Driving the Inland Empire Economy

Dr. Sorrel Stielstra, Director of Research for GIA, addresses participants in a breakout room.https://flic.kr/p/2nVatVP   “Educational and economic transformation in the Inland Empire is fundamentally impossible without cross-sector, region-wide collaboration, cooperation and alignment. When we all work together, everyone wins,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, GIA’s Interim CEO. INLAND EMPIRE, CA – Growing Inland Achievement (GIA) will host its 7th annual Toward a Shared Vision summit on October 25–26 at the Riverside Convention Center. GIA is a nonprofit that networks education, government, nonprofit and business partners in the Inland Empire. The summit theme, “United in the Journey,” embodies the need for a collective impact approach that harnesses the combined efforts of the business community, the Inland Empire’s 56 K-12 school districts, 12 community colleges, two public universities, five private universities, many nonprofit organizations, economic development agencies, and government entities to address complex regional educational challenges and opportunities.  A video invitation from Ann Marie Sakrekoff, Growing Inland Achievement’s Interim CEO   https://youtu.be/-KMrcxXGOg4?si=7kF8WC4J1NRfkbgS GIA expects 300 local leaders from the IE’s leading organizations to tackle longstanding regional educational and economic challenges.  “Educational and economic transformation in the Inland Empire is fundamentally impossible without cross-sector, region-wide collaboration, cooperation and alignment. When we all work together, everyone wins,” said Ann Marie Sakrekoff, Growing Inland Achievement’s Interim CEO. GIA believes fostering an efficient, high-quality education system that creates access for all residents is critical to regional growth and prosperity. This commitment extends to building equitable structures to eradicate systemic racism, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to succeed. Sakrekoff underscores the significance of uniting together, stating, “We understand that it takes all stakeholders' collective efforts and collaboration to drive transformative change.”   Participants will engage in collaborative discussions, workshops and team breakouts, focusing on strategies and solutions to expedite equitable educational opportunities and pathways to student success.   Photo caption:  Left to Right: Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac, Chancellor of Riverside Community College District; Chancellor Kim Wilcox, University of California Riverside; Brian Haynes, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of California Riverside. https://flic.kr/p/2nVexGv Two distinguished keynote speakers will highlight the event: Dr. Anton Treuer and Dr. Victor Rios.   Dr. Treuer is a renowned author and Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, recognized for his work in race relations and indigenous languages.    Dr. Rios, the MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializes in equity, anti-racism, cultural responsiveness, resilience, closing the opportunity gap, teacher well-being and restorative justice.   To secure a seat, attendees are encouraged to register early, as availability is limited. Early bird registration is $109 until September 30, 2023, and $129 after. Conference registration includes access to all keynote and breakout sessions and event parking, as well as breakfast and lunch on both days. All proceeds from the event will support GIA’s student scholarship fund.   Learn More about GIA in this 90-second video: https://youtu.be/9kwl6QycvSQ   For more information and to register, please visit the GIA website at InlandEmpireGIA.org. —30— About Growing Inland Achievement Growing Inland Achievement, which serves both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, is a regional cross-sector network of education, government, nonprofit, and business partners in the Inland Empire, collectively working towards a shared vision of educational and economic success.  GIA staff support this work by researching issues and opportunities, developing financial resources for the region, and connecting diverse stakeholders across the two-county region of the Inland Empire.  GIA’s shared vision is that by 2035, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties will be widely recognized for their educated workforce, thriving communities, and vibrant economy that creates prosperity for all.  Keynotes:    Dr. Anton Treuer Dr. Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He is Editor of the Oshkaabewis (pronounced o-shkaah-baywis) Native Journal, the only academic journal of the Ojibwe language. Dr. Treuer has presented all over the U.S. and Canada and in several foreign countries on Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, Cultural Competency, Racial Equity, Strategies for Addressing the “Achievement” Gap, and Tribal Sovereignty, History, Language, and Culture. He has sat on many organizational boards and has received more than 40 prestigious awards and fellowships, including ones from the American Philosophical Society, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Bush Foundation, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. His published works include Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask, The Language Warrior’s Manifesto: How to Keep Our Languages Alive No Matter the Odds, The Cultural Toolbox: Traditional Ojibwe Living in the Modern World, Warrior Nation: A History of the Red Lake Ojibwe (Winner of Caroline Bancroft History Prize and the American Association of State and Local History Award of Merit), Ojibwe in Minnesota (“Minnesota’s Best Read for 2010” by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress), The Assassination of Hole in the Day (Award of Merit Winner from the American Association for State and Local History), Atlas of Indian Nations, The Indian Wars: Battles, Bloodshed, and the Fight for Freedom on the American Frontier, and Awesiinyensag (“Minnesota’s Best Read for 2011” by The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress). Treuer is a member of the United Nations Technical Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals through Inclusive, Just Energy Solutions and the governing board for the Minnesota State Historical Society. In 2018, he was named Guardian of Culture and Lifeways and recipient of the Pathfinder Award by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums.     BIOGRAPHY Anton Treuer (pronounced troy-er) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. He has a B.A. from Princeton University and a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He has sat on many organizational boards including the United Nations Technical Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals through Inclusive, Just Energy Solutions and the governing board for the Minnesota State Historical Society and has received more than 40 prestigious awards and fellowships, including ones from the American Philosophical Society, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Bush Foundation, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. In 2018, he was named Guardian of Culture and Lifeways and recipient of the Pathfinder Award by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. His equity, education, and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the nation and the world.   Dr. Victor Rios Dr. Victor Rios is MacArthur Foundation Chair and Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He received his Ph.D. at the University of California Berkeley in 2005. Professor Rios has worked with local school districts to develop programs for students who have been left behind in their education. Using his personal experience of living on the streets, dropping out of school, and being incarcerated as a juvenile—along with his research findings—he has developed interventions for marginalized students aimed at promoting personal transformation and civic engagement. These programs have been implemented in many schools across the United States; juvenile detention facilities; and alternative high schools. He is also the author of six books including, My Teacher Believes in Me: The Educator’s Guide to At-Promise Students (2019); Street Life: Poverty, Gangs, and a Ph.D. (2011); Buscando Vida, Encontrando Éxito: La Fuerza de La Cultura Latina en la Educación (2016); and Human Targets: Schools, Police, and the Criminalization of Latino Youth (2017). Dr. Rios has been featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Ted Talks, the Oprah Winfrey Network, Primer Impacto, and National Public Radio. He has had the honor of meeting President Obama and advising his administration on gun violence and policing. His Ted Talk “Help for kids the education system ignores” has garnered over 1.6 Million views. He is the subject of the documentary film The Pushouts (thepushouts.com).

Men It’s Breast Cancer Checkup Time!

 

Photo Caption: Danny Riggs, a metastatic breast cancer patient, says “Men: if you notice signs of possible breast cancer, it doesn’t mean you’re not a man; it means you need to go see your doctor to get checked. It can save your life. Reach out before you check out.”[/caption]

 

 “Men should do the same self-diagnostic routines as women, and if they notice anything that seems questionable, be sure to see your healthcare provider right away. Do not put it off,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chairman of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.

REDLANDS, CALIF. – Every year one in eight women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. And so are one in 833 men! As the nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org notes, “Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held in October every year, aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease.”

Men don’t usually think about contracting breast cancer, so they don’t do self-examinations or ask their physician for an exam. Carrie Madrid, co-founder and president of The CARE Project and a breast cancer survivor, says, “Men are being ignored and, unfortunately, because men are more likely to be diagnosed after their cancer has progressed to stage 3 or 4, their survival rates are not as good.

 

Photo Caption: Carrie Madrid, Founder & President,  The CARE Project Inc., two years after her own Stage III diagnosis. She realized that there weren’t any local organizations providing financial support to patients undergoing treatment. She also wanted to socialize with others in treatment instead of attending a traditional support group.

“When men finally start treatment, it often means they can no longer work full-time. Like many women, men may be faced with a choice of paying $100 for a copay or buying groceries. We’re here to help. We can provide assistance with copays, utility bills, rent or mortgage payments...whatever the need may be.”

In 2021 President Biden declared October 17 to 23 Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. Some 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and about 530 will die from it this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

Symptoms that men should be aware of include a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, nipple discharge and pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that such symptoms can also occur for non-cancerous conditions, so they recommend that if a man has any of these symptoms, he should see a doctor right away.

 

“Men should do the same self-diagnostic routines as women, and if they notice anything that seems questionable, be sure to see your healthcare provider right away. Do not put it off,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chairman of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.

Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chairman of LaSalle Medical Associates, encourages all women and men to perform regular breast cancer self-examinations. Women—especially Black women whose breast cancer survival rates are lower than for white women—should also get an annual mammogram.

Dr. Arteaga says, “Men should do the same self-diagnostic routines as women, and if they notice anything that seems questionable, be sure to see your healthcare provider right away. Do not put it off.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health points out that the survival rate if the disease is caught early is 99 percent!  Routine screening is the key. Many women skipped their annual checkup during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it may be especially important to schedule a screening this October. Men, this means you too!

LaSalle Medical Associates serves more than 350,000 patients in their clinics and statewide Independent Physicians Association Group (IPA). Patients are covered by Medi-Cal, Medicare and Covered California, as well as those covered by Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Brand New Day, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP).

For clinic locations and more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

—30—

B R I E F: 326 Words

Men: It’s Breast Cancer Checkup Time!

 

“Men should do the same self-diagnostic routines as women, and if they notice anything that seems questionable, be sure to see your healthcare provider right away. Do not put it off,” says Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chairman of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.

REDLANDS, CALIF. – Every year one in eight women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. And so are one in 833 men! Yes, breast cancer affects both women and men. And because men are more likely to be diagnosed after their cancer has progressed to stage 3 or 4, their survival rates are not as good.

Carrie Madrid, co-founder and president of The CARE Project and a breast cancer survivor, says, “Men are being ignored and, unfortunately, because men are more likely to be diagnosed after their cancer has progressed to stage 3 or 4, their survival rates are not as good.

“When men finally start treatment, it often means they can no longer work full-time. We’re here to help. We can assist with copays, utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, whatever the need may be.”

Symptoms in men include a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, nipple discharge and pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. These symptoms can also arise for other conditions, so if a man has any of them, he should see a doctor right away.

Dr. Albert Arteaga, chairman of LaSalle Medical Associates, says, “Men should do the same self-diagnostic routines as women, and if they notice anything that seems questionable, be sure to see your healthcare provider right away. Do not put it off.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health points out that the key to survival is routine screening!

For clinic locations and more information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407 or go online to LaSalleMedical.com.

 

 

About LaSalle Medical Associates

LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.

LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.

 

Volunteer to Keep the Silver Bells Ringing This Holiday Season

Written by Carl Dameron on October 11, 2023. Posted in The Salvation Army

Earl Perkins Rings the bells to raise funds for The Salvation Army to help the Hungry, Homeless and Hopeless this holiday season.

 

“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Major Isaias Braga, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.

 

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.— The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated through the joy of caring and sharing. The San Bernardino Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org) seeks volunteers to Keep the Bells Ringing in the cities of San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.

The nationally recognized shiny red kettles are an integral part of the Christmas scene, with lots of dollars donated each year to aid needy families, seniors and the homeless, in keeping with the spirit of the season.

“This is a wonderful way to help disadvantaged people in our community, simply by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Major Isaias Braga, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “We’re looking for individuals, families and groups to spend a day at one of our more than 30 locations in our area.”

The Salvation Army begins ringing its bells this year on   Monday November 13th, from 10 am through 6 pm and continues Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.

Many volunteers ring two hours at a time, but groups are asked to provide ringers who can work in shifts for an entire day. Anyone who would like to donate a few hours of their time can volunteer. Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Where does the money raised by the ringing bells in San Bernardino go? The Salvation Army provides emergency services including food, housing for homeless or displaced families, clothing and showers, as well as assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available.

“Last Christmas, The Salvation Army provided 650 holiday food baskets to families and 1,400 children received 5,500 toys,” said Braga. On Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army hosts a Christmas Dinner that provides a delicious meal to approximately 300 people. Donations raised by volunteers who Keep the Bells Ringing help make this possible.

To volunteer to Keep the Bells Ringing, call The Salvation Army at (909) 888-1336.

To donate to The Salvation Army online, go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org. To donate by phone call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769).

Photo Caption: Majors Isaias and Adelma Braga welcome donors to The Annual Red Kettle Kickoff. This year’s event is Wednesday, November 15th, at 5:30 pm at the Bear Springs Events Center,  27923 Highland Avenue, Highland, CA 92346. Click here for tickets.

Pete Van Helden – Stater Bros. Markets Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, will deliver the keynote address at the kickoff event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle campaign. It all happens on Wednesday, November 15th at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Events Center, 27923 Highland Avenue, Highland, CA 92346

Buy your tickets today at $250 per person.  A table of 8 is just $1,000.  https://give-sc.salvationarmy.org/event/the-salvation-army-or-san-bernardino-red-kettle-kick-off/e429128/register/new/select-tickets

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals in need without discrimination. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has served San Bernardino and the Inland Empire since 1887. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino.

Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local service number is (909) 888-1336.

 

Tags: Big Bear, Bloomington, Calimesa, christmas, colton, grand terrace, Highland, Lake Arrowhead, loma linda, Mentone, Muscoy, pete van helden, red kettle, red kettle kick off, Redlands, rialto, Running Springs, salvation army, San Bernardino, silver bells, stater bros, Yucaipa

Helping Homeless Families Get Back in Control of Their Lives

Written by Carl Dameron on September 7, 2023. Posted in The Salvation Army

“All of us who are part of the Hospitality House team love being able to help families, get back in control of their lives.”

(San Bernardino, Calif.) The San Bernardino Salvation Army Hospitality House stands ready to house homeless families and single women who need temporary, stable shelter. Their target population also includes multi-generational families, and single men with children as well.

“The Salvation Army Hospitality House serves as a safe refuge that provides residents with a supportive, caring environment and all the resources they need to deal with a wide variety of personal and/or family problems. It all starts with an emergency shelter that can keep participants safely housed for 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on their circumstances,” says Program Manager Naomi Goforth.

At intake, each new arrival is assessed by trained Salvation Army intake staff.  Once the scope of a client’s needs has been determined, each family is given a detailed individualized case plan and assigned to a case manager who will maintain close contact during their entire stay.

Each family’s case plan includes comprehensive goals and objectives that cover their intake, transition to permanent housing, help finding a steady job, legal advocacy, child welfare aid, and education. Every resident is treated as an individual with individual needs and every case is different and gets a customized case plan.

Amanda and her six children are graduates of the Salvation Army Hospitality House. They now live in their apartment

“People who come to Hospitality House may have been sleeping in their cars or were recently released from a hospital. At intake, each new resident gets clothing, bed linens, hygiene products, and a chance to take a breath after whatever ordeal they have just gone through,” says Goforth.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says one recent Hospitality House graduate.

“I’m a single mom and I lost my job during the pandemic. Thank goodness, at least my 15-year-old car was paid off and when we were no longer able to pay rent, that’s where we slept. I heard about Hospitality House from a friend and the people there have helped me find a new job, secure a place to live, and even got me enrolled in a course that’s going to add to my skill set so I can advance in my new-found career.”

Goforth says, “Our residents don’t just sit around and spin their wheels. They actively work on their case plan. Our case managers are good at finding each individual’s motivation to resolve their homelessness and get back on their feet.”

The Salvation Army Hospitality House Program Manager Naomi Goforth

“Sometimes, that may include a referral to one of our partner agencies for things like mental health services, substance use, and legal aid. Whatever they need, we can either provide help in-house or get them connected to the right providers,” says Goforth.

As current resident K.L. notes, “I had a pretty bad rent history and I knew not many landlords would want to take a chance on me, even though I now have a decent job. But the Salvation Army has helped me reestablish a better tenant history and now I have a place lined up to move to when my stay here ends next week.”

In 2023 The Salvation Army served 26,013 people and 24,012 households, serving 110,768 meals, and donating groceries to 12,822 households.

The Hospitality House provided 34,761 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness; 2,146 children participated in educational and recreational programs.

To talk with a Hospitality House representative, call (909) 888-4880 or visit the website at SanBernardino.SalvationArmy.org/ 

Learn More About the Salvation Army’s Mission

About the Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. 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. To donate, call 1-800 SATRUCK.

The Salvation Army of San Bernardino serves the cities of San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy and Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.

Media Contact

Salvation Army-PR-1214.2  Hospitality House #1

For interviews or more information call Carl Dameron

@ (909) 534-9500

Tags: Bloomington, Calimesa, colton, grand terrace, help the homeless, Highland, homeless shelter, hopeless, Hospitality House, hungry, Lake Arrowhead, loma linda, Mentone, Muscoy and Big Bear, Redlands, rialto, Running Springs, San Bernardino, The Salvation Army, Yucaipa

The League of Women Voters, celebrated 48th annual Citizens of Achievement and Civic Engagement

 Written by Carl Dameron on October 11, 2023. Posted in League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters, San Bernardino celebrated their 48th annual Citizens of Achievement and Civic Engagement Ceremony honoring community leaders and organizations on a beautiful Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Sterling Natural Resource Center in Highland, CA.  

Honorees included Francine Cepeda Blacksher in recognition for being the founder of the Pacific Islander Graduate Recognition Program; Dr. Jenna Cortez-Aguirre for her work with St. Mary’s Ballet Folklorico of Redlands; Kristin Malaby for starting So Cal Trash Army clearing trash from the mountain recreation areas.

Also honored were Dr. Enrique Murillo, Jr., founder of Latino Education & Advocacy Days (LEAD) and appointment by President Joe Biden to the United States Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics of all age groups; Ratibu Shadidi (William “Bill” Henry Jacocks) posthumously for his community activities, civic engagement, social activism, and advocate of “Kwanzaa Consciousness.”

The League of Women Voters recognized Ratibu Shadidi as a Citizen of Achievement. Ratibu’s Award acceptance by son-in-law Carl M. Dameron and first grandchild Teriki Shani Thillet presented by Twilla Carthen. Video and editing by Giacomo Thillet Video link: https://youtu.be/dXr67-QwVq4?si=ecGQbT4dw6okXK4u 

Finally honored were High Desert Pearls for advocating social justice including campaigning in the high desert local schools to increase voter participation, registration, and education; Inland Empire Children’s Book Project’s main focus of volunteer work includes giving books to children ages 0-18 (donations and volunteers are always welcome); and Westside Action Group, unofficially known as WAG to reduce racial inequities in employment, education, government, etc. in the City of San Bernardino.

After the program, the League was honored with recognition from San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran and council members Kimberly Calvin, and Damon Alexander, along with community leaders San Bernardino City School Board Member Felicia Alexander and County School Board Member Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers.

San Bernardino Council members Kimberly Calvin, and Damon Alexander, present a certificate of achievement to League Members Kathy Ervin, and Twila Carthen, also present San Bernardino City School Board Member Felicia Alexander and County School Board Member Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers

To make a difference in elections and public policy, consider joining the League of Women Voters at:  https://my.lwv.org/california/san-bernardino-area/join-lvwsb

About The League of Women Voters

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Instead, it encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters takes positions on issues after studying the issues, meeting together to review the study results, and voting on the positions that follow from those studies. The League of Women Voters of the San Bernardino Area subscribes to the positions held by the League of Women Voters on the national, state, and local levels.

Tags: Carl M. Dameron, County School Board Member Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers, Damon Alexander, Kathy Ervin, Kimberly Calvin, League of Women Voters, San Bernardino City School Board Member Felicia Alexander, San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, Teriki Shani Thillet, Twila Carthen, wag