Darren Goodman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— UPLAND, CA— A 27-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and Captain of the Chino Hills Police Department has been selected as Upland’s new police chief following an extensive search.

Darren Goodman, 52, is a strong advocate of community policing, and using data, technology and community partnerships to address crime and quality of life issues.

“Chief Goodman is a nationally respected, results-oriented law enforcement professional. We’re thrilled to have him lead Upland’s outstanding police force, and further establish our community as a hallmark of fair, humane and effective policing,” said Mayor Debbie Stone.

Goodman will take command on July 16.

“I feel very fortunate to be here, and as the new chief coming in, I’m looking forward to getting to know our officers and the community,” Goodman said. “Law enforcement, and how safe people feel in their community, is critical to the success of a city. I also know we can’t do it alone. Business, economic development, education – we’re all in this together.”

Goodman began his law enforcement career in 1991 as a San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy. He has worked in a variety of assignments, including corrections, patrol, narcotics, emergency operations, regional gang enforcement, fugitive apprehension and SWAT. In 2013, he assumed command of the Sheriff’s Regional Training Center.

In Chino Hills, Goodman led efforts to reduce gaps between police-specific services and other service providers dedicated to public safety, such as public works, code enforcement, mental health services, and homeless advocates.

Goodman holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California (USC) and has completed his doctoral studies at USC’s Rossier School of Education. In 2015, he graduated Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Senior Executives in State and Local Government. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security; a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Public Safety Leadership Program; and an adjunct-professor at California State University San Bernardino.

Goodman lives in Riverside, California, with his wife Shana, who is a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The couple have four children.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— MORENO VALLEY, CA— Knee-length white coats, a trusted symbol of healing and science, were presented to new resident physicians on Thursday, June 28, as they embarked upon their years-long journey of medical residency training at Riverside University Health System.

Wearing bright white coats, the 30 resident physicians heard from physician leaders who emphasized that the field of medicine is not a trade but a calling, one whose members are held to the highest standards of trust and professionalism.

“You have answered the calling,” Dr. Roger Garrison, associate program director of Graduate Medical Education 125-year-old public teaching hospital in Moreno Valley. “With that white coat comes great responsibility.”

Chief residents from each program offered heartfelt words of advice, urging the new cohorts to lean on one other and take care of one another throughout their journey. Dr. Kellie Morris, chief resident of the Anesthesiology program said no matter what field they had chosen, the newly minted doctors would undoubtedly face death and sickness.

“These experiences may be trying for your soul, but what I challenge each of you to remember is what else you will see—health, happiness, trust and life,” Morris said, sparking laughter by also urging them to “eat when you can, sleep when you can…and pee when you can.”

The new resident physicians are entering five different residency programs at the Moreno Valley-based teaching hospital, which annually sponsors a total of 116 resident physicians in Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery and Neurosurgery. The programs vary in duration from three to seven years.

Annually, about 1,000 medical students and physician residents train at RUHS Medical Center through academic and graduate medical education affiliations with the schools of medicine at University of California Riverside, Loma Linda University and Western University.

New Riverside University Health System neurosurgery medical residents are flanked by program directors and, on the far right, Chuck Washington, chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors.

Kikkoman

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— Kikkoman, an unsigned rap artist out of Orlando, Florida, is WHAT IT DO! So, check it out folks!

I was totally shocked when my mother’s auntie told me that my little wousin was an upcoming rapper based out of Orlando. I was like “Nah, really?” and they were like, “Really!” So, I looked Kikkoman and found it be the truth. My little cousin got bars for days. I’m so excited and happy that he’s pursuing his dreams.

Kikkoman will be performing this coming Friday, July 6, right here in San Bernardino at the Re-Up Festival. The event is featuring top artist such as: Chief Keef, Casey Veggies, Audio Push, Lil Debbie, Uno the Activist and many more. Tickets can be purchased online. Check out Kikkoman’s bio below:

Kikkoman is an Orlando raised rapper and song writer with a diverse style to reflect his diverse roots. This Black and Japanese artist has a unique sound that is able to enhance any generation of music, whether it be hip-hop, dirty south, dubstep, commercial or rock. With his lyrical flow and conscience soul, Kikkoman can turn any song into his own.

He was born in Missouri in the 90’s. Briefly living in California and growing up in Florida has made him a music lover on all levels. Listening to entertainers which include DJ Quick, 50 Cent, 2Pac, Biggie, Bone Thugs and various other influential rappers, they have inspired him to take it to the next level.

Kikkoman has developed his own flavor. He made sure to focus on mixing and mastering a unique sound that no one in the music industry contains by adding a different twist. Kikkoman’s voice, marketable look and a stage presence will have you out your seats. He is something this industry desperately needs. So, let’s give the people what they’re waiting for! Kikkoman is Orlando’s next big Star.

Until next week! #Lueproductions

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— It has been seven months since marijuana has become legalized in California, as well as a few other states. Since it has been legal many have been joyous, while others have still been skeptical and have continued to raise questions and concerns. This is why it is important to have forums to accommodate people into better understanding the science and benefits behind cannabis. 

On Wednesday, June 27 at WeWork Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, modern-day political voice, cultural and legal expert, Dr. Christopher Metzler, participated in a one-on-one “Politics of Cannabis” discussion with Black Hollywood Live Executive Producer, Derrial Christon. Throughout the question and answer session they chatted on the medical, recreational and statutory components of cannabis. 

“[Tonight] is going to be a really good event,” Christon states on what attendees were in for. “Obviously the cannabis industry is booming and growing in several different markets It’s a money maker so people are now realizing that they need to label it differently than how it has been looked at before.”

The event was presented by Wise Owl Media Group and Jade Umbrella, and was very well attended. Attendees were able to mingle and network with each other, as well as partaking in sampling of Cannabis and hemp-infused food and drink supplements. 

“The people that are the closet to me are people in my family,” Dr. Metzler explains on what inspired him to get into the cannabis industry. “When I see family and friends suffering from illnesses and I see medication that is given to them that is not really helping but making the situation worst, I then have to look at what is freely available and what are the alternatives. I’ve done that and so I’m very very passionate about this topic.” 

In addition to educating the guests about Cannabis, the founders of MelixMJ also introduced their DNA kit. The Cannabis DNA report tests how genes influence Cannabis on one’s health through a saliva collection kit. Based upon individual results, certain products may be better tolerated or more effective for specific conditions. Genes help to determine how our bodies process and rest on cannabinoids and terpenes (different compounds in cannabis). This test is revolutionary for prescription of the right strain and right dose for flower, concentrates, edibles, topical, and THC to CBD ratios based upon one’s unique genetic expression.

This is just the first of many events that Dr.Metzler plans on doing. He will be rolling out more sessions across the country to start educating people about the benefits, science and how people can become more involved in the industry. 

If you missed the Los Angeles event, you can check out the interview below:

Stay connected @DrChrisMetzler on Twitter/Facebook/Twitter.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—RIVERSIDE, CA— The California Red Tails/Black Pilots of America hosted an Open House at the Riverside Municipal Airport on Saturday, June 23. The purpose of the open house was to refresh community awareness of the role and continuing involvement of Black pilots in the history of aviation in America.  

The event offered special guests and the community-at-large the opportunity to increase awareness of a range of aviation career fields, experience, education, training requirements and opportunities to network with private and commercial pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation mechanics.

Special guest of honor, Tuskegee Airman, Harlan Q Leonard, Lt Col., was present and consented to requests of persons honored to be photographed with him.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You harlot…. you are just as treacherous as Israel sister Judah who went and played the whore. [Jeremiah 3:8-10]. I tell you, you are an embarrassment to God and the church.  You have trangressed against the Lord your God and have scattered your charms to alien deties under every green tree… says the Lord. [Jeremiah 3:8-13].

Tell me, what was the sin that got Sodom and Gomarrah utterly destroyed? What was the sin that got David’s kingdom taken away? What was the sin that led to Samson getting his eyes gauged out, put into prison, and then death? Tell me, what was it? You see, Jesus said in [Matthew 5:27-30] that, “You have heard that it was said, you shall not commit adultery; but I  [Jesus] says, that whosoever looks at a woman [man] with lust for her [him] has already committed adultery with them in their heart.

Listen, if your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out an cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. [Matthew 5:27-30; Matthew 8: 8-9].

Understand that your eternal destiny hangs in the balance of whether you fight lust or settle down and live in it. I tell you, only if you repent, and show you’re repentance by brokeness, is there any hope that God can change you from what you are to what he desires for you to be.

Return, backslider, says the Lord; I will not cause My anger to fall on you for I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity “… for this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” [Ephesians 5: 3-6].

I say then, walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. [Galatians 5:16-17].

By Manny Otiko | California Black Media 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—Rev. Shane Harris, a San Diego civil rights activist, is part of a group of clergies who have rallied in support of migrant families being detained at the southern border.  Harris staged a protest outside the Otay Mesa Detention Center on Friday, June 22. He will conduct a tour of the facility on Wednesday, June 27. 

Migrants have been coming to the United States, fleeing poverty and violence, for several decades, but the Trump administration recently instituted a new policy that separated parents from their children. About 3,000 families have been affected so far. 

Former Immigration and Naturalization Service INS which is now known as ICE agent Damon Alexander said this is not a new issue. He saw the same situation when he was working for the agency in the 1990s. In those days, people were fleeing political violence in Honduras. 

“Back then it was the death squads,” he said. 

What’s different is the amount of media attention. Alexander also pointed out that if you are fleeing violence you can apply for political asylum, but that depends on the criteria of the country, the attorney general at the time and the president. 

Alexander emphasized that it was a crime to enter the country without using legal means. If you do so, you are subject to arrest and could be separated from children, like American citizens who break the law, he said. However, he was surprised that deported migrants were not kept with their children. 

According to Harris, this is a moral issue. He said the policy of separating children from their parents was not “biblical.”

“It is biblically and morally wrong,” said Harris. 

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who spoke forcibly for family separation, has been criticized by his own United Methodist Church, who has accused him of aiding “child abuse.”

Although the Trump administration has backed down and said it would reunite the families, it hasn’t said how and when it would do this. 

Many Americans have been shocked at the administration’s family separation policy, but this isn’t the first time this has happened. In the past, enslaved Africans were sold as property and torn from their children. And during the early part of the 20th century Native Americans children were taken from their families, and placed with white families who gave them Anglo names and forbade them from speaking their languages. (This process was supposed to help them better integrate into society.) 

During World War II, Japanese American families were interned in prison camps, because the nation questioned their loyalty. Also, the War on Drugs, which is still on going, separated thousands of black men and women from their children.

Harris added that the treatment of migrants was an issue that should concern the African-American community. The Trump administration has been hostile to minority groups, he said. He added that the administration planned to deport Haitians migrants who had been allowed to stay in the country as part of a refugee program. The Trump administration has announced that Temporary Protected Status designation officially ends in July 2019.

“This administration is rewinding the clock,” he said. “We should stand with them (migrants.)”

Harris thinks Trump implemented the policy because he saw it as an issue Republicans could run on in the 2018 midterm elections. And it seems to be working with hard-core Trump supporters. The New York Times reported 90 percent of Republicans to have a favorable view of Trump. 

According to Harris, this can serve as a lesson for liberal Democrats. 

“If Democrats want to win in 2018, they need to stop saying ‘I’m surprised,'” said Harris. “He’s (Trump) playing to his base,” said Harris.

Omnitrans Director of Human Resources Suzanne Pfeiffer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Suzanne Pfeiffer has joined Omnitrans as Director of Human Resources, bringing over 30 years of human resources experience in both the private and public sectors.  She fills a vacancy created by Marjorie Ewing, who is retiring after 19 years at Omnitrans.

Pfeiffer most recently served as Chief Human Resources Officer at C-TRAN, the public transit agency in Vancouver, Washington.  At Omnitrans, she will oversee a department of 11 employees and is responsible for the agency’s personnel policies, recruitment and training, benefits administration, labor relations and Workers’ Compensation management.

“I’m really excited to be here and look forward to continuing my career in transit at Omnitrans,” said Pfeiffer.

Prior to working in the transit industry, Pfeiffer held HR positions at Foothill-DeAnza Community College District, Antioch Unified School District, Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, and Attorney’s Title Insurance Fund, Inc.

Pfeiffer attained an MBA with an emphasis in HR from Columbia Southern University.  She earned a BA in Business Administration and Management with an emphasis in Personnel Administration from California State University – East Bay.  Her professional certifications include PHR (Professional in Human Resources), SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional) and CBP (Certified Benefits Professional).

Pfeiffer is also an adjunct professor for the College of Online and Continuing Education at Southern New Hampshire University teaching Human Resource and Organizational Development courses.

Pastor Owens

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA —- Saturday, July 14 and Sunday, July 15, mark the First Pastor’s Anniversary Celebration for Dr. Michael Andrew Owens and Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church located at 1575 West 17th Street in San Bernardino.

Festivities commence Saturday, July 14 at 4 p.m., with a Musical and Ministries Tribute featuring the “Rays of Hope Combined Choirs” and Christian Arts Performances by youth in the areas of Mime and Liturgical Dance. On, Sunday, July 15, worship services with special guest ministers are scheduled for 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., culminating with a dinner and service at 4 p.m. in which Dr. J.W. Hardwick, President of the Western Baptist State Convention, will be the Keynote Speaker.

Dr. Owens’ tenure as the 29^th Pastor of this leading church in the City of San Bernardino, has been spirit-filled and energetic. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church is a civic minded, community-oriented, African American congregation with a historic legacy. Our ministry theme for 2018 is “Our Gifts for God’s Glory.” (1 Peter 4:10, 11). The entire community is invited to share in this celebration.

Dignitaries from around the country, state, and local officials will be on hand to participate and offer congratulatory remarks to our new Pastor for his leadership of this esteemed church.

“To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done” demonstrated by the early growth of the church under the ministry of Dr. Michael Andrew Owens.

If you would like more information, please contact the church office at (909) 887-2526 or email info@newhopembc.org.

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, June 16, at Anne Shirrells Park, the City of San Bernardino held its 4^thAnnual Juneteenth Freedom Festival.

Photo credit: John Coleman/Community Photographer