About two weeks after the first dose, the level of protection is approximately 50 percent, and two weeks after the second dose, the level of protection is about 94 percent.
(Redlands, Calif.) Inland Empire residents who receive both scheduled doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are so well-protected that their chances of becoming seriously ill from the virus are virtually zero two weeks after their second shot, said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates.
About two weeks after the first dose, the level of protection is approximately 50 percent, and two weeks after the second dose, the level of protection is about 94 percent, Dr. Arteaga explained Feb. 19.
And in the unlikely event that someone did come down with the illness two weeks after the second shot, it would be a much milder case, he said.
“About two weeks after your second shot, you are virtually assured that you won’t die from this scourge,” he said. “Getting the vaccine is something to be proud of, something to share with others.”
LaSalle Medical Associates operates clinics in Fontana, Hesperia, Rialto, Victorville and two in San Bernardino. The clinics have been administering the Moderna vaccine for almost six weeks, and Arteaga said it’s highly effective based on what he’s seen.
He believes the other vaccines being used in the United States are probably just as effective.
Arteaga said that some critics may point to the six-percentage point difference between 94 percent and 100 percent to question the Moderna vaccine’s effectiveness, but the percentages are for the population at large.
“Six percent is a very low percentage,” he said, and some people may be at a higher level of protection than the general population.
“When we get the vaccine, we don’t hoard it. We give it out as quickly as we can,” he said.
The recent storms that hit parts of the United States have affected LaSalle to some degree, he said, but, at the worst, vaccinations would be briefly paused until new shipments are received, he said.
Dr. Arteaga said he has received both doses of vaccine himself, and he did not suffer any severe reactions.
“I had mild soreness in my arm after the first dose,” he said. “It’s the second dose that tends to give a little more of a reaction, and I did feel like a mild flu for about 24 hours after the second dose, but it quickly cleared up.
He said he believes it’s OK for people to take Tylenol if they suffer discomfort after their second dose.
“We have had vaccines for other illnesses forever, and we tell mothers, ‘Yes, give your child some Tylenol.’ There are no signs that it blunts the immune response. It’s a theoretical possibility, but it’s just theoretical. Go ahead and take your Tylenol.”
Dr. Arteaga is a nationally recognized expert on immunizations. In 2012, he was honored by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which selected him as California’s first “Childhood Immunization Champion.”
About LaSalle Medical Associates: LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
Kathleen Dameron, American in Paris, Healing the Collective Trauma of Racism
“In our collective trauma, we still choose not to see our history, our past acts and our current blind eye to injustice. Even as a Christian nation, we still do not pay attention to the well-being of other human beings,” said Kathleen Dameron, American in Paris
(Paris, France) Internationally recognized Cross-cultural Trainer Kathleen Dameron is launching a series of seminars titled, “Healing the Collective Trauma of Racism” as a way to help Americans recognize and move beyond the systemic racism that has plagued society for hundreds of years.
The importance of her sessions became clear when angry white insurrectionists invaded the United States Capitol carrying Confederate flags on Jan. 6. The insurrectionists were cheered by then-President Donald Trump, who openly supported white supremacists throughout his presidency.
His lies about the election being stolen were a blatant effort to disenfranchise the millions of black voters who voted against him.
“The insurrectionists were so convinced of their impunity, that they took selfies of themselves and then posted them on social media,” Dameron said.
With the horror of that day still fresh in people’s minds, Dameron said it’s time to work toward healing the collective trauma of racism.
“The times, they are a-changing,” she said, quoting Bob Dylan’s iconic song. “We have a perfect window of opportunity. We need to work with whites not to feel ashamed, but to open their hearts so they can recognize how cold and cruel and undemocratic they have been toward their fellow human beings…. and themselves.”
Dameron’s seminars are ongoing, and sessions focus on everything from enslavement and Jim Crow laws to targeted policing and mass incarceration of black people and people of color.
In her seminars, Dameron will help participants understand the difference between interpersonal and institutional racism, guiding them to build a feeling of community and healing energy.
Before starting her sessions, she is offering a free, self-paced, one-hour course “First Steps” so each one can build their Racial Literacy. You can enroll by going to www.KathleenDameron.com or clicking on the following Web link:
“We will take time over six weeks, then six months, to explore the impact of racism in the United States,” Dameron said. “We will take time to open our eyes, our minds and our hearts. “We will start our individual action, looking at what’s very local around us. And in community, we will walk together toward larger and more impactful actions.”
Kathleen Dameron is an American based in Paris with more than 30 years’ experience coaching, facilitating, and training within multinational companies in French, English and Spanish.
Through KD Conseil, her French consultancy, she coached coach American, European and Asian executives all over the world, helping organizations transform their cultural diversity into a competitive advantage.
Moving beyond America’s systemic racism and even getting some Americans to recognize that it exists will not be easy.
Dameron noted the ongoing drumbeat against Black Lives Matter and the false equivalency of BLM and the violent insurrectionists heard daily on conservative news programs. It is important to listen to different drumbeats.
But her seminars are one step toward healing the collective trauma of racism.
“In our collective trauma, we still choose not to see our history, our past acts and our current blind eye to injustice. Even as a Christian nation, we still do not pay attention to the well-being of other human beings.
“We need to talk often and softly with humor and enthusiasm and begin our transformative journeys,” she said.
Forward Air fork lifts load freight onto trucks for local delivery
Fontana, Calif.– Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ: FWRD) (the “Company” or “Forward”) is executing a growth strategy that involves organic infrastructure investments such as its ongoing less-than-truckload (LTL) network expansion, as well as inorganic investments, including acquisitions of complementary businesses. Today, Forward announced that it will bring its expedited LTL service to the Inland Empire.
Forward Air Corp is people. driving and delivering the things that people need.
Forward Air Corp selected Fontana to serve as its operational base, supporting the entire Inland Empire region, which is experiencing high demand for freight transportation services. From the Fontana facility, Forward will handle freight from the Ontario International Airport and Southern California’s busiest ports, transporting it throughout the United States and Canada. At nearly 100,000 square feet, the new facility brings instant capacity and supports future growth.
The Fontana facility is Forward’s fifth location in California, and second facility in greater Los Angeles – an area in which the Company has experienced strong growth. In addition to bringing best-in-class transportation times to the Inland Empire, the new facility is expected to create operational efficiencies with Forward’s Los Angeles terminal.
Tom Schmitt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Tom Schmitt, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “The new Fontana facility plays a critical role in our Southern California expansion plans. From this location, we will support our largest national customers and increase our reach with pick-up and delivery services. We will also link smaller businesses and individuals to our portfolio of service offerings.”
The Company expects job creation to include managers, dock workers and company drivers.
Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren added, “As a global supply chain hub, the City of Fontana has emerged as an economic powerhouse of the Inland Empire. With logistics operations accounting for nearly 12,000 jobs in Fontana, and now with more coming soon, our residents have the unique opportunity to work within the city they call home. We are pleased to welcome Forward Air Corporation to the City of Fontana.”
Forward’s California footprint now includes operations in Fontana, Carson, Union City, Sacramento and San Diego.
“The new facility in Fontana marks Forward’s continued expansion of services beyond its traditional airport-to-airport footprint. With the introduction of expedited LTL service out of Fontana, the Inland Empire region is now connected to our nationwide network and our premium freight management services in LTL, full truckload, intermodal drayage and final mile delivery,” Schmitt said.
About Forward Air Corporation
Forward Air Corporation (NASDAQ: FWRD) is a leading asset-light freight and logistics company. We provide LTL, final mile, truckload, intermodal drayage and pool distribution services across the United States and in Canada. Headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee, Forward operates approximately 200 facilities across the country and employs more than 5,200 people nationwide. We are more than a transportation company. As a single resource for your shipping needs, Forward is your supply chain partner. For more information, visit our website at www.forwardaircorp.com or call (800) 726-6654.
This press release may contain statements that might be considered as forward-looking statements or predictions of future operations including with respect to the expected impact on job creation in Fontana, creation of operational efficiencies with the Company’s Los Angeles terminal and growth and future expansion of the Company’s network and footprint. Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on management’s belief or interpretation of information currently available. These statements and assumptions involve certain risks and uncertainties including that the performance of the LTL service in Inland Empire is worse than anticipated and that the Company is not able to achieve its planned expansion. Actual events may also differ from these expectations as a result of the risks identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider the forward-looking statement contained herein in light of such risks. We assume no duty to update these statements as of any future date.
For media inquiries, please contact Justin Moss at jmoss@forwardair.com or 404-362-2472.
California locations:
ONT – FORWARD AIR, INC. 10694 Tamarind Ave.
Fontana, CA 92316
LAX – FORWARD AIR, INC. (310) 608-4620
18055 Harmon Ave.
Carson, CA 90746
_FA_LAX@forwardair.com
SFO – FORWARD AIR, INC. (510) 475-3000
30108 Eigenbrodt Way, Ste. 100
Union City, CA 94587
_FA_SFO@forwardair.com
SMF – FORWARD AIR, INC. (916) 830-2242
1227 Striker Avenue, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
_FA_SMF@forwardair.com
SAN – FORWARD AIR, INC. (619) 286-6405
7365 Mission Gorge Road, Suite E
San Diego, CA 92120
_FA_SAN@forwardair.com
(San Bernardino, Calif.) – August is the month many Inland Empire children head back to school. Many of them, especially in grades 7-12, need to make sure they have all the necessary back-to-school immunizations.
New this year is a state of California requirement all children in grades 7-12 be immunized against whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Before starting classes, children in these grades must show proof of having been immunized after their 10th birthday.
“Most children were immunized against pertussis before they started kindergarten,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “But the immunization weakens over time, so the new law makes sure adolescents are still adequately protected against this disease.”
This state law came after an epidemic of pertussis cases in 2010, affecting more than 9,000 people and causing 10 deaths, including two infants in San Bernardino County. Vaccinating older children not only keeps them healthy, but also prevents the disease from spreading from adolescents to infants and preschoolers, who are at greater risk of serious complications.
Dr. Arteaga urges parents to schedule appointments for their child’s back-to-school examinations as soon as possible. With most Inland Empire children starting school in only a few weeks, a delay could result in children missing school.
Finances need not be a concern.
“Children in families who receive either Medi-Cal or Healthy Families will not be charged for these vaccines,” Dr. Arteaga said. “And for families with no insurance, we can offer this immunization for free through the California Vaccines for Children program.”
The California Vaccines for Children program is a federally funded program. Children who have insurance, but whose insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the vaccine, may also be eligible.
Children starting kindergarten also need immunizations, including a pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria vaccine designed for young children called DTaP. They also need proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis and Varicella (chicken pox.)
“If parents have kept up with their child’s immunizations from birth, only booster immunizations are needed for kindergarteners,” Dr. Arteaga said. “However, if the child is behind on their other required immunizations, they may need several doses of immunizations to get caught up.”
The LaSalle Medical Associates clinics are at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino, and 16455 Main St. in Hesperia.
For additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
If you are in danger of losing your home or want help to buy a your first home, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco invites you to attend the Free foreclosure pretention and first-time homebuyers’ workshop in Sherman Oaks with special guest Congressman Brad Sherman.
(Sherman Oaks, Calif.) If you are in danger of losing your home or want help to buy a your first home, the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco invites you to attend the Free foreclosure pretention and first-time homebuyers’ workshop in Sherman Oaks with special guest Congressman Brad Sherman.
The free foreclosure pretention and first-time homebuyers’ workshops are at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5060 Van Nuys Blvd, on Saturday, August 4th. Registration begins at 9:30 am and the event runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
Those wanting to attend are asked to register online at: FHLBSF.com. You can also come at 9:30 am on the day of the event to register.
“There is a lot going on now with California Mortgages. The Attorney General’s settlement with lenders and recently passed laws have opened many opportunities for homeowners facing foreclosure to stay in their homes,” said Lawrence H. Parks, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for FHLB San Francisco.
Lack of communication with the lender is often one of the major roadblocks to saving a home from foreclosure. This free home preservation workshop was developed to provide information and financial counseling to residents faced with losing their homes.
“It is not unusual for homeowners to be unaware of the options available to them, like the Federal Making Home Affordable Program, or the Keep your Home California Program and many other programs,” said Parks.
Homeowners’ in danger of foreclosure can meet with certified HUD councilors on site from The Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County and NID Housing Counseling Agency. Representatives from Chase Bank, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America will also be there to help homeowners work to resolve foreclosure issues.
The foreclosure pretention and first-time homebuyers’ workshops are at the Sherman Oaks East Valley Adult Center, 5060 Van Nuys Blvd, on Saturday, August 4th. Registration begins at 9:30 am and the event runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
The Southland Regional Association of Realtors and lenders will also teach first-time homebuyers’ how to buy a home including many programs from local, state and the federal government to help get into your first home.
Many people feel now is the time to buy with the lowest interest rates and home prices in the last 20 years.
“At this workshop you will have an opportunity to learn which options are best for your family. If you need answers to help save your home from foreclosure or buy your first home, we invite you to attend this workshop to get the help you need, face to face with your lender or a HUD approved housing counselor – absolutely free,” said Parks.
Come Prepared! Bring copies of the following documentation:
■ Pay stubs for the most recent 2 pay periods
■ 2011 tax return, including W-2
■ A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy
■ Hardship letter (in your own words)
■ Bank statements for the most recent 2 months
■ A list of your monthly expenses
■ A utility bill
■ Your most recent mortgage statement
■ And any other related correspondence
■ Self-employed individuals must also provide bank statements for the most recent 4 months, a 2010 or 2011 tax return and a year to date profit and loss statement.
For more information, contact Kevin Blackburn at the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, at blackbur@fhlbsf.com.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco delivers low-cost funding and other services that help member financial institutions make home mortgages to people of all income levels and provide credit that supports neighborhoods and communities. The Bank also funds community investment programs that help members create affordable housing and promote community economic development. The Bank’s members – its shareholders and customers – are commercial banks, credit unions, savings institutions, thrift and loans, and insurance companies headquartered in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Employment opportunities now available at the Regal Cinemas Stadium 14
Construction underway for what will be the beautiful new entrance to the Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 Theater at Theater Square in Downtown San Bernardino. Photo by Carl Dameron
Installation of palm trees and other landscaping on the grounds of the new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 Theater at Theater Square in San Bernardino. Photo by Carl Dameron
Workers completing what will be the new driveway, allowing families to drop off moviegoers at the new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14 Theater at Theater Square in San Bernardino. Photo by Carl Dameron
(San Bernardino, Calif.) The landscaping is underway, the concrete is poured and palm trees grace the newly laid walkways. With construction in high gear, residents of San Bernardino are witnessing a revitalization of the downtown area. At the heart of this is the highly anticipated Theater Square with its centerpiece the Regal Cinemas Stadium 14, opening this summer.
“Our residents deserve a quality downtown theater where they can enjoy dinner and experience a movie,” said Chief Executive Officer of the San Bernardino Economic Development Corporation, Emil Marzullo. “Our businesses need this too, a flourishing downtown means we are better equipped to strengthen our local economy and to attract more people to the downtown to spend money with our existing businesses.”
Located at 450 North E Street, home of the previous cinema, Regal will operate 14 of the pre-existing 20 screens. The remaining six screens are being remodeled as restaurants and shops, dressing rooms and storage for the California Theatre, and the “Alley Cat Theater,” a new performance venue featuring relaxed surroundings and an intimate atmosphere.
“Regal Entertainment Group is thrilled to be part of this exciting Theater Square development in downtown San Bernardino,” stated Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Regal Entertainment Group, Russ Nunley. “Crews have been working hard to create a totally modern cinema designed to impress moviegoers. Already interest is high as Regal has received hundreds of employment applications.”
Job opportunities are another benefit of the Theatre Square revitalization. Not only are San Bernardino residents gaining a local venue where dinner and a movie will be within comfortable walking distance, but with the newly revitalized area, it is creating new employment opportunities.
Applications are currently being accepted for approximately 40 management and employee positions being created by the new Regal Cinemas. Those interested are asked to complete the online application by visiting www.REGmovies.com and clicking on the job opportunities icon at the bottom of the page.
For more information on Theater Square call Kathy Robles at (909) 663-1044.
Victor Madero, LaSalle Medical Associates New Director of Network Development. Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) LaSalle Medical Associates has a reputation for a commitment to providing community-based healthcare that ensures maximum availability of medical services. In keeping with this commitment, LaSalle Medical Associates is excited by the addition of Victor H. Madero as their new Director of Network Development.
In his new role with LaSalle, Victor Madero will lead the strategic effort for LaSalle’s expansion of its Independent Practice Association (IPA) network in Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, Fresno, Kings, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
“There are three branches of the healthcare field,” said Victor. “Health plans, hospital systems, and managed care organizations. Having worked for both a health plan and a hospital, this was the natural progression for me to work for a managed care organization with a reputation for quality health care, like LaSalle. It just seemed to fit. I am very excited about joining the LaSalle family.”
LaSalle Medical Associates is poised to expand its independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics throughout California. Victor will be responsible for creating business strategies for negotiating contracts with new and existing large physician groups, hospitals, and clinics. His leadership will focus on maintaining optimum levels of quality care for a network with close to 200,000 lives.
“We are delighted to welcome Victor to LaSalle Medical Associates,” said Dr. Albert A. Arteaga, founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates. “His diverse healthcare experience and insights gained through work with Anthem Blue Cross and White Memorial Medical Center will play an integral part in building the type of relationships our providers can not only trust, but may rely on to be responsive to their needs.”
“My primary goal with LaSalle Medical Associates is to partner with a range of health care providers and to help expand the choice of hospitals, primary, and specialty care physicians into new communities in order to increase medical access where patients need it most” said Victor. “Building trusting relationships has always been a key component in the positions I have worked in. My desire is for our providers to feel like an extension of the LaSalle family within their county. In order to be a true partner, we need to show our commitment to actively helping them grow, and not merely managing from a distance. Although we are a large organization, we would like to cast the shadow of a smaller organization by listening and knowing what our providers need most to be successful.” About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino. LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redlands Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
Lowell King, Regional Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California and Carl Maier, Executive Vice President of LaSalle Medical Associates agreeing to partnership that provides local jobs. Photo by Michael Downer
(San Bernardino, Calif.) Transforming lives through the power of work. For many throughout the Inland Empire, the Goodwill of Southern California plays a vital role as an employment resource. In addition, local businesses see them as a partner ensuring highly sensitive documents are disposed of properly and within regulated guidelines.
Joining that growing list of businesses partners is LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. Operating a total of four clinics in Fontana, Hesperia and San Bernardino, LaSalle has partnered with Goodwill Industries to meet with HIPPA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, requiring the proper disposal of unneeded documents.
“This is the kind of alignment opportunity we look for,” said Carl Maier, Executive Vice President of Operations for LaSalle Medical Associates. “By partnering with Goodwill we are ensuring we maintain compliance, while partnering with a local organization. We are doing something good for the environment and providing local job opportunities for those with disabilities. It really doesn’t get any better than that.”
The income Goodwill generates from its shredding service assists in funding education, job training and placement services, providing people who have disabilities and other vocational disadvantages the opportunity to become productive and self-sufficient in the community.
LaSalle is dedicated to their belief of doing more together than you can apart, this partnership with Goodwill Industries assists in maintaining local employment opportunities for 25 individuals with disabilities.
Goodwill’s journey to provide shredding services began in 2005, with the desire to become self-sufficient and create opportunities for its participants, which would generate a positive cash flow.
“We realized that government funding support changed and is no longer what it once was,” said Lowell King, Regional Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California. “As a nonprofit, we wanted to become more self-sufficient. When we began to look at our options, shredding aligned well with our organization.”
Certified by the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID), the shredding program, which is available nationally, was launched in Southern California in 2005 and expanded to the Inland Empire in 2007. Each Goodwill Secure Bin is bar coded and tracked. The facility is under 24-hour video surveillance, guarded by security personnel 24 hours per day. In addition, all Goodwill Secure Shredding trucks have GPS tracking.
“NAID certified is the premier certification in the shredding industry,” said King. “We are proud of our chain of custody and process in the handling of documents and that we actually exceed every regulation required for shredding.”
In fact the chain of custody concept implemented by Goodwill ensures that document containers are not only locked, but that they are never left unattended. Even clients can’t retrieve items once they are placed in the container.
“In life, there are three things that are very transformational; your faith, your health and a job,” said King. “Our contracts help organizations to be environmentally conscience as well as help provide jobs to those with disabilities. By partnering with organizations like LaSalle, we are changing lives by getting folks working that never had that opportunity before. At the end of the day, that is a good feeling.”
On the heels of this successful partnership, LaSalle is currently working to extend this same service to members of its Independent Practice Association (IPA). Located throughout California, their network of 1,900 contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics deliver high quality patient care with more than 190,000 patient visits per year. About LaSalle Medical Associates
LaSalle Medical Associates is one of the largest independent minority owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., operates four clinics employing more than 120 dedicated healthcare professionals, treating children, adults and seniors in San Bernardino County. LaSalle’s patients are primarily served by Medi-Cal and Healthy Families. LaSalle also accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Molina, Care 1st, Health Net and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP). LaSalle’s clinics are located at 17577 Arrow Blvd. in Fontana, 16455 Main St. in Hesperia, 1505 West 17th St. and 565 N. Mt. Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc., is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and clinics, delivering high quality patient care to more than 190,000 residents in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare Counties.
LaSalle’s IPA members in the Inland Empire include: LaSalle Medical Associates, Banning Medical Group and San Bernardino Urological Associates. Hospital affiliations include: Rancho Springs Medical Center, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Community Hospital of San Bernardino, St. Bernadine Medical Center, Mountains Community Hospital, Redland Community Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Riverside County Medical Center, and Parkview Community Hospital.
Consul Carolina Zaragoza Flores, sign an agreement with Gregg Stockdale president of 1st Valley Credit Union to accept the Matricula de Consular Card as identification to open an account. Many banks and credit unions accept the Matricula de Consular Card. “We are here to serve the community,” said Stockdale. “Unidos is part of our strategy to reach out to our Hispanic neighbors and others who need reliable, inexpensive financial services.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) 1st Valley Credit Union serving the entire County of San Bernardino, California is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Unidos Financial Services to provide affordable remittances, bill-paying, check-cashing and other financial services to all consumers in the community. The initiative is part of a pilot program coordinated in conjunction with the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, which has helped 1st Valley to be designated a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the US Treasury, which recognizes the credit union’s commitment to financial inclusion and to promoting the economic development of underserved communities.
1st Valley is also a low income designated credit union, which gives it the authority to provide transactional services to all consumers within its Field of Membership without requiring them to be members of the credit union.
“We are here to serve the community,” said Gregg Stockdale, CEO of 1st Valley Credit Union. “Unidos is part of our strategy to reach out to our Hispanic neighbors and others who need reliable, inexpensive financial services. We invite them to come in and see what we can do. We’re offering discounts and incentives for people to try out the Unidos system. We’ve also developed a great working relationship with the Mexican Consulate, around the corner from our office and recently participated in their Financial Education week. 1st Valley is also pleased to accept the Matricula de Consular Card as identification to open an account.”
Pablo DeFilippi, Director of Membership at the Federation noted that “Gregg and his team at 1st Valley are demonstrating the commitment to community development that is the keystone of our philosophy. We are delighted to have them participating in this program and applaud their leadership in bringing affordable transactional services to the hugely underserved Hispanic population in San Bernardino Valley. We seek to have these efforts replicated across the country by many more credit unions.
About 1st Valley Credit Union 1st Valley Credit Union is a locally owned and managed credit union serving the entire county of San Bernardino County with its headquarters at 401 West 2nd Street in San Bernardino. 1st Valley CU is the county’s only 5-Star Rated community financial institution, with $35 million in assets and more than 3600 members. For further information, contact Sossy Hyatt at 909 889-0838 x 228.
About Unidos Financial Services Unidos Financial Services is a licensed Money Service Business focused on providing basic financial services to under-banked consumers through an integrated simple to use platform. Unidos provides cash to cash remittances globally and cash to debit card in Mexico. Other products include check-cashing verification; domestic and international bill payment; domestic and international mobile phone top-ups and prepaid e-pins. For further information, contact Mauricio Sánchez at 212-931-8797.
About The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (Federation) is a certified CDFI Intermediary representing around 250 community development credit unions (CDCUs). The Federation’s member CDCUs provide credit, savings, transaction services and financial education to more than 1.7 million residents of low-income urban, rural and reservation-based communities across the United States, and hold over $13 billion in community-controlled assets. Founded in 1974, the Federation is headquartered in Lower Manhattan with offices in Colorado Springs, CO; Madison, WI; and San Francisco, CA. The Federation offers a wide range of advocacy, educational, training, investment, marketing, and outreach programs to support and assist CDCUs. For more information about the Federation and its programs, please visit: www.cdcu.coop. , or contact Pablo DeFilippi, at 212 809-1850 x304.
Orlandria Brazier puts public relation techniques to the test while interning with Dameron Communicatins. Photo by Chris Sloan.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Giving a voice to others has always been a passion of Orlandria Brazier and by joining Dameron Communications as an intern she anticipates affecting change in the local community. As a recent graduate from California State University of San Bernardino (CSUSB) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations, she is eager to put her degree to use.
“Many of my peers have said that when they graduate they plan on getting a ‘regular’ job, but I wanted more than that, and that’s why I came to Dameron Communications,” said Brazier. “I believe that working here will help polish my PR skills and at the same time allow me to bring my creativity to the table.”
While attending CSUSB Orlandria was an active student who took interest in many extra-curricular activities on and off campus.
Orlandria was a member of the Afrikan Student Alliance group on campus. Serving as the student liaison she attended the CSUSB Black Faculty and Staff meetings, bridging the communication gap between the African American students, faculty, and staff.
She was also a founding member of Commencing Poetic Revelations (CPR), a student powered group dedicated to the arts and higher education. Orlandria traveled with CPR to several local high schools and elementary schools throughout the Inland Empire sharing her passion for writing.
When speaking to students she often shared her story of being a first generation college student. During her time in CPR Orlandria has participated in talent shows, open MIC nights, and pageants, honing in on her passion for writing.
Taking her passion to another level she began writing for the arts and entertainment, and news section for the campus newspaper the Coyote Chronicle. During this time she wrote over a dozen stories, of which nine were published. Orlandria later became the assistant new editor and a freelance writer for the CSUSB magazine.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I discovered Public Relations at CSUSB,” said Brazier. “ I plan to take what I have learned there and apply it here at Dameron Communications.”
Orlandria plans to return to CSUSB for her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Integrated Marketing Communications.
“Orlandria shows great enthusiasm for learning the ins and outs of PR here at Dameron Communications. We are pleased that she has join our team,” said Carl Dameron, founder of Dameron Communications. About Dameron Communications Since 1989 Dameron Communications has creatively met the needs of our diverse client base locally, regionally and nationally. It is an award-winning agency that creates integrated advertising and public relations solutions to increase clients’ sales and profits, win elections, inform the public or gain acceptance of potentially controversial issues.
Dameron Communications creates advertising for television, radio, newspaper, magazine, and billboards, web sites, mobile web applications, email and more. Public relations services include press releases, press conferences, media relations, television programs, web sites, opinion editorials, promotions, event creation and management, government relations and community relations.
Dameron Communications has earned media coverage for clients from: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNBC, CBS MarketWatch; Fox News, CNN, CNNfn, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press and many more.
