Visitors enjoy a previous Taste of Korea in southern California.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – A taste of ancient Korean culture is coming to downtown San Bernardino’s Court Street on Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taste of Korea is designed to acquaint Inland Empire residents with Korean culture.
Events will focus on Korean Royal Cuisine, food of kings and queens of ancient Korea. Largely through the efforts of Hwang Hae-seong, founder and director of the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, these ancient recipes have been kept alive and passed onto the public, first in Korea and now throughout the world.
The Korean General Consulate of Los Angeles and the Korea Agro-Trade Center of Los Angeles are sponsoring this event, along with the Art Institute of California - Inland Empire and the City of San Bernardino.
“The Korean sponsors want to make people aware of Korean food,” said Chef Eyad Joseph, academic director of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire. “There are no festivals like this in the Inland Empire and there isn’t much awareness about Korean food here, yet kimchi, a staple of the Korean diet, is becoming one of the most popular Asian foods worldwide.
“We at the International Culinary School want people to know a lot more about Korean food as well,” Chef Joseph added.
The Korea Agro-Trade Center is an agency of the Korean government and its purpose is to promote Korean agriculture. It has done this by holding cooking festivals in the Los Angeles area, Chef Joseph said, but this is its first time the Taste of Korea will be held in the Inland Empire.
Han Bok-Ryeo, president of the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine, and 61-year-old protégée of Hwang Hae-seong Hwang, is the featured guest of the Taste of Korea.
She will give a cooking demonstration of Korean Royal Cuisine during the festival, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. She will be accompanied by a team of six additional professional chefs who are highly trained in this cuisine, three from Korea and three from Los Angeles.
The festival begins at 10 a.m. with Korean cultural performances from the Korean Classical Music & Dance Co. This organization is directed by University of California Los Angeles professor Dr. Don Kim, and is comprised mainly of UCLA students, and will give musical demonstrations of traditional Korean dances and drum routines throughout the day.
Opening ceremonies will be held at 12:30 p.m. In addition to the music demonstrations by the Korean Classical Music & Dance Co., the team of chefs assisting in the Korean Royal Cuisine demonstration by Han Bok-Ryeo will prepare other Korean dishes at various times during the day.
A cooking competition is also planned, with eight two-chef teams from the International Culinary School, two from Arroyo High School in San Bernardino and two from Los Angeles-area high schools, representing the Korean Consulate. Students are competing for the chance to win a combined $5,000 scholarship to the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire in San Bernardino.
In this competition, students will prepare kimchi, the pickled vegetable dish that has been a staple of Korean diet for more than 3,000 years. The students will also use kimchi to prepare a fusion dish.
“Fusion is incorporating another culture into the dish,” Chef Joseph explained. “They could make kimchi pizza, kimchi burritos, kimchi sandwiches or anything else they can imagine.”
The third requirement in this timed, Iron Chef style competition, is to use Korean mushrooms to prepare an appetizer. If time permits, the students will also use Asian pears to make a dessert.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Fashion & Retail Management and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
The Art Institute has the Inland Empire’s only degree programs in Fashion Design, Fashion & Retail Management, Culinary Arts and Culinary Management.
It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin October 6 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a tour, call (909) 915-2100 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire
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The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Taste of Korea Coming to the Inland Empire
Emam El-Hout new president of Art Institute of California-Inland Empire
Emam El-Hout
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Emam El-Hout has been named president of the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.
“I am looking forward to great accomplishments with the team already here,” El-Hout said. “The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is an important source for developing the talents of those who want to work in the technology, design, fashion and culinary fields.”
El-Hout was previously the Western Region Vice President for Finance of Educational Management Corporation (EDMC), the parent company for The Art Institutes. In that role, he had spent most of the past year serving as interim president, first at the Art Institute of California-San Francisco, and since April, at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.
Emam joined EDMC in 1997 as a Business Manager and was a member of the start-up team for The Art Institute of California Los Angeles. He became Director of Administrative and Financial Services at the Art Institute of California, Los Angles and helped that school grow to more than 2,000 students in a five-year period.
Prior to joining EDMC he worked with other educational institutions in financial aid, accounting and finance for more than 10 years and was also a senior auditor for the federal government.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire began offering classes three years ago and has already seen great transformations in its curriculum, brought on by the popularity of the college. In less than three years, it has grown to almost 800 students.
Classes started in 2006 with 40 students in Graphic Design, Web Design and Interactive Media, and Interior Design. Programs in Media Arts and Animation and Game Arts and Design were added later in 2006, Culinary Arts and Culinary Management in 2007 and Fashion & Retail Management and Fashion Design in 2008.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has blossomed into an important community resource during its three years. One of its most recent accomplishments is sending a team of Interior Design students to assist in the design, construction and installation of bathroom and kitchen fixtures and children’s closets for a house built by the Riverside chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire are two of the Art Institutes (artinstitutes.edu) with 40 educational institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.
For more information or to arrange a tour of the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire, call (909) 915-2100.
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ACQUIRE Learning Center new host of Inland Empire African American Chamber mixers
Suzy and Craig Aguillard
(RIALTO, Calif.) ACQUIRE Learning Center, 1188 West Leiske Drive in Rialto, is the new host of the monthly Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce mixers.
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will host a Grand Opening at ACQUIRE Learning Center on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. It will serve refreshments and ACQUIRE Learning Center owners Craig and Suzy Aguillard will offer tours of their building, in which they offer tutoring programs for children in kindergarten through high school.
“We are pleased to offer our ACQUIRE Learning Center to the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce for its monthly mixers,” Craig Aguillard said. “As a community-owned business we look forward to contributing to helping others in this way. We also are excited to be able to show them how ACQUIRE Learning Center is helping our area’s children to succeed, by providing quality supplemental education, after school tutoring in English language arts, math, science and critical thinking.”
The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce previously held its mixers in the conference room of Dameron Communications, which provides public relations for ACQUIRE Learning Center. But Dameron Communications has recently relocated and no longer has a large conference room where it held the mixers.
“We have enjoyed the past year at Dameron Communications, which is unfortunately no longer available,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to our new mixers at the ACQUIRE Learning Center, which is more centrally located for members in Riverside, the West Valley and San Bernardino.”
ACQUIRE Learning Center is located at 1188 West Leiske Drive, Ste. 100 in Rialto, 92376. For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.
Twin college seniors go back to high school
Matt and Chris Sloan speak to students in the journalism class at San Bernardino High School, their alma mater.
(San Bernardino, Calif.,) It’s common for high school students to hear from guest speakers, however, it is rare for them to hear from twin former students who graduated merely five years ago.
California State Polytechnic University in Pomona seniors Christopher and Matthew Sloan are pursuing degrees in public relations.
The twins, interns at Dameron Communications, spoke to two groups: a graphic arts and printing course and a journalism course.
The two San Bernardino High School alumni came expecting to speak to the graphic arts and printing class (a San Bernardino Superintendent of Schools Regional Occupational Program) at San Bernardino High School taught by Lawrence Herrbach. However, upon the request of their former English teacher, Henry Ho, they gladly spoke in his class as well.
The first presentation was on the importance of the graphic arts/printing class and how the basic skills learned in the class can be applied within careers in printing, graphic design and even in photography.
The Sloans stressed that these basic skills could be used as a building block to many careers in life, as well as different career paths in college.
The students had many questions about college, including: student housing, the cost of college, the affordability of college and even questions about college parties.
“The best part of guest speaking was the opportunity to share with students that even if you come from a single family home, you can still go to college. I was shocked to discover that most students did not know that they could receive financial help to attend college, nor that the cost to attend a Cal State is just $3,500 a year,” said Christopher Sloan.
Matthew thought the hardest part of the presentation was trying to convince one student that just because he knows how to build engines, it doesn’t mean he will be hired as an auto mechanic without first being certified. Sloan advised the student to sign up for the high school auto shop program and then upon completion of the course, take the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam.
Their experience with the college newspaper, journalism and photography courses and being photography lab technician/teacher’s assistants, allowed them to give a second presentation on journalism and photography.
“The journalism presentation was a lot different. Students sat at the edge of their seats soaking up any and all advice I could possible give them. Given that no one within the class has prior journalism experience, the quality of the paper they produce is simply amazing,” said Matthew. “They really put in the extra effort to go above and beyond the typical student.”
Mr. Ho challenges his students to write on topics such as conflict, sporting events and pep rallies. He runs the course both as a class and as a high school newspaper.
His class has much to learn about journalism and photography; however, they are off to a great start.
In the spirit of community service, Christopher and Matthew Sloan have decided to volunteer once a week to help advice the staff of the San Bernardino High School newspaper.
“The most important thing I have learned from my mentor Carl Dameron, of Dameron Communications, is that you must find a way to contribute to your community. Right now, I can do this by helping with the high school newspaper and guest speaking on as to why attending college is so important,” said Christopher.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award wining agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of a potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
International Culinary School to serve Route 66 Rendezvous VIPs
Students and faculty Chefs from The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire will prepare an Italian-themed dinner for the Route 66 Rendezvous VIPs for the entire weekend.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Route 66 Rendezvous taking place this weekend is largely about cars and food, and this year The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire will serve its best to the event’s VIPs.
Student culinarians from The International Culinary School will serve honored guests at the VIP (Very Important People) Tent during the opening day of the Rendezvous from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. Then on Saturday, Sept. 20, Chef Eyad Joseph, director of The International Culinary School, will serve as a judge in the Route 66 Culinary Cook-off.
The VIP tent provides refreshment during the Rendezvous to city officials, council members, event sponsors and other specially invited guests, as well as credentialed members of the media. This year they will enjoy an Italian-themed sit-down dinner.
The menu for this event will include a tossed salad with champagne vinaigrette; a Milanese-style stuffed chicken breast with a filling of four Italian cheeses and spinach, baby zucchini and baby carrots; penne pasta in a Bolognese sauce; and an Italian dessert.
It’s the first year The International Culinary School has served a meal to the VIP guests of the Rendezvous, although they did so for the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau’s inaugural Berdoo Bikes & Blues Festival held in May. In 2007, The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire participated in the Rendezvous by providing information to visitors about its culinary program and the other degrees it offers.
The Culinary Cook-off is a new event sponsored by Stater Brothers. It features teams from the San Bernardino police, fire and development services departments.
“The teams will receive a mystery bag of groceries to cook with,” Chef Joseph said. “They won’t know until the day of the competition what’s in the bag, but it will be based on a Route 66 cookbook that is available in bookstores.”
The team members may have received some hints from department supervisors, and Chef Joseph has assigned an International Culinary School student to each team to act as a consultant.
“The students won’t be allowed to help the teams with the actual cooking, but they can give advice,” Chef Joseph said. “They may make suggestions on menu development, preparation and cooking techniques.”
Other judges in this event are San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris; KTIE radio show host and food critic Allan Borgen, actor Paul Peterson and former Route 66 Hall of Fame recipient JC Agajanian.
Chef Joseph is pleased with the growing involvement The International Culinary School has with San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau events. “We have a great relationship with the Visitors Bureau,” Chef Joseph said. “They have really embraced the International Culinary School and The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.”
“We continue to develop our strong partnership with the Culinary Institute,” said Karen Blanco, director of communications for the San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only do they provide us with savory food, it also gives the Institute the opportunity to develop their students in a real-life experience while providing the community with a sample of their accomplishments.”
The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire opened in January 2007 and prepares students in Culinary Arts and Culinary Management. Its director, Chef Joseph, is a certified executive chef, certified culinary educator and certified culinary administrator.
The Culinary Arts program, from which some are about to graduate with an associate degree, prepares students to work as entry-level chefs at restaurants, cruise ships and resorts, or to have their own restaurants or catering businesses. The students have won numerous national awards for their culinary skills.
The 19th annual Route 66 Rendezvous takes place Thursday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 21. It celebrates cars, both vintage and new, and San Bernardino’s place in history as one of the key cities on the western edge of Route 66, the “Mother Road” that many took when they first came to California in the early 20th century.
The Art Institute of California–Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion and Retail Management and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
It’s not too late to start classes. Courses begin Oct. 6, offering day, evening and weekend classes for new and reentry students. For details or a tour of the campus call (909) 915-2100, or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is only one of more than 40 educational institutions within The Art Institutes system, located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Acquire A Better Education with Acquire
Suzy and Craig Aguillard with Edna Davis-Herring superintendent of Rialto Unified School District. Craig Aguillard graduated from Rialto High School, where Davis-Herring was then principal. The Aguillards operate their Acquire Learning Center in Rialto. Photo by Chris Sloan.
(RIALTO, Calif.) It’s that time of year again.
Kids are going back to school and homework and book reports are fast approaching. But help is on the way for the Inland Empire. ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc. has opened a new learning center in Rialto to assist students with the challenging demands that come with a new school year.
“We created ACQUIRE Educational Services to not only help students be successful in school, but also to help parents ensure that their students are prepared for graduation and, later, college,” said President and Founder Craig Aguillard.
Aguillard and his wife Suzy founded ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc. in 2001. Three years later they relocated from Los Angeles to the Inland Empire.
“Since then, ACQUIRE Educational Services. has become a leader in educational support and advancement by providing one-on-one and group tutoring assistance, either in-home or at the ACQUIRE Learning Center,” Craig Aguillard said. “ACQUIRE specializes in preparing students in grades K-12 to excel in mathematics, English language arts, science, test preparation and critical thinking.”
ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc.’s programs start by assessing each student on an individual basis. All assessments reflect state standardized tests in style, format and content, based on California state content standards. ACQUIRE then tailors a program to each student’s needs by focusing on known areas of weakness.
Parents come in to discuss students’ needs with the ACQUIRE tutors. They also discuss the anticipated length of tutoring services and gain tips on how to foster education in the home.
“ACQUIRE Educational Services is dedicated to helping students reach proficient levels of education. Once met, ACQUIRE begins to advance each student by introducing them to the more demanding courses they will see in college,” Aguillard explained. “We bring them up to where they are supposed to be, and then we advance them from there. Our whole goal is to prepare students to go to college.”
For instance, high school students might come to ACQUIRE Educational Services because they are struggling with algebra, a skill they need to master in order to pass the California High School Exit Exam. But once the students learn how to do algebra, ACQUIRE will help them as they move on to calculus, a skill they need in order to excel in college.
In June of this year, the California Department of Education recognized and approved ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc. as a Supplemental Educational Services Provider.
With this new title, ACQUIRE is able to offer its services free of charge in the Rialto, San Bernardino City, Colton, Fontana and Upland school districts.
A provision of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 allows parents to select a qualified Supplemental Educational Services Provider if the school has been designated as a Title 1 Program Improvement School.
For students who don’t meet the requirements of the Supplemental Educational Services Provider, ACQUIRE offers affordable options to parents.
“We are here to provide today's youth and adults an opportunity for success through high quality educational programs, career awareness and independent living skills that will empower them to be a part of today's highly technological work force,” Craig Aguillard said. “Our mission is to help people reach their highest potential by providing the finest supplemental education.”
In addition to working with youth, ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc. also aids adults by providing computer training, English as a Second Language and job and life skills.
The Aguillards have more than 17 years of experience in the educational field, helping to prepare urban students to become college ready. Craig Aguillard is a former math and science teacher, and his wife taught music and art.
ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc. operates its ACQUIRE Learning Center at 1188 West Leiske Drive, Suite 100 in Rialto. For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.
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Friday, September 12, 2008
Book Artist to exhibit at Art Institute
An artistic book by Jill Timm
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) A master decorative book artist, Jill Timm, will exhibit some of her works and answer questions at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire library Thursday, Sept. 18, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the opening day of her exhibit.
“Her books are works of art,” said Denise Westcott, library director at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. “In one of the courses they take, our Graphic Design students explore book design and its many different formats, so Jill Timm's visit will help them gain a deeper appreciation for the art they create, and show them outstanding ways in which to create it.”
“Each artist’s book is unique, but most of Timm’s focus on nature and its elements” Westcott continued. “One of them is about gemstones, and its cover is a slab of a cut and polished gem.”
Timm is the owner of Mystical Places Press in Wenatchee, Washington, which specializes in these types of books. Previously, she was a professional multimedia instructional and graphic designer for IBM after receiving her Master of Fine Arts in Computer Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY.
She took book making classes at the Visual Studies Workshop with Hedi Kyle and Scott McCarney while in Rochester. As she is always interested in learning from the experts, Timm enrolled in classes from a number of book making masters.
Timm is listed in Who's Who Among Young American Professionals and Who's Who in California, and has earned a good share of awards and professional achievements for her work in fine arts graphics, book arts, photography, graphic design and art direction. She has received several grants and fellowships.
Her work is included in corporate and university collections across the United States. This will soon include The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire, as Westcott plans to purchase some of Timm’s books.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Fashion & Retail Management and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
The Art Institute has the Inland Empire’s only degree programs in Fashion Design, Fashion & Retail Management, Culinary Arts and Culinary Management.
It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin October 6 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a tour, call (909) 915-2100 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire
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Thursday, September 11, 2008
Learn how to help children succeed on Voice of the Inland Empire
Suzy and Craig Aguillard, owners of ACQUIRE Educational Services, Inc., were recent guests on the Voice of the Inland Empire. Their interview will be available for view soon at www.voiceoftheinlandempire.com
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Craig and Suzy Aguillard, owners of ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc., appeared recently on Ron Stark’s Voice of the Inland Empire.
The interview will soon appear on the program’s Website, www.voiceoftheinlandempire.com.
Featured guest for this interview is Rebecca Bloomfield, press secretary for 59th District Assemblyman Anthony Adams.
The Aguillards discussed some of the educational services offered at the ACQUIRE Learning Center. These services are provided to students in grades K-12, and are designed to help them excel in mathematics, English language arts, science, test preparation and critical thinking.
“To find out more about how we help students succeed, watch our interview on Voice of the Inland Empire,” Craig Aguillard said. “You can also call (909) 875-3356, visit us on the Web at www.Acquire3.net or visit our Learning Center at 1188 West Leiske Drive in Rialto.”
Voice of the Inland Empire is a long-running radio and Internet show, recently expanded to Cable TV in several cities. The radio and television versions of this show aired in early September.
The ACQUIRE Learning Center is located at 1188 West Leiske Avenue, Ste. 100 in Rialto. For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Carl Dameron, Kathryn Ervin to M.C. Black Rose Awards
Caption: Carl Dameron, outside his 255 N. D Street office building, will M.C. The 19th annual Black Rose Awards with California State University San Bernardino professor Kathryn Ervin.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - Area PR leader Carl Dameron and California State University San Bernardino theater arts professor Kathryn Ervin will emcee the 19th Annual Black Rose and Humanitarian of the Year Awards in a September 26 ceremony at the National Orange Show - Valencia Room.
The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation presents the Black Rose Awards to honor lifetime achievement. Anyone who has done good things for the local community would be given consideration for this recognition.
The organizers of this year’s program points out these awards are an important honor. “We recognize our unsung heroes, people of all diversities who have contributed a great deal to the community,” said Margaret Hill, program chairman. “We have been presenting this honor for almost 20 years now.”
There are three categories of awards given at the ceremony: the Black Rose, the Commitment to Community Service of the Year and the Humanitarian of the Year.
“The Black Rose Awards are one of the most inspiring and vital community events,” said Ervin. “Our community is richly blessed by the many who are doing good things here without fanfare, and it is important they be given the recognition due them.”
Ervin also sees the Black Rose Awards as an opportunity to identify and acknowledge many local leaders, especially for youth, to encourage their participation in activities that help their community.
“It’s important for our young people to see that role models are right here with us,” she said. “And it’s vital for the rest of us to be reminded of the many good things people here are doing.”
Past recipients include developer John Dukes of Dukes, Dukes and Associates, Westside Action Group and Mansie Booker Jr. among others.
Dameron, president of Dameron Communications, said recipients of the Black Rose Awards have devoted their lives to helping others. “It is an extreme honor for me,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of providing these local heroes the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The Foundation is selling tickets to the awards ceremony for $50 each. Tables of 10 may be reserved for $500.
The event begins at 6 p.m. in the National Orange Show - Valencia Room, 689 South E Street, San Bernardino. It starts with a social hour, followed by dinner and the ceremony at 7 p.m.
To order tickets or reserve a table, contact Margaret Hill at (909) 864-3267.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Intern Receives Glimpse Into County Government
Gene Williams, 24 (Center) a recent graduate from California Polytechnic University of Pomona and a Dameron Communications intern, spent the day with County Supervisor Josie Gonzales (right) and Deputy Chief of Staff Lisha Smith (left) for a recent “shadow day.” The shadow day gives college students, who are interested in starting a career in government, a behind-the-scenes look in county government.
Photo By: Christopher Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales gave Gene Williams a look into county government as he “shadowed” the supervisor recently at the San Bernardino county offices.
Josie Gonzales’ district covers Rialto, eastern Fontana, Colton and parts of San Bernardino.
The shadow day was to educate college students who are interested in starting a career within county government, providing a clear perspective in their ultimate career goals.
“I could not pass up this opportunity to meet with the supervisor and spend the day with local decision makers; receiving this one-of-a-kind experience was a privilege,” said Williams.
The day started with introductions from the Fifth District staff and a discussion with County Public Information Officer David Wert.
“Everything we discussed regarding public information and its role within the county was truly beneficial regarding my professional goals,” added Williams.
After the discussion with Wert, Williams sat in meetings with Gonzales and Deputy Chief of Staff Lisha Smith. This provided an intimate look at how both worked with other county officials and organizations.
“He sat in on priority issue appointments with First 5 San Bernardino, the Foothill AIDS Project and the Inland Valley Development Agency, as well as meetings with Mayor Patrick Morris, Fontana Herald reporter Maria Elena Kennedy and members of the county’s top nursing staff,” said Gonzales. “I was very pleased with his reaction at the end of the day.”
The day also entailed a trip to the San Bernardino County Human Resources department where Williams met Department Director Andrew Lamberto and Senior Human Resources Analyst Summer Adams. There Williams received a few tips to successfully search for any open county positions.
The entire experience gave Williams a chance to see what it would be like to work in a government office.
“I hope that taking advantage of an opportunity to shadow me was rewarding for Gene,” said Gonzales. “While he had no idea what to expect before the day began, he seemed surprised by the diversity and amount of work that gets done on a daily basis.”
Gene Williams is a recent graduate of California Polytechnic University Pomona and an intern with advertising and public relations agency Dameron Communications in San Bernardino. His goal is to start a career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department through its public affairs division.
For more information on Dameron Communications call (909) 888-0321.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our divers client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce
Matthew Sloan (left), Mary Cooksey (middle) and Christopher Sloan (right), representatives for California State Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter of the 62nd District, pose for a picture prior to the opening ceremony of the 1st California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce Conference.
Madison Gunter III (left), Business Development Manager for CISCO Systems, David Jones (middle), Enterprise Technology Director for Microsoft Corporation, and Robert Hoffman (right), Government and Public Affairs for Oracle answer questions from the young audience during the Technology Industry and New and Emerging Technology Jobs Panel.
During lunch, the Honorable Rod Wright (senate candidate for the 52nd District) took a moment to share inspirational analogies from his childhood.
(LOS ANGELES, Calif.) Dr. Aubry Stone, president of the California Black Chamber of Commerce welcomed approximately 20 young students and professionals to the first California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce Youth Summit in Los Angeles. Speakers from Microsoft, Oracle, CISCO, Kiss My Bundt Bakery, Eden BodyWorks and Diversity City Media shared the secrets of success in life and business. The young men and women ages 16 to 25 were invited to attend by California state assembly members and senators.
Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter had the largest contingent with six college students: Matt and Chris Sloan, Mary Cooksey, David Hall, Nicolette Bourne and Hai Vo.
Dameron Communications, a leading Southern California advertising and public relations firm, sent three interns to the conference: Twins Matt and Chris Sloan, 24-year-old residents of San Bernardino, who are seniors at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and Mary Cooksey 19 years old from Azusa a sophomore at California State University of San Bernardino.
The three other college students included David Hall, 24 years old from Los Angeles and a senior at Cal Poly Pomona; Nicolette Bourne, 25 years old from Claremont, a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona currently working as a service clerk for the First Financial Credit Union and Hai Vo, 23 years old, a graduate of University of California Riverside currently working for the Redlands Unified School District as a substitute teacher.
Event speakers included Dr. Jamillah Moore, president of Los Angeles City College. She spoke on the importance of having a college education and pursuing your passions in life.
“Get as many internships as you can so you don’t end up working a job that you aren’t passionate about,” said Dr. Moore.
David Jones of Microsoft, Madison Gunter III of CISCO and Robert Hoffman of Oracle spoke at the “Workforce Development and Opportunities for Young Adults in the Technology Industry and New and Emerging Technology Jobs” panel. This panel ensured its listeners that the technology workforce isn’t just for computer nerds any more, there are opportunities for just about anyone.
David Jones stressed the point of “Learning how to learn.” We learn every day and if you can find an effective way to absorb and retain knowledge then you can work anywhere and do anything. The key is you have to want to learn and remembering that failure is the key in every learning environment.
“The key to my success is that I keep my options open,” said Gunter.
Gunter was not a computer nerd, much like many of the young people attending the conference, but that didn’t stop him from working for CISCO Systems. He was hired at a start-up company that was bought by CISCO and went back to school to learn more about the world of technology to move up the ladder to become a business development manager.
“I’m a geek!” said Robert Hoffman.
Hoffman was one of the few speakers at the panel who learned how to program computers as a child. He stuck with his passion and combined his love of programming with his love of policy to help write the book on regulating the Internet. This led him to his job as vice president of government and public Affairs for Oracle.
All three of these panelists encouraged the youth to gain experience in low-risk environments like internships to learn more about your career choices. They also insisted that the more you fail, the more you learn how to succeed, which in-turn told the youth that failure is needed to grow.
The panel “Young, Gifted and Black” included Chrysta Wilson of Kiss My Bundt Bakery, Dante Lee of Diversity City Media and Jasmine Lawrence of Eden BodyWorks.
Chrysta Wilson didn’t come from a rich family but pushed forward to make her dream a reality. She has her Master‘s degree and worked a regular 9 to 5 job and decided to sell the world a part of her passion, baking. She quit her job March of 2008 and made a full commitment to her bakery. Her story was an inspiration to everyone in attendance showing that hard work and determination are the first things needed to pursue your dream.
“Be determined to make your mark!” said Dante Lee.
Dante Lee is the owner and creator of Diversity City Media. He has built sites such as BlackHistory.com, BlackPR.com, Blackstudents.com and more. While his classmates were fooling around on myspace.com and facebook.com., Dante was observing what it takes to create a successful Website and learning about consumer needs.
Jasmine Lawrence is the creator and owner of Eden BodyWorks. She decided to research and create all natural hair care and body products after losing all of her hair from using a chemical product. She is 17 years old and finishing up her last year of high school, but makes the time to pursue her passion.
“Have passion and do what you want and love what you do!” were Lawrence’s last words of advice to the on-looking youths at the conference.
This panel agreed that success as a young entrepreneur is not something that comes easily. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make your dream a reality. They also agreed that if you aren’t following your passion then your dream will never come true. Two important things are to have a plan and to trust in God and everything else will come with time, they stressed
“I came to this event not knowing what to expect and left more determined and focused to accomplish my dreams and pursue my passions in life. It’s one thing to read or hear about the American Dream, but it’s quite another to see successful young people that are living the American Dream,” said Matthew Sloan.
The first California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce conference accomplished its goal and set the standards for future conferences. The goal was to let a few representatives learn that being young and black doesn’t mean you are out for the count.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Experts in movies and games will share talents
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Two industry experts, one in movie animation and the other in video game character modeling, will share their talents with Art Institute of California-Inland Empire students and the public at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.
Their presentations take place in Room R-154 at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. The experts are Brian Wells, an animator with the Los Angeles studio Rhythm and Hues; and Anwar Taylor, a character modeler for the game company Blizzard.
“Brian Wells is a respected leader in animation,” said Santosh Oommen, academic director of the Media Arts & Animation, and Game Art & Design programs at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “He represents one of the bigger animation studios in Los Angeles, Rhythm and Hues.”
Students in the senior year of their bachelor’s degree program will meet with Wells after the presentation for a private portfolio critique.
Wells served as animator for a dozen or more movies. His work appeared in “The Golden Compass,” “Evan Almighty,” the 2006 version of “Charlotte’s Web,” “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties” and its predecessor, “Garfield: The Movie,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” “Cat in the Hat” and many others.
“Anwar Taylor is working at Blizzard, which has the best game seller of all times World of Warcraft,” Oommen said. “He will show you how he approaches character modeling in Autodesk Mudbox, which is software designed by professionals in the film and games industries that allows artists to ‘sculpt’ three-dimensional characters digitally, without having to worry about the technical details.”
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
For more information or a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
-end-
Monday, August 25, 2008
TEN MINUTES MAY SAVE WOMEN’S LIVES
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Female patients at the LaSalle Medical Associates clinic can have mammograms without even leaving their doctor’s office.
“Many women are apprehensive about having mammograms,” said LaSalle Medical Associates Director Cheryl Emoto. “So, our goal is to make the exams as unintimidating as possible. We want our patients to come to LaSalle where they’re familiar with the relaxed facility and the personal staff.”
“Mammograms take only a few minutes,” Emoto added. “But it is so important for women, especially, to have annual exams for those over 40. And for younger women, too, if they notice a breast lump or have concerns.”
LaSalle has contracted with Inner Images, bringing mobile mammogram equipment directly to the clinic at 565 Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, one day a month, Dr. Emoto explained. The program began in late January and was overwhelmingly received.
“We look forward to helping our patients find beginning signs of breast cancer so that we can treat it early,” said Dr. Emoto.
About two weeks after taking the mammogram, patients are notified of the results. Should the tests indicate anything at all out of the ordinary, patients are brought in for consultation and possible further tests or even recommendations of specialists.
Mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35 percent in women over the age of 50; and studies suggest for women, even between 40 and 50, mammograms may lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 35 percent.
Prior appointments are recommended. Most insurances cover mammograms with prior authorization, and for women without insurance there are programs that patients may qualify for, providing low cost or no cost mammograms.
For an appointment, call the office at (909) 890-0407.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Sabrina Martinez joins Dameron Communications as PR Coordinator
Sabrina Martinez
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Sabrina Martinez of Highland joins Dameron Communications as Public Relations Coordinator.
“It’s hard to find a hardworking person to serve as a good public relations coordinator because their duties are so varied and difficult,” says Creative Director Carl Dameron. “Sabrina has been a joy to work with and she has risen to the challenge with every task I have given her. I look forward to having a long and prosperous business relationship.”
Martinez is re-entering the business world after being a stay-at-home mom to two young children. She handled the responsibility of caring for her family while her husband was serving in the Navy. Over the past five years she has had the challenging, yet rewarding, responsibility of balancing family and work. Now that her husband has returned, she is taking the opportunity to return to work and pursue a career in advertising and public relations.
“I heard of the public relations coordinator position through a close friend, and I figured it would be a great opportunity to work in my career field. My experience in this new environment has been intense, but exciting,” says Martinez.
Martinez worked as a bank teller for two years after having her first child, but found it too difficult to be away from her son. That’s when she decided to cut back her hours and work part-time, eventually staying home with her children after the following birth of her daughter.
Martinez works directly on high profile advertising and public relations projects with Dameron and other agency staff.
She works daily with clients who feature some of the best brands in education, real estate development, healthcare, government, non-profit organizations, entertainment and manufacturing.
She assists with coordinating and implementing press conferences, media and special events. She also assists with media relations, client research, makes pitches and informational media calls.
Martinez will be taking classes towards her degree in advertising at San Bernardino Valley College this fall.
“I thought that it would be beneficial to go to work and go to school simultaneously so I can apply the knowledge that I learn in class toward work and visa versa,” says Martinez.
About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our divers client base locally, regionally and nationally. They are an award-winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. They use their communications knowledge and experience to advance their clients’ objectives.
For more information about Dameron Communications, call (909) 888-0321.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Experts address future leaders
Black Future Leaders Board Member Marion Black, Acquire Educational Services owners Suzy and Craig Aguillard, Rialto Unified School District Superintendent Edna Herring (a mentor of Craig Aguillard) and Black Future Leaders Board Member Lois Carlson. Craig Aguillard was a guest speaker to the Black Future Leaders Class of 2008 on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Craig Aguillard (back, left) with Rialto Unified School District Superintendent Edna Herring and her daughter Ariana (front, right) and Black Future Leaders Class of 2008 members: (Back row: Pascal Sodermann, Brittani Ojogho, Daniele Smart, Front row: Valerie Sharp, Dominique Mackey, Montoya Washington. Aguillard was a guest speaker to these students and others in Black Future Leaders Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Guest speaker Craig Aguillard speakers to members of Black Future Leaders Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 16.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Craig Aguillard, president and founder of ACQUIRE Educational Services in Rialto, California joined Edna Herring, superintendent of Rialto Unified School District and other Black notable educators, local politicians and business leaders to address the 2008 class of Black Future Leaders Inc. at California State University San Bernardino’s Chaparral Hall on Saturday, August 16th.
Black Future Leaders Inc., is a leadership development program for high school achievers created 22 years ago from an idea of Dr. Jean Peacock, now a professor at California State University San Bernardino. With the assistance of community members and present board members Lois J. Carson and Marion Black, a model program was developed which is still in use. “Black Future Leaders’ mission is academic excellence through leadership training,” says Carson.
Students must have a 3.0 grade point average or better, and take college preparatory classes and show a serious commitment to achievement and becoming successful and more productive in their community. Each year students are encouraged to enroll in the program while in the ninth grade and to remain until graduation. The students come from schools across the Inland Empire.
Craig Aguillard spoke to an elite group of 25 high school students who were part of the class of 2008 Black Future Leaders’ Summer Resident Component hosted by California State University San Bernardino. Aguillard’s theme was “change and empowerment,” based on the exciting events of this year, stressing the value of education and the importance of becoming successful leaders within the community.
Aguillard shared his experiences as a student attending schools within the Rialto Unified School District: Myers Elementary, Frisbie Middle School and Eisenhower High School where he met his mentor, Edna Herring, who was then acting Principal. When faced with the decision of making the right career choice for his future, Aguillard attributes his success to the importance of a solid academic background instilled by his parents and mentors.
Aguillard was raised in a two-parent home, with both attending Southern University, an historical Black college in Louisiana. Their support and high expectations of academic excellence were instrumental to his success in business and his career path.
Aguillard went on to attend California State University at Northridge majoring in Computer Engineering, however his passion to help others led him to change his major and he successfully obtained his B. S. in Sociology. “ Educating students is my heart’s desire, ” says Aguillard. While at Cal State Northridge, he became a college recruiter and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in School Administration in Education at Loyola Marymount University.
While working with the Inglewood Unified School District, Aguillard collaborated with a colleague to create the “Summer Academy,” a program developed to promote empowerment and continuous academic success. Aguillard says, “The Summer Academy was created based on a need for us (African American students) to be on the same level as other students who were excelling in school.”
Aguillard illustrated key points on being successful and always pursuing your passion and dreams as elements contained in his philosophy on entrepreneurship to the group of attentive high school students. “Find out what it is that you want to do in your life and allow your passion to drive you,” says Aguillard. “Helping somebody along the way to your success is the best way to keep the door of hope and opportunity open for the next generation to come.”
About ACQUIRE Educational Services
Craig Aguillard and wife Suzy Aguillard are the owners of ACQUIRE Educational Services in Rialto. They provide tutorial services designed to supplement regular school day programs in mathematics, English language arts, computer skills and English as a second language. ACQUIRE Educational Services is a California authorized Supplemental Education Service provider servicing Rialto, Fontana, San Bernardino, Colton and Upland unified school districts. ACQUIRE Educational Services provides free tutoring and instruction to those who qualify. Their office is located at 1188 West Leiske Dr., Suite 100, Rialto, CA, 92376. For more information contact ACQUIRE Learning Center at (909) 875-3356 or visit their website at www.Acquire3.net.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Learn the inner workings of state government
Dia Poole, Capital Fellows Program, Class of 1995
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – College graduates interested in public administration have a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a branch of state government through the Capital Fellows Programs.
“The Capital Fellows Programs provide an opportunity to engage in public service while preparing for a future career,” said Robbin Lewis-Coaxum, Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto). “Since they have an impact on the future development of California, we need more Fellows from the Inland Empire, because that is where much of the state’s growth is taking place.”
There are four programs within the Capital Fellows Programs. The programs are the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program, the Executive Fellowship Program, the California Senate Fellows and the Judicial Administration Fellowship Program. Each is sponsored by California State University, Sacramento and the legislative branches (Assembly, Senate, Office of the Governor and California Judicial Council).
In each of these, Fellows work full-time for 11 months as staff to a legislative, executive or judicial office and are usually given assignments with significant challenge and responsibility. For instance, in the legislative branch, tasks may include, but are not limited to, drafting and tracking legislation, responding to constituent letters, writing speeches, meeting with constituents, preparing committee briefs, tracking legislation or researching policy issues.
Dia Poole, the Bench-Bar/Communications Liaison for the Judicial Council of California’s Administrative Office of the Courts, served as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow in 1994-95, after working nearly 14 years with the County of San Bernardino. Undaunted by the fact that most of her fellowship classmates were fresh out of college, Poole immediately felt she had an advantage.
“Not only did I have a lot more life experience, I brought with me many years of work experience from San Bernardino County where we were tackling the same issues being debated in the legislature,” Poole said. “I had an agenda, and I was ready to hit the ground running.”
That agenda was spawned by Poole’s own passion for community service and her view of how public policy decisions made in Sacramento affected youth and minorities. The legislative fellowship provided her with the tools she needed to address the obvious gap in the public’s understanding of how the political process worked and what people could do to lessen the impact of legislation and policy decisions they perceived as harmful.
Applications for the 2009-2010 fellowships will be available online at www.csus.edu/calst and from local offices of assembly members such as Wilmer Amina Carter, (355 N. Riverside Ave., Rialto, 93726, (909) 820-5008) and state senators such as Gloria Negrete-McLeod, (4959 Palo Verde St., Ste. 100 B, Montclair, CA 91763 (909) 621-2783) starting in mid-October 2008. Fellows will be chosen in May 2009 and will serve in their fellowship from October 2009 through September 2010.
Anyone with a four-year degree from a college or university, and a demonstrated interest in state government and public service is eligible to apply. All majors are welcome. Recent Fellows’ majors have been as diverse as child development, religious studies, law and biochemistry.
People with graduate degrees, or who have substantial career experience are encouraged to apply.
Fellows are officially employed by California State University, Sacramento, which pays a monthly stipend of $1,972 and health benefits, as well as university tuition. CSUS enrolls Fellows as graduate students, and they receive 12 units of credit from either the Government or Public Policy and Administration departments.
Jazz is alive in Blue Jay
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Jazz In Blue Jay had a rather inauspicious beginning: a local jazz trio and five chairs in a parking lot. That was back in 1991, under the foresighted leadership of community leader and businessman Pat Welsh. August 21 marks the debut of the 17th annual musical event, formerly known as The Blue Jay Jazz Festival.
Leading off this summer’s series will be trumpeter Carl Saunders and his sextet Thursday, August 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Blue Jay.
Saunders, a Los Angeles area stalwart, auditioned for, then joined, one of the legendary jazz bands, the Stan Kenton Orchestra right out of high school, spending 1961-62 on the road as a member of Kenton’s well-known mellophonium section.
Saunders’ resume continues to impress, his stints including appearances with classic singers Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, plus the bands of Benny Goodman, Harry James and Charlie Barnet.
The following week, organizers feature the Latin Soul Jazz sounds of multi-instrumentalist Scott Martin and his sextet at Blue Jay. Thursday, August 28 from 6-9 p.m. audiences will be treated to one of the strongest Latin-soul-jazz performers in America.
With 10 of the band’s recordings to his credit, the composer, arranger and multi-reed player has also performed over the years with countless bands including those of Ray Charles, Tito Puente, Chick Corea, The Temptations, Barry Manilow and Mongo Santamaria.
The blues sounds of Southern California’s King Brothers, Lee and Sam, will highlight the Thursday, September 4 installment of Jazz in Blue Jay. From 6 to 9 p.m. the cousins of blues great Freddy King will bring fans their “new standard” of blues. “It’s danceable,”
says Lee King, “it’s rock-flavored, funk-flavored, gospel-flavored. I don’t know a damn thing about picking cotton; I don’t drink whiskey; and I don’t dip snuff. I don’t fit any of those blues-man stereotypes. We just dig it for the art form, and we’re taking it where it needs to go.”
All three shows are above Rite Aid in Blue Jay Village on Highway 189. General Admission is $15.00. Tickets will be at the door or available by calling (909) 337-7253.
Saturday September 13 marks a special presentation, Blue Jay’s “Jazz by the Lake,” an in-home performance at a Lake Arrowhead estate featuring the 14-year-old Rim High School student Olivia Clark, the vocalist recipient of the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation’s first music scholarship. She’ll be appearing with 17-year-old jazz violin sensation Antonio Pontarelli, who, at 13, was the Grand Prize winner of “America’s Most Talented Kids.”
Fontana-born Clark is from a musical family where she was raised on the sounds of Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Dave Brubeck.
Her $1,500 “Keeping Jazz Alive” scholarship is earmarked for music instruction and materials, funded in part by a generous grant from Maria’s Studio of Music and Voice in Lake Arrowhead and, according to festival organizers, “is based on artistic potential, financial need and academic achievement,” adding, “Olivia will benefit from ‘selective’ professional training to enhance her remarkable raw talent.”
The Mission Statement of the nonprofit Blue Jay Jazz Foundation states an objective clearly: “To foster and expand a greater awareness of jazz in all its forms by bringing the finest local, national and international jazz musicians to the San Bernardino Mountain communities of Lake Arrowhead, Blue Jay, Crestline.”
For details on the Jazz in Blue Jay or the Jazz by the Lake performances, phone (909) 337-7253.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
FHA-HERO Program Creates Leaders
2008 Chino High School graduate Manual Alvarez, 11th-grader Tiffanie Williams and 12th-grader Michael Navkirk prepare snickerdoodle batter for a Chino High event FHA-HERO was catering at the end of the 2007-08 school year.
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) “We have to teach leadership,” said Chino High School teacher Elizabeth Williams. “It’s in the state standards.”
Learning how to work in groups, make decisions as a team, get along with diverse coworkers and resolve conflicts peacefully is woven into the curriculum of every high school subject in California. But since Williams is a Home Economics Careers and Technology teacher, she has found the most effective way to do this is through her department’s co-curricular student organization, FHA-HERO.
FHA once was an acronym for Future Homemakers of America, and later became FHA-HERO to reflect its additional focus on Home Economics Related Occupations.
Now, it is so highly revered for its ability to develop leadership abilities, some students join FHA-HERO just for that reason alone. FHA-HERO helps 300,000 students at 750 schools throughout California, whether they plan on going into a home economics-related career field or not.
“I joined FHA-HERO because of all it has to offer,” said Francisco Gutierrez, a recent graduate of Golden West High School in Visalia. “No other organization at Golden West had anything that could have prepared me to succeed the way FHA-HERO did.”
Gutierrez learned a little about being a CEO, because he served as the Chapter President of his FHA-HERO organization at Golden West during the 2007-08 school year. He also learned about healthy living, time management and effective communication.
Alicia Freude, the 2008-09 FHA-HERO Chapter President at Chino High School in Chino, does want to open a bakery after she graduates from high school. So, while she values the education she receives in culinary courses offered through the Chino High Home Economics Careers and Technology program, the leadership experience she’s gaining is just as valuable to her.
“I love organizing things, so organizing activities for people will be fun,” she said. “I want to make a difference and motivate more people to join.”
Prior to last school year, Alicia was more interested in soccer than home economics. But she took one course, and when she was asked to help a classmate prepare a salad for a FHA-HERO competition, she found herself hooked on how fun the organization could be.
In his Consumer and Family Studies course, which focused on healthy living, Gutierrez took on a project examining the various medications that can be used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD. That turned out to be a highlight of his time in FHA-HERO, he said.
He so thoroughly researched this project, it earned him second place in a statewide competition of FHA-HERO students who had done various studies in Consumer Education. When the state competition’s winner announced she wouldn’t be able to make the trip, Gutierrez’s efforts paid off with a trip to a national competition over the summer.
Alicia’s classmate and Francisco were among hundreds of FHA-HERO members last year who took part in an important aspect of FHA-HERO, which is its Competitive Recognition Events program. Students compete in 21 different events, as diverse as salad preparation and consumer education, commercial food preparation and interior design, creating artful food displays and having the best documentation of what the chapter did in a year. State-level winners in this competition took home cash awards, scholarships and other prizes along with trophies and certificates.
Many FHA-HERO chapters provide diverse, meaningful activities for their students. For instance, at Chino High School, where FHA-HERO has been recognized as one of the state’s Superior chapters for its many activities, active members put on assemblies for other students enrolled in Home Economics Careers and Technology courses, cater school events and participate in community outreach events, such as clothing drives for the area’s less fortunate. Golden West High School also has been recognized for its chapter’s diverse activities, along with many others in the state.
Monica Vargas, who served as Chino High School’s FHA-HERO chapter president during the 2007-08 school year, said participating in FHA-HERO activities together is one of her most cherished high school memories. It’s also an experience she knows will greatly benefit her now that she’s moved on to college, she hopes followed by a career in fashion design.
“We worked together as a team, and by doing so we were able to reach out to people,” she said. “We got more students to be involved in FHA-HERO, and we got the community involved in making Chino a better place to live. As the president, this gave me lots of leadership skills and communication skills. It also taught me to work my hardest for the team.”
For more information, call FHA-HERO State Adviser Janice DeBenedetti at (916) 323-5025.
Monday, August 11, 2008
HOME ECONOMICS IN CALIFORNIA IS HIGHLY SKILLED AND HIGHLY PAID
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – “Home Economics Careers and Technology, prepares students for high-skill, high-wage careers in related industries,” said David Long, California State Secretary of Education. “Many of the students who take these courses will go on to careers in the same industry. But even if they do not, they learn skills that will help them to succeed in any career or business venture, such as how to be a good employee, how to communicate well, and how to lead others in a project.”
Today’s Home Economics Careers and Technology has created a two-fold program designed to prepare young people for success in home economics-related occupations, and for success in their personal lives.
“Home Economics Related Occupations, the career-oriented part of our program, provides instruction through “pathways,” which are courses of study focusing on a specific career area,” said Janice DeBenedetti, state consultant for Home Economics Careers and Technology. “While high school students primarily focus on graduation requirements, and often college entrance requirements, pathways offer students elective choices that will help them prepare for specific college majors or careers.
Schools offering pathways award certificates of completion to students who successfully complete them, or word the students’ high school diplomas to recognize this accomplishment. The written proof of this highly specialized training may prove as valuable as the diploma itself when the young high school graduate searches for his or her first full-time job.
Within the Home Economics Careers and Technology program, these pathways are:
* Food service and hospitality, which prepares students for careers such as chefs or restaurant managers. It also prepares them for work in entry-level jobs such as food servers, as 90 percent of people who work for a salary in restaurants started out with an entry-level job in the food service industry.
* Food science, dietetics and nutrition, which also prepares students for work in the food industry, but primarily in venues outside of restaurants. This includes developing new food products, creating menus for schools, hospitals and other institutions, and educating people about healthy eating.
* Hospitality, tourism and recreation, which prepares students for jobs in the tourism industry that aren’t necessarily related to food. These careers include theme park directors, event planners, hotel managers, and travel agents.
* Fashion design, manufacturing and merchandising, which prepares students for careers in the garment and accessories industry. Tailors, fashion designers, store buyers and apparel marketers are a few of the jobs within this industry.
* Interior design, furnishings and maintenance, which prepares students for careers in the growing field of interior design. These include interior designers, building maintenance managers, and furniture manufacturers.
* Child development and education, which prepares students for careers with children. This ranges from infant day care to teaching high school. The child development pathway primarily focuses on work with young children, while the education pathway primarily focuses on preparing students for careers in teaching and school administration.
* Consumer services, which prepares students for work in a variety of professional fields, such as communications, customer service, financial planning, and product and development research.
* Family and human services, which prepares students for a broad variety of jobs, such as social worker, marriage and family therapist, or substance abuse counselor. It also provides training in caring for senior citizens, which is one of the state’s fastest growing industries.
“The other part of our program, Consumer and Family Studies, prepares students with personal and life management skills,” DeBenedetti said. “Many have said the skills we teach in these courses should be high school graduation requirements. While they aren’t required, we who teach this program believe our students are much better equipped to handle balance home and work responsibilities.”
Consumer and Family Studies focuses on eight skills considered essential in family life: child development and guidance; consumer education; family living and parenting education; fashion, textiles and apparel; food and nutrition; housing and furnishings; individual and family health; and leadership development.
Food and apparel are important parts of these courses, as they were in traditional home economics courses. But while cooking courses of old likely focused on recipes and technique, today’s introductory Home Economics Careers and Technology courses also address developing healthy eating habits, and how to plan nutritious meals on a budget.
And while traditional clothing courses focused on sewing, today’s courses help people to buy clothes that are both affordable and appropriate. While they will learn the basics of garment construction, they also learn how to establish a clothing budget, and how to properly care for various types of clothes.
An introduction to home furnishings has also long been part of a traditional home economics education. In an introductory course today, student learn not just how to make home accessories and furnishings, but about housing costs and energy conservation.
In addition, students learn how to take care of children from prenatal to adolescence, how to resolve conflict and crisis, how to balance work and family responsibilities and how to stay healthy throughout life.
The program is primarily geared to preparing teenagers for a time when they will both work outside the home and have children under 18 in their home. However, it also takes into account that recent U.S. Census figures show 5.5 million women have opted for careers as “stay-at-home-moms” and 189,000 men are “stay-at-home-dads.”
In the general population, the 2000 U.S. Census showed 48 percent of women with children younger than 2 years old, and 25 percent of those with children ages 3 to 6, were staying home. That census also revealed that in dual-parent households with working wives, 12 percent of fathers of children younger than 6 years old stayed home. However, several more recent studies by independent authors, primarily focusing on high-income families, showed about 60 percent of women were staying home with young children.
In addition to instruction, students taking Home Economics Careers and Technology courses participate in FHA-HERO, which is a co-curricular student organization. Students develop their leadership and communication skills through this organization by taking on projects that apply what they have learned in the classroom.
Chapter projects have included such things as organizing food and clothing drives for homeless people, community beautification, restaurants and other related venues for fund raisers, and putting on assemblies and banquets for other high school students. Chapters and individual members of FHA-HERO also compete each year in 21 career-related events, earning recognition, cash and other prizes, and college scholarships for outstanding performances.
“Home Economics Careers and Technology courses, along with FHA-HERO are building blocks to help our students be more productive in their adult lives,” DeBenedetti said. “The experiences they take from our program remain relevant to them long after high school graduation.”
The program now known as HECT has undergone a transformation over the last 30 years. Prior to the 1960s, the program focused on training women in skills they would need as wives and mothers. But, as more women began working outside the home, California changed its home economics curriculum to reflect this, and added the Home Economics Related Occupations component.
As all professions, including those in home economics related industries became more dependent on technology, so did the courses offered in secondary schools. To reflect this change, California renamed its home economics program Home Economics Careers and Technology in the 1990s.
There are now more than 750 schools offering Home Economics Careers and Technology courses. More than 300,000 students are enrolled in these classes throughout the state.
For more information, call Janice DeBenedetti at (916) 323-5025.
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Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Assemblyman Adams Appears on Voice of the Inland Empire
Voice of the Inland Empire has recently expanded its program.
“We’re now on the radio, internet and cable TV,” Stark said. “I am excited about the opportunities to reach an increasing number of people in the Inland Empire with the lively and helpful information my guests provide.”
Voice of the Inland Empire is now filmed and recorded at the KCSB-TV studio in San Bernardino This is a full-fledged television production studio, with three cameras, digital recording equipment and more.
With access to this equipment, Voice of the Inland Empire has been able to add new aspects to its program, such as digital captions and better camera angles, Stark said.
Assemblyman Adams, Stark’s guest for the Sept. 6 edition of the show, was elected to the State Assembly in 2006. He represents the Apple Valley, Hesperia, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, San Bernardino, Highland and Mentone communities of San Bernardino County. His district also covers the Los Angeles County communities of Claremont, La Verne, Glendora, San Dimas, Monrovia, Bradbury, Arcadia and La Crescenta.
The Assemblyman wears many official hats. He is the Republican Whip for the Republican Leadership team. He also serves on the Rules Committee, the Judiciary Committee and as Vice-Chair of the Elections and Redistricting Committee.
Prior to being elected Assemblyman, Adams served as Director of Legislative Affairs for San Bernardino County. In this position he was responsible for directing the county’s legislative affairs program, pertaining to every element of policy from Medi-Cal reform and increased Worker’s Compensation costs to public safety funding.
Adams started his career in politics in 1996 working to elect pro-business, anti-tax candidates to a variety of city, school and water board positions. As a member of the Hesperia Public Safety Commission, Adams played a key role in the reorganization of the City Fire Department, in order to provide additional and improved services at a lower cost to taxpayers.
Assemblyman Adams graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and went on to receive a law degree from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton. Adams resides in Hesperia with his wife of sixteen years, Deanna, where they are active in their community and are 17-year members of High Desert Church in Victorville.
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