Art Institute Welcomes New Graphic Design Director

Some of Jana Rawling’s Graphic Design students make a statement in the Inland Empire: From left to right, top row: Collin Hjulberg, Amber Aguirre, Jesus Flores-Rodriguez, Armando Lopez, Nicole Lee, Adrian Aguirre, Stephen Figueroa, Tracy Anderson; middle row: Andrew Hernandez, Darius Giurar, Andrea Perales, Mariana Munoz Gomez, Dhani Olive; front row: Jeannette Castrejon, Jana Rawling, Megan Lane.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – “I have a passion for teaching and a dedication to student success,” explains Jana Rawling, the new Academic Director of Graphic Design at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “I believe I do not have all the answers, but that I can find them and teach students how to find them, too.”

This is at the heart of this Upland’s resident’s educational philosophy. It’s hands-on guidance: “I earned the titles I’ve acquired, and worked hard to do it. I expect the same dedication and focus from this next generation.”

Rawling’s commercial art background spans nearly 20 years, first at 19 as the Art Director & Production Manager for Synaptix Advertising in Garden Grove, then as Creative Director at Internet Exchange International in Corona Del Mar. This was followed by an Art Director role for Ontario’s Sasso & Burgoon Advertising and then as Senior Art Director for Stewart Holt & Partners ad agency, when the two companies merged.

Then it was on to Irvine’s Freedom Communications as manager of Corporate Communication & Marketing, followed by Director of Marketing and Creative Services with Crown Printers in San Bernardino.

During this time, Rawling managed a multi-million dollar project for the Fleetwood RV account, responsible for all the art direction, print product, photos and more. Her design work for corporate annual reports didn’t go unnoticed, garnering her honors from as far away as Europe and as powerful as America’s ADDY Awards, the world’s largest advertising competition.

But, academia called, which led Rawling to The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire as a graphic design instructor. She was at The Art Institute, teaching just two classes on Saturdays when she got the call to join full time, and shortly after to head the 280-student Graphic Design department this past September.

Her move into that role will be a gradual one. “I don’t like change for the sake of change,” Rawling says. “There will remain a great deal of emphasis on becoming hirable. That is, it’s fine to have a beautiful or powerful portfolio as a designer, but the commercial artwork must have a strong concept, must have effective reasons for what’s on the paper or screen. It can’t simply be pretty, it’s got to sell.”

Rawling’s students, therefore, won’t only learn composition, typography and design. “We’ll also be exploring animated corporate and client multimedia presentations, Web design and development, account management, budget adherence and the importance of meeting deadlines. Students today have to be as technical as they are artistic. Still, even under the highest pressure of deadlines, budget requirements and resource management, one must have fun.”

Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in Ontario and an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design & Multimedia from Denver’s Westwood College Online.

“The Art Institute’s creative learners,” Rawling concludes, “often require a flexible, non-traditional approach to learning. Many of these students have previously had negative experiences with education, and they come into the classroom carrying that baggage; this must be overcome.”

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 April 6 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 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.


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INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS VOLUNTEER SERVICES AS EXTREME MAKEOVER REALITY SHOW CREATES NEW HOME FOR WILDLIFE CARETAKERS

Art Institute of California - Inland Empire Interior Design students working on a remodel of the Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary in Phelan. The students volunteered with the Extreme Makeover television reality series to remodel this sanctuary and build its owners a new home in early February. Photo by Sara Sandoval


(PHELAN, Calif.) Life has become a whole lot better for Joel and Chemaine Almquist and all their animals.

Students and faculty from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire played a part in this, as they joined with ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the Building Industry Association of Southern California and many other volunteers to build the Almquists a new home in one week. The makeover took place at the Almquists’ Buttermere Road home in Phelan, a High Desert community southwest of Victorville and Extreme Makeover presented the new home and shelter to them on Saturday, Feb. 7.

“It was an incredible atmosphere, a collaborative building experience,” said Sara Sandoval, academic director of the Interior Design program at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, and one of the project volunteers. “Our students were professional and helpful with any assigned task, no matter how difficult or labor-intensive the work. And because of our team spirit, a lot of people in Phelan were asking about our campus, many of whom now plan to come down to San Bernardino for their own personal tours.”

The Almquists operate Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary, where they care for nine tigers, three tortoises, three parrots, 10 alligators, four servals, four bearded lizards, two lynx and a Cobra. This shelter, which is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and the California Department of Fish & Game, accepts these animals when a previous owner is no longer able to care for them.

Although Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit organization and Chemaine Almquist devotes her days to raising funds for it, the care and feeding of these animals had taken its toll on the Almquists’ personal lives. They lived in a double-wide mobile home with no heating or air-conditioning, leaking pipes and holes patched together by duct tape.

A team from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition knocked on the Almquists’ door Friday, Jan. 31 to announce their plans to build a new home and animal shelter for them. While the Almquists were away on vacation, the Extreme Makeover team is working with more than 100 volunteers, including The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire students, to build the new home and shelter in a week.

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 April 6 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.

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ARTISTS WITH A CAREER FOCUS SHOWCASE WORK AT DIVISION 9

Sharon Kauffman, owner of another gallery in Riverside, examines pieces in The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s EVOLVE student show taking place through Feb. 27 at Division 9 Gallery in Riverside.

A poster promoting the EVOLVE student art show is part of the display at Division 9 Gallery in Riverside. The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire also placed this image on on t-shirts and other promotional materials to make art enthusiasts aware of the show taking place through Feb. 27.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “EVOLVE,” an art show with a different focus than most, is taking place through Feb. 27 at Division 9 Gallery, 3850 Lemon St. in downtown Riverside.

EVOLVE’s sponsor, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, specializes in providing artists with a college education in a field will that allow them to turn their passion into a career. Thus, these student artists focus in school on graphic design and other commercial applications, such as Web design, animation and interior design. Much of the artwork in EVOLVE reflects this focus.

Yet, great designs begin with art. While Art Institute of California – Inland Empire students often rely on computer technology to produce their work, much of this technology is merely advanced forms of drawing, painting, photography and sculpture. Before they learn how to draw, paint and sculpt on a computer, students do so with the tools of a traditional artist - pencils and pens, ink, paint, photographs, chisels and clay.

EVOLVE is a balance of emerging artists’ creativity, and what happens when that creativity combines with the discipline and skill they’ve acquired in learning to be commercial artists. Students created all of the work displayed in EVOLVE as a project in one of their classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

Some of this work may have been created for a fictional client. Other work is simply expressing an artist’s opinion through imagery. Sometimes it captures the amusing aspects of life, sometimes those that are more serious.

“There is a lot of thinking and a lot of humor in this art,” said Sharon Kauffman, who owns another gallery in Riverside and visited EVOLVE during its grand opening Feb. 5 at Riverside Artwalk.

“It shows that these artists are aware and involved in what is going on in the world.”

Jake Castorena, a Media Arts & Animation major at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, has exhibited in both EVOLVE, and its 2008 predecessor, PROCESS. He sees the art shows as a way to showcase the multiple talents of The Art Institute’s students.

“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.”

Jennifer Rodrigues isn’t exhibiting in EVOLVE, but after viewing the show, this Art Institute of California – Inland Empire student agrees it represents her campus well.

“There are many talented people who attend my school,” she said. “This is but a sample of what there is at The Art Institute.”

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

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 April 6 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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Culinary School Offering $75 Valentines' Day Special

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) A few reservations are still available for a great Valentines’ Day deal – dinner for two at Seasons’ Restaurant at The International Culinary School of The Art Institute of California, for only $75 a couple.

Seasons Restaurant, located at 630 E. Brier Drive, provides real-world training for students of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California. Thus, the $75 Valentines’ Day special features a menu that would be on par with the area’s finest dining establishments, yet at a fraction of the price.

Seasons is usually closed on Saturdays but will open on Feb. 14 from 6-8 p.m. with reservations only. For more information or to make reservations, call (909) 915-2170.

“Seasons is offering a Valentine’s Day special which is a four-course meal for $75 per couple,” said Eyad Joseph, Academic Director of The International Culinary School. “Most restaurants usually charge between $100-$250 per couple and are usually booked months in advance for Valentine’s Day.” The menu will be a four-course meal with selections from poultry, beef and seafood and a vegetarian dish.

Joseph said the idea for the Valentine’s Day special came from one of his students who suggested that Seasons stay open on Feb. 14, since most of the other restaurants are already booked up. “Valentine’s Day is a very busy day for couples and families taking their moms and dads out,” Joseph said. “Most restaurants are usually filled up months in advance, so I expect many people who left it to the last minute will welcome the fact we are open.”

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.

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.

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.

The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstutes.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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Loma Linda University Provides Free Dental Care

A team from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, supervised by Dr. Perry Burtch, DDS, (back row, right) visited The Salvation Army recently and offered 16 of its guests free dental screenings. Roosevelt Carroll, (front row, right) director of The Salvation Army’s Hospitality House, said the mobile dental clinic was well received, and about 150 people requested information about the dental services Loma Linda University offers at its School of Dentistry campus. Carl Dameron photo


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Sixteen guests of The Salvation Army recently received free dental screenings and cleanings when the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry brought its “Clinic With A Heart,” to the San Bernardino Corps parking lot.

“The clinic is actually an RV equipped with two dental chairs, an X-ray station and a sanitizer,” said Perry Burtch, DDS, who supervised a team of four student dentists when the clinic went to The Salvation Army. “We go to various locations throughout the year because we want to help as many people as we can.”

“While the mobile clinic was only able to see 16 patients, as many as 150 asked for more information about the clinic it offers on the Loma Linda campus,” said Roosevelt Carroll, director of the Salvation Army’s Hospitality House shelter.

“We enjoyed Loma Linda University’s presence,” Carroll said. “We hope they will come back soon.”

With the mobile clinic’s visit, The Salvation Army was able to add dental care to the vast array of services it provides. On a daily basis, it offers shelter to the homeless, hot meals to the needy and educational programs with a spiritual component to youth and children. It also helps people who are affected by natural disasters such as fires and floods.

Loma Linda University’s mobile dental clinic visits elementary schools in Redlands and Mentone on a weekly basis, offering the children who attend there such services as dental fillings and extractions, Burtch said. It also visits a homeless shelter in Riverside on a monthly basis, offering a similar service to the adults-only guests of that shelter.

And, it selects 10 to 12 other locations a year where low-income people may be concentrated, Burtch said. These are primarily to make the community more aware of low-cost dental services provided at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

At the locations where it isn’t regularly visiting, services are limited to dental screenings and cleanings. “Student dentists can’t work as fast as a regular dentists,” Burtch explained. “Since we want to help as many people as possible, we provide a limited amount of services and refer them to our dental clinic on campus if they need more than routine care.”

Anyone interested in these low-cost dental services, which accept most insurance plans, should call 558-4675 to make arrangements to be seen. For urgent care, call (909) 558-4666. To make arrangements for children under the age of 15, please call (909) 558-4689.

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 Emergency 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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INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS BRINGING BOYS & GIRLS CLUB KITCHEN BACK TO LIFE

Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino Executive Officer A. Majadi examines a 3-D scale rendering of a proposed kitchen remodel for the organization, as proposed by members of a design team from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Photo by Carl Dameron

Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino Operations Director Constance Henderson and Executive Officer A. Majadi smile with their kitchen design team from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Tamara Stevenson, Sonja Fallahian, Nancy Marquez and Patrice Bodell) after seeing that the team had put together a beautiful report and 3-D rendering that encompassed everything they had wanted in a new kitchen. Photo by Carl Dameron

Materials the Interior Design students from The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire used to present their concept of a kitchen redesign to The Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino. Using the computer skills they have perfected during their education, the Interior Design majors put together a full-color report and a 3-D scale rendition of the kitchen they have proposed for the Boys & Girls Club, which will transform it from its original 1960s design into a colorful place where boys and girls will want to learn about cooking and nutrition. Photo by Carl Dameron

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Four Interior Design students from The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, dressed to impress in coordinating black suits, took a deep breath and presented the project they had been working on all quarter.

Before they were done, their “client,” nationally-renown general contractor and non-profit organization leader A. Majadi, smiled broadly and offered them jobs as assistant project superintendents.

“This is absolutely fantastic,” Majadi said. “It has everything we wanted, all the elements necessary for a viable kitchen. Our boys and girls deserve the absolute best in our programs and materials. That’s what the Art Institute students have delivered, the absolute best.”

The Interior Design majors, who were enrolled in the Human Factors course at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire were commissioned by The Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino to redesign the club’s kitchen. Their project will transform the 40-year-old kitchen out of use for at least two years into a brightly-colored place for the children in the Boys & Girls Club to cook and learn.

“Our class is over, but we now plan to continue to work with the Boys & Girls Club until our kitchen design becomes a functional, working kitchen,” said Tamara Stephenson, lead designer for the project.

For 11 weeks, Stephenson, Patrice Bodell, Sonja Fallahian and Nancy Marquez met regularly with Majadi and others at the Boys & Girls Club to find out more about the project. They also researched the national Boys & Girls Club, to learn more about programs offered to children in San Bernardino.

From these meetings and research, they put together a new kitchen concept, which they rendered in a blueprint, sketches, elevation drawings and more in a 26-page full-color report and also in a three-dimensional model of the kitchen. They also presented a budget of just under $35,000, which was another aspect of the presentation that impressed Majadi.

One of the programs offered through the Boys & Girls Club is Triple Play, which teaches children how to be healthy. Since good nutrition is an important part of Triple Play, the Art Institute’s kitchen designers made it a focal point of the remodel.

“The design may provide the inspiration the Boys & Girls Club needs to grow a healthier lifestyle in all of San Bernardino,” said Rikke Van Johnson, president of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino Board of Directors and a member of the San Bernardino City Council. “On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club, I thank them. I am excited about this.”

The new kitchen, as envisioned by the students, features lime green walls, with blue and white tile on the floor and halfway up some walls. A few purple accents embellish this color scheme, which the designers took from the logo the Boys & Girls Club uses to promote Triple Play.

A border of hand-painted tiles, either children’s handprints or children’s artwork, divides the tile portion of the walls from the lime green portion. On one of the walls, a mural will depict Triple Play’s logo.

“I am really digging these colors,” said Majadi. “I love their creativity.”

Before taking the position as chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino, Majadi served as a consultant for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. He also serves as treasurer of the national Black Contractors’ Association and as vice president of the Black Contractors’ Association of California.

Majadi has asked the four students to give their presentation to the entire Board of Directors, and that presentation will likely take place in January. The board will then decide whether to proceed with this remodel, and also if the below-expected budget leaves enough money to hire the students to assist Majadi in supervising construction.

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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GETTING YOUR CUSTOMERS BACK

Carl M. Dameron offers a free brochure from Dameron Communications called Effective Advertising & Public Relations. The brochure outlines a step-by-step program to effectively reach a company’s target market, create a positive image of the business and entice their target market to use their products and services despite tough economic times.


(Newport Beach, Calif.) “In tough economic times too many companies stop advertising their business, or they cut their marketing budget because its easier than cutting people,” says Carl M. Dameron, founder and Creative Director of Dameron Communications, Inland Empire leader in public relations and advertising.

“The problem is when you stop asking for business you stop getting business. When sales fall because new customers aren’t coming in the door companies have to cut more expenses. They often reduce the marketing budget and then spiral into business failure. That puts more people out of work than if they had just found a new way to ask for more business.”

“We must never lose sight of the fact we are all products, and keep selling ourselves and our companies’ products,” says Dameron, adding, “However, a great campaign does not stop there. It takes hard work, knowledge and creativity to bridge the gap between the vision of success and actual profit.”

A free brochure from Dameron Communications, Effective Advertising & Public Relations, outlines a step-by-step program to effectively reach a company’s target market, create a positive image of the business and entice their target market to use their products and services.

According to Dameron the solution to increasing business in a changing economy is to change your advertising strategy. “When people had lots of money from constant home refinancing, they bought lots of things they wanted but didn’t need,” he notes. “Now the re-fi money is gone. People also feel poorer because their home values are declining and their mortgage payments are up. Many consumers are recovering from the hangover of big spending. Buyers are redefining their purchases based on what they need, not just want.

Dameron says the solution is to change your approach. “Some businesses understand this. They increase advertising in slow times. When they notice a change in buyer attitudes and adjust their message to consumers.

“One strategy is to lower prices and offer zero down and low interest rates to increase traffic and sales. Why? Because there are always buyers, if properly motivated to buy. As the Creative Director of Dameron Communications, my job is find the new way to motivate customers to buy,” he says.

Dameron offers more solutions to energize or create and implement an Effective Advertising & Public Relations strategy.

The program consists of four major components:
Research. The first step in an effective advertising campaign is research. A company must know how much they should invest in their marketing campaign, who the target market is, what media those consumers use and what they want!

Ad Development. The creativity of an ad campaign is spurred during ad development. Generally, the information obtained through research will be used to generate a campaign theme that will grab the target market’s attention and increase traffic.

Media Planning and Placement. Selective media placement ensures the target market knows about the company’s products and services. It is imperative that follow-up research is done to fine tune the media, to maximize budget effectiveness and capture the largest audience.

While a successful campaign fulfills all four components, a combination of effective planning and consistency is also required to be effective.

Additionally, Dameron’s guide gives information on developing effective Public Relations, Government Relations and Community Relations strategies.

Dameron goes one step further. “If your business needs help sorting out your media options or creating a new message, we will provide you a free one-hour consultation on your advertising, public relations, crisis communications, government relations and/or community relations issues,” says Dameron.

For a free copy of Effective Advertising & Public Relations e-mail your request to Info@DameronCommunications.com or call Carl Dameron at (909) 888-0321.

Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of its clients locally, regionally and nationally. They are an award-winning communications 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 advertising, public relations, government relations and community relations to advance their clients’ objectives. The web site is www.DameronCommunications.com.

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SATERN offers opportunity to obtain radio license

Tony Straughter, a member of the local SATERN Committee, at a recent seminar the committee put on at The Salvation Army. For those who would like to further help The Salvation Army by obtaining an amateur radio license and volunteering with SATERN, the committee is hosting a licensing class on Feb. 28 at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps office.  Photo courtesy of Tony Stephen

Capt. Stephen Ball, commanding officer of The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, addresses a recent seminar about the importance of SATERN’s radio communications during the Corps disaster relief efforts. Photo courtesy of Tony Stephen

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The Inland Empire’s Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, also known as SATERN, invites all Salvation Army officers, cadets, volunteers and friends to attend the Amateur Licensing Class on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at The Salvation Army Corps, 746 W. Fifth St. in San Bernardino.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. followed by the six-hour class that starts at 8:30 a.m. Testing begins at 4 p.m. with a license exam fee of $15. Lunch will be provided for those who attend, and will not exceed $5.

The six-hour class will cover the basic materials required to obtain an FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio License. Sample tests are available online at WWW.QRZ.COM.

SATERN uses amateur radio to communicate among its own members who are participating in a Salvation Army disaster relief effort, and with the emergency workers they’re helping.

The Salvation Army has helped in just about every disaster that has broken out over the last century, including fires, earthquakes, floods and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Inland Empire Corps’ most recent disaster relief efforts were during the Triangle Complex fire near Corona last year.

For more information about the class, call Paul Hager at (909) 499-0732.

SATERN asks those attending to R.S.V.P. by email to AE6TR@arrl.net by February 23, 2009.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
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.

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.

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Presidents' Day Essay Contest Sponsored By The Art Institute

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) High school seniors have a chance to win a scholarship by participating in a Presidents’ Day essay contest sponsored by The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

“This is an exciting way to win money for college,” said Monica Jeffs, senior director of admissions for The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “The scholarships are $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place.”

The contest is part of Open House activities at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire planned for Monday, Feb. 16. To learn the theme and other rules for participating in the essay contest, call (909) 915-2100 or go to www.aiopen.com/inlandempire.

Jeffs said the deadline for essays to be submitted is Wednesday, Feb. 11. Winning students must be present at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16, to accept their scholarship.

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.

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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Free Art Classes, Drawing Dreams

Knowing how to draw from a live human model is an important skill that artists 15 and older can hone by participating in a drawing workshop 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at The Art Institute of California Inland Empire. Photos by Robert Swapp.


(SAN BERNADINO, Calif.) Being able to draw a live human model is an important skill for any artist, however, not all artists have the chance to practice this type of drawing. 

In the spirit of leading by example, the Art Institute of California –Inland Empire is hosting an artists’ workshop on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 1-5 p.m.

This workshop gives local artists a chance to try their hand at life drawing and will be held at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire free charge to the public.

“Many artists are greatly creative but lack focus,” Santosh Oommen, Academic Director of Media Arts & Animation. “Our goal is to help make better artists. Offering workshops give these artists a chance to focus their raw creative talent.”

Life Drawing workshops are usually offered on the third Saturday of every month. There are 21 seats available for each class. The workshop is open to the public; the only requirement is that you are 15 years old or above and that you bring your own pencils and drawing paper.

“Our commitment is to helping artist in the Inland Empire improve their talents. This workshop, for artists as young as 15 years old, will help them to further their development of with the skills they need.” Said Oommen, academic director of media artist animation of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire.

The workshop involves drawing from a live figure and covers topics such as anatomy and gestures. To sign up for the Life Drawing workshop, or for more information, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.


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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.

Art Institute Welcomes New Fashion Director

Sherry West

Robert Swapp Photography

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – “It is my goal to produce the most talented designers and fashion professionals the industry has seen in a very long time by inspiring our students to greatness.” That’s the credo of the new Academic Department Director of the Fashion Design Program of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, Sherry West.

With 20 years of apparel experience in women’s, men’s, children’s and accessory design, West knows what the industry expects of young designers, and equally knows what students need to make it in the real world. “In addition to developing the talent, it is critical that we prepare our fashion students to succeed in this fast-paced and very competitive, albeit very alluring, industry,” she explains. And that’s the way The Art Institute likes it.

Working under the Dean of Academic Affairs, Jerry Foust, Sherry West understands clearly “the Art Institute’s aim of developing students who leave the school fully prepared for entry level positions in their chosen field. In fashion, graduates have to be at their best and ready to earn their salary from day one,” Foust has said.

The Philadelphia native, now living in Redlands, has been on the job since December 1, bringing to the classroom a background as broad as it is extensive. West’s fashion experience includes spending extensive periods of time in Hong Kong and traveling to other countries such as the Philippines, Japan, India and Turkey, as well as Paris, London, Milan and Florence, all of which will come in handy as she prepares her fashion students for their careers in this very global industry.

West’s first-hand experience of designing collections, visiting apparel factories, recruiting local artists, evaluating production facilities and capabilities, shopping European markets and trade shows and developing fresh manufacturing techniques in foreign countries will be an added plus to her role as the Academic Department Director of the Fashion Design Program.

West graduated in 1988 from Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. She was honored three years consecutively as the Outstanding Student in Fashion Design, earning her a place on the Dean’s List.

From there she joined Eagle’s Eye apparel company, a leader in sportswear and sweater design, in nearby Conshohocken as a Design Assistant. It wasn’t long before West’s designs were breaking company records garnering her an unprecedented promotion to Head Designer for the firm’s core brand after her first year with the business.

Soon West was invited by the owners and executives to explore new ventures to grow the business. West’s ideas and visions for the company were instrumental in growing the brand from $50 million in sales to more than $120 million.

After six years with Eagle’s Eye, she established Sherry West Inc. in Dresher, and over just four years she designed sportswear and sweater collections for more than 20 national labels along with founding a children’s design house, Rhyme & Reason.

It was there she oversaw the design, production and delivery of collections to more than 350 accounts across the country including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks and Fred Segal’s of Hollywood, with international accounts in Japan, Australia and the Cayman Islands.

Since 2003 West has worked for and with numerous apparel retailers and design studios, and has been a Senior Fashion Designer for Lilly Pulitzer, an on-site consultant and a Retail Director.

Her vast fashion-related background has provided West with what she says is “the ability to teach the entire design process from concept to consumer through all cross-functional perspectives from design, merchandising, technical design, product development, sourcing, marketing, to sales and distribution.”

As a teacher, Sherry West has been a member of the adjunct faculty of Philadelphia’s Drexel University where her courses have included Fashion Entrepreneurship and Drawing for Fashion Design.

For 15-plus years she has appeared as a guest lecturer and professor to four prominent design colleges: Moore College of Art & Design, Drexel’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts, the Savannah College of Art & Design and Philadelphia University.

At The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire West plans to continue that academic tradition by “honing in on, and enhancing, students’ innate talents and desires by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to make a positive impact on an industry that craves innovation,” she says.

“At the institute,” she adds after just one month, “the students are hungry and eager to learn about the fashion industry.” It’s not just about creating attractive designs, she feels, but learning about the “business of fashion” and how to work within it at all levels.

Reflecting on adding West to the institute’s faculty, Dean Foust says, “When you announce an opening for a position such as Academic Director for Fashion Design and Fashion & Retail Merchandising you usually get quite a few resumes and referrals. Most of them are qualified, and that is good. But sometimes, if you’re really lucky, you get one that makes you read it twice and say ‘Wow!’ That is Sherry West’s. Her background, her education, the things she has done in the fashion industry, her teaching and management experience all bring that word to mind. She was on the east coast and we are on the west coast – but we made it happen and our students love her and what she is doing for those programs.”

West notes, “We have some exciting times ahead of us here at the Art Institute as we grow our new department. I am looking forward to developing the talent in the students here and preparing them for their first big fashion show scheduled on June 6th at Victoria Gardens.”

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.
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Three students receive $6,250 in awards for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is honored in many ways in San Bernardino. Recently, The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire honored him by giving three high school students scholarships and other awards as prizes for essays about their own creative dreams.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire has awarded $5,000 in scholarships and an art supply kit worth $1,250 to three high school seniors.

The seniors, Alex Shaffer of Yucaipa and Megan Flanagan and Sylvia Rodriguez, both of Riverside, are winners in The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s “I Have A Creative Dream” essay contest, which it held in conjunction with a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day open house on Monday, Jan. 18.

“They wrote great essays,” said Monica Jeffs, senior admissions director for the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire and contest coordinator. “Some of them were very heartwarming. It means a lot to these students to be awarded these scholarships.”

Shaffer, 17, attends Yucaipa High School. He received a $3,000 scholarship for his first-place essay.

“My family and I are definitely planning on using that scholarship,” Alex said. It will be a great help to me in fulfilling my creative dream.”

Flanagan, 18, attends Riverside Polytechnic High School. She received a $2,000 scholarship for second place.

Rodriguez, 17, attends Summit Valley High School. She received an Art Institute art supply kit valued at $1,250 for third place.

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.
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Wanted: Creative People for Creative Careers

(INDIO, Calif.) If you think making a living doing something you love to do is impossible, then you don’t know about the huge demand for people in the creative careers like graphic design, culinary arts, computer game design, web design and interior design. To illustrate the possibilities, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire comes to Indio in February to help high school seniors find careers they can love.

Campus President Emam El-Hout says, “The primary mission, focus and ultimate goal of The Art Institute is to assist students toward the successful achievement of satisfying creative careers in their chosen field. We have brought together a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to providing students with career-oriented curricula - including the organizational, interpersonal and theoretical, as well as the practical skills needed to become a well trained entry-level job candidate in today’s competitive creative job market.”

The first free Indio Previews for graduating high school students and their families are slated for Friday, Feb. 6 at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. More sessions will follow Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m., noon, 2:00 and 4:00 at the Fantasy Springs Resort, 84-245 Indio Parkway.

“We definitely want students from Indio, Palm Springs and the rest of the low desert to join us at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire,” said Monica Jeffs, director of admissions. “They will learn more about our programs of study in fashion, culinary arts and design and about the exciting career paths an Art Institutes education would lead them to. We will also discuss scholarships and other financial aid options, the admissions process and housing options available to them.”

Along with Jeffs will be five assistant directors of admissions who will spend an hour explaining what The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is all about. They’ll describe the curriculum and the degrees offered, the earning potential, review all the school’s financial aid and scholarship programs, discuss their professional award-winning faculty and preview The Art Institute’s multi-million dollar facility in San Bernardino.

To save your space, register on line at www.aipreview.com/indio or call The Art Institute at (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.
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Black Culture Foundation Will Crown Royalty

Marion and Charlotte Black

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Black Culture Foundation will crown Marion and Charlotte Black of Rialto as the Senior King and Queen 2009 on Friday, Feb. 6.

The couple will be crowned in an invitation-only reception. To RSVP, call Margaret Hill at (909) 864-3267.

“The Black Culture Foundation selects senior citizens who are involved in the community every year for this honor,” said Margaret Hill, program chairman.

Marion Black is a deacon and a member of the Board of Directors for several ministries at Ecclesia Christian Fellowship Church, and is a past recipient of the Taft Newman Award from his church. He is also a member of the San Bernardino Kiwanis Club and works with its Key Club at San Bernardino High School and is a past recipient of its Harry Rheubotton Award. He’s an Ambassador for the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and has previously been named its Ambassador of the Year three times.

Marion is a long time supporter of the YMCA. He’s also a member of the Volunteer Center of the Inland Empire, the board of Advisors for California State University, San Bernardino, the Black Culture Foundation and the Civil Service Commission of San Bernardino County.

Marion Black is also the board chairman of the Provisional Accelerated Learning Center (PAL Center) and a member of the board for the Life Stream of San Bernardino and Riverside. He has received citations from the League of Women Voters as a Citizen of Achievement.

Charlotte Black has supported her husband in his endeavors, while maintaining her own involvement in community activities. She is the vice president of her chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she’s held local and regional positions. She is also a member of Sunrise Church of Rialto and is involved with several of its ministries.

The ceremony and reception crowning Marion and Charlotte Black as Senior King and Queen is sponsored by Dr. Arturo Delgado, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District and the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation.


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RIKKE VAN JOHNSON APPOINTED TO IVDA, SBIAA, IGLCBC

Rikke Van Johnson

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) - Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson has been appointed to serve on three agencies representing the City of San Bernardino in 2009. These agencies are the Inland Valley Development Agency, the San Bernardino International Airport Authority and the San Bernardino County Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee.

“Two of these agencies, the Inland Valley Development Agency and the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, compliment each other,” Johnson said. “We will be doing everything we can to bring economic redevelopment to the area in and around the San Bernardino International Airport.”

San Bernardino International Airport Authority is a Joint Powers Authority representing the cities of San Bernardino, Colton and Loma Linda, and the County of San Bernardino. It is responsible for developing aviation related industries at San Bernardino International Airport (formerly Norton Air Force Base.)

The Inland Valley Development Authoirty, another Joint Powers Authority representing the same members, is responsible for developing non-aviation related businesses, industries and residences at San Bernardino International Airport and on 13,000 surrounding acres.
The passage of SB 621 established the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee formed in each county with tribal government gaming operations. Consisting of tribal and local government leaders, these committees supervise the selection of grants to public agencies seeking assistance from the Special Distribution Fund.
“Usually, San Bernardino selects its Fourth Ward Council Member along with the Mayor to represent the city on this committee,” Johnson said. “Since the Fourth Ward position is now vacant, I was appointed to fill in until a new council member is seated.”

Neil Derry, now Third District Supervisor for San Bernardino County, held the position of Fourth Ward Council Member until he was elected to the Board of Supervisors. He will be replaced in a special election in March, and the new Fourth Ward Council Member will most likely be sworn in at the beginning of April.

Rikke Van Johnson represents the Sixth Ward on the City Council of San Bernardino. As a council member, Johnson serves on several other 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 San Bernardino Regional Water Resources Authority Commission (JPA), and the San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) Board and the SANBAG Major Projects Committee.


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More Than Art - A Bachelor's Degree

Ray Jones, director of the General Education program at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, with students in a General Ed psychology class. Photo by Robert Swapp


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) At The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, the administration’s goal is to graduate students with a well-rounded education. While a person’s specialty might be Game Art & Design or Culinary Arts, when students leave with their Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees, they are ready for the real world in addition to a career.

Ray Jones, head of the General Education program, puts it this way: “We make sure that our students have a well-rounded education that gives them more than just an emphasis in their chosen profession.”

Jones insists that the institute’s graduates understand how to deal with bank statements and investors, be familiar with the arts around them and understand the history of various cultures. “We include English usage,” he adds, “and teach them how to speak in public. We even add sociology, psychology and anthropology.”

With The Art Institute of California –Inland Empire’s General Education objective, their graduates, regardless of their major, obtain a broader education, knowledge that will carry them through a happier, more productive life, according to Jones.

Students graduating from the International Culinary School, for instance, will know math well enough to resize a recipe for larger or smaller gatherings; Web design majors will know how to buy a car or finance a business loan; animation specialists will understand art history as well as how to address a public meeting.

The Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs target a fully-rounded education for their students, one that will aid them in dealing effectively with society, and be ready to handle whatever the real world throws their way.

“If you leave The Art Institute mastering your specialty like a professional while knowledgeable with life and society in general,” says President Emam El-Hout, “we’ve done our job.”

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 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.

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SATERN Showcases Effective Disaster Communication Tool

Tony Stephen

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Anyone interested in amateur radio is invited to learn how they can help one of the world’s oldest disaster relief organizations in its communications efforts.

The Inland Empire’s Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, also known as SATERN, will hold its 13th Annual Introduction and Seminar on Saturday, Jan. 31. This free event takes place from 8:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, 746 W. Fifth St., San Bernardino. It’s open to the public and includes a complimentary lunch.

SATERN relies on amateur or shortwave radio, a technology that’s been around since before World War II, but is growing more sophisticated. These radios allow two-way communication across areas of about 200 miles, so SATERN uses them to communicate among its own members who are participating in a Salvation Army disaster relief effort, and with the emergency workers they’re helping.

The Salvation Army has helped in just about every disaster that has broken out over the last century, including fires, earthquakes, floods and the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Inland Empire Corps’ most recent disaster relief efforts were during the Triangle Complex fire near Corona last year.

“Amateur radio is a great hobby and participating in SATERN is a great way to turn that hobby into something that helps our Inland Empire tremendously,” said Tony Stephen, Inland Empire SATERN Committee member. “If more people join us, we will be able to deliver communications more effectively during the next fire or other disaster that hits our area.”

After a sign-in time, the seminar gets underway at 9 a.m. The first speakers are Trace Wilette, a member of the Inland Empire’s SATERN committee and Capt. Stephen Ball, executive officer of the San Bernardino Corps. They will provide an introduction to SATERN.

From 9:30 to 9:45 a.m., members of SATERN and American Radio Relay League will introduce themselves. American Radio Relay League is an amateur radio organization separate from The Salvation Army, but whose members also are involved in disaster relief.

The next speaker is Jay Jones, an amateur radio operator and University of La Verne biology and biochemistry professor. Jones will speak on “A View of the Future,” providing a look at what he believes the future of amateur radio’s role in disaster relief will be.

From 11 a.m. to 12 noon, Suzi Woodruff Lacey, director of public relations for The Salvation Army’s Western Division, will speak on “SATERN’s Role in Critical Communications. Lacey will explain how SATERN provides vital communication services on several fronts during disasters, such as between its own members, to the rescue workers they’re assisting and to the public. Rescue workers frequently rely on SATERN to help those displaced in a disaster communicate their whereabouts to out-of-town family, and to provide media with information that will help keep everyone safe and well-informed.

After lunch, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Marty Woll, vice director of American Radio Relay League, addresses one of the latest technologies in amateur radio, Near Vertical Incident Skywire. Amateur radio requires use of an exceptionally large antenna, and NVIS technology allows operators to erect the antenna at an angle that will maximize their opportunity to successfully send and receive radio transmissions at the upper end of their range, perhaps as far as 300 miles.

So it will have an accurate lunch count, SATERN asks those attending to RSVP, either by email to ke6jzf@verizon.net or by calling Stephen at (909) 628-2843. He’s also accessible through amateur radio by contacting KE6JZF.

For more information go to the website www.satern.net or ,contact Stephen.

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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Black Chamber Plans Leadership Summit

Wilmer Amina Carter

Robert Byrd

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce will discuss how to positively impact community, political and economic issues when it holds its Black Leadership Summit on Friday, January 30.

Black elected officials, their representatives, chief executive officers, business owners, managers and pastors have been invited to attend this event. This is the first of what the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce hopes will become an annual event.

The goal of the summit is to determine three specific topics for the Chamber’s concentration during 2009. The invited guests have been asked to send in questions and comments regarding community, political and economic issues, which will be reviewed prior to the day of the summit to determine which community concerns should be discussed at the summit.

Carl Dameron, president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce and Dameron Communications is hosting the event. “Working together to help each other succeed” is the main goal of this summit,” he said. “Despite the economic downturn we can make this a great 2009.”

This summit will also inform community leaders about important topics, including the current budgets of the State of California, Riverside County and San Bernardino County.
Wilmer Amina Carter, California State Assembly Member, 62nd District, will discuss the State of California’s budget.

“It is important that we acknowledge the contributions and the excellence practiced by business owners, executives, government agencies and organizations, such as the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, who are dedicated to Black business development,” said District 62 Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, a Rialto small business owner who has introduced a bill that would provide technical assistance for individuals who want to start up microenterprises.

Robert Byrd, Riverside County auditor and controller, will speak on the economic overview and Riverside County budget. He will also moderate the discussion on economic issues.

“This event will raise the consciousness of people about economic, political, and community issues and will make them want to get involved,” Byrd said.

Keith Lee, Deputy Administrative Officer for San Bernardino County, will moderate the discussion on political issues. Carolyn Murray, professor of psychology at University of California, Riverside, will moderate the discussion of community issues.

Eddie Catoe, Government Relations Executive of Dameron communications is coordinating this event The co-host committee includes State Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod, Assembly Member Carter, Deputy Administrative Officer Lee, San Bernardino Mayor Pro Tem Rikke Van Johnson, Fontana Council Member Aquanetta Warren, Rialto Council Member Deborah Robertson, Rialto City Clerk Barbara McGee

The guests will be served a continental breakfast and lunch. They will receive a CD containing an Excel spread sheet with contact information for all attending the event; the Final Health Care Report, prepared by Dr. Diane Woods of the African-American Health Institute of San Bernardino County; The State of Black California, a report from the California Legislative Black Caucus; The Inland Empire in 2015, a report from the Public Policy Institute of California; John Husing’s 2008 economic report; and information about the Inland Empire Community Calendar & Cultural Events, www.ie-community.com and how one can add an event to this calendar.


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Gingerbread Houses a Sweet Treat at Salvation Army's Hospitality House Shelter

Jessica Davis, 8, of San Bernardino, looks at some of the gingerbread houses that had just been donated to the Salvation Army. Jessica had come to the Salvation Army with her grandmother on the day the Job Corps visited to volunteer, as it was busy then creating holiday gift packages for those less fortunate.

Gingerbread house donated by Inland Empire Job Corps.

Inland Empire Job Corps students, including Janna Maples, Theo Rodriguez and Jorge Galdanez, foreground baked gingerbread houses before Christmas and donated seven of them to the Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino.



(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The hot daily meal and warm beds at The Salvation Army’s Hospitality House always attract up to 96 homeless people, but for a short time before Christmas things were even sweeter.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, the guests had seven gingerbread houses to enjoy, courtesy of the culinary arts students at the Inland Empire Job Corps. These houses made festive decorations throughout most of that day, but were on the menu for desert that night.

“The kids are going to love these,” Hospitality House Director Roosevelt Carroll said after the Job Corps delivered their sweet creations. “It’s a blessing for them to even see a gingerbread house. Then they will eat them piece by piece.”

Even if they knew their creations would be quickly eaten, baking and decorating these and 13 other gingerbread houses were a labor of love for the young people enrolled in the Job Corps program. After all, if it weren’t for the federally funded training program that also gives these 16- to 24-year-olds a place to live, many of them would be struggling too.

“What we did makes us feel good,” said Theo Rodriguez, one of the student bakers.

“We’re giving to people who need help more than we do,” said another baker, Jorge Galdanez.

Job Corps also gave gingerbread houses to Maple House, a residential program in
San Bernardino for people recovering from substance abuse and their children.

“This definitely was a lot of work,” said Monica Zapata. “But it was a wonderful experience.”

The students spent anywhere from two days to a week cutting templates for the walls of the gingerbread houses, baking, and decorating them. They worked under the guidance of Job Corps Instructor Michael Gurd, who is like a father to many of them.

“Chef Michael is my father,” said Aric Ianni. “I grew up without a dad, so he has been that role model for me.”

Job Corps’ culinary students, including the 10 who came to The Salvation Army, plan on careers as chefs in restaurants, on cruise ships and as caterers. They’re learning the basics of commercial food preparation in the San Bernardino program and can obtain advanced training at another Job Corps program in San Francisco if they choose.


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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Passion For Fashion Winners Get $6,000 In Scholarships

Kristyn Rethaford of San Bernardino, with the dress and matching purse she designed. The Gorman High School senior won The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire’s Passion for Fashion competition with this dress.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Kristyn Rethaford and Desiree Bonds, high school seniors in the Inland Empire each won $3,000 scholarships from The Art Institute of California Inland Empire. The two high school students were winners of the Passion for Fashion competition.

The Art Institutes, of which The Art Institute of California Inland Empire is a member, sponsors this event yearly. This is the first year the Inland Empire’s Fashion program has entered this competition.

The Art Institute Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion design, marketing, merchandising and retail management talent at the high school level.

Two hundred sixty high school seniors across North America applied for the competition nationwide.

The winner of the national competition will receive a full tuition scholarship to study at a participating Art Institutes location and an all-expense-paid trip to New York City for Fashion Week in February 2009, a “meet and greet” at Seventeen Magazine’s offices and lunch with staff at Seventeen Magazine.

Rethaford of San Bernardino is the winner in the Fashion Design category. Not only will she receive a $3,000 scholarship but is also competing in the nationwide competition held in February 2009. She is currently a senior at Gorman High School in Redlands and plans on attending The Art Institute of California Inland Empire in the Fall of 2009.

“This experience has shown me that I really do want to be in the fashion industry and I truly enjoyed doing this project,” said Rethaford.

Rethaford’s inspiration for the designing the dress came from the Jazz Era of the 1920s. A black and gold formal dress, just below the knee, sleeveless gold bodice and gold skirt with black velvet embellished roses. Black beaded trim around the back and bottom of the skirt. Accented with a scarf with roses cut into the fabric and finished with a black hat with feathers and beads.

Bonds of Apple Valley is the winner in the Retail Management category. She will received a $3,000 scholarship for the fall 2009 quarter at the Inland Empire Art Institute. She is currently a senior at Silverado High School in Victor Valley, California. Bonds plans on attending The Art Institute of California Inland Empire in the fall of 2009. Bond’s heard about the competition through an admissions director.

She organized a portfolio describing her idea of an Urban Fashion Retail Store which including a catalog of clothing item examples and a plan for a grand opening.

“This competition has definitely taken my interest to the next level,” said Bonds. I am really looking forward to attended the fashion program in the fall of 2009.”

Fashion Design Director of the Art Institute of Inland Empire and member of the Fashion group International, Sherry West said “These are young talented students with drive; they have a sense of style and workmanship which is going to take them a long way in this industry.”

She is impressed with Rutheford and Bonds creativity for such a lofty competition. West says, “These are the go getters; the next rising stars.”

“This is truly a great opportunity for high school seniors. A competition like this gets their foot in the door to future employers,” said West.

These seniors were recently presented at Fashion Night to friends, family and potential fashion students.

As the fashion department gets more exposure to the exciting and popular program at the Art Institute of California Inland Empire more competition is expected by the November deadline in 2009.

“There are many fashion competitions in college but usually not offered at the high school level and especially at a nation wide level.” “These high school seniors have an early incentive to create a future for themselves early on,” said West.


To be eligible, students must be a high school senior scheduled to graduate in 2009. In the Fashion Design category, entry requirements include submission of an original eveningwear design. In the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management category, entry requirements include a finished product or plan.

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 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), 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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