(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA—With the holiday season fast approaching, the San Bernardino Police Department wants to remind everyone to be responsible and not drive after drinking or take drugs that affect your ability to operate a vehicle.

To help keep our roadways safe the San Bernardino Police Department will be conducting saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints beginning Nov. 23. The enforcement efforts coincide with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving campaign, which runs from November 23 to December 12.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, but also a time to be extra careful on the roads,” said Police Sergeant Harvey. “Sadly, the holiday season leads to an increase in drivers who shouldn’t be driving. It’s important for us to let people know that if you feel different, you drive different.”

During the 2017 Thanksgiving (Nov. 22-26) and Christmas (Dec. 22-25) holidays, 99 people were killed and nearly 4,500 people were injured on California roads. Of those deadly crashes, nearly 35 percent involved alcohol.

With holiday parties taking place, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure everyone has a sober ride home. Even if you’ve had only one drink, play it safe and designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home. If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving.

The San Bernardino Police Department also supports efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to inform drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

“Don’t spoil the holiday and put yourself and others at risk by driving impaired,” Police Sergeant Harvey. “People need to understand that the only time they should be driving is when they are sober.”

EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- Everybody has a holiday wish. For foster kids, their wishes may not come true. For the ninth year in a row, Starbucks and Aspiranet are partnering to give at-risk kids and teens a holiday season they’ll never forget.

Nearly 270 Starbucks locations across California are taking part in this heartwarming holiday tradition. For many families who have participated for years, buying a gift for foster kids is part of their holiday shopping ritual.

Foster and at-risk kids from across California provide a gift tag with their wish. Tags are displayed at participating Starbucks locations. Generous families pick up a tag, buy the gift on the tag and return it, unwrapped, to the same Starbucks location. Aspiranet “Elves” distribute the gifts prior to the holidays. Throughout the Holiday Wish Drive, some Starbucks locations will be participating in gift wrapping parties.

Aspiranet’s Holiday Wish Drive runs from November 19 through December 14, and is possible only through the continued generosity of Starbucks.

Aspiranet is a one-of-a-kind social service agency dedicated to building a world where all children and youth are loved and cared for, and all families have the resources to thrive. Founded in 1975, the agency’s core mission is to help California kids and families. Aspiranet’s services include foster care and adoption family support, residential care, support for youth making the transition from foster care to adulthood, mental and behavioral health services, intensive home-based care, and community-based family resources. Aspiranet provides services throughout California.

Aspira means hope. We are a network of people bringing hope forward.

For complete information, including an interactive map of participating Starbucks locations, visit www.aspiranetholidays.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— REDLANDS, CA—- Music Changing Lives and First 5 San Bernardino celebrated their 20th anniversaries together this past Saturday in Redlands.  The celebration highlighted the ongoing work their organizations provide to ensure children and youth have access to quality programs throughout the Inland Empire and beyond.

More than hundred supporters, donors, dignitaries and beneficiaries of both agencies attended the celebration and awards ceremony, held at the Redlands Community Center where Music Changing Lives operates year-round music and art programs for students.

The event showcased incredible musical performances from current and former students within the Music Changing Lives program.  The talent featured included hip-hop duet, “Goddess Girls” who performed their hit song “Storm,” and had the entire audience dancing and singing along.  Another amazing artist was nine-year-old “Pedro”, who captivated the entire room as he sang a Spanish mariachi song. Other featured artists included “Jazui,” who sings and moves like a young Selena; “It’s Klutch,” a hip-hop dance group; “Mark Valdez,” the best beat boxer in the Inland Empire; and “Dana” who played a beautiful song on the keyboard.

The celebration included a keynote presentation by Josiah Bruny, CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives, (MCL) who shared the history of his agency, the importance of afterschool programs, and what the future holds for the amazing organization.  He also honored his board, staff, donors and volunteers with beautiful awards for their dedication to changing lives.

Among other awards given out at the celebration, Tyler Ferrari of Senator Mike Morrell’s office presented Music Changing Lives and First 5 San Bernardino with certificates of recognition for their work in the community over the last twenty years.

A surprise award and painting was presented to Karen E. Scott, Executive Director of First 5 of San Bernardino from Music Changing Lives for their partnership and in recognition of First 5’s twenty-year milestone.  The beautiful painting was created by an artist in MCL’s programs.

The two agencies were brought together through the Inland Empire Community Collaborative, (IECC) who works facilitates non-profits to work together to strengthen their organizations and improve outcomes for individuals and communities throughout San Bernardino County.  First 5 San Bernardino is a fiscal sponsor for the IECC and Music Changing Lives is one of the non-profit agencies that participates in the collaborative.  It only made sense for the two agencies to celebrate their anniversaries together.

Guest speakers from the community included Councilwoman Toni Momberger and Councilwoman Elect, Denise Davis from the City of Redlands.  Both Councilwoman have supported Music Changing Lives and First 5 over the years and shared their history with the agencies and why they believe both programs are so vital to the community.  Several other elected officials were also in attendance to show their support.

MCL and First 5 have amazing track records for truly making a difference in the lives of children in need.  Both agencies are extremely proud of their twenty-year milestone and look forward to serving children and youth in our community for years to come.

If you would like more information about MCL or First 5, visit them on the web at www.MusicChangingLives.org and www.first5sanbernardino.org.

By Angela M. Coggs

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- On Saturday, October 6, the San Bernardino-Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held their 5th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton in San Bernardino from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year’s theme was, “For Such a Time as This.” The keynote speaker was Pastor Barry E. Knight. He is the Founder and CEO of BEK Impact Company, a leadership and success coaching, training, and social change company that helps leaders achieve greater social outcomes and personal leadership success.

Rafaela King, President of the San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter, received the attendees with a warm welcome and provide a brief introduction of the history of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. The sorority began on January 13, 1913 on the campus of Howard University by 22 brave and motivated African-American women. In realizing its mission, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Program Thrust of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.

The Mistress of Ceremonies, Ashley Williams, commanded the spotlight with ease. The event began with a positive tone with a fervent Call to Worship by Yolanda “Angel” Cohill. The room was filled with members from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., friends, family, and members of other fraternities and sororities. For the Praise and Worship at the beginning of the morning was executed by Led by Christ.

An inspirational and spiritual praise dance was gracefully performed by the Delta Praise Dancers, a divine trio comprised of DST members Antoinette Bailey, Michelle Reed, and Princess Jones. Their performance was flawless, intentional and purposeful. The dance told a story and it captivated the entire room. “The praise dance was truly a faith walk and a testimony of what God will continue to do in our lives,” exclaimed Reed. “God is so real in my life and we gave him the glory.”

The audience was delighted and entertained by the Mime Presentation eloquently performed by group of youth known as Unspeakable Praise. It was a joy you witness the dedication and professionalism of the young performers. Their message was deliberate and purposeful. Their performance was unblemished.

Keynote speaker, Barry E. Knight, has committed his life to helping leaders massively impact their world. He is the Founder and CEO of his own company, a leadership and success coaching, training, and social change company that helps leaders achieve greater social outcomes and personal leadership success. With his impeccable ability to discern the needs of those he serves, he delivers life-changing strategies that were relevant and useful information that encouraged attendees to be prosper and thrive.

Knight deliberated on several topics of importance in the world today. He challenged the attendees not to give up and to stay faithful to God gifts and his presence. He dove into the realities of shifts in our daily living and to rejoice in it. He emphasized midlife transitions and how God still delivers. He recharged and renovated questions that serves as a daily reminder of how “life happens.” When is it going to happen?” Wondering if we have missed opportunities and grasping the idea that we have “no time to waste time.” Do we relentlessly demand? No. We comprehend, simply “no it is my time.” He maintained that opportunity is coming…again. Stop praying out of lack of patience. Our time is now.

“It was a true blessing to start our sorority year with this prayer breakfast,’ added Erica Short, current 1^st Vice President.

The chapter looks forward to hosting and participating in numerous upcoming events within the chapter as well as in the community. The San Bernardino Riverside Area Alumnae Chapter was charted on December 6, 1959, at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall in San Bernardino. The chapter will celebrate its 60^th anniversary in 2019.

There was a special recognition to the late Niya Santos who gained her wings this summer from Breast Cancer

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- RIALTO, CA— On Saturday, November 17, five Rialto natives were inducted into the Rialto Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Rialto Sports Hall of Fame located at 214 N Palm Avenue in Rialto.

The individuals that were inducted into the Hall of Fame were: Delano O. Fleming, Coach-City of Rialto Youth Sports; Julie Garcia-Coach and Rialto Eastern Little League President; Johnny Dukes, Basketball-Eisenhower High School; Cory McJimson-Basketball; Eisenhower High School; and there was a special honorary to the late Niya Santos who ran track at Carter High School.

By Angela M. Coggs

Yonathan Habtemariam (12th grade), Jhu Maani Chess (10th grade), Arlington Rodgers III (Cajon HS Graduate/Morehouse Student)

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- On October 24, a group of San Bernardino City Unified School District students from Cajon High School embarked on a Historical Black College tour, along with 19 Los Angeles high school students. They were meticulously selected by On A Mission, Inc., a Los Angeles-area based mentoring program, to attend this trip designed for academically strong students ages 14 to 17. They returned to LAX on October 28, with a sense of life on a predominately Black college campus and a cultural experience in two Southern states.

The students had the opportunity five colleges, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University and Alabama State University. Each campus has deep historical roots and hometown feel. For many of the students, as well as some of the chaperones, it was their first-time visiting Georgia and/or Alabama. The students were accompanied by two teacher chaperones from CHS, Lavenna Ware and Dwight Hunter, as well as law enforcement and probations officers from Los Angeles.

Edwin Henderson, President and CEO of On A Mission, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides an after-school program serving students living in Los Angeles area, and beyond. The organization aims to teach life skills to the students, help them become productive adults in today’s changing world. They conduct youth educational trips to places Washington DC, New York and Philadelphia. This year he decided to take the organization first HBCU tour.

“I have taken students to visit Howard but specifically this was my first HBCU tour. I would love to partner with other schools in San Bernardino,” exclaimed Henderson. “The experience for the organization was amazing. On A Mission, Inc. is gaining so much more recognition now that I’ve pursued this full time and have partnered with various schools.”

Zanaiya Dancy (11th grade) and Alondra Smith (12th grade)

Two of the Cajon High School students, Zanaiya Dancy (11^th grade) and Alondraa Smith (12^th grade), who attended the trip expressed gratitude and appreciation that they were selected to participate in this college experience.

“On the HBCU Tour trip it was a life changing experience I was able to meet many different people and was able to learn many things such as what it takes to get to college, the responsibilities you’ll have to take on, and the challenges you will face when you are in colleges.

I learned that you are in control of your own life if you want to go to college you make it happen the only thing that is stopping you is you, you don’t have to be “the most wealthiest person” or “the smartest” to go to college just as long as you put in the effort and be willing to go the extra mile,” expressed Dancy.

“Also, I’ve come to realize that it’s not what you know but it’s who you know, get to know many different people, and be very open minded. In the end, out of the five HBCU’s we visited my top picks were Alabama State University and Clark Atlanta University.”

“During this trip I was able to see the history my African-American race. I was able to gain a new understanding what had to happen for me to be able to get into college and have a successful career. This trip made me to see for myself, all the things my ancestors went through,” said Smith.

“This helped me gain a new respect for everyone that has come before me, and all the people that have kept their tradition going. It was a great experience and I hope to join OAM on their next HBCU tour.”

In addition to visiting the college and universities, the students were afforded the opportunity to visit CNN’s Atlanta Headquarters, The Center for Civic and Human Rights and attend the Morehouse Homecoming Football Game. Former Cajon High School Cowboy, Arlington Rodgers III, welcomed the students to Morehouse and the football game, where is currently in his senior year.

Two things that the students took notice of, solidified that they were not in California. The student bookstores carried black hair care products. Not only were they available for purchase but they NOT locked up. Also, they were in awe of the menu selections at the Dwarf Door Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to the regular menu items, it also served collard greens, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, and fried okra. It was a pleasant surprise for the group.

On A Mission, Inc., looks forward to including more students from the SBCUSD on next year’s international trip. For more information contact On A Mission, Inc. at (323) 298-4779 or email info@joinoam.org.

Kingdom Kidz

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Over 200 community residence came out to “Bring Your Best Praise” Youth Unity Service on Friday, November 16 to the Way Arrowhead campus. Everyone had a great time, the atmosphere was charged with first performance by Traxx, then, the first-place winners, the Kingdom Kidz lit up the stage. They dazzled the crowd with song, and dance. They were a collaborative group of all ages that captured the hearts of the audience.

The Pastors decreed youth to succeed and live and not die, become doctors, lawyers, astronauts and to give God the glory. Pastor Bryant Trujillo, The Way Church Youth Director, preached a compelling message of a being thankful unto God, which summed the entire evening. A care package was given to everyone in attendance. Go and see the performances on Facebook, and you be the judge.

A follow-up service entitled, “A Worship Experience with –Dejaye Xperience” will be on Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. at San Bernardino SDA Church located at 1696 North G Street in San Bernardino. A photo opp will be taken of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, place winners.  If time permits, there may be cameo appearances during the event. For more info call (909)883-2400- Office, or (909) 353-7977. Go to sbpastorsunited.org and to register or audition for future events.

By Lou Coleman-Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)— You best believe that! There will be an end! Going around talking ‘bout it’s your prerogative, do what you want to do.” Ain’t taking heed to nothing!  I tell you, IF it was God’s character [which it is most DEFINITELY NOT] but IF it was, he would say to you what Alonzo Harris [Denzel Washington – Training Days] said to the residents of The Jungle: “Aww, you mofo. Okay. Alright! I’m putting cases on all you itches. Huh. You think you can do this crap…. You think you can do this to me? You mofo will be playing basketball in Pelican Bay when I get finished with you. SHU program, nigga! 23 hours lockdown! I’m the man up in this piece. You’ll never see the light of day…. who da heck do you think you’re dealing with? I’m the police, I run -it around here. You just live here. Yeah, that’s right, you better walk away. Go on and walk away… cause I’m gonna burn this mofo down. King Kong ain’t got nothing on me. That’s right, that’s right… I’m winning anyway. I’m winning… I’m winning any mofo way. I can’t lose. You disloyal, fool-as itches made punk.”

Now, I know some of you are floored right now. It’s as if I have tasered you with a taser gun and you have become motionless. I can just imagine some of you saying, “Oh, no she didn’t!” “What!”  And then some saying, “I knew it! I knew she was not all that religious.” Always talking about repentance, well she need to repent! Whichever the case may be, all I want to know is, can you hear me now?

You know in [Daniel 5:5-23] Belshazzar threw a party one day with his princes, wives, concubines and they were drinking from the sacred cups from Jerusalem temple while they praised the gods of gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, and stone. In the same hour while the party was going on, a man’s hand appeared and begin to write on the wall of the king’s palace. This got the King Belshazzar’s attention because he was able to see the handwriting on the wall, but did not understand what it meant. The king was so afraid that his whole countenance changed, his mind was trouble, he became afraid, and his knees began to knock together. I tell you, God has to first get your attention before he can deliver His Word to you. You see the method is not as important as the message. But getting your attention is the key to getting your life in order. I tell you, God is trying to get your attention before the enemy comes in and takes over your life. God loves us so much that He is willing to get your attention by any means necessary. He will do whatever it takes to get your attention.

Let’s assume you had a carbon monoxide detector in your home. You have it because you want to detect poison, because you know that if you breathe in carbon monoxide, it will kill you. So you buy an alarm, and you want that alarm to go off very loudly with that shrieking noise if there is carbon monoxide anywhere near you. My job is to be your alarm today.  And I want you to know that you have a soul that is of greater value than the whole world. And one of two things will happen to your soul: Your soul will be saved or your soul will be lost. I want your soul to be saved, and because of that, I will do everything and go to great length to try to win you to Christ. Because I know as [2 Peter 3:9] says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Remember, neither time, nor death, nor judgment linger.  Don’t overlook the obvious here. But understand that if you go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. [Hebrews 10:26].

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness…” [Acts 17:30-31] and no one, and I mean no one, is above God’s law. Each person will give account of himself to God [Romans 14:10-12; 1 Peter 4:5-6]. A Day of Reckoning is coming. You may reject it, deny it, dispute it, but the Bible declares it as a fact.  [2 Corinthians 5:10]. It will come as destruction from the Almighty [Isaiah13]. Such a matter as this, therefore, is not to be taken lightly. If it’s true that we are held accountable for what we do, that we face a day of reckoning, then we ought to know it and pattern our conduct accordingly. I make no apologies for teaching on judgment, even though some persons may find it discomforting. It won’t do to simply present God as a caring loving God. The gospel will not be the gospel against that backdrop. It only makes sense against the backdrop of truth. And that truth today is that God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. [Acts 17:31] and that day is looming on the horizon.  “… As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live…”[Ezekiel 33:11].

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool… [Isaiah 1:18].

: Dr Lucille Ridgill

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- LOS ANGELES, CA— To commemorate the first day of national hospice month, Compassion & Choices announced today it has appointed a leading expert in hospice and end-of-life care, Dr. Lucille Ridgill, to its board of directors. Dr. Ridgill also serves on Compassion and Choices’ African American Leadership Council and its Strategic Impact Committee.

The African American Leadership Council works to increase awareness of end-of-life care options in the African American community by engaging with diverse organizations and sharing experiences African Americans face at the end of life. Dr. Ridgill is an integral member of the team. She has attended a lobby day, represents Compassion & Choices at medical conferences and works to advance end-of-life care education on the national level. She also served on Compassion and Choices’ Strategic Impact Committee, which helped create an innovative strategic plan that will help guide the organization over the next 5 years.

Dr. Ridgill is a Site Medical Director at AltaMed, the nation’s largest network of community-based primary care clinics and senior care programs, overseeing clinical patient care. AltaMed is headquartered in Commerce, California.

Dr. Ridgill is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and is board certified in hospice and palliative medicine. She is also a visiting physician at VITAS Healthcare inCoastal Cities, California. Dr. Ridgill completed her residency at UCLA-Charles Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Creighton University and a medical degree from Creighton University Medical School, in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Dr. Ridgill is an amazing asset to Compassion & Choices who has generously given her time and lent her medical expertise to Compassion & Choices’ Strategic Impact Committee and African American Leadership Council,” said Kim Callinan, CEO of Compassion & Choices. “We look forward to Dr. Ridgill’s expanded role as a board member in advancing our mission of improving care and expanding options at the end of life.”

“The California End of Life Option Act has spurred conversations with terminally ill adults about all their end-of-life options, including hospice and palliative care, to minimize suffering and maximize quality of life” said Dr. Ridgill, “Compassion & Choices is instrumental in ensuring that people across the country are aware of their options at the end of life and able to access them.”

Medical aid in dying has been authorized in the District of Columbia and seven states: California, Colorado, Hawai’i, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Collectively, these eight jurisdictions represent nearly one out of five Americans (19%) and have 40 years of combined experience safely using this end-of-life care option. Between 80 and 90 percent of terminally ill adults who utilize medical aid in dying are enrolled in hospice, according to annual reports in California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.

A 2016 Medscape online survey showed 7,500 doctors nationwide from 25 medical specialties support medical aid in dying by nearly a 2–1 margin (57% to 29%).

National and state polls show a majority of Americans across the ethnic, political and religious spectrum support medical aid in dying. This majority includes African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, conservatives, Democrats/Democratic-leaning independents, liberals, moderates, Republicans/Republican-leaning independents, Catholics, Christians, Protestants, people of other faiths, and people living with disabilities.

In Response to Recent Contract Negotiations Where County Offered a $0 Raise to Workers

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK (ENN)—- SAN BERNARDINO, CA— Last week, San Bernardino County Caregivers held an action outside of the County’s Caregiver Appreciation Event in response to their recent contract negotiations where the County Negotiator offered a $0 wage increase to the county’s 26,000 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Providers.

“We declined the county’s invitation to their annual Caregiver Appreciation event because, as a caregiver, I don’t feel appreciated,” said 32-year-old Victoria Osorio, IHSS Provider in Yucaipa. “The county showed how much they appreciate us when they offered us $0 at the bargaining table. The $0 was not just an insult to me and my coworkers, but the seniors and people with disabilities who depend on us every day to help them get by. The county is lying to the community when they say they appreciate caregivers and the work we do.”

At a contract bargaining meeting on October 23, San Bernardino County Negotiator Bob Windle met with member leaders of SEIU 2015 and offered $0 wage increase and 0 benefits.

“The fight goes on,” said Miguel Benitez, Lead Organizer for SEIU 2015’s San Bernardino County chapter. “The demand for home care in our communities is on the rise and as long as these workers keep making minimum wage, the county won’t be prepared to meet that demand. Giving up is not an option.”

According to the CA State Plan on Aging, senior population (60+) in the county is expected to increase 107% to 550,488 in less than 12 years. However, IHSS providers haven’t received a wage increase in over 10 years.

The next meeting with the county is on December 12, 2018. On November 21, SEIU 2015 will also be hosting a Caring For San Bernardino Rally.