Big Wood Bringing Down The Ice House

Rancho Cucamonga comedian Big Wood performs Tuesday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 23 at the Ice House Comedy Club in Pasadena.

(PASADENA, Calif.)  Inland Empire resident Big Wood, who is known as one of the hottest up-and-coming comedians, will perform in two shows at Pasadena’s historic Ice House Comedy Club.

 

It hosts Big Wood Tuesday, June 9 and again Tuesday, June 23. He plans to perform there regularly. Both shows start at 8 p.m., but Big Wood urges people to come early for good seats.

 

Ice House regular Bobbie Oliver, who hosts both shows, bills the June 9 show as “the hottest up-and-coming Los Angeles area comedians.” At the June 23 show, Big Wood will entertain with several celebrity comedians, including a star of the film “Cool Runnings,” in a show called “Too Hip For the Room.”

 

“This is an opportunity for my friends, family and followers in the area, the Inland Empire and Los Angeles to get out and see me perform,” said Big Wood, who lives in Rancho Cucamonga. “And they will enjoy the show.”

 

Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 on his website, www.bigwoodentertainment.com

 

The Ice House opened in 1960. It calls itself “America’s oldest stand-up comedy club” and has hosted top names such as Steve Martin, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon and Jeff Foxworth.

 

“Bob Hope was here. Everyone who is famous in comedy has performed at The Ice House,” Big Wood said.  “ I am stoked that I can call The Ice House my home now.”

 

Big Wood has performed in many southern California venues, but notes the Ice House Comedy Club, is known for hosting some of America’s funniest comedians, This will give him more exposure in southern California and elsewhere.

 

Also, he will release his first solo comedy album, “Nothing But the Truth,” on Aug. 22. It will be available at Best Buy, VIP Records in Long Beach and through his website, www.bigwoodentertainment.com.

 

Winston Woodard , A.K.A. Big Wood, was raised in the small country town of Forrest City, Ark., with one police car and no fire department.  He moved to Pomona, Calif. at the age of 9 and graduated from Pomona High School in 1985.  He went on to play football at Citrus College and Phoenix City College in Arizona.  In his spare time he was hanging out in the comedy clubs.  “Where ever there was a comedy club, I was there!” says Big Wood.

 

Growing up he liked all the attention, always entertaining people by making them laugh.  He was the funny member of the family and good storyteller.  If someone was sick or there was a death in the family, his company was requested to bring laughter to the situation.

 

He tried to be just like his grandfather, Joe Diesel 

 

“Although my grandfather had only a second grade education he was a hardworking man,” Big Wood said. “ He had to provide for his family, if he could have gone further with his education he would have, but he did what was best to provide for his family. He bought joy and laughter to our family. He was a funny man. He encouraged me to go as far as i can with my education because the door is open for me to be whatever i want to be and that's why I am the way I am today. Mr. Funnybone himself.”

 

Big Wood was often known as the “jokester.”  He knew he wanted to be a comedian since the sixth grade.  “I knew I was funny, I had no idea I would end up a professional comedian. If you were to ask any of his friends they would say, “this guy is funny!”  He often thought to himself, “Why is everyone so quiet?  Lets have some laughter while were working.”

 

He severed in the military for three years as a Gunner on the M1 Abram Tank from 1987-1990.  He also brought laughter to the service but it was too serious for him at times.  He was given an honorable discharge.

 

Big Woods other occupation is truck driving.  He has been in the truck driving business since 1991.  When he’s not making people laugh he is on the road thinking of new material for his sets.  He has a 14-year-old son, a 17-year-old daughter and wife of 17 years.  Big Wood is a true well-rounded family man with an ambitious future in comedy.

 

“No matter how old you may be, you have a passion, you have a dream, and timing is everything.  Live out your passion and dream,” says Big Wood.  “I am doing my part at this tough time and that’s making people laugh and smile.”

 

To find out more information on Big Wood and his appearances you can visit his website at www.bigwoodentertainment.com.

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MEET SAN BERNARDINO CITY SUPERINTENDENT DR. ARTURO DELGADO

Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District and a candidate for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, will meet with Black business and community leaders Thursday, July 30.

(San Bernardino, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent of San Bernardino City Unified School District.

The event is Thursday, July 30 at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Delgado is a candidate for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools running against incumbent Dr. Gary Thomas. The chamber will have a reception for Dr. Thomas on July 16.

The reception provides Delgado with an opportunity to tell Black community leaders in the Inland Empire how he plans to serve San Bernardino County’s children.

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

Regarded by Hispanic Heritage Magazine as Educator of the Year, and one of the 50 most influential Latinos in the Inland Empire, Dr. Delgado accepted the Superintendent position in 1999. He obtained a Master’s degree in Education Administration and a Doctorate in Education Management.

Dr. Delgado also serves as Vice President of the Association of California Urban School Districts, and is a member of several public school boards. As an active community leader, Dr. Delgado is a member of the Kiwanis Club, Arrowhead United Way, and “Y’s Guy,” a fundraiser for YWCA of San Bernardino.

The reception is free and refreshments are included. The event 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 promote the economic and professional development of African American-owned businesses, thus enhancing the quality of life in our community.

Meet New Riverside County Sheriff Stanley Sniff

Riverside County Sheriff Stanley Sniff will meet with Black business and community leaders when the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce sponsors an opportunity to meet him on Thursday, June 25.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) -On Thursday, June 25^th, The IE African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for Riverside County Sheriff, Stanley Sniff. The event, held at the home of Jalani Bakari and Dr. Angela Martin, at 2465 Mary Street, in the city of Riverside, begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.

Government officials, business leaders and members of the community are welcome to attend.

“A priority of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce is to foster relationships between Black business leaders and their elected officials,” said Carl Dameron, Chamber president. “Sheriff Sniff can help the Riverside County businesses in his area of expertise, law enforcement, and it’s important for these business owners to know him and what resources he can offer them.”

Sheriff Sniff was appointed as Riverside County Sheriff in 2007, and is the third sheriff to serve as Coroner-Public Administrator. With over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, Sniff began his career at the Coachella Police Department in 1975.

In 1979, Sniff transferred to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, where he held various patrol assignments in areas such as Riverside, and The San Gorgonio Pass. As an Assistant Sheriff, Sniff oversaw all county court, jail, and patrol operations. In conjunction with working in law enforcement, Sniff was a colonel in the Army Reserve.

The reception is free and will include refreshments. The event sponsors include Auditor-Controller Robert Byrd, Dameron Communications, and The Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact Eddie Catoe or Brenda Erickson at 909-888-0017.

About The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

The Inland Empire's African American Chamber of Commerce's mission is to promote the economic and professional development of African American- owned businesses.

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Students Learn How To Produce A Fashion Show

Before a model takes the runway in a fashion show, much work is done behind the scenes. One of the last steps is making sure the model’s hair is beautiful, which an Art Institute of California – Inland Empire student does in a previous fashion show. Models take to the runway again when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire fashion programs host Mood Indigo at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga on Saturday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) In every fashion show, the public sees beautiful models marching down a runway in trendy new clothes. But the models are simply the “finale.” Executing a successful fashion show takes months of planning and the work of a team of people behind the scene.

For Mood Indigo, a fashion show coming to the Inland Empire on Saturday, June 6 the driving force is Q.Zi Media, a professional fashion show production company owned by Quyenzi Pham.

Q.Zi Media is relying on the help of its beneficiary, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. That’s because while Mood Indigo is as much about beautiful fashions as any other show, it also serves as a training ground for men and women who are learning more about the fashion industry through bachelor’s degree programs offered by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

The two programs are Fashion & Retail Marketing, which began in March 2008 and Fashion Design, which began two months later. Since most students still have less than one years’ experience in the three-year programs, most of them are taking on more of an observer role in this fashion show.

“We have about 70 students in the two programs,” said Sherry West, academic director for fashion at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “They’re watching how a professional fashion show is put together, so they can learn from the experience.”

Some Fashion Design students will have the ultimate experience of seeing their work modeled on the runway at Mood Indigo. Another group will have their work on display in a fashion gallery before and during the show. And yet another group of students, these in the Fashion & Retail Marketing program, are creating the display gallery.

Since Mood Indigo also serves to build public awareness of the two fashion programs, still other students serve as a “Hospitality Committee.” They will greet and help seat all guests, and give potential students a gift bag that includes more information about The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

VIP guests, such as elected officials, members of the media and fashion industry professionals, will also receive special hospitality. Besides receiving gift bags, the students will escort the guests to a special “hospitality suite” where they can enjoy refreshments and meet with members of the Q.Zi Media team, as well as faculty and staff from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

As the students progress in their education, it is likely they will have even greater involvement in future fashion shows.

“We're inviting all of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire Fashion students to attend to experience the event this year,” she said. “They will have the opportunity to participate further in the next one.”

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 <http://www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire> .

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

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Denim Like You've Never Seen Before

Sunset by LaTasha Wilson, a Fashion Design student at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, will be on display along with the works of other students during Mood Indigo, which is coming to the Inland Empire on Saturday, June 6. Photo by Shane Sato

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) It’s all about denim when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire hosts “Mood Indigo” its first major fashion show.

Mood Indigo takes place Saturday, June 6 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga. There is no admission charge.

Seven student designers from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will have their work included in the show.

“The fact that the fashion programs are barely one year old has not stopped the eager students from wanting to showcase their talent,” said Emam El-Hout, president of The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. “It has been an amazing journey for students and faculty alike.”

The students’ designs are made of denim, and show that it’s way more versatile than for making blue jeans.

“Denim is the focus of this fashion show,” said Sherry West, academic director for fashion at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “I wanted something that would be easy for our first-year students to work with, yet would be fun. Everyone loves denim!”

Seven students’ work will be worn by the professional models in the fashion show. These fashion designs are:

• Denim goes 3-D with “Bubble Couture” by Isidore “Baltazar, a sculpted dress with “red-hot” accents.

• Adriana Diaz has created “Vueltas de Amor,” which translates to “Twisted Love.” This dress features a colorful cascade of denim ruffles.

• Jennifer Hernandez has created “Ode to Holland.” Hand-painted angel wings adorn the back of this hooded denim jumper, a tribute to her best friend, Holland.

• Denim takes a militant look with Erica Jennings’ “Militant Tux,” a military-inspired creation.

• Rock on with Michele Sotelo’s “Superstar!” This black and pink design is inspired by rock music and its own unique fashions.

• “Midnknight Samurai,” created by Joseph Yoshimura, gives a new twist on denim with a Japanese-inspired dress.

• Sara Vigil’s “Mademoiselle Coco” pays tribute to Coco Chanel, one of the most well-known professional designers. Full black denim trousers accompany a silky white crop top.

Other students have also created work that will be on display in a specially-designed gallery before and during the fashion show. These students are Heather Branham’s “Tinkerbell Galactica,” Dawn Harley’s “Go Go Green,” Christal McPhan’s “24 Karats,” Ashley Stanfield’s “Denim Elegrance,” LaTasha Wilson’s “Sunset” and Joseph Yoshimura’s “Wandering Nite.”

Students in The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Fashion & Retail Marketing program will create a gallery for this display.

Corporate sponsor Miss Me Jeans will bring a cache of jeans, ranging from basic styles to its most highly embellished.

Corporate sponsor Bebe will bring its take on contemporary elegance, with some of the latest fashions in its lines, and corporate sponsor Soulful Commando will bring trendy fashions for men.

Students in both Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Marketing are making behind the scenes preparations as well. Although this show relies mainly on the work of producer Quyenzi Pham and her staff. students are helping by creating gift bags for VIP guests and potential students, and seating all guests before the show.

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 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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AMERICAN HERITAGE UNIVERSITY SETS GRADUATION

A year ago, American Heritage University of Southern California held a grand opening on the back portico of 255 D Street to celebrate its move to the current larger location. Before moving, AHU had established a successful online program of university education. It will award doctorate and bachelor’s degrees to some of its online students on Saturday, June 6 at this same location. AHU will also present honorary doctorate degrees to Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua, the First Lady of Nigeria and Chief Alao Bayo Akala, the governor of Oyo State in Nigeria. Photo by Chris Sloan

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) American Heritage University of Southern California will hold its 2009 graduation 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6 at 255 N. D Street, San Bernardino.

Hajia Turai Yar’ Adua, the First Lady of Nigeria, will receive an honorary doctorate degree from American Heritage University of Southern California. Baba Gana Wakil, the Nigerian ambassador to the United States at its Washington, D.C Embassy will accept on her behalf.
 

Also receiving an honorary doctorate degree, is Chief Alao Bayo Akala, Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria.
 
“American Heritage University of Southern California wishes to recognize the contributions our honorary doctorate recipients have made to the betterment of their countries and their people,” said AHU President Dr. Tony Ogiamien, who is a native of Nigeria. “We have a relationship with those countries through the students attending our university, and we appreciate the work these officials have done to provide these students a highly favorable future.”
 
The graduation honors students from the United States, Nigeria and Malaysia who have completed requirements for one of the degrees offered by AHU. These students will be receiving Doctor of Juris Prudence (law) and both bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in business administration.
 
Prior to 2008, American Heritage University of Southern California offered its degrees through online instruction only, which is how these graduates obtained their education.
 
Last year, it moved to a new location at 255 N. D Street, and began offering in-class instruction as well. This year, to expand that program, it offered full scholarships to seven Inland Empire residents.
 
 American Heritage University offers bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Law, Public Policy, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Media Studies, and Criminal Justice.”
 
Undergraduate degree programs at AHU are designed to allow students to proceed at their own pace. In the case of the popular Doctor of Jurisprudence program offered online by the School of Law, the California Bar requires four years of continuous study.
 
The School of Law also offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law, with courses covering such subjects as contracts, criminal law, criminal procedure, legal writing, torts, Constitutional law, civil procedure and real property law.
 
For both online and in-class students, electronic communication is important. Students can discuss assignments on a message board, or address instructors by email and will be answered within 24 hours. Students living in the San Bernardino area can join study groups that meet at the college or in online forums.
 
A weekly Grade Book is posted as well, and students can access not only their test grades, but can also review any errors while studying the correct answers. Online students are graded based on test results, quality of work and their demonstration of knowledge through the assignments.
 
“We pride ourselves in providing adult students with the in-depth courses they need to complete their university education,” notes Ogiamien. “Our online program even permits them to do their work at any time from anywhere there’s a computer with Internet access. And in the classroom we have instructors who have reached the highest academic levels of their professions.”
 
American Heritage University has been granted full approval to operate by the California State Bureau for Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
 
For more information, call (909) 884-9000.

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