Majestic Hearts’ 1st Annual 5K Walkathon in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)— INGLEWOOD, CA— In the cannabis culture, April 20 (known as, “Four-Twenty”) is an International holiday of cannabis consumption. However, this year Majestic Hearts will raise awareness about sexual assault. The organization will host its 1st Annual 5K Walkathon in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise $5K toward its shelter and counseling programs. Taking place at Darby Park in Inglewood, from 8 – 11 a.m. (registration opening at 8:45 a.m.), Majestic Hearts will educate attendees about the subject matter, while raising funds to assist and enrich the community. 

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.

“This alarming statistic must be exposed and it’s our organization’s duty to ensure the community is properly educated,” says Majestic Hearts’ Founding CEO, Kanishia L. Jackson.

“We must also take in to account that this statistic is solely based on reported data. There are numerous victims/survivors who have never reported their sexual abuse encounter(s). It’s an uncomfortable subject that needs to be addressed,” she concludes.

The event will be hosted by comedienne and founder of LesTalk Radio (@LesTalkRadio), Chelley Chelle and food will be catered by WoodMasters Smoked Meats & Fixings (@WoodMastersSMAF). The fundraiser will attract male and female attendees ages 18-75 who have been affected by sexual assault personally, or byway of a loved-one. Registered attendees will receive a Majestic Hearts medal and a water bottle from B.A.L.L. (Build A Lasting Legacy: @BuildALastingLegacy), founded by Pinique Singleton, one of Majestic Hearts’ continued supporters. 

“Sexual assault is not just a woman’s issue,” explaines Wendy Talley, Majestic Hearts’ licensed therapist of KW Essential Services (@KWEssentialServices). “The physical pain of sexual assault eventually goes away, but the heart and the mind will never forget,” the Licensed Clinical Social Worker further exclaims. Talley will be providing additional insight about sexual assault at the event. Her expertise will provide attendees with the tools needed to identify and cope with sexual assault.

Register, today to reserve your perks! Registration is $35 per person and children (under 18) are free! Go to www.majestic-hearts.org to RSVP.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)—JOSHUA TREE, CA—On Monday, community activists, caregivers, and seniors and people with disabilities visited San Bernardino County Board of Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s district office in Joshua Tree urging her to support the county’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program — an in-home care program that low-income seniors and people with disabilities depend on to survive. While a group of activists went inside the office to speak to Supervisor Rowe, others leafleted outside to bring public awareness of the efforts to hold County Supervisors accountable to the well-being of seniors and people with disabilities.

The action, planned by IHSS caregivers who are members of SEIU Local 2015, is the first action targeting Supervisor Dawn Rowe and comes after activists shut down parts of Arrowhead and Fourth at a rally outside the Board of Supervisors meeting last month demanding that the county support and invest in the county’s IHSS program that over 30,000 seniors and people with disabilities currently rely on to survive.

“The county has refused to support the in-home care that our loved ones depend on,” said Kim Evon, Executive Vice President of SEIU 2015. “Supervisor Rutherford event went so far and told caregivers that the county has other priorities. Well, our priorities are the seniors and people with disabilities that need the IHSS Program to survive. We will continue advocating for and demanding that the county prioritize the care our loved ones need and deserve.”

San Bernardino County’s IHSS Program allows low-income seniors and people with disabilities to receive life-saving care in the comfort of their home from people they trust. Caregivers provide services such as: bathing, toileting, administering medication, and accompanying care recipients to critical doctor appointments.

“Providing a livable wage to our in-home caregivers is not only cost effective for the County but good for our local economy,” said Sara Lee, a Joshua Tree resident and educator.  “Too often, our politicians push for development projects that provide short term jobs for out-of-district workers that end up threatening our local economy and environment.  By investing in long term healthcare workers, we not only provide local sustainable jobs that can help our residents get off government assistance but can also provide cost savings and loving and humane care for those with disabilities and our growing senior population.  A contract with a livable wage is the right thing to do for our workers, for our seniors, for our local economy and the County’s bottom line.”

Activists plan on targeting the district office of every Board of Supervisor in the coming months. They are determined to continue to hold actions until the Board responds to their demands.

The action at Supervisor Rowe’s office was live streamed on Facebook here: SEIU 2015

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK–ENN)— ONTARIO, CA— Time for Change Foundation (TFCF) held their 17th Annual Awards Gala, “Oh, the Places She’ll Go!” on April 12, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, CA.  What a beautiful sight it was to see the community come together in honor of local heroes, and to recognize the homeless women and children that have triumphed over trials!  

For 17 years TFCF has created a true pathway for these women and children to reach self-sufficiency. The event welcomed back alumni from over 15 years that have held onto the skills learned while at TFCF, some achieving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, other watching their children graduate from college.  “Oh, the Places She’ll Go!” highlighted the new heights these women have been able to achieve. Events like our gala enable us to highlight the successful journey of these resilient women and the obstacles they have overcome. 

Founder, Kim Carter stated, “We believe in the women! We believe in their ability to come back from devastation and no matter what, a second chance is deserving!”

In light of the amazing accomplishment throughout their 17-year history, TFCF celebrated and more importantly acknowledged the many local heroes who make daily contributions to our society. This year’s honorees included: Carlos & Audrey Martinez – Dynamic Duo Award, BLU Educational Foundation – RISE Award Restoring Inclusivity in Systemic Education Award, Johnson Family Child Care – Child Care of the Year Award, Linda Lindsey – Lady of Justice Award, Mayor Deborah Robertson – Public Service Champion, James & Rowena Ramos – Lifetime Legacy Award, Beatriz Solis – Melinda Gates Inspiration Award, Tim Evans – Ramos Family Spirit Of Compassion Award, and Dr. Roger Hadley – Community Health Champion Award.

Since its humble beginnings in 2002, Time for Change Foundation has demonstrated a remarkable determination towards ending homelessness for women and their children. 

Time for Change Foundation’s 17th Year Anniversary Gala took place on Friday April 12, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Ontario, CA. It was an awe-inspiring, and truly wonderful night for all. To find out more about future events, please visit www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

We accept all forms of donations. To see how you can help make a difference visit us on the web at www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org.

The mission of Time for Change Foundation is to empower disenfranchised, low income individuals and families by building leadership through evidence-based programs and housing to create self-sufficiency and thriving communities.

Photos and write up by John Coleman, Community Photographer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) celebrate the month of March, annually, as Social Work Month,  & hold an event where they give recognition to a special individual Social Worker, a Social  Work Educator of the Year, or exemplary Social Service Agency/Organization of the Year.

For over 60 years  the non-profit Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County has worked with & on behalf of low income people throughout the county;  providing support,  advocacy,  and empowerment,  towards the goals of self reliance and economic stability.

The Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino) Region, California Chapter, National Association of Social workers (NASW)  was proud to recognize & honor the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County for the “Community Agency of the Year Award”.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOS ANGELES, CA— Local celebrities graced the red carpet for the Los Angeles film premiere of “Brother’s Keeper” in Hollywood at YES Studio. The independently produced film is about two adopted brothers who battle different mental illnesses, accidentally commit murders and in the process of hiding their crimes, they find their true identity. A story of power, control, love and hate, sometimes the only options become deadly. The cast included Andre K. Jefferson (Writer, Executive Producer), Delila Outlaw (Associate Producer), Olando Graves (as “Devin”), Angela O’Leary (as “Char”), Ursa Gifted Major (as “Trey”), Dominique Marsell (as “Det. O’Neal”), Shelley Meche’tte (as “Mama Eva”), Andrew Davis II (as “Skillz”), Delmiko Blair (as “Luke”), Terrell Sahale (as “Det. Kirkpatrick”), Megan Orth (as “Det. Marshall”), Jamie Lynn Franklin (as “Sonja”), Irina Aylyarova (as “Sidney”), Oscar “Ofoesho” Roberts (as “Nate”), Parenthysis Gardner (as “Naomi”), Janine R. Lancaster (as “Regina”), and Terrell Finister (as “Darnell”).

Chante’ Bowser (STX Film “The Best of Enemies”), Loren Lott (CBS “The Young and The Restless”), Cierra Brooks (BET “The Grand Hustle”), Julie Dell Phillips (ID “Murder Among Friends”), Taaha Shah (AMZONOV “Made In Heaven”), Travanti Quinn Waller (Studio City), Nikita Francois (Issa Rae’s Dumped), and Travanti Quinn Waller (HBO’s TBS) are just a few celebrities that came out to support the film.

Special thanks to Carol Spears (Keller Williams Realty South Bay), Kimberly Fomby Jefferson (Sucre Couture), Anthony Keith Jefferson Jr., John Spears, June Stone, and Donna Lipscomb for sponsoring this event.

For more about the film, visit www.brotherskeeperthefilm.

By Naomi K. Bonman

LOS ANGELES – The community celebrated the life of a true change agent. The life celebration of Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known to the world as Nipsey Hussle, was held on Thursday, April 11 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The center holds 21,000 and it was packed out with every seat filled.

The three-hour long service was a pure reflection of all that Nipsey represented during his 33 years on Earth –from the unity and array of the floral arrangements, to the words that each family member and close friend spoke, to the performances. The service began with a prolific photo of Nipsey Hussle on display with his song, “Victory Lap” playing as family, friends, the Nation of Isalm and the community gathered in the stadium. “Victory Lap” was indeed the perfect song that defined Ermias’ life.

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Grant will fund the Los Angeles County Human Trafficking Task Force Program; since 2015, the task force has made 1,624 arrests in connection to human trafficking activities and rescued 324 victims

Torres previously led efforts to secure nearly $70,000 in federal funding to fight human trafficking and prostitution in the Inland Empire

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— U.S. Representative Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a $749,982 grant to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to combat human trafficking. The grant will fund the Los Angeles County Human Trafficking Task Force (LACHTTF) Program to develop, enhance, and implement collaborative approaches to identify victims of human trafficking within the County, investigate and prosecute sex and labor trafficking cases at the local, state, and federal levels and address the individual needs of victims through the provision of comprehensive array of quality services.

“Human trafficking isn’t something that only occurs in faraway places, it’s happening in our own backyards every single day. To crack down on this horrible crime, we need to ensure that our local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to put perpetrators behind bars and keep our communities safe,” said Congresswoman Torres.

 “This support from the Department of Justice will enable the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to enhance its already successful efforts to thwart human trafficking in the Inland Empire and provide survivors with the justice and services needed to help them reclaim their lives. Local agencies should take advantage of the training opportunities available to them by joining this task force—it’s the first step to make certain that this vital program continues.”

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Norma Torres for her tireless work in the field of combatting the scourge of human trafficking. Her bipartisan efforts as part of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus have helped secure funding for this very important law enforcement and humanitarian effort,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. 

“Today’s grant award will help continue to fund the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.”

Last year, Torres led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress in a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations calling for $50 million in funding nationwide for DOJ grant programs that support anti-human trafficking task forces, such as the LARHTTF. Torres is also a member of the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus. She previously helped secure nearly $70,000 in DOJ grants to combat human trafficking and prostitution in the City of Pomona.

Torres is a member of the powerful House Appropriations and Rules Committees.

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— It’s called the principle of sowing and reaping. The nation of Israel had to learn this in a very personal way. Their waywardness and failure to do what God instructed them to do often placed them in a position where they would not have His blessings. The Lord gives principles in Scripture to serve as warnings and as an encouragement. It is insane to do the same thing over and over again … knowing it has never worked out well before. It doesn’t work: never has, never will. To change the result you have to change the path. Different actions are required for different results. The premise of the quote is if you want something different out of your life you have to put something different into it.  Because “If you always do what you’ve always done- you will always get what you always got.”  

I want you to know that God created us to succeed; you and I were made to win! And God has given us everything we need to succeed in life, but we need to understand today that Biblical success is different from the world’s definition of success, and Biblical success is not something we just stumble into. If you want success God’s way then you’ve got to go after success God’s way! What it comes down to is taking a risk, being bold, uninhibited, stepping out your comfort zone. I ask you, do you want to be this person who won’t jump, looking into the unknown, but turning around; Or, do you want to be the person taking a leap of faith and throwing caution to the wind. Because if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you always got.

I just want you to understand, that you and I will never possess what we will not pursue. If you want a deeper relationship with the Lord, you’ve got to pursue it. If you want a happy marriage, you’ve got to pursue it. If you want a degree, you’ve got to pursue it. If you want to get out of debt; you’ve got to pursue it. If you want to own your own business; you’ve got to pursue it! If you want to lose weight, you’ve got to put down that candy bar, step away from those cookies and doughnuts and pursue it. If you want to live a successful life God’s way, then you’ve got to stop waiting for your ship to come in and get on board with God’s program and set sail towards the horizon of God’s destiny for your life!

With the understanding that success is not having money, power, or avoiding criticism. Success is not having prestige, position or prominence. Success is not having your name up in lights and enjoying the applause and accolades of men. Success is discovering and doing the will of God for your life. Success is fulfilling the purpose for which God created you in the first place. Success is discovering your God-given gifts and using them to fulfill your God-given destiny.

God’s Word is our blueprint, God’s Word is our road map, God’s Word is our play book, and God’s Word is the authoritative standard for every detail of our lives and in His Word He has given us all the information we need to start living a life of success.

And the Lord said to Joshua, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

If you’re going to have success God’s way then you’ve got to do things God’s way. Success starts with changing your perspectives and practices and embracing God’s perspectives and practices.  Because “If You Keep Doing What You’ve always Done – You Will Get What You’ve Always Got.”  

Site will serve both pediatric and adult patients

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Loma Linda University Health has expanded primary care services to a new location on Redlands  Boulevard to accommodate more patients. The new clinic opened Monday, April 1. Primary care services are now available at the Loma Linda University Health Faculty Medical Clinics – Redlands Blvd. facility located at 25828 Redlands Blvd., Redlands, formerly the Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic building.

The new clinic will have family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric physicians to care for patients.

Roger D. Woodruff, MD chair of the department of family medicine, said planning for the move began about six months ago by looking at various locations. He said this site provided a great structure with an adaptable layout and opportunity for growth in our implementation of new technologies.

“With the move, providers will be able to see more patients in our community,” Woodruff says. “Our community has been asking for more access. We’ve outgrown our current space, so we’re making the necessary changes to provide patients a convenient location that can meet their healthcare needs.”

The clinic will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new Redlands Boulevard clinic also houses Loma Linda University Health pediatric and adult internal medicine clinic, previously located on Terracina Blvd. in Redlands. “We look forward to providing easily accessible healthcare in this new location for current and future patients,” said Richard Chinnock, MD, chief medical officer at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

“We are proud to offer a broad scope of care for both children and adults at our clinics in continued service to the community,” Chinnock said.

For appointments or more information about the services available call:

• Family Medicine at (909) 558-6600
• Internal Medicine at (909) 307-0964
• Pediatrics at (909) 307-0964

By Rich White

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK— ENN)— Hitting a pothole can adversely affect a vehicle’s handling and performance. It can be difficult to know if and to what extent your car has been damaged, so the Car Care Council urges motorists to watch for three warning signs to help determine if hitting a pothole has damaged their vehicle.

1. Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine a vehicle’s ride and handling.
2. Pulling in one direction, instead of maintaining a straight path, and uneven tire wear, are symptoms of an alignment problem. Proper wheel alignment is important for the lifespan of tires and helps ensure safe handling.
3. Low tire pressure, bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, or dents in the wheel rim will be visible and should be checked out as soon as possible, as tires are the critical connection between the vehicle and the road.

Because hitting a pothole with your car can do a real number on tires, wheels, steering and suspension, and alignment, it is a good idea to describe the symptoms to a professional technician who can then check out the vehicle and make the necessary repairs to ensure safety and reliability.