(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Tristen Rosentrater, from Montclair, Calif., assigned to the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46 attached to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94), performs a phase inspection on a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, Jan. 29. Nitze is underway conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. The components of CSG 12 embody a “team-of-teams” concept, combining advanced surface, air and systems assets to create and sustain operational capability. This enables them to prepare for and conduct global operations, have effective and lasting command and control, and demonstrate dedication and commitment to becoming the strongest warfighting force for the Navy and for the nation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Madysson Anne Ritter)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— NEWPORT NEWS, VA— Master-at-Arms 1st Class Briauna Bellantoni, from Ontario, California, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) security department, explains the security reaction force basic training course to Ford Sailors at Huntington Hall. Ford is currently undergoing its post-shakedown availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett Walker)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Two kidney transplant recipients and their donors who were part of a paired kidney exchange in December met for the first time on Sunday, Jan. 20 — just weeks after their surgeries took place at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

These two families are forever united through the altruism of one Coachella valley man: Danny Morin. Morin was a match for his wife, Ana, and was slated to donate his kidney to her in early 2018. While this couple was a match, two brothers, Jesus Verduzco from Colton and Billy Verduzco, who was in the Marines stationed in Japan, were hoping for a match. Although Billy was willing to leave the Marines to donate to Jesus, their blood types were not compatible. The saving grace however was that Danny agreed to donate to Jesus instead of his wife who would in turn receive a kidney from Billy.

Michael E. De Vera, MD director of  Loma Linda University Transplant Institute, said it is because of connections like this that Loma Linda University Health really pushes for living donors.

“These unique and special circumstances really highlight the mission of Loma Linda University Health,” De Vera says. “This is an example of going above and beyond to save more lives and make people whole.”

After waiting six years for a new kidney, Marin is now dreaming about having her first child and traveling with her husband. 

Marin’s husband, Danny, said he is grateful he was able to save more than just his wife. He was able to save Jesus — a father, a husband and an entire family. “We are all now connected for life, and I am grateful to be a part of this amazing story,” he said.

Jesus had been on dialysis for two years until receiving his new kidney from Danny. He’s now ready to get back to work to support his family and watch his children grow up.

“The living kidney donor program gave me life — a second chance at life,” Jesus said. “I have no words because it is everything to me.”

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)—LOMA LINDA, CA— — Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital received $47,774 from Spirit of Children on Thursday, January 24, supporting the Child Life program at the hospital. Scott Perryman, MBA, senior vice president and administrator of Children’s Hospital, thanked Spirit stores on behalf of the hospital.

“There’s such power in community partners,” Perryman said. “Spirit stores spread our story to countless people, and we are thankful the organization has chosen to support us with a cumulative total of nearly $400,000 in donations from the last eight years.”

Through the Child Life program, specially trained staff provide every level of support to patients and their families during hospitalization, including access to activity rooms, emotional and mental support, school reintegration programs, coping strategies, education on medical procedures and diagnoses, and more. These services are available seven days a week, 365 days a year at Children’s Hospital.

Spirit stores help empower this program by annually hosting a “Spirit of Children” fundraiser throughout the fall season. During this time, employees encourage Spirit store customers at all of their Southern California locations to donate funds both large and small in support of Children’s Hospital.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN) SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Eight San Bernardino County animal service agencies will come together to host free rabies vaccine and microchip clinics on Saturday, February 9 from 10 a.m. to noon.  One agency will offer a similar clinic on Wednesday, February 6 from 10 a.m. to noon.

As part of the ongoing effort to promote pet owner responsibility in all Southern California communities, participating agencies in SanBernardino County will offer free microchipping and rabies vaccinations for all dogs being licensed for the first time through the respective agencies or having their licenses renewed, in specific cases. Free vaccination and microchip services can also be obtained if the dog owner agrees to license their dog at the clinics. In specific locations, additional vaccines may be available for dogs at a minimal cost and dog owners are encouraged to call the respective agency if the owner should have any questions prior to arriving at the clinic.

The following agencies will hold their clinic on Saturday, February 9: Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA, Yucca Valley Animal Shelter,Rancho Cucamonga Animal Services, Redlands Animal Control, Barstow Humane Society, Hesperia Animal Services, Upland AnimalServices, and San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control.  The Town of Apple Valley Animal Services will hold their clinic onWednesday, February 6.

“This is a great opportunity and we are so excited to partner with other agencies to help dog owners all across San Bernardino County. Keeping pets healthy and with their owners is critical to our goals,” explained Bill Harford, President/CEO of the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA. 

This is collaborative effort of all agencies listed, to expand animal welfare services to pets and people in the largest county in the continental United States.    

For a listing of locations and additional information, please visit ivhsspca.org/sbclinic or contact the agencies listed above.

By Lou Yeboah

As we celebrate Black History Month recognition is given to the mighty men and women of valour who paved the way for all of us. We recognize them for their heroic courage, dedication, commitment, and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, intimidation, and even death… all for the equity for people of color.

Black History Month! A time to think about what it means to be an African American. Black History Month! The story of God’s action in the United States. Black History Month! The story of good beating evil, of liberation, of freedom. Black History Month! Remembering the great heroes of the faith who faced horrible suffering and great temptation to sin, yet they persevered spiritually because they looked to Jesus. [Hebrews 12:1-3].

Black History Month… a time of reflection, rejoicing, and recommitting.

Starting with Reflection. One of the things that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., believed more than anything else is that we as a people need to come together and stop hating on each other. “United We Stand, Divide We Fall.” He believed that the only way we can stand strong in our families, churches and communities is when we walk in unity and guard against division and strife. If we want God’s blessing, power and presence, we need to walk in unity: In our homes, in our churches, workplaces, schools and communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the disciple Paul urged us to be in agreement and that there be no divisions among us, but that we be united in the same mind and with the same purpose. For when we lack unity, our credibility is worthless. Our testimony is useless. [Ecclesiastes 4:12], says that, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him, and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” There is strength and unity in numbers, and if we desire to impact our community, our city, our world, than we need to stand together. Christ gave us even greater insight when He said in [Matthew 12:25] a house divided, a city divided and a nation divided cannot stand. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” [Psalms 133:1].

You know in [Genesis 11:6] concerning the tower of Babel, God said because of their unity there is nothing they couldn’t accomplish if they put their minds to it. Now these were ungodly people without the prophetic purpose of God at heart. What could this mean to a people fulfilling the call of God on their lives and pursuing the purposes of God’s Kingdom? I’m afraid as Malcolm X said; we have been bamboozled, hoodwinked, and led astray. We are divided and separated over insignificant issues. It is a trick of our enemy to bring such contradictory structure into our lives. We fight over issues already settled in God’s Word. The problems are so many and yet the answer begins with one simple step, repentance and reconciliation. We must forgive each other and return to God’s purpose. We cannot do it alone. God never intended it. Divided we fall short of God’s intent. United we stand ready to see the completion of the world harvest God has set before us.

Who Is Responsible? We are all responsible in the body of Christ to see true reconciliation. We are all given the ministry of bringing a lost world to Christ. If not us, then who? If not now, then when? If not in the church, then where? We must love not in word only but in deed and truth. It is time to recognize the need, repent of our sins and reconcile the family of God. Then and only then will we have validity to speak prophetically to our nation and our world.

Black History! As we take time to celebrate this notable occasion we remember how God has delivered His people. We remember the way God led His people through trials. We remember the victories God has given, and we remember the blessings God has bestowed. Why do we remember? We remember so that we can keep in mind the great price paid for our freedom and for our salvation. For it is that memory that connects us and brings our histories and lives together in ways that are life renewing and life giving. So remember the story by recalling the story. Remember the story by making the story your story. Remember the story by doing the story, and remember the story by being the story. Black History Month — A time of reflection, rejoicing, and recommitting!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Loma Linda University School of Dentistry dental hygiene students will be providing free tooth cleanings and faculty dentists will provide free visual exams during the month of February. Both services are for children between the ages of five and 12  on the following Friday mornings: February 1, February 15, February 22 and March 8. Faculty dentists will provide this free service between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m..

A parent or guardian must accompany the child and bring a list of any medications the child may be taking.

The free cleanings will be provided in the dental hygiene clinic at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, 11092 Anderson Street, Loma Linda. 

 For appointments, parents can call the Dental Hygiene Clinic at 909-558-9417.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN) — SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Pastors United are scheduled to meet with Fontana Pastors on Saturday, February 1, at 11 A.M. at Loveland Church. The purpose of the meeting is to invite all Fontana Pastors to establish Fontana Pastors United in the city of Fontana. 

The Fontana Pastors met on January 4th and 18th, they are community leaders, representing for organizations, overwhelming elected to move forward with SBPU protocols that were presented. However, it was determined to have a second meeting to have other churches, denominations, and community leaders to weigh in.

For the meeting on Saturday, they need all churches, pastors in the Fontana area to be a part of this process. Loveland Church is located at 17977 W Merrill Ave in the City of Fontana.

They hope to move forward to finalize the birthing process, determine lead organizations and committees, and determine another date to meet to implement engagement activities.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Let us continue to pray and cover one another. For more information, feel free to contact them at 909-353-7977.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN) SAN BERNARDINO, CA—- SEIU 2015, California’s long term care union representing 385,000 nursing home and home care workers, and the Agua Caliente Clippers partnered to host Caregiver Night on Saturday, January 19 when the Agua Caliente Clippers played the Stockton Kings at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

The event was the first time SEIU 2015 partnered with the Clippers Organization to bring attention to the important work that caregivers do.

Over 3,200 people attended Caregiver Night, including over 500 seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.

There was also a jersey raffle the night of the game and all proceeds went to Sova Program Center in Ontario. Sova offers services such as utility and rental assistance to families and individuals in need.

“Californians are growing older and living longer and the support of home care workers, nursing home workers, and long term care programs is critical to ensure the well-being of our loved ones,” said Kim Evon, Executive Vice President of SEIU 2015. “This game was in honor of the vital role the over 26,000 caregivers in San Bernardino County play in our communities. It was honor to partner with the Agua Caliente Clippers to make this game happen.”

Thousands of solar panels have been installed at 10 campuses in the San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD).

The project began in July 2018 and was completed in December 2018. The District is projected to save up to $20 million over the next 20 years while also conserving natural resources. The panels were installed at no cost to the District under a power purchase agreement with PFMG Solar, LLC.

At San Gorgonio High School alone, more than 2,000 solar panels were installed atop new parking lot shelters, making it possible for the school to consume about 35 percent less power from the grid. The entire project will generate about seven million kilowatt hours per year.

Other District campuses that also have new solar panels include Cajon, Arroyo Valley, Indian Springs, Middle College, and Pacific High Schools; Curtis, Del Vallejo, and Chavez Middle Schools; and Barton Elementary School. Schools were selected based on their high electricity consumption and available space.

The installation of solar panels is part of the District’s longstanding commitment to clean energy. Other initiatives include recent energy-saving upgrades at various schools across the District, like the installation of new LED lighting and new air conditioning units. In addition, most SBCUSD schools have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as Energy Star campuses.

“This project will allow us to reduce energy costs and also reduce our carbon footprint,” said Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden. “That’s a win-win for our District and our community.”