Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter welcomes guests to a previous American Lung Association in California Healthy Air Walk.
(Fontana, CA) – The American Lung Association in California will host its Fight for Air Walk on Saturday, October 2, at Fontana Park to raise funds and awareness in support of healthy lungs and healthy air. The Fight For Air Walk is a 2.5 mile walk that attracts participants of all ages and abilities. “Californians breathe some of the worst air in the nation,” says Terry Roberts, Area Director for the American Lung Association in California – Inland Empire. “In the 2010 State of the Air Report, the American Lung Association ranked the cities of San Bernardino and Riverside as two of the most polluted cities in the nation. Air pollution causes and aggravates lung conditions including asthma, lung cancer, emphysema, and chronic lung disease. We walk because everyone deserves to breathe clean and healthy air.” This year’s Fight for Air Walk has attracted a unique group of participants including: · Jennifer Smith of Hesperia, walking in memory of her daughter, Michelle, who lost her life to asthma. Jennifer and her family want to raise awareness about the severity of asthma, and wish to help other children who struggle to breathe everyday. · Gabriel Lloyd and his team of family and friends, the Asthma All Stars, walking for the fourth year in a row. Gabriel was diagnosed with severe asthma at the age of 2, and although his asthma is now under control, he is still affected by the unhealthy air he breathes. · Karen O’Cull lost her mother, father, and grandfather to lung cancer. She is walking to honor their memories, and to expose the deadly effects of smoking. Karen wants to raise awareness about the connection between smoking and lung cancer in the hopes of saving lives. Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and is responsible for one in seven deaths nationwide. Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, killing more people than breast, colorectal prostate, and pancreatic cancers combined. Lung disease is particularly prevalent in California. Ninety percent of Californians live in areas with unhealthy air, contributing to breathing problems for the nearly five million of our state’s citizens afflicted with asthma, including nearly one million children. Online registration is open until Thursday, September 30 at www.FightForAirWalk.org. On-site registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. For more information, the public should contact Terry Roberts at (909) 884-5864 or visit www.FightForAirWalk.org <http://www.FightForAirWalk.org> Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org/california. <http://www.lungusa.org/california.>
Stay healthy. Get a flu vaccine. Call LaSalle Medical Associates at (909) 890-0407 to schedule yours today!
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The H1N1 pandemic is over, but there is only one way to make sure flu doesn’t come back into your life – get a flu shot every year.
“The Center for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga of LaSalle Medical Associates. “This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will protect you against H1N1 and two other types of flu viruses.”
“These three viruses are circulating in many parts of the world, and without immunizations, chances are you will come down with one of them,” Dr. Arteaga said.
“The H1N1 virus was especially powerful, causing many hospitalizations and deaths” he said. “It had never been detected in humans prior to 2009, which meant no one was immune.
“Now, many people are immune, but the best way to be sure is to have the vaccination,” Dr. Arteaga said. “Even if you have developed immunity to H1N1, you still may be susceptible to one of the other viruses that are making the rounds. They can be just as deadly.”
“Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated,” Dr. Arteaga said. “But even if half of the population is immunized, there will be significant protection. That half of the population may prevent their neighbors from getting the flu as well. And if 75 percent of the population is immunized, we can stop the flu dead in its tracks.”
Dr. Arteaga urges parents to have their children (and themselves) vaccinated against the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses.
“Children are especially at risk, because they have more opportunities to be exposed to the virus,” he said.
Even though adults may be at somewhat less risk, it is now recommended that everyone, ages 6 months and older, receive a seasonal flu vaccination, Dr. Arteaga said. Those who imply flu vaccines are unnecessary and harmful, he said, are irresponsibly making light of the subject.
“The benefit of flu vaccines has been proven over and over.”
Flu vaccines are available in two forms. The most common is the flu shot, an injected vaccine. A nasal spray vaccine is available as an alternative for most people ages 2 to 49.
To limit the spread of flu, Dr. Arteaga urges anyone with symptoms to stay home from school and work until they are well, and limit contact with others. They also should contact a health care provider, especially if worried about the symptoms.
Everyone should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth, he said. Also, healthy people should, to the extent possible, avoid contact with those who have flu symptoms.
“Every time we wash our hands, and take precautions when we cough, there is less flu to go around,” Dr. Arteaga said.
For more information about all types of flu, contact the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. or by calling 1-800-236-4636, or the California Department of Public Health at www.cdph.ca.gov or 1-888-865-0564.
The San Bernardino County Public Health Department also can provide information on its toll-free number, 1-800-782-4264, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
According to founder Dr. Arteaga, the primary mission of LaSalle’s clinics is “to offer high quality medical care to the whole family with courtesy and respect.”
The LaSalle medical 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.
Rialto Renaissance, scheduled to open in 2013, will convert the Rialto Municipal Airport into a multiple use business center. It’s one of the largest economic development projects the Rialto Redevelopment Agency has planned to stimulate the city’s economy.
(RIALTO, Calif.) As the nation and the Inland Empire step out of one of the worst recessions in more than 70 years, the City of Rialto is poised to take advantage of this with several large projects designed to bring jobs and revenue to the city.
“We are attracting new businesses and green industries to Rialto already,” said Robb Steel, director of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Rialto. “Once the economy recovers more fully we will be able to accomplish even more.”
Two of the major focuses of Rialto’s redevelopment plans are to attract new “ green” industries, which promote the use of new environmentally friendly technologies; and Rialto Renaissance, which is converting the city’s underused municipal airport into a mixture of commercial, industrial and residential uses.
Even in difficult economic times, Rialto has received national attention for bringing in two new companies, both representative of the types of “green” industries Rialto city leaders hope will someday be a key part of the city’s economy.
“They are models of the types of industries we’re looking for,” Steel said.
Enertech, which opened a plant in Rialto in March 2009, converts biosolids into fuel using a patented process known as SlurryCarb. This process removes more water, produces twice as much solid matter (fuel pellets) and uses 60 percent less energy than conventional ways of converting biosolids into fuel.
The company is obtaining its biosolids from the sanitation departments of Rialto and Riverside, the San Bernardino Municipal Water District, and sanitation districts serving Orange and Los Angeles counties. After converting them into fuel pellets, it is supplying clean-burning energy to fire the kilns of local cement companies.
Rentech makes synthetic fuel such as synthetic diesel and synthetic gasoline, primarily from yard waste such as pruned tree branches . It has a contract to deliver synthetic aviation fuel to the Los Angeles World Airports, including Ontario International (ONT) and Los Angeles International (LAX.)
This fuel meets California’s stringent clean air standards, and can also be used in other states.
The other major project, Renaissance Rialto, takes advantage of the airport’s proximity to two off-ramps of the 210 Freeway, and is expected to bring in businesses that can hire many of the city’s residents.
“We want to bring jobs that match all of our residents skill sets,” Steel said. “Some of our residents are highly educated, others have learned specific trades, and others might be seeking an entry-level job to help finance their further education.”
The Redevelopment Agency is now working with a developer to get through the City of Rialto’s approval process for large projects, and is also waiting for greater economic recovery. Once it can break ground, the developer will have to begin by installing infrastructure, such as roads and sewers.
Steel expects the first new businesses developed through Renaissance Rialto to open in 2013 if the economic recovery is as strong as expected by then. They will, in the first few years, operate alongside the airport, but within a few years, the city will convert the airport itself to other uses.
“It is a Herculean effort to convert a municipal airport to a multiple-use development on the scale of Renaissance Rialto,” Steel said. “But it has good prospects, whereas the property is expensive to maintain as an airport. and the City Council of Rialto believes this is a better direction.”
Rialto is a city of approximately 100,000 ethnically diverse residents, but still maintains a small-town, family-friendly atmosphere. It provides affordable opportunities for new businesses and new residents.
For more information about Rialto, go to www.ci.rialto.ca.us or call (909) 820-2525.
Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps Commander Capt. Stephen Ball; Arlene Lewis, wife of U. S. Congressman Jerry Lewis; Salvation Army Advisory Board Member Annorr Gowdy and Advisory Board Chairman Tom Brickley review information about the Hospitality House family shelter that was presented during a previous fundraising luncheon. Arlene and Jerry Lewis are among major donors who give more than $1,000 a year to The Salvation Army. Photo by Carl Dameron
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army Corps of San Bernardino will host a luncheon Thursday, Oct. 7 to raise funds for its continued community service at its Corps Headquarters, 746 W. Fifth Street.
“Dreams Happen” is the theme for the San Bernardino Corps seventh annual fund raising event, which begins at 11:30 a.m. with a reception. A catered meal is served at noon.
Since this is a fund raising luncheon, The Salvation Army requests donations of $1,000 or more from attendees. Those attending should RSVP with Capt. Nancy Ball at (909) 888-1336 or by emailing Nancy.Ball@usw.salvationarmy.org.
“This is an opportunity for those who are able to support The Salvation Army at this level to learn more about what we do for our community and how they can be involved,” said Capt. Stephen Ball. “This is one of the top ways for us to raise money each year.”
Ball noted that the San Bernardino Corps relies almost entirely on public donations to support its community service. Although The Salvation Army maintains thrift stores, the proceeds of those are used only to support its Adult Rehabilitation Centers’ residential drug treatment programs.
At previous luncheons, The Salvation Army met its goal to raise $50,000 through this event.
“The Salvation Army has a wonderful history in San Bernardino,” said Capt. Ball “It began serving here in 1887, just 12 years after William and Catherine Booth founded the international organization in London.”
For many decades, most of that service has taken place at 746 W. Fifth St.
“This location serves as the administrative offices of the San Bernardino Corps, and also as a Center for Worship and Service with ministries throughout the week,” Capt. Stephen Ball said.
“The Salvation Army helps more than 200 needy people each day; these persons receive food, clothing, showers, laundry, and a variety of other services. When the occasional disaster strikes our communities, the facility becomes the center of emergency disaster services.
It even served as a homeless shelter from 2007 until earlier this year. The shelter, which is a major recipient of the funds generated through the Fund Raising Event and other sources of revenue, now operates in a separate building at 925 W. Tenth St, serving approximately 50 to 75 homeless people each day.
The Salvation Army encourages others to give what they can.
Online giving, which can be directed specifically to the San Bernardino Corps, is possible at any time by going to www.salvationarmy.usa.org.
From mid-November through Dec. 24, donors can also give through the Red Kettle Drive, a holiday tradition the Army has relied on for more than 100 years. Look for red kettles accompanied by bellringers at locations throughout the Inland Empire. Everything a Salvation Army bellringer collects stays within the community where the donation is given.
Donations of time are also highly needed. For one, The Salvation Army wants to beef up the volunteer bellringer force. It also needs volunteers for its upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.
And, when shopping for the holidays, The Salvation Army hopes people will shop for their poorest neighbors too. Gifts of food and toys are needed for about 750 families relying on the San Bernardino Corps to have any kind of Christmas celebration at all this year.
Those interested in donating time or presents should call the San Bernardino Corps at (909) 888-1336. After Thanksgiving, toys can also be donated through the Sharing Tree programs at the Inland Center Mall. 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.
Dr. Jill Biden recently announced new federal regulations requiring most private health plans to cover preventative medical services.
Dr. Albert Arteaga, President and CEO of LaSalle Medical Associates, encourages Inland Empire residents to take advantage of the preventative health care services that will soon be covered by private insurance, by scheduling appropriate health screenings. To do so at LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
(San Bernardino, Calif.) –New federal regulations require new private health plans taking effect on or after Sept. 23, 2010 to cover most preventative medical services without co-payments or other fees.
The United States departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury issued these new regulations recently. The new rules will provide for free access to preventative services such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol tests; many cancer screenings; routine vaccinations; pre-natal care; and regular wellness visits.
That’s good news to Dr. Albert Arteaga, CEO and founder of LaSalle Medical Associates. For more than 25 years, Dr. Arteaga has advocated making going to the doctor no more intimidating than going to the grocery store.
“People should be able to come see the doctor before they get sick,” Dr. Arteaga said. “We want to make sure we catch things as early as we can so that we can start interventions before they cause serious health problems.
One of the United States’ most well-known physicians, Dr. Jill Biden (wife of Vice President Joe Biden) also sees making preventive services affordable to all as a necessity.
“One of the best ways to improve the quality of life – and control health care costs – is to prevent illness in the first place,” said Dr. Biden, who announced these regulations for the three federal departments that created them. “Focusing on prevention and early treatment makes more sense than trying to play catch-up with a potentially deadly disease.”
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.
To make an appointment, or for additional information about LaSalle Medical Associates, call (909) 890-0407.
-end-
Dr. Allen Merritt of Loma Linda is a new American Lung Association board member. Photo by Chris Sloan
Kraig Strom is a new member of the American Lung Association board.
Leslie Pollard of Riverside is a new member of the American Lung Association board.
Laura Ellers of Hesperia is a new member of the American Lung Association board. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) There are 58 counties in California. The Pollution Information Site lists them by degree of air quality, from worst to best. Riverside County is number 10 and San Bernardino 11. There’s a lot of work to be done.
Terry Roberts, the Inland Empire area director of the American Lung Association, has her hands full. She oversees all regional programs, heads the numerous and important fundraising efforts, directs the volunteer and office staff and coordinates the goals and membership of the organization’s Leadership Board.
“We have an 11-member board,” she says, “for both counties. They provide guidance and direction, but also take on tasks in their professional specialties. The board is of vital importance to the area’s American Lung Association work.”
The national effort for more than a century has evolved from initially battling tuberculosis to now “Fighting for Air.” In the Inland Empire the American Lung Association has been fighting that good fight for 80-plus years.
Roberts, who lives in Crestline, has most recently been tasked with finding four new members for the Leadership Board, adding Leslie Pollard as chair of the Executive Committee, plus Kraig Strom, Laura Ellers and Dr. Allen Merritt.
Pollard is the vice president of Community Partnerships and Diversity of Loma Linda University,
Strom is a certified financial planner with Team Financial Partners and is also a chartered financial consultant, for nearly three years Ellers has been the director of Respiratory Care at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton and Dr. Merritt heads Pediatrics and Neonatology at Loma Linda’s Children’s Hospital.
Leslie Pollard has lived in Riverside twice, the latest time for 14 years.
“I work at Loma Linda Medical Center on the preventative side of health care as the vice president for Community Partnerships,” he said. “This new board position is my first time with the American Lung Association. Last summer I did a presentation to the Nonprofit Executive Network in San Bernardino, and afterward Terry Roberts came to me and asked me to join their leadership board. I was both honored and excited. I want to bring attention and awareness to the American Lung Association here. I’ll be also identifying allies of the association from the general public as well as organizations.”
Kraig Strom met Roberts at a Planned Giving Roundtable, “planned giving” meaning the actions of people interested in making charitable donations to worthy causes and organizations.
His new board position also marks his first involvement with the area’s American Lung Association. “I approached Terry,” he recalls, “at the event early this year, and offered my services to connect the organization with local donors who can help her group accomplish its valuable goals of keeping us breathing healthy air instead of what we in the Inland Empire take in now.” In addition, Strom wants to help increase public knowledge of the organization’s work.
“Lung cancer and lung disease,” he says, “lack the public awareness of, say, breast cancer, but are also very significant killers.”
Laura Ellers was born in San Bernardino, raised in Redlands and has resided in Hesperia for 20 years. “I’ve been involved with the American Lung Association in the Inland Empire for five years,” she says. With a grandson suffering with asthma, respiratory care has been a major priority for her, even involving taking part in the American Lung Association’s annual fundraising walk. “I’ve been with the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for about 20 years,” she points out, “and heading the respiratory care department now is what I care most about, and bringing that experience and knowledge to the Leadership Board is a blessing.”
Dr. Allen Merritt, a member of the American Thorasic Society of the American Lung Association, has lived in Loma Linda about four years, since joining the staff at Loma Linda University. “I specialize in lung problems of premature babies, problems that far too often stem from parental smoking, and even second and third-hand smoke’s effects on newborns. Fully 20 percent of premature births can be attributed to smoking by the mother or father, often both.” Also a member of the American Lung Association in Oregon, he now sets sights on “educating our public about the harmful side of smoking, on the one hand, as effectively as does the tobacco industry on the other.”
Other members of the area’s American Lung Association leadership board are Barbara Cole, registered nurse with the Riverside County Dept. of Public Health; Carl Dameron, Creative Director of Dameron Communications; Dr. Joe Corless, pediatrics consultant; David Madsen, senior. public information specialist with the South Coast Air Quality Management District; Lisha Smith, deputy chief of staff for San Bernardino County’s Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales; Penny Stone, registered nurse with Riverside Unified School District; and Wendy Williams, director of marketing for Omnitrans.
Terry Roberts says, “Our leadership board is stronger than ever. The next few years will be among our most effective in leading the way in our organization’s fight for clean air.”
For more information, call Terry Roberts at (909) 884-5864.
Capt. Stephen Ball, director of the San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army, at one of the computers in the Hospitality House Emergency Family Shelter media/computer center. This center that primarily serves children staying in the Hospitality House was built in 2009 with a grant from Target, and will be upgraded this year now that $7,500 in additional funds from that grant have become available.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Salvation Army’s Hospitality House, which moved into a newly-renovated building in February, will soon see even more improvements, because a grant awarded by Target Corporation has recently increased to $32,500.
“We are grateful to be able to do even more to serve our homeless children and families, said Capt. Stephen Ball, director of the San Bernardino Corps of the Salvation Army.
The initial $25,000 grant awarded in 2009 allowed The Salvation Army to create an attractive media center and computer lab as it was renovating the new shelter building at 925 W. Tenth Street. These two rooms are primarily used by school-age children during a tutoring program, and as they complete their homework.
The grant required The Salvation Army use the money to renovate a library, media center or other educational facility.
Target actually awarded this grant to the Sierra del Mar Division (San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Imperial counties) of The Salvation Army, which in turn awarded it to the San Bernardino Corps.
Target also awarded similar $25,000 grants last year to each of the 39 other geographical divisions of The Salvation Army’s worldwide ministry, some of which did not spend all of their grant funds. When more money became available, The Salvation Army reallocated some of it to the Hospitality House project in San Bernardino.
Capt. Ball said this additional $7,500 will allow the San Bernardino Corps to replace the doors on the media center and computer lab, renovate the adjacent bathroom, and purchase additional books, educational software and educational DVDs for children.
“The new doors will have small viewing windows for better safety and supervision, and will replace old wooden doors that were left in place during the building renovation,” Capt. Ball said.
“Additional bathroom renovation will widen the doorways making them easier to access,” he said. “We weren’t able to do much with these two bathrooms last year because renovating the bathrooms in the guest rooms was a higher priority. We will replace a drinking fountain in the center as well.”
The original $25,000 grant allowed The Salvation Army to equip two poorly-lit rooms with good lighting, attractive tables and chairs for study and television viewing and eight computer stations, Capt. Ball said. 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.
For local help, call (909) 888-1336.
Abstract Minds will recognize Dr. Al Karnig, president of California State University, San Bernardino because he encourages young people to attend college and because CSUSB supports the organization’s art shows.
Abstract Minds will recognize Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter for her support and encouragement to members of the organization, many of whom attend Carter High School.
Abstract Minds is honoring James Ramos, tribal leader for San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and board member for San Bernardino Valley College, for encouraging youth and young adults to excel, and for San Manuel’s sponsorship of its art program.
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Abstract Minds and Friends present the 2010 Exceptional Leaders and Awards Reception Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hilton San Bernardino. 285 E. Hospitality Lane.
A $35 tax-deductible donation is requested. Abstract Minds, which focuses on visual art instruction in a program that also promotes responsibility, community involvement and self-sufficiency, will use the proceeds to continue the art programs it offers its students.
The reception recognizes Assembly Member Wilmer Amina Carter, who represents the 62nd Assembly District; San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Tribal Chair James Ramos, who is also a trustee of the San Bernardino Community College District; and Dr. Albert Karnig, president of California State University, San Bernardino.
“Abstract Minds works directly with youth to help them succeed in life, so by coming to this reception, you will help ensure the long-term success of San Bernardino County,” said President Shalay Young.
All three of the honorees have worked directly with the students in Abstract Minds, and motivated them to pursue higher education, according to Young.
Assembly Member Carter also has helped the students be involved in other art shows. Furthermore, while the program includes students from throughout San Bernardino County, a great many attend Carter High School in Rialto, which was named for Assembly Member Carter.
Dr. Karnig encourages the students to attend college. Cal State San Bernardino is a sponsor of the organization’s art shows, which are usually held on the campus.
Tribal Chief Ramos encourages both youth and college students to make choices that will lead to their future success, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has also helped sponsor Abstract Mind’s program.
Ray “The Weeper” Fuller will give a live jazz performance during the reception. Students in Abstract Minds will have their original artwork on display.
For more information, call (760) 669-9118 or go to http://abstractminds.org
Abstract Minds is an organization that uses art to foster the growth and development of economically disadvantaged youth. It also encourages students to pursue higher education and become involved in their communities.
Mayor Patrick Morris stands in front of the first of 46 blighted fourplexes the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency will demolish in the 19th and Sunrise area, to make way for new projects that will be developed at a later date. This demolition project was funded with money from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, of the United States Housing and Urban Development. Photo by YeeKang Kong.
Carey Jenkins, director of Housing and Community Development for the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, discusses plans for the 19th & Sunrise area of the city with a neighborhood resident. Those plans include demolishing 46 fourplexes to make room for new development, and renovating 25 additional fourplexes. Funding for the demolition and renovation came from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program of the United States Housing and Urban Development. Photo by YeeKang Kong.
Susan McDevitt (third from right), executive director of Mary Erickson Community Housing and San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris (right), cut the ribbon on Eastpointe Village as other local dignitaries watch. The dignitaries are, from left, Carey Jenkins, director of Housing and Community Development for the San Bernardino Economic Development Association; Jim Yerdon, community development specialist with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; Doug Bystry, chairman of the board of directors for Mary Erickson Community Housing, Jerry Paresa, executive director of governmental relations for San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Lynn Valbuena, vice chairman of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Eastpointe Village is a new apartment complex near 19th and Sunrise in San Bernardino, available to families making up to $32,500 yearly for a family of four. Mary Erickson Community Housing, in partnership with the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, is creating Eastpointe Village by renovating 25 fourplexes in the 19th and Sunrise neighborhood, with funds the Economic Development Agency obtained through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Photo by Matt Sloan
Connie Williams, (left) manager of newly opened Eastpointe Village, shows two neighborhood residents a map showing the changes coming to the area of 19th and Sunrise in San Bernardino. Williams is pointing to 2194 E. 19th St., the same fourplex in which the women are standing. It and the rest of the buildings shown in blue on the map are in the process of being renovated to create Eastpointe Village, luxurious apartments for families making up to $32,500 for a family of four. The building in which they are standing was the first one renovated. The green and gold areas on the map show 46 additional fourplexes that are in the process of being demolished to make way for new development at a later date. The San Bernardino Economic Development Association is funding both the renovation and the demolition through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program of the United States Department of Housing and Community Development. Photo by Matt Sloan
Jennifer Rodriguez is all smiles as she cuts the ribbon on the home she purchased from the Inland Empire Concerned African American Churches, which had renovated the home through a partnership with the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency. Using money from the United States Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Economic Development Agency and its community partners are renovating vacant, foreclosed homes and selling them at market price to homeowners making as much as $78,000 for a family of four. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Two years ago, the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency received $8.4 million from the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Since then, the agency embarked on 43 projects to help San Bernardino’s neighborhoods, and has spent the money.
“That is important because it means the federal government can’t take it back,” said Mayor Patrick Morris. “More importantly, it shows that our city is committed to stabilizing our neighborhoods to make a better life for all of us.”
This fall, the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency will give a final report to the City Council on how it spent this money, after it tabulates the final purchases. At a recent meeting, Housing and Community Development Director Carey Jenkins reported on how it had spent the funds through March 31, 2010.
There are three components to San Bernardino’s neighborhood stabilization efforts:
Purchase, renovation and resale of single-family homes ($3.7 million)
Purchase and demolition of housing units to allow for future development ($1.3 million)
Subsidizing housing for families at or below 50 percent of the area’s average median income. These subsidies help families earning less than $32,250 for a family of four, more for larger families, less for smaller families. ($2.6 million)
Through the first three months of 2010, the Economic Development Agency acquired 19 housing properties. Since some are multiple-family apartments, they house 40 families.
The newly purchased property includes 13 homes the Economic Development Agency intends to renovate and resell, three fourplex apartment complexes that will be renovated and rented out through a partnership with Mary Erickson Community Housing, and three apartment complexes with 15 units total scheduled for demolition.
Now that San Bernardino’s money is obligated, the Economic Development Agency hopes the city will be eligible for a future allocation of these funds. It also hopes that if any other cities don’t spend all of their money by federally imposed deadlines, some of it could be re-allocated to San Bernardino.
For more information, call Carey Jenkins, director of housing and community development for the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency, at (909) 633-1044.
One of the highlights of Jazmin Jett’s internship at Dameron Communications was meeting San Bernardino Mayor Patrick Morris. Photo by Chris Sloan
Jazmin Jett learned organizational skills and much more about working for a public relations firm through her internship with Dameron Communications. Photo by Chris Sloan
(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Upon graduating from Cajon High school, Jazmin Eboni Jett started interning at Dameron Communications, a position she attained through the ASTERISK program.
The Accelerating Success Through Employment and Responsibility, Inspiration, Skills and Knowledge or ASTERISK program gives students in the San Bernardino City Unified School District an opportunity to work in a professional environment during school breaks.
Jett believes she was fortunate to be placed at a public relations firm. She is very happy to be placed in a work environment that directly relates to the field she is studying at the university.
Jett is studying communication: public relations this fall at California State University, San Bernardino and she is the first in her family to go to college.
“Interning at Dameron Communications has helped to better prepare me to start my college career,” said Jett.
While interning, she learned to be more organized and efficient, became more observant, learned how to multitask and learned how to prioritize. Jett walks away from her internship with a better understanding of working in the field of public relations, and a general feel as to how a business operates.
“I appreciate the importance that was placed into my care,” said Jett. “I felt like I was not only an intern, but a part of the staff.”
She feels that she has gained a sense of independence and realized that she is responsible for her actions. This internship was her first job experience.
