(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Henry Salazar was three years removed from high school when he began a two-year tour of duty in Vietnam. Within months he had survived one of the largest and most brutal military campaigns of the war, when Vietcong and North Vietnamese forces launched simultaneous attacks on American and South Vietnamese troops.

The Tet Offensive of January and February 1968 was a turning point in the war, and for the 21-year-old Salazar, a defining period in his life.

“It was a nightmare. I didn’t think it was going to end. They were pounding us. We were pounding them. I watched buddies getting killed, but what got me the most was seeing the displaced people – the innocent victims of war who lost their homes, lost their villages, lost everything,” Salazar said as hundreds of service veterans gathered Thursday to share their experiences with high school students as part of “Rancho Remembers.”

The annual event, at Rancho Cucamonga High School, is designed to help students understand U.S. military history beyond what they read in text books.

“It’s a wonderful program for our school, but also for our veterans, who love sharing their stories and the reaction they get from the students,” said Cary Willborn, Principal at Rancho Cucamonga High. “They’ve served our country with honor and dignity, and this is one small way of showing them how much we appreciate their service.”

Sanchez, who served as an Army paratrooper, said he’s felt that appreciation each of the six years he has attended the event. He was joined this year by veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Cold War, Gulf War and War on Terror.

“It’s very special for me to be here,” he said. “We’re able to talk with (students) about the history of war and why we have a military, and how very, very fortunate we all are to live in this country.”

Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, said ‘Rancho Remembers’ provides a rare opportunity for students to experience history from those who lived it.

“We’re so appreciative of the support of our veterans, who, from the very beginning, have been eager to participate and provide our students with lessons they’re not going to get anywhere else,” Holton said.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- Ephesians New Testament Church extends an open invitation for you to attend the personal enrichment Worship Services June 13^th – 14^th, 2019 at 17220 Merrill Avenue in Fontana at  7:30 p.m.

The Speaker for each evening will be Dr. Rosie O’Neal of the Koinonia Christian Center, Greenville, North Carolina.

Dr. O’Neal is an acclaimed international speaker who is known for her down to earth approach to the Gospel. This promises to be an awesome worship experience, great music and a prophetic Word for this season.  For More Information contact the church at (909) 823-2310. Bishop Emory B. James, Pastor.

Los Angeles area residents owe nearly $51 billion in student loan debt, according to a recent study by Experian

Appropriations bill increases funding for federal student aid programs by $492 million  

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Recently, U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (CA-35) announced that the Fiscal Year 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Related Agencies Appropriations Bill contains her priorities to provide Inland Empire students with financial support to pursue higher education. A 2018 study by Experian found that California student debt has more than doubled over the last 10 years. The legislation increases funding for federal student financial assistance programs by $492 million for a total of $24.9 billion. Federal student financial assistance programs like grants do not need to be repaid, while work-study programs allow students to earn money to help pay for school.

“We cannot allow high costs and a crippling student loan crisis to keep the dream of a college education out of reach for Inland Empire students. Federal student financial assistance programs make it possible for low-income and first-generation students, not just a privileged few, to pay for college without being buried under debt that they’ll have to repay for the rest of their lives,” said Torres. “This increased funding will lessen the financial burden on students, allowing them to focus on their studies and preparing for a career.”

Specifically, the legislation increases:

• The maximum award for Pell Grants to $6,345, an increase of $150, to help keep pace with inflation.

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program by $188 million for a total of $1 billion. The President had proposed eliminating this program.

• Federal Work Study by $304 million for a total of $1.4 billion.

Torres has long been a strong supporter of federal student financial aid programs. She is a cosponsor of H.R.2084, Year-Round Pell Grant Restoration Act, which would make qualified students eligible to receive more than one Pell Grant in an award year.

Funds raised at May 19 event will help construct new outdoor space for the youth and adult patients served at the Behavioral Medicine Center

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA—- Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center hosted its third annual “Stand Up to Stigma” 5K on Sunday, aimed to increase awareness of the behavioral health treatment available for the local community.

The May 19 race brought together people of all ages to show their support for those dealing with mental health issues. The event drew more than 714 registrants, making it the largest year for the event.

Hundreds of community members, students, staff and mental health supporters lined up at the starting line — sending a message of hope and healing to the communities of the Inland Empire.

“Around the country, organizations like ours strive to raise awareness for and educate the public about mental illness and, in doing so, reduce and eliminate stigmas and other misconceptions about mental health,” said Edward Field, MBA, vice president and administrator of the Behavioral Medicine Center. “Thank you for joining us in our effort to engage our friends and neighbors and end the stigma around mental health.”

For the past 28 years, the Behavioral Medicine Center has supported and healed those suffering from mental health and substance use issues by compassionately treating the whole person and not only their illness. The center’s services and programs cover issues such as addictions, anxiety, eating disorders and depression, ranging from children to senior adults.

The event featured a surprise check presentation from local restaurant owner, George Sapp. Sapp said he is excited for the opportunity to support other businesses in the community — especially those businesses changing lives. “I am pleased to announce that one way we plan to stomp the stigma surrounding mental health — and at the same time collaborate with the BMC — is by pledging our support with a donation of $35,000,” he said.

The funds raised during the event will support the construction of a multipurpose outdoor therapeutic space for the youth and adult patients served at the BMC, a part of the Vision 2020 – The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow.

May is national mental health month, a time when events like the 5K help spread the word that mental health is something everyone should be able to discuss openly. One in five adults and children experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. More than 16 million American adults live with major depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

For information about the range of services available at the Behavioral Medicine Center, go to llubmc.org.

Additional photos available here.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Some people serve others day in and day out regardless of thanks or fanfare, and yet without them and their active involvement, the world would be a less safe and far less inspiring place.  Mr. John Burks is one such individual indeed. Not only is he a chaplain with the Ontario Police Department but he is also employed as a CTE teacher at PAL Charter Academy on the Muscoy campus in San Bernardino, California.  His years of hard work and dedication paid off on Friday, May 10th, when he was awarded a star at The 26th Annual Volunteer Walk of Fame. Dwaine Radden Sr., CEO of the PAL Center, said, “The accolades come as no surprise to those who work and serve alongside him. We are proud of his accomplishment and are happy that he has received the recognition he so richly deserves.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— One of the keys to being successful is having a mentor. A mentor can offer guidance, wisdom, and provide you with insights on how to achieve personal, career, and spiritual goals. In 1998, during her tenure as chairperson of the Deaconess ministry at Temple Missionary Baptist Church, Kathy Barnes led a group of women to become mentors to the girls in their congregation and community. Their vision came to fruition in 2000 through the Ladies of Virtue Mentoring program. The mentors set out to be living examples, foster morals and values, increase self-esteem, and shape tomorrow’s Christian women.

The Ladies of Virtue is a one-to-one mentor program where the girls are paired with a carefully selected woman. Ten characteristics known as virtues are used as tools to enhance their inner spirit. They participate in bible studies, career exploration, group activities and outings to educate them on how to become successful women of God. Additionally, each girl is required to perform at least 50 hours of community service.

On Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 2:00pm the Ladies of Virtue will celebrate their 20^th Anniversary as they host their Annual Presentation of the girls who completed the program this year. Former mentors and mentees have been invited as the guests of honor. The community is invited to attend this free celebration and presentation which will be held at the Center for Youth and Community Development, 1189 W. 9^th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92411.

Under the leadership of this year’s chairperson, Lisa Blacksher, the following girls will be presented to the community having successfully completed the program.

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By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— I tell you, there is not a moment to lose. We must pray like we’ve never prayed before. We must study God’s Word like never before. We must repent and turn away from our sins.  We must seek Christ daily and walk with Him daily. God spoke to me – warn my people the end times are near – to prepare for a time of trouble. “And what I say to you, I say to all: Be on the alert!” [Mark `13:37] Be on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man [Luke 21:36].

Yes, many people throughout history have been proclaiming that we were living in the last days and the end of the world was near, but I want you to know that never has there been a time before when allthese events were evident in so many diverse places and with such frequency and intensity. The Bible is very clear on that. We just can’t set specific dates for Jesus return. But we can know when the end is near. [Matthew 24:33]

You know when Noah and Lot warned their respective people of God’s coming judgment and destruction, the people would not listen. Instead they treated Noah and Lot as “extremists.” Then the destruction that did come found the people unprepared.  As in the days of Noah and Lot, the soon return of the Lord will be a snare unto the people who do not heed the warning and give their lives to Christ. [Luke 17:26-30]. I tell you, this world is hearing and seeing the last warning message from God.[Joel 3:14]. PLEASE HEED GOD’S – FINAL WARNING AND CALL OF MERCY!

END TIME SIGNS – Increase of Knowledge [Daniel 12:4] – Ability to Enforce the Mark [Revelation 13:17] – Man of Sin Revealed [2 Thessalonians 2:3] – Violence and Sexual Immorality [Matthew 24:37]  – Rise in Spiritualism [1 Timothy 4:1] – Mass Animal Deaths [Hosea 4:3] – Natural Disasters [Luke 21:25-26]– Earthquakes [Matthew 24:7] – Unsealed Prophecy [Daniel 12:4] –  False Christ and Prophets [Matthew 24:4-5, 11] –World Pushing for Peace [1 Thessalonians 5:3] – War [Matthew 24:6-7] – Famine [Matthew 24:7] – Christians being Killed [Matthew 24:9-10] – Increase in Sin [Matthew 24:12] – Christians Turn Away from Truth  [2 Timothy 4:3-4] –Gospel Preached to the World [Matthew 24:14] God Destroy those who Destroy the Earth [Revelation 11:18]

I hope that you can see from the above Biblical signs of the end times that our generation is truly living in the last days, nearing the second coming of Christ Jesus. We are living in a time like no other. The world is being turned upside down and we need to get ready! If you are not a Christian and you realize that we are living in the end times and are wondering what you need to do, give your heart to Jesus. He is about to return to bring judgment upon the whole world.

“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” [Matthew 24:33-34]

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. Worse time of trouble ever seen on earth.” [Matthew 24:21]

 “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat upon him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword [war], and with hunger [famine], and with death [war, earthquakes, mudslides etc], and with the beasts of the earth [Revelation 6:8].

May God be with you and protect you in the final hours.

By Manny Otiko and Tanu Henry California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— At least three local branches of the NAACP in southern California – Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County – have broken ranks with the state chapter and the national organization, distancing themselves from the organization’s support of a moratorium on charter schools in California and across the country.

The three NAACP chapters are calling into question the official NAACP position on a charter moratorium. The branches are located in counties that are home to some of the largest populations of African Americans according to census data.

There are over 30 NAACP branches in California according to the NAACP web site.

This week, the San Bernardino chapter rushed to submit a pro-charter school resolution to the Baltimore national office of the NAACP ahead of a May 1 deadline.  Although organizational rules prevent a local branch from building programs or campaigns around a resolution until it is approved by the national office, John Futch, who was elected president of the San Bernardino branch late last year, says he is ready to begin working on the issue.

“I support charter schools,” he said. “It is important for us to recognize the work they are doing to improve education for children in our communities. It is not looking good right now in terms of kids performing poorly and dropping out.”

In its resolution, the San Bernardino branch of the NAACP did not directly state that it had a difference of opinion with the California state chapter or national body. Instead, the branch officers pointed out their own reasons for supporting school choice in the state and pushing for “quality education for all African-American children.”

“The academic performance of African-American students must be the sole determinant of school district decision making rather than the financial benefit that a school district derives from public school funding generated by African-American students,” the statement read.

The resolution also pointed out that there is a “severe and persistent African-American achievement gap throughout the state of California” in both English language arts and Math. And that 8 out of 10 African-American students in California attend district-run public schools that continue to underperform on statewide tests.

In an email obtained by CBM, Thursday evening, Alice Huffman, a member of the national board and the President of NAACP California Hawaii Conference, sent an email to the dissenting branch officers asking them to walk back their statements.

“This is to advise you all regarding your charter school counter resolution,” her email read.  “The state has already taken a position of opposition and would appreciate it if you all would rescind your positions.

The difference of opinion on school choice within the ranks of the NAACP reflects a growing divide among Californians on the issue as well.

Four charter school bills – three in the Assembly and one in the Senate – are making their way through the legislative process. The Senate Education Committee voted for last week to pass the most recent charter school bill, SB 756, which calls for a 5-year moratorium on certifying new charter schools in the state. Then, last month, the Assembly education committee cleared three other charter school bills – AB 1505, 1506 and 1507. Together, the package of bills would put a cap on the growth of the independently-run public schools, take away their appeal rights and empower local school boards, which are frequently unsupportive of charter schools, to approve or deny their applications for certification and renewal.

“The local branches are out of step with the state and national organization,” a spokesperson for the California Chapter of the NAACP told CBM.

The California state chapter of the NAACP supported all four charter school bills, arguing that charter schools promote segregation and undermine the historical fight to desegregate public education in the United States.

“The California NAACP and other community-based activists have called upon education reforms to refocus on inequities rather than privatization and private control of education. They are seeking to move the discourse concretely from choice to equity,” said Julian Vasquez-Heilig, Education chair of the California NAACP.

Christina Laster is a charter school mom and grandma – and a former district-run public school employee who now serves as Education Chair of the South Riverside branch of the NAACP. She says she also opposes the NAACP national organization’s decision to support a moratorium on charter schools.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there about charter schools,” said Laster. It is important to look at how this issue is impacting Black families based on the data. We need to move in a direction that supports Black families and what is best for Black children.”

Laster says she is ready defend her oppositional stance to the national body of her organization. She says many of the issues she experienced with racism, feeling unsupported and unwelcome, still persist today in public high schools in Riverside County, where her children go to school.

In 2016, the national board of the NAACP voted to ratify a national moratorium on charter schools. All 12 members of California’s Black Legislative Caucus (CLBC), at the time, wrote a letter to the NAACP asking them to reconsider that decision.

“It should be noted that California’s Charter Schools serve many African American, Latino, Pacific Islanders and low income students,” the letter stated. The CLBC letter also pointed out that African-American charter school students in California have a higher  rate of acceptance (19 percent) to the University of California system than traditional public schools (11 percent).

In the state legislature as well as in communities across the state, the school choice debate seems to be shaping up as one of the biggest battles that will play out in California over the next few months. On one side, there is the California Teachers Association (CTA), one of the largest unions in the state and large civil rights organizations like the NAACP officially supporting the proposed restrictions of charter schools. On the other, there is a growing group of charter school advocates, including parents, community groups, churches and grassroots organizations like the National Action Network coming out in strong and vocal support of California families’ option to choose where they want their children to go to school.

Charter school operators and school choice advocates are concerned the set of proposals in the legislature would, eventually, lead to the complete elimination of charter schools in the state and undo all the progress they have made since California signed its charter school law in 1992. 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Shirley Ann Shirrells, daughter of the late Anne E. Shirrells, civic leader in San Bernardino, died peacefully after a long illness at her home in Pasadena, CA, on April 8th, 2019, at the age of 83 with her were her son and daughter. 

Shirley moved to San Bernardino as a child with her mother and sister, the late Marguerette Howard. After marriage, Shirley moved from the city to live overseas for several years, eventually settling in central California for many years.

Shirley was retired from Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California where she was the director of the Job Placement and Career Center for 30 years. She had a successful career there and had been recognized by the community for her innovative leadership in service to over 20,000 community college students during her tenure.

She also delighted people singing jazz in many local venues in and around Santa Maria and performing in musical productions at the college. 

After retirement, Shirley lived for a while in Palm Desert and then moved to Pasadena to live near her family.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Cecile Anderson; her son, Maurece Chesse; her son-in-law, George Anderson; and her cherished granddaughter, Perry Anderson. 

Shirley was a free spirit, a jazzy humanist and charming nurturer to those who she was drawn to support and cultivate.

Her remains will rest near her mother and sister at Green Acres Memorial Cemetery in Bloomington, California.

A reception is planned outdoors at the Anne Shirrells park in San Bernardino, CA, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28.

By Mark T. Harris

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— “Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier n’ puttin’ it back in.”—-Will Rogers

Shocking. Shameful. Unconscionable. Intolerable. These are just a few of the terms used by those in reaction to word that a 12 year-old child was restrained by Sacramento police officers who then placed a white plastic bag over his head and shoulders. Let’s review recent events in the City of Sacramento, who many are now referring to as “SacraSelma” in reference to the civil rights struggles that emanated from Selma, Alabama during the civil rights battles of the turbulent 1960’s.

First, Sacramento police mysteriously apprehended an unarmed Mr. Daizon Flenaugh, who was detained without any legal basis. He wound up dead within 30 minutes of being detained by sacramento police officers. Next, was the late Mr. Joseph Mann, who was guilty of nothing more than screaming at police officers and throwing a plastic water bottle at them prior to his being gunned down on the streets of Sacramento. Following that was an unarmed Mr. Nandi Cain, Jr. who was beaten by a Sacramento police officer for ostensibly “jaywalking” when it turned out Mr. Cain appropriately crossed the street from one corner to another. Finally, and most dramatically came the assassination of Mr. Stephon Clark, who was the victim of a barrage of Sacramento police gunfire while being guilty of nothing more than entering his grandmother’s home with a cellphone in his hands.

Now Sacramento residents are dismayed by word that a 12 year-old child, who stands four feet ten inches tall and weighs fewer than one hundred pounds, was inappropriately constrained by police officers and had a bag placed over his head to “shut him up,” according to witnesses on the scene during the incident. At the time this occurred, the child was pleading for officers to “call (his) mom” and telling officers that he “could not breathe!” The young victim was born with significant upper respiratory complications and according to his mother and grandmother, suffered from breathing difficulties particularly when anxious. It did not help the child’s respiratory condition that officers grasped his neck; placed him on the ground; handcuffed him with his hands behind his back; placed a knee in his back and forced his face into the asphalt.

Many Sacramento residents are wondering when this madness is going to end. We were told that our “new” African-American Chief of Police would be the one to put an end to the oppressive and at times, deadly behavior patterns of what we were told were merely a few rogue “bad apples” in an otherwise fine police department.

Let me say this. Our police chief is “blue” and not black. In addition, it appears to many of us that when you have as many incidents of questionable police conduct directed towards one singular demographic group, within an entire community, the “cat needs to

be let out of the bag.” The Sacramento police department appears to be representative of a “bad orchard” as opposed to merely comprised of a few “bad apples.”

Let there be no mistake. Shooting and killing an unarmed Black woman, who professed to be pregnant in Houston, Texas or “bagging” a small in stature, 12 year-old in Sacramento, must be called out for what it is. These actions are more reflective of the practices of “slave catchers” and “Jim Crow” era law enforcers than of proper urban policing techniques focused on de-escalation and by governments truly committed to empower police officers to “protect and to serve” our entire community.

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Mark T. Harris is a tenured lecturer and Director of Pre-Law Studies at the University California, Merced. Additionally, Professor Harris heads the Sacramento and Central Valley office of Ben Crump Law and his specialty is civil rights law.

Professor Harris can be reached at: mark@bencrump.com