(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) A master decorative book artist, Jill Timm, will exhibit some of her works and answer questions at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire library Thursday, Sept. 18, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the opening day of her exhibit.
“Her books are works of art,” said Denise Westcott, library director at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. “In one of the courses they take, our Graphic Design students explore book design and its many different formats, so Jill Timm’s visit will help them gain a deeper appreciation for the art they create, and show them outstanding ways in which to create it.”
“Each artist’s book is unique, but most of Timm’s focus on nature and its elements” Westcott continued. “One of them is about gemstones, and its cover is a slab of a cut and polished gem.”
Timm is the owner of Mystical Places Press in Wenatchee, Washington, which specializes in these types of books. Previously, she was a professional multimedia instructional and graphic designer for IBM after receiving her Master of Fine Arts in Computer Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY.
She took book making classes at the Visual Studies Workshop with Hedi Kyle and Scott McCarney while in Rochester. As she is always interested in learning from the experts, Timm enrolled in classes from a number of book making masters.
Timm is listed in Who’s Who Among Young American Professionals and Who’s Who in California, and has earned a good share of awards and professional achievements for her work in fine arts graphics, book arts, photography, graphic design and art direction. She has received several grants and fellowships.
Her work is included in corporate and university collections across the United States. This will soon include The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire, as Westcott plans to purchase some of Timm’s books.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Fashion & Retail Management and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
The Art Institute has the Inland Empire’s only degree programs in Fashion Design, Fashion & Retail Management, Culinary Arts and Culinary Management.
It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin October 6 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.
For more information or a tour, call (909) 915-2100 or visit www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire -end-
Suzy and Craig Aguillard, owners of ACQUIRE Educational Services, Inc., were recent guests on the Voice of the Inland Empire. Their interview will be available for view soon at www.voiceoftheinlandempire.com
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Craig and Suzy Aguillard, owners of ACQUIRE Educational Services Inc., appeared recently on Ron Stark’s Voice of the Inland Empire.
The interview will soon appear on the program’s Website, www.voiceoftheinlandempire.com.
Featured guest for this interview is Rebecca Bloomfield, press secretary for 59th District Assemblyman Anthony Adams.
The Aguillards discussed some of the educational services offered at the ACQUIRE Learning Center. These services are provided to students in grades K-12, and are designed to help them excel in mathematics, English language arts, science, test preparation and critical thinking.
“To find out more about how we help students succeed, watch our interview on Voice of the Inland Empire,” Craig Aguillard said. “You can also call (909) 875-3356, visit us on the Web at www.Acquire3.net or visit our Learning Center at 1188 West Leiske Drive in Rialto.”
Voice of the Inland Empire is a long-running radio and Internet show, recently expanded to Cable TV in several cities. The radio and television versions of this show aired in early September.
The ACQUIRE Learning Center is located at 1188 West Leiske Avenue, Ste. 100 in Rialto. For more information, call (909) 875-3356 or visit www.Acquire3.net.
Caption: Carl Dameron, outside his 255 N. D Street office building, will M.C. The 19th annual Black Rose Awards with California State University San Bernardino professor Kathryn Ervin.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Area PR leader Carl Dameron and California State University San Bernardino theater arts professor Kathryn Ervin will emcee the 19th Annual Black Rose and Humanitarian of the Year Awards in a September 26 ceremony at the National Orange Show – Valencia Room.
The San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation presents the Black Rose Awards to honor lifetime achievement. Anyone who has done good things for the local community would be given consideration for this recognition.
The organizers of this year’s program points out these awards are an important honor. “We recognize our unsung heroes, people of all diversities who have contributed a great deal to the community,” said Margaret Hill, program chairman. “We have been presenting this honor for almost 20 years now.”
There are three categories of awards given at the ceremony: the Black Rose, the Commitment to Community Service of the Year and the Humanitarian of the Year.
“The Black Rose Awards are one of the most inspiring and vital community events,” said Ervin. “Our community is richly blessed by the many who are doing good things here without fanfare, and it is important they be given the recognition due them.”
Ervin also sees the Black Rose Awards as an opportunity to identify and acknowledge many local leaders, especially for youth, to encourage their participation in activities that help their community.
“It’s important for our young people to see that role models are right here with us,” she said. “And it’s vital for the rest of us to be reminded of the many good things people here are doing.”
Past recipients include developer John Dukes of Dukes, Dukes and Associates, Westside Action Group and Mansie Booker Jr. among others.
Dameron, president of Dameron Communications, said recipients of the Black Rose Awards have devoted their lives to helping others. “It is an extreme honor for me,” he said. “I am proud to be a part of providing these local heroes the recognition they so richly deserve.”
The Foundation is selling tickets to the awards ceremony for $50 each. Tables of 10 may be reserved for $500.
The event begins at 6 p.m. in the National Orange Show – Valencia Room, 689 South E Street, San Bernardino. It starts with a social hour, followed by dinner and the ceremony at 7 p.m.
To order tickets or reserve a table, contact Margaret Hill at (909) 864-3267.
Gene Williams, 24 (Center) a recent graduate from California Polytechnic University of Pomona and a Dameron Communications intern, spent the day with County Supervisor Josie Gonzales (right) and Deputy Chief of Staff Lisha Smith (left) for a recent “shadow day.” The shadow day gives college students, who are interested in starting a career in government, a behind-the-scenes look in county government.
Photo By: Christopher Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) San Bernardino County Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales gave Gene Williams a look into county government as he “shadowed” the supervisor recently at the San Bernardino county offices.
Josie Gonzales’ district covers Rialto, eastern Fontana, Colton and parts of San Bernardino. The shadow day was to educate college students who are interested in starting a career within county government, providing a clear perspective in their ultimate career goals.
“I could not pass up this opportunity to meet with the supervisor and spend the day with local decision makers; receiving this one-of-a-kind experience was a privilege,” said Williams.
The day started with introductions from the Fifth District staff and a discussion with County Public Information Officer David Wert.
“Everything we discussed regarding public information and its role within the county was truly beneficial regarding my professional goals,” added Williams.
After the discussion with Wert, Williams sat in meetings with Gonzales and Deputy Chief of Staff Lisha Smith. This provided an intimate look at how both worked with other county officials and organizations.
“He sat in on priority issue appointments with First 5 San Bernardino, the Foothill AIDS Project and the Inland Valley Development Agency, as well as meetings with Mayor Patrick Morris, Fontana Herald reporter Maria Elena Kennedy and members of the county’s top nursing staff,” said Gonzales. “I was very pleased with his reaction at the end of the day.”
The day also entailed a trip to the San Bernardino County Human Resources department where Williams met Department Director Andrew Lamberto and Senior Human Resources Analyst Summer Adams. There Williams received a few tips to successfully search for any open county positions.
The entire experience gave Williams a chance to see what it would be like to work in a government office.
“I hope that taking advantage of an opportunity to shadow me was rewarding for Gene,” said Gonzales. “While he had no idea what to expect before the day began, he seemed surprised by the diversity and amount of work that gets done on a daily basis.”
Gene Williams is a recent graduate of California Polytechnic University Pomona and an intern with advertising and public relations agency Dameron Communications in San Bernardino. His goal is to start a career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department through its public affairs division.
For more information on Dameron Communications call (909) 888-0321.
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our divers client base locally, regionally and nationally. We are an award winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. We use our 20 years of communications knowledge and experience to advance our clients’ objectives.
Matthew Sloan (left), Mary Cooksey (middle) and Christopher Sloan (right), representatives for California State Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter of the 62nd District, pose for a picture prior to the opening ceremony of the 1st California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce Conference.
Madison Gunter III (left), Business Development Manager for CISCO Systems, David Jones (middle), Enterprise Technology Director for Microsoft Corporation, and Robert Hoffman (right), Government and Public Affairs for Oracle answer questions from the young audience during the Technology Industry and New and Emerging Technology Jobs Panel.
During lunch, the Honorable Rod Wright (senate candidate for the 52nd District) took a moment to share inspirational analogies from his childhood.
(LOS ANGELES, Calif.) Dr. Aubry Stone, president of the California Black Chamber of Commerce welcomed approximately 20 young students and professionals to the first California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce Youth Summit in Los Angeles. Speakers from Microsoft, Oracle, CISCO, Kiss My Bundt Bakery, Eden BodyWorks and Diversity City Media shared the secrets of success in life and business. The young men and women ages 16 to 25 were invited to attend by California state assembly members and senators.
Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter had the largest contingent with six college students: Matt and Chris Sloan, Mary Cooksey, David Hall, Nicolette Bourne and Hai Vo.
Dameron Communications, a leading Southern California advertising and public relations firm, sent three interns to the conference: Twins Matt and Chris Sloan, 24-year-old residents of San Bernardino, who are seniors at California Polytechnic University of Pomona and Mary Cooksey 19 years old from Azusa a sophomore at California State University of San Bernardino.
The three other college students included David Hall, 24 years old from Los Angeles and a senior at Cal Poly Pomona; Nicolette Bourne, 25 years old from Claremont, a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona currently working as a service clerk for the First Financial Credit Union and Hai Vo, 23 years old, a graduate of University of California Riverside currently working for the Redlands Unified School District as a substitute teacher.
Event speakers included Dr. Jamillah Moore, president of Los Angeles City College. She spoke on the importance of having a college education and pursuing your passions in life.
“Get as many internships as you can so you don’t end up working a job that you aren’t passionate about,” said Dr. Moore.
David Jones of Microsoft, Madison Gunter III of CISCO and Robert Hoffman of Oracle spoke at the “Workforce Development and Opportunities for Young Adults in the Technology Industry and New and Emerging Technology Jobs” panel. This panel ensured its listeners that the technology workforce isn’t just for computer nerds any more, there are opportunities for just about anyone.
David Jones stressed the point of “Learning how to learn.” We learn every day and if you can find an effective way to absorb and retain knowledge then you can work anywhere and do anything. The key is you have to want to learn and remembering that failure is the key in every learning environment.
“The key to my success is that I keep my options open,” said Gunter.
Gunter was not a computer nerd, much like many of the young people attending the conference, but that didn’t stop him from working for CISCO Systems. He was hired at a start-up company that was bought by CISCO and went back to school to learn more about the world of technology to move up the ladder to become a business development manager.
“I’m a geek!” said Robert Hoffman.
Hoffman was one of the few speakers at the panel who learned how to program computers as a child. He stuck with his passion and combined his love of programming with his love of policy to help write the book on regulating the Internet. This led him to his job as vice president of government and public Affairs for Oracle.
All three of these panelists encouraged the youth to gain experience in low-risk environments like internships to learn more about your career choices. They also insisted that the more you fail, the more you learn how to succeed, which in-turn told the youth that failure is needed to grow.
The panel “Young, Gifted and Black” included Chrysta Wilson of Kiss My Bundt Bakery, Dante Lee of Diversity City Media and Jasmine Lawrence of Eden BodyWorks.
Chrysta Wilson didn’t come from a rich family but pushed forward to make her dream a reality. She has her Master‘s degree and worked a regular 9 to 5 job and decided to sell the world a part of her passion, baking. She quit her job March of 2008 and made a full commitment to her bakery. Her story was an inspiration to everyone in attendance showing that hard work and determination are the first things needed to pursue your dream.
“Be determined to make your mark!” said Dante Lee.
Dante Lee is the owner and creator of Diversity City Media. He has built sites such as BlackHistory.com, BlackPR.com, Blackstudents.com and more. While his classmates were fooling around on myspace.com and facebook.com., Dante was observing what it takes to create a successful Website and learning about consumer needs.
Jasmine Lawrence is the creator and owner of Eden BodyWorks. She decided to research and create all natural hair care and body products after losing all of her hair from using a chemical product. She is 17 years old and finishing up her last year of high school, but makes the time to pursue her passion.
“Have passion and do what you want and love what you do!” were Lawrence’s last words of advice to the on-looking youths at the conference.
This panel agreed that success as a young entrepreneur is not something that comes easily. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to make your dream a reality. They also agreed that if you aren’t following your passion then your dream will never come true. Two important things are to have a plan and to trust in God and everything else will come with time, they stressed
“I came to this event not knowing what to expect and left more determined and focused to accomplish my dreams and pursue my passions in life. It’s one thing to read or hear about the American Dream, but it’s quite another to see successful young people that are living the American Dream,” said Matthew Sloan.
The first California Junior Black Chamber of Commerce conference accomplished its goal and set the standards for future conferences. The goal was to le
t a few representatives learn that being young and black doesn’t mean you are out for the count.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) – Two industry experts, one in movie animation and the other in video game character modeling, will share their talents with Art Institute of California-Inland Empire students and the public at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.
Their presentations take place in Room R-154 at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire. The experts are Brian Wells, an animator with the Los Angeles studio Rhythm and Hues; and Anwar Taylor, a character modeler for the game company Blizzard.
“Brian Wells is a respected leader in animation,” said Santosh Oommen, academic director of the Media Arts & Animation, and Game Art & Design programs at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. “He represents one of the bigger animation studios in Los Angeles, Rhythm and Hues.”
Students in the senior year of their bachelor’s degree program will meet with Wells after the presentation for a private portfolio critique.
Wells served as animator for a dozen or more movies. His work appeared in “The Golden Compass,” “Evan Almighty,” the 2006 version of “Charlotte’s Web,” “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties” and its predecessor, “Garfield: The Movie,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” “Cat in the Hat” and many others.
“Anwar Taylor is working at Blizzard, which has the best game seller of all times World of Warcraft,” Oommen said. “He will show you how he approaches character modeling in Autodesk Mudbox, which is software designed by professionals in the film and games industries that allows artists to ‘sculpt’ three-dimensional characters digitally, without having to worry about the technical details.”
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design and Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.
For more information or a tour, call The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire at (909) 915-2100.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with more than 40 educational institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Female patients at the LaSalle Medical Associates clinic can have mammograms without even leaving their doctor’s office.
“Many women are apprehensive about having mammograms,” said LaSalle Medical Associates Director Cheryl Emoto. “So, our goal is to make the exams as unintimidating as possible. We want our patients to come to LaSalle where they’re familiar with the relaxed facility and the personal staff.”
“Mammograms take only a few minutes,” Emoto added. “But it is so important for women, especially, to have annual exams for those over 40. And for younger women, too, if they notice a breast lump or have concerns.”
LaSalle has contracted with Inner Images, bringing mobile mammogram equipment directly to the clinic at 565 Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino, one day a month, Dr. Emoto explained. The program began in late January and was overwhelmingly received.
“We look forward to helping our patients find beginning signs of breast cancer so that we can treat it early,” said Dr. Emoto.
About two weeks after taking the mammogram, patients are notified of the results. Should the tests indicate anything at all out of the ordinary, patients are brought in for consultation and possible further tests or even recommendations of specialists.
Mammograms have been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by 35 percent in women over the age of 50; and studies suggest for women, even between 40 and 50, mammograms may lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 35 percent.
Prior appointments are recommended. Most insurances cover mammograms with prior authorization, and for women without insurance there are programs that patients may qualify for, providing low cost or no cost mammograms.
For an appointment, call the office at (909) 890-0407.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Sabrina Martinez of Highland joins Dameron Communications as Public Relations Coordinator.
“It’s hard to find a hardworking person to serve as a good public relations coordinator because their duties are so varied and difficult,” says Creative Director Carl Dameron. “Sabrina has been a joy to work with and she has risen to the challenge with every task I have given her. I look forward to having a long and prosperous business relationship.”
Martinez is re-entering the business world after being a stay-at-home mom to two young children. She handled the responsibility of caring for her family while her husband was serving in the Navy. Over the past five years she has had the challenging, yet rewarding, responsibility of balancing family and work. Now that her husband has returned, she is taking the opportunity to return to work and pursue a career in advertising and public relations.
“I heard of the public relations coordinator position through a close friend, and I figured it would be a great opportunity to work in my career field. My experience in this new environment has been intense, but exciting,” says Martinez.
Martinez worked as a bank teller for two years after having her first child, but found it too difficult to be away from her son. That’s when she decided to cut back her hours and work part-time, eventually staying home with her children after the following birth of her daughter.
Martinez works directly on high profile advertising and public relations projects with Dameron and other agency staff.
She works daily with clients who feature some of the best brands in education, real estate development, healthcare, government, non-profit organizations, entertainment and manufacturing. She assists with coordinating and implementing press conferences, media and special events. She also assists with media relations, client research, makes pitches and informational media calls.
Martinez will be taking classes towards her degree in advertising at San Bernardino Valley College this fall.
“I thought that it would be beneficial to go to work and go to school simultaneously so I can apply the knowledge that I learn in class toward work and visa versa,” says Martinez.
About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our divers client base locally, regionally and nationally. They are an award-winning agency that creates integrated marketing solutions to increase sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues. They use their communications knowledge and experience to advance their clients’ objectives.
For more information about Dameron Communications, call (909) 888-0321.
Black Future Leaders Board Member Marion Black, Acquire Educational Services owners Suzy and Craig Aguillard, Rialto Unified School District Superintendent Edna Herring (a mentor of Craig Aguillard) and Black Future Leaders Board Member Lois Carlson. Craig Aguillard was a guest speaker to the Black Future Leaders Class of 2008 on Saturday, Aug. 16. Craig Aguillard (back, left) with Rialto Unified School District Superintendent Edna Herring and her daughter Ariana (front, right) and Black Future Leaders Class of 2008 members: (Back row: Pascal Sodermann, Brittani Ojogho, Daniele Smart, Front row: Valerie Sharp, Dominique Mackey, Montoya Washington. Aguillard was a guest speaker to these students and others in Black Future Leaders Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 16. Guest speaker Craig Aguillard speakers to members of Black Future Leaders Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 16.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Craig Aguillard, president and founder of ACQUIRE Educational Services in Rialto, California joined Edna Herring, superintendent of Rialto Unified School District and other Black notable educators, local politicians and business leaders to address the 2008 class of Black Future Leaders Inc. at California State University San Bernardino’s Chaparral Hall on Saturday, August 16th.
Black Future Leaders Inc., is a leadership development program for high school achievers created 22 years ago from an idea of Dr. Jean Peacock, now a professor at California State University San Bernardino. With the assistance of community members and present board members Lois J. Carson and Marion Black, a model program was developed which is still in use. “Black Future Leaders’ mission is academic excellence through leadership training,” says Carson.
Students must have a 3.0 grade point average or better, and take college preparatory classes and show a serious commitment to achievement and becoming successful and more productive in their community. Each year students are encouraged to enroll in the program while in the ninth grade and to remain until graduation. The students come from schools across the Inland Empire.
Craig Aguillard spoke to an elite group of 25 high school students who were part of the class of 2008 Black Future Leaders’ Summer Resident Component hosted by California State University San Bernardino. Aguillard’s theme was “change and empowerment,” based on the exciting events of this year, stressing the value of education and the importance of becoming successful leaders within the community.
Aguillard shared his experiences as a student attending schools within the Rialto Unified School District: Myers Elementary, Frisbie Middle School and Eisenhower High School where he met his mentor, Edna Herring, who was then acting Principal. When faced with the decision of making the right career choice for his future, Aguillard attributes his success to the importance of a solid academic background instilled by his parents and mentors.
Aguillard was raised in a two-parent home, with both attending Southern University, an historical Black college in Louisiana. Their support and high expectations of academic excellence were instrumental to his success in business and his career path.
Aguillard went on to attend California State University at Northridge majoring in Computer Engineering, however his passion to help others led him to change his major and he successfully obtained his B. S. in Sociology. “ Educating students is my heart’s desire, ” says Aguillard. While at Cal State Northridge, he became a college recruiter and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in School Administration in Education at Loyola Marymount University.
While working with the Inglewood Unified School District, Aguillard collaborated with a colleague to create the “Summer Academy,” a program developed to promote empowerment and continuous academic success. Aguillard says, “The Summer Academy was created based on a need for us (African American students) to be on the same level as other students who were excelling in school.”
Aguillard illustrated key points on being successful and always pursuing your passion and dreams as elements contained in his philosophy on entrepreneurship to the group of attentive high school students. “Find out what it is that you want to do in your life and allow your passion to drive you,” says Aguillard. “Helping somebody along the way to your success is the best way to keep the door of hope and opportunity open for the next generation to come.”
About ACQUIRE Educational Services Craig Aguillard and wife Suzy Aguillard are the owners of ACQUIRE Educational Services in Rialto. They provide tutorial services designed to supplement regular school day programs in mathematics, English language arts, computer skills and English as a second language. ACQUIRE Educational Services is a California authorized Supplemental Education Service provider servicing Rialto, Fontana, San Bernardino, Colton and Upland unified school districts. ACQUIRE Educational Services provides free tutoring and instruction to those who qualify. Their office is located at 1188 West Leiske Dr., Suite 100, Rialto, CA, 92376. For more information contact ACQUIRE Learning Center at (909) 875-3356 or visit their website at www.Acquire3.net.
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – College graduates interested in public administration have a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a branch of state government through the Capital Fellows Programs.
“The Capital Fellows Programs provide an opportunity to engage in public service while preparing for a future career,” said Robbin Lewis-Coaxum, Chief of Staff for Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter (D-Rialto). “Since they have an impact on the future development of California, we need more Fellows from the Inland Empire, because that is where much of the state’s growth is taking place.”
There are four programs within the Capital Fellows Programs. The programs are the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program, the Executive Fellowship Program, the California Senate Fellows and the Judicial Administration Fellowship Program. Each is sponsored by California State University, Sacramento and the legislative branches (Assembly, Senate, Office of the Governor and California Judicial Council).
In each of these, Fellows work full-time for 11 months as staff to a legislative, executive or judicial office and are usually given assignments with significant challenge and responsibility. For instance, in the legislative branch, tasks may include, but are not limited to, drafting and tracking legislation, responding to constituent letters, writing speeches, meeting with constituents, preparing committee briefs, tracking legislation or researching policy issues.
Dia Poole, the Bench-Bar/Communications Liaison for the Judicial Council of California’s Administrative Office of the Courts, served as a Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellow in 1994-95, after working nearly 14 years with the County of San Bernardino. Undaunted by the fact that most of her fellowship classmates were fresh out of college, Poole immediately felt she had an advantage.
“Not only did I have a lot more life experience, I brought with me many years of work experience from San Bernardino County where we were tackling the same issues being debated in the legislature,” Poole said. “I had an agenda, and I was ready to hit the ground running.”
That agenda was spawned by Poole’s own passion for community service and her view of how public policy decisions made in Sacramento affected youth and minorities. The legislative fellowship provided her with the tools she needed to address the obvious gap in the public’s understanding of how the political process worked and what people could do to lessen the impact of legislation and policy decisions they perceived as harmful.
Applications for the 2009-2010 fellowships will be available online at www.csus.edu/calst and from local offices of assembly members such as Wilmer Amina Carter, (355 N. Riverside Ave., Rialto, 93726, (909) 820-5008) and state senators such as Gloria Negrete-McLeod, (4959 Palo Verde St., Ste. 100 B, Montclair, CA 91763 (909) 621-2783) starting in mid-October 2008. Fellows will be chosen in May 2009 and will serve in their fellowship from October 2009 through September 2010.
Anyone with a four-year degree from a college or university, and a demonstrated interest in state government and public service is eligible to apply. All majors are welcome. Recent Fellows’ majors have been as diverse as child development, religious studies, law and biochemistry.
People with graduate degrees, or who have substantial career experience are encouraged to apply.
Fellows are officially employed by California State University, Sacramento, which pays a monthly stipend of $1,972 and health benefits, as well as university tuition. CSUS enrolls Fellows as graduate students, and they receive 12 units of credit from either the Government or Public Policy and Administration departments.
An artistic book by Jill Timm
