Design Students Showcase Volunteer Work for Non-Profits

Rachel Makowski, who recently obtained her bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, shows some of the work she did as a student. Next to her, fellow bachelor’s degree recipient Raysa Cerna also had a display. In their final two quarters both of these students and 18 others worked as Citizen Designers, creating design projects for non-profit organizations. The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire now has a new group of Citizen Designers who can design projects for other non-profit organizations. For more information, call Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0017. Photo by Carl Dameron


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Twenty emerging graphic designers, some of whom are new graduates of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and others who will be soon, recently showcased projects they’ve been working on for non-profit agencies the past few months.

Citizen Designer is a program the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire created last July, matching the students with non-profits that had specific needs for developing promotional materials that would make a high impact on prospective clients and donors. These included posters, brochures, various forms of advertisements, business cards, Web sites and more.

“The idea is to help our graphic design students who are near the end of their education by giving them practical experience,” said Citizen Design instructor Frank Houlihan, who formerly directed an advertising agency. “We want them to establish client skills.”

The students mostly worked with the same non-profit organizations for two quarters, from July through December. A few more students and non—profit organizations came on board when the Art Institute started its fall quarter in October.

Dante Guiab, a senior Graphic Design major, worked with Operation SafeHouse, designing an informational folder for the teen shelter. It was a hit with the SafeHouse executive board.

“It was great working with Dante,” said Fonda McGensy, Operation SafeHouse Safe Place director. “He understood what we wanted and he went with it.”

Scott Kruger spent his six months as a Citizen Designer creating a membership kit and partially designed a Website for the Inland Empire Ad Club, which is the local division of the American Advertising Federation. The graphics on both of these include silhouettes of palm trees and an “Ad Club” billboard against a light blue background, Kruger’s effort to capture a scene Inland Empire residents would see every day on the region’s freeways.

Kruger said he had frequent feedback from Ad Club President Andrew Wilkin. Working with the rest of the Ad Club board was a learning opportunity.

“I had the preliminary design ready after a few meetings with Andrew, but the board didn’t make a decision on the design until the start of the fall quarter,” Kruger said. “Then they asked for a lighter shade of blue in the background. They didn’t give final approval until near the end of the quarter.”

“Ad Club is the toughest group of people you will ever have to work for, because they are professional ad designers” said John Barry, who is director of public relations for both The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and the Ad Club. “The fact that Scott’s first real-world graphic design concept passed the board with flying colors is truly an accolade.”

The nonprofit groups helped by the graphics design program of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire include Foster Family Network, The Salvation Army, Operation SafeHouse, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, OPARC, The American Advertising Federation – Inland Empire, The San Bernardino Visitors Center, The American Lung Association of California, Building a Generation, The Inland Empire Weekly, The Inland Empire Job Corps Center, The United Way, Seasons Restaurant, SEBA, and the American Diabetes Association.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire began a new quarter on Jan. 12, and another group of approximately 20 students are now working with these and other non-profit organizations. The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is seeking additional non – profit organizations for which it can provide services. To recommend a non-profit agency in need of graphic design or Web design assistance to The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, call Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0017.

Since the Web Design students weren’t involved the first two quarters, Jason Diehl, academic director for Web Design & Interactive Media, encourages agencies that need help with Websites to get involved in 2009.

“These Graphic Design students did great things for the non-profit agencies, including designs for their Websites,” he said. “Next quarter’s students should also deliver impressive work. But the Web Design & Interactive Media students will be able to take the Websites to an entirely new level.”

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will likely have 20 or more students enrolled in the Citizen Designer program from now on, as a growing number of students are reaching the advanced levels of their education.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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Students gear up for fashion show at Toyota

A committee of, left to right, Andre Bradley and Tina Le Blanc of the Toyota African-American Collaborative, Ontario Chapter, John Barry of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, Wilson Johnson of Toyota African-American Collaborative, Sherry West of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and Carl Dameron of Dameron Communications is planning a fashion show celebrating Black History on Feb. 26 at Toyota’s North American Parts Logistics Division in Ontario.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Fashion students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire are gearing up for the first opportunity to showcase their work, a fashion show they will put on for employees of the Toyota North American Parts Center (NAPCC) in Ontario, Calif..

The fashion show will be held on February 26, 2009 at Toyota’s North American Parts Center, 1425 Toyota Way, Ontario, Calif. 91761.

It takes place less than one year after The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire began its fashion programs. It began offering a degree in Fashion & Retail Marketing in March 2008 and a degree in Fashion Design in June 2008.

The show, which is sponsored by Toyota’s African American Collaborative, Ontario Chapter (AAC), will focus specifically on African-American fashion as part of Toyota’s observance of Black History Month 2009.

“We’re very pleased to partner with the Art Institute of California as we come together to recognize diversity within our community,” said Wilson Johnson operations manager for Toyota NAPCC.

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.

It’s not too late to start the New Year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

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.

Culinary School Announces Dinner Hours at Campus Restaurant

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) If you are looking for a great place for dinner, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has the perfect place: Seasons’ Restaurant.

“We previously have only been open for lunch,” said International Culinary School Director and Executive Chef Eyad Joseph. “But since fine dining restaurants get most of their business after hours, serving dinner will be even better on-the-job training for our talented and award-winning culinary students.”

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, Seasons will be open to the public from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at the San Bernardino campus, 630 East Brier Drive. The campus is located at Carnegie Drive and Brier Drive in the Hospitality Lane area of San Bernardino, near Waterman Avenue. Because of Seasons’ popularity and seating for just 40 diners, reservations are suggested but not required.

Four course dinners will be served. They will feature an amuse (a meal starter prepared by the chef), an appetizer, a soup or salad and an entrée. Prices range from $23 to $32.

The restaurant also welcomes call-in orders. The phone number for either reservations or call-in orders is (909) 915-2170.

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 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. 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 of California-Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Supervisor Gonzales' Christmas Cards showcase local students art work

Image created by Emmanuel Mendez

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales has sent her best holiday wishes to key constituents ever since she was first elected in 2004, but her 2008 card took on more of a local flavor.

Emmanuel Mendez, a Graphic Design student with the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire designed the 2008 card for Supervisor Gonzales. The card depicts a present wrapped in solid red, with white ribbons and a festive white bow. A tag shaped like an arrowhead, the logo of San Bernardino County, identifies the sender as Gonzales, and inside she is “Wishing upon a star that all your dreams come true.” A small star, with an arc like a comet, sails over the greeting.

“When I was asked to make a card for Josie Gonzales, I thought it should be a modern, very professional piece and something that would put the Christmas spirit into people’s thoughts and lives,” Mendez said. “I thought about a gift and a bow, and from there I created this piece, which I am honored was selected by the Supervisor.”

Gonzales selected Mendez’s card over other designs submitted by Graphic Design students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. The students produced these designs in a course taught by instructor Frank Houlihan.

“When it came time to send out my holiday greetings, I saw this as a great opportunity to showcase the talent of a student from the Art Institute of California - Inland Empire,” said San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales.

“While presented with several options, I chose the simple, artistic design created by Art Institute graphic design student Emmanuel Mendez. It is my pleasure to give Emmanuel and the Art Institute full credit and praise,” said Supervisor Gonzales.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

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.

Art Institute Grads Display Portfolios

Regina Cortez with some of the work she did while earning her associate degree in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. She was one of nine students earning a degree in December and presenting their work at a portfolio review.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire hosted its first Graduate Portfolio Exhibit on December 18th.

“This was a great opportunity for our nine graduating students to showcase their work, especially to employers, but also to friends and family,” said Cindy Jones, Director of Career Services for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

“The students not only had a chance to display their work, but also were able to discuss their concepts to an audience,” said Jones.

All Graphic Design students maintain portfolios of their college work while at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. These portfolios are now complete for Raysa Cerna, Anthony Guevara and Rachel Makowski, who are receiving the program’s first bachelor’s degrees and for Regina Cortez, Elizabeth Horn, and Salvador Vazquez Jr., who are receiving associate degrees.

Some of the employers in attendance included: The Inland Empire Weekly, Think Tank Design, Dameron Communications, SBL and Manila Design.

Jim Saunders an ad salesman for Inland Empire Weekly was especially impressed with the work of Raysa Cerna. She designed a wrap for his car that advertises the Inland Empire Weekly and worked on a cover for the paper as well.

Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications attended the show and felt it was very beneficial to employers, “not only getting a chance to network with students who are highly motivated and creative but allowing students to explain their creative vision behind their work.”

Dameron was impressed with Cortez’s recruitment campaign for tutoring services, which included prints of her work of children’s book cover ideas, Ed Hardy clothing advertisement ideas, expression-type posters and Young Bellys Maternity stationary ideas.

Cortez said, “This experience helped me to keep conversations going.” She was able to network with employers like Manila Graphic and Dameron Communications. Her plan is to go back to school at the Art Institute of California- Inland Empire for her Bachelor’s Degree, to refine her knowledge and education in graphic design. Cortez plans on working freelance while in school.

Guevara displayed his work including print pictures, editorial advertisements, posters, packages, and brochures.

“The show was actually a really fun event. It gave us a chance to show the community what we are made of. It was nice to hear what employers had to say, with different viewpoints, said Guevara. “It was a nice finish.”

Guevara is applying for a job at Homes and Land Magazine, doing editorial layouts.

Hors d’ouvres and beverages were served during the event. Ronnell Lawson and Roberto Vazquez Pulido, who are the first two students to obtain Culinary Arts degrees from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, created some of the hors d’ouvres as samples of their work.

The International Culinary School opened in January 2007, a year after the first programs began at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Lawson and Vazquez Pulido earned their associate degrees in less than two years, in part by taking advantage of a year-round schedule their school offers.

Raymond Heredia, the first graduate of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Web Design & Interactive Media program, displayed Web sites he has created on display. He is receiving a bachelor’s degree, having also taken advantage of the year-round schedule to complete his education in less than three years.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire held this event for the first time because this is the first quarter the three-year-old campus has had multiple graduates. Plans are already underway for the Graduate Portfolio Review to become a quarterly tradition in 2009. Similar events are planned in March, June, September and December of next year.

“We anticipate 20 to 28 graduates for the winter quarter, which ends in March,” Jones said. “Our numbers of graduates are growing and could reach more than 100 per quarter a year from now.”

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.

It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

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), a system of over 40 education institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.


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Jump Start Your Future at Art Institute's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House

Many celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in San Bernardino. Among those will be The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, which is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. open house at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif) – Do you have an eye for interior design, a talent for the media arts, a taste for the culinary arts or are you fashion savvy? An Art Institutes education may be just what you are looking for.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will host an Open House on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 10 a.m. Monday, January 19 at its 630 E. Brier Drive campus in San Bernardino.

Attendees will be invited to learn more about the school’s programs, discuss educational goals, tour the facilities, learn about tuition scholarship opportunities and gain a first-hand look at how an Art Institutes creative education can be the preparation for an exciting career.

“The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is inviting those interested in a creative arts education to learn more about our school and our programs,” said President Emam El-Hout.

To learn more about The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/Admissions/OpenHouse.aspx, or call (909) 915-2100.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.
The Art Institute California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Art Show Will Feature Students' Finest Creations

Art Institute of California – Inland Empire student Traci Anderson with her creation for the 2008 PROCESS Student Art Show. Art Institute students will again display their work at the Division 9 Gallery in Riverside from Jan. 28 through Feb. 27 for the EVOLVE Student Art Show.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) First and foremost, students at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire are artists.

They’ll have an opportunity to show off their artwork in “EVOLVE,” a student art show taking place January 28 through Feb. 27 at Division 9 Gallery, 3850 Lemon St. in downtown Riverside.

“Art should be displayed and enjoyed,” said Stephen Bautista, academic director for Foundations courses and the show’s organizer. “The works the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire instructors will select for this show were created for class assignments. That means they are beautiful and have a purpose, and we want people to appreciate both of these roles art plays in everyone’s lives.”

Media Arts & Animation student Jake Castorena, who took part in the 2008 art show “PROCESS,” sees benefit to these art shows for students, their families, the Art Institute and the Inland Empire community.

“It puts our finest works of art before the community, and it may inspire young people in the community to pursue art as a career, as we have,” Castorena said. “It also allows the Art Institute to show how well we are instructed in art. And it shows our family what we do. We are so busy with school, working in our rooms or in a lab, they don’t see much of us. This allows us to show them what we have been working on for six or seven months.”

The show will feature 60 to 75 of the best works students have created as coursework at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. Some of this work will be the Web sites, animated videos and other computer-generated art they produce in advanced courses.

But the show will also include works produced with paper, pencils, paint and other traditional artistic media. Students learn the foundations of artistic expression in courses using these media at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, thus the beginning courses are known there as “Foundations” courses.


“We are privileged to help students turn their passion for art into a career,” said Emam El-Hout, president of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “We believe that when the spark of creativity is alive in a person, they should be given the opportunity to nurture it.”

“This is the third year The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has sponsored a student art show,” Bautista said. “Last year, more than 700 people viewed the work on display in the PROCESS art show. Since then, numerous students have expressed interest in having their work in our annual art show.”

The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment.

A “grand opening” for the art show takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5. It coincides with the Art Walk, an event the Riverside Arts Community holds the first Thursday of every month in downtown Riverside.

“We hope to increase the Riverside area’s awareness of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire through this art show,” Bautista said. “Our campus is only 12 miles from downtown Riverside, and provides artists with a great opportunity to make a career out of what they love.”

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start a new term at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire), a system of more than 40 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.


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Life is Better With Art In It theme of Art Institute Poster Contest

Alurra Hughes of Redlands created this poster to win the Art Institute of California - Inland Empire poster contest in 2008, and is now attending the school with scholarships.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) For high school seniors with an interest in turning their love of art into a career, The Art Institutes are sponsoring a Poster Design Competition, which awards tuition scholarships of up to $25,000 to study Graphic Design at a participating Art Institute location.

In partnership with a non-profit organization, Americans for the Arts, The Art Institutes annual Poster Design Competition is an opportunity for talented young artists at the high school level to earn a tuition scholarship to study graphic design. After earning a degree, students may launch a professional career in the graphic design field.

Deadline for entries is February 6. In all, approximately $100,000 in tuition scholarships will be awarded.

The top twelve 2009 national winning poster designs will be incorporated into a 2010 calendar. The 2008 winners are featured in a 2009 calendar that is now available by calling The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.

About 40 local winners, one from each participating campus of The Art Institutes, (including The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire) will be in contention for the top scholarship and have their posters displayed in a calendar. Both these winners and second-place students at the local level will receive partial scholarships to The Art Institutes.

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 Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. 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 at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes, (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.


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International Culinary School Announces Best Teen Chef Competition

Who will succeed Kevin Agra as the Best Teen Chef of the Inland Empire? A new winner for this title will be crowned March 14 when The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire holds its Best Teen Chef 2009 competition. The winner receives a scholarship and advances to a national competition. Photo by Robert Swapp

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) -- High school seniors with aspirations of a culinary education can qualify to win a $2,000 scholarship by entering the Best Teen Chef Competition 2009 at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

Now in its tenth year, the Best Teen Chef Competition awards more than $250,000 in tuition scholarships to high school seniors in the U.S. and Canada interested in pursuing a career in the fast growing culinary industry.

A local cook-off competition will take place at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire in San Bernardino on March 14.

The first place local winner will receive $2,000 and advance to the National Best Teen Chef Final Round Competition, which will be held on Saturday, May 9 at The Art Institute of Charlotte.

In addition to a full-tuition scholarship and the title of Best Teen Chef 2009, the national first place winner, in partnership with television’s Food Network, will be an "Intern for a Day" at Food Network Kitchens in New York City. The winner will also receive a tour of Food Network’s studios, dinner for two at a Food Network chef's restaurant and a library of Food Network Kitchens cookbooks.

According to Chef Eyad Joseph, Director of the local International Culinary School, "Each year we see the interest in this competition grow. Teenagers still in high school are demonstrating the determination, focus and drive needed to have a career in the challenging field of culinary arts."

To be eligible to enter the competition, high school seniors must first submit a completed Entry and Release form by February 6, 2009 to The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire or complete an online registration form at: www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=btcWB.

Deadline for completed entries into the competition is February 20, 2009. A completed entry, which is submitted to the same campus selected when first entering the competition, includes an original recipe in standard recipe format, a high school transcript and a 250-word essay explaining why you want to study at a campus of the International Culinary School.

To learn how to enter the Best Teen Chef Competition 2009 and view full details, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=btc092 or contact Mario Alcazar, malcazar@aii.edu or (909) 915-2100.

About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America's largest system of culinary programs with over 30 locations.

Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools' curricula are designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures, Web-based seminars and study-abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students.
Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check the course offerings at The Art Institute school they are interested in attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com.

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 Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. 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 at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Feb. 19 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

Rikke Van Johnson Named Mayor Pro Tem

Rikke Van Johnson, who represents the Sixth Ward on the San Bernardino City Council, was recently elected by his fellow council members as Mayor Pro Tem of San Bernardino. Johnson is the first Mayor Pro Tem under a new city ordinance that allows him to serve until March 2009, and all subsequent mayor pro tems to serve for one year. Previously the job alternated monthly between council members.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - Rikke Van Johnson has been elected by the San Bernardino City Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

“They feel I am fair, and would help to lead the city in the right direction,” Johnson said when asked why he was chosen for this position by the council.

He was named to this position at the council’s first December meeting and said he will hold the office until March 2009. After his term, the Council will select a new Mayor Pro Tem each March.

Previously, council members alternated as Mayor Pro Tem for one month at a time, but a newly revised city ordinance extended the Mayor Pro Tem’s term to one year. The revised ordinance also designates the Mayor Pro Tem as the one responsible for assigning members of the city council to city committees, and naming the chairpersons of those committees, although it gives the rest of the city council the right to reject the Mayor Pro Tem’s choices.

The Mayor Pro Tem’s job is also to perform mayoral duties, when the mayor is out of the city, ill or unable to perform his duties for any other reason. Johnson says his duties may include representing the City of San Bernardino at public events. Occasionally, it will also mean chairing City Council meetings.

Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino, where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager for Greenwood Bail Bonds, and previously worked for 27 years as a clerk for the United States Postal Service.

As a council member, Van Johnson serves on several city committees. These include the Ways & Means Committee, the Redevelopment Committee, Budget Ad Hoc Committee, Educational Bridge Ad Hoc Committee, Police Ad Hoc Committee, Parolee Ad Hoc Committee. He also represents the city on the San Bernardino County Solid Waste Advisory Task Force and serves as an alternate member of the Inland Valley Development Agency, San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority Commission (JPA), and the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board and the SANBAG Major Projects Committee.

From 1975 to 1986, Van Johnson coached youth softball for San Bernardino Parks and Recreation and Rialto Parks and Recreation departments, and also did so at Eisenhower High School in Rialto from 1981 to 1986, along with girls’ basketball. From 1987 to 1992, he served as a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) referee for high school basketball games.

He currently volunteers with several groups including the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino and Westside Action Group. He is married to Sharon, and has three children and one grandchild.

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Art Institute sponsoring Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

The city of San Bernardino has honored civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. for many years with a larger-than-life statue at City Hall. In 2009, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will do so with its “I Have A Creative Dream” scholarship competition. High school seniors and graduates interested in a career in creative arts should write a 500-word essay about their creative dream and submit it to The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire for the opportunity to win a scholarship.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) High school seniors and high school graduates have a chance to win a scholarship to The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire by participating in an essay contest honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“This is an exciting way to win money for college,” said Melissa Medina-Cosio, who handles marketing for The Art Institute. The title for the 500-word essay is “I Have A Creative Dream,” which ties the creative and design focus of the local college with Martin Luther King Jr.

The tuition scholarships are for $3,000, $2,000 and a student supply kit. Awards are limited to one winner in each category.

The contest is part of Open House activities at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire planned for Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Day.

Medina-Cosio said the deadline for essays to be submitted is Monday, January 12. Winning students must be present at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire on Martin Luther King Day, January 19 day to accept their scholarship.

Essays should be submitted to melmedina@aii.edu. For more information, call (909)915-2109.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. It offers an Associate degree in Graphic Design, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers an Associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Management. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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Rikke Van Johnson President of Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino

Rikke Van Johnson, president of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino, looks at a mural created by teenagers who attended a program sponsored by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. The Boys & Girls Club recently installed this mural on a wall in one of its meeting rooms.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - Rikke Van Johnson is the new president of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino Board of Directors.

Johnson, a 44-year-resident of San Bernardino, has served on the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors since 2000. He is also a San Bernardino City Council member, representing the Sixth Ward.

Long before then, as a teen growing up in San Bernardino, he was a member of the Boys & Girls’ Club of San Bernardino, where he swam and received guidance from the adult role models there.

“I had great supervisors when I attended the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino as a teenager,” he said. This is my way of giving back for all the good this club has provided for me.”

Johnson said he learned leadership skills in the Boys & Girls Club that helped him during his 27-year career with the United States Postal Service, in his current job as the manager of Greenwood Bail Bonds and as he leads both the Boys & Girls Club and the city.

As the new board president, Johnson will guide the board through its top priority for 2009, which is to raise $100,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino. This will help the program provide more services to the area’s children through its programs such as Torch Club, a leadership program for preteens and Triple Play, a program that emphasizes health and fitness for children.

It will also assist the Boys & Girls Club in renovating its kitchen, which is more than 40 years old and hasn’t been used for several years. After the renovation, the Boys & Girls Club will serve meals, teach children to cook and promote healthy eating as advocated in the Triple Play program.

To assist in its fund-raising venture, the Board of Directors hopes to expand its own membership. The board now has 11 members, but it’s open to community leaders with the passion and tenacity to serve.

“We want people who will be able to bring in resources to meet the needs of the boys and girls who are our members,” Van Johnson said. “Many of them are at-risk children, and we want the Boys & Girls Club to be everything it can to help them become successful young adults.”

Van Johnson said he also hopes to recruit people to a new advisory board for a Boys & Girls Club. These are people such as elected officials and company executives, who would not have time to volunteer as a governing board member, but who are well-connected to other people in the community and could assist the governing board in that way.

Rikke Van Johnson is the elected City Council representative to the Sixth Ward of San Bernardino where he has lived for most of his life. He is the manager of Greenwood Bail Bonds, and volunteers with several groups including the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino and Westside Action Group. He is married to Sharon, and has three children and one grandchild.

The Boys & Girls’ Club of San Bernardino operates clubs in the Westside and Delmann Heights neighborhoods of San Bernardino and in Rialto. It has more than 1,500 members, children and teens who are building character, developing leadership skills, building strong, healthy bodies and preparing for a successful future through the programs the Boys & Girls Club offers.

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Chef George Tucker Celebrates 51 Years In Industry

Chef George Tucker, culinary arts instructor at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, 51-year veteran in the culinary industry, and owner of Extraordinary Sculptures, with a swan he carved from butter. Photo by Carl Dameron

Chef George Tucker, who has worked in the culinary industry for 51 years, with some of the food his Gard Manager students prepared for a Grand Buffet held Tuesday, Dec. 16 at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Photo by Carl Dameron


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Chef George Tucker of Highland has worked as a professional chef since December, 1957 when he became an apprentice chef at La Paloma Mexican Restaurant, which was on University Avenue in downtown Riverside.

Since then, Tucker has worked throughout the Inland Empire at some of its finest restaurants, hotels, country clubs, casinos, a hospital and most recently, as a culinary instructor at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

For much of the last 25 years he has worked as an executive chef, holding this position at Sobaba Casino in San Jacinto, Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Castaway Restaurant and the Radisson Hotel, both in San Bernardino, T.B Scott’s Seafood Landing in Corona, Branihan’s Restaurant in Pomona and Crushed Grape Restaurant in West Covina. He also owns the company “Extraordinary Sculpturing,” which creates sculptures from ice, vegetables and other foods.

Today, a chef needs much more education than he or she can receive on-the-job says Chef Tucker.

“I started out as a dishwasher, and worked my way up,” Chef Tucker said. “Six months after I started my job I signed on as an apprentice chef, and when the head chef at La Paloma left a year later, I got the job.”

“There is a lot more that culinary students need to know today,” he said. “For one thing, everything is computerized. If you need to know something, you look it up on the computer and it’s right there.”

Computer skills aren’t the only thing chefs need to know before coming to their first job says Chef Tucker. They also need to know how to find and prepare the many more types of food that are available, now that technology allows a chef to order food from anywhere in the world.

“In the past, some foods were only available seasonally and some not at all in the United States,” he said. “Now, it may cost more, but you can get anything that’s available anywhere, and at any time.”

For most of 2008, Chef Tucker has done his part to pass on the vast knowledge a modern chef needs before starting a career by working as an instructor at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. There he teaches Product Identification, American Regional Cooking, Latin Cooking and Gard Manager.

The Gard Manager course, which is French for “Cold Kitchen,” is an advanced course that focuses on food served cold. Sometimes these foods are cooked first, but then must be chilled before serving.

Chef Tucker hosted a Grand Buffet on December 16, which offered appetizers from different regions of the world.

The students were given an opportunity to display for the public what they have learned. Both the students and Chef Tucker were excited with the response. Two classes will be offered in the Gard Manager course next quarter.

Chef Eyad Joseph, academic director of culinary programs at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, was happy with the Grand Buffet event. “I think it did much better then we expected,” he said.

“We always encourage students to see the final picture” said Joseph. “The students were amazed that everything came together and was completed successfully.”

Chef Tucker has been a member of the American Culinary Federation since 1971, and this organization named him a certified executive chef in 1990. He is also a member of Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, which is the world’s largest and oldest culinary association.

He is a former Chef of the Year for the Southern California Inland Empire Chefs & Cooks Association, which is a chapter of the American Culinary Federation, and has won numerous regional and national awards for culinary arts and ice carving.

He is the past Chairman and Culinary Director of the Cooks Apprenticeship program for the Southern California Inland Empire Chefs & Cooks Association. His own training has been with chefs throughout the world, including France, Poland, Hungary, Spain and the Netherlands.


The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Culinary Management, Web Design & Interactive Media, Fashion & Retail Management, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation; A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design and Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire), a system of more than 40 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. For more information, call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

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LEARN HOW TO CREATE CHARACTERS AND ENVIRONMENTS

An environment created by leading environment designer Bill Perkins, who along with leading character designer Stephen Silver, will give a presentation at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Bill Perkins and Stephen Silver, two leading designers of the entertainment industry, will give presentations 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

“These two are at the top of the business,” said Santsosh Oommen, academic director for Animation & Media Arts and Game Art & Design. “Their presentations will familiarize current and potential students with the best works in character and environment design.”

The presentations are open to the public and free of charge. Those who wish to attend these presentations should RSVP by calling The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire by calling (909) 915-2100 or (800) 353-0812.

Perkins has worked as a concept artist, production designer, layout artist, art director and storyboard artist for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks, Industrial Light & Magic, and 9th Ray Studios.

His film credits include The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Fantasia 2000, Space Jam, Shrek, and the upcoming John Carter and the Princess of Mars and The Spiderwick Chronicles.

In 2001 he formed High Street Studio as a preproduction and design studio for films, television and the gaming industry.

Silver, who is just 36, has been drawing professionally since he was 20 and founded his caricature and animation business, Silvertoons. He has done work for the clothing company “No Fear,” and for Warner Brothers studio, which got him started in the field of character animation more than a decade ago. He is also a gifted lecturer, and has earned rave reviews from universities where he previously gave presentations.

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.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100 or (800) 353-0812.

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.


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Art Institute Grads to Display Portfolios

Rachel Makowski, shown here with a gold award she received earlier this year in the American Advertising Federation’s ADDY competition, has completed her bachelor’s degree at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. She is one of nine students who earn their degrees at The Art Institute this month. All will showcase their work in a Graduate Portfolio Review to be held Thursday, Dec. 18 at The Art Institute.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will host its first Graduate Portfolio Exhibit on Thursday, Dec. 18.

“This is an opportunity for our nine students who are graduating this quarter to showcase their work, especially to employers, but also to friends and family,” said Cindy Jones, Director of Career Services for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

Employers looking for talented, newly graduated professionals in the fields of Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media and Culinary Arts are invited to attend this reception from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 630 E. Brier Drive in San Bernardino. They’re asked to RSVP with Brenda Medina at (909) 915-2192.

From 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the party continues its focus on the graduates, but with a different emphasis. The guests joining them during this portion of the event will be their own friends and family.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will serve hors d’ouvres and beverages. Ronnell Lawson and Roberto Vazquez Pulido, who are the first two students to obtain Culinary Arts degrees from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, will create some of these hors d’ouvres as samples of their work.

The International Culinary School opened in January 2007, a year after the first programs began at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Lawson and Vazquez Pulido earned their associate degrees in less than two years, in part by taking advantage of a year-round schedule their school offers.

Raymond Heredia, the first graduate of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Web Design & Interactive Media program, will have Web sites he has created on display. He will receive a bachelor’s degree, having also taken advantage of the year-round schedule to complete his education in less than three years.

All Graphic Design students maintain portfolios of the work they’ve done while at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. These portfolios are now complete for Raysa Cerna, Anthony Guevara and Rachel Makowski, who are receiving the program’s first bachelor’s degrees and for Regina Cortez, Elizabeth Horn, and Salvador Vazquez Jr., who are receiving associate degrees.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is holding this event for the first time because this is the first quarter the three-year-old campus has had multiple graduates. Plans are already underway for the Graduate Portfolio Review to become a quarterly tradition in 2009. Similar events are planned in March, June, September and December of next year.

“We anticipate 20 to 23 graduates for the winter quarter, which ends in March,” Jones said. “Our numbers of graduates are growing and could reach more than 100 per quarter a year from now.”

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 Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. 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 the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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.

Culinary Students Bring Smiles To Hospital's Kids

A young patient at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, her father and a culinary arts student from the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire work together on a gingerbread house construction project. Behind them is an entire gingerbread village, where the children’s work remains on display throughout this month. Photo by Carl Dameron.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Seriously ill boys and girls at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital received a welcome break from their usual hospital routines Monday, Dec. 1 when students from the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire came bearing gingerbread houses for them to decorate.

The students and their leader, Executive Chef Eyad Joseph, academic director of the International Culinary School, had just as much fun decorating as the children. For them, the opportunity to help younger people who are in great need of Christmas cheer was heartwarming and unforgettable.

“It really touched me,” said Rosanna Saldena. “They were so surprised we were doing this. Interacting with them was a good experience.”

The children usually spend most of the day in their hospital rooms, and often get bored with this, she noted. “The ones I was working with asked me if they would get to do something like this again the next day,” she said. “They would have been happy to have worked on gingerbread houses five days in a row.”

This is the second year Nina Mendiola went with her fellow International Culinary School students to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital to help children decorate gingerbread houses.

“The first time I went, I had a really good experience,” she said. “I wasn’t going to pass up the chance to do it again, and this time I met some new children whose stories touched me.”

The students spent most of the day with about 40 young patients and their parents, helping them to decorate houses. Another 40 patients who are in isolation, and could not risk coming into contact with visitors, decorated gingerbread houses in their own rooms.

Before going to Loma Linda, the students bought about 100 gingerbread houses. A volunteer organization, the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild, brought the candy and frosting used as decorations and “cement.”

“The Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild is so happy that the International Culinary School has partnered with us for the Gingerbread Village this year. We have been doing it for nine years and it is such a blessing to see the patients smile when they finish their houses. We hope to partner with the culinary school in the future,” said Guild President Eloise Habekost.

As the patients finished decorating their houses volunteers placed them in a Christmas village set up by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, a.ka. volunteers Jim and Jeannie Durbin. They will stay there for public display through the middle of January.

“Hundreds of people enjoy the whimsical village,” Habekost said.

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 Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. 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 at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

Chef George Tucker Celebrates 51 Years In Industry

Gard Manager is the art of preparing foods served cold, such as this beef salad. Advanced students in the Gard Manager course taught by Certified Executive Chef George Tucker at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire will serve a variety of Gard Manager style dishes at a Grand Buffet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 in the school’s Seasons Restaurant. The Grand Buffet also celebrates Chef Tucker’s 51 years in the culinary industry.



(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Chef George Tucker of Highland has worked as a professional chef since December, 1957 when he became an apprentice chef at La Paloma Mexican Restaurant, which was on University Avenue in downtown Riverside.

Since then, Tucker has worked throughout the Inland Empire at some of its finest restaurants, hotels, country clubs, casinos, a hospital and most recently, as a culinary instructor at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

For much of the last 25 years he has worked as an executive chef, holding this position at Sobaba Casino in San Jacinto, Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Castaway Restaurant and the Radisson Hotel, both in San Bernardino, T.B Scott’s Seafood Landing in Corona, Branihan’s Restaurant in Pomona and Crushed Grape Restaurant in West Covina. He also owns the company “Extraordinary Sculpturing,” which creates sculptures from ice, vegetables and other foods.

Today, a chef needs much more education than he or she can receive on-the-job says Chef Tucker.

“I started out as a dishwasher, and worked my way up,” Chef Tucker said. “Six months after I started my job I signed on as an apprentice chef, and when the head chef at La Paloma left a year later, I got the job.”

“There is a lot more that culinary students need to know today,” he said. “For one thing, everything is computerized. If you need to know something, you look it up on the computer and it’s right there.”

Computer skills aren’t the only thing chefs need to know before coming to their first job says Chef Tucker. They also need to know how to find and prepare the many more types of food that are available, now that technology allows a chef to order food from anywhere in the world.

“In the past, some foods were only available seasonally and some not at all in the United States,” he said. “Now, it may cost more, but you can get anything that’s available anywhere, and at any time.”

For most of 2008, Chef Tucker has done his part to pass on the vast knowledge a modern chef needs before starting a career by working as an instructor at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. There he teaches Product Identification, American Regional Cooking, Latin Cooking and Gard Manager.

The Gard Manager course, which is French for “Cold Kitchen,” is an advanced course that focuses on food served cold. Sometimes these foods are cooked first, but then must be chilled before serving.

“These students will have an opportunity to display for the public what they have learned on Tuesday, Dec. 16 when we host a Grand Buffet starting at 9 a.m.,” Chef Tucker said. “They will have appetizers from different regions of the world.”

The cold appetizer sampling features treats from France, Italy, Germany and the Middle East. Tables at the International Culinary School’s on-campus Seasons Restaurant will each feature appetizers from a different one of these regions.

Chef Tucker has been a member of the American Culinary Federation since 1971, and this organization named him a certified executive chef in 1990. He is also a member of Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, which is the world’s largest and oldest culinary association.

He is a former Chef of the Year for the Southern California Inland Empire Chefs & Cooks Association, which is a chapter of the American Culinary Federation, and has won numerous regional and national awards for culinary arts and ice carving.

He is the past Chairman and Culinary Director of the Cooks Apprenticeship program for the Southern California Inland Empire Chefs & Cooks Association. His own training has been with chefs throughout the world, including France, Poland, Hungary, Spain and the Netherlands.


The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Culinary Management, Web Design & Interactive Media, Fashion & Retail Management, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation; A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design and Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts.

It’s not too late to start the new year at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Jan. 12 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information, or to arrange a tour, call The Art Institute at (909) 915-2100.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of the Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire), a system of more than 40 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. For more information, call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to www.artinstitutes.edu/InlandEmpire.

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Carl Dameron member of American Lung Association Leadership Council

Carl Dameron is a new member of the Leadership Council for the American Lung Association of California.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, has been named a member of the Leadership Council for the American Lung Association of California.

This is Dameron’s second time serving this organization. He previously served on a governing board from 1997 through 2000.

“I am pleased to serve my community through the American Lung Association,” Dameron said. “I am particularly interested in helping asthma sufferers find the help they need to breathe easier.”

Through work with clients such as San Bernardino Tobacco Use Reduction Now, In The Zone Tobacco Free Project, African-American Health Institute of San Bernardino County, La Salle Medical Associates and even California Portland Cement Company, Dameron has gained a thorough understanding of how to preserve, promote and improve respiratory health. As a volunteer, he will use this expertise to help the American Lung Association of California reach its goal.

“Carl Dameron is committed to making the Inland Empire a healthier place, and we appreciate his willingness to work with the American Lung Association of California in our efforts,” said Area Director Terry Roberts. “His knowledge of the issues affecting respiratory health in our two-county area, and of how to promote good causes, will go a long ways in reducing lung disease here.”


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 winning 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.

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Dancer Moves to the PR World

Brenda Erickson is learning about event coordination and public relations through an internship at Dameron Communications. Photo by Noe Melon


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Brenda Erickson joined Dameron Communications (www.DameronCommunications.com) in the fall quarter as a public relations intern. She looks to gain experience and networking in a creative environment that allows her to expand her knowledge while growing as an event coordinator and public relations professional.

“This is a great opportunity for me to learn the true business of public relations. It is one thing to learn the definition of PR in the classroom, it’s another to actually understand and create work in the field of communications,” says Erickson.

Erickson is a student at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a public relations emphasis. She will be graduating in December 2008.

Some of her duties at Dameron Communications include writing press releases, inviting community members to political fundraisers, organizing and catering for special events, creating social networking accounts for clients, Web updates, writing and editing, evaluating stories and commercials to put out into the media and filing clips.

Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, is mentoring Erickson to give her the knowledge and experience needed to compete in today’s workforce.

He explains why he accepted Erickson as an intern for Dameron Communications by saying, “Interns bring a fresh perspective, making us look at why we do things a certain way. They bring new techniques and new visions for getting things done. Brenda has experience in event organization and motivating people, and I felt these strengths would be an asset.

“Brenda continues to surprise me with her grasp and understanding of concepts in PR and her ability to ask the right questions at the right time, and she has the tenaciousness and motivation to complete tasks on time; ours is a deadline business. It’s a pleasure working with Brenda,” adds Dameron.

Erickson also has a passion for dance. She has acquired much of her responsibility, organization and social skills through dance practices, performances, competitions and community outreach.

Erickson was a dance team director and coach with San Dimas High School for six years. There she gained responsibility, accountability, leadership skills and the ability to communicate with all personalities. She says, “Being responsible for a team definitely prepared me for the real world workplace.”

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-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.

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France Sends Graphic Artist to San Bernardino

Noé Melon of Paris, France has spent the past three months in the USA learning about graphic design and American-style advertising through an internship at Dameron Communications. He returns to France next week, but not before Dameron Communications holds a party in his honor on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 255 N. D Street, Suite 303, San Bernardino, CA 92401.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Noé Melon joined Dameron Communications (www.Dameroncommunications.com) in the fall semester, as a Graphic Design Intern. He looks to better his creativity in graphic design and learn the American style of advertising while studying abroad in the United States.

Melon is a student at Istitu de Préparation à l'Administration et à la Gestion in Paris, France, where he is working on his marketing degree. He has been in college for three years and has two more with the marketing program. Melon says, “I like graphics in general; I like the arts, designing and working on the computer.”

Melon obtained this internship through KD Conseil, which is a cross-cultural firm in Paris. He indicated he wanted to do an internship at an American company. Kathleen Dameron, head of KD Conseil, was able to set that up, being that her brother, Carl, owns Dameron Communications, an advertising and PR firm in Southern California.

Melon’s hometown is Paris. Growing up, he loved the sport of fencing, graphic design and playing the guitar.

He previously worked for Dell Computers in France as an intern in marketing and graphic design. He was also a representative for a music festival, obtaining sponsors and donations.

Melon will finish this internship with Dameron Communications this month and will return to Paris. He explains what he has learned thus far from working at Dameron Communications by saying, “I have learned to use Quark Express 8; I worked in InDesign in France. My main focus here has been to perfect my skills in graphics and learn the English language.”

Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, is mentoring Melon and encouraging him to use his creative abilities in a work environment. Dameron gives him the opportunity to work independently and create designs that Melon feels are most appropriate for the client.

“Noé brought a fresh and different perspective to the firm,” says Carl Dameron. “His European upbringing gives us a new look at everything we do. His European sensibility gives us a fresh, new perspective on our work projects. Fresh, new perspectives are critical to making sure we deliver to our clients the highest and best creativity possible.”

Carl has seen Melon’s growth through this experience. He says, “I’ve noticed significant advancement in Noe’s ability to solve problems, ask questions, develop and deliver effective and creative messages.”

Melon’s work includes programs, brochures, newsletters, logos and posters for clients, including Black Rose Awards, Urban Dreams Film Festival and LaSalle Medical Associates.

On Wednesday, December 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dameron Communications will host a holiday party at its offices at 255 North D Street, Suite 303. This provides the public an opportunity to meet Melon and view his work.

The party is also an opportunity for those who have not visited Dameron Communications in the last three months to see the new offices to which it moved in September. RSVP with Nicole Acosta at (909) 888-0321.

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-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.

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More Than 200 People Enjoy Thanksgiving Feast at Salvation Army

Children were among the 96 volunteers who helped at The Salvation Army Corps Thanksgiving Day feast. One of the duties given them was to serve guests slices of pumpkin pie for desert. Photo by Ricardo Tomboc

Capt. Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino, with children who took part in the Corps Thanksgiving Day feast. Photo by Ricardo Tomboc


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) More than 200 hungry people braved a Thanksgiving Day storm to enjoy a holiday dinner at The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps’ Hospitality House.

And almost 100 volunteers were there to serve them.

Capt. Stephen Ball, commander of the San Bernardino Corps, reported that 96 volunteers served 204 meals to hungry guests on Thanksgiving Day. That’s just a few more people than the regular Salvation Army crew serves every day.

“Turnout was light for Thanksgiving,” said Capt. Ball. “In the morning, when it was raining, there weren’t as many people around as there are on a normal day. We eventually served 204 dinners, but we had enough to serve at least 400. I think people must have found other places to go for Thanksgiving, where they could be out of the rain.”

The food didn’t go to waste, though, according to Capt. Ball. Since The Salvation Army serves dinners six days a week, the Thanksgiving leftovers made dinner for the 125 or so people who came to the Corps on Friday and the approximately same number who came on Saturday.

By Monday, the Thanksgiving feast had disappeared, and The Salvation Army was back to feeding people from its normal every day budget. That budget, which must last an entire year, gets its biggest boost in December from The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle/bellringer campaign.

From now through Dec. 24, donors can also give through the Red Kettle Drive, a holiday tradition the Army has relied on for more than 100 years. Look for red kettles accompanied by bellringers at locations throughout the Inland Empire and everywhere else. Everything a Salvation Army bellringer collects stays within the community.

Online giving, which can be directed specifically to the San Bernardino Corps, is possible at any time by going to www.salvationarmy.usa.org.


And, with holiday shopping on most folks’ minds already, The Salvation Army hopes people will shop for their poorest neighbors, too. Gifts of food and toys are needed for about 750 families relying on the San Bernardino Corps to have any kind of Christmas celebration at all this year.

Donations of time are also highly needed. For one, The Salvation Army wants to beef up the volunteer bellringer force. It also needs volunteers to help with assembling, wrapping and distribution of gift baskets and toys for the needy.

Those interested in donating time or presents should call the San Bernardino Corps at (909) 888-1336. Toys can also be donated through the Sharing Tree programs at the Inland Center Mall, the Ontario Mills Mall, the Montclair Plaza and the Redlands Wal-Mart.


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

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

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Carl Dameron president of Inland's Black Chamber

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications, is the new president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce.

We are excited about Carl's taking the lead with the chamber,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the organization. “We are ready to take the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce to the next level, becoming more involved and expanding our service to the small business community of all backgrounds.”

Dameron is a founding member of the Chamber. During 1989, which was Dameron Communication’s first year of business, Carl and other business owners saw benefit to starting an organization that would work specifically for the advancement of Black-owned businesses in the Inland Empire. Over the past 20 years, both Dameron Communications and the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce have seen steady growth.

“This coming year brings hope for many great opportunities for Black-owned businesses, but we will also face the economic struggles facing all businesses,” Dameron said. “It is important that we work together to help each other succeed. That is the goal of the African American Chamber of Commerce, and it is also one of my goals as a business owner. I am pleased to celebrate my own 20 years in business by leading the organization that has helped me all along.”

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 winning 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.