Raylene Graham of Arroyo Valley High School, Kalaya Hill of Arroyo Valley High School, Wendy Osorio of Ramona High School, and Jenna Owens of Rancho Verde High School.  These High School Seniors are all college bound and were selected from a pool of candidates with stellar grades and strong records of community service.

2017 Paint for a purpose

On Wednesday, June 21, Eta Nu Omega continued its Summer of Giving by “Painting for a Purpose” at Phearless Art Studio in Moreno Valley raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day campaign.  Held annually on the summer solstice, this sunrise to sunset event recognizes the challenging journey faced by those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and their caregivers.  The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. used this day to call attention to the 47 million people around the world that are impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease.  In addition to individual donations made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Phearless Art Studio donated a portion of the proceeds collected from Eta Nu Omega’s Paint Night to the Alzheimer’s Association.

On Saturday, July 22, Eta Nu Omega co-hosted a “Concert Under the Stars” at the beautiful Hafif Estate in La Verne, CA to raise additional money for special projects such as support to a local domestic violence shelter, academic enrichment and personal development programs for high school and middle school students in Grand Terrace (ASCEND) and Fontana (Emerging Young Leaders).

Eta Nu Omega raises funds throughout the year through its Inland Ivy Foundation for scholarships and other charitable activities geared towards enriching the lives of men, women and children in the Inland Empire. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest female Greek letter organization for college educated women founded in 1908.

Orange County, Palm Springs Organizations Donate Blankets, Craft Kits to Kids at LLUCH Clinic

LOMA LINDA, CA- Members from the Orange County Inland Empire Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Palm Springs Subaru dealership stopped by the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) Hematology/Oncology Clinic Friday, July 7 to brighten the kids’ day. They delivered blankets and craft kits to the clinic.

Although over 100 degrees outside, kids could find comfort in the blankets and use them while receiving treatment.

Gaven Hamrick, 9, of San Bernardino, was just one patient at the LLUCH clinic to receive a blanket and craft kit from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Subaru San Bernardino. 

“I can definitely use this stuff with my sister,” the fourth grader said of the crayons, markers and clay found in the craft kit. Hamrick was extremely appreciative of his new blanket saying he likes it cold in his room so he can get cozy under blankets.

The blanket donation is part of the LLS of Orange County Inland Empire Chapter and Palm Springs Subaru participation in the national Subaru Loves to Care Campaign. Through the campaign, LLS and Subaru intend to spread hope, love and warmth to cancer patients through small gestures by donating over 38,000 blankets across the country.

The LLUCH Hematology/Oncology clinic cares for patients with childhood cancers and blood disorders such as aplastic anemia.

Anaheim Ducks Power Players and Mascot Visit Patients at Cancer Center

Anaheim Ducks Mascot, Wild Wing, met with patients and offered some healing encouragement during a visit to Loma Linda University Cancer Center on Thursday, June 29.

Anaheim Ducks Mascot, Wild Wing, met with patients and offered some healing encouragement during a visit to Loma Linda University Cancer Center on Thursday, June 29.

LOMA LINDA, CA- Patients at Loma Linda University Cancer Center recently received a spirited visit from the Anaheim Ducks mascot, Wild Wing, and two of their Power Players. The hockey enthusiasts delivered Ducks paraphernalia and visited with patients undergoing treatment. This was the Ducks’ fourth visit to the Cancer Center since 2013.

The Anaheim Ducks have supported the Cancer Center since October 2013 after they hosted the first Hockey Fights Cancer Night at the Honda Center, their home arena in Anaheim. They’ve since hosted two such events at the arena in 2014 and 2015 and have raised nearly $57,000 for the Cancer Center.