Local

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, VA. – Petty Officer 1st Class Laura Chavez, a native of Ontario, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes (FACSFAC VACAPES).

Chavez graduated from Colony High School in 2008.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Ontario.

“I learned growing up to never give up, to always do my best, and to push through whatever obstacles I faced,” Chavez said. “In the Navy, it is hard to come up through the ranks, so you have to push through and study hard for each exam. Deployments are also not easy, but you have to look for the light at the end of the tunnel and just keep pushing through.”

Chavez joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Chavez serves as an air traffic controller.

“I joined the Navy because I married and had a child at a young age, and I needed stability after the ‘08 financial crisis,” Chavez said.

Established in 1977, FACSFAC VACAPES maintains the scheduling, control and surveillance of military operating areas and training routes for the northeastern United States. The command now routinely oversees more than 112,000 miles of offshore air, surface and sub-surface operating areas from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island to Charleston, South Carolina.

On Friday, April 11, 2025, The New York Stock Exchange welcomes Project H.O.O.D. Communities Development Corp to the podium. To honor the occasion, Pastor Corey Brooks, Founder & CEO, joined by Will Goodwin, Head of Corporate Affairs, NYSE, rings the Opening Bell®.

Single Turns the Preacher/Singer’s Recent Social Media Controversy Into a Melodic Message of Restoration

DALLAS, TC— Marvin Sapp was recently in the news over a misinterpretation of his words while he was taking up offering at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World 2024 National Convocation.  Sapp was vilified on the internet and received threatening messages at his church from people who were angry over a video clip that showed him telling the ushers to “close the doors.”

After appearing on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, CBS News Texas and WFAA Fort Worth to add context and clarity to the video clip, Sapp is now turning that “momentary affliction” into an affirming message with a new single titled “Close the Door.”

In the song, written by Sapp and Kolten Perrine, and produced by Rodney East, Sapp recounts the harrowing last few weeks and sings:

Close the door on anxiety, on the pain and disdain that keeps chasing me, Close the door on the ridicule and on the noise that tries to make me lose my cool…God has a purpose, He will restore…Though I’m hurting, I’m still hoping, My victory is worth fighting for, So I close the door…

Sapp posted about the single on social media, saying “’Close the Door’ isn’t just a song, it’s a soundtrack for survival…I’m closing the door on the noise, the pain, and everything that tried to break me. This song will bless you. I believe with everything in me my assignment through this season through this song is to help you close the door too.”

“Close the Door” will be released Good Friday, April 18, 2025, and will be available to download and stream on all digital music outlets.

By Lou Coleman

For years now, there have been forewarnings of very specific end-time events that would come to pass which would lead to a third world war. Well, we are there, World War III has already begun.

“We already have battles on the ground being coordinated in multiple countries,” said Jamie Dimon the CEO of JP Morgan Chase at the annual event in Washington, DC, in October.

Dimon went on to say that “the United States needed to avoid being naive and allowing larger global events to play out without any intervention. What we should be thinking about is, we can’t take the chance this will resolve itself. We have to make sure that we are involved in doing the right things to get it resolved properly,” he added. “It’s just a matter of time before these things are going off in major cities around the world,” Dimon said. “I think we have to just have clarity and subordinate a lot of things to make sure this ends up right. Because they are very close to global catastrophe.”

Pigging back off of Jamie Dimon but in the spiritual realm.

Jamie Dimon is absolutely right. The first four Trumpets of the Seventh Seal are about the first major attack that is made upon the United States of America. She has been the greatest single nation in the end-time, and the events of these four Trumpets are structured to cripple her world dominance, influence, and power. She is the first of all nations to be humbled by God because she has been given the most by Him and has been given the greatest opportunity to listen but has not. This humbling process that will be poured out upon the United States will be very strong against her. [Revelation 8] shows in very prophetic language the events that will lead to the fall of the United States as the first nation to be brought down.

Not only will the U.S. experience horrific suffering due to the first five Trumpet events, it is revealed in the Book of Revelation that it will also experience plagues and devastation from events that are called Thunders. These too will escalate against her unless or until she begins to listen to God.

The more the United States holds to her pride, the more she will suffer until she is humbled. This is a matter of God’s judgment and what He has determined toward the U.S.

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be, and we are like sleeping virgins. We must awake from our slumber! [Matthew 24:21; Matthew 25; Daniel 5]. “We need to have clarity and subordinate a lot of things to make sure this ends up right.” Why? Because our eternity life depends on it and the handwriting on the wall is very clear: World War III is inevitable.

Bible Prophecy clearly states that at the end of the age, the world will experience a significant increase in geopolitical turmoil, including at least three named wars, rumors of war, international distress, and three major military conflicts as outlined in [Psalm 83, Ezekiel chapters 38-39, Revelation chapter 19; Daniel 11:35-43; Daniel 12:4-9]. Combined with the other “birth pangs” which are all seemingly converging within a single generation. According to Jesus, these signs of the times would signal the end of the current age, and according to [Matthew 24:21-22] “unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved…”

You know, John the Apostle was shown what the end times would be like, specifically the last seven years prior to Christ’s return. He saw a global war akin to World War III which continues to be a part of the unfolding events Jesus told His disciples that would presage the end of the world. [Matthew 24:3-3; Revelation chapter 2;4; and 5; Revelation 6:3-4; 7-9; Revelation chapters 12,13, 17 &18].

I admonish you, subordinate a lot of things to make sure this ends up right for you. Get under the Umbrella of the Almighty God NOW! Do not be naïve and let things play out without any intervention. God has set before you, life and death. Choose life! [Deuteronomy 30:19]. For as James Dimon said, “We can’t take the chance this will resolve itself. We have to make sure that we are involved in doing the right things to get it resolved properly.”

Besides Moses makes it clear that the commands of God are not too difficult ?they are not too difficult to understand nor too difficult to do, beyond our reach. These were the words of Moses to the people of Israel as he admonished them to choose life. But like some of the Israelites, some of you too will choose not to understand. [Romans 10:1-11].

Wars

1. Cold Wars [U.S./Soviet]
2. Civil Wars [Internal Division, Insurrections]
3. Invasion Wars [Ukraine/Soviet, Israel/Hamas]

Rumors of Wars

1. World Wars [World War III]
2. Trade Wars [Tariff Foreign Goods]
3. Nuclear Wars [Biological Threats]

I have given you full warning [Revelation chapter 19]. Seek the Lord while He may be found. [1 Kings 18:21]. Call upon Him while He is near. [Isaiah 55:6].

But the people said nothing. They seem unable, or unwilling, to make a choice. They want to hedge their bets, sit on the fence, and keep their options open. Then so be it, says the Lord!

Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar, which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. [Revelation 9:14-15, Revelation 16:14].

World War III Has Already Begun!

SAN BERNARDINO, CA—Twenty talented student musicians from the San Bernardino City Unified School District’s (SBCUSD) Teen Music Workshop traveled to Atlanta this past week to perform at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) annual conference.

This national conference brought together thousands of school board members, educators and leaders from across the country. Teen Music Workshop is among a select few performing arts programs from schools across the country invited to perform, a testament to the talent, dedication and artistry of SBCUSD student musicians.

For several of the students, who range from middle to high school, it was their first time leaving California—and for some, their very first time boarding a plane. The opportunity to perform at a national venue not only showcases their musical abilities but also expands their horizons through travel.

“Our students are ambassadors of excellence, and we’re thrilled to see them shine at such a high level,” said SBCUSD Superintendent Mauricio Arellano.

The Teen Music Workshop, founded in 2008, has a reputation for high-energy performances that blend rock, soul, pop, and jazz. The group routinely performs at theme parks around Southern California. Its selection for the NSBA Conference spotlights SBCUSD’s commitment to the visual and performing arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education.

The students performed during a general session at the NSBA conference, which draws thousands of attendees from around the United States. Their journey is made possible through the support of SBCUSD.

The Redlands community is mourning the loss of Police Officer Seth Franklin, who passed away on Sunday, April 6 after a courageous battle with Stage 4 melanoma.

A proud Redlands native, Seth was born at Redlands Community Hospital and dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. He began his law enforcement career as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where he served honorably for 11 years before joining the Redlands Police Department in 2018. Most recently, he served as Treasurer of the Redlands Police Officers Association, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues across the region.

His fellow officers, community members, and loved ones remember him as a true hero whose love for his family, colleagues, and community never wavered.

Seth is survived by his wife, Ashley, and their two young sons, Ronan and Ryan, ages 4 and 2. A fundraiser is underway to support the Franklin family with funeral expenses, medical bills, and long-term needs. Click here to donate through the Peace Officers Research Association of California’s “Fund A Hero” campaign.

LOS ANGELES, CA— Over 400 women found empowerment, education, and real solutions to their menopausal concerns at the 10th annual WisePause Wellness Summit, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center. The milestone event brought together leading experts, brands, and voices in women’s health for a day filled with movement, mind-body renewal, and menopause-specific resources.

Attendees got moving with Lavinia Errico, Founder of MoveJoy in a high-energy session that ignited joy, strength, and connection that set the tone for the day. More than 30 top physicians, functional medicine practitioners, and wellness experts took the stage to address the full spectrum of menopausal symptoms and solutions—ranging from brain fog, sleep, and fitness to midlife sexual health, natural hormone alternatives, and skincare solutions as we age.

In addition to the robust speaker lineup, 34 innovative exhibitors showcased products and platforms designed specifically for midlife women, including beauty and cooling products, nutraceuticals, nutritional bars, and other wellness tools tailored to support the menopause journey.

This year also marked the debut of the WisePause Menopause Awards, honoring individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in the menopause space:
•    Tamsen Fadal, Emmy-winning journalist, received the Menopause Trailblazer Award for her fearless advocacy and dedication to opening up the conversation around menopause;
•    CVS Health was recognized for its leadership in expanding access to women’s health solutions across the nation;
•    Halle Berry, award-winning actress and activist, was honored for her transparency, empowerment efforts, and commitment to changing the perception of menopause in mainstream media.

To cap off the day, attendees were treated to massage, acupressure, reiki, sound, hypnosis and other healing modalities at the Best Self Wellness Experience and Afterparty, which also included nibbles and libations.

Said Denise Pines, WisePause Wellness Founder, “We wanted this day to be filled with education, empowerment, solutions, but also fun for the ladies who attended.  Judging from the comments that we received from the attendees, we accomplished that goal.  It so fulfilling to have women come up and say that this event was life-changing—it keeps us striving to be ‘The Menopause Authority.'”

The 10th WisePause Wellness Summit proved once again that menopause is not a moment to fear, but a powerful stage of life to embrace—with the right knowledge, community, and support.

Sponsors for the WisePause Wellness Summit include Tea Botanics, AARP, Toyota and Alloy.

For more information on WisePause Wellness or to stay updated on future events, visit www.wisepause.com.

About WisePause Wellness:
WisePause Wellness is dedicated to revolutionizing the way women navigate menopause and midlife health by providing access to cutting-edge research, expert guidance, and holistic solutions. Through live events, digital content, and advocacy, WisePause continues to break barriers and empower women with the knowledge they need to thrive during every stage of life.

About Tea Botanics:
Tea Botanics is a medicinal tea and supplement company focusing on plant-based therapies for women’s health, including vasomotor symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. To learn more, visit www.teabotanics.com or follow @teabotanics @hotflashtea

About AARP
AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through advocacy, service, and information to make things better for society and play a positive role in communities of all kinds.

About Toyota
We’re in the business of making great cars and trucks. But we also work every day to apply and share our know-how in ways that benefit people, the community, and our planet in order to build a better tomorrow.

About Alloy
Alloy Women’s Health is a direct-to-consumer menopause healthcare company, offering education, expertise, and safe, science-backed solutions for perimenopause & menopause symptoms, skincare, hair care, sexual health and weight care. Treatment plans are customized, everything is delivered (with free shipping!) straight to one’s door. Alloy members get unlimited follow-up care with their menopause-trained physician through the duration of their active prescription and access to community through member support groups, and more all from the convenience of their home.

ONTARIO, CA— The lights dimmed, the music swelled, and for one unforgettable night, every seat at Time for Change Foundation’s 23rd Annual Awards Gala became a front row to hope, resilience, and unstoppable impact.

Held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Ontario, CA, the sold-out gala welcomed a powerhouse audience of civic leaders, advocates, and supporters for an unforgettable evening themed “Unwavering: Igniting Change, Inspiring Hope.” Attendees were deeply moved by the stories of transformation and the honorees who embody the relentless spirit of change in our communities.

Among this year’s esteemed honorees were Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, Grammy-nominated country star Jon Pardi, and Academy Award-nominated producer Chiara Tilesi, alongside a lineup of dedicated changemakers working across philanthropy, the arts, housing, education, and economic justice.

The 2024 honorees included:

• Richard Jeske – Nancy Verner Angel Award
• Ginger Ontiveros – Unsung Hero
• Jon Pardi – Humanitarian Award
• Chiara Tilesi – Women’s Global icon Award
• Lifting as We Climb – Ramos Family Spirit of Compassion Award
• Charisse Bremond Weaver & George Weaver – Dynamic Duo
• Taraji P. Henson – Philanthropist of the Year Award
• Michelle Decker – Community Champion Award

Each honoree was celebrated for their unwavering dedication to creating lasting change—whether through mental health advocacy, music, global storytelling, philanthropy, or grassroots organizing. Their stories inspired standing ovations and left guests motivated to be part of the movement.

“This wasn’t just an awards show—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when passion meets purpose,” said Executive Director, Vanessa Perez. “These honorees are shaping a better future, not just for themselves, but for entire communities.”

Proceeds from the gala will help fund Time for Change Foundation’s work in providing housing, supportive services, and opportunities for economic development. By strengthening the foundation of housing and economic empowerment, TFCF ensures that individuals and families overcoming homelessness and crisis can reach their fullest potential and achieve long-term success.

Together, we are building a brighter future. Get involved and be part of the change at www.timeforchangefoundation.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – The Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy is proud to announce that California State Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Mayor’s Masquerade Ball, to be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Cal State San Bernardino.

This year’s event will honor three outstanding mayors for their visionary leadership and dedication to uplifting their communities:

• Mayor Gabriel Reyes of Adelanto
• Mayor L. Dennis Michael of Rancho Cucamonga
• Mayor Tim Sandoval of Pomona

Serving as the evening’s emcee is Donald English, Ed.D., esteemed President of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.

The Mayor’s Masquerade Ball is more than an evening of elegance and celebration—it’s a call to action. Since its founding in 2001, Young Visionaries has empowered over 200,000 youth throughout the Inland Empire. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit life-changing programs that nurture leadership, education, and resilience among the next generation.

Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson, a champion of equity, youth empowerment, and transformative change, brings a message of inspiration and purpose to this memorable evening. His commitment to public service and grassroots leadership perfectly aligns with the values and mission of Young Visionaries.

Guests are encouraged to wear their finest masquerade attire for this magical night of celebration, networking, and community building.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available.
To reserve your seat or to learn more, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.yvyla-ie.org.

You may also contact us directly at Gala@yvyla-ie.org or call 909-513-4286.

Let’s come together to celebrate leadership, elevate our youth, and turn dreams into

By Angela M. Coggs

In a deeply moving and powerful tribute, the first annual memorial event hosted by Families and Friends of Murdered Victims, Inc. was held at Smiley Park on Wednesday evening. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., families, friends, and community members gathered to honor and remember those whose lives were tragically taken by violence.

The emotional evening was made possible through a meaningful collaboration between Families and Friends of Murdered Victims, Inc., the City of Redlands, the Redlands Police Department, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Victim Services. Together, they created a safe space of remembrance, healing, and community support.

Attendees were encouraged to bring cherished items representing their loved ones—photos, pairs of shoes, and personalized t-shirts. The shoes and pictures were displayed in a solemn memorial installation, serving as a poignant visual reminder of the many lives lost to senseless violence. A special feature of the event was “The Clothesline,” where t-shirts bearing the faces and names of victims were hung and celebrated, fluttering gently in the evening breeze as symbols of remembrance and enduring love.

The event was the heartfelt vision of Rose Madsen, mother of Jennifer LeAnne Balber, a 20-year-old woman who was shot and killed while on duty as a Southern California Gas Company Meter Reader in Rialto, California, on November 10, 1994. Jennifer was not the intended target of the drive-by shooting, but her life was tragically taken in an act of violence that shook her family, friends, workplace, and community to its core.

Madsen has transformed her pain into purpose. Through Families and Friends of Murdered Victims, Inc., she now works to ensure that no family has to suffer alone. The organization aims to support those affected by violent crime and advocate for awareness, healing, and remembrance.

“This isn’t just about mourning our loved ones—it’s about keeping their memories alive, standing together, and finding strength in community,” Madsen shared during the event.

As candles were lit and names were read aloud, tears were shed and hands held tightly. The power of the evening came not only from grief, but from unity and a shared determination to honor every victim with dignity, love, and hope.

FFMV partnered with the City of Redlands. Redlands Police Department and the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office & the Bureau of Victim Services. District Attorney Jason Anderson welcomes and spoke to the attendees at this momentous gathering. His words were heartfelt, sincere, thoughtful, resonating deeply with those in attendance.

Families and Friends of Murdered Victims, Inc. plans to make this memorial an annual tradition. Another source of ongoing support, FFMV releases a monthly newsletter to keep supporters and families informed and connected.

For more information, to ask questions, or to sign up for the monthly newsletter, please contact Rose Madsen at mail4ffmv@yahoo.com.

In memory of Jennifer LeAnne Balber and all victims of violence — gone, but never forgotten.