At least 20 people were killed in ethnic clashes last week in the Democratic Republic of Congo's troubled Kasai region, according to the United Nations.

The UN's DR Congo mission said in a statement on Wednesday that the clashes took place in the central region, east of the Kasai capital, Tshikapa.

Violence between members of the Lulua-Luba and Chowe-Pende communities escalated, and saw at least 20 members of the Chowe-Pende killed, the agency said.

The Chowe-Pende accuse the Lulua-Luba of supporting the Kamwina Nsapu militia.

The Kamwina Nsapu militia claim its authority from chief Kamwina Nsapu, who was killed in the region in August 2016 by police after a rebellion against the Congolese authorities.

The militia has been fighting security forces largely to avenge the chief's death.

READ MORE: Kamwina Nsapu militia kill 40 policemen in DR Congo

According to the UN, fighting has killed at least 400 people, including two UN investigators, since government troops killed the chief eight months ago.

The violence has become the most serious threat to President Joseph Kabila, whose decision to stay in power after his mandate ran out in December gave rise to nationwide lawlessness.



The UN has accused the Kamwina Nsapu rebellion of numerous atrocities and of recruiting children for combat.

Numerous mass graves, reportedly dug by DRC soldiers after clashes with the militia, have also been found in the Kasai region.

The UN has almost 19,000 troops deployed in Congo, its largest and costliest peacekeeping mission.</s>Twenty people died in ethnic clashes last week in the troubled central Kasai region of Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The UN's DR Congo mission, MONUSCO, said in a statement that the clashes took place on April 19 east of the Kasai capital, Tshikapa, between members of the Lulua-Luba and Chowe-Pende communities, killing 20 Chowe-Pende people.

The Chowe-Pende consider themselves indigenous to the Kasai region and accuse the Lulua-Luba from the neighbouring Kasai region of supporting the Kamwina Nsapu militia.

The latter claim their authority from chief Kamwina Nsapu who was killed in the region in August 2016 by police after a rebellion against the Congolese authorities.

Kasai has since been shaken by violence between security forces and militias in which around 100 people died, including two UN experts -- American Michael Sharp and dual Swedish-Chilean national Zaida Catalan.

The Kamwina Nsapu rebellion has been accused by the UN of numerous atrocities and recruiting children.

The security forces, meanwhile, are blamed by the UN for making disproportionate use of force against militia armed mainly with sticks and stones.</s>Graeme Thomas, Cheryl Browne of the Barrie Examiner and Kevin DeRoches at the Simcoe Community Services Community Champions Fashion Show April 20. Submitted photo</s>At least 20 people were killed in ethnic clashes last week in Democratic Republic of Congo 's troubled Kasai region, according to the United Nations. The UN's DR Congo mission said in a statement on Wednesday that the clashes took place in the central region, east of the Kasai capital, Tshikapa.

Start the conversation, or Read more at Al Jazeera.</s>Dundee United are expanding their community reach after launching the Dundee United Community Trust (DUCT).

Formerly United for All, a charity set up in 2007, DUCT will allow the club to do more work locally in addition to the programmes already run by community manager Gordon Grady.

United chairman Stephen Thompson said: “This partnership allows DUCT to concentrate on growing and improving the club’s reach within the local community. The charity has far greater access to funding and the opportunity to expand into areas we previously could not reach.”

DUCT chairman David Dorward added: “This is an exciting partnership which strengthens the link between DUCT and Dundee United but also gives fresh impetus and greater access to the reach into the community.”</s>FRESNO, CA and SACRAMENTO, CA–(Marketwired – Apr 27, 2017) – Central Valley Community Bancorp (Company), together with its wholly owned subsidiary, Central Valley Community Bank (Bank) (NASDAQ: CVCY), a bank holding company headquartered in Fresno, California, and Folsom Lake Bank (OTCQB: FOLB), headquartered in Folsom, California, jointly announced today that a definitive merger agreement has been signed by both parties. Under the terms of the agreement, Folsom Lake Bank, with three full-service branches located in Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Roseville, will merge with Central Valley Community Bank. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and Folsom Lake Bank shareholder approval. The Central Valley Community Bancorp and Folsom Lake Bank Boards of Directors have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017.

As more fully described in the definitive merger agreement, and the investor presentation which is attached, Central Valley Community Bancorp will acquire Folsom Lake Bank in a stock merger in which the Folsom Lake Bank shareholders will be entitled to receive 0.80 shares of Central Valley Community Bancorp stock per Folsom Lake Bank share. Central Valley Community Bancorp will assume the stock option plan and outstanding stock options of Folsom Lake Bank as part of the transaction. Based on the closing price of Central Valley Community Bancorp on April 27, 2017, the fully diluted transaction consideration is $33.6 million, or $18.74 per Folsom Lake Bank common share. However, the deal value will fluctuate with changes in Central Valley Community Bancorp’s stock price through the closing date. Central Valley Community Bancorp expects the transaction will be 1.8% dilutive to tangible book value per share initially resulting in tangible book value earnback of less than 2.5 years, 3% accretive to earnings per share in 2018 and an IRR greater than 15%.

The Central Valley Community Bancorp Board of Directors and the Central Valley Community Bank Executive Management team, led by James M. Ford, President and CEO, will continue to lead the combined team of professional bankers. Robert Flautt, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Folsom Lake Bank, will join Central Valley Community Bank through a transition period.

This merger with Folsom Lake Bank will become the fifth acquisition for Central Valley Community Bancorp, which acquired Sierra Vista Bank on October 1, 2016; Visalia Community Bank on July 1, 2013; Service 1st Bancorp and its subsidiary Service 1st Bank on November 12, 2008; and Bank of Madera County on January 1, 2005.

As of March 31, 2017, on a pro forma consolidated basis with Folsom Lake Bank, Central Valley Community Bancorp would have had approximately $1.7 billion in total assets. Existing Central Valley Community Bancorp shareholders will own approximately 90.5% of the outstanding shares following the merger and Folsom Lake Bank shareholders are expected to own approximately 9.5%.

The directors and certain executives of Folsom Lake Bank have entered into agreements pursuant to which they have committed to vote their shares of Folsom Lake Bank in favor of the acquisition.

“For nearly four decades, Central Valley Community Bank has grown profitably and sensibly, building a highly attractive franchise in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley and Greater Sacramento Region. Folsom Lake Bank’s like-minded business model and Greater Sacramento presence in Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Roseville presents a timely opportunity to further our northern California growth potential, providing strength and size to meet the shared service needs of customers; provide professional growth opportunities for employees; and offer greater earnings power for shareholders,” stated James M. Ford, President and CEO of Central Valley Community Bancorp and Central Valley Community Bank.

“We expect that there will be abundant opportunity for businesses, customers, employees, and the community by uniting our two great banks,” concluded Ford.

“Folsom Lake Bank was founded in 2007 and opened for business on April 3, 2007 with the commitment to provide the communities surrounding Folsom Lake with a true independent bank for its small businesses and residents. It is with great pleasure that we merge with Central Valley Community Bank, as their community banking roots, financial industry leadership, stability, and respected culture of professional bankers are committed to the same shared values of customer advocacy and service to the community,” stated Robert Flautt, President, CEO and Director of Folsom Lake Bank.

“This partnership brings value to the shareholders of both banks, and as a combined organization, customers will benefit by higher lending limits, expanded product offerings, and a significantly larger branch network that spans to the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley,” concluded Flautt.

Central Valley Community Bancorp trades on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the symbol CVCY. Central Valley Community Bank, headquartered in Fresno, California, was founded in 1979 and is the sole subsidiary of Central Valley Community Bancorp. Central Valley Community Bank operates 22 full-service offices throughout California’s San Joaquin Valley and Greater Sacramento Region. Additionally, the Bank maintains Commercial Real Estate, Agribusiness and SBA Lending Departments. Central Valley Investment Services are provided by Investment Centers of America, Inc.

Members of Central Valley Community Bancorp’s and the Bank’s Board of Directors are: Daniel J. Doyle (Chairman), Daniel N. Cunningham (Lead Independent Director), Edwin S. Darden, Jr., F. T. “Tommy” Elliott, IV, James M. Ford, Gary D. Gall, Steven D. McDonald, Louis McMurray and William S. Smittcamp. Sidney B. Cox is Director Emeritus. More information about Central Valley Community Bancorp and Central Valley Community Bank can be found at www.cvcb.com. Also, visit Central Valley Community Bank on Twitter and Facebook.

Folsom Lake Bank, headquartered in Folsom, California, reported assets of $202.7 million as of March 31, 2017. Folsom Lake Bank, founded in 2007, operates three full-service branch offices in Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Roseville. Additional information about Folsom Lake Bank can be found at www.folsomlakebank.com.

Central Valley Community Bancorp received advisory services and a fairness opinion from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, and James Dyer, from Buchalter, a professional corporation served as legal advisor. Folsom Lake Bank received advisory services and a fairness opinion from Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P., and its legal counsel was Keith Holmes of King, Holmes, Paterno & Soriano, LLP.

Forward-looking Statements – Certain matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained herein that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the Company’s current business strategy and the Company’s plans for future development and operations, are based upon current expectations. These statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to (1) significant increases in competitive pressure in the banking industry; (2) the impact of changes in interest rates, a decline in economic conditions at the international, national or local level on the Company’s results of operations, the Company’s ability to continue its internal growth at historical rates, the Company’s ability to maintain its net interest margin, and the quality of the Company’s earning assets; (3) changes in the regulatory environment; (4) fluctuations in the real estate market; (5) changes in business conditions and inflation; (6) changes in securities markets; (7) the expected cost savings, synergies and other financial benefits for the acquisition might not be realized within the expected time frames or at all; (8) governmental approval of the acquisition may not be obtained or adverse regulatory conditions may be imposed in connection with governmental approval of the acquisition; (9) conditions to the closing of the acquisition may not be satisfied, (10) the shareholders of Folsom Lake Bank may fail to approve the consummation of the acquisition, and (11) the other risks set forth in the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Therefore, the information set forth in such forward-looking statements should be carefully considered when evaluating the business prospects of the Company.

Central Valley Community Bancorp will undertake no obligation to revise or publically release any revision or update to the forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which statements were made.

Central Valley Community Bancorp will file a registration statement with the SEC, including a proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. WE URGE INVESTORS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE MERGER OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. After it is filed with the SEC, the proxy statement/prospectus will be available for free, both on the SEC website (http://www.sec.gov) and from Central Valley Community Bancorp and Folsom Lake Bank.</s>Members of the Boulder City Elks Lodge invite community residents to join them for bingo and burgers on Monday at the lodge, 1217 Nevada Highway.

Sales of bingo cards begin at 5:30 p.m., and play begins at 6 p.m.

Seventy percent of the proceeds are given to the winners, while the remaining 30 percent is donated to charitable organizations.

The Boulder City Garden Club will meet at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd.

Angela O’Callaghan, the social horticulture specialist for the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, will speak on “Organic Gardening.” Her talk will begin at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Lend A Hand is sponsoring a free educational seminar presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. It is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd.

“The Basics” will cover detection of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, causes and risk factors, stages of the disease and more.

For more information, call the Lend A Hand office at 702-293-2363.

Library accepting food donations in lieu of fines for library week

In celebration of National Library Week, the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd., is joining with the Las Vegas Clark County Library District for its annual systemwide food drive. The program continues through Sunday.

For each nonperishable, unopened canned or packaged food item brought to the library, it will waive $2 of fines.

Patrons also can replace a lost or missing library card free of charge.

No change or credit will be given if the amount of donated items is more than the amount of the fine.

All items donated will be given to Emergency Aid of Boulder City.

Also planned at the library in the coming days are:
• Anime club, 1 p.m. Saturday in the community room. For those in junior high grades.
• Crochet for a cause, 2:20 p.m. Tuesday in the community room. Learn how to crochet a sleeping mat for the homeless out of plastic bags. For those 12 and older.
• Positive Action for teens, 3 p.m. Wednesday in the community room. The nationally recognized, evidence-based program improves academics, behavior and character.

Note: The library will be closed Friday for staff development.

Call 702-293-1281 for details, reservations or more information.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area has a variety of special events happening in the coming week.
• National Park Treasures: Celebrating Conservation, 11 a.m. to noon at the Alan Bible Visitor Center, 10 Lakeshore Road. Join Scott Abella, an ecology professor at UNLV, and Alice Newton, park vegetation manager, as they share conservation challenges and the success of National Park Service restoration efforts. The work restoring plant life along the shorelines of Lake Mead will be highlighted.
• Ranger program: “Junior Scientist Explorer,” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Alan Bible Visitor Center, 10 Lakeshore Road. Join a park ranger to observe Science is Everywhere Day to learn more about animals and plants of the Mojave Desert while using science equipment. Participants will receive a special patch for completing the activities and becoming a junior scientist explorer.</s>FARMINGTON - Healthy Community Coalition is excited to announce the launch of the newly updated Community Connector website, the area’s oldest online resource directory for Greater Franklin County. The new website features easier navigation, newsletter sign up, and an online form for submitting new listings and upcoming events.

“The Community Connector has been a valuable resource for local residents and organizations and we are excited about this new and improved design,” said Jennifer McCormack, HCC executive director.

The Community Connector was first launched in 2004 as a way to connect residents of Greater Franklin County with health and wellness resources. Thanks to funding from the Carol M. White PEP grant, the Community Connector received a complete redesign, including a new logo and mobile responsiveness for smart phones and tablets. Visitors to the site will find all kinds of different health and wellness resources including information about local physical activity opportunities, prescription drug safety, substance misuse treatment and prevention, health care providers, nutrition education, and youth opportunities.

Free listing of news and events on The Community Connector is available for all area nonprofits organizations and groups. To view the new site visit www.thecommunityconnector.org.

For more information about The Community Connector please contact Program Director Lorri Brown at (207) 779-2409.</s>SCOTTVILLE — Registration is underway for community members interested in West Shore Community College’s Business & Community Education (BCE) “Spring into Summer” season programming. “Fun in the Sun Adventures,” “Homemade […]</s>The Ruimveldt community is far cry from what a community should be; but youths and senior citizens are given a chance to adequate health and education development. Ayana George reports…….
The United Nations MONUSCO reports that 20 Chowe-Pende community members have been killed in clashes with the Lulua-Luba community in Kasaï-Central, Democratic Republic of Congo.