Local

LOS ANGELES, CA- Where can Inland Empire entrepreneurs go to learn how they can grow their business?  The CA Black Chamber of Commerce and Foundation has the answer during their annual Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit to take place at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott Hotel on August 21 to 23.

This year’s theme is “Fitting Pieces Together for Business Success”. The event opens with the First Women’s Symposium “Success Above the Glass Ceiling… Is It Real?” and welcome reception on Thursday and closes on Saturday with the Ron Brown Awards Gala honoring leaders in government, small business of the year, and chamber of the year.

Learn how to develop partnerships and contract with major suppliers in the public and private sector, as well as how to build wealth in minority communities. Non-profits can learn grant writing and non-profit funding strategies along with applied technology. Speakers for the weekend include Janice Bryant Howroyd, Founder and CEO of the ACT-1 Group; Cynthia Marshall, AT&T Senior Vice President-Human Resources; Lisa Cagnolatti, Vice President Business Customer Division, Southern California Edison; Carol H. Williams, CEO and Founder Carol H. Williams Advertising, Inc.; and Barbara Perkins, President, Iyanla Vanzant Enterprises. During the summit, youth entrepreneurs will learn how to identify alternative business opportunities and access capital for their business ideas.

For more information on the summit, visit www.calbcc.org or call BPC Media Works at 951.682.6070.

Wonderland Dreams shirt in Blue

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The Inland Empire has become a Mecca for the fashion industry. Local residents shop at specialty boutiques, attend fashion shows or begin careers as fashion designers. Paul Martinez, a San Bernardino resident, plans to be a leader in this movement with the launch of his clothing brand, Fresh Clinic, early next year.

Martinez  has been obsessed with fashion since his first day of college at UC Riverside. “I remember thinking that if I wanted to make myself presentable to employers in the fashion industry, then I better start taking my clothes more serious,” said Martinez.

As a new college graduate, Martinez struggled to find a job and fashion internships were competitive. Financial setbacks and the economy made Martinez a fashion entrepreneur. Fresh Clinic started as a blog for Martinez to express his love for fashion, but because of the weak job market it’s now become a business. Fresh Clinic combines urban and upscale clothing for a unique take on modern fashion.

Martinez embraces what his home, the Inland Empire, can bring to the table.

“I believe it is important to buy from local designers, hire local models and work with local professionals. The only way the Inland Empire will be competitive in this industry is if we work together and bridge the gap with professionals in Los Angeles,” said Martinez.

Martinez works with local graphic designer Luke Vicious, of Rialto, to design a collection of shirts.

“I have been following Luke for a few years as a fan of his art, but now it’s cool we are working together,” said Martinez.

Vicious has made his impression on the fashion industry for the past few years, and designs for Los Angeles brands StampdLA,

One Love shirt front

TISA and JoyRich.

As a young veteran in the fashion industry, Vicious is confident in Martinez’s future success.

“Paul is a great client to work with, being that his ideas have meaning behind them. It motivates me to do my best, and I see his graphics as works of art that tell a story. These original concepts will always stand out because they can’t be bought on a site or duplicated. This makes Fresh Clinic a rare, valuable brand because it keeps fashion traditions alive,” said Vicious.

Martinez also works with Amanda Pelaez, a graphic designer and graduate of Cal State San Bernardino.

“I like Amanda’s work because she is able to design the ideas I give her without needing much direction. She is definitely a self starter who does not waste time,” said Martinez.

Pelaez is excited about her work with Fresh Clinic. “Working with Paul has always been gratifying. He knows what he wants, and he tells you clearly & concisely. I look forward to the future of Fresh Clinic,” said Pelaez.

Martinez is hopeful for the future. He now has a job and is managing his own business.

“I learned to create opportunities for myself, instead of waiting for them to come my way. I encourage everyone, especially the youth in our communities, to do the same.”

Fresh Clinic’s goal for the community is to provide free fashion shows, fashion events and scholarships to Inland Empire residents.

“I want to give our people something to look forward to, to bring hope back into their lives. We all have a long road ahead, but the most important message is to never give up. I’m happy to say my team has no room for quitters.”

You may contact Fresh Clinic by email at FreshClinic@live.com. Visit the Fresh Clinic website at www.FreshClinicLife.com for updates on the brand and follow Fresh Clinic’s Creative Director on Instagram @freshclinicpaul.

Yolanda Holder

CORONA, CA – Last year Inland Empire resident and 2x Guinness World Record holder of “Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year”, Yolanda Holder, set foot on a trial of walking from Corona to the Bay Area. That prior year in 2012, she power walked 120 marathons by breaking her own record of 106 marathons in 2010.

The “Walking Diva” is set to break yet another record. On Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 31 she will be walking from Corona, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to spread the word about healthy living and the benefits of walking 30 minutes a day. This event will also be used as a fundraiser for the American Diabetes Association.

For those who would love to become corporate sponsors or would like to know more about Yolanda Holder and her campaign, visit www.yolandaholder.com.

Brittany Evans

RIVERSIDE, CA – While teens are surrounded by a world of social media, selfies and hashtags, one teen in Fontana is making a difference by breaking the mold of conformity. Her name is Brittany Evans, 18, and unlike most teens Brittany would rather be about her business than taking tons of pictures to show off to her friends. She not only has beauty and brains but she is the first in her family to become an inventor.

Her invention is called Sparkbudz (patent pending) it is an all new earphone in which you can magnetically attach and detach when you are alone or with a friend. “It’s a cool concept, I love it!” says Brittany. “Every day I wake up and thank God for such an amazing, witty invention”.

In addition to her building her brand, Ms. Evans is also finishing her education in communications at Riverside Community College. After completing her degree, her plans are to become a motivational speaker and mentor, and she is already getting a jump start through speaking engagements at her local church.

“I myself have been bullied, threatened and been back stabbed. I never want to see anyone go through what I have encountered”, Evans states.

Since then she has forgiven her enemies and works hard to fight against bullying.

She continues, “You don’t have to start a big campaign to fight against bullying. You can start off small by giving advice to a friend or peer who is being bullied, or ultimately by reporting it!:

The Sparkbudz inventor is giving back through her work that she currently does at her school in assisting others in their public speaking abilities. With her earnings that she makes, she donates 10 percent towards her tithes and offering and 80 percent towards her God given plan.

“God has blessed me tremendously to the point where I feel I don’t deserve it. I give not because I have to but because I want to,” Evans said.

For updates on Speakbudz, please follow @official_sparkbudz on Instagram.

ONTARIO, CA – As the dog days of summer come to an end and the regular summer swim season closes, San Bernardino County Regional Parks hosts its Doggie Pool-ooza event at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park in Ontario on Saturday, September 6th. During this annual event owners can bring their four legged pals, who have had to endure the summer in a fur coat, for one last dip in the cool pool.

The event is sponsored by the Rancho Regional Veterinary Hospital, the VCA Central Animal Hospital, and Ontario Spay and Neuter, who will be providing discounted nail trimming for $5 and $15 micro-chipping. The event will also include vendor booths, Li’l Dog Races and other contests, such as the K-9 Swimsuit Competition, Talent Show and Barking contest. There will be demonstrations on pet first-aid and a Humane Society workshop. Don’t miss the Disc Dogs Frisbee Show at 11:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.

If you don’t already have a pet, there will be on-site adoption opportunities from Animals R First Fund, Grey Save, Rescue Works!, Upland Animal Services, and Hope to Home for Cats. There will be a food truck area for all human attendees, including the Baby’s Bad-Ass Burgers, the Bakery Truck, California Grill Truck, Cousin’s Maine Lobster, and the Rolling Sushi Truck. To cool the humans off, Snowie’s California will have their shaved ice on sale including a syrup station to put your own flavors on the icy treat.

Friends of Regional Parks will there be collecting slightly used/clean blankets, bags of dry dog food, and other dog supplies to be donated to local pet shelters. Each item donated will enter participants into a drawing for fabulous pet prizes.

Canine participants must be six-months-old, have a current license and proof of up-to-date vaccinations, and must be on a six-foot leash when not in the pool.

Entry fee is $5 per person and $1 per canine participant, parking is free with admission. The event is on Saturday, September 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park. The park is located at 800 North Archibald Avenue, Ontario, Ca 91764. For more information call the San Bernardino Regional Parks Department at (909) 387-2461.

Avoid potential health hazards before hitting the books

Local families are scrambling to check off their back-to-school lists, buying supplies, clothes and more. But doctors say it’s important to add one more item to that list — a checkup for your child’s health. That’s why doctors at local American Family Care and AFC/Doctors Express centers have created the ABCs of Back to School Health.

“Making sure your child is up to date on immunizations and is physically fit for school can prevent a number of problems down the line,” said Dr. Bruce Irwin, CEO of American Family Care and AFC/Doctors Express, a local medical practice. “Our clinics offer back to school physicals and immunizations daily, and we’re open late, so busy families can fit a visit into their schedules.”

Athlete Awareness:  Heat-related illnesses often strike during summer/ fall sports prep. A recent study found that athlete heat death rates are rising with 18 deaths between 2005 and 2009, and 20-22 more since 2010. High school football players account for most of the deaths.

The National Athletic Trainers Association says athletes can do their part to stay healthy in the heat and avoid dangerous conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
•    Work slowly to build up endurance in hot situations.
•    Get plenty of sleep
•    Drink lots of fluids before, during and after workouts.
•    Quick cooling is key to preventing deaths; ice baths can save lives.

Better Backpack:  Heavy backpacks can strain kids’ muscles and can cause long term damage over a period of time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found the average sixth-grader carries a backpack weighing more than 18 pounds, with some reaching as much as 30 pounds. The academy recommends that backpacks weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of a child’s weight.

The AAP offers some tips for better backpacks.
•    Backpacks with shoulder straps and padded backs can better distribute the weight of a backpack. Make sure your child uses both shoulder straps on their backpack. Putting the entire weight of the backpack on one shoulder can strain muscles.
•    Organize your child’s backpack with heavier items close to the center of the back.
•    Use the available compartments to distribute items equally throughout the pack.
•    Rolling backpacks can be great for heavier loads, but your child must be able to carry it up the stairs or through inclement weather.

Clean Hands and Surfaces:  Since children are highly likely to be exposed to germs at school, here are some of the most common illnesses that strike children during the school year.
•    Meningitis and meningococcal disease
•    Influenza
•    Norovirus
•    MRSA (staph)
•    Pertussis (whooping cough)

Simple safety tips like regular hand washing and up-to-date immunizations can help prevent the spread of these infections. Local doctors say a back to school checkup can make sure your child is healthy enough for the school environment. A quick checkup offers a chance to catch up on vaccines, get a doctor’s note for necessary medications at school or get a sports physical.

(Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics, National Athletics Trainers Association, National Institutes for Health, Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, U.S. News and World Report)

Cities, water agencies collaborate to launch new web tool for IE residents

INLAND EMPIRE, CA -Nearly 20 water agencies and city governments across the Inland Empire have collaborated to launch iEfficient.com, a comprehensive water conservation website supported by a coordinated multimedia public outreach effort urging Inland Empire residents to end water waste.

At iEfficient.com, which went live today, visitors can connect to existing conservation resources and information about how to protect the region’s precious water supplies. Along with a mobile app under development, the site links users to their water providers and the water-saving rebates and programs available to them.

The regional effort will be supported by advertising in local media outlets and theaters, on billboards and buses, and through social media. The goal is to encourage and empower thousands of local residents and businesses to do their part to end water waste in the Inland Empire.

“Local cities and water agencies recognize just how important water conservation is to the vitality of our region,” said Bob Tincher, manager of water resources, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District. “That’s why we’re working together, and also why we need people all over the IE to help end water waste in their homes and yards. Our collaboration can set an example for the rest of the state.”

iEfficient.com is one way local agencies are meeting the state mandate to cut water use 20 percent by 2020. Due to historic drought conditions, Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency and asked all Californians to cut their water use by 20 percent. Real impacts are being felt across the state and the Inland Empire is no exception. Drought photos, news and information are also available on the site.

“This drought is not going away any time soon,” said Amanda Kasten, water conservation coordinator for West Valley Water District. “By making conservation a way of life we can secure our water resources now and in the future.”

To learn more about iEfficient and to do your part to end water waste today, visit iEfficient.com.

The Division of Environmental Health Service’s Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP) has reported multiple positive indicators for West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout San Bernardino County. WNV is a virus transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. MVCP has sentinel chicken flocks placed in various locations throughout San Bernardino County to detect WNV. If any sentinel chickens test positive for WNV, it means that the mosquito population in these areas are infected, increasing the possible risk of the public being infected. Chickens are not harmed by the virus. Two chickens from a sentinel flock in San Bernardino were reported to have tested positive for WNV.

Dead birds are another sign that WNV is present in an area. MVCP has reported one dead bird in each of the following cities: Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino and Upland.

In addition, a group of mosquitos collected for testing in Upland was reported to have tested positive for the virus. MVCP is taking steps to eliminate mosquito breeding hazards.

Those infected with West Nile fever may experience flu-like symptoms that can include fever, body aches, skin rash, and fatigue. In some individuals, West Nile fever can develop into a more serious form of the disease. If you have been bitten by mosquitoes and are experiencing these symptoms, contact your medical care provider.

Residents can protect themselves from WNV by following these tips:

• Drain or Dump – Remove all standing water around your property where mosquitos can lay eggs such as birdbaths, green swimming pools, ponds, old tires, buckets, flower pots, clogged gutters, or even puddles from leaky sprinklers.
• Dawn and Dusk – Avoid spending time outside when mosquitos are most active.
• Dress – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored.
• DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Doors – Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes to prevent mosquitos from entering your home.

If you see a dead bird, submit an online dead bird report on the California West Nile Virus Website at http://www.westnile.ca.gov or call the Dead Bird Hotline at 1-877-968-2473.

To learn more about West Nile Virus, visit http://www.cdc.gov/westnile. For more information or to report a green pool or mosquito breeding source, contact the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health Division of Environmental Health Services at (800) 442-2283 or visit our website athttp://www.sbcounty.gov/dph/dehs.

VICTORVILLE, CA- Companies needing to hire staff should register to take part in the August 13th High Desert Regional Job Fair in Victorville.The County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board is hosting the job fair which offers businesses the chance to meet, interview, and hire highly-qualified and experienced workers to fill full-time and part-time positions.

Last year, the event attracted more than 1,000 job seekers, ages 18 to 65. More than 380 job vacancies were offered in business sectors including warehousing, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, construction and hospitality.

The job fair, billed as “Local jobs for local residents” will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on Mariposa Road in Victorville; early registration starts at 9 a.m. Employers must book by August 11 to secure a free booth by calling MaryAnn Acuna at (909) 383-9932.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter was honored to present Ernest Carter II a scholarship to help him with his educational needs on May 25, 2014. Ernest is a graduate of Etiwanda High School and will be attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University this fall.  We are proud of his accomplishments and encourage him to continue on the educational path of his choosing.  We pray for his success in the future.