(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)-LOMA LINDA, CA-– In true first responder fashion, local firefighters came out to lend a helping hand at the annual Tip-A-Firefighter at The Old Spaghetti Factory on Wednesday, May 30.

Firefighters from Loma Linda, Redlands and Colton Fire Departments came out to serve lunch and dinner to guests at the Redlands restaurant. All tips collected by the men and women in uniform were donated to Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH). 

The event raised more than $4,500, which will go toward Vision 2020 – The Campaign for a Whole Tomorrow, and the construction of the new Children’s Hospital tower.

The Old Spaghetti Factory in Redlands has successfully hosted the annual event for the last seven years, raising nearly $40,000 for LLUCH.

Scott Perryman, MBA, senior vice president/administrator, for the hospital had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant with his family and was served by local first responders.

“These men and women already do so much for our community,” Perryman said, “and to see them come out and do this for our kids reinforces their reputation of heroism. I am truly thankful for their service.”

By Dr. Margaret Hill

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- When you think of reading with a child, maybe your son, daughter or grandchild, it’s a happy thing. Perhaps it’s the bedtime story, maybe it’s a favorite book they want to read again and again. But maybe you didn’t know how much more it is than just a fun moment to share together. This is the cognitive foundation for future success. It is especially crucial for children in disadvantaged homes where experiences in elementary school years can impact whether they earn a high school diploma and continue to college.

Research shows there continues to be a literacy and academic achievement gap between children in poverty and their more affluent peers. However, when children in low-income homes have resources for reading, and reading is a priority in the home, they do better academically.

The nationwide problem of differences in learning levels for economically disadvantaged children has been referred to as the “30 million-word gap.” By the age of 3, children born into low-income families hear roughly 30 million fewer words than their more affluent peers. Researchers, psychologists, educators and early childhood development specialists have found that to equalize differences in children’s development, a greater effort must be made to increase children’s cognitive experiences. Reading together is a perfect way to do it. 

With summer just around the corner, we believe this is a great time to think about how much learning can be lost over the summer when kids are out of school. This is known as the “Summer Slide” – the time when knowledge gained in school is lost because of the decreased academic engagement over the summer break. Two months of learning loss results in major summer brain drain. For example, summer learning loss accounts for two-thirds of ninth grade achievement gaps in reading. Disadvantaged children often fall behind their peers who continue to steadily build their skills over the summer months. Because we care about all children in our communities and their future well-being, we are compelled to take action to promote literacy resources.

Here are three tips for parents: 

1. Set a goal to have your kids read six (6) age appropriate books over the summer. 
2. Let children select appropriate reading materials for themselves. 
3. Read out-loud together and gently correct mistakes.

We hope parents will consider bringing their children to our free book giveaway at Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The event is called Summer Book Fest 2018 and Resource Fair. We were generously granted books by the Molina Foundation as part of their Launch Into Reading initiative, and we are happy that we can give away thousands of these brand new books for children of all ages. New books are often not financially feasible for parents to provide and we are here to help. And parents, we are having a resource fair at the Book Fest event with over 20 agencies on-site to provide information, goods and services to help families.

Thank you parents, grandparents, care-givers, and other adults who encourage children to read. Your efforts make a difference in the lives of youth in our communities.

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- It’s coming back! LUE Productions 2nd Annual ‘Show it Off’ Youth Competition scheduled for October. We’re looking for talented youth to audition for FREE on Saturday, June 30 in San Bernardino at the Feldhym Library from 1:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Our goal is to provide platforms for aspiring artists and quality shows for the community to enjoy.

If you know of a talented youth that can sing, dance, rap, recite poetry or spoken word, play in a band or any sort of unique gifts please send them our way. In order to participate you must reside in the Inland Empire and you must be 19 years if age or under.

Our team is looking to award the 1st place winner $500, the 2nd place winner with $100 and 3rd place winner will with $50 in cash along with trophies. All music or performances must be clean. If selected more details about the show will be given.

Get on the priority audition list by texting your name and contact number to (909) 567-1000 or emailing Lue.info@yahoo.com. Let’s keep positive events such as this going for our youth. Until next week L’s!

Los Angeles joins Chicago and Atlanta to host fitness-focused scholarship fundraiser

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- LOS ANGELES, CA- With successful 5K run fundraisers in place in Chicago and Atlanta, the Divine Nine 5K Race Series is pleased to announce its West Coast expansion with the addition of Los Angeles as the next location.

Launched in 2015 by fitness enthusiast Neecy Roney, the Divine Nine 5K Race set an early goal of bringing the community together for fitness, fellowship and fun.  The first event took place in Chicago in 2015 with 500 participants.  In 2016, the race expanded to Atlanta, where the inaugural race attracted nearly 600 participants.  Both events are organized in collaboration with the local National Pan-Hellenic Councils (NPHC) and raise funds for the Council’s scholarship and community programs.

Recognizing the Divine Nine 5K’s positive impact on the community, organizers made plans to strategically expand to other locations.  From a list of other major cities, Los Angeles was selected based on its location, strong NPHC council and the community’s interest in fitness and track record of supporting unique fundraising activities.

“We’re pleased to join the Divine Nine 5K family,” said Jacqueline Sparrow, President, Los Angeles NPHC.  “The event will provide a unique opportunity for NPHC- Los Angeles to bring the community together in the name of fitness and scholarship.” 

“Our expansion to Los Angeles confirms that the Divine Nine 5K Race Series is truly a national event.  With locations in the Midwest, South and now Southern California, we’re excited about the opportunity to grow the race series,” added Rooney.

At present, the NPHC-Los Angeles is reviewing possible locations for its inaugural Divine Nine 5K – Los Angeles.  The event is tentatively planned for October 2018.  Additional details will be announced later this month. 

The Atlanta and Chicago 5K races are planned for June 9th and June 16th, respectively.

For additional information about the Divine Nine 5K Race Series, please visit www.divinenine5k.com.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA- From twin sister valedictorians who have had nearly every class together since kindergarten to a self-driven Latina who was once afraid to speak English and now plans to become a lawyer, San Bernardino City Unified School District’s Class of 2018 has produced many stellar graduates.

There’s Jalen Stevenson, who is making history not because he’s among nine Cajon High School seniors graduating at the top of their class.  Jalen, 17, is the only African-American valedictorian at Cajon High and the District this year.

A native of San Bernardino who attended North Park Elementary and Richardson PREP HI Middle School, Jalen is the first in his family to go to college.  He is headed to UCLA to study psychology, with plans to be a psychiatrist or marriage and family therapist.  Although Jalen never set out to be valedictorian, the achievement has empowered him to be a role model for younger students.

“Humbly speaking, I do feel I am a role model for young African-American males,” said Jalen, who was accepted to nearly every college where he applied.  “I’m a testament to the potential of our city.  The students like me, who graduate from high schools in San Bernardino amid struggles and tribulations, we worked so much harder to earn our diplomas.”

Jalen hopes to return to San Bernardino often while at UCLA to motivate students to work hard for their goals.

UCLA is also where fraternal twins Claire and Caitlin Todd, 18, will go to college this fall, the first time in many years they won’t share the same class schedule.  Claire, who is older by three minutes, will study political science with hopes of holding elected office, while little sister Caitlin will major in biological science.

Since kindergarten, the Pacific High School valedictorians had all but one class together and are now looking forward to carving out their own identities.  Caitlin dreams of designing cutting-edge prosthetics that she hopes will bring movement and freedom to people like her uncle, who uses a prosthetic leg.

“I learned 3D design in ninth grade, and ever since then I’ve been completely fascinated by all the new advancements in science,” said Caitlin, who hasn’t ruled out going to medical school.  “I want to help people who have lost limbs or were born without limbs.”

Claire wants to improve her community by holding elected office at the local level before pursuing a state seat.

“I’ve always been very interested in politics,” Claire said.  “I like debating with people.”

For Middle College High School valedictorian Britney Nicolas, debating was the furthest thing from her mind.  As a child growing up in a Spanish-speaking home, Britney overcame a speech impediment after years of therapy.  No longer afraid to speak English, she will be the first in her family to attend college when she tackles business administration at UC Berkeley before heading to law school.

“Although my parents never read a book to me or helped me with my schoolwork, they’re very proud of me,” said Britney, the oldest of five children. “Without my dad, I wouldn’t know the value of an education.”

Jalen, Claire, Caitlin, and Britney are among more than 3,400 San Bernardino City Unified School District students who will receive their high school diplomas or GED certification this year.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK-ENN) -FONTANA, CA- Sean Flynn for Congress released the following statement after surging to first place in Tuesday’s primary election:

“I am humbled by the support from the voters last night. While there are still votes being counted, last night’s first place finish confirms that this is a winnable district. I want to thank my campaign team and our incredible volunteers who worked hard to make this win a reality.” said Sean Flynn.

“We have a lot of work to do in the coming months, but I am confident we can bring new leadership to this district,” Flynn  added.

Sean Flynn was the only Republican challenger to defeat an incumbent in the State of California on Tuesday night.  The victory has attracted national attention to the race. 

The 31st District includes all or portions of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Rialto.

Flynn is the best-selling author of Economics for Dummies. He is also coauthor of the world’s best-selling college economics textbook, Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies.  An avid martial arts enthusiast, Flynn is also a former U.S. National Aikido Forms Champion and coach.  Flynn is single and lives in Redlands.

For more information on the Sean Flynn for Congress campaign go to www.SeanFlynnForCongress.com

The General Election is on Tuesday, November 6.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- You fool! There are no guarantees about tomorrow! [Luke 12:16-21.] Life is short and uncertain. Fragile! [Psalms 39:4; James 4:13-17]. Talking ‘bout; “Tomorrow you’ll serve God!” Making plans without taking into account your own mortality and God’s sovereignty. What is your life? A vapor that appears for a little while and then disappears…. [James 4:14]. The only time you have is right now! Whatcha mean tomorrow! CHOOSE whom you will serve! Today!

As Martin Luther King, Jr., once preached “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity… but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, “Too late.”

I tell you there are times in our life when we cannot afford to stay still; to not act on God’s will for our lives. That time is now. Scripture does not permit us to sit still, to wait for God to call to us a second time. Today is the day; this is the hour, the minute, when we say yes to God’s call to us to live. Now is the time. The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe in the good news.

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow…’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow.” “You do not know what will happen tomorrow.” [James 4:13-14a].  You don’t even know what will happen ten minutes from now, let alone tomorrow! Arrogantly assuming that you would wake up tomorrow; presuming things about an unknown future that you have no control of and no guarantees about! Whatcha mean Tomorrow!

I want you to know that there are three passages in the [Book of Proverbs] that warns us that we are not to wait too late about making our decision of commitment to Christ and to receive forgiveness for our sins. [Proverbs 1:24-28] is God’s invitation to man to respond to God’s offer of mercy and grace. These verses tell, in part, what will happen to man if he refuses God’s invitation. [Proverbs 27:1] presents to us the man who thinks he has many “tomorrows” to get right with God, but does not realize that, for him, there may not be another “tomorrow.” [Proverbs 29:1] presents a picture of an oxen who has a yoke put about its neck so that the master can lead it in the direction that he wants it to go. But the ox is rebellious and will not go in the right direction. The yoke rubs on the neck until a callous is formed and the animal becomes insensitive to the pulling of the reins by the master. The only thing to do now is to destroy the animal; to put it to death, for it is of no further use to the master. Rather than the ox being useful, it becomes a burden and a problem because of its rebellious nature.

I tell you, God is saying something very important to us. We are not just beast. We are people that He loved, died for, and wants to bring control and direction to our lives. God is saying to us, “Don’t wait too late. Come to Jesus while there is still time.” Wehave known yesterday –the past –and we are experiencing the present, but we have no certainties of tomorrow. To count on tomorrow is to neglect the duty of today!

Listen, “Tomorrow” is the devil’s greatest tool; “Now” is God’s greatest weapon to defeat the devil. Today and not tomorrow is “THE ACCEPTED TIME. “Now” is Mercy’s offer. “Now” is the invitation from God, reaching down from heaven. Tomorrow you may find the door shut. This is your urgent day. [Proverbs 29:1] I tell you, whatever it is that is keeping you away from the Lord, it isn’t worth the price you will have to pay to keep it! Throw it down and cast yourself on Jesus for salvation. The day of grace has its limits. Now is the time to do something. Tomorrow may be too late!

 “I gave you cleanness of teeth by sending you famine and drought so that you would turn back to Me –yet you have not returned to me.  I withheld rain from you so you would return –yet you have not returned to me. I sent blight and mildew and locust –yet you have not returned.” Your young men were killed in battle with a sword –yet you did not return to me. Because you will not return to me, prepare to meet your God. And meet Him without ever turning to Him in life on earth. Meet Him –Condemned. [Amos 4:6-12]

LOMA LINDA, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) were treated to an afternoon of books, arts and crafts at the annual “Spring Into Reading,” a patient diversionary event sponsored by the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Loma Linda Guild.

“This is part of the Loma Linda Guild’s mission to enhance the patient experience for our precious children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital,” said Lynn Sleeth, president of the Loma Linda Guild.

On Monday, May 21, LLUCH patients and young children visiting the hospital were welcomed to the lobby level of the hospital where craft tables were set up alongside a library of books and a table of stuffed animals. Kids were able to take a book and stuffed animal of their choosing to keep.

Tables were strewn with all the supplies needed to make handprint spring lilies bouquets such as construction paper, pipe cleaner, pencils, crayon, ribbons and more.

Alejandra Leyva, 11, from Perris, enjoyed making a pink, white and red bouquet of flowers by tracing her handprint and following the instructions provided by the Guild.

Goodie bags of books and craft materials were taken up to the rooms of patients who were unable to make it down to the lobby for the event.

For more information on the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild, please visit lluch.org/guilds.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- The Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association at Cal State San Bernardino will honor black students in the 25th annual Black Graduation on Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., in Coussoulis Arena.

The ceremony is a cultural recognition for graduating black students, and a great opportunity for family and friends to celebrate with them.

Participating graduates must wear a cap and gown, traditional African or business attire, and arrive at 8:30 a.m. Doors open at 9 a.m. and ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

There is no additional cost or tickets required for family and friends. For accessibility or accommodation requests, contact Lori Caruthers Collins at (909) 537-5328 or lcollins@csusb.edu; 72-hour notice required.

For any questions regarding the event, contact blackcsusbgrad@gmail.com.

For safety purposes, all guests are asked to not bring backpacks, large bags, oversized purses, wrapped gifts, balloons, outside food or drinks, silly string, selfie sticks, lasers, chains, fireworks, lighters, matches, weapons or anything that may cause concern.Searches will be conducted at the doors.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes seeks to honor 30 young adults under the age of 30 who exemplify dedication, innovation and service in the 47th Assembly District at her 30 Under 30 Award Ceremony and Art Showcase taking place on July 28, 2018. The deadline to submit nominations is June 15, 2018. To nominate a dynamic young adult, go to https://a47.asmdc.org/30under30.

Nominees must live, volunteer, or work in the 47th Assembly District. The 47th Assembly District includes all or portions of the following communities: Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the unincorporated communities of Bloomington and Muscoy. To confirm the nominee lives or works in the district, visit this website http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.

For more information about the nomination process contact Daniel Peeden at (909) 381-3238 or at Daniel.Peeden@asm.ca.gov.

The award ceremony and art showcase will be held on Saturday, July 28 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Court Street Square located at 349 N E Street in San Bernardino.