All Children Need A Parent's Love - Even Teenagers

Rialto City Council Member Deborah Robertson and her mother Julia Calhoun, far right, with (from left) Deborah’s sister Bonnie Cotton, Bonnie’s grandson Lonell Williams and Bonnie’s daughter, Tahara “Nicky” Cotton. Bonnie, Lonell and Nicky are the widow, grandson and daughter of Robertson’s former foster son.


(RIALTO, Calif.) Deborah Robertson was only 23 years old when a boy we’ll call David became her foster son.

David (whose real name she’d rather not use) was a 16-year-old friend of Robertson’s sister. For a variety of reasons, he could no longer live with his parents and had become a ward of the San Diego County Department of Children’s Services.

He faced placement in a foster home and, with that, an uncertain future. That was, until Robertson stepped in.

“He needed a foster parent in his own neighborhood so he could graduate from the same high school he was attending then,” Robertson said. “I already knew him through my sister, and they let me become his foster parent.”

Robertson served as David’s legal “mother” until he turned 18. She provided him acceptance, mentoring and, even though she wasn’t much older than him, the adult presence that is critical in a teen’s life.

David stayed in her home for about 18 months, until shortly after graduating from high school. Later, he became part of her family in a different way, because he married her sister.

The kinship continued until David died of kidney failure at age 40.

Robertson’s relationship with David gives her a deep appreciation for the needs of today’s teenage children in the foster care system.

“Teenagers need a stable environment that they feel comfortable in,” Robertson said. “David had people around him who loved him and made him feel like part of a family. It is important to give a young person a sense of belonging, and that’s what foster parents can provide, even if they don’t know the child before he or she comes to their home.”

Ritchie Howard, who has foster parented a number of teenagers placed in his home by Knotts Family and Parenting Institute, and who also works with troubled teens as a member of the Rialto Youth Accountability Board, agrees that teens in the foster system need good, loving homes as much as younger children.

“Love is what conquers all,” Howard said. “If they’re given love, they are going to benefit.”

That’s why they are currently foster parenting a teenager as well as a younger child and have previously done so for numerous other teens as foster parents through Knotts Family and Parenting Institute.

In the Inland Empire, Knotts Family and Parenting Institute works with both San Bernardino and Riverside departments of children’s services to find homes for all ages of children, from babies to teenagers. It has the greatest need for foster parents who will take in teenagers.

“The counties try to place the teens in the same area so that they will not have to change schools. That is our goal as well,” said Alfreda Bantum, Foster Family Agency coordinator. If they are unable to find a home nearby, they simply place the client in whatever home has an opening, working with all foster family agencies like ours until they find a placement.”

Since 1992 the Knotts Family and Parenting Institute has provided foster family services for the children, parents and foster parents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

For more information, or to become a foster parent, call the Knotts Family and Parenting Institute at (909) 880-0600.

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Help A Neighbor, Volunteer To Ring A Silver Bell

Shaila, Shiane, Carl and Malaika Dameron rang a bell for the Salvation Army in 2007. The Damerons will again volunteer this year.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) –Shiny red kettles attended by men, women and children ringing silver bells are a familiar sight during the holiday season, but to most effectively serve its community The Salvation Army needs more volunteer bell ringers.

“We invite people to help the disadvantaged in our community by volunteering as bell ringers,” said Capt. Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “We’re asking individuals, families and groups to spend a day at one of our more than 25 locations in the San Bernardino area.”

In 2007, Salvation Army of San Bernardino board member, and Dameron Communications founder and creative director, Carl Dameron volunteered with his wife Malaika and their two daughters, Shaila and Shiane. The entire Salvation Army of San Bernardino board also volunteered their time to ring silver bells and ask the community for help.

“We receive great satisfaction knowing we had made a difference in our community,” Carl Dameron said. “We also enjoyed spending the time together as a family and teaching our children about the responsibility we have to care for those in our community who are less fortunate.”

The Salvation Army will begin ringing its bells this year Friday, Nov. 21, and continue from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.

Capt. Ball encourages families, groups of friends, community organizations, churches and Sunday School classes to sign up as “Bell Ringers for A Day.” The Salvation Army especially seeks groups large enough to work in shifts throughout an eight-hour day, but also welcomes individuals, families and small groups who could donate a few hours of their time.

“Groups will be especially effective if they bring guitars and/or other musical instruments and sing Christmas carols," he said. “The Salvation Army has long appreciated the role music plays in putting people into the holiday spirit.”

Each Thanksgiving, Christmas and in some cases Easter, the Inland Empire Salvation Army Corps combine to serve more than 1,000 people holiday meals. But, these local corps serve almost as many meals on a daily basis to those who are homeless and hungry. Some Corps also maintain a food pantry for those who most need help with the cost of groceries.

Feeding the hungry is just one of the ways money donated to The Salvation Army helps. Salvation Army Corps also help with lodging for homeless or evicted families; clothing and furniture for burnout victims, evicted and the homeless; prescriptions, assistance with rent/mortgage, utilities and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in disasters such as fires

In San Bernardino, The Hospitality House provides thousands of homeless families temporary emergency shelter and support in rebuilding their lives.

In 2009, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino plans to expand its services to the homeless by relocating its shelter and renovating that building, and by adding transitional apartments where homeless families can live for up to 24 months while receiving the same support resources those at the shelter have.

Providing these additional services is a huge reason why The Salvation Army wants to maximize its holiday kettle donations, which bring in far more money than any other time of year.

“The Hospitality House needs help to survive,” Capt. Ball said. “Next year, we are going to need an additional $75,000 to keep the doors open, feed more people and make the expansion a reality.”

To volunteer as a bell ringer in San Bernardino, Colton, Rialto, Grand Terrace or Highland, call (909) 888-1336. The San Bernardino office is setting up a volunteer schedule to which Capt. Ball and his staff are eager to assist local residents in adding their names

To volunteer as a bell ringer in Redlands and other East San Bernardino Valley communities call (909) 792-6868. Volunteer Services Coordinator Mike Delgado will provide an application and, on approval by Capt. Jonathan Apaun, assign volunteers to bell-ringing duties.

To volunteer as a bell ringer in San Bernardino County’s High Desert, call (760) 245-5745 and ask for Margot Barhas.

To volunteer as a bell ringer in Ontario and other West San Bernardino Valley communities, call Envoy Abel Tamez at (909) 509-2503 or Envoy Naomi Tamez at (909) 509-2741.

To learn more about volunteering as a bell ringer in Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, Norco and other West Riverside County communities call the Riverside Corps Office at (951) 784-4490.

To learn more about volunteering as a bell ringer in Hemet, Beaumont, San Jacinto, Perris, Murietta, Menifee, Temecula and other central and southern Riverside County communities, call the Hemet Corps Office at (951) 925-7176.

To learn more about volunteering as a bell ringer in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indio, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, Banning and other desert communities, call the Palm Desert Corps Office at (760) 340-4901.

In addition, one may donate to The Salvation Army online, through the website www.salvationarmyusa.org. Donors may specify to which branch of The Salvation Army the money should be sent.

How the Bell Ringer campaign began:
Capt. Joseph McFee, serving with the San Francisco Salvation Army Corps back in 1891, wanted to serve Christmas dinner to the poor in his neighborhood. But he didn’t have money to do so.

Mc Fee remembered as a sailor in Liverpool, England, seeing people on the docks throw money into a large kettle called “Simpson’s Pot” to help the poor. He decided this might work in California, too.

He set up a kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing, which operated a ferry that was, in those days, the only way across San Francisco Bay. He put a sign on the kettle saying “Keep the Pot Boiling,” and raised enough money to serve the Christmas dinner.

His idea spread quickly, and by 1897 Salvation Army Corps nationwide were collecting money in kettles to serve the needy in their communities. Among the Salvation Army Corps collecting money this way before the turn of the 20th Century was The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, which formed in 1887.

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.

Police Steal Photo For Hit Piece

Photo by Robert Yager, copyright 2003

(LOS ANGELES) The website of professional photographer Robert Yager contains 30 disturbing images of anonymous gang members in Los Angeles.

One of those copyrighted images on www.robertyager.com is a snarling, gun-wielding Latino gang-banger, which Yager shot on a street in Los Angeles. It gained recent notoriety when it appeared in a flier the Rialto police and fire unions put out in support of the re-election of current Mayor Grace Vargas.

“You will be seeing a lot more of us if Deborah Robertson is elected Mayor” warns the flier in type over the gang member’s photo. Union officials acknowledge they’re sending this message out because of past votes Robertson took, which they believe aren’t in the union members’ best interests.

Yager didn’t know his photo was circulating in Rialto until he saw a television report on Oct. 28. He then contacted Robertson by email.

“I am wondering how and why they came to use my photo,” Yager said in his email. I did not give the Fire Department or Police Department permission to use this photo. It is a copyrighted image.”

Robertson also wonders what the union leaders were thinking.

“It seems our police and fire unions used Robert Yager’s photographs without permission, a clear copyright infringement,” she said. Some people would call that theft. It seems they took what they wanted and ignored what might happen.”

Public safety is one of Robertson’s goals, and will continue to be if she’s elected Mayor.

“If I’m Mayor, people will have sense that safety is a priority with the city,” she said. “But it’s not the only priority.”
She also will give a high priority to economic development, which she says is essential for strengthening a tax base to provide essential city services.

Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 20. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.

In addition to her elected seat on the Council, Robertson is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $6 million, plus is responsible for Public, Media and Government Affairs, Public Records, Small Business and Community Outreach and Graphic Service.

Robertson is endorsed by the San Bernardino Sun, Black Voice News, Inland Valley News, the Press-Enterprise and Westside Story. She’s also endorsed by mayors, city council members, commissioners and school board members from throughout the Inland Empire, and numerous organizations and private citizens. A few of her endorsements are from Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, Colton City Council Member Kelly Chastain, Rialto City Council Member Winifred Hanson, former Assembly member John Longville, Rialto School Board Member Dan Mays, Ontario City Council Member Alan Wapner, Fontana City Council Member Aquanetta Warren, Rialto Commissioner Midge Zupanic and the Rialto Democratic Club.


“Rialto needs Deborah Robertson as mayor. The two-term councilwoman's smarts, tenacity and commitment to taxpayers are Rialto's best defense to unstable economic factors that threaten its progress.” San Bernardino Sun editorial, Oct. 8, 2008

“Deborah Robertson is an assertive city councilwoman who espouses vision and an eagerness for the city to move forward on longstanding programs,” Riverside Press-Enterprise article, Oct. 4, 2008

“Robertson can provide energetic leadership and a pragmatic approach to city government … the better choice for mayor.” Riverside Press-Enterprise editorial, Oct. 25, 2008.

“Who is putting forth the energy and vision to turn the corner to greatness for Rialto? To me, Deborah (Robertson) will bring that energy and the knowledge of state government to turn that corner.” Editorial by Hardy Brown, publisher of Black Voice News, Oct. 9, 2009.

Economic Development and Safety Top Goals for Deborah Robertson

(RIALTO, Calif.) If elected Rialto Mayor on Tuesday, Deborah Robertson will fight for both economic development and public safety.

“I will focus on bringing more businesses, restaurants and entertainment to Rialto, so we can have a solid tax base to support our services, such as law enforcement and fire protection,” she said.

As Mayor, Robertson said she will devote her time to meeting with business leaders and developers from outside the city to convince them to establish or relocate businesses to Rialto. This will not only bring in revenue, but also make the city a more attractive place to live and do business.

“I will be out there as the number one spokesman for the city,” she said. “I’ll be working with our Economic Development Department and our Redevelopment Department. There are great opportunities for development in key areas, such as the “Renaissance” area near the Rialto Airport, and in the undeveloped areas at the northern and southern edges of the city.”

Robertson said she will also strive to improve the overall appearance of the city, through improved planning of how neighborhoods and business centers are laid out.

Public safety is also important, she said.

“If I’m Mayor, people will have sense that safety is a priority with the city,” she said. “But it’s not the only priority.”

Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 20. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.

In addition to her elected seat on the Council, Robertson is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $6 million, plus is responsible for Public, Media and Government Affairs, Public Records, Small Business and Community Outreach and Graphic Service.

Robertson is endorsed by the San Bernardino Sun, Black Voice News, Inland Valley News, the Press-Enterprise and Westside Story. She’s also endorsed by mayors, city council members, commissioners and school board members from throughout the Inland Empire, and numerous organizations and private citizens. A few of her endorsements are from Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, Colton City Council Member Kelly Chastain, Rialto City Council Member Winifred Hanson, former Assembly member John Longville, Rialto School Board Member Dan Mays, Ontario City Council Member Alan Wapner, Fontana City Council Member Aquanetta Warren, Rialto Commissioner Midge Zupanic and the Rialto Democratic Club.


“Rialto needs Deborah Robertson as mayor. The two-term councilwoman's smarts, tenacity and commitment to taxpayers are Rialto's best defense to unstable economic factors that threaten its progress.” San Bernardino Sun editorial, Oct. 8, 2008

“Deborah Robertson is an assertive city councilwoman who espouses vision and an eagerness for the city to move forward on longstanding programs,” Riverside Press-Enterprise article, Oct. 4, 2008

“Robertson can provide energetic leadership and a pragmatic approach to city government … the better choice for mayor.” Riverside Press-Enterprise editorial, Oct. 25, 2008.

“Who is putting forth the energy and vision to turn the corner to greatness for Rialto? To me, Deborah (Robertson) will bring that energy and the knowledge of state government to turn that corner.” Editorial by Hardy Brown, publisher of Black Voice News, Oct. 9, 2009.

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New Force, Fresh Face Qualified For Corona Council

(CORONA, Calif.) At a recent public gathering leading to the November 4 elections, Louis Davis, Corona City Council challenger, was asked a basic question of would-be council members: “Why are you the best qualified for the seat?”

Without missing a beat, he replied, “I’m not part of the ‘old boy’ system. I’m a new force, a fresh face. And I have the experience, plenty of it.

“For one thing, I understand our water system and our water needs. For another, I thoroughly understand the county’s transportation operation.”

The father of four is also a trained environmentalist. During his 25 years with San Diego Gas & Electric Davis was an Environmental Lab Technician then an Environmental Specialist, with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Redlands.

With years of regular attendance at Corona City Council meetings and those of the Western Riverside Council of Government (WRCOG), “I’ve developed a strong understanding of county government and its operations, particularly as they relate to the city of Corona,” Davis says. Additionally, he is a Region Manager for Local Public Affairs with Southern California Edison, a board member of the Norco Family YMCA and the Riverside Community College Foundation. Davis is also a member of the Corona Circle City Rotary and is on the Board of Trustees of the Corona Library. To these important regional posts, he adds his active role with the Corona-Norco United Way and the Corona Parents Action Group. “I don’t lack for something to do,” he chuckles.

“I’ve spent years involved in community planning and design, too,” he adds, “so I know what makes for a smooth-running city, one that is ready for every opportunity coming our way in this 21st century.”

The legal aspect of City Council membership is another valuable tool for members, with Davis having been named a Fee Arbitrator for L.A. County and the state of California.

“Am I qualified for the Corona City Council? Absolutely,” he states.

There are two open seats on the five-member council this coming November. One is an incumbent’s. Five challengers currently vie for the two positions, with Davis presently leading the way, pundits say.

Though a registered Democrat in a largely Republican community, he fails to see this as a hindrance to his council bid. “People who know me,” he says, “know I would represent all people, regardless of their political affiliation, their education level, their ethnic origins or their financial condition. Ours is a city council, and everyone in Corona should feel they have personal representation on that board.”

At 150,000 population, Corona is the third largest city in western Riverside County. “And it’s time we acted like it,” Davis adds. “Someone has to dream the big dream and see fresh projects through. That’s me.”

Big dream? Fresh projects? The six-year resident has long noted a lack of an “anchor” to the downtown. “I’m talking about a Performing Arts Center, an education facility, a convention center and even a sports complex. All of which would generate major income for the city’s General Fund. I can move such projects from dreams to realities. We just can’t keep building new homes, offices and retail space, then hope for the best.”

Louis Davis urges all registered Corona residents to head for the polls November 4, saying, “Given a chance on the City Council I can help take Corona where it ought to be, a leading and prominent Southern California community.”

About the Louis Davis campaign
On November 4, voters willing, Davis will begin initiating three major programs for Corona: “I plan to bring prominent educational institutions to the city; I’ll work hard to guide Corona to prepare for our future by bringing in high-tech businesses with high-end jobs that will survive any more economic downturns; and I’ll bring us revenues for our General Fund.”


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Start Your Ovens! Best Teen Chef 2009 Competition Set For March 14 at International Culinary School

Kevin Agra, the last winner of the Best Teen Chef of the Inland Empire, creates culinary masterpieces at the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. Photo by Robert Swapp.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) -- High school seniors, and maybe the next generation of Emerils, Rachaels and Bobbys are getting ready to chop, dice and deglaze their way to winning The International Culinary School at The Art Institutes’ Best Teen Chef 2009 competition www.artinstitutes.edu/btc.

The premier culinary event for aspiring teen chefs, The Best Teen Chef 2009 competition is set for Saturday, May 9 at The International Culinary School of America at The Art Institute of Charlotte, NC. At stake is a full-tuition scholarship worth more than $40,000 and the prestigious title Best Teen Chef.

But to get there, students must first win a local competition on March 14. In the Inland Empire this competition takes place at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

“We are gratified that in the nine years we have sponsored Best Teen Chef, the quantity and quality of the students entering increases,” said Chef Michael Nenes, Assistant Vice President of Culinary Arts for The Art Institutes.

That’s certainly true at The International Culinary School of The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire, which is gearing up for its third year as host of a local competition. In 2008, it had six times as many competitors as the year before.

“Culinary Arts and Culinary Management are popular in the Inland Empire,” said Chef Eyad Joseph, academic director of the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. “There is a growing appreciation for good food here, and many young people see the value of turning their passion for cooking into a career.”

Hundreds of students from the U.S. and Canada enter the competition each year in hopes of snagging the grand prize and, more importantly, an opportunity to launch their education with a degree in culinary arts.

Kevin Agra, of Alta Loma, the winner of the Best Teen Chef Inland Empire 2008 competition, took advantage of the $3,000 scholarship he received as the local winner, and is now enrolled in the International Culinary School of America at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Agra is a 2008 graduate of Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga.

“I have always loved to cook,” he said. “Now, with the help of my scholarship to The International Culinary School, I will soon work as a chef in a restaurant.”

Agra added that participating in the Best Teen Chef event was in itself a learning experience, especially when he went to the national competition in Las Vegas, where he was pitted against the best teen chefs in the nation.

The Best Teen Chef event is a timed-competition. Student competitors are provided the same ingredients and recipes, and prepare their entries using identical equipment.

Student competitors are judged on organization, taste and presentation. In all, more than $250,000 in tuition scholarships will be awarded.

For more information on Best Teen Chef 2009, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/btc or call (909) 915-2100 or 1-800-353-0812.

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.

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.

For more information or tour, call The Art Institute of California–Inland Empire at 1-800-353-0812 or (909) 915-2100, or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.

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Film Festival: Another Inland Empire First

Urban Dreams Filmworks Festival creator Erick Benson

Ontario Mayor Paul Leon

(ONTARIO, Calif.) “The Urban Dreams Filmworks Festival has been a dream of mine for two years,” explains Ontario’s producer, playwright and author Erick Benson. “There’s more than enough talent in the Inland Empire to easily embrace such a project.”

Benson, the founder of Urban Dreams Filmworks and creator of the film festival, is no newcomer to the entertainment industry. He is a playwright with four stage productions under his belt, a TV producer and an author with his fourth crime story book due soon. Additionally, he and writing partner Anthony Herron created Ben-Her Entertainment and have collaborated on numerous writing projects for film and television.

A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and, subsequently, a master’s in Creative Writing, Benson went on to join the staff of TV’s popular “Family Feud” and, later, “Love Connection.” Currently, he is the creator of “First Cousins,” a television pilot starring Sherman Hemsley, the veteran of “All in the Family” and “The Jeffersons.” Also under consideration by producers are four reality shows and a feature film.

“I created Urban Dreams Filmworks,” the writer/producer says, “as a cutting-edge film company to write and produce quality films with positive messages. Our goal is to expose the world to stories that can change lives and create tomorrow’s horizons today.”

And his March film festival is considered by entertainment professionals a perfect example.

The Urban Dreams Filmworks Festival will give aspiring writers, directors and producers around the country the opportunity to present their creative works of art, organizers say. “There’ll be five categories,” adds Benson. “We’ll have Short Films of 20 minutes or less; TV samples of reality, drama or comedy shows up to 10 minutes in length; Documentaries may also be 10 minutes or less; there’ll be Music Video entries of no more than seven minutes; an animation category and a new section for festivals, Spoken Word In View, of five minutes or less.”

Festival judges will include such industry leaders as ABC/ Sony/Columbia alumnus and longtime actor Anthony Herron who will also teach a screenwriting class.

Awards participants handing out the beautiful and well-earned plaques number Ontario Mayor Paul Leon and Greg Devereaux, along with a few of Benson’s industry friends: “Gus Blackman, a Warner Bros. 30-year veteran and producer of television’s ‘Judge Mathis’ show, and Ken Dickson, a Warner executive producer with an acting background in stage, TV and film productions, are a couple of powerful Warner Bros. executives,” he notes. “And we’ll have Stacey McLain-Fields. She’s been a head writer for ‘The Parkers’ sitcom, a screenwriter of a B.E.T. Movie of the Week and a story editor for a decade or more. Stacey will be an award presenter and will hold a seminar on Writing for Television.”

As Paul Leon, Ontario’s mayor, says, “The Urban Dreams Filmworks Festival is an exciting new festival which will bring the best and brightest filmmakers to Ontario, the entertainment center of the Inland Empire. The festival will add to the growing culture and quality of life that Ontario is becoming.”

Festival organizers are adhering strictly to the event’s Mission Statement, according to Benson. He says, “All of us are involved … to provide an opportunity for independent filmmakers to present their works of art in an open setting to gain industry exposure that can possibly provide marketing avenues for their projects.’”

Benson is taking his festival a step further, too. He’s bringing in Hollywood pros for seminars in scriptwriting, choosing actors, music video production and even financing, the last conducted by Terrell Hickman, a prominent financial planner for entertainers.

“On Day 1, March 28th,” Benson says, “we’ll have the classes and films running all day, plus film/television/industry vendor booths. Day 2, the 29th, will be the same, but with the evening’s concluding awards banquet gala.” All film screenings are open to the public and free.

Students fascinated by film and video haven’t been overlooked, either. In fact, Benson has created two competition categories exclusively for high school seniors as part of “The Student Writing & Video Challenge.”

“Contest #1,” Benson explains, “gives young people the chance to illustrate their writing skills by submitting a1- to 3-page synopsis for a television show or feature film. Contest #2 is where the seniors can demonstrate their creative skills by making their own video project in comedy, drama, reality, action or documentary categories.” Winning students in each contest will be honored at the awards banquet and receive special prizes from Ontario Mayor Leon.

Benson says “I discussed the idea with Ontario’s City Manager, Greg Devereaux, who convinced me the festival would be such a powerful and successful project that it ought to be in the city’s Convention Center.” And so it will, March 28 and 29 of 2009.

For further information on festival events, submission guidelines and fees, student entries, seminar offerings and more, go on line to www.urbandreamsfilmworks.com or phone (909) 268-5303.

About Urban Dreams Filmworks
The founder of Claremont, California’s Urban Dreams Filmworks Inc., Erick Benson, has said, “I created Urban Dreams Filmworks as a cutting-edge film company to write and produce quality films with positive messages. Our goal is to expose the world to stories that can change lives and create tomorrow’s horizons today.”

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Riverside City Gym: Even With Age, The Tradition Continues

Oscar Shearer, with a wall of photos and newspaper clippings in the lobby of Riverside City Gym, showing the building's history as the Riverside YMCA.

(RIVERSIDE, Calif.) – Unexpectedly located in the basement of the historic Life Arts Center, Riverside City Gym has answered the health and fitness needs of downtown Riverside since 1998.

The gym serves as a reminder of the building’s heyday, a sixty-year stretch of time from 1909 until 1969, when it housed the city’s YMCA. With its centenary rapidly approaching, the gym’s new owner and proprietor, Oscar J Shearer, has made extensive improvements and renovations, each carefully designed to enhance the experience of the gym’s members as well as remaining true to the building’s unique character.

Most notably, Shearer has updated the air conditioning system to one that can cool the weight-room floor on a 115-degree day; and also he has refurbished the locker rooms with new carpeting and tile-work; has replaced and rebuilt several walls; has painted and cleaned extensively; and has added ceramic tile floors throughout the hallways and restrooms.

On the gym floor itself, Shearer added three new Hammer Strength Machines, bringing the gym’s total number of these machines to 18. Riverside City Gym is the only gym in greater Riverside certified as an official Hammer Strength Training Center.
Hammer Strength Machines, such as this one demonstrated by Oscar Shearer, are considered the Mercedes-Benzes of weight machines. Riverside City Gym is the only gym in or near Riverside that has Hammer Strength Machines.
“Hammer Strength is the Mercedes Benz of fitness machines, and because of their ergonomic and sturdy design they are probably the industry’s most innovative strength-training equipment” Shearer said. “We pride ourselves in being one of only a few fitness centers in the Inland Empire with this selection of quality equipment.”

Several years before he bought the gym, Shearer entered the business as a personal trainer. He was attracted to this particular gym because – as an award-winning Over-50 Body Builder – he believed that the high-quality equipment and no-nonsense work-ethic of the gym’s regulars formed the perfect place to prepare for his competition at the national championships. Shortly afterwards, he began introducing his own clients to the gym that was coming to mean so much to him.

“Before I bought City Gym, it was – in a sense – already my gym,” Shearer said. “But it was getting old; it was becoming run-down and was getting side-lined by the competition. I really wanted to make the gym I love so much become an integral part of downtown Riverside, a place where anyone who is committed to getting in better shape or improving their health can do so comfortably, enjoyably and effectively.”

New members receive one free consultation with a trainer, which provides an orientation to the equipment and services provided by the gym, and how to best use them. The consultation would most likely also include advice on maintaining a healthy diet, or establishing a fitness routine.

New members may also purchase an “assisted training package,” for $150 in which they receive six weekly sessions with a trainer, with “homework” to do during the rest of the week. This is heavily discounted from the regular per hour price. After these six weeks members can design their own routines.

Advanced trainees can choose between several discounted training packages. For those who are comfortably established in a fitness routine, and don’t need regular guidance from a trainer, advice is still free.

Fewer than five percent of City Gym’s membership participates in competitive bodybuilding. One of them is Karl Marshall, who turned 80 on Oct. 28. Six years ago, Shearer began working with him to help him to improve what was already a long successful history in competition. In 2004 Karl competed in what is considered his best shape ever at the Master’s National Championships in Philadelphia with an unprecedented full standing ovation.

“I have trained 14 bodybuilders – 12 men and two women – over the last seven years,” Shearer said. “All of them have received first place in their events, but none of those victories were as sweet as Karl’s standing ovation. In this sport, that was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Another notable gym member is Eleanora Palagi, a talented sculptress and businesswoman who created Mario’s Place, a five-star restaurant also located in downtown Riverside. Mrs. Palagi has turned the daily operation of the restaurant over to her children, and now spends three mornings a week at the gym, under Shearer’s personal guidance.

Although these notable members are in their 70s, the gym’s patrons span the generations from middle-aged to teenaged. Of course, adults of any age may join, but Riverside City Gym also welcomes teens 16 and older with written parental consent. Shearer has maintained his New Year Special membership prices during the on-going renovations. But make no mistake: This gym is a place for working hard and achieving real and measurable results.

“Riverside City Gym isn’t a place for people to flirt or socialize. Those who do will be strongly encouraged to finish their workouts and move on,” Shearer said. “But if you want results, this is the place to be. We are dedicated to helping people reach their physical goals, and with this ideal in mind, I firmly believe that City Gym’s best years are still to come.”

Shearer has also added services that weren’t previously offered. These are also available without joining the gym, but members receive discounts.

Licensed massage therapists Tom Mishler and Reiki Master Wellington Porter now provide an extensive menu of massage services within the precincts of Riverside City Gym. Among their specialties are the relaxing Swedish-American Massage, Deep Tissue Sports Massage, Hot- and Cold-Stone Work, Energy Work, and Pregnancy Massage. Hour-long sessions are available to members and non-members alike, though members receive deep discounts on a variety of massage packages. Half-hour massages are also available, but the therapists recommend their clients take the full hour.

“Massage is important as part of an overall fitness routine,” Mishler said. “When muscles are tight and knotted, it’s difficult to have effective, productive workouts and overall muscle health.”
Stair climbers are one of many cardio machines at Riverside City Gym.

Especially – and exclusively – for women, there is an unusual class called Pole Fitness available. Pole Fitness is an aerobic-oriented version of the sensual pole dancing seen in some bars and clubs. “The ladies have a blast with this,” Jennifer Hawkins said. “It’s very fun, and no-one has ever walked away not having had a great time.”

Additionally, on Thursday evenings Riverside City Gym hosts a belly-dancing class taught by Marika, a talented and innovative dancer and instructor. Ladies – and men! – of all shapes and sizes can enjoy this unusual physical and cultural activity set to Middle-Eastern influenced music.

Members have full access to the gym from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Current special pricing is $99 for a three-month membership or $336 for a one-year membership, with no initiation fee.

For more information, pricing or a tour, call (951) 788-6115 or email membership@riversidecitygym.com. Information is also available at www.riversidecitygym.com


Oscar Shearer outside Riverside City Gym.

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Corona City Council Challenger: City Should Be Shining Star

(CORONA, Calif.) “Corona has the potential to be a shining star in western Riverside County.” Speaking of his goal for his city, City Council challenger Louis Davis goes on to spell out the how and why of his campaign leading to the November 4 election.

“For years Council members have focused on high-end shops and restaurants,” he says. “But these are things that only appeal to a small part of our population. We have to make sure that we have someone on the city council that focuses on everyone.”

The father of four is very concerned about Corona’s families and its youth. “Corona is populated by families, yet there are no family-oriented facilities for them. And we have thriving youth football programs with no football field.”

Davis has pointed out that young athletes have to practice football on 6th Avenue where it isn’t safe for children. “We have fine facilities for baseball and soccer, but not even a goal post for footballers.”

Davis has long noted a lack of what he calls “an anchor” to downtown. “As in anchor, I’m talking about a performing arts center, an educational facility, a convention center, even a sports complex. And all these would generate significant income for the city’s General Fund.”

He adds, “We just can’t continue building new homes, new offices and retail space, then hope for the best. We’ve got to look ‘outside the box’ and plan in a big way for our future. Otherwise, 20-25 years down the road, we’ll be right where we are now.”

It has been estimated, he says, that by the year 2030, two million people will have moved into Riverside County, “with many of them choosing Corona,” Davis adds. “This isn’t Mayberry,” he says, referring to the old “Andy Griffith Show.” “Corona has the third largest population in western Riverside County. It’s time to act like it. Someone has to dream the big dream, and that’s me; and someone has to see these projects through, and that’s also me.”

Although he is a registered Democrat, he believes that he shares many common and conservative values with his neighbors. “People who know me,” he says, “know I would serve everyone regardless of political affiliation. If I were to be elected to the Corona City Council, every resident will have a true servant to work with.”

While this is Davis’ first bid for a major political office, he’s certainly not new to working in the community. Now a Region Manager for Local Public Affairs with Southern California Edison, he’s also a board member of the Norco Family YMCA and the Riverside Community College Foundation, along with being a member of the Corona Circle City Rotary and on the Board of Trustees of the Corona Library. In addition, Davis has been endorsed by the Central Labor Council of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Davis urges all Corona residents to get to the polls November 4, saying “Given a chance on the City Council, I can help make Corona a leading Southern California city.”

About Louis Davis
This active member of Faith Fellowship Bible Church has a B.A. degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Redlands. Before joining Southern California Edison in 2004, Davis spent 25 years with San Diego Gas & Electric including more than a decade as an Environmental Lab Technician then an Environmental Specialist.

On November 4, voters willing, Davis will begin initiating three major programs for Corona: “I want to bring us venues that will generate revenues for our General Fund; I plan to bring prominent universities and colleges to the city; and I’ll work hard to guide Corona to prepare for our future by bringing in a diverse business base with high end jobs and institutions that will survive any more economic downturns.”

For further information, or to contribute to the Louis Davis Campaign, go on line to www.leaveittolouis.com.
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Salvation Army Will Build Apartments For Homeless Female Veterans

Architectural renderings and a site plan for apartments The Salvation Army of San Bernardino plans to build on 10th Street.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Female veterans and their families who have struggled with homelessness will have a new place to live, thanks to a grant The Salvation Army received recently.

The $150,000 grant is on top of a $1 million zero-interest loan already received from the California Department of Housing &; Community Development in July. Together, they will enable The Salvation Army to build eight to ten apartments near 925 Tenth Street, and to remodel an existing shelter there.

A few of the apartments will be reserved for veterans and their families. Since the Salvation Army of San Bernardino shelter primarily serves women and children, the apartments will be for female veterans.

“Building these apartments has been a goal of the Salvation Army for a long time,” said Capt. Stephen Ball, commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. “The zero-interest loan from the state has helped us realize that dream, and the grant from the Veterans Administration allows us to reach out to a few more women, who have sacrificed for their country and now need our help to get back to normal lives.”

The Salvation Army of San Bernardino offers shelter to women and their husbands and children, usually for up to three months. It plans to offer the apartments to women with families who are living in the shelter, but need to rely longer on the services its ministry provides before making independent living arrangements.

The remodeling to the shelter itself will benefit all who rely on this service.

The shelter is currently operated by Adult Rehabilitation Services, another branch of The Salvation Army, which works with homeless men. Adult Rehabilitation Services is building a larger shelter on Doolittle Street, and should be able to move there in October 2008.

Once Adult Rehabilitation Services moves into their new facility, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino plans to modernize the shelter and to convert some of the area into dormitory-style apartments for single women who stay longer.

“The San Bernardino City Unified School District counted 1,700 homeless children in the district,” said Kent Paxton, director of Operation Phoenix, and leader in the city’s effort to assist The Salvation Army through the approval process. “Those children belong to families, some of whom will benefit from these apartments.”

The California Department of Housing & Community Development loan is zero interest for 10 years, and then won’t have to be repaid if The Salvation Army completes construction of the shelter, said Adriana Mattox, a funding consultant with Hill & Associates, a firm that helped The Salvation Army obtain both sources of funding.

Since the grant is from the Veteran’s Administration, five of the apartments will be for homeless female veterans. Three single women will live in the remodeled dormitory-style apartments in the shelter, while two women and their children will live in the nearby apartments.

Adult Rehabilitation Center currently operates the Tenth Street shelter as a residence for men in an addiction recovery program. The Salvation Army of San Bernardino is temporarily operating a shelter at 746 W. Fifth Street, primarily serving homeless women and children, but also married couples.

Sheltering up to 96 homeless people every night is just one of the many ministries The Salvation Army of San Bernardino offers. Other ministries include serving dinners six nights a week to up to 200 people, providing spiritual counseling and training, operating youth mentoring and recreational programs, and working to improve the lives of homeless families in the community.

The Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel Corps has helped residents of San Bernardino, Rialto, Grand Terrace, Highland, Bloomington and Colton since 1887.

The homeless shelter and meals program is located at 746 W. Fifth St. in San Bernardino. For more information call (909) 888-1336.


About the Salvations Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army’s emergency services include 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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Meet Candidates at Legislative Summit

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) More than a dozen candidates for federal, state, city and school governing board offices will discuss their hopes for the Inland Empire at a legislative summit sponsored by The Inland Empire Culture Alliance and Arrowhead Credit Union on Thursday October 23 at California State University, San Bernardino.

So far, the candidates who have accepted invitations to attend are:
• John Roberts, running for 43rd District Representative in the United States Congress
• Ameenah Fuller, running for 31st District in the California State Senate
• Mark Westwood, running for 63rd District in the California State Assembly
• Carl Wood, running for 65th District in the California State Assembly
• Alex Perez, running for Colton City Council, District 6
• Randall Ceniceros and Alen Ritchie, running for San Bernardino County Board of Education, Area E
• Damon Alexander and Willard Hughes, running for seats on the San Bernardino City Unified School District governing board
• Eufracia Boyle, Richard Boyle and John Futch, running for seats on the San Bernardino Community College governing board
• Corey Jackson, running for Rialto Unified School District governing board
• Jesus Jesse Sandoval, running for Fontana Unified School District governing board

Guests will have an opportunity to meet with these candidates one-on-one and ask them questions during the summit. The summit will take place from 6 p.m. to about 8 p.m. in the Lower Commons, Pine Room at Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino. The candidates will also provide written material about their campaigns.

All candidates in San Bernardino and Riverside counties were invited.

“The Inland Empire Cultural Alliance is an informal alliance of the ethnic Chambers of Commerce throughout the Inland Empire,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “We have formed the alliance to provide a format for our communities to meet their future legislators and to be heard,” she added.

The alliance will provide refreshments. For more information, call (909) 888-5223 or email info@ieaacc.com.

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Competition opens doors to fashion industry

Put your best fashion forward and walk off with a scholarship to The Art Institutes.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Converting your passion for fashion into a career in the design field or fashion merchandising industry is no easy task. One computer database lists nearly a thousand clothing designers, those with reputations and distribution and retail outlets.

Four years ago The Art Institutes of North America came up with a unique plan, a way to encourage and reward high school level fashion design students and those interested in fashion marketing and management with local and national competitions, competitions that would yield full tuition scholarships.

Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for The Art Institutes Bruce Dempsey says, “There are so many wonderful fashion courses in high school today, and many students see a career in this industry within their reach.”

Monica Jeffs, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire Senior Director of Admissions says this “Passion for Fashion” competition is exactly what the schools are about. “The Art Institutes stress hands-on education, not just burying a nose in a book and answering multiple choice questions. With this North America-wide competition, high school seniors may actually design apparel or create a fashion marketing or sales plan.”

While this is the fourth year of competition for the schools nationally, it’s just the first for the San Bernardino campus. As Jeffs says, “We just debuted our Fashion Design and the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management programs in July of this year, so this is the Inland Empire’s first participation in the Passion for Fashion competition. We expect, however, to have at least 50 area high school seniors competing.”

Winners at the local level will receive $3,000 in scholarship and go on to the U.S. and Canada competition where the two category winners each receive $89,000 scholarships with $5,000 and $4,000 scholarships earmarked for second and third place winners. The two categories are (1) Fashion Design and (2) Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management.

At this level of competition, participation is more than just filling out a coupon on the back of a soft drink bottle. The Entry Requirements are clear:
• Students must be high school seniors scheduled to graduate in 2009;
• A school transcript must show at least a 2.0 GPA;

• For the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management category:
• A short essay of up to 800 words must address how the entrant’s fashion creation will contribute to the advancement of the fashion industry, as well as what sparked the student’s interest in the fashion field;
• Along with this, an original Fashion Marketing, Fashion Merchandising or Retail Management product or plan should be detailed, and might cover a retail store concept, marketing promotion, store layout, fashion business concept, new retail concept, an Internet fashion concept, a catalog retailing concept, home fashion concept or an industrial fashion/safety/consumer trend product;
• An accompanying written description of up to 1,000 words is to detail this product or plan.

For the Fashion Design Category
A short essay (800 words or less) outlining why your fashion entry is unique/innovative and explaining your interest and motivation for a career in fashion.
• A finished, originally designed eveningwear garment product.* The product may be any of the following – shirt (size Medium); pants, dress, or skirt (women’s size 8 or men’s size 40); or suit, including blouse, pants, or skirt (women’s size 8 or men’s size 40).
• Process Book (compiled in 8-1/2” x 11” binder), which serves as your design process summary, from original idea to finished product.

The book should include:

1. A written summary of your overall concept.
2. A review of influences on your entry, including fashion designers, music, television shows, or movies.
3. Sketches, illustrations, photographs, or digital images of your project as it evolved from concept to completion.
4. A written summary of people that you contacted for information about your project, including the advice they provided and its influence on you.

But the scholarship funding isn’t all that national recipients are accorded. Each of the two Grand Prize winners will have all-expense-paid trips to New York City for Fashion Week in February of 2009, a “meet and greet” at the offices of Seventeen Magazine, plus lunch with a Seventeen Magazine Style Pro.

For entry details go online to artinstitutes.edu/passionforfashion. The entry deadline is November 21, 2008.

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 & 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 Nov. 13 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 (artinstitutes.edu), 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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Council Member Deborah Robertson ready to lead

(RIALTO, Calif.) Rialto City Council member Deborah Robertson is ready to lead the city as mayor.

“I have vision, leadership ability and commitment to lead Rialto through what will be a time of great opportunity,” she said. “We are facing challenges now, so it’s important to have strong leadership to steer us through them.

“My top priority as mayor will be to strengthen Rialto’s economic base,” Robertson continued. “We need to build up our revenue, so we can provide all of our citizens public safety, quality businesses and the other essentials of a good life in Rialto.”

Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 18. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.

In addition to her elected seat on the Council, Robertson is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $4 million, plus is responsible for Public, Media and Government Affairs, Public Records, Small Business and Community Outreach and Graphic Service.

As she has on the Council, Robertson stated as Mayor she will continue to carefully analyze the issues before her and make decisions that are in the best interest of the city.

“I tend to be analytical and well-focused and ask a lot of specific questions,” she said. “When I am clear on the position we should take I am assertive about what I think is in the best interests of the city. However, I am not so dogmatic that if new information develops, I won’t change my mind if it is in the city’s best interest to do so.”

“We should not take action out of dire necessity,” she said. “We should make plans, and allow time for careful review before we implement them.”

Robertson stated she is endorsed by the San Bernardino Sun, Black Voice News, Inland Valley News and Westside Story. She’s also endorsed by mayors, city council members and school board members from throughout the Inland Empire, commissioners on Rialto’s advisory boards and numerous organizations and private citizens.

“Rialto needs Deborah Robertson as mayor. The two-term councilwoman's smarts, tenacity and commitment to taxpayers are Rialto's best defense to unstable economic factors that threaten its progress.” San Bernardino Sun editorial, Oct. 8, 2008

“Deborah Robertson is an assertive city councilwoman who espouses vision and an eagerness for the city to move forward on longstanding programs,” Riverside Press-Enterprise article, Oct. 4, 2008

“Who is putting forth the energy and vision to turn the corner to greatness for Rialto? To me, Deborah (Robertson) will bring that energy and the knowledge of state government to turn that corner.” Editorial by Hardy Brown, publisher of Black Voice News, Oct. 9, 2009.

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Agency Helps Foster Children Find Loving Families

Photo caption: Gwen Knotts, with James Knotts, her husband of 30 years. As the Chief Executive Officer Gwen Knotts she has lead a diverse and dedicated team of child development professionals to provided a safe, loving environment for hundreds of children since 1992.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Sixteen years ago, Gwen Knotts’ heart was breaking. As a public health nurse, she saw many children being neglected. It wasn’t that their parents didn’t love them. They simply did not know how to be good parents.

“Unfortunately, babies don’t come with an owners’ manual,” she said. “Raising children is the most important job people will ever have, but one for which so many are ill-prepared.”

Knotts’ passion for children led her to develop the Knotts’ Family and Parenting Institute in 1992. Since then, by recruiting and training foster parents to care for children who must be removed from unsafe home situations. Knotts has provided a safe, loving environment for hundreds of children.

“All you need to be a foster parent is a heart for children and a house large enough to reasonably accommodate them,” Knotts said. “We provide training, a small amount of compensation and other support for our foster families.”

Knotts Family and Parenting Institute can place foster children with qualified families living in San Bernardino or Riverside counties. To qualify a family, Knotts’ social workers will interview the parents, conduct background checks and visit their homes to make sure they are safe and adequate. Parents are required to attend special training. Once everything is completed, Knotts Family and Parenting Institute will certify them as foster parents.

Once a foster child is placed in the new home, a Knotts social worker will visit them weekly to see that all is going well. Social workers also help the children work through any problems they might be having.

These children come to Knotts through Child Protective Services and other government agencies. The Institute maintains a list of pre-approved foster parents, so it can receive children from CPS and place them in homes on short notice.

About 50 foster families are working with Knotts at any given time. In some areas of the Inland Empire, especially the Low Desert of Riverside County, there is an immediate need for more foster parents, and there is need throughout the two-county region for parents who will accept teenage children.

Knotts also offers training to biological parents. This training helps the foster children return home to their families. “Always the ultimate goal is to return the child home or to a permanent situation,” she explained. “Ideally, that is with the parents, another family member or foster parents are encouraged to adopt.”

Knotts is committed to helping its children find permanent homes. It is currently in the process of applying for an adoption license. Until then, it supports the foster parents as they go through the application process of either county or a private adoption agency.

Since 1992 the Knotts Family and Parenting Institute has provided foster family services for the children, parents and foster parents of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

For more information, or to become a foster parent, call the Knotts Family and Parenting Institute at (909) 880-0600 or 1-800-9-KIDS-FAST (1-800-954-3732).

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Deborah Robertson to host business fundraiser

Deborah Robertson with Artist Gilbert and Joanne who support Debora Robertson for Mayor of Rialto. Photo by: Carl Dameron
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(RIALTO, Calif.) Mayoral candidate Deborah Robertson will host a fund raiser event 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 at the ACQUIRE Learning Center, 1188 W. Leiske Dr.

The event is an opportunity for Rialto business and community leaders to meet Robertson. She will address key campaign issues and community concerns.

Robertson has served on the Rialto City Council eight years and has lived in Rialto for 18 years. She’s active in the East Rialto Kiwanis, the National Council of Negro Women, HIV/AIDS awareness and education program Brothers and Sisters in Action and other local organizations.

She is also the Deputy District Director of External Affairs for the California Department of Transportation, Los Angeles and Ventura counties. She has worked for the State of California for the last 20 years, and in her current position oversees a budget of about $4 million, plus is responsible for public, media and government affairs, public records, small business and community outreaches and graphic services.

To RSVP for the event, call Eddie Catoe at (909) 888-0017.

CSUSB Economist Thomas Pierce will speak to Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce

(RIALTO, Calif.) Local economist and business professor Thomas J. Pierce, will discuss strategies to increase sales and profits at the next Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce mixer.

This mixer is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Acquire Learning Center, 1188 W. Leiske Dr., Rialto.

“Thomas J. Pierce has been tracking our local economy for many years,” said Dolores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. “He sees the strategies used by successful businesses and believes in sharing that knowledge and insight to assist other businesses survive and thrive.”

Pierce is a professor of Economics at California State University, San Bernardino. He has taught economics and other business-related courses at CSUSB since 1976; in addition he has served as dean of CSUSB’s School of Social and Behavioral Issues (of which the economics department is part) and has won an award for outstanding teaching from the Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Issues.

“Since community education is part of the service we provide at ACQUIRE Learning Center, we are pleased to have Thomas Pierce, an instructor of such high caliber, speak here,” said Suzy Aguillard, who owns the Learning Center with her husband, Craig. “If you own a business you will not want to miss this opportunity to meet and hear him speak.”

ACQUIRE Educational Services is located at 1188 West Leiske Drive in Rialto, 92376. Within its ACQUIRE Learning Center building, it offers tutoring programs for children in kindergarten through 12th grade, and computer courses for adults. Acquire also has a 9,000 square foot ballroom available for rent by interested community groups and private parties.

For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.

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Healthy Seniors Can Live Long Lives

Dr. Ghaly checks the vital statistics of Beatrice Cuellar, who plans a long and healthy life by following her physician's recommendations for staying healthy.

(LOS ANGELES) – Age 65 may be the official beginning of life as a senior citizen, but those who pay good attention to their health can live 20, 30 or more years after they reach that milestone.

The keys to a long life are paying careful attention to the medications one takes, and maintaining a healthy diet, said Dr. Azmy Ghaly, owner of Senior Care Clinic in East Los Angeles. Exercise can also go a long ways in boosting longevity.

“Seniors are living longer because if we diagnose early, there are medications and new technologies that can cure their diseases,” Dr. Ghaly explained. “But we still have bad habits that need to be addressed.”

Senior Care Clinic, a practice specializing in senior citizens, works with its patients to help them make choices that will lead to long, healthy lives. Whether this is by using the latest advances in medications and technology, advising them on healthy lifestyle choices, or simply caring for each patient as an individual, Senior Care Clinic is held in high regard by the senior citizens who already rely on it for medical care.

“We love it here,” said Carlos and Beatrice Cuellar, who have been patients at Senior Care Clinic for six years. “The doctors, the service, everything here is fantastic.”

Besides providing friendly service and expertise in the latest medical breakthroughs, doctors at Senior Care Clinic make sure they have complete medical histories for their patients. This includes keeping inventory of medications their patients are taking.

“Taking the right medications is crucial,” said Dr. Ghaly. “At Senior Care Clinic, doctors encourage their patients to bring ALL medications they take to every appointment. That way, the doctor can evaluate which ones are necessary, which ones aren’t, which ones might cause harmful interactions with others, and which ones are not helpful.”

“Sometimes it is necessary for a patient to take three or four medications for diabetes, and five or six for high blood pressure,” he added. “But as doctors, we should not assume things, so bring in the medications every time.”

“It is also important to watch your diet as you get older,” Dr. Ghaly said. “Most senior citizens need 1,800 calories, those with diabetes only need 1,500. Seniors (and others) should eat three balanced meals each day, low in sodium and cholesterol. Senior women should have a high-calcium diet, as this reduces their risk for osteoporosis.”

Exercise is not as essential as proper medication and a healthy diet, according to Dr. Ghaly, but for most seniors, it will greatly improve their quality of life.

“Exercise can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes,” he said. “And if you have arthritis, it can help your joints to feel better. It also can help a senior’s mental well-being, as seniors who walk are less dependent on others for their needs.”

With proper medical care, diet and physical activity, seniors will live well into their golden years.

Senior Care Clinic was established in East Los Angeles in 1994, and is affiliated with nearby White Memorial Medical Center. A staff of four physicians, headed by Dr. Azmy Ghaly, handles all geriatric health care needs. Physicians are fluent in Spanish and several other foreign languages.

Appointments are welcome, but not necessary. For more information about Senior Care Clinic, call (323) 307-0800.

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Robert Byrd

Gary Jeandron

(PALM SPRINGS, Calif.) Robert Byrd, Riverside County Auditor-Controller and local business leader Toyin Dawudo will host a “Meet the Candidate” reception for 80th Assembly District candidate Gary Jeandron.

This reception takes place at the Courtyard by Marriott in Palm Springs, 1300 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. Donations are appreciated, but not required.

“I want to make sure that business owners and community leaders have a chance to meet Gary Jeandron. He is passionate about helping those who live, work and raise families in the Coachella and Imperial valleys to enjoy the good life the region is known for,” Byrd said. “He is willing to work on both sides of the aisle in Sacramento to make that happen.”

Jeandron is the former Chief of Police for the City of Palm Springs and is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist. He also serves as a governing board member for the Palm Springs Unified School District.

He received the 2006 Jefferson Award Gold Medallion in Washington D.C. for his service to people in the Palm Springs area. The award was established by the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard, who has chaired programs for each of the last seven presidents of the United States.

Monday’s reception is an opportunity for constituents, business owners and community leaders to meet Jeandron and ask him questions about issues affecting their businesses and communities.

“My experience in law enforcement, counseling and as a member a local school district governing board gives me a sound understanding of the issues facing all of our communities,” Jeandron said. “I look forward to representing the deserts’ families and businesses in Sacramento.”

Current 80th District Assembly Member Bonnie Garcia, and dozens of other current and former elected officials in the desert have endorsed Jeandron.

To RSVP for the reception or for more information, call Eddie Catoe at (909) 888-0017.

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Dr. Albert Arteaga finalist in Spirit of Entrepreneur Awards

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Dr. Albert Arteaga, founder and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, is a finalist in the sixth annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur awards sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino.

He will be honored during a black-tie awards ceremony at the Riverside Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 12. This event begins at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, with a dinner and awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

Dr. Arteaga is one of three finalists in the Corporate Entrepreneur Category, which recognizes the top entrepreneurs in medium to large-size companies. The award also honors local business people who have overcome challenges and given back to their community.

“I am honored to be named a finalist,” he said. “I’ve always thought that putting the needs of my patients first is a good way to do business. This award recognizes LaSalle Medical Associates as among the best in the Inland Empire, so that tells me my fellow business people also recognize it as a good business practice too.”

When Dr. Arteaga first opened LaSalle Medical Associates in 1984, he set out to not just aid those in need, but to change patients’ perception of “going to the doctor.” He explained, “I want everyone to feel that going to the doctor is no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.”

Dr. Arteaga started out as a pediatrician. Now, as the CEO of four medical clinics, his practice serves more than 100,000 people each year, from babies to seniors. He also owns an Independent Physicians’ Association serving 115 doctors.

Many of his patients are on Medi-Cal, and with a growing number of elderly patients, many on Medicare. Some have no health insurance at all. But with a strong belief that everyone deserves quality health care, Dr. Arteaga has parlayed this commitment into a business that last year made more than $40 million.

Dr. Arteaga has practiced a different approach to health care since the beginning. He models his practice after the way his father, a Seventh Day Adventist pastor, ran the churches of which he was in charge.

“It seemed to me my father had a good way of running his business, which was churches,” Dr. Arteaga said. “He welcomed anyone who even approached the door of the church. And if the people weren’t good Christians, he still accepted them, knowing that in time, most of them would change their ways.So I said, my clinics are going to be run like churches. We don’t exclude patients. We welcome all who come in.”

That was 24 years ago. On the first day, Dr. Arteaga and his wife Maria, then employed as his nurse and still his chief assistant, saw two patients. Last year, Dr. Arteaga’s five medical clinics had 108,061 visits, and grossed a little more than $40 million.
Michael Stull, director for the Inland Center for Entrepreneurship, started this recognition program soon after coming to CSUSB in 2002.

Stull said this program not only promotes awareness of the Center for Entrepreneurship, but also provides role models to CSUSB students and local individuals interested in starting their own business.

“The Center for Entrepreneurship provides our students with solid instruction in how to be successful, which new businesses have a great need for in these economic times,” Stull said. And the businesses we are recognizing have been doing great things for awhile, which should serve as a motivation to anyone just starting out.”

Sponsors this year include The Business Press, Inland Empire Magazine, 951 Magazine, the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency, the Riverside County Economic Development Agency, the City of Riverside, Best, Best & Krieger, Citi, Quick Caption, Varner & Brandt, Citizens Business Bank and Tech Coast Angels, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and the Small Business Development Center.

For more information, go to www.inlandspiritawards.com or call Stull at (909) 537-3708.

LaSalle medical clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 17th St. and 565 North Mount Vernon in San Bernardino and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.

For an appointment or more information call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407.

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100 Minority-Owned Businesses Expected at Weekend Expo

ACQUIRE Learning Center will host the Minority Business Expo in its 9,000 square foot ballroom on Saturday, March 14.


(RIALTO, Calif.) – Set your calendars! Consumers will have an opportunity to shop for goods and services offered by the region’s diverse ethnically-owned businesses at the Inland Empire Minority Business Expo.

The Expo will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rialto Events Center located at 1188 W. Leiske Dr., Rialto. The Expo will feature displays and merchandise offered by more than 100 minority-owned businesses from throughout the Inland Empire. The event will also host a teen fashion show.

The Rialto Events Center encompasses a 9,000 square foot ballroom where the Expo will take place. It’s one of several rooms available for events.

“There have been successful Black, Hispanic and Asian expos in Los Angeles for more than a decade,” said Carl Dameron, founder and creative director of Dameron Communications. “Now, with this great location in Rialto, we are bringing the idea to the Inland Empire, only ours will bring together enterprises from ALL minorities in our ethnically diverse Inland Empire.”

ACQUIRE Educational Services, Inc., Dameron Communications and the Cultural Alliance are sponsoring this event. Admission is free.

The Cultural Alliance is an informal alliance of all ethnic chambers of commerce in the Inland Empire, coming together for the common cause of improving relationships, business and our economic base.

Businesses owned by all races, ethnicities and genders can purchase 10 x 10 booths at the Expo for $125 each. The Expo will be attended by several hundred seeking your goods and services.

“This expo is an excellent opportunity for ethnically-owned businesses,” said Dolores Armstead vice president of the Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce. Many people want to support these businesses, but don’t know they are out there. I urge all minority enterprises to register for this fantastic opportunity to showcase your business.”

“The Inland Empire has a rich diversity of businesses,” she added. “But often, we don’t know each other, when we should be working together to support each others’ business endeavors.

Dameron Communications is a Black-owned business that has successfully marketed its clients to an ethnically diverse customer base for almost 20 years. ACQUIRE Educational Services, Inc. is a Black- and Asian-owned business, offering its building for private parties and business functions.

“We are proud to host the Minority Business Expo at our new Rialto Events Center,” said Suzy Aguillard. ”It is an exciting opportunity for participants to learn more about and support all the great businesses owned by minorities in the Inland Empire.”

The Rialto Events Center ballroom can hold up to 600 people for a banquet or party, and up to 1,500 for a concert or presentation. It also has meeting rooms available for groups as small as 10 people, or as large as 100. For leasing information, call (909) 875-3356.

To learn more about the Inland Empire Minority Business Expo, or to find out the many ways Dameron Communications can help you market your business, call Sabrina Martinez at (909) 888-0017.

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