San Bernardino Has A New Choice In Education

 Tim Smith, executive director of the Carden Virtual Academy, explains the school to the San Bernardino City Unified School District governing board.

Carden's Arizona schools have an 85 - 100 percent graduation rate, and score in the 80^th percentile and above on standardized tests for their state.

(SAN BERNARDINO)  Parents are invited to learn more about Carden Virtual Academy a new high tech charter school starting in San Bernardino in August of 2010 in San Bernardino.  The school will educate students in grades Kindergarten through the 12th year. 

The information session is set for Thursday, March 25 at the Feldheym Library at 5:30 pm.  The library is located at 555 West Fifth Street in San Bernardino.

“We will make learning exciting for students,” said Tim Smith, executive director of Carden Virtual Academy. “They will not only learn critical academic skills, but we also will help them develop character and confidence.”

Carden Virtual Academy is not new to education.  The company has operated four charter schools in the Phoenix, Ariz. area for 14 years. These are Carden Traditional Schools in Glendale and Surprise, and E-Institute Charter High Schools on multiple campuses in the Phoenix area.

The Arizona schools have an 85 percent graduation rate, and score in the 80^th percentile and above on standardized tests for their state.

“San Bernardino is similar to the communities in Arizona where we have had success in serving,” Smith said. “We are familiar with the needs of students who are at risk of dropping out, and students who are English learners. We have been able to meet the needs of these students, and help them have academic success.”

“Carden Academy will create your child’s educational plan to meet his or her educational needs, with on campus classes, online classes and/or independent study. Carden Academy will be open during the day and evening,” said Smith.

Smith added, Carden Academy is for students who are at-risk, failing, or don't fit into the traditional school environment.  “We want to be a community resource and partner with the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and help your students achieve academic success,” Smith said.

College-bound students looking for accelerated programs are also a good fit for Carden Academy.

Carden is expected to be approved soon by the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

Carden Virtual Academy will start out as one campus, providing all of its K-12 students the same range of options and benefits as the campuses in Arizona.  “We will hire a local administrator and 30 credentialed local teachers,” said Smith.

Carden Virtual Academy’s mission is to deliver a high quality education focused on building skills, character and confidence. The curriculum will be personalized for each student, offering a mix of onsite classes in day and evening hours, online classes and independent study. Onsite courses will include hands-on learning activities and high technology. The school’s curriculum will be based on California education standards, and employ California certified teachers.

To attend an information session, or for more information, call Shannan Gonzales at (909) 888-0017.

Picture Slide Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Agt9Q7_V_tE

-end-

SATERN Offers Amateur Radio License Course

 

SATERN member Tony Slaughter with equipment and other items the group was giving away at a recent event. On Saturday, March 6 SATERN will provide an opportunity for others to learn about and take the licensing exam for amateur radio, which would enable them to help this group serve the Salvation Army in times of disaster.

Amateur radios require some training and a license to use, but SATERN is providing the training and an opportunity to test for the license on Saturday, March 6.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) of Riverside and San Bernardino counties is offering a one-day amateur radio licensing course on Saturday, March 6.

 The course, taught by SATERN member Paul Hager, takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Redlands Salvation Army Corps, 838 Alta St. in Redlands. An exam session begins at 5 p.m.

“The class will cover the Federal Communications Commission technician license test,” said Hager. “This is the entry level license and requires only passing the written test we will provide at the end of our course. Anyone with this license can join SATERN as we help the Salvation Army be of service during times of disaster.”

SATERN members use their amateur radios to stay in contact with Salvation Army teams who help firefighters and other emergency workers on the scene of a disaster, and to help those affected by the disaster contact out-of-town family members.

They respond all over the world with the Salvation Army, most recently to the earthquake in Haiti. The local members have often assisted in the major wildfires affecting southern California.

Cost of the class is $6, which includes lunch. There is a $15 fee for the exam.

Exam participants must also present valid photo identification and either their Social Security number or an FCC-issued federal registration number.

All class participants are asked to RSVP by contacting Paul Hager at AE6TR@arrl.org.

For more information go to the website www.satern.net

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.

-end-

IEAACC Plans Second Annual Black Leadership Summit

Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce President Carl Dameron and other Black leaders will facilitate the Second Annual Black Leadership Summit on Friday, March 26 at the Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center in San Bernardino. At the first Black Leadership Summit, Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter presented information about the state of California, and has been invited to do so again this year. Photo by Chris Sloan

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will discuss how to properly impact community, political, and economic issues when it holds its Black Leadership Summit 9 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Castaway Restaurant & Banquet Center in San Bernardino.

Black elected officials, their representatives, chief executive officers, business owners, managers, and pastors have been invited to attend this event.

The goal of the summit is to determine an action plan for the Chamber's concentration during 2010.  The invited guests have been asked to send in questions and comments regarding community, political, and economic issues, which will be reviewed prior to the day of the summit to determine which community concerns should be discussed.

Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce is hosting this event.

“2009 was a very challenging year, however, many companies were able to focus on increasing revenue, cutting expenses, and bringing in new business,” Dameron said. “The economic downturn is ending and we are well on our way to recovery.

“Now we have to work smarter and harder to rebuild our businesses. We invite you the 2010 Black Leadership Summit to get the tools your business needs to be successful. Remember, we all win in 2010.”

The summit will also inform community leaders about important topics, including the current budgets of the State of California, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. 

The guests will be served a continental breakfast and lunch. They will receive a CD containing an Excel spreadsheet with contact information for all attending the event; the Final Health Care Report, prepared by Dr. Diane Woods of the African-American Health Institute of San Bernardino County; The State of Black California, a report from the California Black Legislative Caucus; The Inland Empire in 2015, a report from the Public Policy Institute of California; John Husing’s 2010 economic report; and information about the Inland Empire Community Calendar & Cultural Events, www.ie-community.com and how one can add an event to this calendar. 

To RSVP to the Summit, call Shannan Gonzales at (909) 888-0017.

-end-

Wu Joins Public Relations Firm

Cal Poly Pomona communications student Karen Wu is assisting Dameron Communications with event planning and other public relations activities. Photo by Chris Sloan

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.  – Karen Wu, a Cal Poly Pomona communications student with an emphasis in public relations, recently joined Dameron Communications, southern California’s leading public relations and advertising company.

Wu has always had a passion for event planning and is determined to learn all that she can about the ins and outs of coordinating an event and executing it well.  “When I think of event planning, it takes me back to memories of being involved with the Associated Student Body in high school. I always enjoyed coordinating events for sports rallies and working with people as a team.”

Karen’s passion for event planning developed in high school,  “I became involved with many different groups on campus. I realized that I like working in team settings and love that I have a way to use my creativity.”

Whether it was playing volleyball or basketball on her high school team, or singing and dancing in her high school’s a capella choir, “I knew I had a sense of leadership and organizational skills.”

“I often took initiative to makes things happen. Working in public relations and focusing on event planning is a perfect match for my passion to work with people and be creative,” said Wu. 

After completing her internship at Dameron Communications as a requirement of the communications major, she will be able to receive her diploma from Cal Poly Pomona.

“I am happy to have Karen experience her internship with us. She has the drive and determination to succeed in this business,” said Carl Dameron, founder and creative director at Dameron Communications.

About Dameron Communications

Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. It is 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, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services 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.

-End-

Inland Community Bank Loma Linda Business of Year

James Walling, branch manager of the Loma Linda branch of Inland Community Bank, accepted an award from Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce President Richard Schaefer and CEO Phil Carlisle honoring the bank as the Loma Linda Business of the Year. Photo by Chris Sloan

(LOMA LINDA, Calif.) “The award and certificates of recognition we have received recently paid tribute to not just the Loma Linda Branch, but to our board, administrative team and the entire staff of the bank at all five branches,” said Inland Community Bank President and CEO James Cooper.

The “award” Cooper refers to is the highly regarded 2009 “Business of the Year” honor presented by the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce.

Says Chamber CEO Phil Carlisle, “Our selection committee, made up of both board and regular chamber members, looks for local companies that do more than just rake in money from customers and sock it away. We want to honor those who contribute to the community, who search for ways to pay back.

“ICB has weathered difficult financial times while being totally involved in the community as a business leader. Inland Community Bank strongly supports chamber activities and many numerous civic functions. The Loma Linda branch is just a stand-out.”

The actual wording of the award makes this clear:

Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce and the City of Loma Linda Recognizes Inland Community Bank as Business of the Year 2009 for outstanding client service, dedication to the success and growth of business and considerable contribution to community, the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Loma Linda.

Additionally, State Senator Bob Dutton brought the bank a Certificate of Recognition:

… presented to Inland Community Bank - the City of Loma Linda and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2009. Thank you for your contributions to the vitality of the City of Loma Linda and your continued support of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations and best wishes for continued success.

California Legislative Assemblyman Bill Emmerson presented the Assembly’s certificate,

Bestowed in recognition and celebration of your 2009 Business of the Year.

And San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry awarded his certificate, which read:

Supervisor Neil Derry, of the County of San Bernardino, State of California, does hereby commend and recognize your invaluable service and contributions to the community and congratulates you on being recognized as the Business of the Year for 2009 by the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce.

Inland Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of ICB Financial, and with its corporate offices in Ontario, opened its doors April 12, 1990 in Rialto. This was followed six years later with the establishment of offices in Loma Linda and Ontario. In 1998 ICB debuted its Los Angeles facility, followed by offices in Duarte.

“Our concentration is personal banking to professionals and businesses.  We meet with potential clients to ensure that our level of service matches the client’s needs. It is critical that we ensure each client receives banking and financial services that meet their unique needs,” said Cooper.

“And with the recognition of the City of Loma Linda, Senator Bob Dutton, Assemblyman Bill Emmerson and Supervisor Neil Derry we all feel our efforts have been greatly honored.”

To schedule an appointment or for more information contact James Walling, Vice President and Branch Manager at (909) 796-7100, extension 221 at Inland Community Bank.

About Inland Community Bank

Since 1990 Inland Community Bank has served professionals and businesses with personal banking services including a full range of banking and financial products and services.  Inland Community Bank delivers one-on-one service to its clients with banking offices in Los Angeles, Duarte, Ontario, Loma Linda and Rialto. 

Inland Community Bank is a publicly traded company listed on the OTC Bulletin Board: ICBN. The website is www.InlandCommunityBank.Com or www.icbbank.com.  The corporation is headquartered in Ontario, California.

This press release may include information that could constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements may involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results encompassed within the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those matters disclosed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Past results of Inland Community Bank are not necessarily indicative of its future results. Inland Community Bank does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

-end-