Meet San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Gary Thomas at a reception hosted by the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 16 at Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hosts a reception for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gary Thomas on Thursday, July 16.
The reception takes place at Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center, 670 Kendall Dr., San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. It will allow Black business and community leaders an opportunity to meet their county superintendent and share their concerns about education with him.
Dr. Thomas took over the position of county superintendent in August, 2008 when Dr. Herbert Fisher retired, and is running for election in 2010. He previously had been the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools deputy superintendent.
The Inland Empire African American Chamber will also host a reception for his opponent, San Bernardino City Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Arturo Delgado, on July 30.
“In the short time I have known Gary Thomas, I have seen that he cares about children and their future success,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “ This will be an opportunity for him to share his vision for San Bernardino County’s children.”
As the former deputy superintendent for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas oversaw all business, human resources and technology services for the County Schools' office serving 33 K-12 districts, three Regional Occupation Programs and five community colleges. He had responsibilities to plan, implement and evaluate the operations of a $380-million budget.
Dr. Thomas' brought forward the county's first balanced budget in more than seven years and has since kept the budget balanced.
Before he became the deputy superintendent position for County Schools, Dr. Thomas was superintendent of Silver Valley Unified School District for almost three years. There Dr. Thomas directed a staff of more than 300 employees.
Under his leadership, the Silver Valley Unified School District increased state test scores substantially. Dr. Thomas also successfully lobbied the federal government to build a new school for students living on the Fort Irwin National Training Center and developed a stronger budget reserve.
Prior to his leadership position in Silver Valley, Dr. Thomas served as superintendent of the Lucerne Valley Unified School District for almost five years. While in Lucerne Valley, Dr. Thomas oversaw the re-alignment of the district's curriculum to match the state standards in the core subject areas; worked with the district to create an alternative education center to provide independent study, adult education, home/hospital and community day school programs; and entered into a partnership with Victor Valley Community College to provide vocational education programs to high school juniors and seniors.
In addition to his two stints as a district superintendent in the High Desert, Dr. Thomas served as principal, director of elementary education, senior director of instructional services, and assistant superintendent of Business Services for the Hesperia Unified School District over a 10-year period. One of his major accomplishments while in the district was turning around a troubled elementary school and bringing back a sense of pride and respect for the school from the parents, staff, and students it served.
Dr. Thomas has served on and chaired numerous advisory committees and task forces in the county and state to improve the education and well being of students.
In 2008, he was awarded the Business Administrator of the Year Award by the Association of California School Administrators.
Dr. Thomas received his undergraduate degree in psychology and teaching credential from California State University, Los Angeles. He earned his master's degree and doctorate from the University of LaVerne. Dr. Thomas has resided in San Bernardino County's High Desert for the past 22 years. He and his wife Beverly have two daughters, one son, one grandson and one granddaughter.
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.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Meet County Superintendent Gary Thomas
Disney Legend To Share Animation Secrets July 1
(San Bernardino, CA) Floyd E. Norman, a pioneer cartoonist and animator who worked with Walt Disney in the early days of animation, will speak at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 1 at the San Bernardino campus. The event is open to the public at no cost.
Santosh Ooomen, Academic Director for Game Art & Animation at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, said, “We are very fortunate to bring such an important artist to our campus. Floyd Norman is truly a legend in comic animation and this is a unique opportunity to share his experience with the community.”
Norman worked on animated features Sleeping Beauty, The Sword and the Stone and Jungle Book in the late 50’s and early 60’s. After Walt Disney’s death in 1966, Norman left Disney Studios to co-found the AfroKids animation studio where he developed the original Hey! Hey! Hey! It’s Fat Albert TV special which aired on NBC in 1969.
He later returned to Disney where he worked on Robin Hood and films Toy Story 2, Monsters, Dinosaur and the Hunchback of Notre Dame for Walt Disney Animation. He has also worked on projects for Pixar and Mulan.
Norman has published several books of cartoons, inspired by his lifetime of experiences in the animation industry, including Faster! Cheaper!, Son of Faster, Cheaper! and How the Grinch Stole Disney.
His is currently a columnist for the websites JimHillMedia.com and AfroKids.com and was named a Disney Legend in 2007. He appeared as a Guest of Honor at Anthrocon 2008 and at Comic-Con International, the annual conference for the comic book industry where he received an Inkpot Award the same year.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is located at 630 E. Brier Drive, San Bernardino, in the Hospitalilty Lane area. For more information, call (909) 915-2185.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degree programs 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 program in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree program in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree program 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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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Swine Flu Panic Wanes, But Virus Is Here To Stay
For just over a month, the LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. clinics were only flu treatment centers to cope with the public’s concern about swine flu. Now, business is back to normal at LaSalle clinics. La Salle President Dr. Alebert Arteaga and his associates focus on providing quality affordable health care, as in this photo where he is overseeing signups for low-cost prescription programs. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, CA) A month ago, many were panicking as a newly-discovered, sometimes deadly strain of influenza, known as “swine flu,” made its way from Mexico to the United States.
To deal with the concerns of its patients, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. temporarily converted its medical clinics to “Flu Treatment and Prevention Centers” and saw more than 300 people a day with flu symptoms. Less than four weeks later, as the spread of this flu strain waned, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. returned to business as normal.
Still, swine flu, officially known as “novel H1N1 influenza A” hasn’t gone away. In May, San Bernardino County recorded its first death from swine flu, also the first death in the state, although the patient had other serious health issues as well.
Medical experts warn there could be many new cases when the flu season returns this fall.
“Because this is a new virus, most people will not have immunity to it, so the illness may become more widespread and severe as a result,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, San Bernardino County Health Officer.
It’s possible to contract swine flu and other types of influenza at any time of year, even in summer. So, LaSalle Medical Associates and the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health work together to educate people about preventing spread of this virus.
“Swine flu is a Type A strain of influenza that can cause body aches, coughs, sore throats, fevers above 100 degrees, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea,” Dr. Arteaga explained. “As with all strains of influenza, there are other potential more serious complications, possibly even death.”
To limit the spread of swine flu, Dr. Arteaga urges anyone with the above symptoms to stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a health care provider, especially if worried about the symptoms.
Everyone should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, wash hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizer, and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Also, healthy people should to the extent possible, avoid contact with those who have flu symptoms and avoid large gatherings.
According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.” LaSalle accepts most insurance, and is also an affordable option for many without health care coverage.
This strain of flu is resistant to flu vaccines that have been developed so far. However, flu vaccines are modified every year to include new strains.
For more information about swine flu, contact the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or by calling 1-800-236-4636, or the California Department of Public Health at www.cdph.ca.gov or 1-888-865-0564. The state health department also maintains www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov with additional information.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department also can provide information on its toll-free number, 1-800-782-4264, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its website is www.sbcounty.gov/dph.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go on line to www.lasallemedical.com.
Carl Dameron Named To Goodwill Advisory Board
Carl Dameron has recently been named a member of the Inland Empire Advisory Board for Goodwill Southern California. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, has been named a member of the Inland Empire Advisory Board for Goodwill Southern California.
Dameron joins a group of highly influential community leaders on this board. Other members include Bill Carney, president and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership; Pat Downey, senior group leader for the Target Distribution Center in Fontana; Kathleen Dutton, director of Economic Development and Community Education for Chaffey College; Dr. Carolyn Eggleston, dean of administration and graduate programs for California State University San Bernardino; Felicia Flournoy, deputy director of the Riverside County Economic Development Agency; John Husing, a leading authority on economics in the Inland Empire and president and CEO of Economics and Politics in Redlands; Ron Loveridge, mayor of Riverside and John Thornes, CEO of Thornes & Associates.
“I am excited about working with community leaders of this caliber to help Goodwill Southern California improve the lives of so many in our area,” Dameron said.
Dameron serves on several other local advisory boards, including The Salvation Army and The American Lung Association and is President of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. As president of this Chamber, he is leading an effort to help Black and other minority business owners develop strategies to stay strong in 2009’s tough economic times.
“We are honored and privileged to have Carl Dameron join the Goodwill Southern California family as a member of the Inland Empire Advisory Board,” says Lowell King, regional operations officer for Goodwill’s Inland Empire campus. “His experience and knowledge of the concerns and opportunities in the Inland Empire can enhance Goodwill’s ability to serve those in our community.”
About Goodwill of Southern California
Since 1916, Goodwill has been turning donations and retail purchases into good jobs that have led to brighter futures for thousands of people with disabilities and vocational challenges. More than 44,000 people benefited from Goodwill Southern California’s (GSC) education, job training and placement programs last year. GSC operates 62 retail stores, 40 attended donation centers, three campuses and 26 community-based career resource centers in the counties of Los Angeles (north of Rosecrans Ave.), Riverside and San Bernardino.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. They are an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.
Dameron Communications creates Advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public Relations service include: Press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.
Dameron Communications has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, CNNfn, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press and many more.
For more information go to: http://www.DameronCommunications.com/ or call (909) 888-0017.
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A Taste of Paris Fashion Comes To Victoria Gardens
Designer Joseph Yoshimura with model wearing his “Midknight Samurai,” at the recent Mood Indigo Fashion Show put on by The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.
Model wears Twisted Love by Adriana Diaz, at right
Designer Sara Vigil, with model wearing “Mademoiselle Coco.”
Model wears Bubble Couture, designed by Isidore Baltazar, at right.
Model wears Midknight Samurai, designed by Joseph Yoshimura.
Model wearing “Militant Tux,” designed by Erica Jennings.
Model wearing “Ode to Holland,” designed by Jennifer Hernandez, not pictured.
(RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.) Fashion Empire 2009 enchanted an Inland Empire crowd at Victoria Gardens recently.
The showcase entertained the crowd with a live DJ, acrobatics from Cirque U.S.A., professional lighting, hot brands, a fashion design gallery, silent auction and VIP section that could stand up to any Vegas lounge.
A first-class runway fashion show wrapped up the evening with a denim-inspired theme titled Mood Indigo. Showcasing fashion from sponsors Miss Me Jeans, Soulful Commandoe, Affliction and student work from the fashion design program at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire created this event to showcase the schools Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Management programs. This non-profit event further supported students by raising funds for scholarships through sponsorships.
Sherry West, Academic Director for Fashion at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire guided the fashion students through a six month period, teaching them how to put together a fashion show - start to finish.
“The students have learned first hand experience of what the industry is all about, said West. “They were able to come up with the design, execute, make corrections and produce quality work in the allotted time.”
“There were many sleepless nights, late hours in the lab, even a couple Sundays of working diligently on the sewing machines,” said West. “This industry expects so much from you; you have to be able to produce and work hard, like it is not a big deal!”
“These students came in with nothing but desire. They are the pioneers of this program. This is how we recruit new students,” said West.
“They are so dedicated to the program, helping each other out, using team work, learning to come up as a united front. The students were willing to do what it takes to get it done,” said West.
“These kids, including myself took a journey together, learning a lot from each other and knowing there is still so much more to learn,” said West. “ By the time these pioneers graduate this program, they are going to be real stars in the fashion industry.”
Susie Culini and Amber Reddii, fire dancers with Cirque USA, performed a choreographed routine that involved props lit on fire and stunts that wowed the audience.
Culini and Redii have been performing together for several years. “It took us four to five hours to choreograph this routine,” said Culini, adding they rehearsed it for several weeks once they had it choreographed.
Twenty-year-old Stefanie Weck from Studio City was the model for the Fashion Empire 2009 program distributed during the event. She also modeled down the runway for the Mood Indigo fashion show; wearing pieces from fashion brands such as Bebe and student work from Sara Vigil.
“It was cool modeling the student work, I was very impressed with the work the first year fashion students put together” said Weck. She is also a fashion major with a passion for creating new fashion and modeling.
Fashion Empire 2009 was produced by Q.Zi Media, a professional fashion show production company owned by Quyenzi Pham.
Other sponsors included Live Fast, ieStyle Magazine, Jade, Smart Water and Red Bull.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degree programs 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 program in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree program 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.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Rikke Van Johnson Gives Good News & Bad News
105 year Dorothy Inghram cam out to Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson’s Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron
More than 100 community members attended Sixth Ward Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson’s Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron
Rikke Van Johnson welcomes US Census Representative Amos Young to his Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron
Left, Right: Charles McNeely, City Manager for the City of San Bernardino and Marion Black at City Councilmember Rikke Van Johnson’s Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron
State Street improvement diagrams presented at San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson’s Sixth Ward Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem and Sixth Ward City Council Member Rikke Van Johnson addressed Westside San Bernardino community members at his Town Hall Meeting, Thursday June 18th at the Inghram Community Center where he introduced new San Bernardino City Manager Charles McNeely.
Johnson’s State of the City budget address painted a dismal picture at times as he detailed the impact of the collapse of the financial industry, the steep decline in housing values and skyrocketing foreclosures, which are affecting the community as well as the nation.
There was a somber atmosphere among the residents as Johnson released information on why the city had to cut 177 full time positions, 32 percent of the city’s Parks and Recreation staff, 23 percent of the Information Technology staff and the city libraries budget by $700,000. San Bernardino faces a projected budget deficit of $19 million in 2010.
McNeely, who took office on June 1, was greeted by an audience anxious for a message of optimism from their newest city official. McNeely’s message was simple, to assist the community to meet their goals, by changing the image and perception of the way the city does things.
McNeely encouraged the community to get involved and attend Council meetings to let City Hall know there needs to be change in its standards and behavior. He concluded his presentation by encouraging community interaction with his office stating, “The worst mistake the community can make is not taking advantage of me being here.”
Johnson addressed approximately 100 Sixth Ward residents providing city budget information and how it will impact their neighborhoods. Several city officials and representatives were present, as well as one of the city’s most notable educational pioneers, 104-year-old Dorothy E. Inghram, for whom the center is named.
The Councilman’s presentation was not completely laced with doom and gloom as he cited many positive efforts in revitalizing the community, including the State Street widening project. Still in the design phase is a widening from the 210 Freeway to Foothill Boulevard creating the last major north-south street that can be built in San Bernardino.
Also in the design phase are plans for the Mesa Senior Center Complex, an affordable gated independent senior living facility to be constructed on a 2.4-acre property at the corner of Highland Avenue and Medical Center Drive, boasting a 3,000 sq. ft. community center.”
Johnson was met with a rousing applause from the audience as he announced the demolition of the Meridian Apartments a long time hangout of drug dealers and other criminals. “The city has acquired eight of the 18 unit apartments, with three additional units to be demolished before the end of the month.” Eventually, Johnson says, “the city will acquire and demolish all of the units.”
Additional revitalizing efforts reported by Johnson were the construction of a new gas station on the corner of Fifth Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue, the McDonald’s restaurant on historic Route 66, which is presently the number one store of the restaurant chain in the city.
The collaborative effort with the Northwest Redevelopment Project Area Committee is focusing efforts to improve the historic Route 66 corridor with beautifully constructed facades on the areas businesses, beginning with Ace Barbershop on the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Goodlet Street.
Several presentations were also on the Town Hall agenda. Amos Young Sr., Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Department of Commerce/ Census Bureau was on hand to provide the community with vital information on Census 2010 and the employment potential offering 1500 jobs to the city once the local office is staffed.
Other presentations were provided by Voices 4 Change, a grass roots social action campaign to restore health and safety for residents in San Bernardino County and foster relationships with residents and city and county officials, and The NID Housing Counseling Agency, a HUD approved non-profit agency offering free loan modification information.
Project Pipeline partnering with The Black Voice Foundation announced the grand opening of the Hardy Brown College Prep charter school in San Bernardino in fall 2010.
Johnson was quite pleased with the turnout and content of the meeting. “My main goal is to provide the best living environment for my community while I am in office,” he said.
Johnson will hold a second Town Hall Meeting & Report at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue beginning at 6:30 p.m. on June 25, 2009 to introduce San Bernardino’s new Chief of Police, Keith Kilmer.
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.
For more information about the Town Hall Meeting on June 25th, please contact Rikke Van Johnson at the San Bernardino City Council Office at (909) 384-5188.
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Meet San Bernardino's New Police Chief Keith Kilmer
Meet San Bernardino Police Keith Kilmer at a reception hosted by The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 9.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Thursday, July 9, the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for San Bernardino’s new police chief, Keith Kilmer.
The reception takes place at Castaway Restaurant and Banquet Center, located at 670 Kendall Drive in San Bernardino, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
“Chief Kilmer started working for San Bernardino on June 1, so this is an opportunity for local community leaders and business owners to meet him, and hear his plans for keeping San Bernardino’s neighborhoods safe,” said Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to working with him to improve public safety.”
Chief Kilmer has been a member of the Southern California law enforcement community for the past 27 years. Prior to his arrival in San Bernardino, he was police chief in Bell Gardens for three years, and served with the Long Beach Police Department for 24 years, rising to the rank of police commander.
Kilmer has been recognized for his efforts involving community policing programs, youth oriented programs, technology and crime prevention.
Chief Kilmer graduated from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, in 1987, and has been a member of the California State Bar since 1988. He has attended numerous executive level training programs in law enforcement including the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University, the California Command College and the West Point Leadership Program. He also served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer and Canine Handler.
Chief Kilmer is married to Roberta and has four children, the oldest of which is currently involved in Ranger training with the United States Army. He plans to live in the City of San Bernardino.
The reception is free and refreshments are included. The event is co-sponsored by Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center, San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Acquanetta Warren, and Dameron Communications.
For more information, or to RSVP, please call 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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Rikke Van Johnson to Host Town Hall Meeting With San Bernardino Police Chief Keith Kilmer
San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, top photo, will host a Town Hall Meeting especially for Ward Six residents Thursday, June 25 at the Ingrham Community Center. Special guest will be Chief of Police Keith Kilmer, who began his job with San Bernardino on June 1.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) On Thursday, June 25, 2009 Mayor Pro Tem and Sixth Ward Councilman Rikke Van Johnson will host a Town Hall Briefing, with new Police Chief Keith Kilmer as his special guest.
The San Bernardino Employment Training Agency (SBETA) will also be present to talk about employment opportunities for youth and young adults. The meeting will take place at the Inghram Community Center, 2050 N. Mt Vernon Avenue, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“This is an opportunity for Sixth Ward residents to meet their new chief of police and hear his plans for keeping San Bernardino’s neighborhoods safe in light of our city challenging economic conditions,” said Johnson, who has represented the Sixth Ward since 2004. “Keith Kilmer brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement and he is a lawyer too. I encourage everyone to come meet him and learn how we can work with him to keep San Bernardino safe.”
Chief Kilmer has been a member of the Southern California law enforcement community for the past 27 years. Prior to his arrival in San Bernardino, he was police chief in Bell Gardens for three years, and served with the Long Beach Police Department for 24 years, rising to the rank of police commander.
Kilmer has been recognized for his efforts involving community policing programs, youth oriented programs, technology and crime prevention.
Chief Kilmer graduated from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, in 1987, and has been a member of the California State Bar since 1988. He has attended numerous executive level training programs in law enforcement including the FBI National Academy, the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University, the California Command College and the West Point Leadership Program. He also served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer and Canine Handler.
Chief Kilmer is married to Roberta and has four children, the oldest of which is currently involved in Ranger training with the United States Army.
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.
For more information about the Town Hall Briefing, please contact Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson at the San Bernardino City Council Office at (909) 384-5378.
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Portfolio Show Gives Glimpse of Students Artistic Talent
(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) Every three months, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire graduates a growing number of students who have the potential to change the world through art.
At the school’s quarterly Graduate Portfolio Review, held for the newest graduates on Tuesday, June 16 at Riverside Art Museum, the students show just how they may accomplish this artistic endeavor. Graduating students display the artwork they’ve done in class, and in some cases, work created for paid clients.
“It is the students’ unique artistic talents, coupled with the skills they have built as they studied for their degrees that will provide the foundation for them to become professional artists,” said Cindy Jones, director of career services for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and a former art gallery owner. “This show will give them additional exposure to employers in search of artistically talented people.”
Harry Bajwa of Q Vantage, a software development company, agrees.
“This show is perfect for us,” he said. “We need artistically creative people, which is one thing we lack. Here, I can see what these students are capable of, and obtain contact information from them to discuss our positions.”
Although, the Graduate Portfolio Review is an opportunity for students to network with potential employers, some students have already accepted positions with companies that need the skills they obtained in their studies.
Karena Pavon of Moreno Valley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design, and began work Wednesday as a graphic designer, t-shirt designer and fashion photographer for Privacy Wear, a fashion design company in Corona that sells its label to Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Dillards and many upscale fashion boutiques.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire held its first Graduate Portfolio Show in December 2008.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degree programs 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 program in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree program in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree program 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 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, and culinary arts professionals.
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Monday, June 22, 2009
High School Students Show Their Artistic Flair At Summer Studio
Current students and staff at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire have already assisted The Salvation Army in various ways this year, such as these Interior Design students surrounding Capt. Stephen Ball, San Bernardino Corps commander. This week, it is high school students’ turn to assist The Salvation Army. They will do so by participating in Summer Studio 2009, a four-day experience July 23-26 where they will learn about an Art Institutes program while creating a poster for The Salvation Army. Students, left to right, are Belen Martinez, Liyi Martinez, Vickie Anaya Evon Arredondo, Natalie Ustariz, Tracy Ho, Ivan Valles and Veronica K. Gonzales.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) High school juniors and seniors, and recent high school graduates, will show off their artistic flair this month by putting their creative talents to work for The Salvation Army.
Summer Studio, an annual program of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, has 35 students enrolled from the Inland Empire cities of Fontana, San Bernardino, Adelanto, Hesperia, Riverside, Murrieta, Winchester, Norco, Moreno Valley, Indio, Palm Springs, Coachella and Yucaipa.
Summer Studio takes place from June 23-26. Students will create design work for The Salvation Army.
“Summer Studio gives these students a snapshot of what The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire does for its students,” said Director of Admissions Louie Garcia.
Students participating in Summer Studio have a passion for art, and so Summer Studio often leads to enrollment after high school graduation in The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, Garcia explained.
“Many of these students have known since they were 5, 6 or 7 years old that this is what they want to do. They draw very well. They cook very well. They were always experimenting with fashion in junior high and high school. For them, coming here is more of a connection. It helps the students determine if they want to pursue a creative education.”
Most students will work in three teams to help create a poster that The Salvation Army will give major donors to show appreciation to them, Garcia said.
Those learning about the Graphic Design program will have the overall responsibility for designing The Salvation Army’s poster. Assisting them will be students learning abut The Art Institute of California –Inland Empire’s two fashion programs (Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Marketing), and those learning about its Media Arts & Animation program.
“The fashion students will put together a color story and other design components for the poster, much as they would in fashion merchandising,” Garcia said. “The Media Arts & Animation students are very talented artistically. They will help produce the electronic version of this poster, so The Salvation Army can send it as an email attachment.”
Meanwhile, students who are interested in the Culinary Arts program, will be charged with catering lunches for the rest of the crew.
Many of the students will stay in group lodging for a “summer art camp” type experience. In the evening, the students will enjoy recreation together such as movies and bowling. They will give a presentation to The Salvation Army on the last morning of Summer Studio and the final evening is a “wrap” party for the students and their parents.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degree programs 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 program in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in Fashion Design.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate of Science degree program in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree program 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
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