Former national Aikido Champion Sean Masiki Flynn is a judge and referee at the 2018 US National Championship Tournament in San Diego, at Mesa CollegeFriday through Sunday,July 27-29, 2018.
Inland Empire, Calif. Former national Aikido Champion Sean Masiki Flynnis a judge and referee atthe 2018 US National Championship Tournament in San Diego, at Mesa College Friday through Sunday, July 27-29, 2018.
Aikido seminars and workshops are all day Friday, and kyogi (competition) begins on Saturday and Sunday.
The competition will be comprised of the usual events: Individual Randori (men and women); Embu(junanahon empty-handed); Black Belt Embu (junanahon with tanto); Koryu Goshin no Kata Embu (all ranks); and Freestyle Embu (all ranks) Kongodantaisen (under the new modified format)
Participants are responsible for their own lodgings and food (except the award banquet). The cost to compete are: $100 for TAA Members, $120 for non-members and $20 for awards banquet at 6:00pm on Sunday July 29th.
Tomiki Aikido of the Americas, Inc. (TAA) was established in 1990 to promote the practice of Professor Kenji Tomiki’s system of sport Aikido.
The organization brings together Aikido clubs in North, South and Central America with publications,newsletters, seminars, and competitions. They also coordinate activities with other national and international Aikido organizations.
Flynn is 4th degree black belt in the Japanese martial art of Aikido. He is direct student of world champion Robert Dziubla (8th dan). He received additional extensive training in Japan under grand masters Tetsuo Nariyama (9th dan), Fumiaki Shishida (8th dan), and Kenshi Uno (7thDan).
The dan (段) ranking system is used by many Japanese organizations and Korean martial arts to indicate the level of one’s ability within a certain subject matter.
Championships won by Flynn include: Overall National Champion (forms plus full-contact), 2014; National Forms Champion, 2008; Full-contact runner up, 2006 U.S. National Aikido Tournament; Aikido full-contact champion, 2005 Arnold Battle of Columbus; and National Forms Champion, 2002
A former coach, five of Flynn’s students—Robyn Millan, Jack McKenna, Janine Parziale, Jeff Stickle, and Tiffany Doan—have won U.S. national championships in either forms or sparring. He is also a member of the Tomiki Aikido of the Americas Board of Directors.
Flynn is also running for Congress in the 31st Congressional District in San Bernardino California. Flynn lives in Redlands CA.
by Sean Flynn
Inland Empire residents know from painful experience that America faces an unacceptable level of gun violence. Whether at a workplace in San Bernardino a high school in Palmdale, or in Santa Fe, Texas, far more needs to be done to prevent these tragedies.
As we discuss our options, I would like to point out that there are at least five common-sense solutions that can be enacted immediately to help safeguard students and schools from a repeat of the tragedy in Palmdale. You have probably never heard of them because the political parties have gone to polar extremes and are more interested in finger pointing than proven solutions.
Our fundamental problem is that students and schools have been left defenseless. It wasn’t always like that. When I was growing up in the 1980s and attending junior high and high school in the gang-plagued Los Angeles Unified School District, we had metal detectors to stop students from bringing weapons (both knives and guns) onto campus. It worked and metal detectors are something that we now as a society embrace at airports, concerts, and government buildings.
We need to place metal detectors in schools once again. Nobody should be able to walk casually onto campus with a firearm and shoot children.
Let’s also embrace more recent prevention technologies. Consider the Salto electronic door locks that the Loma Linda Unified School District just installed at every one of its schools.
Each principal in the district now has a mobile app that allows them to lock down their entire campus in just eight seconds if there’s an emergency. Some might object to the $1.4 million cost, but this proven technology comes out to just 8 cents per student per day. That’s a bargain by any measure, especially so when considering how infinitely precious our children are.
Another proven lifesaver is the ShotSpotter acoustical gunshot detection and location system, which uses ordinary microphones to detect and locate gunfire. Within seconds, it can detect that firearms have been discharged, tell authorities the location to within 10 feet, and even tell them if there was more than one shooter.
ShotSpotter is used by more than 90 cities around the world and is credited by the San Francisco Chief of Police with helping to reduce both gun crime and homicides by fifty percent over the past 10 years. We need ShotSpotter at every school in America and in the neighborhoods that surround them.
Fences and metal detectors are the first line of defense. ShotSpotter lets authorities know when something has gone wrong. And Salto allows for instant lockdown. But we must also have trained professionals on site at every school ready to engage and disable if a shooter manages to get past the fences and metal detectors.
So I once again recommend proven solutions. The schools I attended back in the 1980s had armed police officers patrolling the halls and walking the perimeter. They were some of the nicest adults I ever met, but their purpose was simple and meaningful: If anyone tried to harm me, they would stop them…dead if necessary.
Society, of course, also needs to seriously reconsider how it deals with the violently mentally ill and to have a serious talk about the best ways of restricting potential predators from gaining access to firearms. Both of those debates will be heated, but both sides should consider a new type of restraining order that can deny firearms to potential shooters.
It’s called a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) and it allows family members and others who are close to a disturbed individual to present real evidence—such as screen shots of social media posts or copies of diary entries—to a local judge who can then issue a 21-day restraining order that allows the police to temporarily deny weapons to the disturbed individual.
California’s GVRO law went into effect in 2018, but California is one of just five states to allow for GVROs. Other states should consider adopting GVROs and citizens should be made aware that GVROs are an important option for those living with potential predators.
The best fence is the one that’s never breached, the best metal detector is the one that’s never set off, and the best Salto system is the one that’s never activated. But until we can 100% deny weapons to the violently mentally ill, we need all of them, as well as ShotSpotters, school police, and GVROs. They are proven, practical, cost effective and would make another Palmdale much less likely. I hope we implement each of them as soon as possible. Our children must be protected.
I live in Redlands. I am a recognized economist, business owner, educator,and Board member on the San Bernardino County Employees’ Retirement Association. I am also the author of the best-selling book Economics for Dummiesand the coauthor of the world’s best-selling college textbook, Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies.
Mail in ballots were sent out on May 9th., and rumors say voters must add two stamps to their ballots.
Ialand Empire, CALIF.- People who vote by mail are accustomed to using one stamp to send in their ballots, but there’s a rumor circulating that this June the ballot is larger than usual, and that extra weight requires an additional stamp.
Mail in ballots were sent out by the San Bernardino Registrar of Voters on Wednesday, May 9th, and will start arriving as early as May 10th, so knowing what to do is important.
“We checked with the San Bernardino Registrar of Voters, and according to their office each ballot will have instructions that will let you know if you need to use one or two stamps,” said Flynn, candidate for the 31st Congressional District.
He added, “Of course to be sure, you can always use two stamps.”
“I encourage every vote by mail constituent to review the issues and candidates carefully, then complete their ballot early, and mail it to the San Bernardino Registrar of Voters office,” said Flynn.
If you have questions about the voting process or the location of your polling place go to: The San Bernardino County Registrar of Votersat SBCountyElections.com. You can also call (800) 881-VOTE (8683) or (909) 387-8300.
Sean Flynn is running for the 31st Congressional District representing all or portions of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Rialto.
The primary election is on Tuesday, June 5, with the top two vote recipients advancing to the General Election on Tuesday, November 6.
Inland Empire, Calif. The Inland Empire Tax Payer’s Association host the first Congressional Candidates Forum for the 31st District moderated by local news reporter and KCAA Radio’s Joe Lyons. Candidates Republican Sean Flynn and Democrat Kaiser Ahmed have confirmed their attendance. As of this writing Democrat Pete Agular is invited but has not confirmed his attendance.
The forum is Wednesday, May 30thfrom 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.in Rancho Cucamonga at the Lions East Community Center, 9191 Baseline Road.
“The goal of the candidate’s forum is to give voters an opportunity to hear the positions of each candidate and ask them questions. Come ready with your questions,” said Lyons.
While touring at Kelley Space in San Bernardino, Sean Flynn candidate for the 31st Congressional District looks at the machines cylinder used in pulley systems that helps electricians perform their job more safely. Flynn toured 31st district businesses to learn more about their companies and what they need from government. Sean Flynn is on the left and in the front right is Mike Gallo Presdient of Kelly Space.
“The same issues came up repeatedly: overregulation, high healthcare costs, tax reform, high workers compensation rates, and burdensome, confusing labor laws that add cost and hurt worker productivity,” said Flynn.
Rancho Cucamonga, CALIF.- Economist, jobs expert, academic, and congressional candidate Sean Flynn had a busy week meeting with local small business owners during National Small Business Weekto learn about the needs of businesses in the area and how our government can serve them better.
“California does not have a business-friendly environment, which is why it is so important for me to hear from small business owners who are working hard to run successful companies in San Bernardino County. We are going to work together to find solutions to the problems that confront them daily,” said Flynn, candidate for the 31st Congressional District.
Small businesses make up a large part of the economy. According to the Small Business Association (SBA) more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and these businesses create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
“I recently met with San Bernardino County small business owners. We talked about their concerns about our current business environment, and the major issues that are impacting them,” said Flynn. “The same issues came up repeatedly: high healthcare costs, overregulation, tax reform, high workers compensation rates, and burdensome, confusing labor laws that add cost and hurt productivity.”
Business leaders joining the discussion included: Denny Shorett owner of Crown Connect, a 40 year old printing company in San Bernardino, Fontana’s California Recyclersowner Cristina Valle-Parke, California Financial Plannersowner Rich Crean from San Bernardino, and Account Executive M’liss Silva with City News Group, which has six publications in the Inland Empire.
Sean Flynn candidate for the 31st Congressional District Cristina Valle-Parke, owner of California Recyclers in Fontana. Flynn toured 31st district businesses to learn more about their companies and what they need from government.
Flynn also sponsored a free jobs workshop in Rancho Cucamonga. The workshop helped local high school and college students create job winning resumes, fill out job applications that will make them stand out from their competitors, and practice successful interview skills.
The jobs workshop was lead by Karina Anderson from Employment Means Success, a local nonprofit dedicated to finding qualified people jobs. Flynn is a co-founder of the non-profit and is vice president of the board of directors.
In addition to these events, Flynn visited local businesses. He toured California Recyclersin Fontana, Valley Resource Center’s San Bernardino County branch in Fontana, Flamingo Palms Cuban Cafeserving Caribbean Cuisine in Rancho Cucamonga, Angel Jewelersin Rancho Cucamonga, and local chopped salad franchise Chop Stop, owned by Kelley Choi in Rancho Cucamonga.
The tours continued with Flynn touring Kelly Spaceand Technology with President Mike Gallo, and Technical Employment Trainingin San Bernardino, which provides manufacturing trades education and hands-on machinist skills training to prepare students for National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials.
At each stop, Flynn got to sit down and talk with the owners about the issues they face while doing business in San Bernardino County.
“This is just part of my meetings with local business owners. It was exciting to celebrate Small Business Week, and I will continue to stay connected with business owners small, medium and large. I celebrate the successes of local businesses and support them daily,” said Flynn.
Sean Flynn is running for the 31st Congressional District representing all or portions of Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Grand Terrace, Colton, and Rialto.
Flynn gained national attention as the best-selling author of Economics for Dummies. He is also coauthor of the world’s best-selling college textbook, Economics: Principles, Problems, and Policies. An avid martial arts enthusiast, Flynn is also a former U.S. National Aikido Forms Champion and has coached five of his students to U.S. National Aikido titles.
The primary election is on Tuesday, June 5, with the top two vote recipients advancing to the General Election on Tuesday, November 6.
Haven Fair plays the mysterious Erik, the Phantom of Opera. in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Phantom of the Opera” running August 26 – September 24, 2017 in Redlands.
(Redlands. Calif.) The popular and suspenseful tale of the mysterious Phantom comes to LifeHouse Theater in a new original musical. “Guests will witness young Christine’s rise to fame in the opera world, thanks to the schemes of the ominous Phantom, who seeks to win her heart. Sinister plots abound amidst comedic moments and tragic situations based on the original classic novel, “said Jeff DeWitt, General Manager of LifeHouse Productions, Inc.
Performances begin Saturday, August 26, at 7:30 PM and will continue on weekends through September 24. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:15 PM (except Opening Night) and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 2:15 PM. A special Throwback Thursday evening performance, with special pricing, is September 21 at 7:30 PM. The performance on Friday, September 8, at 7:30 PM also feature an interpreted presentation for the deaf.
Pierre (John Griffith) attempts to convince Raoul (Jordan Crother) that the Phantom is a hoax, unaware of the lurking figure watching them (Haven Fair) in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Phantom of the Opera” (August 26 – September 24, 2017). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]
“It was a daunting challenge to adapt this epic story for the stage, especially since many versions have been produced,” said LifeHouse President Wayne R. Scott, who wrote and directed this new musical. “I found that by staying true to the novel written by Gaston Leroux, there is an amazing tale to be told with fresh and redemptive angles audiences have come to appreciate in our productions.”
“All the experience and expertise Wayne has had as a storyteller are put on display in this musical,” said DeWitt. “There is so much more to the story that is brought out in our production. Guests are in for a real treat.”
Scott has teamed with professional television music composer Zach Marsh, who has worked with him in creating the contemporary score, lyrics and orchestration. Scott’s production staff includes assistant director Chris Hallenbeck, choreographers Jennifer M. DeWitt and Tai Dooley, music directors Sarah Pearce and Jeremy Yeo and costume designer Machir Lakofka. Scenic design is by Vincent Martinucci.
This new musical adaptation features a cast of more than thirty performers from all over the Inland Empire.
Raoul (Jordan Crother) presents a flower to Christine (Autumn Manson) backstage after her performance in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Phantom of the Opera” (August 26 – September 24, 2017). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]
The Players includes Haven Fair plays Erik, the Phantom of the tale. Autumn Manson plays Christine Daae and Jordan Crother plays Raoul. The production also features Diana Handy as Carlotta Guidicelli, John Griffith as Pierre Dubois, Lilly Spencer as Meg Giry, Dave Hurley as Armand Moncharmin, Rich Lampe as Firmin Richard, Duane Crother as Gerrard Sorelli, Nick Diliberto as Commissioner Mifroid and Priscilla George as Madame Giry.
The bombastic Carlotta (Diana Handy) takes center stage away from Christine (Autumn Manson) who is comforted by her friend Meg (Lilly Spencer) in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Phantom of the Opera” (August 26 – September 24, 2017). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]
“Phantom of the Opera” concludes LifeHouse Theater‘s 23rd season. The new 24th season has been announced with money-saving season passes now on sale at the LifeHouse Box Office.
Advance ticket prices are $18 or $24 for adults and $9 or $12 for children ages 3-11 (no children under 3 are admitted) and can be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling (909) 335-3037. Tickets are available online at boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Guests are encouraged to reserve seats early as performances do sell out.
The LifeHouse theater is in Redlands at 1135 N. Church St. in, next to the Redlands Christian School. Free parking is available in back of the theater. More information call (909) 335-3037 or visit the website at www.lifehousetheater.com.
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Calendar Brief Lifehouse Theater Presents The World Premiere Musical “Phantom Of The Opera”
The popular and suspenseful tale of the mysterious Phantom comes to LifeHouse Theater in a new original musical of “Phantom of the Opera” staring Haven Fair as the Phantom and Christine Daae as the object of the Phantoms affections. The musical runs weekends starting Saturday, August 26, at 7:30 PM through September 24. For tickets or for more information call (909) 335-3037 or visit the website at www.lifehousetheater.com.
Paul Bennet practices emergency communications at a previous SATERN field day. During the event Ham Radio operators practice to provide the Inland Empire with communications during a disaster.
Yucaipa, Calf. – The Salvation Army Emergency Service Satern Amateur Radio Network Field Day will be June 25-26, beginning at 11 am Saturday and running through 11am. Sunday, at Yucaipa Community Park located at 34900 Oak Glen Road Yucaipa, CA 92399.
The event is sponsored by the Salvation Army Emergency Service of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Experienced local amateur radio operators will be at the event to mentor and provide instruction on radio operation in a disaster. Various amateur radio project demonstrations and displays will also be available.
“Field Day is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. More than 35,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups, or simply with friends to operate from remote locations,” said Major Daniel Henderson.
Field Day is part educational event, part operating event, and part public relations event. The goal is to put together a self-sufficient, working radio stations. quickly and begin making as many contacts as possible in a 24-hour period. The operators simulate emergency conditions, operating portable equipment on emergency power with temporary antennas.
Often called “ham radio,” the Amateur Radio Service has been around for a century. In that time, it has grown into a worldwide community of licensed operators using the airwaves with every conceivable means of communications technology.
Ham radio members range in age from youngsters to grandparents. Even rocket scientists and a rock star or two are in the ham ranks. Most, however, are individuals who enjoy learning and being able to transmit voice, data and pictures through the air to unusual places, both near and far, without depending on commercial systems.
The Amateur Radio frequencies are the last remaining place in the usable radio spectrum where individuals can develop and experiment with wireless communications. Hams not only can make and modify their equipment, but can create whole new ways to do things.
Amateur radio has been called into action again and again to provide communications in crises when it really matters. Amateur radio people are well known for their communications support in real disaster and post-disaster situations.
The Salvation Army Emergency Service has been effective in establishing emergency communications nets during floods, hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and other major disasters. It’s a way to communicate in an emergency, even with a loss of electricity or cellphone service.
Whether you are a licensed amateur radio operator or just interested in learning more about amateur radio, come and visit the Salvation Army Satern field operation for ARRL Field Day on June 25 and 26. There is no charge to attend.
For more information on how to find a wood floor refinishing new york company call Contact: Jan Pettit, Field Day Chairman at (951) 487-8118.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army provides emergency services including food, lodging for homeless or displaced families, and single women; clothing and furniture; and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) 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. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
The Corporate Advocate has moved from Rancho Cucamonga to Ontario. To attend the Grand Opening or for more information call, 909 484-4203 or go to: http://www.tcacorp.com/ The Corporate Advocates team Left to right: Matthew Ditty, Vendor Relations, Dustin Garbaciak, Social Media Director, Linda Gellis, Director of Agent Support, Oasis Flores, Hanssel Felix, General Manager, Christine Morales, Customer Service, Wendy Clements, Client Relations Manager, Jenniffer Jerez, Business Development, Mark Munoz, Accounting Manager, Jessica Sanchez, Partner, Ray Blom, COO, Nick Sanchez, CEO, Anthony Hernandez, Business Development, Giselle Carmona, Client Service, Cesia Gonzalez, Customer Service, Chris Blom, Partner, Joy Sanchez, Partner.
Ontario, Calif. – The Corporate Advocate has moved from Rancho Cucamonga to Ontario. The newly renovated, 6,000 square foot offices are near the Ontario Auto Center. Their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is Thursday April 21, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at 1455 Auto Center Drive Suite 125, Ontario, CA 91761.
The Corporate Advocate, and its family of companies, has grown to serve more than 200 client companies nationwide representing more than $800 million in annual payroll.
The Corporate Advocate is going all out hosting the event. The Grand Opening catering comes from the famous In-N-Out truck and San Antonio Winery servicing their guests of business leaders, business owners, community leaders, elected officials and other dignitaries.
The Grand Opening includes four ribbon-cuttings with the Ontario, Eastvale, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana chambers of commerce and tours of the new offices. The Corporate Advocate’s offices include a video production studio, a training facility and large reception area.
During the festivities, the training room will host speakers addressing interesting solutions to common business problems.
“We invite our guests to learn more about how The Corporate Advocate’s co-sourcing model improves employee management, reduces costs and increase productivity for small, medium and large businesses,” said CEO and founder Joey Sanchez.
Sanchez established The Corporate Advocate in the 1980s as a tax and accounting firm. After the great recession of 2008, Sanchez, the Chief Executive Officer and founder, partnered with Ray Blom the Chief Operating Officer, to work towards a common vision of supporting and educating business nationwide.
“Our vision was, and still is, to help businesses, large or small, stay alive through the right mixture of great insurance plans and employee management services. An excellent solution is the Collaborative Co-sourcing model of employee management,” said Blom.
Blom expressed that “52 percent of business start-ups fail in the first five years of opening their doors. This is something that we can change in the Inland Empire with the right management tools and employee services. Small Business is the backbone of our economy, and we are dedicated to help small businesses be successful well beyond the five-year mark,” said Blom.
“Regulation and compliance on employers is becoming more complicated and difficult to handle. We cannot let that be a barrier to entry for any new businesses. The Corporate Advocate’s goal is for each management team to know exactly what they are getting into and exactly how to handle it,” said Sanchez.
The Corporate Advocate’s family of business includes:
JS Platinum – Provides companies, small and large, with Business Insurance – Running a business involves a significant investment. Their business insurance experts help protect your investment by minimizing financial risks associated with unexpected events such as an injured employee, a lawsuit, or a natural disaster with the right coverage at the right price.
TCA Business Services – Provides employers with backend services for by taking on the bothersome tasks of Payroll administration, Payroll Tax filings, Workers’ Compensation, Claims Management and Employee Safety. TCA realizes that Small Business owners do not have the ability or desire to effectively deal with these challenges.
TCA Incentives – Helps employers recruit and hire new employees, while bringing them money to do it! These guys help you take advantage of government money that is available to employers for hiring and training new employees. They’re so confident they can help that they don’t get paid until you do!
To attend The Corporate Advocate’s Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting or for more information call, 909 484-4203 or go to: http://www.tcacorp.com/
About The Corporate Advocate
The Corporate Advocate is made up by a family of divisions that is able to offer their unique business solutions independently of each other or as a customizable solution. The Corporate Advocate helps businesses identify and capture available Government Funds and Tax Credits and to help identify, negotiate and secure government incentives. Their ability to capitalize on innovative business programs, cost cutting services and customizable programs has made them one of the most respected and diverse business solutions providers in the markets they serve.
Calendar Brief The $800 MillionCorporate Advocate Moves to Ontario – Host Grand Opening
Ontario, Calif. – The Corporate Advocate has moved from Rancho Cucamonga to Ontario. The newly renovated 6,000 square foot offices are near the Ontario Auto Center. Their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting is Thursday April 21, 2016 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at 1455 Auto Center Drive Suite 125, Ontario, CA 91761.
The Grand Opening catering comes from the famous In-N-Out truck, and San Antonio Winery to serve their guests of business leaders, business owners, community leaders, elected officials and other dignitaries.
To attend or for more information call, 909 484-4203 or go to: http://www.tcacorp.com/
(San Bernardino, CA) – Carl Dameron, president of Dameron Communications, has been nominated for recognition in the Fourth Annual Spirit of the Entrepreneur awards sponsored by California State University, San Bernardino.
The award honors local business people who have overcome challenges and given back to their community.
“I am honored to be considered for this award,” Dameron said. Dameron said he also appreciates how this awards program promotes an awareness of entrepreneurship among the Inland Empire’s youth.
“They need to realize there are successful professionals who live right down the street from them,” he said.
Dameron, 47, established Dameron Communications in 1989 after a marketing campaign for his former employer, AutoSound, increased that company’s profits by 250 percent. Despite his marketing success, Auto Sound was not able to keep Dameron on the payroll, so he parlayed that success into a business that has helped many other companies and non-profit organizations reach new customers.
Dameron has also worked as a journalist before, both on radio and newspaper. That experience still helps him in dealing with media.
“I see things with a journalist’s eye,” he said.
Some of Dameron’s earliest customers were in the automotive business, and while he has had large corporations as clients, today’s clients include non-profit organizations that pay a reduced rate. Dameron doesn’t charge them full price because he believes they are performing important services for the community.
For instance, the African-American Health Initiative promotes that African Americans in San Bernardino County will die, on average, 13 years before those of other races. The average African-American man in this county will not live to see his 56th birthday.
As the father of two young girls, Dameron does not want to be part of that statistic.
“I want to see my daughters graduate from high school,” he said. “I want to walk them to the altar on their wedding days.” Dameron also is an event producer.
The largest event he is involved with is the Inland Empire Diversity Job Fairs, and he assists the Inland Empire African-American Chambers of Commerce in bringing these to various San Bernardino and Riverside County locations. In the 14 years, they have helped thousands of residents find jobs close to home.
“People should be able to work where they live,” Dameron said. “The job fairs help local employers meet face to face with local people.”
Even though Dameron has recently started another business, 909Models.com, his workforce is still small, with just four full-time employees. The employees keep busy all day, and are talented at what they do, freeing them to concentrate on increasing business.
“I hire good people and stay out of their way,” he said. Frank Doughton, an account executive with the Riverside Press-Enterprise, nominated Dameron for this award.
“Carl has done so much, with his agency, the job fairs, starting 909Models.com and his agency,” Doughton said. “He has been out there, taking the risks, and I just think it’s time he got some recognition.”
Michael Stull, director of the Inland Center for Entrepreneurship, started this recognition program soon after coming to CSUSB in 2002. His university began the program with assistance from the Press-Enterprise, which continues to be a co-sponsor. Other sponsors this year include Arrowhead Credit Union, Citizens Business Bank, Citibank, Inland Empire National Bank, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Varner Saleson and Brandt LLP, Soren McAdam Christenson LLP, Family Business Partnership, Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, Glencrest Investment Advisors, the Riverside Convention Center, Wilkin Guge Marketing, KVCR, KTIE, and Milestone Media.
Stull said this program not only promotes awareness of the Center for Entrepreneurship but also provides role models to CSUSB students interested in starting their businesses.
“Students need to know about the great things people are doing right here,” he said.
The deadline to nominate an entrepreneur is Aug. 15. To do so, go to www.inlandspiritawards.com
For more information, call Stull at (909)) 537-3708
Former national Aikido Champion Sean Masiki Flynn is a judge and referee at the 2018 US National Championship Tournament in San Diego, at Mesa CollegeFriday through Sunday,July 27-29, 2018.
