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    Community Cupid Helps Ten Military Couples Tie The Knot

     

    Taking vows that last a lifetime, Alison Bailey and Sean Bailey, U.S Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer – San Clemente, CA.

    A happy couple, David Castillo and Maritza Alvarado United States Marine Corps. Sergeant – Rosamond, CA

    United States Marine Corps, Private First Class Kevius Tamagyow with new bride Jayline Dugwem – Vista, CA.

    (Ontario, CA.)  Recently, local business professionals, volunteers, service professionals and community activists from throughout the Inland Empire joined forces to provide ten lucky military couples with a free wedding with all the glitz and glamour that made the day a memorable one.

    It was an example of generosity at its finest. Donations came in the form of wedding dresses, tuxedos, flowers, limos and a dinner reception for 600.  All done to give these couples, who have sacrificed so much, a heartfelt “thank you.”

    Going by the name Community Cupid, everything was provided for the brides and grooms.

    “The call went out to hundreds of Inland Empire entrepreneurs, volunteers, service professionals and community activists, asking them to dedicate the last ten weeks to showing their gratitude to military men and women with more than the usual salute,” said Bill Anthony, publisher of the Inland Empire Business Journal, who along with Ryan Orr, founder of Operation Community Cares, Inc., created Community Cupid.
    Selected to receive the nuptials were ten soldiers who either recently returned from or will soon be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

    The couples who received the outpouring of appreciation are:

    • Erika Acevedo and Victor Martinez, United State Marine Corps. Corporal – Los Angeles, CA.
    • Melissa (Moore) Rodriguez and Emerson Rodriguez, United States Marine Corps. Lance Corporal.
    • David Castillo and Maritza Alvarado United States Marine Corps. Sergeant – Rosamond, CA.
    • Alison Bailey and Sean Bailey, U.S Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer – San Clemente, CA.
    • Jayline Dugwem and Kevius Tamagyow, United States Marine Corps, Private First Class of Vista, CA.
    • Rosa Rivera and Anthony Stewart Roldan, United States Marine Corps. Lance Corporal – Long Beach, CA.
    • Raymond Jennings and Jennifer E. Donnely, U.S. Coast Guard, Second Class Marine Science Technician – Long Beach, CA.
    • Australia Herrera and Jose G. Herrera, United States Marine Corps. Sergeant – Camp Pendleton, CA
    • Thomas Wright, Jr., and Rocel Basco United States Marine Corps. Lance Corporal

    “This could and would not happen without a great many people so graciously willing to volunteer their time, services, products and money to help these brides and grooms,” said Anthony. “The response has been simply amazing.”

    Beginning with a parade down Haven Avenue, the procession went south to Inland Empire Boulevard in Ontario and headed east to the Ontario Airport Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony took place. Various pastors performed the weddings with music provided by the Riverside Lyric Opera, supplying the event with the romance and memories found in a single wedding.

    In fact, couples and their bridesmaids and groomsmen arrived in a limo. Each wedding party then took turns walking down a rose petal-strewn walkway where their groom was waiting for them.
    The ceremony was followed by a reception with Blues Hall of Fame artist Darrell Mansfield headlining the entertainment, which included Them Novus, a band performing 1980s to contemporary music and featuring vocalist/bassist Devin Vasquez, guitarist Johnny G and drummer/vocalist Mark Romans; The Lindy Sisters, a trio performing 1940s songs in the style of The McGuire and Andrews sisters; and talented teen and Upland High School graduate Tim Rotollo on baby grand piano.

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

    HELP FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Whether newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor, knowing where to turn for medical care can be overwhelming for persons living with HIV.

    “In San Bernardino County, 12% of all adults do not have health insurance,” said Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. “However, a lack of insurance should not prohibit persons from seeking qualified medical care and treatment for HIV.  The Department of Public Health HIV clinics provide one such resource for persons who do not have health insurance.  The County’s HIV clinics offer clients a qualified team of HIV providers with experience serving persons living with HIV/AIDS.”

    “Our goal is to provide quality care and treatment in a confidential setting that addresses the holistic health of the person.  Services include medical care, health education and risk reduction, mental health services and access to the California AIDS Drug Assistance Program”, Dr. Ohikhuare said.  The County’s HIV clinics also provide support for partners of persons living with HIV/AIDS, known as Partner Services.  Support is offered in the form of HIV/AIDS prevention education, risk reduction, and HIV testing and counseling.

    The Department of Public Health collaborates with community-based organizations that provide a variety of support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS.  These support services include, but are not limited to, individual counseling, support groups, housing assistance, food and medical transportation, and linkages to additional sources of medical care.

    For more information about services available for people living with HIV/AIDS, partners and other family members, call the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health AIDS Program at (800) 255-6560, or visit the website at http://www.KnowSBC.com.

    # # #

    AYUDA PARA LAS PERSONA VIVIENDO CON VIH/SIDA

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Para las personas que han sido diagnosticadas recientemente o han vivido con VIH por mucho tiempo, saber a dónde acudir para cuidado médico puede ser difícil.

    “En el condado de San Bernardino, el 12% de adultos no tienen seguro medico” dice el Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Oficial de Salud, Condado de San Bernardino Departamento de Salud Publica.  “Sin embargo, la falta de  seguro medico no debe de impedir que las personas obtengan buen cuidado médico y tratamiento para el VIH. Las clínicas de VIH del Departamento de Salud Publica proveen un recurso para personas que no tienen seguro medico.  Las clínicas del condado ofrecen un equipo de proveedores calificados en el tratamiento de VIH y experiencia atendiendo a personas que viven con el VIH/SIDA.”

    “Nuestra meta es proveer cuidado y tratamiento de calidad en un ambiente confidencial que contribuye a la salud holística de la persona.  Los servicios incluyen cuidado médico, educación de salud y reducción de riesgos, servicios de salud mental y acceso al Programa del Estado de California de Ayuda para Medicinas Recetadas Contra el SIDA,” dice el Dr. Ohikhuare.  Las clínicas de VIH del condado también proveen apoyo para las parejas de personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA, este servicio es conocido como el Servicio a Parejas.  Apoyo es ofrecido en la forma de educación de prevención contra el VIH/SIDA, reducción de riegos y disponibilidad de la prueba de VIH.

    El Departamento de Salud Publica colabora con organizaciones comunitarias que proveen una variedad de servicios y apoyo para las personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA.  Los servicios de apoyo incluyen, pero no son limitados a, consejería individual, grupos de apoyo, asistencia de vivienda, alimentos, transportación médica y enlaces a recursos adicionales.

    Para más información sobre los servicios disponibles para personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA, parejas y familiares, llame al Programa de SIDA del Departamento de Salud Publica del Condado de San Bernardino al (800) 255-6560 o visite el sitio de web www.KnowSBC.com.

    # # #

    Michael Downer Joins Dameron Communications

    Dameron Communication's Michael Downer, reviewing promotional campaigns for client. Photo by Chris Sloan

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Michael Downer began working at Dameron Communications, as a public relations freelance writer in October of 2010. Now in his role as public relations executive, he is responsible for handling the publicity needs of clients in media relations, copy writing, and event promotion.
    “I am very excited about coming on staff full-time and working for Dameron Communications,” said Downer. “There is such a wide range of clients from practically every industry. It is fast paced, and requires you to use your skills in communicating their needs differently and uniquely for each one.  It really is a fun place to work.”
    Michael possesses a diverse background and experience, which garnered him two recognitions from the 2000 Communicator Awards, which honors excellence in the field of communication.
    Prior to Dameron Communications, Michael was the managing editor for the Inland Valley News. Before that, he served as communications and special projects aid to Congresswoman Maxine Waters, manager of public relations at Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, account manager at Lagrant Communications and manager of community relations for PacifiCare of California.
    His work within the entertainment industry as a public relations consultant to both individual and corporate clients has allowed him to create entertainment-focused publicity, special event promotion and marketing campaigns as well.
    Some of the entertainment clients he has worked for include: Jazz At Drew, Patrice Rushen, Lance Henrickson, Billy Zane, Michael Gross, Karyn Parsons, Richard Karn, Middleman & Associates, Angel City Records, Promotion Management Network, Sony Music, Nike, Mervyns, Nordstroms, MCA/Universal and Sears & Roebuck.
    Michael graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and a Minor in Marketing. He also has earned a Certification in Corporate Community Involvement from Boston College Carroll School of Management.
    He currently lives in Pomona, California

    About Dameron Communications, LLC
    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, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, The Press Enterprise, The Sun, The Daily Bulletin, The Daily News, The Daily Press and many more.

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    THE SALVATION ARMY’S DUAL MISSIONS HELP SAN BERNARDINO

    James Lee, Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center's Resident Manager, oversees the 125-bed residence and non-working hour activities of the men enrolled in the program's drug and alcohol treatment program. Photo by Chris Sloan

    Priscilla Luna is a Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center of San Bernardino warehouse employee working in the laundry area. While Priscilla is one of the paid employees, who are male and female, most of the workers in this warehouse are men enrolled in the Adult Rehabilitation Center drug and alcohol treatment program. The warehouse is a central processing and distribution center for seven thrift stores in San Bernardino County, plus  one in Pomona, all of which support the Center’s program. Photo By Chris Sloan
    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) In San Bernardino, The Salvation Army is known for helping people to have better lives. Many of these are men overcoming drug and alcohol addiction who benefit from the services of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.
    The San Bernardino Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center is a 120-bed treatment center operating at 363 S. Doolittle Road, serving men from throughout San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County’s Pomona Valley.
    The six-month program is for men, known as beneficiaries, who have completed the detoxification process and are ready to leave their drug or alcohol addiction behind. The program helps them to begin a new and better life.
    “We teach them to feel good and confident about their lives,” said Jack Katzman, president of the Adult Rehabilitation Center advisory board. “They learn work ethics, how to dress properly, and how to make eye contact when speaking to others. We teach them to look beyond their past, and to look forward to a future with a renewed life. We teach them these values because the Salvation Army’s mission is changing people’s lives for the better.”
    The Adult Rehabilitation Center provides one-on-one and group counseling, meetings for Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous and recreational activities for the beneficiaries to enjoy as part of their new sober lifestyle.
    “We have a basketball court, a batting cage, a pool table, air hockey and an outdoor weight room,” said Residence Director James Lee. “There’s also a dining room with a restaurant-style kitchen where they eat like kings and a canteen where they can snack between meals.”
    They enjoy all of these things when they’re not at work. With very few exceptions, residents of the Adult Rehabilitation Center put in a full day helping with their residences’ primary means of raising money.
    The Adult Rehabilitation Center operates seven used goods stores, known as Salvation Army Family Stores. These stores are located in San Bernardino (one on E Street, another on Highland Avenue,) Pomona, Fontana, Redlands, Hesperia and Victorville.
    The Family Stores raise almost all of the program’s revenue and teach the treatment center’s residents new job skills, thus helping them become more productive members of society after they complete the program. The beneficiaries learn the value of working hard, cooperating with others and having goals.
    The treatment center is next to a warehouse and the offices of the Adult Rehabilitation Center. The center has operated the warehouse there since the 1980s, in a building that previously served as a distribution center for PepsiCo.
    The Salvation Army accepts donations of any household items at its warehouse, including vehicles and furniture. Most items can also be donated at its stores, except for vehicles, furniture and large appliances. Donors also can arrange for The Salvation Army to pick up items by calling 1-800-SATRUCK, which is 1-800-728-7825.
    Most of the men at the Adult Rehabilitation Center have the job of receiving and refurbishing Salvation Army donations before shipping them to the stores. This involves cleaning items, determining clothing sizes, and making minor repairs.
    “When something comes into our warehouse, we refurbish the product, we repair the product, we make it look good,” said Victoria Bennett, administrative secretary for the Adult Rehabilitation Center. “Some of the men are very skilled. So of course we will put those skills to work.”
    For instance, some men come with the carpentry skills necessary to repair broken furniture. Others can fix torn upholstery, or troubleshoot a malfunctioning piece of electronics equipment. As a result, most of The Salvation Army’s donations, even if they weren’t top quality when they arrived, can be sent to the used goods stores in an almost-new condition.
    “Most of the donations we receive are really nice,” Bennett said. “Some of them are junk.”
    Many items damaged beyond repair can still be salvaged in a different way. The Adult Rehabilitation Center sells tattered clothing donations as rags and puts irreparable appliances and electronics in its “as-is” bin. The public may come to the warehouse any non-holiday weekday before 9 a.m. to bid on the defective items in the as-is bin.
    “Most people buy these items just for the parts,” Bennett said.
    The warehouse is also a place to buy used cars, trucks and other vehicles. The Adult Rehabilitation Center accepts donations of these vehicles, then fixes them so they are safe to operate and are smog-certified.
    It sells them to anyone who is in need of quality used transportation, often at prices lower than a similar vehicle would cost on a commercial used car lot. These vehicles can be purchased 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    “All of the Family Store proceeds and the warehouse sales support the rehabilitation program,” said Katzman. “We receive no government funding.”
    About 70 of the 120 men living at the Adult Rehabilitation Center work in the warehouse, along with 16 paid employees. Additional residents work as assistants to one of the 12 paid Salvation Army truck drivers, and one to two residents work in each store along with a much larger paid staff.
    The remainder of the residents either have “jobs” in the treatment center itself, or because of illness (not related to their addictions) or injury, are medically excused from work.
    “They work at the front desk, in the kitchen, in the laundry or in the canteen,” Lee said. “Everyone who can work has a job.”
    Adult Rehabilitation Center has operated the warehouse and distribution center on Doolittle Road for about 25 years. In March 2009, it realized a long-time goal of having both parts of its ministry in one place, when it moved its treatment center to a newly constructed adjacent building.
    “It had been the goal of our former advisory board president, John Tillman, to have both of these programs together,” said Katzman, who has served as advisory board president since Tillman’s death in 2001. “We had purchased the land just before he died, so I took over that project. After several years of groundwork, we were able to build the new treatment center John Tillman envisioned.”
    “Having the residence and the warehouse in one central location allows us the opportunity to greatly increase our service to the community. We can serve more men, and we don’t have to spend time and money transporting beneficiaries from their residence to the warehouse,” Katzman said. “Also, The Salvation Army is now using our old building to feed and shelter homeless people.”
    Prior to 2009, the Adult Rehabilitation Center had a 77-bed treatment center on Tenth Street.
    The old treatment center is now home to The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps emergency family shelter, known as Hospitality House.
    While the building at 925 W. Tenth St. has belonged to The Salvation Army for about 35 years, its current owners are a separate division of the organization from the Adult Rehabilitation Center.
    The Hospitality House is a service of the San Bernardino Corps, which also offers a variety of other programs. These include serving up to 300 meals six days a week to the needy, a weekly church service, and youth programs offering both recreation and spiritual development for boys, girls and teens.
    The Adult Rehabilitation Center encourages donations of any size, from clothes and small household items to appliances and cars. Donors can drop off items at the 363 E. Doolittle St. warehouse, any of the Salvation Army Family Stores (except vehicles) or can call 1-800 SATRUCK (1-800-728-7825) to arrange a pick-up.
    About the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
    The Adult Rehabilitation Center is a six-month program, combining treatment and work therapy for men who wish to overcome drug or alcohol addiction. These men attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, receive one-on-one and group counseling, and learn about stress management, anger management, parenting and overcoming addiction. They also participate in recreational activities they can continue after their treatment as part of a sober lifestyle.
    Men in San Bernardino County or Pomona Valley who are seeking help to overcome drug or alcohol addiction should call the Adult Rehabilitation Center in San Bernardino at (909) 889-9605.  The Salvation Army offers a similar program for men in Riverside County; for more information about that program, call (951) 940-5790.
    Women can learn about Adult Rehabilitation Centers for them by calling the center in Anaheim at (714) 758-0414, or the center in San Diego at (619) 239-4037.
    The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. 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. To donate, call 1-800 SATRUCK.

    -end-

    Jennifer Castro – Intern to Employee


    Jennifer Castro joins Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan

    (SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF.) Before being hired, Jennifer Castro started at Dameron Communications as an intern in November of 2010, while still attending United Education Institute (UEI).
    Upon graduating from UEI in December of 2010 with a degree in business administration, she was hired full-time as a public relations coordinator. Currently she is responsible for maintaining client and company press books, updating the Master Contacts database with more than 92,000 contacts, clerical work, Spanish translation and supporting Public Relations Executives in all functions.
    Before going back to school, Jennifer was a stay-at home mom.  As a mother of three, Jennifer said she wanted to show her children that it is never too late to go back to school and get your education to better yourself and improve your work environment.
    “I enjoy the atmosphere here at Dameron Communications. I learn something new everyday. The office is very busy, and I like that. I look forward to coming here and doing what I can to help or clients meet their communication needs,” said Castro.
    A native of San Bernardino, Castro says in her spare time she enjoys being with her children.
    About Dameron Communications, LLC
    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, Nightly Business Report; The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Dow Jones News Wire, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, The Press Enterprise, The Sun, The Daily Bulletin, The Daily News, The Daily Press and many more.

    ###

    New Salvation Army Trailer Increases Service To Firefighters

    The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino and other corps in the Inland Empire assist during disasters by providing meals to firefighters and other personnel working on the front lines. They will be able to do so more effectively the next time disaster strikes, because of a new trailer donated to the San Bernardino Corps by Salvation Army Team Emergency Services Radio Network member Tony Stephen. Photo by Tony Stephen

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) A new eight-foot trailer will help the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps when it needs to provide one of its least used but most critical community services.
    The trailer is specifically for the Salvation Army’s Emergency Services Division, which provides water, snacks and light meals to firefighters and other emergency service workers in the event of a disaster.
    “It is a beautiful trailer with its own generator and three Easy-Up canopies,” said Corps Officer Capt. Stephen Ball. “We will be able to take the trailer to disaster areas, and set up a lighted patio area, where we will be able to serve during a disaster.”
    The Salvation Army also assists residents in disaster areas to communicate with their families, through its Salvation Army Team Emergency Response Network, also known as SATERN. Tony Stephen, a member of SATERN, donated the trailer to the Salvation Army during SATERN’s annual seminar, held Jan. 29, 2011.
    “This will help the Salvation Army in its mission of helping those who are in need,” Tony Stephen said. “As a long-time supporter of the Salvation Army and emergency services volunteer, it is an honor for me to be able to help in this way.”
    The Emergency Services Division will use the trailer along with its mobile canteen, a 30-foot RV that is often put into use when firefighters are at a location for more than one day at a time. These are typically during large wildfires in the mountains above San Bernardino and Highland.
    For help or more information call (909) 888-1336.
    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.

    -end-

    North Rialto Poised For New Development

    Rialto, California’s north end is nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. North of the 210 Freeway it has many parcels of vacant land with easy freeway access and suitable for industrial or commercial development. Photo by Chris Sloan

    Rialto has hundreds of acres of vacant land, zoned for industry, near the Alder off-ramp of 210 Freeway. Photo by Chris Sloan

    The City of Rialto plans in the near future to convert Rialto Airport to Renaissance Rialto, a commercial and residential planned development. Nearby, hundreds more acres of vacant land are also suitable for commercial development. Photo by Chris Sloan

    (RIALTO, Calif.) As the economy gains strength, the City of Rialto is encouraging developers to look to the north end of the city, where large parcels of land near the 210 Freeway are suitable for business or industry.

    “Along the 210 Freeway, we have lots of land poised for full development,” said Robb Steel, Director of the Rialto Redevelopment Agency. “This is especially true of the areas north of the freeway near the Ayala and Alder interchanges.”

    “Many areas west of here are approaching buildout,” Steel noted. “That means Rialto is a great place to grow a business in southern California.”

    The Ayala properties are near what is currently the Rialto Airport, but will soon become Renaissance Rialto, a 1,500-acre master planned community.

    The Rialto City Council recently approved a specific plan and environmental impact report for Renaissance Rialto. This clears the way for developer Lewis-Hillwood Rialto to market industrial, retail and residential sites when market conditions improve.

    “With those homes and others nearby in the preliminary planning stage, we would like to see businesses come into the community to serve the future residents, as well as thousands who already live near the 210 Freeway and farther north,” Steel said.  “It will soon become a growing area. Our goal is to make it a commercial center to serve all residents of Rialto and surrounding communities.”

    The 210 Freeway interchange at Alder Avenue is an already established industrial park, and the City hopes this area will expand due to the close 210 Freeways’ close proximity..

    About Rialto

    Although the City of Rialto is located in the middle of one of the nation’s fastest growing regions, it has retained a small town atmosphere and similar quality of life. Rialto is an ethnically diverse and progressive community, which boasts several unique community assets including its own police and fire departments, a city-owned fitness center, performing arts theater, nine beautiful parks, a community center and senior center. Rialto is within easy range of mountains, beaches, deserts and other recreational areas.

    Rialto’s housing mix and home costs are some of the most affordable in Southern California. First-time homebuyers find Rialto more affordable than almost any other comparable community in the region. Executives and those seeking high-end residences also find they can purchase much more home for their money in Rialto. This lower cost translates into more discretionary income for residents, thus benefiting retailers and service providers.

    For more information about Rialto, go to www.rialtoca.gov or call (909) 879-1140.

    -end-

    Yucaipa Center Will Find The Property You Need

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) “We will handle the Inland Empire’s small business and residential real estate needs, from Pomona to Palm Desert, and from Victorville to Temecula,” said Jack Katzman, owner of ABO Enterprises, Inc.
    A commercial real estate center opening April 1 at 12782 California St. in Yucaipa will help small business owners find the right amount of office space to serve their clients effectively, and will match rental property owners with great tenants.
    ABO Enterprises, Inc. already owns and leases more than 600 offices from its headquarters in San Bernardino. ABO Enterprises, Inc. also leases office space on behalf of owners of other buildings.
    At its new California Street office, ABO Enterprises, Inc. is opening a new division, ABO Real Estate Services. This new division will offer commercial and residential property management, including site management of apartment complexes, commercial and residential property leasing and property maintenance and repairs.
    Another division of ABO Enterprises, Inc, SMA Construction, Inc., will also operate from the same location. This company renovates office buildings and homes.
    ABO Enterprises, Inc. will offer conventional office space for lease, starting at $200 a month. It also will offer mailbox service for $20 a month and virtual offices for $75 a month.
    Mailboxes and virtual offices serve both small business owners who are working from home, and larger business owners who have offices in other cities, need a satellite office to better serve their clients, but may not have the resources to staff another office.
    “A mailbox gives them a corporate address and a local phone number,” Katzman explained. “We will collect their mail and answer the phone for them, so they don’t have to miss contacts if they are unavailable.”
    “With a virtual office, business owners actually have an office here for eight hours a month,” Katzman said. “When they need to be here, they will have a place they can come and work, with a secretary, high-speed internet access, and the ability to install their own phone line. They also will have access to a conference room and restrooms.”
    A conventional office provides not just a place to work full-time and a secure office, but on-site security and janitorial services. Conference rooms and restrooms are in each office suite.
    “We have the lowest prices in all of California,” Katzman said. “If anyone can find an office at a lower advertised price, we’ll lease it to them for that price.”
    Anyone who is leasing an office from ABO Enterprises, Inc. doesn’t have to worry about it changing owners.
    “We buy large, empty buildings, renovate them and lease them, but we never sell the buildings we own,” Katzman said. We will be here to serve our tenants for the long term. We provide them with quality service that isn’t going to go away.”
    To learn more about the mailboxes, virtual offices, conventional offices and other real estate services available through ABO Enterprises, Inc. call (909) 886-4123.
    ABO Enterprises, Inc. has met the real estate needs of small business owners since 1999. It owns more than 600 offices in buildings throughout Southern California. The luxury real estate listings agency also provides real estate services including property management, purchase and leasing, and property maintenance and renovation.

    -end-




    NEW TARGET FOR HIV/AIDS – WOMEN AND ADULTS AGES 47-65

    The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health is urging everyone to know their status and get tested. Photo by Chris Sloan

    (SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections continue at high levels, with an estimated 56,300 Americans becoming infected each year. Additionally, more than 18,000 people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) still die each year in the United States.

    While major strides have been made in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, the disease continues its devastating effects on all sectors of American society. The impact however, has become increasingly more serious among women and adults between the ages of 47-65.

    The CDC reports that in 2007 more than a quarter of HIV diagnoses in the United States were among women and girls aged 13 years and older.  Women are more likely to be infected through sex with a male partner.

    Minority women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV infection.  The rate of new HIV infections for African American women is nearly 20 times the rate for white women. The rate of new HIV infection among Hispanic women is nearly four times that of white women.

    In San Bernardino County, African American and Hispanic women together accounted for 83% of HIV diagnoses among women in 2009 and 14% of all HIV diagnoses.

    Many factors contribute to the increasing rates of HIV infection in adults aged 47-65. One contributing factor is that older adults have often been overlooked by targeted education and prevention messages.  Sexually active adults between 47-65 years of age may use condoms less often due to a lower concern of pregnancy, thereby increasing their risk for HIV.

    The use of sexual enhancement medications among this age group also contributes to the increased risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV.  Further, the lack of communication between adults and their doctors regarding sexual practices contributes to a perceived low HIV risk among this group and a lack of testing.

    In 2008 adults 50 years of age and older represented 17 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States, Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare, Health Officer, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health attributes this to “the simple reason that older people don’t get tested for HIV on a regular basis.”

    Although HIV is a manageable disease, education and prevention continue to be the ultimate goal in stopping the spread of infection among all groups, especially women and adults ages 47-64.

    It is important to be aware of specific challenges faced by women and adults ages 47-64 and to ensure that they are informed and know how to protect themselves from infection. Dr. Ohikhuare states that, “Testing is key in HIV prevention and I encourage everyone to make HIV testing part of their routine medical care.”
    For more information about HIV/AIDS and testing, call the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health AIDS Program at (800) 255-6560, or visit the website at WWW.KnowSBC.com.

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