Thursday, April 26, 2012

Fwd: The Network Connection - April 2012

 - April 2012

The Network Connection - April 2012

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APRIL 2012

 

Leadership Southern California Accepting Applications for 2013!
The Leadership Southern California fellowship has been helping our region's up-and-coming leaders expand their influence and gain deep exposure to regional public policy issues.The 10-month leadership development program allows mid- to senior-level executives to explore our region's assets and opportunities. View SCLN photo gallery. The early application deadline is May 14, apply today! For more information, contact April Tam, or 213.580.7526.

 
COMING UP

Friday, April 27
Leadership L.A. Seminar 2 : Arts & Culture
more info

Friday, May 4
Leadership Southern California Seminar 7: Economic & Workforce Development
more info

Friday, May 18
Leadership L.A. Seminar 3 : Education
more info

Tuesday, May 22-23
Leadership Southern California Seminar 8: Access Sacramento
more info

View all upcoming SCLN events on
our Network Calendar


View all upcoming community events on our Community Calendar

Alumni

IssuesForumTab

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

You have been very involved with SCLN. You are an LSC and LLA graduate, serve on our board, and currently a fellow of our California Connection fellowship, how has it affected your leadership skills and what would you suggest to prospective fellows interested in joining?

"More than anything I believe participation in the leadership programs with the Southern California Leadership Network has enhanced my ability to focus on holistic solutions for the communities that I live and work in. The curriculums of each program allow you to take healthy time away from your day to day work to deeply evaluate the challenges of today. I believe current and potential fellows participating in any of the SCLN programs will find them to be life altering and eye opening."

Aaron Rios , Walmart, LSC '09, LLA '08, SCLN Board Member

 
 LEADERSHIP
 LEARNING

Gubernatorial Appointments Workshop , April 26
Join Assemblymember Ricardo Lara (LLA '07) and Assembly Speaker John Pérez for a Gubernatorial Appointments Workshop and learn how you can serve your community on a statewide level.
more info

20th Anniversary Los Angeles Riots, April 27
Join SAIGU in a commorative service, unity march and an award ceremony of L.A. Community Heroes of Hope. Speakers include Mayor Villaraigosa and California State Assembly Speaker Pérez
more info

World Trade Week Kickoff, May 4
Celebrate the 86th Annual World Trade Week at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza. Join more than 400 executives and members of the diplomatic corps to kick off a month-long celebration of world trade in Southern California. The program will also highlight the Korea Trade Investment Agency in celebration of its 50th anniversary in Los Angeles.
more info

ISSUES

Leadership Southern California focuses on Ventura County
Last Friday, the Leadership Southern California class explored Ventura County, a region known for its vast agricultural presence and for being a huge contributor to the biotech industry. Fellows had a chance to explore different facets of the region, including visits to The Limonera Company, Food Share of Ventura County and the Naval Base. They also had a chance to hear from a variety of regional leaders on the importance of strengthening regional collaboration. "As a politician, we all want to make the best decision for our city," said Simi Valley Councilmember Glen Becerra. "However, we all need to do our fair share and work together to look at the larger impact and how our region can thrive together." Read more about the day on Twitter.


NETWORK ACTIVITIES

Marshall Memorial Fellowship call for nominations now open!
SCLN, the official partner of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, is accepting nominations for the 2013 Marshall Memorial Fellowship through June 4, 2012. The prestigious and competitive program is a 24-day fellowship in Europe for emerging leaders aged 28-40, in government, business, media and the nonprofit sector who are committed to strengthening transatlantic relationships. View more information and download the nomination form now.

Recap: Global Connections dinner featuring Ethiopian-Americans
Last week, SCLN graduates and current Fellows met with key leaders within the Ethopian community at Nyala restaurant. The dinner discussion highlighted local perspectives, civic engagement, and the cultural history of migration patterns."If your parent wanted you to be Ethiopian, then that's how the tradition would keep going, " said Deputy Director Azeb Tadesse, African Studies Center, UCLA international Institute. She also noted the important role the church plays in keeping tradition alive and the focal point where the community shares information. View Photo Gallery


Celebrating 25 years of dynamic leadership
SCLN is proud to be celebrating 25 years of excellence in leadership. This year represents the 25th anniversary of Leadership L.A. and SCLN is excited to host activities throughout the year to help celebrate this achievement. Join us for a summer reunion picnic at Griffith Park on August 11, 2012. Details to come!



OVERHEARD


"Ventura County has a more robust current mix of high-tech jobs than any other county in the nation."



-Bruce Stenslie, President & CEO, Economic Development Collaborative Ventura County at Leadership Southern California seminar in Ventura on April 13.

 

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Who Are We?
The Southern California Leadership Network's mission is to develop a productive network of exemplary and diverse leaders in the business, government and community sectors who are capable of addressing the critical challenges facing the Southern California region. For more information, visit www.leadershipnetwork.org.

Southern California Leadership Network, 350 S. Bixel St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.580.7526 | fax: 213.580.7511 | scln@lachamber.com | www.leadershipnetwork.org

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Charles McNeely resigns

The first Black city manager in the history of San bernardino Charles McNeely resign from his post recently.

At a fair well gathering he promises to stay in the area through the end of the year a fight for better government in the city.

Sent from my iPhone - please excuse any typos
Carl M. Dameron
(909) 534-9500 cell
(909) 888-0017 office
Carl@DameronCommunications.com

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Fwd: INLAND VALLEY CLEAN AIR SUMMIT

The Center for Community Action & Environmental Justice
CCAEJ
and the
Inland Clean Air Network (I CAN)

is proud to host the…


INLAND VALLEY CLEAN AIR SUMMIT

Saturday, May 19, 2012
8:30AM to 4:00PM

Riverside Convention Center
3443 Orange Street, Riverside

Tickets - $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door
Cost includes conference, materials, continental breakfast and lunch

Seating is limited- register early!
A limited number of scholarships are available.

Featured  Speakers:
·         Jared Blumenfeld, EPA Region 9 Administrator
Mr. Blumenfeld will outline the benefits of addressing Environmental Justice through a focused cooperative effort between community residents and regulatory agencies.
·         Dr. John Froines, UCLA Particle Center and Supersite.
Dr. Froines is the leading health researcher on air quality issues outlining his research on air pollution and health in the Inland Valleys
·        Jon Haveman, Chief Economist at <http://www.linkedin.com/company/bay-area-council?trk=ppro_cprof>Bay Area Council Economic Institute.
Mr. Haveman will provide an alternative perspective on costs versus benefits of the Logistics Industry

To register for this event, please go to www.ccaej.org or call 951-360-8451. To learn more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities, call the above number and ask for Pam.





Monday, September 20, 2010

Follow us!

Dameron Communications, one of the Inland Empire's most well-known public relations firms


Carl Dameron tells non-profit organization how Dameron Communications gets the word out. First listen to the cleint, then tell his story well. (Photo by Chris Sloan)


Today newspapers all over the state of California called “. . . Dameron Communications, one of the Inland Empire's most well-known public relations firms, . . .”


They include:


  1. San Jose Mercury News California San Jose 
  2. The Sun California San Bernardino
  3. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin California Ontario 
  4. Redlands Daily Facts California Redlands 
  5. Pasadena Star-News California Pasadena 
  6. San Gabriel Valley Tribune California West Covina 
  7. Whittier Daily News California Whittier
  8. Contra Costa Times California Walnut Creek 
Link to the story:
http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_16120516?nclick_check=1

Rialto uses PR firm to promote city's vision
San Jose Mercury News: That's the message it sent through San Bernardino-based Dameron Communications, one of the Inland Empire's most well-known public relations firms, ...

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Intern Learns The Ins and Outs of the PR Business



Abdul Arogundade, a 2009 graduate of Cajon High School now studying journalism at California State University, Fresno, learned about the business of public relations during a summer internship with Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan



(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.)  Intern Abdul Arogundade did not know what to expect from his first time in a working environment; it was all new to him. In fact he did not know exactly what type of work he wanted to do in the communications field until he had a one-on-one meeting with Carl Dameron, the founder and creative director of Dameron Communications.

Abdul Arogundade is a San Bernardino native who graduated high school at Cajon High School Class of 2009. He is currently an undergraduate at California State University Fresno with the goal of becoming a public relations director for a sports team.

Margaret Hill, assistant superintendent of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office arranged a meeting with Dameron to advise Arogundade on his career options in communications.

At their first time meeting Carl Dameron gave Arogundade a tour of the Dameron Communication’s office.  Dameron introduced Arogundade to all of the staff members and told him the history of the business.

This led to a summer internship, where Arogundade received the tools to succeed in the communications business.

“We are in the getting it done business and no job is too small or too big for anyone who wants to truly succeed,” Dameron stressed then, and on a daily basis thereafter. “Our job is to effectively increase the sales and profits of our clients by increasing the positive perceptions of their products, goods and or services through truthful, ethical and moral means.”

Arogundade took this to heart and put it to action the first day of his internship, when his first task was to stuff and mail more than 300 letters. His second task was to call community leaders inviting to a major city event.

Tasks during the internship were not limited to just stuffing envelopes and making phone calls. Arogundade worked on many projects, from organizing the offices to staffing major events that received Los Angeles and local coverage. He also coordinated meetings with government officials; and updated Dameron Communication’s databases of almost 85,000 general contacts and more than 10,000 media contacts.

Arogundade learned each task he completed was essential to the success of a PR firm and emphasizes Dameron’s saying “No job is too big or too small.”

“Abdul is a very smart young man with the drive and tenacity it takes to succeed in the tough work of communications.  I am confident he will do very well in this business,” said Dameron.

Arogundade said, “I am very thankful for the opportunity to intern at Dameron Communications. I will take what I learned and the lessons that were instilled in me from interning at Dameron Communications and apply them to my pursuit of a career in public relations.”

To learn more about Dameron Communications or for an appointment please call (909) 888-0017.

About Dameron Communications
Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award-winning advertising and public relations agency that creates integrated communications solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.  We use our communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
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Thursday, July 15, 2010

10 Percent Down Payment Assistance Is Here


This particular house recently sold, but there are many other attractive homes available for purchase in San Bernardino. Buyers making up to $78,000 for a family of four can purchase homes like these with up to 10 percent down payment assistance through a program offered by the San Bernardino Economic Development Association.  Photo by Chris Sloan

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Families making up to $78,000 for a family of four, and more for larger families, qualify for down payment assistance and a low-interest loan from the City of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency.
“The best way to get rid of foreclosed homes in San Bernardino is for families to buy them and live in them,” said Emil Marzullo, director of the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency. “ It seems simple, but with home prices down to an average of $70,000 there has never been a better time for families to buy a home.” 
The Homeowners’ Assistance Program provides first time homebuyers with up to 10 percent of the home purchase price. For a $100,000 house that amount would be $10,000; for a $200,000 house the amount is $20,000.
The down payment assistance is a forgivable loan, offered at 3 percent interest.  The loan, plus a portion of the equity, would be due and payable if the homeowner sold or transferred title to another buyer, refinanced to cash out equity, or converted the home to a rental.
Some qualifications are:
1.     Purchase a home within the city limits of San Bernardino.
2.     Make a cash investment of $1,000 towards the purchase price of the home.
3.     Earn less than $78,000 a year for a family of four (120 percent of the Area Median Income adjusted for family size).
Those who can meet the qualifications may attend Homebuyer Education courses offered monthly.
The courses are open to everyone. All or part of the courses are required for borrowers with FHA loans, and for participants in other cities and San Bernardino County’s down payment assistance programs.
“Even if you are not participating in a down payment assistance program, you will want to know the process if you are buying a home,” said Linda Jackson, manager of the Inland Empire NID-Housing Counseling Agency. “Buying a home is probably one of the most important decisions you will ever make.”
With the down payment assistance, the lower cost to potential homeowners can make the difference between affording a home and remaining a renter.
“Lower home prices make housing more affordable,” Marzullo said. “A family making $35,000 a year can afford to buy a $140,000 home.”
 According to Bank of America, with a $7,000 down payment and a 5.298 percent annual interest rate, on a 30-year fixed interest rate loan the payment would be $724.17 monthly.
The San Bernardino County Housing Authority says market rent for a three-bedroom apartment is about $1,425 a month.  That means buying a home with a fixed mortgage so that monthly payments never increase can save a homeowner thousands of dollars a year over rent payments. 
“We also know from experience that this housing price drop won’t last forever. Home values in San Bernardino will appreciate again at a more normal 1 to 3 percent a year.  That increase in home value builds family wealth that can be used in the future for children’s college education or retirement,” said Marzullo.

For more information on the Homeowners’ Assistance Program call the NID-Housing Counseling Agency at (909) 887-8700 or the Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire, Inc. at (909) 884-6891.

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

San Bernardino Celebrates Bicentennial Extravaganza


 A drummer with the band Delayne, James & Friends beats out a tune at the Bicentennial Extravaganza, held July 4, 2010 to celebrate San Bernardino's 200th year. Photo by Matt Sloan

Priscilla Becerra, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained again at the Bicentennial Extravaganza with belly dancing. Photo by Chris Sloan

The Inland Empire 66ers Dance Team, which normally entertains at the minor league baseball team’s home games, performed patriotic dance numbers for the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Chris Sloan

Joe Banuelos, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained at the Bicentennial Extravaganza with an impersonation of Elvis Presley. Photo by Matt Sloan

Sinfonia Mariachi Youth  Academy entertained with trumpets and dance at the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Matt Sloan
 
Mayor Patrick Morris in a duet with San Bernardino’s Got Talent Winner Joe Banuelos. Photo by Chris Sloan

Naomi Slotkin, a winner of the San Bernardino’s Got Talent show in June, entertained vocally at the Bicentennial Extravaganza. Photo by Matt Sloan
 
Hindsight 20/20 is a band with local connections and success on the national scene. It returned to San Bernardino for a Bicentennial Extravaganza performance. Photos by Chris Sloan

 San Bernardino ignited a fireworks display the likes of which had never before been seen in the city as the culmination of the Bicentennial Extravaganza celebrating its 200th year. Photo by Matt Sloan

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – The City of San Bernardino and local businesses hosted the Bicentennial July 4th Extravaganza held at the Arrowhead Credit Union Park. The event was open to the public and featured live music, dance performances, food from local restaurants and a fireworks show.

The entertainment included Sinfonia Mexicana Mariacha Youth Academy, Delayne, James and Friends (R&B Grammy artists), the San Bernardino’s Got Talent award winners (Nadia Bell-Stowers, Joe Banuelos, Kelly Muller, Naomi Slotkin and Priscilla Becerra), Hindsight 20/20, 66ers Dance Team and Austin Law.

 The gates opened at 5 p.m. and guests were able to view a bicentennial slide show of pictures while they awaited the first act, and throughout the night.

Kids were able to enjoy jumpers, slides, a tee-ball carnival game and face painting all provided free of charge.

The Extravaganza was one of many events sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee to help to celebrate San Bernardino’s 200th birthday.

“We were excited to welcome everyone to the Extravaganza and provide a day of fun for the whole family,” said Erin Brinker.


Local sponsors included San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Stater Bros., the Matich Corporation and Vanir Development Company.

Upcoming Bicentennial events include the Stater Bros. Rendezvous, the Western Regional Little League Tournament and the Think Together Bicentennial celebration.

Rabbi Hillel Cohn is the chairman of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, and Erin Brinker is the chair of its Public Relations & Marketing and Independence Day Extravaganza committees. Other Bicentennial Celebration Committee members are Jim Smith (chair of the Community Engagement committee), Cheryl Brown (chair of the Youth Council, Intergovernmental and Arts committees), Beverly Bird (chair of the Legend of the Arrowhead committee), Steven Shaw (chair of the History committee), David Smith (chair of the Finance committee), Jane Sneddon (chair of the Parade committee) and Martha Pinckney (chair of the Gala committee.) The mayor and members of the San Bernardino Common Council appointed these members.

Additional community volunteers who have taken on leadership of other committees are: Trudy Freidel (Festival of Faiths), Edward Martinez (Leadership Cabinet), Peggi Hazlett (Mayor’s Run), Dr. Charles “Skip” Herbert (Coloring Books for Schools), Karen Blanco (Media) and The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (Design).

For additional details, contact Erin Brinker at (951) 323-9337 or go to http://sanbernardino200.org

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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Judi Penman Joins Salvation Army Advisory Board


Judi Penman, president and CEO of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, has joined the Salvation Army Advisory Board to help the non-profit organization in its community outreach efforts. Photo by Chris Sloan
 
 (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Long-time civic leader Judi Penman has joined the advisory board of The Salvation Army.

“I am a strong believer in The Salvation Army” said Penman, who is also the president and chief executive officer of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and an elected member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District governing board.

“I believe it is one of the best programs around. It gets to the people who really need help, and actually works with them,” Penman said. “And, it is a Christian organization, which is important to me.”

Penman previously served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board from approximately 2005 through 2007.

The life-long San Bernardino resident is married to San Bernardino City Attorney James Penman.

“We are glad to have Judi back on the Salvation Army advisory board,” said Board President Tom Brickley. “The depth of knowledge she has about San Bernardino and her ability to make connections with others in the community will be a tremendous asset to us.”

The San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army serves the cities of San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace and Colton, and the unincorporated community of Bloomington.

The advisory board consists of volunteers who assist the Salvation Army with fund raising, community outreach and other areas of the Corps’ ministries.

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.

For local help, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1337.
 

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Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Eastpointe Village Begins Neighborhood Renewal


Treyshawn Jackson, 8, leads the pledge of allegiance as Eastpointe Village is dedicated in his neighborhood. San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris, San Bernardino Economic Development Agency Housing and Community Services Director Carey Jackson were among those participating in the dedication ceremony. Photo by Matt Sloan


Susan McDevitt, executive director of Mary Erickson Community Housing and San Bernardino Mayor  Patrick Morris cut the ribbon on Eastpoint Village as representatives from the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, the federal Housing and Urban Development, Mary Erickson Community Housing and the San Manuel Band of Indians watch. Photo by Matt Sloan
 
(San BERNARDINO, Calif.) A fourplex building on 19th Street, now home to four new families is, by far, the nicest looking building on its block. But it’s also a symbol of what the neighborhood will be.

2194 19th Street is the first building in Eastpointe Village, the new housing developed by community development organization Mary Erickson Housing in partnership with the San Bernardino Economic Development Association. Eventually, Eastpointe Village will encompass 25 of the fourplexes in this neighborhood near Richardson Prep Academy, providing quality housing to the lowest-income residents of San Bernardino.

“Families will seek out this location, because it will be a beautiful place to live,” said San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris. “We hope our partnership with Mary Erickson Community Housing can provide many more opportunities to renew neighborhoods and provide affordable housing.”

“We are pleased to work with the City of San Bernardino,” said Doug Bystry, president of the Mary Erickson Community Housing board. “We are proud of this project, because of its commitment to the entire neighborhood.”

During a grand opening of Eastpointe Village held recently, Mayor Morris noted the sounds of small children from the neighborhood at the ceremony, and of a bulldozer across the street, tearing down another building.

“These babies are our future,” Mayor Morris said. “The tearing down of blighted, mold-infested, rat-infested apartments symbolizes our past.” If we tear down affordable low-cost housing, we must rebuild and provide that same population new opportunities.”

The demolition of buildings on the other side of 19th Street, and on both sides of Sunrise Street a block south, will make room for a senior apartment complex, and when market prices improve, 50 to 55 single-family homes that will be sold to families making low and moderate income, currently up to $77,400 for a family of four.

Families of four making up to $32,250 yearly will qualify to live in Eastpointe Village. Larger families would be allowed to make more, while individuals and families of less than four qualify with lower incomes.

Two-bedroom apartments in Eastpointe Village lease for $646 monthly. Three bedrooms lease for $743. A government subsidy for low income renters allows Mary Erickson Community Housing to charge these below-market rates.

The newly refurbished apartments feature new kitchen appliances, and cabinets, granite countertops, new carpeting in the bedrooms, vinyl wood-grained plank flooring in the living room, tile in the kitchen and entry, central air conditioning, and a wall of storage space in the hall as well as large closets in the bedrooms.

In July 2009, the San Bernardino Economic Development Association selected Mary Erickson Community Housing as its partner in the redevelopment of this neighborhood through a competitive application process.

Mary Erickson Community Housing is a non-profit agency specializing in housing, with greater capacity than the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency for rehabilitating and professionally managing apartments for low to moderate-income families.

Mary Erickson Community Housing was founded in 1991.  Its namesake was a retired schoolteacher who was devoted to the principals of community participation and well being. 

Since it began the partnership with the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, Mary Erickson Community Housing has acquired 10 of the 25 fourplexes slated for rehabilitation. 2194 19th Street was one of the first, and Mary Erickson Community Housing hired San Bernardino general contractor Chris Marshall, who began renovating this building in February at a cost of about $210,000.

A $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, plus $1 million in funds from the San Bernardino Economic Development Association is funding the entire Eastpointe Village project. This covers purchasing the property from individual owners, relocating displaced residents, and the renovation of each of the 25 fourplexes.

Mary Erickson Community Housing has offered applications to many of the neighborhood residents, who will qualify to live in Eastpointe Village if they meet income requirements and pass background screenings. Residents of Eastpointe Village must comply with rental agreements designed to keep the neighborhood safe and attractive.

Mary Erickson Community Housing also provides life skills education to help all residents gain skills to better manage their families and finances.

“Our goal is to help these residents move either to home ownership or renting unsubsidized housing,” said Susan McDevitt, executive director of Mary Erickson Community Housing.

Mary Erickson Community Housing established its first affordable housing complex in San Clemente and has since grown to include multiple properties serving hundreds of diverse, hard working, low income families in Southern California including: Moreno Valley, Corona, Loma Linda, Riverside and now San Bernardino.

Qualified families who wish to lease an apartment as Eastpointe Village may call (909) 543-8237, or visit 2194 E. 19th Street.

For more information on this project call the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency at (909) 663-1044 and ask for Sam Hughes.






Media:  If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and i will have it to you within 24 hours.  If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.
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Demolition A Step In Neighborhood Transformation

A bulldozer tears into 2165 E 19th Street, the first of 46 dilapidated fourplexes in the neighborhood to be torn down. Photo by Yee-Kong Yang
Mayor Patrick Morris discusses the city’s plans for the 19th & Sunrise neighborhood of San Bernardino as a bulldozer tears down the first of 46 dilapidated fourplexes slated for demolition. Photo by Yee-Kong Yang

Within two hours of the start of demolition, all that remained of 2165 E. 19th Street was a pile of rubble. Photo by Yee-Kong Yang

(San BERNARDINO, Calif.) A demolition project taking place in northeast San Bernardino shows the city’s commitment to fighting urban decay.

The demolition began recently when the first of four fourplexes of apartments near 19th and Sunrise went down in a public ceremony, plowed into by a large backhoe capable of reaching above the two-story building. Within two hours, the backhoe had reduced the apartment building to a pile of rubble.

“This marks a milestone for us as we look to remove the physical blight of these apartments,” said Carey Jenkins, director of housing and community services for the San Bernardino City Economic Development Association. “It is our expectation that this will bring in a new era in San Bernardino housing.”

Jenkins’ optimism is because the torn-down fourplex is part of a plan already in the works to replace 244 apartments in the area of 19th and Sunrise streets near Richardson Prep Academy with approximately 200 new and better dwellings, some of which will be single-family homes.

The city will in the next few years eliminate 46 fourplexes, or 184 apartments. As some time in the future, it will replace these with a senior citizen apartment complex and, when the housing demand returns, 50-55 single-family homes.

The remaining apartments, which are on the opposite side of 19th Street and on Sunrise behind Richardson Prep, are not being torn down. Instead, they are being completely rehabilitated by the non-profit community development organization Mary Erickson Community Housing, which will then rent to carefully screened and qualified families making up to $32,250 a year for a family of four.

Families with more than four people would be allowed to make even more, while individuals and families of less than four people qualify with lower incomes.

Rabbi Hillel Cohn, in giving an invocation for the demolition ceremony, noted that back in the 1970s, he and his wife had lived in one of the fourplexes now slated for demolition. In those days, the fourplexes were filled with young professional couples and families like the Cohns, as well as older people who had retired there.

“Many of our finest city residents lived here,” Mayor Patrick Morris said. “It was, at one time, a remarkably wonderful property.”

“Then life changed,” Mayor Morris continued. “As the older retirees passed away and the younger families moved on, these units were sold to folks known as absentee landlords, which means that they did not live here, but rented their units out to other people. Many of them did not oversee their units; they did not carefully maintain them.  As a result, we now have a horrible blight.”

The San Bernardino Economic Development Agency provides relocation assistance to all families who are displaced by the demolition or rehabilitation of their apartments.

Even though many of them live in the apartments that will eventually be torn down, current residents of the neighborhood are optimistic the change coming to their neighborhood will be good. They note that Mayor Morris has already helped the neighborhood by initiating increased patrol through Operation Phoenix.

“In one of these buildings that is already boarded up, the roaches were so bad, if you went inside, you would see them falling off the ceiling,” said Robert Boyd. “In one of the apartments, the toilet pipe had broken underneath the living room, and all the sewage had gone under the carpet.  It molded and started to stink so bad the people had to leave.”

“New places with better screening will help,” said resident Martha Emmitt. “Already, it has been months since I saw drug deals transpire, or heard gunfire. I feel this is due largely to the efforts by the City of San Bernardino, in particular, the mayor’s Operation Phoenix.”

Mary Erickson Community Housing recently completed the rehabilitation of its first fourplex, and four families are now settling into that building. The organization hopes to have 12 fourplexes, with 48 apartments, rehabilitated by the end of 2010.

For more information on this project call the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency at (909) 963-5020 and ask for Sam Hughes.









 If you would like any of the photos in the slide show below please send an email to Chris@DameronCommunications.com with the photo id number and i will have it to you within 24 hours.  If you require the photo sooner please call Chris Sloan at (909) 888-0017.
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