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Loma Linda University Health opens primary care clinic in new location

Site will serve both pediatric and adult patients

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Loma Linda University Health has expanded primary care services to a new location on Redlands  Boulevard to accommodate more patients. The new clinic opened Monday, April 1. Primary care services are now available at the Loma Linda University Health Faculty Medical Clinics – Redlands Blvd. facility located at 25828 Redlands Blvd., Redlands, formerly the Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic building.

The new clinic will have family medicine, internal medicine and pediatric physicians to care for patients.

Roger D. Woodruff, MD chair of the department of family medicine, said planning for the move began about six months ago by looking at various locations. He said this site provided a great structure with an adaptable layout and opportunity for growth in our implementation of new technologies.

“With the move, providers will be able to see more patients in our community,” Woodruff says. “Our community has been asking for more access. We’ve outgrown our current space, so we’re making the necessary changes to provide patients a convenient location that can meet their healthcare needs.”

The clinic will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new Redlands Boulevard clinic also houses Loma Linda University Health pediatric and adult internal medicine clinic, previously located on Terracina Blvd. in Redlands. “We look forward to providing easily accessible healthcare in this new location for current and future patients,” said Richard Chinnock, MD, chief medical officer at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

“We are proud to offer a broad scope of care for both children and adults at our clinics in continued service to the community,” Chinnock said.

For appointments or more information about the services available call:

  • Family Medicine at (909) 558-6600
  • Internal Medicine at (909) 307-0964
  • Pediatrics at (909) 307-0964

Juice It Up! Joins Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino in the Fight to End Hunger

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— INLAND EMPIRE, CA— Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, raw juice, and superfruit bowl chains, has announced its corporate partnership with leading hunger-relief organization, Feeding America Riverside|San Bernardino (FARSB) to help protect those in the communities it serves from going hungry. Juice It Up!’s aptly dubbed “Feed It Up!” campaign will reward guests for donating to the cause. The Inland Empire food bank alone feeds over 400,000 people and distributes over 2 million pounds of food per month.

With food collection boxes at each of Juice It Up!’s 45 Inland Empire locations through December 31, 2019, the company will reward guests who donate five canned items with a $2 coupon to use on any Juice It Up! menu item. The company is hoping this incentive will encourage area residents to support those less fortunate in their very own communities and join Juice It Up! in the fight to end hunger. The FARSB program will eventually be rolled out to all Juice It Up! locations nationwide.

“We are proud of our amazing franchisees who jumped at the opportunity to support their hyper-local communities and further FARSB’s indispensable work in the Inland Empire,” said Milena Rimassa, Juice It Up!’s Director of Marketing. “We’re thrilled to exercise our company’s core values of corporate citizenship and service, and are committed to making a positive impact in the areas we serve.”

Juice It Up! kicked off the partnership at FARSB’s 4th annual Ladles of Love luncheon in Riverside, California where the more than 200 attendees learned about the many ways to help alleviate hunger in the Inland Empire year-round. As a proud sponsor of the event and to celebrate their alliance with FARSB, Juice It Up! donated hundreds of their popular Strawberry Wave smoothie to those in attendance.

“It is because of generous partners like Juice It Up! who take on our mission with a sense of ownership, that we are able to provide hunger-relief services and emergency food assistance to those who need it most,” said Lori Butler, Philanthropy Director for FARSB. “We feel fortunate to align with Juice It Up! and look forward to working together in achieving our mutual goal to alleviate hunger in the Inland Empire.”

To find your nearest Juice It Up! visit www.juiceitup.com. To learn more about FARSB, visit www.feedingamericaie.org.  

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Loma Linda University Health receives $430,000 federal grant to study potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— LOMA LINDA, CA— Loma Linda University Health has received a more than $430,000 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health to study ways vitamin D could potentially be used to enhance intestinal wall repair of patients suffering inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

IBD is a chronic and debilitating disease in human intestines that affects approximately 1.6 million Americans. The number of people affected by IBD is rising worldwide, making it an increasingly global disease in the 21st century. 

The grant is for two years with a total of $433,340 in funding.

“I am very excited that our idea is supported by the experts in our field,” said Xiaolei Tang, MD, PhD, an associate research professor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and lead research for the grant. “I hope that this study will eventually benefit patients at Loma Linda University Health and around the world.”

U.S. Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-31) said he was pleased that Loma Linda University Health — which resides in his district — was awarded this grant.

“Loma Linda is a national leader in medical research, a major provider of good-paying jobs in our region, and a world-renowned medical center,” Aguilar said. “I’m proud to announce this grant funding, which will allow Loma Linda University Health to conduct groundbreaking new research and continue growing its legacy of innovation.” 

Aguilar is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and has been a consistent advocate for NIH funding to make these types of grants possible.

IBD is caused by a disordered immune response to intestinal bacteria. Normally, bacteria are contained outside the intestinal wall for food digestion and is prevented from entering other organs. However, this immune disorder can damage the intestinal wall, allowing bacteria to enter into other organs. A vicious cycle starts: bacteria in the internal organs further worsen the immune disorder, which in turn lets more bacteria pass through the gut wall into internal organs. The vicious cycle continues unless the gut wall is completely repaired.

No medications are currently available to repair the damaged intestinal wall. Recent research has suggested that, under healthy conditions, vitamin D is a key component for the normal functions of intestinal stem cells. Intestinal stem cells are known to renew the intestinal wall every 5 to 7 days to ensure its integrity. Tang will use the awarded grant to examine if such renewal mechanisms can be harnessed for the repair of damaged intestinal wall. He and his team will determine how vitamin D affects the functions of intestinal stem cells. 

The grant award number is R21AI142170. 

Don’t Miss the 7th Annual Inland Prosperity Conference

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— ONTARIO, CA— The Inland Prosperity Conference is less than one week away. Don’t miss out on this great event!

At the 7th annual Inland Prosperity Conference, you will get a chance to learn how to align with your business dreams, grow your business, become a sales expert and more!

  • The day will be lead by “Mobile Mary” Barnett, CEO and Marketing Strategist of Another Brilliant Idea, Inc.
  • Our morning keynote speaker, Shameca Tankerson an expert on Sales Leadership and Defeating Doubt, will help teach you the best ways of “Getting Your Mind Aligned with your Dreams!”
  • Our lunch keynote speaker, Ursula Mentjes an award-winning Entrepreneur and Sales Expert, will help you learn how to become a Sales Expert.
  • Panels of accomplished women business owner will discuss topics such as: “Taking the Leap to Achieve your Dreams” and “Business Success in a Digital Age”.

CSUSB Alumnis

  • Nicole Kinney, Owner of Logoing You
  • Maritza Gomez, CEO of MG Custom Printing
  1. Brenda Lorenzi, co-owner of Sunwest Publishing which publishes Inland Empire Magazine
  2. La’Vonne Shields, CEO of Management Consultants of America
  3. Sonia Stewart, Owner of Sonia Stewart Photography
  4. Kim ‘ Kat’ Shepherd, CEO of the Ultimate Professional, Inc.
  5. Janet Steiner, CEO of Throro Packaging
  • Breakout sessions will cover topics such as: “Publishing to Grow Your Business”, “Options to Fund your Business” and “Contracting to Grow your Company”

Whether you’re thinking about becoming an entrepreneur or are already an entrepreneur then this is the conference for you! Past participants have given glowing reviews about previous Inland Prosperity Conferences:

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Walking in I was discouraged, walking out my soul is on fire.

-Attalah Walker

So well organized, tons of valuable content, everything, inspirational, warmth.

-Evanne Levin

The Inland Prosperity Conference will be held April 12th, 2019 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center, 700 N. Haven Ave. in Ontario.

Attendee registration is $67 for the general public, $20 for students and $30 for non-profit entities. Vendor spaces and sponsorships are still available. For registration or additional information, visit the IEWBC website at www.iewbc.org or contact Joelle Passerello at (909) 890-1242 or jpasserello@iewbc.org.

Raise Up and Walk for Sexual Assault

Majestic Hearts’ 1st Annual 5K Walkathon in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— INGLEWOOD, CA— In the cannabis culture, April 20 (known as, “Four-Twenty”) is an International holiday of cannabis consumption. However, this year Majestic Hearts will raise awareness about sexual assault. The organization will host its 1st Annual 5K Walkathon in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise $5K toward its shelter and counseling programs. Taking place at Darby Park in Inglewood, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (registration opening at 8:45 a.m.), Majestic Hearts will educate attendees about the subject matter, while raising funds to assist and enrich the community. 

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives. “This alarming statistic must be exposed and it’s our organization’s duty to ensure the community is properly educated,” says Majestic Hearts’ Founding CEO, Kanishia L. Jackson. “We must also take in to account that this statistic is solely based on reported data. There are numerous victims/survivors who have never reported their sexual abuse encounter(s). It’s an uncomfortable subject that needs to be addressed,” she concludes. 

The event will be hosted by comedienne and founder of LesTalk Radio (@LesTalkRadio), Chelley Chelle and food will be catered by WoodMasters Smoked Meats & Fixings (@WoodMastersSMAF). The fundraiser will attract male and female attendees ages 18-75 who have been affected by sexual assault personally, or byway of a loved-one. Registered attendees will receive a Majestic Hearts medal and a water bottle from B.A.L.L. (Build A Lasting Legacy: @BuildALastingLegacy), founded by Pinique Singleton, one of Majestic Hearts’ continued supporters.  

“Sexual assault is not just a woman’s issue,” explaines Wendy Talley, Majestic Hearts’ licensed therapist of KW Essential Services (@KWEssentialServices). “The physical pain of sexual assault eventually goes away, but the heart and the mind will never forget,” the Licensed Clinical Social Worker further exclaims. Talley will be providing additional insight about sexual assault at the event. Her expertise will provide attendees with the tools needed to identify and cope with sexual assault.

Register, today to reserve your perks! Registration is $35 per person and children (under 18) are free! Go to www.majestic-hearts.org to RSVP. If you’re unable to participate, please donate and help spread the word. 


Majestic Hearts is a 501 © (3) for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Founded in October 2017, we’ve made it our mission is to convert victims into survivors as we fight to be a refuge against DV and SA. We offer group and individual counseling, as well as provide shelter resources to victims/survivors throughout Kern, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego County. For more info, visit our website at www.majestic-hearts.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @MajesticHeartsOrg.  



Neuman Sneed II Named Sir Knight at Social Lites, Inc. 52nd Beautillion Ball

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The Social Lites, Inc. celebrated its 52nd Beautillion Ball on Saturday, March 30, at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino.  Over 300 guests were in attendance to witness five distinguished young men introduced to society naming Neuman Sneed II Sir Knight 2019 and awarding approximately $30,000 in scholarships and gifts to all Knights. Speakers included Alumni Knight Malichi Davis, Sir Knight 2018, and student at Morehouse University; and Alumni Knight, Harry Le Grande, Interim Vice President, Student Affairs at CSU, San Bernardino.  SBCUSD Chief of Police Joe Paulino received the Social Lites, Inc. Community Service Award.       

Sir Knight Neuman Sneed II was awarded a $6,500 academic scholarship, $1,000 scholarship for participating in the “Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay contest, and named “Mr. Congeniality.” The award included a monetary gift along with receiving electronic gifts to prepare for college.  Knight Jordan Dean-Reynoso, First place was awarded a $3,500 scholarship, $9,000 scholarship for winning “The Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay contest and provided with additional gifts.  Knight Syree Rucker-Spears, Second place, was awarded a $3,000 Alumni Scholarship and provided with additional gifts. Knight Tynan Currie was awarded $1,100 for earning the President Scholarship in addition to a $1,000 scholarship for participating in the “Evan T. Carthen Emerging Leader” essay contest in addition to other gifts.  Knight Zamir Subero was awarded the $1,000 Perseverance Scholarship in addition to receiving other gifts.  Congratulations to all young men and best wishes for a bright future!

Mayor Deborah Robertson presented the Public Service Champion Award

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN) RIALTO, CA— Time for Change Foundation’s (TFCF) 17th Annual Awards Gala will honor community champions who go above and beyond to help care for our community and contribute to both the health, and happiness of its members.

Deborah Robertson was elected Mayor of Rialto in November 2012 – the latest achievement in a distinguished public service career that has included 12 years on  the Rialto City Council, leadership positions at the Southern California Association of Governments, the San Bernardino Associated Governments, and more than 20 years with the California Department of Transportation.

Under Mayor Robertson’s leadership, Rialto has gained regional and national recognition for innovation in the areas of public-private partnerships, business development and job creation. A leading voice on regional and national infrastructure issues, Mayor Robertson chairs the Public Health Subcommittee for SCAG’s 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy, is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council and Metro Economies, and member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

In addition, Mayor Robertson is a founding board member for the NFL/AFL Youth Life Skills Camp, has hosted the annual State of Women event in Rialto for the past seven years, and was recognized by Assembly Member Cheryl Brown as 47th District Woman of the Year.

“Mayor Robertson is a jewel in the Inland Empire, as a woman in leadership she is empowering other women to continue leading our communities, we are happy to honor her this year with the Public Service Champion Award” said Vanessa Perez, Director of Time for Change Foundation.

Other Award Honorees include:

Carlos and Audrey Martinez with the Dynamic Duo Award, BLU Educational Foundation with the Rise (Restoring Inclusivity in Systemic Education) Award, Johnson Family Child Care with the Childcare of the Year Award, Linda Lindsey with the Lady of Justice Award, Mayor Deborah Robertson with the Public Service Champion Award, James and Rowena Ramos with the Lifetime Legacy Award, Beatriz Solis with the Melinda Gates Inspiration Award, and Dr. Roger Hadley with the Community Health Champion Award.

Time for Change Foundation’s 17th Year Anniversary Gala will take place on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the Doubletree Hotel by Hilton in Ontario, CA from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. To support TFCF’s efforts to help homeless women and children become self-sufficient, thriving members of society you can become a sponsor, purchase an ad in the event program book or purchase a Gala ticket. 

To purchase tickets for the event or to become a sponsor and increase your business’ visibility in the community, please visit our website www.TimeForChangeFoundation.org or contact Vanessa Perez at (909) 886-2994 or by email at vperez@timeforchangefoundation.org.

Apple Valley Sailor Leaves for Deployment Aboard USS Bainbridge

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— ATLANTIC OCEAN— Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Jaethomas Smith, from Apple Valley, Calif., hugs his wife aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) before departing for deployment April 1. USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) departs Naval Station Norfolk as part of Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s (ABECSG) deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. With CVN 72 as the flagship, deploying strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CSG-12), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON 2) and Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7); as well as Alvaro de Bazan-class Spanish frigate ESPS Méndez Núñez (F 104).

UCR Welcomes Phi Beta Kappa Scholar William Chester Jordan

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— William Chester Jordan, an award-winning historian of medieval Europe, is the Dayton-Stockton Professor of History at Princeton University, where he teaches courses on the Middle Ages. On April 18 and 19, he’ll arrive at UCR as part of the Phi Beta Kappa Society’s Visiting Scholar Program, which gives undergraduate students nationwide the opportunity to learn from leading scholars in their fields.

On April 18 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Jordan will present a public lecture, “The First Crusade and Jewish Martyrdom.” The presentation is free to attend and will take place in room 335 of UCR’s Arts Building. Jordan will present a second public lecture, “The Lorn Land: A Winter’s Tale,” on April 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The lecture is also free and will take place in the History Department Library, located in room 1303 of the Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

A prolific author, Jordan will publish his latest book, “The Apple of His Eye: Converts From Islam in the Reign of Louis IX,” this spring. His other recent books include “From England to France: Felony and Exile in the High Middle Ages” (2015), “Men at the Center: Redemptive Governance Under Louis IX” (2012), and “A Tale of Two Monasteries: Westminster and Saint-Denis in the Thirteenth Century” (2009).

At Princeton, Jordan has served as chair of the history department, executive director of the Shelby Cullom Davis Center for Historical Studies, and chairman of the Interdepartmental Committee and Program in Medieval Studies. He is past president of the Consortium for the Teaching of the Middle Ages and served as president of the Medieval Academy of America.

Saxey Jazz Evening Features Mark Allen Felton!

Hosted By SoCal Black Chamber/SBVC Black Faculty & Staff

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Saxophonist Mark Allen Felton was impressing folks with his smooth sax sounds before he was in high school. On Friday, March 29 you will be able to share his smooth sax sound, as Mark Anthony Felton, affectionately known as ‘Panther’, brings his horn and talented band to the San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium.

Felton is an accomplished and celebrated saxophonist who has delivered with four well received albums. His fifth album, ‘Soul Real’, is dropping later this month… So those in attendance on March 29th will be treated to an exclusive debut.

Felton points out that this release is different than previous recordings and enthusiastically predicts that fans and soon-to-be fans will love it.

Mark says, “This one is a little more upbeat… And funkier than the last record.”

And though Felton says he really digs the funk. He also says and demonstrates that he loves performing jazz, gospel and obviously soul music.

His ‘hipstrumentals’, as he calls them are sure to hit your senses in all the right places. And many can bear witness.

During his career Felton has played with some of the greats including Grammy Award winner Patti Labelle, the late great Al Jarreau, Bobby Womack, Kirk Whalum to name a few.

On Friday, March 29th, Felton will be performing music from his latest release live in a concert event sponsored by the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Inland Cities East and the San Bernardino Valley College Black Faculty and Staff Association. Included in the night’s festivities is a cocktail social from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and the concert main event from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. During the night there will be door prizes, giveaways, and, of course, Mark Allen Felton.

To purchase tickets, visit: blackchamberofcommerce.org