WSSN Stories

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.

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- A win for the West is What it Do! “Welcome To The West” 1st Music Festival sponsored by 99.1 KGGI was a major success. Congratulations to Streetwise Entertainment and Cabana Life Entertainment for hosting this event here in the Inland Empire.

It was a packed house. People waited anxiously to see the show and headliner Nippsey Hussle. The evening was nonstop with performances from local talent and legends such as: Suga Free, Dogg Pound, The Outlawz, Mack 10 and The Eastsiderz.

It was amazing to see and vibe to artists I grew up on, but it didn’t stop there. The crowd got to see other artists turn up like: Mozzy, Slim 400, Teeflii, Mac Lucci and several others.

The headliner showed us just why he’s the headliner. Nippsey Hussle came out gassing. He performed his hit, “Last Time That I Checked” off his album Victory Lap, and the crowd just lost it.

All of the artists did an outstanding job. The media room was on. They treated us well. We were provided good food, snacks and drinks. It was almost like a reunion. I saw several media folks that I haven’t seen in a while. It was a fun and great night of music and networking.

I’d like to thank my plug for the media hookup and allowing me to be the only Inland Empire REP. Can’t wait till the next one. Do me a favor and hug a loved one today. L’s!

INGLEWOOD, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- U.S.VETS successfully kicked off Memorial Day weekend with a meaningful day of honor for the women and men that served our country. 

On Friday, May 25, U.S. VETS—the country’s largest non-profit provider of comprehensive services to homeless and at-risk Veterans—celebrated their 25th Anniversary with their rededication of the organization’s first established veteran’s facility. The site was, for the first time, officially dedicated as U.S. VETS—INGLEWOOD.

The event hosted political dignitaries and notable special guests such as Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA District 43), Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., Akilah Templeton, Executive Director, U.S. VETS—Inglewood and Stephen J. Peck (President/CEO, U.S. VETS). Additionally, the day included a commemorative ceremony, open-to-the-public community resource fair, live music, special appearance by the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders, and the inaugural performance of the U.S. VETS-Inglewood InterService Veteran Color Guard. 

Executive Director Akilah Templeton—an Inglewood native, and long-time mental health advocate, who helms U.S.VETS—INGLEWOOD, one of the country’s largest residential sites for homeless veterans, stated that “our collective service and commitment to our veterans will continue, as we have for 25 years, until every last veteran is moved off of our streets and into the proud future they deserve.”

“U.S. VETS is an extremely important organization that is dedicated to ensuring a better quality of life for homeless and at-risk veterans here in Inglewood and across the country. I am so pleased to join with them once again to celebrate 25 years of distinguished service, and I look forward to continuing our long and strong partnership of providing housing assistance and services to veterans in our community,” said U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

“On behalf of the City of Inglewood, I am honored to pay tribute to all of the veterans, past, and present, who protect the freedoms and way of life we cherish in America.  Inglewood salutes you,” stated Mayor James T. Butts Jr.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Thus saith the Lord, “Unless you repent, you too will all perish!” [Luke13:3]. Loud and clear, Jesus declares: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish!” It is a call for radical inward change toward God and man.  None is excluded! All need repentance! And the need is urgent! Jesus, the Son of God, is warning us of the judgment to come, and offering escape if we will repent. If we will not repent, Jesus has one word for us, “Woe, to you” [Matthew 11:21].

You know, God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” [Ezekiel 3:17]. This demand of Jesus to repent goes to all the nations. It comes to you, whoever you are and wherever you are. This is the demand of Jesus to every soul: Repent! Be changed deep within. Do not sit idle and wait for His wrath. The hour is urgent! Return to the Lord with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your hearts. Do not delay your decision. Do not think about this message overnight. Immediate action is required! Repent Now; and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” [Acts 3:19]. For “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” [2 Corinthians 6:2].

 I implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” [2 Corinthians 5:20]. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ [2 Corinthians 5:10]. Ezekiel said, “Repent and turn from your transgressions” [Ezek. 18:30].  John the Baptist said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” [Matt. 3:2]. Jesus said “Repent and believe in the gospel” [Mark 1:15].  Peter said “Repent and be baptized” [Acts 2:38].  Joel calls for deep and thorough repentance [Joel 2:13–17]. The Old Testament thunders, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin” [Ezekiel 18:30]. The New Testament vigorously exhorts men and women to repent. “Repent … and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” said the Apostle Peter [Acts 3:19]. The Apostle Paul said, “Now [God] commands all men everywhere to repent” [Acts 17:30]. The Bible commands it, your wickedness demands it, justice requires it, Christ preached it and God expects it.

The signpost reads, “Stop! Look! Listen! Danger ahead!” The Spirit of God, your conscience and your better judgment all join to warn, “Detour! Change! You’re on the wrong road!” God is waving the red flag. His patience is coming to an end. Do not take God’s patience for granted or think lightly of it. Will you repent now? Will you receive Him as your Savior? Christ demands an immediate and unquestioning response. Not an answer, but an action. Not a saying, but a doing. Christ’s call is clear and simple. “Follow Me,” he says. Be changed forever. Not just made a better person, but made new.

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” [Isaiah 55:6-7]

The prophet had the duty to deliver the sobering message: Unless the citizens of Israel and Judah acknowledged their sins, turned from them, repented and began again to obey God’s law, they would die in their sins. Regardless of how individuals responded to the warning, if they heard the message, the prophet had done his job and was no longer responsible. Only if the prophet did not deliver the admonition would he be judged along with the wicked. [Ezekiel 3:18-19].

You have been warned to repent, in advance of God’s judgment to come, through this article. It is now your move.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:That thou mayest love the Lordthy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lordsware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them [Deuteronomy 30:15-20].

By Lue Dowdy

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- LUE on Empire Talks with Radio Host Wallace Allen is What it Do!

I.E. catch ya’ girl on Sunday, May 27 live on Empire Talks Back with Mr. Wallace Allen as we promote our 2nd Annual 2018 BBW and Plus Size Model Competition. Make sure you tune in as I’ll be bringing a few of our beautiful contestants along and the featured act Gwaap Fam.

Call in and chat with us (909) 792-5222 (KCAA). You can listen to the show on 102.3 FM, 1050 AM and 106.5 FM.

Until next week L’s!

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- EBONY magazine releases its June issue, showcasing Danai Gurira on the cover. In the accompanying exclusive interview, EBONY sits down with the award-winning actress for an intimate conversation in which Gurira dishes on her climb in Hollywood, her activism and paying it forward.

“I feel called. … I feel like everything I do, everything—the blessings that I’ve received—are not necessarily for me. They’re for me to sturdy up my shoulders for other girls to stand on like I stand on other people’s shoulders,” says Gurira.

The June issue also features a celebration of Black music and a very special ’90s hip-hop beauty retrospective. In addition, readers will learn about Letoya Luckett’s new destiny; GOOD Music’s leading lady, Teyana Taylor, dishes on her beauty tips; and we offer suggestions for the best swimsuits and Father’s Day gifts, with our exclusive gift guide.

“The June issue of EBONY is one to get very excited about. Music has always played—and continues to play—an integral role in Black culture. We hope this edition will deliver a robust celebration of music and get everyone involved,” says Linda Johnson Rice, CEO of EBONY Media Operations. “The June issue also aims to celebrate Black fathers and fatherhood. We take a deep dive into honoring the male role models in all of our lives through heart-touching stories and ideas for purchasing the man in your life the perfect gift for Father’s Day.”

Get the June 2018 digital edition of EBONY via Texture, Google Play, Apple iTunes and Kindle May 17 and on newsstands May 24.  For more with Gurira and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to visit ebony.com/InsideEbony.

Executive Director, Akliah Templeton, Chats with WSS News on the vision and mission of the U.S. Vets Program

By Naomi K. Bonman

Executive Director of U.S. Vets Inglewood, Akliah Templeton

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Memorial Day is on Monday, May 28 and to commemorate it, the U.S. Vets organization will be celebrating its 25^thAnniversary by honoring the veterans who have served for our country. The celebration will take place on Friday, May 25 at U.S. Vets-Inglewood located at 733 S. Hindry Avenue in Inglewood.

U.S. Vets is the nation’s largest non-profit provider of direct services to homeless and at-risk veterans. The organization currently has 20 residential sites and 9 service centers across the country, as well as national homeless prevention programs. U.S. Vets provides housing, counseling and career development services to help veterans and families successfully transition to civilian life.

WSS News recently caught up with the executive director of U.S. Vets, Akilah Templeton where she chatted on her overall mission and vision for the organization.

Check out the interview below:

As executive director, what is your vision for the future of U.S. Vets?

Ultimately, it is imperative that my vision aligns with the collective vision of the organization’s leadership.  My Vision for U.S.VETS Inglewood involves a commitment to ensuring excellence in service delivery, continued growth and more collaboration with those who are concerned with improving the quality of life for our nation’s heroes. This means using evidence-based interventions to address the challenges faced by veterans. It includes expanding programs and services to reach more veterans and veteran families. It requires coalition building so that we are part of a community-wide response to solving a set of complex problems.

I am certain that as an organization, we cannot do this alone. Veteran homelessness is a humanitarian issue. It is an issue that shouldn’t exist.  When we talk about expanding housing programs, we have to involve the community. The community must make the connection between the sacrifices made by these brave men and women and the freedoms we enjoy as a result.

For those who are unfamiliar what id U.S. Vets and what does the organization do?

Simply put, U.S.VETS rebuilds lives. Every service we provide, every bed we fill and every meal we serve in some way contributes to helping a veteran gain stability. Services include transitional housing and now permanent housing in some areas, help with re-integration into the labor force,  targeted case management, therapy, substance use treatment, social activities, help with strengthening independent living skills, family services, legal services and assistance with finding a permanent place to call home. U.S.VETS is the largest non-profit provider of veteran specific housing, employment and case management services in the country.

How can veterans who aren’t apart of the organization become involved?

Veterans who are seeking services can contact their nearest U.S.VETS location for more information. The Inglewood site is located at 733 S. Hindry Ave. in Inglewood. We accept walk-ins. You can also reach us by phone at 310-348-7600.  

Veteran’s wanting to offer support or simply get involved can find us at usvetsinc.org for information on donating and volunteering.

What other upcoming events does the organization have?

We are looking forward to our first annual celebrity basketball game in August. We hope to raise funds to cover gaps in existing programs and to expand service delivery.

LOS ANGELES, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- From promoting childhood education to improving company strategy and customer service, Ruchi Singh sees the vast potential of using data to improve lives.

“I have a vision to use my knowledge and passion to solve real-life problems using data science,” Singh says. “I believe that by analyzing the data being collected will help make better business decisions, equip children to learn and elders to live comfortably.”

The West Los Angeles resident will graduate with honors in May with a Master of Science in Information Systems from California State University, Los Angeles.

Born and raised in India, Singh traces her interest in computers to when she was a little girl. She remembers playing “Snake,” an early mobile phone game. Intrigued by the technology behind it, she eagerly took an introduction to computer science class in school and created her own computer game.

Singh’s fascination with computer programming continued. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the Mody Institute of Technology and Science, and then secured a full-time job as a system engineer for an information technology company.

During the four years she worked in IT, she developed a keen interest in data analytics, systems and software used by businesses for workflow, accounting, procurement, project management and manufacturing.

When her husband was offered a job opportunity in Los Angeles three years ago, Singh decided to pursue a master’s degree in information systems at Cal State LA.

Singh chose Cal State LA because of its accredited state program and because of “it’s perfect blend of courses in computer science, project management and enterprise resource planning systems.”

In her time at the university, she has focused much of her studies on using data science to explore ideas and create solutions that improve existing business models.

Singh excelled in her graduate program, presenting research papers at international and state conferences, such as the 19th International Conference on Electronic Commerce in South Korea, the 2017 Women in Data Science Conference, and the 26th Annual Cal State LA Student Symposium on Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities. She was also a member of the High-Performance Information Computing Center at Cal State LA.

Singh coauthored a paper, “Applications of Machine Learning Models for Yelp Local Business Data,” that has been submitted for publication in the International Journal of Business Analytics.

For two quarters, Singh was a global information security analyst intern with the Walt Disney Company. She also implemented a training tutorial for cloud-based big data company Databricks.

She was awarded a scholarship to participate in the 2017 Teradata PARTNERS Conference in Anaheim, CA, last fall. Teradata is a leading data and analytics company. The conference was the premiere customer-led global data and analytics event for visionaries, change agents, industry leaders, and practitioners.

Singh also found time to develop her own projects. A skills app she created aims to help children become more inquisitive and productive. The program is currently being considered for Amazon’s Alexa, the voice-controlled virtual assistant.

Singh credits mentoring and support from knowledgeable faculty members, such as Professor Jongwook Woo and Professor Arun Aryal, with successfully guiding her and other students through the graduate program. She was recently recognized for her academic accomplishments during the 2017-18 Graduate Student and Faculty Mentor Recognition Reception at Cal State LA.

After graduation, Singh plans to enter the workforce to apply her skills and experience in new and innovative ways.

Lou Coleman-Yeboah

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- … Was the best thing I’ve ever done!  You see, I used to think that love was just a fairy tale until I experienced God’s love; and then suddenly life had new meaning to me. When you fall in love with Jesus, everything changes. You come to know what it is to treasure Him, delight in Him, and be satisfied in Him. When you fall in love with Jesus, it’s a groaning of the Holy Spirit deep inside of your heart. It is an emotion that is so profound there are no words to express it. When you fall in love with Jesus, it is a yearning that says I long for more of You. It’s a love that expresses that Jesus is the only happiness there is in this world. It’s the kind of love that says, I want all of You and I want You to have all of me. Walk with me – take control of my life. Empty me of all selfishness and fill me with Yourself. For You are all I need and there’s no place I’d rather be.

I’m talking about when you fall in love with Jesus. A love that is immeasurable, unmistakable, and unending. A love that can’t be understood until you experience it! A love that can’t be understood until you actually possess it! A love that no one can fully describe the wonders of! I tell you, I woke up and suddenly I was in love. Because when you love God, He responds in a beautiful way. In [Psalms 91:14-16], the writer says that, “Because I have loved Him [Jesus], therefore He will deliver me; He will set me securely on high, because I have known His name. He says, I will call upon Him, and He will answer me; He says, that He will be with me in trouble and that He will rescue me, and honor me. With a long life He will satisfy me, and let me behold His salvation.” I tell you, falling in love with Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done!

Now, if you understand the Old Testament, the great commandment was to love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. This is the sum of all that God requires, and your neighbor as yourself. But it starts with loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; loving God comprehensively, totally, completely. Now if that’s the sum of the law, then that has to be the sum of the relationship. That can’t be altered when it comes to loving Him. It is still the purpose of God that we would love the Lord, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Loving Him so much that you we would want to know him, exalt him, please him, serve him, be with him, and tell others about Him. I tell you, falling in love with Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done!

Go back to that moment when you first met Jesus. Remember the love you felt, the stirring in your heart, the adoration you had for the Savior? Do you remember how grateful you were for the forgiveness of sins? Do you remember how at that moment nothing else mattered, only Jesus?

Today, God wants you to go back and remember that moment in time. And having that in your memory He wants you to return. He wants you to come back to Him; to come back to your first love, to the place and time in your life to where He was everything to you.

I ask you, “How much do [you] owe for all the things, [Christ] have done and for every victory, that [you] have won. How much do [you] owe the Lord, for the price He paid on the cross so that you wouldn’t be lost? How much do [you] owe, somebody tell me, how much do [you] owe….?  [You] owe Him [your] life.  [You] owe Him [your] praise. [You] owe Him your service for the rest of [your] days. [You] owe Him all, for waking [you] up, early this morning. [You] owe, Him for letting [you] see, a brand new dawning. [You] owe Him for holding [you], in the heart of [His] hand.  [You] owe, Him all, and all…” [Georgia Mass Choir – How Much Do I Owe lyrics – emphasis mine].

Yes, we all need a greater revelation of God’s unconditional love for us! A revelation of God’s unconditional love for me is what turned my life around years ago and it’s still impacting me today. These teachings reveal the things God showed me about His love. I believe that if you open up your heart, the Lord will grant you at least as much revelation on this as He has granted me, and it will change your life. I tell you, falling in love with Jesus was the best thing I’ve ever done!

Breast Cancer Organization Now Centrally Located in Two-County Region

RIVERSIDE, CA- (EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)- Susan G. Komen Inland Empire, the region’s leading funding source for breast cancer detection, support and education awareness, is hosting a grand opening of its new Riverside office Thursday, May 17.

The event will kick off at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting and speeches by survivors and local dignitaries, followed by a reception until 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside the office suite. Parking is free at the location, 7177 Brockton Avenue, Suite 108 in Riverside.

“Komen Inland Empire serves breast cancer patients and their families throughout our entire region, and we’re proud to welcome the community to our new office,” said Komen President Dr. Sandra Finestone, a survivor and representative of the Association of Cancer Patient Educators. “We hope supporters will join us in celebrating this important step in our efforts to meet the needs of this rapidly growing region.”

The local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a national non-profit organization, recently moved its headquarters from Temecula to Riverside in an effort to be more centrally located in its territory. Komen Inland Empire covers all of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Komen Inland Empire funds breast cancer detection, support and educational awareness through grants raised at the annual Race for the Cure and other fundraising efforts. Since its first race in 1999, Komen Inland Empire has invested more than $6.5 million in local breast health agencies and organizations and $2.5 million toward groundbreaking research.

Thousands of runners and walkers, including 250 breast cancer survivors, turned out in October for the 19th annual Susan G. Komen IE Race for the Cure, the affiliate’s signature fundraising event. This year the race will be Sunday, October 14 at Town Square Park in Murrieta.

Registration is available at www.komenie.org or by calling 951-676-7465.

The Susan G. Komen Inland Empire affiliate keeps 75 percent of its net income in the community to help serve people in Riverside and San Bernardino counties; 25 percent goes toward the national Komen Grants Program, which funds breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific programs around the world.

Follow them on Facebook Susan G. Komen Inland Empire and or Twitter.