San Bernardino On Its Way to 200

Mayor Patrick Morris leads singing "Happy Birthday To Us" over a cake The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire created in celebration of San Bernardino's 199th birthday on May 20, 2009. Photo by Yeekong Yang.

San Bernardino High School cheerleaders put a crowd into the party spirit at San Bernardino's 199th Birthday celebration on May 20, 2009.  Photo by Yeekong Yang.

Aquinas High School students, members of the Bicentennial Youth Committee, are excited about plans for the revitalization of downtown San Bernardino. Some of these may take place before San Bernardino reaches its third century on May 20, 2010. Photo by Yeekong Yang.

(SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.) “San Bernardino, you’re on your way!”

 

Long-time residents of San Bernardino, including Rabbi Hillel Cohn, remember a City Hall receptionist who used to send callers to the right department with the sendoff “you’re on your way.” Wednesday, May 20 Rabbi Cohn, San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris, the San Bernardino High School cheerleaders and about 200 others, including dignitaries from state and local government, sent the city on its way to its third century.

 

Wednesday’s event, a 199^th birthday party for the city, complete with a gourmet cake and cookies from The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, was the preliminary event to a Bicentennial Celebration lasting until July 4, 2010. Rabbi Cohn, as chairman of the City of San Bernardino’s Bicentennial Celebration committee, outlined some of the coming plans for San Bernardino’s 200^th year and beyond.

 

“It’s a great day in San Bernardino,” Rabbi Cohn said, quoting another phrase many city officials have used before. ”But today is just the beginning. We have some fantastic plans for the year to come. We will celebrate in neighborhoods, on the streets, in public venues, through the airwaves and on the Internet.”

 

“As one of California’s oldest communities, San Bernardino has played an important role in the history of our state,” said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a letter read by his Inland Empire District Director Larry Grable. “I commend all the men and women – past and present – who have made your city the fantastic place it is today and applaud those who carry on a legacy of hard work and accomplishment.”

 

San Bernardino will start its Bicentennial Celebration in 2010 with the Bicentennial Celebration’s logo and motto “San Bernardino 1810 – 2010: A Rich History. A Bright Future.”

 

In April 2010, the City will hold neighborhood beautification events all over the city, including the planting of 200 trees.

 

In May 2010, celebratory events take place throughout the month.

·      Saturday, May 1, the San Bernardino Symphony will pay tribute to the city and to the Community Hospital of San Bernardino, which will be celebrating its centennial.

·      Saturday, May 15, a countdown week of celebration begins with a gala at the National Orange Show.

·       Sunday, May 16 is a Bicentennial Mayor’s Run and a Festival of Faiths at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

·      Saturday, May 22 is a Bicentennial Parade on E Street focusing on the city’s history from its start in 1810 to the future.

 

For the finale, the Bicentennial Celebration will conclude with a fireworks show and extravaganza on July 4, 2010 at the Inland Empire 66ers Stadium in Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

 

Students from Aquinas High School have formed a Youth Bicentennial Committee, which is planning even more events.

 

“We have some great plans for our short term future,” said Mayor Morris. “But our long term future is the young people who are here with us today. They and those who come after them will continue to make San Bernardino a great place to be for the next 100 years.”

 

For more information, call Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337.

 

Brinker serves along with Rabbi Cohn on the Bicentennial Committee, and is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Committee members are Art Guerrero (chair of Neighborhood Beautification committee) Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee) and Martha Pinkney (chair of the Gala committee.)

 

These members were appointed by the mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council. Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Trudy Freidel (Festival of Faiths), Dr. William Coleman (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).

 

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IE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER HOSTS RECEPTION FOR SUPERVISOR NEIL DERRY

San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry will meet with Black leaders when the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for him on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

(San Bernardino, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Black leaders to meet with San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry at the Castaway Restaurant on Thursday, June 4 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

“The chamber is happy to sponsor this reception for the new supervisor.  We believe it is very important for Black business and community leaders to meet with prominent decision makers in the Inland Empire to form positive, long-term relationships,” said Carl Dameron, president of The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.

Derry was elected as Third District Supervisor on June 3, 2008 beating Dennis Hansberger who held the seat for 20 years.  He was sworn into office on December 1, 2008.

Derry is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. His political experience includes serving two terms on the San Bernardino City Council. He also served as City Planning Commissioner, and was special assistant to the San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Derry received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at California State University, San Bernardino. He currently serves as an executive board member for the Inland Empire Council of The Boy Scouts of America.

He is also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the San Bernardino Rotary.

The reception is co-sponsored by Dameron Communications, Castaway Restaurant, Arrowhead Credit Union, and The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

For more information, or to RSVP, please call Eddie L. Catoe or Brenda Erickson at 909-888-0017.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to advance the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

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 Supervisor Neil Derry Biography

 Supervisor Neil Derry was elected to a four-year term on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on June 3, 2008 and assumed office on December 1, 2008.  Prior to becoming County Supervisor, Neil was elected to two terms on the San Bernardino City Council, representing the city’s Fourth Ward. Additionally, Neil previously served as a City Planning Commissioner.

Supervisor Derry’s private sector experience includes positions as a Regional Manager for Southern California Edison and Account Executive for O’Reilly Public Relations. Neil also served as Special Assistant to the San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

Supervisor Derry served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed in Operation Desert Storm. He is also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Supervisor is an Executive Board Member for the Inland Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and is a longtime member of the San Bernardino Rotary.

Supervisor Derry earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the California State University at San Bernardino. Neil resides in San Bernardino with his wife, Michelle and son, Nathan.

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION KICKS OFF HEALTHY AIR WALK

Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren serves as the honorary chair of the Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk for the American Lung Association in California. On May 28, the American Lung Association will kick off this event with a reception at the Fontana Hilton Garden Inn.

(FONTANA, Calif.) The American Lung Association in California – Inland Empire will begin its largest fundraiser of the year, the Healthy Air Walk, with a kickoff reception Thursday, May 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fontana.

Reservations are required by May 20. Call (909) 884-5864 or email JKuester@alac.org to RSVP.

The Hilton is at 10543 Sierra Ave. The reception takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The reception will give participants information about the Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk, taking place Saturday, Oct. 3 at Fontana Park, 15556 Summit Ave., Fontana. Healthy Air Walks are held throughout California to raise money for programs that reduce air pollution and prevent lung disease.

These goals are crucial to the American Lung Association – Inland Empire, as San Bernardino and Riverside counties are among 38 California counties that received failing grades for air quality.

“I am one of many people living in an area with poor air quality, and I am living with lung disease,” said Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren, the honorary chair of the Inland Empire Healthy Air Walk. “That’s why I support the mission of the American Lung Association to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.”

Warren will discuss her personal reasons for supporting the mission of the American Lung Association during this reception.

She and other members of the Air Walk’s executive committee will present information about how to take part in this year’s Air Walk.

Potential sponsors, corporate leaders, representatives of local businesses considering sponsoring a team and those who will serve as team captains are encouraged to attend the kickoff reception.

To sign up for the Inland Empire Air Walk itself, go to www.healthyairwalk.org (http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=312020) or call (909) 884-5864.

About the American Lung Association: Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy.

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DAMERON COMMUNICATIONS WRITER PRODUCES VIDEO,

(ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.) Jerry McGowan, a freelance writer for Dameron Communications, recently produced a Telly-award winning video for the federal Transportation Security Administration.

The video, titled SAIT HAZMAT Security, promotes training the TSA offers in transporting hazardous materials. It uses the video to encourage people in the transportation industry to obtain this training. It also serves as a refresher course for those who previously obtained the training.

The Telly Awards (http://www.tellyawards.com/ ) honor the best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Since 1978, the mission of the Telly Awards has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity.

“My debut as a video producer will provide valuable information to those employed in the transportation industry,” McGowan said. “since I had so much fun making it, I hope to produce more high-quality videos for clients in the future.”

McGowan produced the video while employed as a project manager for Albuquerque, N.M. company Entereza. Because of his experience as a technical writer, and trainer, he was given the assignment of co-writer and co-executive producer.

The other co-producer and co-writer was Bog Lange of Spirited-USA, an Albuquerque, N.M media production company. A third co-writer was Dr. Angus Reynolds, an internationally known author and instructional technology expert.

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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RECEPTION FOR DR. ARTURO DELGADO POSTPONED

(San Bernardino, Calif.) – A reception the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce planned for Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District has been postponed.

The event was scheduled for Thursday, May 21^st at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 p.m.  A new date for this reception will be announced.

Delgado is a candidate for County Superintendent of Schools running against incumbent Dr. Gary Thomas.  The chamber will have a reception in Dr. Thomas in July. 

For more information, please call Eddie L. Catoe or Brenda Erickson at 909-888-0017.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

 

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Cirque USA to Perform in Inland Empire

Cirque USA will perform at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center on Saturday, June 6 as part of Mood Indigo, The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire's first major fashion show.

(RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.) Cirque USA will dazzle the Inland Empire with a choreographed display of balance and high wire artistry when it performs Saturday, June 6 as part of the Mood Indigo Fashion Show at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

“Cirque USA shows are visually stunning, original and creative,” said Quyenzi Pham, who is producing Mood Indigo on behalf of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “They boldly blend physical and emotional energies to change how the audience views and experiences movement.”

“The cast features world-class dances, top-notch circque performers and world-champion gymnasts, who use trapezes, bungee cords, rings and countless other breathtaking ways to suspend themselves in mid-air,” she said.

Cirque USA, based in several United States cities including Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas, formed 25 years ago. It has performed with John Travolta, Carmen Electra, Kim Kardashian and Kevin Costner. Performances have taken place at an NFL Super Bowl and on the stages of Las Vegas casinos.

“Because this is The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire’s first major fashion show, I wanted to offer a colorful and visually stunning element to Mood Indigo. So I secured Cirque USA’s top performers,” Pham said, adding she had seen performances in Las Vegas. “I wanted to do something unique and powerful that would leave a lasting impression.”

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management.

Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin July 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/), a system of over 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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SAN BERNARDINO PARTIES LIKE IT’S 199

(SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.) San Bernardino is ready to party like it’s 199!

San Bernardino turns 199 on May, 20 2009 and will celebrate with a public birthday party on the steps of City Hall Plaza at 12 noon. There will be a cake created by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, cheerleaders from San Bernardino High School and a kickoff of a year more of celebrating, leading up to the milestone 200th birthday on May 20, 2010.

Tradition has it that Father Francisco Dumetz made his last trip from Mission San Gabriel to the San Bernardino Valley on May 20, 1810 to set up a new community. Padre Dumetz named the area "San Bernardino" after Saint Bernardine of Siena, the patron saint of the day on the Catholic calendar.

“San Bernardino has accomplished many great things in its first two centuries,” said Rabbi Hillel Cohn, chairman of the Bicentennial Committee. “And the 199th birthday is a time to celebrate and begin our focus on what can be an even greater next 100 years.”

As part of the celebration Mayor Patrick Morris plans to present a bicentennial logo with the motto “A Rich History. A Bright Future.” He will then tell about plans for the downtown area of San Bernardino. Renderings and models of these plans will be displayed.

For more information, call Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337.

JOHNSON NAMES LONG-TIME COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER CITIZEN OF MONTH

San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson recently named long-time community volunteer Jo Ann Parker as San Bernardino’s Citizen of the Month for May 2009.

Parker, 72, leads the Pacesetters Drill Team and Drum Squad with her daughter Kelly Graham. Parker has been a leader of this group for most of the last 37 years.

“She has been active in the community for almost four decades,” Johnson said. “She has given her time and talent to invest in young people in this community and now her daughter is doing so too.”

The Pacesetters started in the 1960s as the Franklin Junior High School Rhythm Team, as it was part of that school. The school has since been renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School.

Parker began helping the Pacesetters in 1972, which went on to become part of the All American Drill Team circuit and marched in as many as 32 parades a year throughout southern California.

In 1980, the Pacesetters affiliated with the San Bernardino Boys & Girls Club. It remains a part of this organization, where Johnson is president of the Board of Directors.

The Pacesetters have competed in numerous competitions in California, Arizona, Las Vegas and New Orleans. During the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles they marched every day around the Rose Garden at the Coliseum.

Parker is a long-time friend of Johnson’s family, he noted.

“Her brother-in-law and my father were buddies in elementary school,” he said.

Johnson created the Citizen of the Month program in 2004, after he was first elected to the San Bernardino City Council. Citizen is also an acronym for Concerned Investor of Time/Talent, Involved, Enthusiasm and Neighborly.

Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

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