Photo caption: The Salvation Army team sets up a new 10,000-square-foot retail space in Chino, offering an accessible shopping and donation experience in one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors. The address is 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M, Chino, CA 91710. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
“Each donation and each purchase help The Salvation Army do more than fund ARC recovery programs—they inspire possibility,” said Major Donald Sheppard, Administrator for Development at The Salvation Army San Bernardino ARC
Chino, CA – The Salvation Army announces the grand opening of a new Chino Thrift Store at 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M, Chino, CA 91710. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. “The expansive 10,000-square-foot retail space will offer an accessibleshopping and donation experience in one of Chino’s busiest commercial corridors,” said Major Donald Sheppard, Administrator for Development at The Salvation Army San Bernardino ARC.
According to Sheppard, the Chino location will employ 16 team members. This is one of six retail locations, including five thrift stores and one thrift outlet, supporting the life-changing work of The Salvation Army San Bernardino Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).
The ARC’s 122-bed residential program provides housing, counseling, and work therapy to men seeking recovery and a fresh start. Established in 1991, the San Bernardino ARC has served the Inland Empire community for 34 years.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Chino community into this new space where every item purchased or donated contributes to restoring lives,” said Sheppard. “This store is more than just a place to shop—it’s a hub for hope and transformation.”
Photo Caption: “Treasure hunters, budget-conscious families, and sustainability-minded shoppers alike will find something special on every visit,” said Sheppard
The new thrift store will offer a variety of gently used clothing, accessories, furniture, home goods, and more—all at affordable prices. “Treasure hunters, budget-conscious families, and sustainability-minded shoppers alike will find something special on every visit,” said Sheppard.
To celebrate opening day, customers can enter to win a $100 gift certificate and enjoy surprise prize giveaways throughout the day.
In addition to providing great deals, the Chino Thrift Store aims to strengthen its ties with the community by working with local creatives, sustainability advocates, and social influencers to highlight eco-conscious shopping and innovative upcycling ideas.
“Each donation and each purchase helps The Salvation Army do more than fund ARC programs—they inspire possibility. Together, we’re turning secondhand into second chances.
Come celebrate the grand opening with us—discover unique finds, support your community, and be part of the mission to transform lives through the restoration of mind, body, and soul,” said Sheppard.
San Bernardino County Salvation Army Thrift stores are in Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, Fontana, Victorville, Hesperia, and now Chino.
Photo caption: The new signs are not up yet, and work inside is getting done. The address is 5250 E. Philadelphia St., Suite M, Chino, CA 91710. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The Salvation Army operates the largest and most successful network of Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) in the nation. For over 100 years, The Salvation Army has provided spiritual, emotional, and social assistance to individuals who have struggled to cope with life’s challenges. The Salvation Army’s 80+ ARCs are primarily funded by the sale of donated goods in thrift stores. Each year, thousands of ARC graduates transform their lives, reunite with families, and bring hope to communities across the country. Services are offered on a charitable basis, generally at no cost, and without the need for insurance. For more information, visit WesternARC.SalvationArmy.org.
Max Ramirez, Senior Director of Content Marketing at Skyline Studio
Riverside, CA. — The American Advertising Federation—Inland Empire Chapter invites you to a brand storytelling class.This class is for anyone looking to elevate their brand’s connection with customers through the art of storytelling.
The virtual event, “Unlocking the Power of Storytelling at Scale,” will occur on April 30th from noon to 1 pm. Learn More and Register Now!
In today’s crowded marketplace, authentic storytelling isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for building lasting customer relationships and brand loyalty. Join us to learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and leverage trusted media platforms to amplify your message.
Featured Speaker: Max Ramirez
Max leads the studio division for Southern California News Group and The San Diego Union-Tribune, managing a team of strategists, content creators, event producers, and designers. With extensive experience at Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal, iHeartMedia, and various digital media startups, Max brings valuable insights into developing innovative, integrated media campaigns that truly engage audiences.
What You’ll Learn:
How to Build Trust and Credibility with Your Customers
Storytelling Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Strategies to Elevate Your Story for Broader Impact
The webinar is free for AAF members and just $10 for non-members, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes to learn about the power of storytelling to promote your brand.
To learn more or register for the webinar, visit InlandEmpireAAF.com. If you have questions about the event, contact John McCarthy at (909) 263-0454.
About the Inland Empire AAF:
The Inland Empire AAF is a community of advertising and graphic design professionals representing local, regional, and national companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The organization provides educational opportunities through guest speakers and hosts the local American Advertising Awards, the industry’s largest and most representative competition in the United States. Founded in the late 1980s, the Inland Empire AAF is dedicated to promoting excellence in advertising and fostering connections within the industry. Learn more at InlandEmpireAAF.com.
“Jewel Diamond Taylor will share her transformative message from stages around the world, offering strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence,” said Sharron Lewis, the Coalition for Black Health and Wellness Committee chair.
Moreno Valley, CA—The Coalition for Black Health and Wellness announces an African American Tea for the Soul. In this supportive environment, Black women can explore essential practices of self-care, mental health, wellness, and healing. The Tea is Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at CrossWord Church, 21401 Box Springs Road, Moreno Valley, CA. Doors will open at 2:30 PM, and dinner will be served at 3:15 PM.
Sharron Lewis, the Behavioral Health Committee chair, said, “The highlight of the afternoon will be renowned guest speaker Jewel Diamond Taylor, affectionately known as ‘The Self-Esteem Dr.’ Jewel has been a leading motivational speaker since 1984, empowering millions with her holistic approach to faith, culture, psychology, emotional well-being, and personal success.”
As the author of bestselling titles such as Success Gems and ShiFt Happens, Jewel utilizes humor and storytelling to encourage resilience and inner peace among her audience. In addition to receiving an honorary doctorate in divinity in 2019, she also garnered an Emmy Award in 2021 for her work on a documentary about race relations in Norway.
This event is sponsored by the Coalition for Black Health and Wellness, Behavioral Health Committee, Riverside Community Health Foundation, and Dameron Communications in collaboration with CrossWord Church.
Empower You Edutainment provides entertainment for the event. Upon arrival, participants will be welcomed by African drumming. The entertainment also includes spoken word performances, a live band, storytelling, participatory dancing, a theatrical presentation, and dancers.
“Join us for an inspiring afternoon of growth, connection, and empowerment as we support the mental and emotional well-being of Black women in our community. You don’t want to miss Jewel Diamond Taylor, who brings her transformative message from stages across the globe, sharing strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence,” said Lewis.
The Coalition for Black Health and Wellness Behavioral Health Committee members are Sharron Lewis, Chair; Phyllis Clark, Dr. Carolyn Murray, and Shor Denny.
For more information or to become a vendor, text Sharron Lewis at 213-359-8639.
The Coalition for Black Health and Wellness is a voluntary multi-sector group providing leadership, ensuring continued information flow, and galvanizing action. The Coalition addresses health disparities improvement actions for Riverside and Jurupa Valley. To be effective agents of change to eliminate health disparities affecting the Black community and achieve the highest possible level of health through the education and mobilization of leaders, partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders. We strive for a community free of health and healthcare disparities.
“Joining Dameron Communications allows me to merge my expertise with my commitment to uplifting our community,” said Vickie Davis.
San Bernardino, CA—Dameron Communications announced the addition of Vickie Davis, L.M.F.T., M.A., M.A.C., to its team as a Social Media Expert.
“Joining Dameron Communications allows me to merge my expertise with my commitment to uplifting our community. Being part of a team that values community engagement and strategic advocacy is a privilege. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to amplify meaningful causes and create lasting impact.”
Davis brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and social impact to her new role. As a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, she has dedicated her career to uplifting historically disadvantaged communities through mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and community-based initiatives.
Davis also serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Victor Community Support Services, where she oversees fiscal contracts, leads the Student Assistance Program, and implements mental health outreach in local communities and schools.
Beyond her clinical work, Davis is a passionate community organizer. She co-founded “Black on the Block,” now known as Rialto City Jam, and initiated the Juneteenth Jam in Rialto—both events celebrate heritage and support small businesses. She also spearheads an annual I.E. Tour of Toys, delivering joy to underserved families across the Inland Empire.
“Davis’s expertise in community engagement, combined with her deep understanding of social issues, will be invaluable to Dameron Communications as the agency continues to expand its social media offerings and help clients connect with their target audiences in meaningful ways,” said Carl M. Dameron, president of Dameron Communications.
Dameron Communications is a diverse team of communications professionals founded in 1988. The agency offers a wide range of public relations, advertising, media research, community relations, and government relations services. Dameron Communications has a proven track record of success, and its work has won numerous awards and client accolades.
Dameron Communications is a full-service communications agency that combines unsurpassed relationships with proven advertising and public relations methods. The agency’s experienced professionals are dedicated to delivering winning and measurable results for its clients.
Brian Fraser New CFO at LaSalle Medical Associates
“LaSalle is poised to take advantage of great opportunities.” — Brian Fraser, CFO, LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — Brian Fraser has joined LaSalle Medical Associates as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Fraser brings more than 30 years of financial management experience, including more than 15 years as CFO of EPIC Management Services, where he worked alongside LaSalle’s current CEO, Duane Whittington.
“LaSalle has a long and rich history of serving patients in the community. I am thrilled to join LaSalle and look forward to working with Duane and Dr. Arteaga to advance the growth and diversification vision of the organization,” says Fraser.
Fraser will be a key part of the leadership team at LaSalle, working closely with Whittington and LaSalle’s founder, Dr. Albert Arteaga, on key strategic measures to expand LaSalle’s existing business and diversify into new and complementary lines of business.
Fraser brings a broad range of financial management experience to LaSalle, including public accounting, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing and cultural resource management. Fraser is a Certified Public Accountant and received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Redlands.
“LaSalle is excited to add yet another seasoned professional to our executive team as we position ourselves to expand LaSalle’s footprint,” said Dr. Albert Arteaga, MD, founder of LaSalle Medical Associates. Mr. Fraser’s history and experience will further support the organization’s vision and mission to deliver patient-centered care to all.
For more information, contact the LaSalle corporate office in Redlands by calling (909) 890-0407 or visiting their website, LaSalleMedicalAssociates.com.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 360,000 patients in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
“I get asked two questions all the time by all kinds of people: Am I going to retire and is LaSalle Medical for sale?” — Albert Arteaga, M.D.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — As the company looks forward to celebrating its 40th anniversary in June, the answer is “No,” says Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “We are the largest private, Hispanic-owned healthcare organization in the Inland Empire, and we are growing. Why would I want to stop?”
Dr. Arteaga opened his first solo practice with his wife Maria in Fontana in May 1984, after completing his pediatric residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Funding for LaSalle came from Operation Second Chance, a Small Business Administration program created to train people of color and fund business start-ups, led by civil rights pioneer Francis Grice.
From that humble beginning, LaSalle has grown, adding facilities and a network of specialists, to the point where today there are five open clinics, two in San Bernardino and one each in Fontana, Hesperia, and Rialto, with plans to reopen the Victorville location that had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. The practice employs more than 110 healthcare professionals.
“I would say that our crowning achievement is our emphasis on outreach, getting people to come in for regular checkups that focus on prevention,” says Dr. Arteaga. “Treating people who suffer from illness is fine, but being able to spot warning signs in advance and ensuring that patients don’t need to undergo more intensive and lengthy treatment is LaSalle’s priority.”
In 1995 Dr. Arteaga established the LaSalle Independent Practice Association (IPA), “…a business entity organized and owned by a network of independent physician practices.”
Today, the LaSalle IPA includes members in Southern California’s San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties, as well as Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Tulare counties in Central California. The LaSalle IPA serves more than 360,000 patients statewide.
LaSalle’s Corporate Headquarters in Redlands, CA
Dr. Arteaga goes on to say, “We recently changed our healthcare management services provider, hired a new CEO, Duane Whittington, eight months ago, and just added a brand new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Brian Fraser. They both left one of the Inland Empire’s biggest healthcare organizations to come to work for us at LaSalle.
“Duane and Bryan have relieved me of a lot of administrative responsibilities and freed me up to focus on future growth prospects.”
LaSalle’s expansion plans include growing the IPA. “Our Independent Practice Association helps doctors focus on treating their patients while we do the paperwork and negotiate contracts with insurance companies, and companies that provide medical services including imaging, blood testing, and other services. We make it easier for doctors to be doctors,” said Dr. Arteaga.
The IPA is expanding the number of doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants for current and future locations. “If you are looking for a career serving patients with The Gold Standard of Care, LaSalle is looking for you,” said Dr. Arteaga, who is also looking to grow the number of clinics through mergers and acquisitions.
Selling or retiring is not an option for Arteaga. “Most retirees go ahead and retire for one of two reasons—they’re either tired or there’s something else they want to do. In my case, neither of those apply. So, is LaSalle for sale? My answer is no!”
Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga, Founders of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to more than 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
BRIEF: 275 words
Is LaSalle Medical Associates for Sale?
Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
“I get asked two questions all the time by all kinds of people: Am I going to retire and is LaSalle Medical for sale?” — Albert Arteaga, M.D.
REDLANDS, CALIF. — As the company looks forward to celebrating its 40th anniversary in June, the answer is “No,” says Albert Arteaga, M.D., founder and president of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. “We are the largest private, Hispanic-owned healthcare organization in the Inland Empire, and we are growing. I don’t want to stop?”
Dr. Arteaga opened his first practice in Fontana in May 1984. Since then, LaSalle has grown, adding facilities and a network of specialists. Today, there are two clinics in San Bernardino and one each in Fontana, Hesperia, and Rialto, with plans to reopen the Victorville location that had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. LaSalle employs over 110 healthcare professionals.
“Our crowning achievement is our outreach program, getting people to come in for regular checkups that focus on prevention,” says Dr. Arteaga. “Treating sick people is fine, but being able to spot warning signs in advance so patients don’t need to undergo more intensive and lengthy treatment is LaSalle’s priority.”
In 1996 Dr. Arteaga established the LaSalle Independent Practice Association (IPA), a network of independent physician practices that reduces overhead while pursuing opportunities with employers, accountable care organizations and/or managed care organizations.
Dr. Albert and Maria Arteaga, Founders of LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc.
The LaSalle IPA serves more than 360,000 patients statewide. “Our IPA helps doctors focus on their patients while we do the paperwork and negotiate contracts with insurance companies and companies that provide medical services. We make it easier for doctors to be doctors,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Selling or retiring is not an option for Arteaga. “Most retirees go ahead and retire for one of two reasons—they’re either tired or there’s something else they want to do. In my case, neither of those apply. So, is LaSalle for sale? My answer is no!”
Little Sunshine Foundation Youth Ambassadors at a community outreach event on July 27, 2019. From left to right: Emma Hernandez, Marissa Lepe, Monique Vobecky, Emma Garcia, Kylee Vergo, Ema Perez.
The Little Sunshine Foundation’s Annual Casino Night Fundraiser is at the Glendora Woman’s Club on June 22, 2024, at 5 p.m.
GLENDORA, CALIF. — The Little Sunshine Foundation is a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. The Foundation provides low-income youth with the resources they need to improve their quality of life through literacy and sports programs. They also train young adults to reinvest in their community. The Foundation believes that every child deserves a little sunshine in their life.
The Sunshine Royale Casino Night fundraiser takes place on June 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the Glendora Woman’s Club in Glendora.
“We need your help preparing today’s youth to be the leaders of tomorrow and create a positive spirit of community service,” said Bianca Vobecky, Director of the Foundation.
Last year, the Foundation provided 500 backpacks filled with school supplies, sports equipment, new or gently used books and reading tools to improve reading proficiency, and $3,000 in Advanced Placement (AP) grants for select high schools to help parents pay the $98 AP test fee.
Bianca explained that if a student wants to take five AP class qualifying tests, it will cost them nearly $500. In some cases, parents may have to choose between buying food for their family or paying for AP test fees. The grants help to reduce the financial burden and allow more students the opportunity to pursue higher education.
Fourteen-year-old Monique Vobecky started the Little Sunshine Foundation in 2018. She has a lifelong passion for academics and sports and created the Foundation because she believes “that every child deserves a little sunshine in their life.”
Monique is now a junior at Harvard University majoring in pre-med and plans to become a neurosurgeon. Thanks to Zoom and FaceTime Monique is still actively involved in the Foundation. “You don’t have to be rich or old to make a difference,” said Bianca, Monique’s mom and the Foundation’s director.
Youth Ambassadors and Celebrities at Little Sunshine Foundation’s “An Afternoon of Jazz” fundraiser, Sept. 22, 1019. Front row from left to right: Emma Garcia, Emma Perez, Evelyn Luang, Emma Hernandez. Back row from left to right: Jay Vobecky, Giovanni Perez, Jennifer Long, Emile Lam, three-time Gold Medalist Leah O’Brien Amico, Monique Vobecky, Actor James Pickens Jr., Amanda Zurla, Gabrielle Braganza, Emily Millward, Kylee Vergo.
The Little Sunshine Foundation received the “Nonprofit of the Year” award in 2019 from the Glendora Chamber of Commerce. They continue to set an example for how local charities can improve their communities. Every year the Foundation’s programs provide financial assistance to approximately 2,000 students in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.
The fundraiser features casino-style excitement with favorites like blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, Texas Hold ’em, and live entertainment, a buffet dinner, and a dessert bar. For those that don’t play casino games, there’ll be Bingo where every number called is a chance to win a prize and support the Little Sunshine Foundation.
“This event is not just about the games; it’s a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together,” said Bianca.
“The Foundation is getting a lot of requests from schools and organizations that need our help. We do our due diligence and support the students who need our help. The Sunshine Royale event gives us the funds to continue our literacy, sports, and ambassador programs and take on these additional requests for support,” she continued.
Tickets are $100 per person and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit https://sunshineroyale.org to purchase tickets, make a tax-deductible donation, or learn more about sponsorship.
Youth Ambassadors, celebrities, and board members at Little Sunshine Foundation’s “An Afternoon of Jazz” fundraiser, Sept. 22, 1019. Front row from left to right: Emily Lam, Evelyn Luang, Emma Hernandez, Gabrielle Braganza, Emily Millward, Jennifer Long, Emma Perez, Amanda Zurla. Back row from left to right: Saxophonist Mark Allen Felton, Kylee Vergo, Yaned Busch, Marie Emile, Annette Palazuelos, three-time Gold Medalist Leah O’Brien Amico, Monique Vobecky, Christine Keith, Dominque Pere, Bianca Vobecky, Jerry Jefferson, Narisa Hernandez.
About the Little Sunshine Foundation
The Little Sunshine Foundation is a non-profit California corporation run entirely by volunteers. The organization’s mission is to provide underprivileged youth in the community the necessary resources to improve their quality of life through literacy and sports programs while also providing an avenue to train young adults on how to give back to their community. Monique Vobecky started the foundation in 2018 when she was just 14 years old because she believes “that every child deserves a little sunshine.”
The Foundation has three main programs: Literacy, Sports, and Youth Empowerment
“The Beautillion Knightsprogram guides young men to ensure that our youth are college-bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens,” said Social Lites spokesperson Marlene Davis.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. — The Social Lites, Inc. will award scholarships to deserving Black high school senior young men at its Beautillion Knights event on March 30 at Cal State San Bernardino. The Inland Empire nonprofit has provided scholarships for 54 years to young men attending college or technical school.
The 2024 Beautillion Knights are Ali Dphrepaulezz of Etiwanda High School; Daniel Rivera of Cajon High School; Destyn Maurice of Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy in Moreno Valley; Frank Cox III of Summit High School; Solomon Moore of Citrus Valley High School, Syncere Brackett of Centennial High School in Eastvale, Darvion McGee, The PAL Charter Academy in San Bernardino.
“College-bound 11th and 12th-grade students who are enrolled in the Beautillion Knights program participate in a five-month extracurricular program. During that time, they gain practical knowledge and experience that grounds them with lifelong foundations that benefit their academic and career success,” said Social Lites spokesperson Marlene Davis.
Subjects include leadership development, life skills, and health education. Mentor-tutors work with young men to develop their talents and skills, exposing them to real-world experiences that give them insights into how to solve problems and prepare themselves for success as career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive citizens.
“The program guides young men to ensure that our youth are college-bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens,” said Davis.
“The Social Lites organize weekly training sessions for their Knights and Court, which feature guest speakers who provide education on various important topics such as public speaking, dressing for success, resume writing, college applications, and business skills. The program also encourages Knights to participate in extracurricular academic activities, attend cultural events, engage in community service projects, and refine their social skills,” said Davis.
“We have given out approximately $4.5 million in scholarships to more than 500 college-bound local young men. We have seen young men transformed into responsible adults through our program over the years. We encourage you to meet with us at our weekly meetings held every Sunday in downtown San Bernardino,” said Davis.
“We encourage you to join us on March 30th for our 57th Annual Beautillion at Cal State University San Bernardino’s Student Union North. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with scholarship award presentations to our Knights starting at 7:00.”
Please contact Marlene Davis for more information at (909) 709-5502.
When youngsters get enough sleep, they are less impulsive, stressed, depressed, anxious, and aggressive, and can keep their cognitive functions working to their full capacity, like these award-winning young scholars. Shaila and Shiane Dameron are happy healthy LaSalle patients.
“Children and teens, especially, need adequate sleep for proper growth and development.” — Dr. Albert Arteaga
REDLANDS, Calif. — Sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being throughout your life, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “The quality of your waking hours largely depends on what happens while you’re asleep.”
“For proper growth and development, children and teens require 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Therefore, parents are encouraged to do their best to ensure that their children get enough rest,” said pediatrician Dr. Albert Arteaga, Chair of LaSalle Medical Associates, one of the Inland Empire’s largest private healthcare organizations.
Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, California now requires all high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. and an 8 a.m. or later start for middle schools this school year.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies show that pre-teens who slept less than nine hours per day had differences in brain structure and more problems with mood and thinking than those who got adequate sleep. Improving sleep leads to better mental health and behavior from pre-adolescence on.
NIH researchers “found that children in the insufficient sleep group at the start of the study had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who got sufficient sleep. These included impulsivity, stress, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior, and thinking problems.
“The children with insufficient sleep also had impaired cognitive functions such as decision-making, conflict-solving, working memory, and learning. Differences between the groups persisted at the two-year follow-up.”
After awakening, the body releases hormones that increase alertness. With developing pre-teens and teens, hormones act while sleeping in pulses that signal the body to release testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Those essential developmental hormonal pulses get bigger with the onset of puberty.
Adults as well as youngsters are subject to many of the same problems in the absence of adequate sleep. These problems include hunger control, responsiveness to insulin, a decline in physical activity, and what is known as metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions that increase one’s risk “…of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic and Dr. Arteaga suggest six ways to improve one’s sleep. First, stick to a regular schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. “For adults, seven hours is the minimum and eight is recommended,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Second, avoid eating large meals close to bedtime. Avoid midnight snacks and late-night alcohol. Nicotine is another no-no.
Third, the bedroom should be comfortably cool, dark, and quiet. “It is difficult to fall asleep after being exposed to blue-light-emitting sources like computers, smartphones, and other devices,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Fourth, “Napping during the daytime needs to be limited, as too many or too long naps will interfere with nighttime sleep,” said Dr. Arteaga.
Fifth, don’t be a couch potato. “It is recommended to engage in some form of physical activity every day. However, it is not advisable to exercise right before bedtime as it can be counterproductive,” said Dr. Arteaga.
And finally, learn to cope with stress and anxiety. “Rehashing daytime troubles is guaranteed to keep you from the restful sleep you need to cope with them the next day. You can use a notebook or planner to list things you need to pay attention to the next day and that lets your mind disengage from them at bedtime,” said Dr. Arteaga.
He added, “If you or your children are having sleep problems anyway, it’s a good idea to call your doctor and ask for a referral to a sleep specialist. They can suggest additional practitioners or prescribe medications to help.”
LaSalle Medical Associates, Inc. is one of the largest independent and Latino-owned healthcare companies in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The corporate office is in Redlands.
LaSalle is also an Independent Practice Association (IPA) of independently contracted doctors, hospitals, and clinics, delivering high-quality patient care to over 350,000 patients in Fresno, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Riverside, San Bernardino and Tulare counties.
“Dia” S. Poole will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at its Spring Commencement
San Bernardino, Calif. California State University, San Bernardino announced that Respondia “Dia” S. Poole will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at its Spring Commencement, scheduled for May 18.
Poole has spent her career in public service, serving in all three branches of California’s government and with the County of San Bernardino. She has combined that work with volunteer service on the CSUSB Alumni Association Board and on the CSU Alumni Council, where she has twice led as president and chaired the council’s government relations committee. She was named Cal State San Bernardino’s Alumni Advocate of the Year in 2008.
Poole credits her CSUSB bachelor’s degree, earned as a nontraditional student, for opening opportunities for meaningful state-level public service. Her acceptance into the prestigious California Capital Fellows program in Sacramento launched her career in California state government. She was a highly regarded senior policy consultant to two of the State Assembly’s presiding leaders. She received a gubernatorial appointment to deputy director of public affairs for the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the largest state civil rights agency in the nation.
Poole’s state service culminated as a senior legislative advocate for the Judicial Council’s Office of Governmental Affairs. Her efforts were particularly significant for the Inland Empire, where the Superior Courts of San Bernardino and Riverside counties are the most under-resourced in the state.
Poole’s volunteer service is equally impressive. She is known throughout the CSU system as a well-respected alumna whose unwavering volunteer leadership for more than 20 years has helped to strengthen the CSU degree, increase state and federal investments in students and academic programs, promote alumni engagement, and improve graduation rates.
Her record of extraordinary volunteer leadership for the betterment of her alma mater and its students is extensive. Underrepresented students often lack accomplished professional role models, which makes her involvement as an Alumna Professor for a Day, a panelist for the President’s Scholars Leadership Symposium, and her workshops across disciplines to encourage students to apply for the competitive California Capital Fellows program, especially impactful.
Dia also serves on the CSUSB Master of Public Administration advisory board, where she encourages public sector employees to enter the program. She also champions curricular developments that advance university, local government, and community-based partnerships.
As a member of the CSUSB Philanthropic Foundation Board’s Advocacy Committee, Poole joins the campus delegation annually in Sacramento and often in Washington, D.C. Her philanthropic support to the university is demonstrated by her legacy, or estate, gift to the university.
“My life was forever changed by CSUSB and the opportunities it opened up to me,” said Poole. “It is why I have continued to volunteer here on this campus and with the CSU at large. It is such a tremendous honor to receive this recognition. I know that a CSU degree can transform the lives of all Californians who enroll. And if you are a nontraditional student? Don’t let that stop you. CSUSB administrators, faculty, staff, and students value the professional and life experience you bring with you.”
“Conferring an honorary doctorate upon Dia, a double graduate of our university, in recognition of her profound impact and dedicated service to the people of California and the betterment of her alma mater would be a great honor for CSUSB,” said university President Tomás D. Morales.
Poole is a two-time CSUSB graduate, with a B.A. in business administration and information management (1990) and an M.A. in communications studies (2023).
