Kelli Cluqué and Alfredo Cruz. Photo by Robert A. Whitehead/CSUSB

 (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERBARDINO, CA— The College of Arts and Letters at California State University, San Bernardino has hired two widely recognized media experts to manage the university’s Coyote Radio and Advertising: Alfredo Cruz and Kelli Cluqué.

Cruz is a recent general manager for KVCR TV, KVCR FM, and for the First Nations Experience television network. During his earlier career, Cruz was president and chief executive officer of jazz station KUVO in Denver, and station manager at KRTU in San Antonio.

Cluqué is the recent associate program director and air personality at KCAL FM/KOLA in Redlands. Cluqué has more than 50,000 hours of live, on-air experience. She has managed broadcast facilities in Corpus Christi, Texas; Chico, California; San Diego, California; and in the Inland Empire, where she has managed KCAL FM, KCXX and KATY.

School receives funding for the 16th consecutive year

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA —- Loma Linda University School of Dentistry was awarded for the 16th consecutive year $298,848 in federal funding by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part F, to provide community-based HIV/AIDS training for dentistry, international dentistry and dental hygiene students. 

“We’re extremely proud of the funding we have received the past 16years,” said Eun-Hwi Euni Cho, DDS, Director of Educational Assessment at the School of Dentistry. “It’s important that we educate our students to look beyond just a patient’s mouth, but treat the whole person, and this Grant provides another training opportunity to do that with our medically-compromised patients.”

According to Cho, who is also the Program Director of the Grant, 20 percent of HIV positive patients don’t even know they have the infection. In fact, 45-50,000 new infections occur every year in the U.S. The funding supports clinical training, oral health services for patients with unmet needs and the development of innovative models in dental care for people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Students are required to participate in eight hours of training over the course of two days. Their studies include take-home case studies, mini-lectures, classroom role play and live patient interviews. 

More than 2,000 dental, hygiene and international students at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry have received this valuable training to treat community patients who are HIV positive. 

“The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is a world-class learning institution, which is why they have been selected to receive federal funding through the Community Based Dental Program for 16 consecutive years,” said U.S. Congressional Representative Pete Aguilar, who represents California’s 31st Congressional District. “I’m glad that this funding is coming to the Inland Empire, and that it will give our dental students experience working with patients who live with HIV/AIDS while also providing a specialized treatment option for members of our community who deal with these tragic diseases.” 

Patients are currently seen at the SAC Health System – Norton, but next month will transfer to SAC Health System – San Bernardino. According to Cho, patients travel from the Los Angeles, Orange County and Palm Springs areas for treatment. Many of the patients also willingly allow Loma Linda University School of Dentistry students to treat them in the clinic, and work with them in the classroom.

“It’s great to see that our patients understand that we are doing something at the front end to deliver better healthcare, by training future dental professionals,” Cho said. 

Student feedback over the years has shown that their knowledge, skills and attitudes have improved when it comes to helping patients, and according to Cho, has helped to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS. 

The funding supports the school’s initiatives for the next five years, while once a year the institution will apply as a non-competitor to maintain funding. 

For more information on Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, visit their website online.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— San Bernardino County Superintendent Ted Alejandre and the San Bernardino County Literacy Partners are encouraging the public to join the Footsteps2Brilliance (F2B) 5-Million Words Summer Reading Challenge 2018.

The Summer Reading Challenge runs until Sept. 7 with a goal for children to read 5-million words during the summer months. F2B is part of the San Bernardino County’s Vision2Read Initiative, a collective impact model involving multiple agencies working collaboratively to increase literacy rates among children and families. 

F2B is an innovative early learning mobile technology platform that provides free access to early literacy activities to all families with children birth through pre-kindergarten who reside in San Bernardino County. Families with children aged 0 to 5 can download the app at https://bit.ly/2OdbXRj.

Reading participation will be recognized at the end of the summer challenge. Additional summer reading programs and resources are available through the San Bernardino County Library and can be found at www.sbclib.org.

Enter the San Bernardino County Library Reading Program 2018 to win prizes and earn tickets for a grand prize opportunity drawing.

Join County Superintendent Alejandre and the San Bernardino County Literacy partners to raise the bar for literacy and get involved with the 5-Million Words Reading Challenge today.

About San Bernardino Countywide Vision2Read:

Vision2Read is a collective impact initiative involving government, education, health care, public safety, business and labor, community and faith-based leaders, and parents and families. Vision2Read support the San Bernardino Countywide Vision and its regional educational goal of supporting the success of every child from cradle to career. It is designed to help improve literacy throughout San Bernardino County by connecting people to literacy programs. www.vision2read.com.

About San Bernardino Countywide Literacy Partnership:

The San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS), San Bernardino County Preschool Services, Children’s Fund, and First 5 San Bernardino are partnering to deliver the F2B program for free to all children ages 0-5 who reside in San Bernardino County. 

About Footsteps2Brilliance: 

Footsteps2Brilliance, Inc. is the breakthrough early learning platform that accelerates early achievement by uniting the power of mobile gaming technology with the latest in cognitive research. F2B provides enticing, interactive, 24/7 learning experiences that digitally link school and home to give students the edge they need for success in school today and the world tomorrow. This transformative literacy program supports the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Students and enables San Bernardino to become a Model Innovation County. www.footsteps2brilliance.com.

Subheadline: Online Tool Allows Families to Look Up Home School

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)——SAN BERNARDINO, CA-The 2018–2019 school year begins Monday, August 6. For many families, that means thinking about how to enroll their child in school. The San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) is making that a little easier by offering elementary school students’ multiple options to enroll.

Students who attended an SBCUSD school during the 2017–2018 school year and are remaining in the District do not need to re-enroll. School records will be transferred to the appropriate grade and school.

For families who are new to the SBCUSD community and need to register their children, the District offers two options beginning Monday, July 23. Families of elementary school students may enroll directly at the child’s home school or they may visit the new Welcoming Resource Center, 781A W. Second Street in San Bernardino. The center is open weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information or for directions, call the Center at (909) 889-7576.

Parents of middle and high school students should register at their child’s home school. Parents can determine their child’s home school by calling Facilities Planning & Development at (909) 388-6100 or by visiting http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/?districtcode=43985 and entering their home address.

“The Welcoming Resource Center has come from the collaborative efforts of our parents, District staff, and the community. SBCUSD is excited to provide our families an additional option for elementary school enrollment,” said Enrollment & Placement Services Assistant Director Leonard Buckner. “Additional services offered at the Welcoming Resource Center include k through 12 transfers, language assessment, GATE assessment, resources for homeless or foster youth, and family engagement.”

Alize` Ross

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—FONTANA, CA—The San Bernardino Pastors United have been continuing to show support to the Ross family. The family is still recovering from the quadruple shooting on June 21, 2018 in San Bernardino. The home-going services for Alize’ Ross is scheduled for Friday, July 27 at 11 a.m. at Loveland Church located at 17977 Merrill Avenue in Fontana.

Mr. Alfred Ross Jr. and Solomon Johnson survived the attack and will be in attendance. Special arrangements for clergy and dignitaries have been made. Please send any well wishes to McKay’s Mortuary at 16918 Baseline Ave, Fontana, CA 92336. This shooting cries out for justice! Assemblymember Reyes, Congress Pete Aguilar, Mayor Warren, Pastor Gwen Rodgers, Jose Gonzales, Senator Leyva offices have confirmed attendance.

We thank everyone for being a part of this healing process for the family.

On October 19, 1997, a baby named Alize’ D Ross was born in the City of San Bernardino, CA., to his parents Alfred Ross, Jr., and Tamara Harper. Alize’ was a true blessing to his family because at birth Alize’  weighed 2 pounds 3 oz. The doctors didn’t say much due to his size; but God answered prayers and gave Alize’ to the family to have fun and a bond. Alize’ loved traveling and would not allow his grandparents to leave town without him.  He played football growing up in the Snoop Dog Football League as a youth, and also played for San Bernardino High School Football team where he also graduated. Alize’ began working and volunteered at the Family Focus Center for Children. He joined The Way World Outreach Church in November of 2017 where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Alize’ was preceded death by his grandmother Patricia Harper, and grandfather Cleveland Banks, and is survived by his father Alfred Ross, Jr., of San Bernardino, CA and mother, Tamara Harper of Fontana, CA; sisters Monnasha Harper, Las Vegas, NV, Jazzmeen Williams, Javiona Tuton, Titianna Ross and Audaiece Ross; brothers, Alfred Ross III, Amaze Ross, Brandon Simms Jr.; grandparents, Alfred Ross Sr., and Darlene Ross, great grandparents, Juana Hatch; Great, grandparents Edward and Almeada Smith, and a host of uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews and friends.

By Linden Beckford Jr.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— On Monday, July 16, there was a fantastic program held at L.A. 84 Foundation entitled, “Athletes for Impact Awards”. The event was hosted by Claudia Jordan.

Several top athletes received honors, which included: Dr. John Carlos, who was the Inaugural Legacy Award Honoree and Wyomia Tyus (1964 and 1968 Olympic Track/Field runner) received an ASI Special Recognition Award. Other honorees consisted of Michael Bennett (NFL Philadelphia Eagles), Etan Thomas (Retired Professional NBA Player), Maya Moore (WNBA Minnesota Lynx), Laila Ali (Undefeated Boxing Champion/daughter of Muhammad Ali and Ibtihaj Muhammad (U.S.Olympic Fencer).

Dr. John Carlos truly showed us that he is the same warrior he was when he stood on the world stage with his comrades Tommie Smith and Peter Norman of Australia. This coming October will make 50 years since the courageous stand was taken in Mexico City. When one looks at Michael Bennett taking a knee like Colin Kaepernick, it is clear that these athletes are taking a page out of the book. In closing, this Writer would encourage present and future athletes to make their voices heard.

Ibihaj Muhammad made her voice while competing for the United States in the United States in the 2016 Olympics. She competed in fencing as a Black woman, as well as a Muslim. As African Americans, it is critical that we forge forward with our actions positively. When we do, the world will continue to hear the words written by James Weldon Johnson, “Lift Every Voice and Sing!”

Ronda “Baby Diva” Robinson

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Reality Star Baby Diva is What it Do! 

Ronda Robinson cast member of ‘Diva Gamma’s,’a new reality show airing on the Punch TV Radio Network is kicking ass. The show features grandmothers over the age of 40. I absolutely love the show and Robinson’s role in it. She was able to secure her spot by knowing the legendary Turner family.  

I met this beautiful Queen through a mutual friend, Jonathan Fields a.k.a. Mr. Swagnificinat. I had a chance to interview Ronda one on one in her lovely home. It was so easy talking to her and getting to know more about her on a more personal level. When I laid eyes on her I, notice her extremely long and decorative nails. Turns out that Ronda is a professional nail technician with over 18-years’ experience and the spokesperson for X’steme Nailz International. Her gorgeous nails are a show stopper!  

This beautiful and talented Diva is most definitely turning heads. Currently under management with Dark Gable Productions you can find Ronda all over Southern California and other States promoting her brand.

You can catch Ms. Ronda, on Saturday, August 11 in Moreno Valley at the Grand Opening of Club Thick and Beautiful promoting. She will also will be a guest speaker on Sunday, August 26 for LUE Productions 2nd Annual BBW/Plus Size Model Competition, ‘bringing awareness to domestic violence’. The event will take place in San Bernardino at the San Bernardino Women’s Club.

Make sure you follow this star on all social media sites. I’m Lue and this is What it So! Until next week L’s! 

Here are five things you may not have known about Rhonda Robinson:

What is your favorite place to visit and why?

Magic Mountain! I love roller Coasters and the thrill it brings. I also so love Marvin the Martian.  

What’s your favorite meal?

Carne Asada Tacos

What was your favorite subject in school?

History! Everything repeats itself!  

Is there a cause near and dear to your heart?

Alcoholism and cancer

A must have of yours is what?

God, Coffee, nails and polish!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Norton Elementary School sixth-grader Selina Vasquez never imagined she would one day share her love for STEM with Chinese children.

A unique summer exchange program started by Principal Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit made it possible for Selina and about 60 fellow Norton students to spend two weeks in July immersing seven Chinese students in educational activities related to science, technology, engineering, and math, better known as STEM.

The program, thought to be the first of its kind for foreign exchange students in elementary school, is the culmination of two years of collaboration between Cochrane-Benoit and Guohai “Jack” Tang, the CEO of Chinese high-tech company Keeson Technology Corporation.

“We’re teaching the students to use 3D printers and they’re teaching us how to speak Chinese,” Selina said. “We’re excited that we might end up going to China as exchange students.”

Norton teachers and students are showcasing technology like computer-aided design and 3D printers to show the exchange students how STEM education and applied learning have transformed education at the downtown San Bernardino school.

“They’re so impressed with all that our Norton students are doing in elementary school,” Cochrane-Benoit said. “The technology our students use on a daily basis is the same technology Keeson employees are using.”

Students are also participating in daily field trips, including one to Keeson-owned company Ergomotion in Redlands, which manufactures technology for adjustable beds.

San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Dale Marsden welcomed the students to Norton by greeting them in their native Mandarin through an online interpretation app.

“I’m pleased to welcome our young people from China,” Marsden said. “I’m so glad that we can participate in this exchange opportunity.”

Subheadline: Exclusive interview with director Eva Tillman and her core staff 

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— In traditional public schools’ certain classes have been getting cut from the curriculum and others have never been offered which leaves students lacking necessary life skills to survive in the “real world”. This is where charter schools come in.  Charter schools not only provide students with the basic K-12 programs, but they also incorporate courses that will help youth become successful beyond their school endeavors.

Savant Preparatory Academy, led by Eva Tillman, Jea Brown-Reese and Jennette Balcazar, leads students to experience an enlighten that will awaken a passion for lifelong learning outside of the core subjects which include English, math and science.

“We recognize that a true experience will help children develop a sense of purpose that will be the driving force of success or the rest of their lives,” Tillman states. “And we intend to give children the space to explore their abilities that will make them great entrepreneurs and leaders.”

At Savant, they make learning enjoyable to the students to where the kids are excited to go to school each morning. I recently interviewed the core team of the academy where I was able to hear first-hand about the excitement and journey of Savant Prep.

Listen to the interview below:

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—“Are ye yet without understanding [Matthew 15:16-20]? Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Do you not know that if anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him? The temple of God is holy…. [1 Corinthians 3:16-17]. What an embarrassment to God and to the Church! What a disgrace to the Cross! Jesus Christ died not only for our soul and spirit, but also our body. Being involved in any act that defiles God’s temple attracts serious judgment of God. You better know that you know!

Justifying smoking Marijuana by saying, “but the “Doctor,” says it will cure my disease, and it do relieve my pain.” You dare not justify your unholiness or make excuses for it.  God commands, “Be ye holy!”What part of that do you not understand?And what happened to believing the Word of God that says, “By His Stripes You Are healed. Why want you just tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; you like getting high! You like the way Marijuana makes you feel. Talking ‘bout, it relieve your pain! Naw, what it does is numb your brain which causes you to think it relieves your pain.  Killer Bud!Don’t you know as Solomon said; it is difficult enough in life to resist Satan and keep God’s commandments when one has all of their wits about them. How much more do you think it is when you are all “K.G.B?”

“I tell you the most blatant form of sorcery in the book of Revelation is the multi-BILLION dollar pharmaceutical-medical industry, which just happens to be one of the biggest frauds being perpetrated today. And maybe you never thought of this, but you should know that drug use opens you up to spiritual attacks. There are specific demonic spirits associated with liquor and marijuana and cocaine and heroin, and opium, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and any mixture of drugs, etc., and every time you use these substances, you could unknowingly be opening the doorway for these demonic spirits to come into your life. Leaving yourself wide open to demonic possession. How can God use you as a witness to others if you have no self-control, are setting a bad example to others, and are behaving just like the world? God’s Word tells us that for us to be used by God; we must be sober and avoid intoxicating substances. Substance abuse is dangerous and detrimental – physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.  Why want you pass instead of puff!

Take the steps to cleanse yourself of all filthiness of the flesh that you may present yourself without spot or wrinkle before Jesus when he comes in glory. He is coming soon!