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.
AHHI – The African American Health Initiative. Dameron Communications created and implemented an effective advertising and public relations strategy to mobilize participation in a study and strategy to improve black health in San Bernardino County by effectively informing the public that blacks are dying 13 years younger than whites. We also kept the public and the elected officials informed and involved. Additionally, we forged solid relationships with the media to keep black health issues in the minds of the healthcare community, politicians and blacks.
The Results? We achieved national exposure for the most comprehensive study of black healthcare issues in the nation. The report produced state and federal bills to make positive change in black healthcare. We also created nine recommendations to positively affect black health in the county, and the County Health Department has agreed to develop a multicultural county-wide health plan.
Inland Empire Diversity Career & Job Fairs – We created the largest business event in California’s Inland Empire. Dameron Communications was instrumental in the design and implementation of the ad campaign that yielded more than $200,000 worth of media coverage, including television, radio and all local dailies, as well as the majority of weekly newspapers and magazines.
The Result? Advertising for the Job Fair attracted more than 30,000 job-seekers, and recruited 360 employers who paid to bring more than 18,000 jobs to the fairs.
Stand Up for San Bernardino – In just two weeks the campaign generated 28 minutes of television exposure, more than 200 free radio announcements and in excess of 2,000 inches of print coverage.
The Result? A widespread positive change in the way residents perceived their community.
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools – We were successful in developing the theme and ad campaign for the Community Coalition’s “Read to Me” project. Media was created for radio, newspaper, magazines, billboards, bus boards, press releases, press conferences, signs, flyers, posters, Web, broadcast fax and direct mail.
The Results? We brought in more than $500,000 worth of free media coverage.
We created this ad for the San Bernardino City Water Department. The water agency had an issue with customers who had questions of water quality.
This ad was design to let customers know that the San Bernardino City Water Department’s source of water is pristine.
The ad also showed the department is dedicated to serve and solve customer problems.
(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.
(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.
(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.”
