DAMERON TAPS JIM CROCKETT AS AGENCY DIRECTOR

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “As the client roster has grown it became clear it was time to add to the management team,” said Creative Director and founder of Dameron Communications, Carl Dameron. He added, “ Jim Crockett is vastly experienced in business operations and a brilliant communications tactician and writer. I am pleased to name Jim Crockett as the new Agency Director of Dameron Communications.”

As Agency Director, Crockett will oversee business operations and the hiring and training of new agency staff. He is also tapping his extensive industry contacts to attract music industry clients to the agency. In addition, Crockett will conduct media training, and contribute to public relations and event strategies.

“We are expanding responsibilities with current clients and adding great new clients in 2008,” says Dameron. “I decided to focus on client attraction and the creative side. Jim has the experience it takes to handle the management side. With his leadership we expect to triple agency billing and net profit this year,” Dameron notes. “Jim knows how to handle rapid expansion. He is the guy to keep us on track and on target during this exciting time.

“A legend in the publishing and entertainment industry, Jim virtually wrote the book on writing for musical instruments at GPI Publications. He knows the music industry and he knows the consumers. Jim also understands how to help a good business become a great business, and he knows how to help an agency grow," says Dameron.

Crockett, author of five published books, a music-oriented screenplay and more than a thousand articles, spent nearly 20 years heading GPI Publications, creators of Guitar Player, Keyboard, Bass Player and other music-related magazines, books, newsletters and recordings. He took the company from a staff of four generating $40,000 annually, to 120 people and a $15 million per year business.

The former CEO of GPI has counted as his friends and business associates Steve Jobs, B.B. King, Andres Segovia, Mike Bloomfield, Les Paul, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, Chet Atkins, David Gilmour, Leo Fender, Barney Kessel, Jerry Garcia, Joe Pass, George Benson, Billy Gibbons, Tony Iommi and many others.

Crockett has worked with numerous public relations firms over the years including the internationally respected BSMG. He has had half-dozen newsletters and more than a thousand articles, features and interviews published. He has interviewed thousands of luminaries and earned media coverage for hundreds.

In the TV world Crockett has produced and hosted specials for MTV and has appeared on all major television networks and cable systems including NBC's "Today Show," CNN and the former Nashville Network.

The prior Media Relations Executive with the nationwide Financial Relations Board has hosted countless press conferences, media tours, interviews and seminars.

Crockett is also the author of five successful books: Putting A Band Together, The Guitar Player Book, Fix Your Axe (instrument repair), Great White Shark and The Why-to Of Scuba Diving.

A former communications professor at the University of Idaho and The International College of the Cayman Islands, Crockett's knowledge of media, education, music, broadcasting, publishing and business management is substantial.

“We came to a crossroads,” says Dameron. “ It was time to get bigger or smaller; we chose to grow.”

The agency is also looking for more new talent in event coordinators; public relations account managers and advertising account managers. Interested experienced parties should contact Crockett via e-mail at Jim@DameronCommunications.com or call the agency at (909) 888-0321.

Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of its clients locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning communications agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use advertising, public relations, government relations and community relations to advance our clients’ objectives. For more information call (909) 888-0321 or e-mail Info@DameronCommunications.com. The Web site is www.DameronCommunications.com.

DC-PR-802.1 CROCKETT DIRECTOR

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

CARL DAMERON @ (909) 534-9500

RING THE BELLS!

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Salvation Army Board members donated their time on December 15th to help raise money to aid the San Bernardino area’s needy at the Salvation Army Kettles.

Board member Carl Dameron brought his family to ring the bells at the Wal-Mart at Highland and Bolder in Highland, California. Front row: Daughter Shaila, 6. Beside her Dad Shiane with Carl and wife Malaika Dameron in back.

Dameron invites everyone to donate to the Salvation Army to help meet the needs of the less fortunate.

NEW DEAN HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Riverside resident Thomas Bustamante has been promoted to Dean of Student Affairs, a new position at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (http://www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire). He previously served as the Director of Student Affairs.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, in San Bernardino, offers degrees in such creative careers as Graphic Design, Interior Design, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Interactive Media Design, Media Arts & Animation and Game Art & Design.

“The Art Institute helps students find careers in fields which they are passionate about,” says President Byron Chung. “We want our students to succeed in the classroom as well as in their personal and professional lives.”

As Dean of Student Affairs, Bustamante, with a staff of three, oversees student personal development, behavior and adaptation issues, student leadership, time management, housing, student clubs, campus activities and even carpools.

Bustamante has a bachelor’s degree in social ecology from the University of California, Irvine and a master’s degree in Urban Planning, with a focus in Social Policy and Community Development, from the University of Southern California, (USC). Bustamante is currently working on a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from USC.

He previously worked for USC in the Greek Life office and with the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. He joined The Art Institute in February 2006.

Bustamante said he is excited to take on the new challenge of being Dean of Student Affairs. “We have more than 700 students here,” he says. “It’s our vision to develop a feeling of community and belonging at The Art Institute. We have students from Barstow to Temecula and beyond, and the Student Affairs task is to bring them all together in a unified, almost family, environment.”

He adds, “Our students are unique; in most respects they’re artists, and in more traditional academic situations they often will be overlooked. Not here.”

For more information about The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100.

It is not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. The Winter Quarter starts on January 7, 2008. Classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students. For more information of a personal tour call the campus at (909) 915-2100 or go online to www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 34 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. For more information, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

HELPING COLLEGE FRESHMEN ADJUST TO A NEW WAY OF LIFE

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “It takes time. College-age students are very uncomfortable talking with a school staff member about troubles they may have never shared with anyone. With time, though, their fears and apprehensions drop away and together we can make progress toward improving their personal and academic lives,” says Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s student counselor Lawanda Hall.

Campus President Byron Chung says, “The primary mission, focus and ultimate goal of The Art Institute is to assist students toward the successful achievement of a satisfying creative career in their chosen field.”

Chung adds, “Lawanda Hall’s skills as a licensed professional counselor helps our students meet life’s pressures inside and outside the classroom.”

“I’m excited," Hall says. "I’ve counseled students for about seven years and I love helping them. I enjoy meeting and working with young people every single day.” Hall adds, “I am blessed to be able to help students work through issues that might have otherwise stopped them in their tracks.”

A licensed professional counselor, and Behavioral Health Provider, Hall has amassed valued experience working with college students, first as a director of disability services at Nashville, Tennessee’s Lipscomb University, then as a member of the faculty.

In the classroom Hall taught various aspects of abnormal psychology including such topics as bi-polar disorder, anxiety and personality disorders, depression and schizophrenia.

For nearly three years she headed her own private practice in Nashville aiding individuals, couples and families, working through such common, but potentially debilitating, issues as abuse, neglect, parenting, career goals, addiction, marriage and divorce.

Hall then was hired by Argosy University Nashville as assistant director of clinical training. In this capacity she coordinated all aspects of student development in the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program.

In mid August, Hall and her husband moved to California. The administration of The Art Institute, with its rapidly growing student population, realized it was time to bring in a full-time student counselor, and that person is Lawanda Hall.

“There is a great deal for college students to deal with outside the classroom,” she says. “Adjustment to this new way of life, especially for freshman, is a real challenge. We conduct four quarterly workshops that explore what students are feeling and having to deal with.

“The first workshop covers stress and anxiety while the second will deal with healthy relationships. The third examines the best ways to balance school and play in personal lives. Our fourth workshop will center on depression and continuing anxiety issues. Each session runs about a half-hour to 45 minutes.”

These workshops serve additional issues as well. Hall explains, “Group workshops are the ideal setting for students who aren’t yet comfortable in one-on-one counseling sessions, but could really use the help. And, too, there may well be students who may not need individual work, but could benefit from sessions with their peers.”

At The Art Institute, Hall will serve as part of the student affairs team to promote events that foster health student development.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, in San Bernardino, offers degrees in creative careers such as Graphic Design, Interior Design, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Web Design, Interactive Media, Media Arts & Animation and Game Art & Design.

It’s not too late to attend The Art Institute. Winter Quarter begins January 7, with classes offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students. For details, or a tour of the campus, call (909) 915-2100, or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 35 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

BUILDING BRIDGES FOR SUCCESS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) It’s so common at this time of year: High school students are thinking about college. Maybe this year, maybe next, but it’s on both the student’s and the parent's mind.

The basic question these students always have is, What’s it like?

Will they face more stress and worry than they’ve ever felt? Will they have any personal time to themselves? Are the classes so big they’ll be lost? What are the teachers like and what do they expect?

The best way to answer all this is to spend a day there. But, not all colleges or universities will let kids do that. Enter The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire in San Bernardino.

“We want students to know exactly what our programs are like, what the facility is and who teaches what,” says Director of Admissions Monica Jeffs. “Taking away any possible anxiety is what our Bridges To Success program is all about.”

Riverside and San Bernardino County high school administrators simply select one of their college-bound students interested in pursuing a career in design or media arts to experience a “day in the life” of an Art Institute student.

The visiting student will first join the Ambassador’s Club, a group of the university’s most academically successful student ambassadors and leaders, to be personally guided through the day’s program.

The student will take part in an introductory session, learning how admissions works, what financial aid opportunities are available to them and what career services are provided. They’ll then learn the best ways to gather information about classes and careers in a college environment.

He or she will meet the school’s faculty members and sit in on actual college classes in their field of interest. There’ll be study groups and workshops, too, plus a session to learn about the Art Institute’s scholarship programs where more than $150,000 in scholarships are awarded annually.

Then they cap the day off with a lunch provided by the school.

But, it’s not over yet. Lastly, attending high schoolers will be asked to prepare a report or presentation to take back and deliver to their own class.

What better way to learn exactly what college life at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is really like? These selected students don’t have to read it in a brochure, ask around to friends or spend the months just wondering. With the school’s Bridges to Success program, these students will actually know.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers the following degree programs: Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Culinary Management, Interactive Media Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation; and an Associate of Science Degree in Graphic Design, and Culinary Arts.

Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to continue to work uninterrupted toward their degree. It is not too late to join the winter class in January 7th. “If you are ready to start now, call the campus to schedule a private tour and we will do our best to help you begin your degree program, “ said Monica Jeffs, Director of Admissions.

Campus President Byron Chung says, “The primary mission, focus and ultimate goal of The Art Institute is to assist students toward the successful achievement of a satisfying career in their chosen field. To this end, we have brought together a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to providing students with career-oriented curricula – including the organizational, interpersonal, and theoretical, as well as, the practical skills needed to become a well trained entry-level job candidate in today’s competitive job market.”

For more information on The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire or the Bridges to Success program call Melissa Medina-Cosio at 909/915-2109 or toll free to 800/353-0812.

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The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 34 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. For more information, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

Photo caption:  Culinary students learn the fundamentals of the culinary arts before they pick up a knife.

‘PASSPORT TO A TASTY FUTURE’

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Beginning Saturday, November 10, and continuing one day a month through May 24, culinary students in the “Passport To A Tasty Future” program can learn from some of the nation’s top culinary professionals in a hands-on environment at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of
California – Inland Empire.

This pioneering program is a fresh, exciting way to introduce high school students to one of the most creative, challenging and rewarding fields in America – Culinary Arts.

And with a student limit of just 24 enrollees, there’s plenty of opportunity for a one-on-one learning experience.

The first session, November 10, begins with a Knife Cuts demonstration where students learn techniques from Julienne to Tourne cuts while focusing on repetition and consistency. They’ll explore methods of chopping, mincing and cutting of vegetables and proteins. Also that Saturday attendees will study proper food amounts for ideal plate presentations along with menu development.

The following month, on December 15, the class will learn a variety of important cooking methods such as sautéing, grilling, frying, braising and poaching, along with the importance of timing and heat distribution.

Then on January 26 students will apply those techniques to cooking vegetables, in the process learning about acid, alkaline and the use of salt in cooking procedures.

February 16 marks the introduction of starches to meals, learning how to apply the various cooking methods to the three different types of rice and potato cookery.

In March, on the 22nd, students concentrate on fish and other seafood, learning to steam and poach them while emphasizing the retention of nutrients as well as flavor.

Things get even more challenging the next month on the 19th when the class highlights regional cuisine, targeting ingredients and fusion cooking of North and South America.

The “Passport” sessions conclude May 24 with an expansive exploration of the cooking of Asia and Europe. The high school students will be shown the varying ingredients and cooking methods of these two widely differing cuisines.

The check-in for each session is at 9:30 a.m. with programs starting at 10 and ending at 1 p.m.

For information on openings for the “Passport To A Tasty Future” workshops contact the Coordinator in Charge, Mario Alcazar, at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, 630 East Brier Drive in San Bernardino, or call him at (800) 353-0812 ext. 2165. Interested parties may also e-mail him at malcazar@aii.edu..

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of more than 35 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

For more information call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.ArtInstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

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Photo caption:  A beautiful roast beef entree is an example of the students work at The Art Institute of California Inland Empire.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO CHANGE CAREERS

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) You simply feel it’s time for a change. You’ve stagnated in your current job, or you know you have more to offer in life than the daily grind. Maybe you’ve retired, but have a passion and love for something you’ve never had time to pursue.

San Bernardino’s Art Institute of California – Inland Empire understands how you feel, and has set aside Saturday, November 17 for an Open House just for you.

Has cooking been one of your hidden passions? Have you loved fiddling with your various computer graphics programs in your spare time? Maybe you really enjoy redesigning your home from time to time.

The Art Institute has slated evening and weekend classes in Culinary Arts, Graphic Design and Interior Design for working adults who want to use those off-hours to gain experience and even a college degree, leaning toward forging new careers in fields they love.

It’s never too late to start over. The Institute’s award-winning faculty gladly shows you what you need to know, gives you every opportunity to utilize their cutting-edge facilities, and can even steer you toward establishing that new career you’ve had in the back of your mind for years.

The November 17 Open House will include a tour of the new state-of-the-art facility and provide a chance to meet with area professionals and faculty members in your own field of interest. You may also want to discuss the school’s many financial aid and scholarship opportunities and learn the admission requirements.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire can give you the chance of a lifetime to start a career you’ve just dreamed about. And the Saturday Open House is the perfect beginning. For details, just call the school at (909) 915-2100 or stop by at 630 East Brier Drive in San Bernardino.

Your new career awaits.

For more information about The Art Institute please call (909) 915-2100.


The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 34 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. For more information, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

'LIFE IS BETTER WITH ART IN IT' THEME FOR POSTER CONTEST

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) For high school seniors with an interest in turning their love of art into a career, The Art Institutes is sponsoring a Poster Design Competition, a program which awards tuition scholarships of up to $25,000 to study graphic design at a participating Art Institute location, including The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

In partnership with the not-for-profit organization Americans for the Arts, The Art Institutes Poster Design Competition is an opportunity for talented young artists at the high school level to study graphic design, earn a degree and launch a professional career in the graphic design field.

Deadline for entries is February 8, 2008. Judging at the local level will take place by March 28, 2008. National winners will be notified by May 9, 2008. In all, approximately $100,000 in tuition scholarships will be awarded by The Arts Institutes.

According to Byron Chung, campus president, “For many high school students who love to draw and illustrate, the Poster Design Competition is a scholarship opportunity for prospective students to have a career in a field that they are passionate and excited about.” Now in its fifth year, The Art Institutes Poster Design Competition, “encourages and rewards exceptional young artistic talent and nurtures it in a formal, academic setting.” he says.

Robert Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts, says that “each year since Americans for the Arts has been working with the Art Institutes, we are amazed at the skill level of high school students who enter the competition. Their ability to channel their creativity and love of the visual arts reflects the importance that art plays in the lives of children of all ages.”

For information on how to enter the Poster Design Competition visit, www.artinstitutes.edu/poster or contact call Melissa Medina-Cosio at 909/915-2109 or toll free to 800/353-0812.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 35 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Americans for the Arts is the leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. With offices in Washington, DC, and New York City, it has a record of more than 45 years of service. Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts. Additional information is available at www.AmericansForTheArts.org.

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Photo caption: The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire’s Summer Studio program created this poster to represent Inland Agency’s four programs in a unified message. The Summer Studio program gives students the opportunity to find out what its really like to work in the field of graphic arts. “High school seniors interact with clients, create a strategy and then create the campaign to implant the strategy all in a one-week session. We feel it really gives students a great feel for how the design world really works”, said Byron Chung, president of The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire.

NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST SYSTEM OF CULINARY PROGRAMS, THE ART INSTITUTES, INTRODUCES NEW NAME AND CURRICULA

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes launches today with help from the Food Network

(PITTSBURGH, Penn.)   Today, Education Management LLC announced that the culinary programs offered at The Art Institutes system of schools will be renamed as The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes. Based on the number of locations, the culinary programs offered by The Art Institutes schools represent North America’s largest system of culinary programs. The changes include the Inland Empire campus in San Bernardino, California.

The Art Institutes schools which offer culinary programs will be redesigning their course offerings to expand the international focus, introducing students to an increased number of world cuisines while continuing to emphasize fundamental culinary skills. The new look will be unveiled this Fall through a multi-faceted partnership with TV's Food Network, including television advertisements, show sponsorships and a new Website highlighting The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes.

“Students will be introduced to a world of culinary learning. Our programs will emphasize the fundamental art of cooking and food preparation to feed America’s appetite and the industry’s demand for international cuisine,” says Michael Nenes, MBA, CEC, CCE, assistant vice president of Culinary Arts for The Art Institutes. “Our presence in more than 30 North American markets ensures that aspiring culinary professionals will have access to education close to home, and our new partnership with the Food Network promises to help us build national awareness for the quality of the education our schools deliver.”

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes will also provide Web-based seminars and guest lectures, featuring an increased focus on a number of world cuisines and hands-on learning opportunities that augment internships and experiences in the schools’ student-run restaurants. Continuing in The Art Institutes’ 15-year tradition of educating future culinary professionals, students study under industry-experienced certified chefs.

About the Food Network relationship, the partnership with the Food Network is designed to enable The Art Institutes schools to leverage the network’s reach among an audience with specific interest in the culinary arts. In addition to a television campaign airing on the Food Network and Fine Living, components include:

1. The Art Institutes sponsorship of “Food Network Challenge,” “Chefography,” “Dinner in the Daytime” and the new “Two Dudes Catering.” “Two Dudes Catering” features two graduates of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook.

2. A new Web site, www.exploreculinary.com, which will provide important information about an education at The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes and unique opportunities such as the “Savor the City” sweepstakes featuring culinary experience prizes at five Art Institute locations early next year.

3. The Food Network will collaborate on The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Competition 2008, which culminates in a cook-off competition on May 17, 2008, at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. The national competition, in its ninth year, awards more than $250,000 in tuition scholarships to high school seniors interested in pursuing a culinary career. This year, the winner will receive a full-tuition scholarship to a participating Art Institutes school and serve as an “intern for a day” at the Food Network studios. Highlights of the national finals will air on Food Network and Fine Living. For more information on The Best Teen Chef Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/btc/

“Part of our mission at Food Network is to teach viewers how to cook. The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes sponsorship represents a natural partnership,” said Karen Grinthal, senior vice president of ad sales at Food Network. “Food Network viewers will gain awareness of an opportunity that speaks to their passions for food and for learning.”

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes offer bachelor’s, associate’s, certificates and diploma degree programs in the areas of Culinary Management, Culinary Arts, Baking, Pastry and Beverage Management. Degrees and areas of study vary by location.

To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary/ or www.exploreculinary.com or call (909) 915-2100.

About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America’s largest system of culinary programs with over 30 locations. Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools’ curriculum is designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures and Web-based seminars, and study abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students. Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check the course offerings at The Art Institute school they are interested in attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com.

About Education Management LLC

The parent company of The Art Institutes, Education Management (www.edmc.com), with over 80,300 students as of Fall 2006, is among the largest providers of post-secondary education in North America, based on student enrollment and revenue. Education Management has 80 primary locations in 26 states and two Canadian provinces. Education Management's educational institutions offer a broad range of academic programs concentrated in the media arts, design, fashion, culinary arts, behavioral sciences, health sciences, education, information technology, legal studies and business fields, culminating in the award of associate's through doctoral degrees. Education Management has provided career-oriented education for over 40 years.

About The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 35 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The Art Institutes schools offer a broad range of programs including: Audio Production, Computer Animation, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Graphic Design, Industrial Design Technology, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Photography, Restaurant Management and Video Production. Not all programs are offered at all schools.

ART INSTITUTE OFFERS NEWLY RENAMED WEB DESIGN & INTERACTIVE MEDIA DEGREE PROGRAM

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire teaches “Web standards” – the guidelines for building Web sites that are defined by the governing body of the Web, The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These standards foster best practices in Website development that serve both users and businesses (see http://webstandards.org).

According to Michael Swank of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Web Design & Interactive Media program says, “Our grads are entering the workforce as advisors to the industry. Web standards are a critical initiative from our standpoint that our students need to know as they develop Websites more efficiently, make maintenance more practical and improve search engine optimization.”

There is good news for those searching for jobs in the technology field in the months ahead. Continued business expansion and increasing investments in technology are driving demand for skilled IT professionals across North America. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that some IT-related positions are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2014.

“Employment is expected to grow faster than average as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technologies. Job increases will be driven by very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services, which is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy.” (http://bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm#outlook).

If you are interested in learning more about the Web Design & Interactive Media program at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, please contact Michael Swank at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or mswank@aii.edu.

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AAHI-SBC TO MEET WITH REP FROM GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) AAHI-SBC invites you to meet with Herb Schultz, Health Policy Advisor, Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 in San Bernardino TO provide recommendations for implementation of health reform as it relates to the Black community.

The meeting will be held at Community Hospital of San Bernardino, in the Solarium Room, in the Medical Office Building at 1800 N. Western Avenue (4th Floor).

The meeting time - 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., lunch will be served.

To RSVP contact: Anthony Thomas, M.H.A. 909-496-5792. Room at Community
Hospital of San Bernardino is limited, so please make your reservation.

Photo Caption:  AAHI-SBC Executive Director, V. Diane Woods, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., R.N.,  

MAKING MYSPACE WORK

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications, a public relations and advertising company in San Bernardino, says that his firm frequently uses sites such as MySpace, Craig’s List and Topix.net to inform the public about upcoming events. Dameron Communications has clients in the education, political and non-profit fields.

“We use MySpace events to publicize seminars and open houses organized by our clients, Argosy University/Orange County in Santa Ana and The Art Institute of California in San Bernardino,” he says. “Thousands of eyeballs see the posts on these Websites and we need to use every resource to get to the public.”

Dameron also says sites like MySpace are a great way to target the younger audience.

“More and more older people are also going to MySpace to gather information,” he adds.

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About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of  potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.

DR. ARTEAGA AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

LASALLE-PR-123 SBCMSAWARD

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT MANNY OTIKO@ (909) 888-0017

MANNY@DAMERONCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DR. ARTEAGA AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.)

The award was presented during the San Bernardino County Medical Association’s Installation of Officers and Outstanding Awards dinner at the Mission Inn, in Riverside.

“I accept this award not just for me but for the team of doctors, nurses, and staff at LaSalle’s five clinics. This is recognition of the entire companies dedication to our patients and our communities we serve,” said Arteaga.

“The award represents an endorsement by the medical society of the work we have been doing,” Arteaga said. “It shows we are appreciated and well regarded by our peers.”

Arteaga has offered free health care for Hurricane Katrina survivors, donated funds to local pastors towards hurricane relief and served as Commissioner for First 5 Children and Families Commission and the Latino Health Collaborative.

Born in San Diego, Arteaga grew up in various locations following his father, a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Arteaga’s family also lived in Argentina while his father was doing missionary work. Arteaga spent over four years in northern Mexico.
Arteaga is dedicated to providing the best healthcare possible for his patients. He also demands his staff, from the receptionist to the doctors, treat people with dignity, compassion and respect.

“It has always been our policy to help families in need. Since I have been in practice we have never turned away a patient because they could not pay. As the son of an Adventist minister I know that I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do,” Arteaga said.

This is not the first time LaSalle Medical Associates has been honored by local healthy agencies. The clinics are also recognized for their quality of service. LaSalle Medical Associates was selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) as one of Riverside and San Bernardino’s best healthcare provider.

The African American Health Initiative also selected LaSalle as a model provider in a two-year study of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County. LaSalle has also been the number one enroller in the state of California for Healthy Families, an insurance program for children from low to mid-income families. The program provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children without insurance.

The father of three children, Arteaga lives in Grand Terrace with his wife, Maria, one son and two daughters. For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407, or go to www.lasallemedical.com.

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Photo caption: Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.) Left to Right - Maria Arteaga, wife of Dr. Albert Arteaga, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., Daughter: Sandy Arteaga and Mitzi Arteaga, Lynda Long, LaSalle Medial Associates, Inc.

THOM SALISBURY NEW ART DIRECTOR

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Thom Salisbury has joined Dameron Communications as its new art director.

“As one of the Inland Empire’s leading public relations and advertising firms, we are proud to have Thom Salisbury join us to deliver the innovative, creative art direction our clients need to win in this completive environment,” says Carl Dameron, president of Dameron Communications.

Salisbury has 25 years experience as an art director and artist. Earlier in 2006, he started his own graphic design firm, Nebulous Studios.

Salisbury will keep Nebulous Studios active while working for Dameron Communications. Other Nebulous Studios clients include the City of Redlands Redevelopment Agency, the Downtown Redlands Business Association and 1st Valley Credit Union.

Previously, he was the senior art director for Pacific Coast Sportfishing, a national full-color monthly magazine focusing on sport fishing on the West Coast, including Alaska and Mexico.

“I helped make Pacific Coast Sportfishing a first-rate magazine,” he says. “I exercise a great deal of passion and enthusiasm when it comes to providing real value to people who trust me with their message and image, or the media I’ve worked with.”

Thom was also creative director for The Sun newspaper of San Bernardino County. His creative expertise was brought to bear on accounts including San Manuel Indian Casino in Highland, and the former Harris Department Store. He also served as assistant design supervisor for the Long Beach Press-Telegram and worked with Donrey Outdoor Media in Las Vegas.

Salisbury has a degree in fine art from Saddleback College, and also studied art at University of Nevada Las Vegas and California State University Long Beach.

Dameron Communications has been one of Nebulous Studios’ major clients this year. With Dameron Communication’s growing client list, and the start-up of new business 909Models.com, an art director with Thom’s creative prowess and energy was needed.

“I pride myself on providing creative that emphasizes branding, and effectively reaches the clients’ customers and encourages them to buy products or services,” he says.

“Solid design is essential on any sort of advertising materials, from 1-inch by 1-inch ads to trade show exhibit booths,” Salisbury points out. “I thoroughly enjoy making every aspect of visual promotion powerful and effective.”


About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.

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GOOD CITIZENS ARE MADE, NOT BORN

LASALLE-PR-119-PSA

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) As a firefighter and arson investigator Michael Dickinson often encountered troubled youngsters who had started fires as a way of getting attention. So when a work-related injury forced him to change career direction, Dickinson decided to put his energies into steering more youths in the right direction. Dickinson’s vision lead him to create the Public Safety Academy (HYPERLINK "http://www.psasb.us" www.psasb.us .) The Academy is a charter school that has a focus on careers in public safety such as fire service and law enforcement, Dickinson says.

Dickinson started the school in 2000 originally at the San Bernardino Professional Firefighter’s Union Hall. The Academy is currently at a facility near the San Bernardino Airport.

“We have 170 students today, and we are looking at 325 next year,” Dickinson says. “We are also adding on a middle school and grades 6-8.”

Funded by the State of California, the academy's students study the public safety disciplines, police, fire and emergency medical services, in addition to traditional high school courses.

The Academy’s public safety courses also provide students with the required courses needed for entry into the police or fire academies, Dickinson says.

Dickinson says the academy differs from a traditional high school because the school is organized along paramilitary lines. Dickinson is the academy CEO and chief, the vice principal is the deputy chief and a cadet chief serves as head of the students. Students at the academy wear uniforms similar to the ones worn by fire departments. The academy also places a major focus on character development, leadership and ethics among the students, Dickinson adds.

Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates(http://www.lasallemedical.com), says the Public Safety Academy’s discipline and small class size have benefited his son Diego who joined last year.

“Some kids thrive in an open environment, while others need a more structured environment before they are ready to use their own judgment,” Arteaga said.

Arteaga is impressed students at the academy have to wear uniforms, keep their hair short and refer to the teachers as “sir” or “ma’am.” “The teachers have a great deal of authority in the classroom,” Arteaga said.

Being exposed to instructors who are former police officers and firefighters has also provided his son with great role models, Arteaga says, adding Diego has expressed an interest in pursing a career in law enforcement in the future. “If he becomes a policeman or firefighter, I would be more than happy with that,” Arteaga said.

Currently a 10th grader, Diego Arteaga says the fire service and paramilitary training are some of the aspects of the academy he enjoys.

“I was interested in being a fireman and they have the instructors who can steer me in the right direction,” says Diego.

Diego also said an important part of the education at PSA is the six pillars of character which are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Although students at the PSA study regular high school courses such as geography, physics and science, the moral leadership training is an important part of the development of a young person.

“Sometimes young people’s lives go in the wrong direction,” Diego says. “The six pillars of character steer you in the right direction.”

Diego says many PSA graduates further their educations at Crafton Hills College which offers an associate of science degree in fire technology.

Graduates of the academy have gone onto careers in the military and with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Dickinson points out.

“The goal of the academy is to open up doors for students so they can achieve a career versus a job,” Dickinson says.

The Public Safety Academy is at 165 S. Leland Norton Way, San Bernardino. For more information call (909) 382-2211 or go to HYPERLINK "http://www.psasb.us" www.psasb.us .

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Photo caption: Students of the Public Safety Academy in San Bernardino, Calif. This charter high school teaches young people fire fighting and law enforcement.

IMMUNIZATIONS: SHOTS HEARD ‘ROUND THE WORLD

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calf.) Across the globe, regular immunizations against otherwise ravishing diseases are helping the world’s population live longer, healthier lives, says Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder of the Inland Empire’s LaSalle Medical Associates.

Back-to-school time is here, and just as school attendance is mandatory, Arteaga wishes immunizations were just as mandatory. But, as yet they aren’t. “Parents do realize how important the shots are to the welfare of their children, but still we will see 80% of our patients in the last two weeks before school starts,” he notes.

Immunizations, often combined in a single injection, help prevent such diseases as pneumonia, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis and meningitis.

“Children are usually afraid of their perceived pain of the immunizations,” Arteaga says, “but that brief, tiny pain is nothing compared to the alarming, often lifelong, impact of the diseases they prevent.”

Parents should plan ahead for their children’s immunizations, he adds. “They need to break the barrier of ‘no time’,” he says. “They simply need to think ahead, and say, ‘Today is a good one for the shots’.”

There’s an important phrase in the medical profession when it comes to immunizations: “herd immunity.” “That’s where we can all be human barriers to these common but serious diseases,” he explains. “When we’re around people who are immunized, they protect the rest of us. And we can all help each other by being protected ourselves.”

While immunizations are routinely up to date only 30% of the time, LaSalle patients, at Arteaga’s urging, are 70% up to date. “Our patients are really good about that,” he says, “but so much more can be done. The problem is that with immunizations nothing seems wrong with kids, and so the parents too often simply put them off until the time is more convenient. You ought to hear the creative excuses we get.”

Under nearly all circumstances, immunizations are free to families, being subsidized by the Federal government for children.

LaSalle welcomes childhood immunizations at all five of their Inland Empire clinics: 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana; 1505 Seventeenth Street and 565 North Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino; 16455 Main St. in Hesperia; and 31762 Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore.

Appointments aren’t required, but are recommended by calling (909) 890-0407. Usually the immunizations last only 30 minutes.

“A half hour,” Dr. Arteaga says, “can save potentially years of devastating illness.”

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EARLY MAMMOGRAMS SAVE LIVES

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Yearly mammograms save women lives. To help more low- to moderate-income women, LaSalle Medical Associates will began mammography at its Mt. Vernon Clinic in San Bernardino this September.

The Department of Health Services now requires mammograms for all women over 40. They are not only simple, quick and risk-free, but are known to lower the chance of fatal breast cancer by 25-35 percent. The tests normally take only five to 10 minutes.

Dr. Albert Arteaga, the founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, sees substantial light on the horizon regarding reducing occurrences of breast cancer in Black and Latino women.

“Fifteen years ago, there was a problem. Our friends' wives and daughters were highly reluctant to see a doctor about mammograms, personal breast exams or anything else related to breast cancer. It was all too personal for them, sharing such intimate matters with a medical professional.”

All that has changed, he feels, with so much effort having gone into public awareness programs. “I don’t see that this reluctance is any more prevalent among minority women than Whites. In fact, the figures are nearly identical. Public awareness is working. There’s no longer a need to convince women; it’s now a matter of getting them to come in.”

Sometimes the problem of getting women to come in is a financial one. Low-income Black and Latino women may believe they just can’t afford exams and tests. Women’s health insurance normally covers the expense, though for those without coverage there is that fear of high costs. 

LaSalle can help women without insurance find a program to help pay for their mammography, Dr. Arteaga says. “There are many public assistance programs that the vast majority of low- to moderate-income women qualify for. We help them apply, and in many cases receive coverage.”

LaSalle Medical Associates has two reasons for instituting its new mammography
program. “On the one hand,” Arteaga says, “there’s an altruistic purpose. We simply want to help the community by helping women remain healthy and catching any potential breast cancer early enough to prevent its growth.

”On the other hand, it’s good business, and if our clinics are to continue helping patients from year to year, they simply must stay in business. So we help our patients get the care they need through state and/or federal insurance programs created to help people stay healthy,” Arteaga explains.

Occasionally politicians or special interest group opposes government programs that spend money to help the financially disadvantaged. “But, when we show them that programs like these are heavily utilized and help keep people healthy and so we spend less overall on treating sicker people,” he says, “the opposition to them diminishes. The numbers can prove to the naysayers that the state and federal programs are being used, and public funds are actually helping save lives.

“We believe that all women in the Inland Empire should have their annual mammogram and we are working hard to help them do so,” says Arteaga. “The more women we see, the more lives we can help save.”

LaSalle Medical Associates has five clinics in the Inland Empire. Their offices are in five convenient locations; 17577 Arrow Boulevard in Fontana, 1505 17th Street in San Bernardino, 565 N. Mount Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino, 16455 Main Street in Hesperia and 31762 Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call LaSalle’s Mount Vernon clinic at (909) 884-9091.

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Photo caption: Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.) Left to Right - Maria Arteaga, wife of Dr. Albert Arteaga, daughter Sandy Arteaga and Mitzi Arteaga, Lynda Long of LaSalle Medial Associates.

INLAND EMPIRE AD CLUB LEADS WAY IN EDUCATION

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(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Celebrating its 25th year, the Inland Empire Ad Club, with offices at 109 Church St. in Redlands, has appointed a new director of education to spearhead student involvement in the real world of advertising promotion. “We invited Micheal Swank from the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire to lead the club’s emphasis on education,” noted Theresa Mesa, the group’s 2007-08 president.

The Web designer and former Ad Club vice president says they want Swank to be a liaison to the schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, involving the students in founding their own ad clubs and participating in district and national advertising competitions.

“I’m excited,” says Swank. “I’ve been in education for a long time, and any way I can get kids actively involved in learning is my professional goal.” Swank, The Art Institute of California- Inland Empire's Academic Director of Graphic Design & Interactive Media, is making plans to create student ad clubs at various area campuses. “That’s what I love about this new position – working with other schools and their students,” he says. “And I want to use the ad competitions to give kids the chance to see what the real world is like in their fields of interest, in this case advertising.”

Mesa explains, “There is a National Student Advertising Competition, sponsored this year by AOL. And when a winning team’s ad campaign proposal is chosen, it, or portions of it, will be utilized by AOL in its own ad programs.”

Students will learn how to understand markets, develop ad campaigns and execute those campaigns for each level of competition, this way learning what companies expect and need when it comes to promoting their products or services to the public.

But Swank has only one year as Ad Club Education Chairman to pull off his expectations for students before he’ll relinquish his position in mid 2008. “The students and I,” he says, “will be working our tails off. The students are loaded with graphic and advertising talent, and here’s a chance to test their creativity in real business situations.” As Theresa Mesa puts it, “Micheal will be developing the entire Inland Empire’s student ad programs and campus clubs.”

“Through the Ad Club’s education plan,” Swank says, “students will gain valuable exposure to what their careers may be like. And along the way, they’ll be making important contacts for their post-education futures in advertising.”

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For more infrmation call 

Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0017, (909) 534-9500 Cell

or E-mail: Carl@DameronCommunications.com

PICTURE PERFECT COOKING IN SAN BERNARDINO

Media Contact:

AI-PR-134.3 KITCHEN

Carl Dameron

Dameron Communications

Carl@DameronCommunications.com

(909) 888-0017

OR

Mark Toth

Public Relations Specialist

(412) 995-7263

mtoth@edmc.edu

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Ever wonder where those exquisite pictures of luscious dishes in the cooking and food magazines come from? Chances are they came from the kitchens of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

“The faculty, staff and students can attest to the fact that the foods prepared for the photo shoots are as good as they look because every month we are invited into the kitchens to partake in the delicacies,” says Campus President Byron Chung.

Donald and Brenda Lorenzi, the publishers of Inland Empire Magazine along with food magazines Tastes of Italia, a bi-monthly, and the quarterly Healthy Cooking, have included test kitchens in each of their publications for years, creating recipes that make mouths water and have people dashing to the market.

“Our food magazines,” she says, “are recipe oriented publications, especially, of course, Healthy Cooking and Tastes of Italia.” Circulated nationwide, and now expanding internationally, the publications are on more than 5,000 newsstands and in such chains as Borders and Barnes & Noble.

“For years, we experimented with foods in our own kitchen with our own staff,” Lorenzi says, “but, we have a company to run, too. And when the Art Institute’s Culinary Arts department came to me with a proposal to team up, I jumped at it.”

Byron Chung and Chef Eyad Joseph, the Culinary Arts director, founded the Culinary Arts program at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire in January of this year.

“I want to show our 28 students that there’s more to working in the culinary field than just being an Emeril on TV. It takes a great chef 20 years to attain that level. In the meantime there are sous chefs, private chefs, baking and pastry chefs, corporate chefs, cruise chefs and, naturally, test kitchen chefs,” says Chef Joseph.

This chef knows what it takes to make it in the culinary world. Before joining the Art Institute of California, Chef Joseph served as chef at a five-star and five-diamond hotel, the Fairmount Scottsdale Princess Resort, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

He was also the regional executive chef for the popular Romano’s Macaroni Grill chain, and as executive chef at several other fine dining restaurants in both San Diego and Scottsdale. Chef Joseph was also a regular on many local cooking television shows and is the author of a new cookbook due this spring. He is a graduate of the Scottsdale Institute’s Le Cordon Bleu.

By partnering with Lorenzi’s magazines, Chef Joseph’s students gain hands-on experience with this little-known aspect of the culinary field. “When I met with Brenda and we tossed around the idea of our program taking over her magazines’ test kitchen, I was thrilled. It sounded mutually adventurous.”

The partnership is mutually beneficial, too. The publications gains new, well-tested recipes, the students get real-world preparation and cooking experience, readers are treated to the newest and most savory recipes and the university gathers nationwide exposure. Everyone wins.

The cooking takes place at the Art Institute’s a la carte kitchen, the university’s most elaborate culinary facility. “When they came to see our operation,” Chef Joseph says, “they were astonished with the facility and equipment. We have more than everything we’d need to do the kind of testing Brenda and her readers expect.”

The magazines send the new recipes to Chef Joseph every month. He reviews them with the students and makes a plan. What makes each recipe unique? What ingredients are needed? What equipment is required? How long will each element take? Which student does what? What ingredients do we have on hand?

“We make a shopping list for Brenda, and she picks up what we need. Then we get to work.”

Chef Joseph guides the two dozen or more students for approximately two nine-hour days, staying with them at every step as they create 18 to 20 dishes on day one and another seven to eight on day two.

Healthy Cooking and Tastes of Italia sends a photographer who specializes in taking photos of food to document each step along with the final creations, and their own chef is on hand to take notes for the resulting articles.

One tricky aspect of all this is the advance timing required by publications that must plan each issue, sell ads and get them delivered or created, design page layouts, photograph covers, print and distribute those 150,000 copies.

“We have to work at least a year ahead,” Brenda Lorenzi says. “In the spring we’re thinking Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.” Finding fresh cranberries and turkeys in May can be a bit of a challenge, she adds.

And when it’s all over? “We have a feast,” the chef says. “The proof is in the eating.”

Healthy Cooking and Tastes of Italia are available at newsstands or by subscription at healthycookingmagazine.com or tastesofitalia.com. For more information on The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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Photo Caption:Chef Eyad Joseph, the Culinary Arts director, who founded the Culinary Arts program at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire presents a pasta dish for photography.

ART STUDENTS GIVE HIGH SCHOOL LOGO NEW LOOK

Graphic Design Students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire Give San Andreas High School Logo a New Look

(SAN BERNADINO, Calif.) Two Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (http://www.aii.edu/inlandempire) students redesigned the logo for San Andreas High School, an alternative high school in Highland. The students, Dante Guiab of Moreno Valley and Jesus Flores-Rodriguez of Fontana, each won a $200 prize.

“I am proud that our students were rewarded for their work,” says Byron Chung, president of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “Although we are a school, we play an active role in the community, whenever we have an opportunity. We often assign our students classwork which has them working with local non-profit agencies. It’s a win-win situation. The non-profit agencies get a great graphic project, like a logo or a brochure, and our students get to work on projects that can help build their portfolios for future employment. The Art Institute shows students you can make a living following your passion.”

Susan Ward, art teacher at San Andreas High School, says she decided to approach the college about the logo redesign project after an Art Institute instructor did a presentation at the school.

“One of the design instructors assigned the project to her class,” Ward explains. “They took on the task of redesigning our logo. We are changing from the Lions to the Quakes.”

The assignment took Art Institute instructor Robin Lindblom’s class about eight weeks to complete, Ward adds.

San Andreas students liked two designs so much they decided to choose elements from both designs to incorporate into their new logo. “They liked the lettering from one design, and they liked the character from the other,” Ward says.

According to Ward, she was impressed that many of The Art Institute students were more motivated by the spirit of volunteerism than the cash prize.

“It was not about the money, but more about the design experience and helping the community,” Ward says. “Dante said the project was extra special for him because his wife attended an alternative high school.”

Lindblom, who teaches concept design, says working on the project provided her students with a glimpse of what it is like to actually work on a real-life design job. “It was a good way of giving them the experience of working with a client. They had to learn how to take suggestions and make multiple revisions.”

For more information about The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, call (909) 915-2100 or visit www.aii.edu/inlandempire. The school is at 630 E. Brier Drive in San Bernardino.

###

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of 36 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Media Contact:

Carl Dameron

Agency Director

(909) 534-9500

Carl@DameronCommunications.com

OR

Mark Toth

Public Relations Specialist

(412) 995-7263

mtoth@edmc.edu

RAINBOW CELEBRATES 12th ANNIVERSARY

(FONTANA, Calif.) Rainbow Community Praise Center International of Fontana combines its anniversary with recognition of its membership October 12 and 13 with its 12th Anniversary and Apostle Appreciation Celebration.

Says Founder and Director Dr. D.C. Thomas, “We want to reconnect all those who have been involved with the church and instrumental in its development this past dozen years. And we want to let the public know,” he adds, “that we are a community church. As much as we are a part of the community, we want the community to become a part of our church that weekend.”

The theme for the celebration is “Exceeding in abundance,” from Ephesians, Chapter
3, Verse 20. The exciting event will be at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center’s Celebration Hall, 12505 Cultural Center Drive in Rancho Cucamonga.

Leading off the elaborate weekend is:
Youth Explosion – Friday, October 12 at 7 p.m.
Karen Wiggins will open the evening with a praise and worship participation. “Hers is a very anointed praise and worship service,” Thomas says. “The best I have ever heard.”

The guest speaker Friday will be Pastor Marc Raphel of the High Desert Seventh-day Adventist church in Victorville. Bringing praise-filled entertainment to the evening will be Another Peace Music Ministry, consisting of college and university students from all over the Inland Empire.

Sabbath School– Saturday, October 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Open Praise and Worship is the heart of the Sabbath School that Saturday with recording artist Sonya Griffin-Lemon. Additionally, there will be a special message from Dr. Jerome Crichton, Senior Pastor at Every Word Ministries in Antioch, California.

Worship Service – Saturday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m.
The Abundant Living Praise Team joins in the festivities that morning along with the Greater Los Angels Cathedral Choir. Guest speaker will be Dr. La’Chelle Woodert, the famous Los Angeles area civil rights defense attorney. “She is a powerful woman of God with a prophetic anointing,” Thomas explains. “She ministers healing and deliverance throughout the country.”

Sensational ‘60s Party – Saturday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.
The weekend is capped off by comedian Ron G, the second-place winner of Bill Bellamy’s “Who Got Jokes” television show. This extremely talented and youthful comedian from Atlanta, Georgia is unique in the business – he tells clean jokes.

Along with enjoying Ron G and other entertainers Saturday evening, you can share a gourmet Italian dinner and dancing, plus karaoke and Name That Tune contests.

Tickets are required for the Sensational ‘60s party at $12 for adults and $7 for children, and are available by going online to rainbowcommunity.org, or calling Rainbow at (909) 972-9467. Call, also, for the weekend’s details or stop by the Rainbow Community Praise Center International at 15854 Sierra Lakes Parkway in Fontana.

“We’re celebrating our first dozen years,” Dr. Thomas says, “and paying tribute to all those who have made it possible. Come and join us; you’ll have an unforgettable time.”

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ART INSTITUTE LENDS ITS EXPERTISE TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (http://www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire/) isn’t just an academic island. It’s a vital part of the local community, and one of its goal is to help the Inland Empire’s many nonprofit organizations whenever possible. That’s where the university’s Summer Studios program comes into play. The Summer Studios are four-day workshops for high school juniors and seniors assisted by the university’s teachers.

“The idea behind the Summer Studios program,” says President Byron Chung, “is two-fold: On the one hand, it lets our students and high school participants explore the real world of fields that interest them. And on the other, the Art Institute works with the area’s non-profit groups that can use the help.”

Take, for instance, San Bernardino’s Boys & Girls Club. The 40-year-old group, part of the 100-year-old national organization, has 2,000 young people it helps in its three area facilities. Clifford Hackney, the chief professional officer of the San Bernardino club, says their objective is to “enhance their quality of life.” He says, “Kids now have a safe place to do their homework, and there’s adult supervision for all activities. This is a one-stop shop for these kids. We offer them what will deter them from the negative element.”

However, Mark Davis, the executive director of the San Bernardino club says, “Our brochures and web site have never looked professional. There’s never been a cohesive appearance to any of it. So, when the Art Institute contacted us to help, we leaped at it.”

From June 26-29, the university will coordinate about 20 students, high schoolers and institute members, to improve the club’s printed materials, web site and even improve the meal offerings.

Santosh Oommen, the academic director of the university’s Media Arts & Animation department, heads the brochure and web program for the club. “While assisting with the Boys & Girls Club material, we’re also introducing kids to what real-life work is like. They don’t just sit in a classroom all day, but are actually ‘on the job,’ creating, developing and administering what this nonprofit needs,” Oommen says.

From the 125 students in all his programs, Oommen has a select handful who will be designing a new club brochure and other printed material to present the myriad facets of the club’s services. No easy task, but, he adds, “The high school students who have enrolled in the Summer Studios will be working with our top institute students to pull it off.”

“Our web site,” Davis said, “has always been a hodgepodge. It’s been worked on here and there, but it’s hard to manipulate, update and use. The Art Institute will solve that problem perfectly. The site and materials have never looked professional or standardized in any way.”

“The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire boasts one of the finest and most complete Culinary Arts departments in the state”, says Chef Eyad Joseph, the program’s director. He has about 30 culinary students garnering real-world experience for careers as sous chefs, baking and pastry chefs, corporate chefs, cruise chefs, restaurant chefs and more.

For the rest of the year, the Culinary Arts Department plans to create new lunch menus for about 125 children who daily attend the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino’s main facility (1180 W. 9th Street).

The Art Institute’s Summer Studios program has been in operation for more than five years throughout the university’s 34 campuses across North America. Currently in its second year, the San Bernardino campus’ Summer Studios program brings the school’s full potential and experience to numerous Inland Empire non-profit organizations. “We want to help the community whenever and wherever we can,” Chung says. And so they do.

For more information about The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, call at (909) 915-2100.

For more information about the San Bernardino Boys & Girls Club, Call Mark Davis at (909) 888-6751.

                                                                        ###

Photo Caption:  Left to Right; Jerold Faust, Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Monica Jeffs, Director of Admission, The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire and Mark Davis Executive Director of the boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino and Rialto. 

STATE TOXIC SUBSTANCE CONTROL DEPUTY HEADS SOLUTIONS PANEL

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Leonard Robinson, Chief Deputy Director for the California Department of Toxic Substance Control, (http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/) will lead a panel discussion on the California Take It Back! Partnership, Monday, Oct. 8 from 2-3 p.m at the Hazardous Materials Management Association’s Annual Conference. The conference is in San Diego at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego

The California Take It Back! Partnership is a consortium of state and local government, retail stores, businesses, academia, non-profit organizations and energy utilities that are providing, or making provisions for, California residents to properly recycle their used fluorescent lights, used alkaline batteries and used electronics at locations that are free, local and convenient.

Robinson says, "The residents of California take pride in their environment. It is important for government and business to team up and provide locations for Californians to properly manage their used fluorescent lights, alkaline batteries and electronics at locations where they live, work, shop play or go to school.

“These items, if improperly managed, can pollute drinking water and soil as well as negatively impact public health."

Representatives from Wal-Mart, Pacific Gas and Electric and a local agency will participate on the panel with Robinson.

Robinson is available as a keynote speaker or topic speaker on e-waste and issues regarding Toxic Substance Control. For more information call Kim Smith at (916) 322-2198 or e-mail kim.smith@dtsc.ca.gov.

Leonard E. Robinson was appointed to the position of Chief Deputy Director for the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in September of 2004. He has over thirty (30) years experience in the environmental management.

Currently serving as DTSC’s Chief Deputy Director, Mr. Robinson oversees the day-to-day operations of the Office of Legal Affairs; Hazardous Waste Management and Statewide Compliance Program; Site Mitigation and Brownfields Reuse Program; External Affairs; Legislative Affairs; and the Science, Pollution Prevention and Technology Program. DTSC‘s mission is to protect public health and the environment. Mr. Robinson is spearheading the “California Take It Back! Partnership”. This Partnership is a consortium of State and Local Government, retail stores, non-profit agencies and utilities that provide free local and convenient locations for California consumers to recycle their universal wastes. Robinson has been a featured speaker at several functions and conferences including the California Waste Association (CWA), Air & Waste Management Association, California Certified Unified Program Agencies (Cal-CUPA), Steel Manufacturers Association, Law Seminars International, Environmental Industry Summit and the Product Stewardship Council.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Robinson was the Environmental/Safety Manager at TAMCO Steel. Located in Rancho Cucamonga, it is California’s only steel mill. While at TAMCO Steel, Mr. Robinson started a program that recycled used oil filters into steel reinforcing bar (rebar) for use in the construction industry. Another recycling program started by him was named “Project Isaiah,” a program where firearms delivered by Southern California law enforcement agencies were melted and also recycled into rebar.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Robinson also taught leadership and executive management classes. He was a daily radio talk show host on KTIE 590 AM, a lecturer and a motivational speaker. He has authored two books: “PositivitY” and “Getting Back To Abnormal” that are waiting to be published. Mr. Robinson served as Principal of UC Riverside’s Saturday Academy, which was a program that placed low income children on track for college.

Mr. Robinson’s past Board and Committee activities included:

• Board Member - Scholarship, Opportunities, Achievement and Responsibility (S.O.A.R.)
• Board Member - California Waste Association (CWA)
• Board Member - Public Broadcast Station WETA Advisory
• Board Member – Keep California Beautiful
• Chair - Steel Manufacturers Association Environment Committee
• Member - National Environmental Justice Advisory Council
• Chair - Moreno Valley Ecological Protection Committee
• Adjunct Instructor - Environmental Technology at Chaffey Community College
• Member – Governor’s Emergency Operation Executive Committee
• Member - "Leadership for the Government Executive " Advisory Committee

DIVERSITY JOB FAIR BRINGS BUSINESS TO THE PEOPLE

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair gets underway Sept. 5 in San Bernardino, bringing together more than a dozen major area businesses that want to meet minorities, looking for the best Inland Empire employees.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Bernardino Boys & Girls Club, 1180 West 9th St., company representatives will be at tables, waiting to meet serious potential workers looking for local openings instead of having to dread that miserable daily commute to Los Angeles or Orange County.

Companies such as Lowe’s, The University of Phoenix and Patton State Hospital will be on hand to meet and greet hundreds of potential employees. They’ll personally discuss their firms’ needs, what they look for in staff members and review attendees’ backgrounds and resumes.

The Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair is the perfect place for those needing jobs to let companies know why they’d fit in and how they could contribute their skills and experience.

Attendees are urged to dress the part and bring detailed, updated resumes to hand out to those firms that interest them.

Job Fair sponsors supporting the effort include the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, KOLA radio 99.9, The NAUA, 909models.com, Hispanic Connect, The Black Voice News, The Precinct Reporter, El Chicano and Dameron Communications.

BIOS

Carl Dameron
Agency Principal

• Carl is the founder and owner of Dameron Communications a full service advertising and public relations agency. The company’s former and current clients include: Argosy University/ Inland Empire, Argosy University/Orange County, Education Management Corporation, California Portland Cement Company, LaSalle Medical Associates, The African American Health Initiative, The Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job Fair, Jose Gonzales for Supervisor, Bill Beatty for Moreno Valley City Councilman, the County of San Bernardino, the County of Riverside, the City of Colton, the City of San Bernardino, the State of California, The Salvation Army, 909Models.com, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and Tri-County South Tobacco Free Coalition.

• Carl’s experience include: editor of a weekly newspaper the Black Voice News, marketing director for KFRG/KOOJ radio, vice president of Communications for Dukes-Dukes & Associates, a real estate developer, marketing director for AutoSound an electronics retailer and as a media relations executive for the nations leading financial relations firm, the Financial Relations Board.

• Carl is a resident of San Bernardino and is active in several local community organizations such as Miracles in Recovery, an organization that helps pregnant women with substance abuse problem, get their lives back together and give birth to healthy babies, The Salvation Army, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and the Victor Valley African America Chamber of Commerce.

• Carl graduated from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona in 1985. He studied electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, psychology, computer science, economics, oceanography, public relations, radio, journalism, television and print production graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Communications.


Jim Crockett
Senior Writer

• Jim has worked in advertising, public relations and journalism since 1958. He has written thousands of articles, five books and is currently working on a screenplay about the first female jazz band.
• Jim has written for The Livermore Independent, The Caymainan Compass Daily and The Antelope Valley Press Daily. He was also CEO of GPI publications for 19 years where he oversaw Guitar Player magazine.
• Jim has taught broadcasting and public speaking at the University of Idaho and International College of The Cayman Islands.
• An accomplished auto racer and scuba diver, Jim has also appeared on The Today Show, The Merv Griffin Show, Nashville Now, MTV, CBS Tonight and CNN.
• He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from the University of Stockton.


Thomas Salisbury
Art Director
• Thomas has 25 years experience as an art director and artist. Previously, he was the senior art director for Pacific Coast Sportfishing, a national full-color monthly magazine focusing on sport fishing on the West Coast, including Alaska and Mexico.
• He has also worked for The San Bernardino Sun, The Long Beach Press-Telegram and Donrey Outdoor Media of Las Vegas. At The Sun Thomas’ used his creative talents on major accounts including San Manuel Indian Casino in Highland, and the former Harris Department Store.
• Thomas prides himself in providing creative work that emphasizes branding and effectively reaches the client’s customer and encourages them to buy products or services.
• Thomas has a degree in fine art from Saddelback College and also studied art at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and California State University, Long Beach.


Carlos Trujilo
Graphic Artist/Web Programmer
Carlos grew up in Colton and is a graduate Cal State University, San Bernardino. He also has a master’s degree from the University of Redlands. Carlos has more than seven years experience in web development, programming and graphic design. Previously employed by Imageway Digital Media, Carlos lives in San Bernardino.


Ebony Stewart
Executive Assistant
Ebony grew up in Fontana and Alta Loma and is a graduate of Valley View High School in Ontario, Calif. She also attended Chaffey College. She has previously worked in the real estate and mortgage business. Before joining Dameron Communications she worked at United Title Co. in Riverside. She currently resides in San Bernardino.