OPEN CALL JULY 21, 2006

(San Bernardino, CA) 909Models.com, one of the Inland Empire’s fastest growing modeling agencies, will hold an open call for models Friday, July 21.
We work with agencies, casting directors, and industry professionals, who are seeking new faces with little or no experience. Our clients are looking for:

• Fashion Models - Models who walk the runway and promote clothes and cosmetics in magazines, billboards and newspapers.

• Commercial Print Models - Models who advertise hundreds of non-beauty type products in magazines, newspapers, billboards, sales ads and store advertisements.

• Promotional Models - Models who work in conventions, promotional events, and sporting events.

• Street team Models – Models who assist with the promotions they are working by distributing promotional materials.

• Actors - To appear in commercials and as bit parts or extras in TV shows and movies.

• Dancers – for videos, movies, shows and live appearances.


To find out more about the open call, telephone 909models.com at (909) 888-0017, or visit our website, www.909Models.com.
Sign up to start an exciting career in the entertainment industry!

BUSINESSES HONORED FOR ‘KEEPING IT GREEN’

(San Bernardino, Calif. ) Leonard Robinson, Chief Deputy Director for the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, will present awards to businesses for their commitment to pollution prevention at the 2007 Sacramento Business Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m. at the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District office in Sacramento, Calif.
As the keynote speaker for the 2007 Sacramento Business Awards Ceremony, Robinson will commend the efforts of these business that are leaders in the area of pollutin prevention.
"These businesses are demonstrating the governor's vision of a healthy environment and a healthy economy" Robinson says. "They have developed with creative solutions for wastes and are examples to be replicated by other businesses."

ROBINSON TO KEYNOTE AUTO DISMANTLERS CONVENTION

(San Bernardino, Calif.) The Inland Empire‚s Leonard Robinson is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appointed Chief Deputy Director for the California Department of Toxic Substance Control.
On Friday, Sept. 14 Robinson will be the keynote speaker for the Southern California Auto Dismantlers Association (SCADA) Convention, held this year at the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco.
"There’s a voluntary partnership among these companies," he says, "Companies that are willing to protect our environment. For example, automobiles contain mercury switches to control various automobile functions.”
“Mercury is toxic to the environment. These businesses voluntarily go through the effort of removing these switches and recycle them for later safer use." Reduction of toxic waste is an element in Gov. Schwarzenegger's environmental action plan.
As the state’s leader in toxic substance control, Robinson is the perfect choice as the convention’s 2007 keynoter.

AREA’S STATE SPOKESMAN HEADS ANTI-POLLUTION PANEL

(San Bernardino, Calif.) The Inland Empire‚s Leonard Robinson is Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger‚s appointed Chief Deputy Director for the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC).
The League of California Cities‚ Annual Conference, held in Sacramento on
Thursday, Sept. 6, has asked Robinson to participate in a panel discussion about the used alkaline battery collection segment of the California Take It Back! (TIB!) Partnership. The conference is a held at the Sacramento Convention Center and will be attended by mayors; city council members and city officials from across the state.
He will participate in a dialogue on the unique ways that cities are addressing the challenge of collecting used alkaline batteries from their citizens.
As of Feb. 8 of last year, these batteries could not be discarded in the trash.
Robinson said, “The California Take It Back! Partnership is a consortium of state and local government; retail stores; businesses; utilities; academia; and non-profit organizations that are providing or making provisions for California residents to properly recycle their used fluorescent lights; used alkaline batteries and used electronic devices.”
“The goal of the partnership is to provide locations for California residents that are free, local and convenient.”

LASALLE CEO SEES MEDICAL WORK AS HIS CALLING

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, a career-long pediatrician and founder and president of the Inland Empire’s LaSalle Medical Associates, has said his primary goal for LaSalle’s five clinics is making office visits as simple as possible.
“I wanted everyone to feel that going to the doctor was no more intimidating than going to the grocery store,” he said.
Born in San Diego of a Seventh-day Adventist missionary father from Michoacan, Mexico, Arteaga came by his love of, and care for, people honestly. It was almost pre-ordained that the young man would feel naturally urged to enter medical practice, and for more than two decades he has specialized in treating children.
After the family returned from ministering to Adventists in Argentina, Arteaga’s medical training came at Universidad LaSalle in Mexico City. Graduation in 1976, was followed by four years of internship. In 1984, after his pediatric residency at Loma Linda University’s Medical Center, he embarked on individual practice in Fontana.
As the practice grew, doctors were added to the staff and what was now called LaSalle Medical Associates expanded facilities, ultimately adding two in San Bernardino, and others in Hesperia and Lake Elsinore. Today, LaSalle serves more than 100,000 patients annually.
Inspired by his father’s calling to the ministry, Arteaga has been driven to serve, especially those with low income. “For the 20 plus years I have been in practice, we have never turned away a patient because they couldn’t pay,” Arteaga said. “As the son of an Adventist minister, I know I have an obligation to help whenever I can.” As a result, the five LaSalle clinics are California’s enrollment leader in the state’s Healthy Families program, offering low and no-cost health care to uninsured children.
And when it came to aiding Inland Empire survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Arteaga was Johnny-on-the-spot with totally free services, plus donating $1,000 to support the various pastors helping with hurricane relief.
Arteaga is also unique as a leader in welcoming Medi-Cal patients, those low-income adults and children, the elderly and the disabled. Numerous physicians refuse Medi-Cal patients simply because doctors make very little money doing so. For Arteaga
it’s one more chance to give something to the communities he serves while helping people in need who are reluctant to seek medical care because they feel they just can’t afford it. “Ultimately,” he says, “it’s the children who would suffer. And I don’t want that.”
LaSalle Medical Associates doesn’t stop there, either. For seven years Arteaga’s
facilities have offered free immunization clinics for Inland Empire’s children twice a year at their “Immunization Fairs” in San Bernardino. Arteaga and his staff, which is about 200 people, also organize health care exhibitors to introduce the public to such important life-saving issues as car safety for children, pregnancy health, childhood obesity and more.
“Our objective,” says Ruthy Argumedo, LaSalle’s marketing director, “is to inform the area’s parents about the importance of preventative health for their children. Prevention is so much easier than healing later problems. Our goal with these fairs, and with all our clinics, is to help parents understand how to keep their children well in the first place.”
How has LaSalle’s practice changed over the past year? “Everyone seems to want everything fast,” Arteaga says. “We want patients to be on their way as quickly as possible, of course. But first, we want to get it right, get it pleasant, then get it fast. There are times, though, when people just have to wait. We don’t want that, and patients don’t want that.”
A woman may have made an appointment for one child and bring in three, Arteaga said. An earlier patient might have come in for a simple check up and find they have other problems that must be dealt with on the spot; a mother may have brought in her daughter for a basic immunization then lay out paperwork from the school for a full physical.
As a natural evolution for LaSalle, the clinics now include family and internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology along with the on-going pediatric care. Again, serving the health care community in every way they can, harkening back to Arteaga’s “obligation to help whenever I can.”
LaSalle Medical Associates’ five Inland Empire clinics are at 17557 Arrow Boulevard in Fontana, 1505 17th Street and 565 North Mount Vernon Avenue both in San Bernardino, 16455 Main Street in Hesperia and Lake Elsinore’s on 31762 Mission Trail. For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407 or go to www.lasallemedical.com.

TIME TO GET BACK TO WHAT SHE LOVES BEST

(San Bernardino, Calif) Helen Yuman spent most of her life as a professional singer. Now, after a few years off, it’s time to get back to work doing what she loves most singing in front of a live audience at churches, weddings, banquets and events.

“I started out with my two sisters in New Brunswick, New Jersey, during the ‘60s,” she recalls. “We were the Georgettes, performing for our church and doing lots of backup singing. We made about 10 records. None became national hits, but were big in the New Jersey, New York area. We did a lot of that sort of work, just to keep singing.” And “keep singing” she did. “We were on radio a lot and did a ‘Bandstand’ TV show.” The Georgettes even performed at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem during a talent search series, winning the top spot on Week One.

Then, twenty years of experience later, she was asked to join the famed Clara Ward Singers. “Mrs. Ward had heard me singing at an event at Norton Air Force Base.” The facility, in San Bernardino, was a prominent military operation until it was closed in the ‘90s. “She came up to me afterward,” Yuman remembers, “and asked me to audition for her. As a result, I joined the group and performed with them for five years.”

Clara Ward’s Ward Singers reached fame for bringing gospel music out of the church and onto stages and into nightclubs, introducing audiences to often their first taste of gospel and spirituals, even playing Las Vegas and Disneyland in the process.

Before her hiatus from the stage, Helen Yuman sang for churches throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Nevada and on much of both coasts. Venues included NAACP events, appearances with the gospel great Prof. James Cleveland, yearly Martin Luther King celebrations and the annual conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal churches held in Los Angeles and Oakland. Critics have said, “She is brilliantly able to reach the masses with her spiritual uplifting voice.”

It’s time now for Yuman to get back to what she loves best – singing. “I want to perform for the ‘people’ again. I don’t any longer need big stages and large groups. I like the intimacy of singing for weddings, banquets, church functions and community organizations. My voice and enthusiasm are as strong as ever.”

To reach Helen Yuman for bookings, call her at 909/888-0017.

909MODELS.COM HELPS TALENT GET FIT FOR BUSINESS

(San Bernardino, CA) Recognizing that the modeling industry is often based on trim bodies and good looks, Inland Empire-based modeling agency 909Models.com is offering its models a free exercise class. The classes will be from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. starting on Tuesday, July 10. Classes are conducted by certified personal trainer Malaika Jacocks Dameron. The classes are open to both men and women.
Dameron got into personal training after she had a baby and was trying to lose the pregnancy weight.
“I began a workout program in my home and lost four dress sizes,” she said. “I loved it, so I studied for three years, now I am a certified personal fitness trainer. I help other people stay motivated, lose inches and meet their own personal fitness goals.”
“These classes are for members of 909Models.com,” said Carl Dameron, agency owner. “We help local people break into the world of modeling. The goal is to help local models find work with local firms who are looking for local models.”
Applicants interested in participating in 909Models.com have to pay a one-time $100 membership fee.
“There is no $1,500 fee for modeling classes or photos,” Dameron said. The agency currently has more than 100 models on its books of all shapes, races and sizes.
Dameron said 909Models.com is offering the free training class as a benefit to its models. “We know sometimes it can be difficult to pay for gym memberships when you are getting started in this business,” he said. “This service helps our models stay fit and learn the correct exercise techniques. To keep a great looking body.”
For more information call (909) 888-0017 or go www.909models.com

KEEPING JOBS WHERE THEY BELONG – AT HOME

Tired of those 3-4 hours a day commutes to and from work down below? “Who isn’t?” asks Carl Dameron, head of the Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair. “We should be spending that valuable time with our families, our communities, not slugging through tens of thousands of other cars every morning and evening. Leaving at six or seven and getting home at seven or eight. What a waste of time and energy.”
It’s that goal that drives San Bernardino’s Dameron Communications to do all possible to get the word out about terrific job opportunities in the Inland Empire, utilizing radio, on line media and print..
Five days a week, at 4:55 a.m., KOLA-FM, 99.9, announces three of the best local job opportunities with descriptions, salaries and application details selected from the best of more than 250,000 area listings. “The whole idea,” Dameron says, “is to help commuters find jobs closer to home.”
On line, employers and potential employees can just go to www.iejob.com for listings and links to positions in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. And CalJobs shows statewide positions for people ready for a career relocation. Employees may post their resumes for companies and departments to review, or simply apply for an appropriate opening. And it’s all free to both employers and employees.
In print, let’s say you’re an employer looking for local workers. Dameron Communications has arranged the simplest way to buy announcement ads in area minority publications. All you have to do is call them at 909/888-0017 and your ads will appear in Black Voice News, Precinct Reporter, West Side Story, Inland Valley Daily News, La Prensa, El Chicano and Hispanic News.
There’s more job opportunities, too. The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce, the coordinator and sponsor of the Inland Empire Diversity Career and Job Fair, with Dameron Communications, presents fall and spring job fairs where as many as a hundred employers send recruiters to welcome the thousands of attendees searching for area positions. They’ll sit with people and discuss their experiences and career desires, review resumes and see if there’s a possible “fit” within their operation.
For instance, the area’s 62nd Assembly District member, Wilmer Carter, is sponsoring a U.S. Department of Forestry job fair July 28 at the Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club, 1180 West 9th Street. The Forestry department has 3,000 immediate openings in positions from offices to outdoors. Then on July 30 the Boys & Girls club will be the site for a Law Enforcement and Firefighters Job Fair. Again, it’s all free.
As Dameron puts it, “The Inland Empire is loaded with job openings, while thousands and thousands of area residents either yearn to stop all that time-consuming and expensive driving or just want to stay closer to home to devote time to family and friends. Listen to our radio spots, check our on line listings or read the ads in the minority media. Thousands of jobs are awaiting the most interested and aggressive employees.”

ACTIVIST DISCUSSES HIS LIFE JOURNEY IN NEW BOOK

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Ratibu Shadidi, entrepreneur, veteran of the Civil Rights movement and activist for African American cultural heritage, is the guest speaker at the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce (www.ieaacc.com)’s meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, July 24.
The meeting is held in the conference room of Dameron Communications located at 255 N. D. Street in San Bernardino.
Shadidi, also known as Bill Jacocks, talks about his two-year struggle to write and publish his new book “Ratibu Shadidi: Incidents, Struggles and Divine Interventions.”
The book details Shadidi’s life from a small boy in Virginia to a successful business owner in California. Shadidi was active in the Civil Rights movement and has encouraged African Americans to get in touch with their African roots through cultural events such as Kwanzaa.
A community leader for more than 20 years, Shadidi is owner of Elegant Floors, a carpet store, and a former field representative for California State Sen. Ruben Ayala. He is married to California State Assembly member Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto).
“Ratibu’s story serves as inspiration to our members,” said Delores Armstead, vice president of the Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce (IEAACC.) “He has seen it all, from the Civil Rights struggle to the modern-day movement to teach African Americans their true heritage.”
Founded in 1990, the IEAACC helps African American businesses, families and professionals succeed in the Inland Empire.
For more information about the IEAACC call (909) 888-5223 or go online to www.ieaacc.com.

Argosy University Professor Named Head of OC Chapter of The Association of Play Therapy

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Anaheim resident Dr. Kim Vander Dussen has been named president-elect of the Orange County Chapter of the Association Play Therapy. Currently, an officer in the organization, her term goes into effect in January 2008.

The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy is made up of psychologists, therapists, social workers and counselors who are interested in play therapy. There are 300 members of the California Chapter of the Association of Play Therapists.

“Play therapy is a developmental-based treatment approach to working with children 12 and under,” Vander Dussen said. “Because children process their emotional experiences differently than adults, they can’t verbalize their emotions, the same way. Clinicians are trained to use play activity to help children work through their psychological issues.”

Vander Dussen is a professor in the psychology department at Argosy University’s Orange County campus. An instructor for three years, Sshe teaches courses such as Child and Adult Development, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Therapy Practicum, and a first-year orientation class.

Vander Dussen has a bachelor’s degreesa bachelor ’s degree in psychology and human services from California State University, Fullerton, and master’s and doctorate degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She has been a professor at Argosy University for three years and also has her own private practice. Vander Dussen also previously worked as a community mental health provider in Orange County.

“We are very proud of Dr. Vander Dussen’s accomplishments with the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University’s Orange County campus. ““It is a testimony to the quality of our campus and programs that we have a faculty member of Dr. Vander Dussen’s stature and expertise.”

As president of the organization Vander Dussen is responsible for overseeing regional and local training for play therapists. “It takes about two years for therapists to become registered play therapists,” Vander Dussen said. She said that certified play therapists have to take 150 educational hours. “There are additional requirements related to supervision and play therapy experience in addition to 150 hours of training, supervision and experience,” Vander Dussen said.

Vander Dussen teaches courses in the doctorate in Clinical Psychology program. “Students graduating from the program are going into careers as clinical psychologist,” , she said. “There is high demand in the career field. ” she said. “Our students haven’t had any issues finding employment.”

The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy’s next professional education workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at Argosy University’s Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana.

For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty. For more information about the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy call Debra Solseng at (949) 701-5930.


Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org).

DR. ALBERT ARTEAGA HONORED FOR SERVICES TO CHILDREN

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, has been awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.)
The award is going to be presented during the San Bernardino County Medical Association’s Installation of Officers and Outstanding Awards dinner at the Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., in Riverside at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21.
“The award represents an endorsement by the medical society of the work we have been doing,” Arteaga said. “It shows we are appreciated and well regarded by our peers.”
Arteaga has offered free health care for Hurricane Katrina survivors, donated funds to local pastors towards hurricane relief and served as commissioner for First 5 and Children and Families Commission.
Born in San Diego, Arteaga grew up in various locations following his father, a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Arteaga’s family also lived in Argentina while his father was doing missionary work. Arteaga spent four and half years in northern Mexico.
As the son of a minister, Arteaga is dedicated to providing the best health care possible for his patients. He also demands his staff, from the receptionist to the doctors, treat people with the dignity, compassion and respect.
“It has always been our policy to help families in need. Since I have been in practice we have never turned away a patient because they could not pay. As the son of an Adventist minister I know that I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do,” Arteaga said.
This is not the first time LaSalle Medical Associates has been honored by local healthy agencies. The clinics are also recognized for their quality of service. LaSalle Medical Associates was selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) as Riverside and San Bernardino’s best health care provider. The African American Health Initiative also selected LaSalle as a model provider in a two-year study of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County. LaSalle is also the state’s no. 1 enroller of Healthy Families, an insurance program for children and teens from low to mid-income families. The program provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children without insurance.
Arteaga opened his first clinic in Fontana and expanded into San Bernardino in 1988. Formed in 1996, LaSalle Medical Associates is currently one of the largest independent practice association’s in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The company has clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana, Hesperia and Lake Elsinore.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407. or go to www.lasallemedical.com.

Argosy University Professor Named Head of OC Chapter of The Association of Play Therapy

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Anaheim resident Dr. Kim Vander Dussen has been named president-elect of the Orange County Chapter of the Association Play Therapy. Currently, an officer in the organization, her term goes into effect in January 2008.

The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy is made up of psychologists, therapists, social workers and counselors who are interested in play therapy. There are 300 members of the California Chapter of the Association of Play Therapists.

“Play therapy is a developmental-based treatment approach to working with children 12 and under,” Vander Dussen said. “Because children process their emotional experiences differently than adults, they can’t verbalize their emotions, the same way. Clinicians are trained to use play activity to help children work through their psychological issues.”

Vander Dussen is a professor in the psychology department at Argosy University’s Orange County campus. An instructor for three years, she teaches courses such as Child and Adult Development, Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Therapy Practicum, and a first-year orientation class.

Vander Dussen has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from California State University, Fullerton, and master’s and doctorate degrees from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She has been a professor at Argosy University for three years and also has her own private practice. Vander Dussen also previously worked as a community mental health provider in Orange County.

“We are very proud of Dr. Vander Dussen’s accomplishments with the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy,” said Dr. Jeb Egbert, president of Argosy University’s Orange County campus. ““It is a testimony to the quality of our campus and programs that we have a faculty member of Dr. Vander Dussen’s stature and expertise.”

As president of the organization Vander Dussen is responsible for overseeing regional and local training for play therapists. “It takes about two years for therapists to become registered play therapists,” Vander Dussen said. She said that certified play therapists have to take 150 educational hours. “There are additional requirements related to supervision and play therapy experience in addition to 150 hours of training, supervision and experience,” Vander Dussen said.

Vander Dussen teaches courses in the doctorate in Clinical Psychology program. “Students graduating from the program are going into careers as clinical psychologist,” she said. “There is high demand in the career field. ” “Our students haven’t had any issues finding employment.”

The Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy’s next professional education workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at Argosy University’s Orange County campus located at 3501 W. Sunflower Ave., Suite 100, Santa Ana.

For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty. For more information about the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Play Therapy call Debra Solseng at (949) 701-5930.


Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org).

DR. ARTEAGA AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, was recently awarded the San Bernardino County Medical Society’s Merlin Hendrickson M.D. Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community. Arteaga is recognized for his efforts to provide health services to Inland Empire children. (www.lasallemedical.com.)
The award was presented during the San Bernardino County Medical Association’s Installation of Officers and Outstanding Awards dinner at the Mission Inn, in Riverside during the San Bernardino County Medical Societies annual installation banquet and awards dinner.
“I accept this award not just for me but for the 124 doctors, nurses, and staff at LaSalle’s five clinics. This is recognition of the entire companies dedication to our patients and our communities,” said Arteaga.
“The award represents an endorsement by the medical society of the work we have been doing,” Arteaga said. “It shows we are appreciated and well regarded by our peers.”
Arteaga has offered free health care for Hurricane Katrina survivors, donated funds to local pastors towards hurricane relief and served as commissioner for First 5 and Children and Families Commission.
Born in San Diego, Arteaga grew up in various locations following his father, a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Arteaga’s family also lived in Argentina while his father was doing missionary work. Arteaga spent four and half years in northern Mexico.
As the son of a minister, Arteaga is dedicated to providing the best health care possible for his patients. He also demands his staff, from the receptionist to the doctors, treat people with the dignity, compassion and respect.
“It has always been our policy to help families in need. Since I have been in practice we have never turned away a patient because they could not pay. As the son of an Adventist minister I know that I have an obligation to help whenever I can. That is what we do,” Arteaga said.
This is not the first time LaSalle Medical Associates has been honored by local healthy agencies. The clinics are also recognized for their quality of service. LaSalle Medical Associates was selected by Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) as Riverside and San Bernardino’s best health care provider.
The African American Health Initiative also selected LaSalle as a model provider in a two-year study of Black healthcare in San Bernardino County. LaSalle is also the state’s number one enroller of Healthy Families, an insurance program for children and teens from low to mid-income families. The program provides medical, dental and vision coverage for children without insurance.
What’s next? Arteaga is currently completing the creation of a nonprofit foundation to further his vision to help underserved communities receive quality healthcare. “We envision that the LaSalle Foundation will help pay for healthcare serves for children and the elderly who cannot be covered by any other insurance program.
Arteaga opened his first clinic in Fontana and expanded into San Bernardino in 1988. Formed in 1996, LaSalle Medical Associates is currently one of the largest independent practice association’s in San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The company has clinics in San Bernardino, Fontana, Hesperia and Lake Elsinore.
The father of three adopted children Arteaga lives in Grand Terrace with his with wife _______ son and youngest daughter. The Arteaga’s eldest daughter eldest attend the University of ________ in (city State.) She is studying to be a ___________.
For more information about LaSalle Medical Associates contact (909) 890-0407. or go to www.lasallemedical.com.

CONCERT PIANIST ELDRED MARSHALL KICKS OFF 2007-2008 SEASON

(San Bernardino, Calif.) Eldred Marshall, 26, began his classical piano studies at six. The following year saw his first public performance. Then at 16 he made his orchestral debut with the Victor Valley Symphony Orchestra, playing the first movement of Brahms’s Second Piano Concerto.

Marshall’s 2007-2008 will officially begin in September in Portland, Oregon, where he will launch his “Beethoven Project” series, playing the 32 piano sonatas of Beethoven in seven concerts at the Portland Community Music School. He is also scheduled to make appearances in New Haven, CT, Columbus, OH, Phoenix, AZ, San Francisco, CA and Sacramento, CA. He will repeat his “Beethoven Project” series in eight concerts at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Francisco in January and March of 2008.

He has performed all over the world, playing throughout the United States, Italy, the Republic of San Marino and Spain. His catholic solo repertoire spans almost 500 years, from Byrd to the music of the 21st Century. Additionally, he has a large repertoire when it comes to chamber music as well as piano concertos, as he is frequently sought after as an accompanist as well as a soloist.

Marshall is a member of a very small club: black concert pianists. “Classical music is fundamentally a European tradition,” he says. “However, blacks have long participated in the development of Western music, having becoming celebrated composers and performers. It’s a shame that they’re not better known.”

“Andre Watts is the first internationally recognized black concert pianist,” Marshall continues. “He is a pioneer.” Watts became well known thanks to conductor Leonard Bernstein, who introduced to a nationwide audience on CBS television in 1963. “When I attended his live concert in Pasadena when I was 10, it proved to me that it [becoming a black concert pianist] can be done.”

The situation for black performers in classical music continues to be rough, but Marshall feels fully charged to share his art with as many people as possible in spite of the odds. “Opportunities for us are still few and far between,” Marshall says. “However, I enjoy defying stereotypes.”

“Whenever I introduce myself as a pianist, it is always assumed that I play jazz or gospel. None of my white or Asian colleagues have to clarify or defend themselves in that manner. For some players, the most annoying question is, ‘Who is your favorite composer?’ My most annoying question is ‘How come you don’t play jazz or sing while you play?’ I’m not bitter about other peoples’ ignorance, but I see it as a chance to show that we are all fundamentally human – the difference is only skin deep.”

When he isn’t performing concerts, Marshall is in great demand as a teacher and as a lecturer. He teaches privately to beginners, although he immensely enjoys his advanced students and giving master classes.

“There is a real hunger for good music,” Marshall says. “One of the best treats anyone can give himself is to expose himself to great music. We all appreciate music. It’s what makes us human.”

Dedicating his life to classical music is second nature. After all, he responded to Johann Sebastian Bach’s music as a baby before he responded to words.

Eldred Marshall currently divides his time between Rancho Cucamonga and Sacramento, and can be reached via e-mail at emar4@aol.com.

909MODELS.COM GIVES MODELS THEIR BIG BREAK

(San Bernardino, CA) Regardless of age, sex or size, if you’ve wondered if you have what it takes to be a model for ads, commercials, or videos, here’s your chance to find out.
909models.com, the fastest growing modeling agencies in the Inland Empire, launches a one-day open casting call Saturday, May 20 in San Bernardino.
“We’re looking for new faces and fresh talent,” organizer Carl Dameron says, “People who want to work in Riverside, San Bernardino and surrounding counties. We have the clients, now we’re looking to expand our bank of models.”
Models, singers, dancers and actors are in demand, and your age, your sex, your race or your size doesn’t matter. “Advertisers and producers often want models that the average person can identify with tall short full figures beautiful or plain, we need people of all ages, sexes and sizes,” Dameron adds.
Just show up Saturday, May 20 looking your best (men in business attire, women in skirts or dresses, children dressed up). A professional photographer will be on-site for individual photo shoots. Models are asked to come camera-ready with their hair, make-up and accessories done.
“We want the models to show us their best look to include on the 909Models.com website,” said Dameron.
All models that come, will be added to 909Models.com’s talent roster, placed on their Web site and marketed to ad agencies, photographers and casting agents throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California.
Parents or guardian must accompany attendees under 18. “We want to make sure that parents approve of young peoples modeling career,” said Dameron whose two girls are also members of 909-Models.com.
The 909models.com web site currently shows a photo and the vital statistics, height weight, eye color and measurements of over 75 models. Last names and contact information are not shown to protect models privacy.
“When companies are looking for models they go to 909models.com and search for the model or talent they want, then e-mail the request and we go from there,” said Dameron.
909models.com’s schedules an appointment for the client to meet the model and if they have the right look they hire them and schedule the shoot.
Dameron got the idea for the 909Models.com after spending two week looking for models for a photo shoot.
“We went over budget because of the extra time, so I though there has to be a better way. I got the idea that if I could see models online I could find the right one faster and save time and money. The result is 909Models.com,” said Dameron.
“This opportunity is for real. No gimmicks, no surprises, no inflated fees just a lifetime $50 processing fee,” said Dameron.
The open call is Saturday, May 20th from 9-2 at the 909models.com office, 255 North “D” St., Suite 209, in San Bernardino. For details or with questions, call (909) 888-0017 or log on to the Web site at www.909models.com.

CONFERENCE TACKLES AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH PROBLEMS

(San Bernardino, Calif.) According to a San Bernardino County Department of Health report, African Americans in San Bernardino County die 13 years younger than whites. Many African American lives are shortened by illness such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer.
The Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference (www.healthyheritagemovement.com) offers speakers, information booths and interactive sessions aimed at improving the overall health and well being of the African American community, said Phyllis Clark, conference founder and president. The event will be held at California Baptist University, located at 8432 Magnolia, Riverside, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., July 28.
“The conference focuses on the major health and wellness issues in the African American community such as cancer, heart disease and organ failure.” Clark said. The conference also focuses on mental health issues, which are often not discussed in the Black community. “Mental health advocates are finding there are many emotional health issues in the African American home such as substance abuse and depression,” Clark said.
Clark said the conference also features a presentation from keynote speaker Dr. Kimlin Ashing-Giwa, director of City of Hope’s Center of Community Alliance for Research & Education. Ashing-Giwa is a nationally renowned psychologist who specializes in minority health issues. City of Hope is a Southern California research, educational and treatment institution dedicated to fighting cancer.
There are also free screenings for HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer and blood sugar levels, Clark said.
Clark said the conference is organized by the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference Committee, which includes staff members from Riverside County Public Health Department, the American Cancer Society, the Southern California Witness Project, a breast cancer awareness group, Inland Agency, and several volunteers.
“Many of the diseases that African Americans suffer from are lifestyle related,” Clark said. “If we change our behavior, and change the behavior of the next generation, we can prevent many of these life-shortening health problems. The goal of this conference is to provide African Americans with the tools to make better lifestyles choices.”
“Although the information is targeted at the African American community, the conference is open to all nationalities,” Clark said.
For more information about the Healthy Heritage Wellness Conference call (951) 565-4431 or e-mail hhwcmovement@yahoo.com.

LOCAL AGENCY IS LOOKING FOR MODELS OF ALL AGES, SEXES AND SIZES

(San Bernardino, CA) Regardless of age, sex or size, if you’ve wondered if you have what it takes to be a model for ads, commercials, or videos, here’s your chance to find out. 909models.com, touted as the fastest growing modeling agency in the Inland Empire is looking for new models.

“We’re looking for new faces and fresh talent,” agency director Carl Dameron says, “People who want to work in Riverside, San Bernardino and surrounding counties. We have the clients, now we’re looking to expand our list of models.”

People for promotions, modeling, print ads, singers, dancers and actors are in demand, and your age, your sex, your race or your size doesn’t matter.

“Advertisers and producers often want models that the average person can identify with tall short full figures beautiful or plain, we need people of all ages, shapes and sizes,” Dameron adds.

“We want the models to show us their best look to include on the 909Models.com website,” said Dameron.

All models that come, will be added to 909Models.com’s talent roster, placed on their Web site and marketed to ad agencies, photographers and casting agents throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California.

Parents or guardian must approve of and accompany members under 18. “We want to make sure that parents approve of young peoples modeling career,” said Dameron whose two daughters are also members of 909Models.com.

The 909models.com web site currently shows a photo and the vital statistics, height weight, eye color and measurements of over 75 models. Last names and contact information are not shown to protect models privacy.

“When companies are looking for models they go to 909models.com and search for the model or talent they want, then e-mail the request and we go from there,” said Dameron.

909models.com’s schedules an appointment for the client to meet the model and if they have the right look they hire them and schedule the shoot.
“This opportunity is for real. No gimmicks, no surprises, no inflated fees just a lifetime $50 processing fee,” said Dameron.

For details or with questions, call (909) 888-0017 or log on to the Web site at www.909models.com.

PYSCHOLOGY PROF IS ARGOSY UNIVERSITY’S FIRST FULL-TIME INSTRUCTOR

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Psychology is the nation’s number one university major said Wendy Vasquez-Osborn, interim campus president of Argosy University/Inland Empire. “It’s the fastest growing department at Argosy, and also throughout America’s colleges and universities,” she said.

Argosy University has helped working professionals succeed for more than 30 years. San Bernardino’s Inland Empire campus, however, celebrates its first year this June. “We’re just a year old here,” she says, “but growing at an astounding rate. We recently hired our first full-time faculty member in Psychology. More full-time teaching staff are expected in the near future, too.”

Dr. David Sellen is a full-time faculty member in the Psychology Department. He joined Argosy full-time in May after a year as an adjunct professor. “We have about 150 students in the department now,” Sellen says, “and we’ll be adding 25-30 each semester. It’s very exciting.”

Sellen teaches such courses as clinical psychology, testing, counseling, psychotherapy, research techniques and forensics. In forensics, Sellen has spent 25 years aiding the justice systems of Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, testifying in countless cases. He possesses a law degree from Southwestern University in Los Angeles as well as a Doctorate in Neuropsychology from the University of Southern California.

“I’ll be assisting students who want to learn about human behavior and also those who plan to enter professional practice, education, forensics or do clinical research,” he said. “I have a staff of well-seasoned professionals in the department, and I’m proud of each one.”

Sellen has an enviable background, too, as a lecturer and as a counselor and trainer on violence in the workplace.

The Argosy University/Inland Empire campus is located at 636 S. Brier Dr., Suite 235 in San Bernardino. For details on its programs, admissions and financial assistance programs call (909) 915-3800 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/inlandempire.

Argosy University/Inland Empire is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor’s degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1-800-621-7440), (www.ncahlc.org).

Professor Says Long Deployments Can Cause Disruptions in Work, Education

SANTA ANA, Calif. — With American service men fighting wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq, long deployments are becoming standard. Some members of the armed forces are currently on their third and fourth tours in Iraq.

These long deployments are causing a huge strain on members of the countries various National Guard and reserve units, who are weekend warriors and often hold down full-time jobs.

Dr. Majdin Taba, a professor at Argosy University, said he witnessed many of these issues while he oversaw courses for the military for the University of Phoenix. “I had one major who was a project manager at her firm and she was gone for a year,” he said. “But they were willing to take her back.”

Taba stated there were incidents when National Guardsmen who were gone for long periods of time returned to find they had been replaced on the job. Servicemen are protected by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Acts (USERRA). Statistics provided by the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve state that employers are required to support employers for a cumulative total of five years. This includes inactive duty, annual training, involuntary recall to or retention of active duty, national emergency or active duty in support of a war.

However the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve also states that employees have to provide written or oral notification before going on duty. Employers can request for written orders after a military absence of more than 30 days.

Taba has been a professor at Argosy University’s Orange County campus for two years and teaches courses such as survey techniques and statistics He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tehran, Iran, a master’s degree from the University of Dallas and doctorate from Dubnah International University in Moskow, Russia.

Dr. Jeb Egbert, campus president at Argosy University’s Orange County campus, said students benefit from professors like Taba who had a wide variety of experience teaching students in various classroom settings. “Our professors are often people who have either worked on their industry or taught adults students from non traditional backgrounds,” Egbert said.

Taba was responsible for setting up courses at military bases across Europe, in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“We worked with service men to set up courses in Germany, England, Belgium, Spain, Bosnia and Italy,” Taba said. “Most of the courses were graduate programs, MBAs, Information Technology and education degrees.”

Long deployments often caused problems when trying to conduct classes, Taba said.

“People in the Army were deployed for the longest periods of time, usually about a year,” he said. “Air Force deployment, usually were for about two to three months.”
This meant class numbers could drop while service members were in the field, he said.

He said that servicemen and women are very interested in continuing their education, because they need advanced degrees to promoted to a higher rank.

MBA degrees, with minors in IT and Finance, are popular because they are very marketable in corporate America. “Education degrees are popular because some servicemen want to teach after they retire,” he said.

Taba said that most of the commanding officers encouraged their servicemen to take advantage of the opportunities the Armed Services offered and prepare themselves for civilian life.

“Most of the high-ranking officers wanted to make sure that when their men and women left the military they could contribute to society,” he said.

For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty.

Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org)

Argosy University’s Flexible Programs Help Working Mom Pursue Her Education

SANTA ANA, Calif. — After a divorce left Mary Ellis the single mother of two young children she realized she needed to come up with Plan B. Ellis decided she needed to make a life-altering decision. She quit her job as a pre-school teacher and enrolled at Argosy University, Orange County Campus.

“I wanted to better myself and make a better life for my two young boys,” said Ellis, who lives in Irvine. She left behind her 10-year career and enrolled in Argosy University’s Paralegal program. Ellis said returning to school as a full-time student was a tough decision.

“It was difficult making the change to go back to school after so many years of not being a student,” said Ellis, who works part-time in the University’s Student Services department. “I chose Argosy University because the staff was very enthusiastic and made me believe I could do it.”

“The staff at Argosy University encourages students,” Ellis said. “The attitude here is ‘Your education is important to us.’”

Dr. Jeb Egbert, Argosy University, Orange County Campus president, said both staff and faculty members are committed to the success of their students. “Many of our students are working adults who have taken time out of their busy lives to further their education. Our goal is to give them the best education possible that can help them move to the next level of their careers,” Egbert said.

Ellis said it was the encouragement of the Argosy University staff that gave her the confidence to continue in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program after she finished her associate’s degree.

She also said that Argosy University’s flexible programs are perfect for single parents. “The associate’s degree had a morning and afternoon program,” Ellis said. “While my children were in daycare, I was taking morning classes from 9 a.m. – noon,” she said.

As a student in the Psychology bachelor’s degree program, Ellis is also taking advantage of Argosy University’s flexible scheduling. She says she has taken online, evening and weekend classes. “I can take 49 percent of my bachelor’s degree program online and 51 percent of it on campus,” Ellis said. “They always have something to fit my schedule.”

After she finishes her bachelor’s degree program, Ellis is considering working with at-risk youth or pursuing a master’s degree in forensic psychology.

For more information about Argosy University’s Orange County campus call (714) 338-6200 or go to http://www.argosyu.edu/orangecounty.


Argosy University’s Orange County Campus is one of 18 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) locations in 12 states. Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in psychology, business, counseling, and education. Argosy University also offers bachelor's degree completion programs in psychology and business, and associate's degree programs in various health sciences fields. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, (800) 621-7440; www.ncahlc.org).