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The County of Riverside Commission for Women is accepting nominations for its 2015 Woman of the Year and Young Lady of the Year awards. The awards are bestowed upon an outstanding woman and young lady in each supervisorial district who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the community by working to improve the status of women, young ladies and families within Riverside County.

The Young Lady of the Year participants must be 10 to 18 years of age. Nominations may be submitted by U.S. mail, email or fax.

Nomination applications are due no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 6 and should be as detailed as possible. To be considered:

1. Nominee must reside/work/attend school in the supervisorial district of Riverside County for which she is nominated.
2. Nomination must outline the areas in which the nominee has made an important and noticeable contribution to her community as a leader who helped make Riverside County a better place for women and/or young ladies to reach their full potential.
3. Nomination must explain the areas in which the nominee has gained the respect of her peers. Is she often called upon for advice, mentoring or decisions in these areas? Is she willing to help?
4. Nominee may have been recommended for a specific achievement, program, project, cumulative volunteerism or professional achievements that demonstrate her impact on the lives of the women and families in Riverside County for the better.

Current members of the County of Riverside Commission for Women are ineligible for nomination. Nominations will be reviewed by distinguished Riverside County leaders and the name of each award winner will be forwarded to the Commission for Women. Each winner will be selected based on her work to bring about social and economic change, promote women’s equality, serve as an outstanding role model to women and girls, work on behalf of women’s issues or outstanding performance within her profession to further advocate women’s rights and improve the status of women in Riverside County.

Award winners will be notified and awards will be presented at the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 14 at 9 a.m. The Board’s meeting chambers is at 4080 Lemon St. in Riverside, first floor.

Nominations may be submitted by mail to: County of Riverside Commission for Women

Attention: Sundae Sayles

2015 Woman of the Year & Young Lady of the Year

4080 Lemon St., 7th Floor

c/o Human Resources

Riverside, CA 92501

Faxed nominations may be sent to (951) 955-3479 and email nominations should be sent to CFWEMAIL@rivcocfw.com. For more information, go to www.rivcocfw.com.

Loma Linda University Health will announce a new partnership with Zipcar, one of the world’s leading car sharing networks, to offer a Zipcar car sharing program on campus.  The new program will be launched on Wednesday, January 7, noon, on campus in front of Magan Hall, where two of the new vehicles will be showcased.  The event will feature a large group of curious staff and students, brief remarks from officials, and computerized sign ups, in which the first 100 individuals will receive free one-year memberships.

The convenient transportation option will be available at an affordable rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for students, faculty, and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community ages 21 and over.

Loma Linda University Health will initially offer two vehicles, a Toyota Prius and a Ford Focus. The Zipcars will have designated parking spots located in a campus lot near the southwest intersection of Anderson and Mound streets (lot P) for convenient pick-up and return.  Zipcars will be available on-demand and easily reserved and accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This year, Loma Linda University Health students, faculty, and staff can join for $25, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting as low as $7.50 per hour and $69 per day.  After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $35. Gas, insurance, and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days.  Loma Linda University students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at www.zipcar.com/llu.

“Loma Linda is pleased to partner with Zipcar to help reduce the number of cars on campus by giving students, staff, patients, and community members mobility without the need for car ownership,” said Richard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, Loma Linda University Health President.  “Zipcar is becoming a popular option on campuses across the country.  We believe this resource will help us continue to make our campus a more pedestrian and bike friendly place; it fits well with our culture of wholeness.  Some students and others who don’t own cars will no longer need to buy a car when they move to Loma Linda. Enjoy the Zipcar convenience!”

Participating members with smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, will be able to  download the Zipcar mobile application to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles, and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle.  They will also be able to make reservations over the phone or on Zipcar’s website.

“Together with Loma Linda University Health, we’re enabling this next generation of drivers to experience a new generation of cars and transportation in a way that is both convenient and cost-effective, not to mention fun,” said Katelyn Lopresti, general manager for Zipcar University.

Zipcar has established relationships with more than 400 universities across North America. For more information and to learn how to become a member of Zipcar at Loma Linda University Health, please visit www.zipcar.com/llu.  Additional information and promotions can also be found by following @ZipcarU on Twitter.

Alejandre taking Administration of Oath led by Mr Mark Sumpter, President, S B County Board of Education
(Photo by John Coleman)

SAN BERNARDINO, CA-Ted Alejandre took the oath of office becoming San Bernardino County’s 34^th superintendent during a ceremony today at the National Orange Show. Alejandre pledged to form a team among educators, stakeholders, community members and education partners to further academic opportunities for the more than 411,000 students who attend public school in San Bernardino County.

“Together, we will transform lives through education in our county,” Alejandre said.

About 500 community members, family, staff and dignitaries attended the oath of office ceremony. Alejandre was sworn into office by Mark Sumpter, president of the County Board of Education. Starting his career with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools office in 2008 as the assistant superintendent of Business Services, Alejandre brings more than 25 years of experience in public education to his new role as county superintendent. Alejandre is the first-ever Hispanic to serve in the position. Alejandre, who is a native of San Bernardino County, has worked in the Rialto, San Bernardino and Yucaipa-Calimesa school districts as a teacher, principal and administrator, prior to his stint with County Schools.

SPEAKERS

Michael & Regina Winans

Men ‘Only’ Session:
Facilitator:
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Alpha Alpha Chapter

Women ‘Only’ Session:
Facilitator:
Nekisha-Michelle Kee, MSW
(Relationship Expert & Urban Matchmaker and TV Personality)

‘Work family balance and healthy conflict resolution for Married and Couples’:
Facilitator:
Letitia Clark, MPP

‘Depression among Divorced and Widowed’:
Facilitator:
Dr. La Grande Mason

‘Stigma around being Single’:
Facilitator:
Dr. Aesha Roberts

‘Minority Owned Business (e.g. funding, programs, etc.)’:
Facilitator:
Baron Kevyn Jerome Nelson

‘Debt Reduction Strategies’:
Facilitator:
Coach Chris

‘Community Awareness: State of Black America’:
Moderator:
Bert Wright

Panelists:
Dr. E. Lance McCarthy
Kareem Muhammad
Juanita Hamilton

Jewel Diamond Taylor, Jewel aka “The Self-esteem Dr.” is a multi faceted messenger shining her light into the lives of countless men and women.   Men and women are encouraged to grow beyond their obstacles, procrastination, past adversity, addictions and fears.   Jewel’s keynote and workshop presentations trains, transforms and teaches others how to be emotionally resilient — to excel, enjoy and endure life changes.

Taylor speaks to the relevant themes of life (e.g. leadership, time/stress management, parenting, strategies for goal setting success, resiliency, coping with change, spiritual strength) with a fresh voice and perspective blending spiritual principles, wisdom, wit, depth and compassion for our human struggle to achieve success and balanced living. Taylor’s message inspires her audience to learn how to cope, survive and thrive in this ever changing world. Jewel has facilitated countless women’s retreats across the nation.

Taylor received her education in Psychology from California State University Dominguez

This Washington D. C. native, born to a gemologist, is an author, and radio personality with a passion to inspire men and women to grow outside their life box of limitation, fear, socio- economic challenges and personal setbacks.

Taylor has been an invited speaker in 35 of the 50 United States, London, Brazil, Cancun, St. Kitts, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, St. Croix, the Bahamas, the U. S. Pentagon, U. S. Secret Service, NASA Research Center, Naval Research Lab, the EPA, the U. S. Mint, National Archives, CIA, USDA Graduate School, DEA, IRS, Coast Guard, U. S. Army Staff College, AARP, colleges, churches, workplace training and a very popular women’s ministry conference and retreat speaker. Jewel was a speaker for 12 years with the African American Women on Tour Conferences. Jewel’s articles have been published in Essence, JET, Black Enterprise Magazine, Upscale, countless newspaper and on her 15 year old web site www.DoNotGiveUp.net   As a Life Coach, Jewel has female clients across the country and she is a frequent guest taking calls and sharing advice to listeners on the Front Page show in the mornings on KJLH.

The titles of her books are:

1. Sisterfriends

2. Success Gems

3. You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed

4. Shift Happens: The Main Thing is to Keep the Main Thing…the MAIN THING

5. I’m Tired But Still Inspired to Press On

6. I Am Resilient

7. Love Smart With Your Heart: Desperation is a Terrible Perfume to Wear

8. T.L.C. – Tender Loving Care for a Woman’s Heart and Soul

She will be speaking on Friday January 9th,  2015 at the Inland Empire Minority Led Resource Development Coalition from 10: 30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The address is 303 E. Vanderbilt Way, San Bernardino, CA 92415 , right behind T.G.I. Fridays.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-CA) was officially sworn-in as U.S. Representative for California’s 35^th district.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve in the United States Congress,” Torres stated.   “I am humbled by the opportunity to represent the residents of California’s 35^th district and am ready to get to work on their behalf.

The problems facing the Inland Empire are no different than those most Americans face: keeping a roof over their heads, putting their kids through college, affording quality healthcare, and finding a good-paying job,” Torres continued.  “I am committed to doing my part to break through the gridlock by working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move our nation forward and do what is right for the voters who sent us here.”

Rep. Torres was elected to Congress on November 4, 2014 and succeeds former Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod.

WHO: Omnitrans, the public transit agency serving the San Bernardino Valley Event Partners: VA Loma Linda Healthcare System (host), San Bernardino County Department of Veterans Affairs, 211-Vetlink

WHAT: New Veterans Fare offers a 50% discount to US retired military personnel with ID. This includes those who served in the US Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. Approximately 79,000 Veterans live in the San Bernardino Valley served by Omnitrans. Additionally Omnitrans will offer FREE rides to uniformed active duty military members, police and firefighters. Veteran Opportunities at Event:

• FREE 1-day Veteran Bus Pass for anyone with San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs ID.
• Contest Drawing for a 31-day Veteran bus pass for any Veteran with ID from San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs.
• Veteran ID Applications taken on site by San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs, FREE.
• Information on Veterans resources from event partners.

WHEN: Monday, January 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Ceremony approximately 30 minutes; event continues until 4 pm with information and giveaways.

WHERE: Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Loma Linda, California 11201 Benton Street, Loma Linda, CA 92354 (map link) Main entrance; Parking on site.

The Anaheim Ducks Donate $20,000 to Loma Linda University Health to Support Cancer Services. Pictured (L to R) from the Anaheim Ducks organization are Christian Young, Corporate Partnership Activation Coordinator, and Graham Siderius, Corporate Partnership Director. Joining them from the Loma Linda University Cancer Center are Judy Chatigny, Executive Director; Dr. Mark Reeves, Medical Director; and Lexine Thall, Director of Patient Care.

LOMA LINDA, CA- As part of an ongoing partnership, the Anaheim Ducks presented Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) with a $20,000 donation on Dec. 17 to support patient services provided by the Loma Linda University Cancer Center (LLUCC).  The funds were raised by the National Hockey League (NHL) club, Anaheim Ducks players, and fans through “Hockey Fights Cancer” night on Oct. 22, which included the sale of miniature hockey sticks signed by players and an in-game auction of Ducks memorabilia.

“We are thankful to the Anaheim Ducks for its continuing help in raising cancer awareness and providing valuable funding that will augment our efforts to provide quality and compassionate care to our cancer patients,” said Judy Chatigny, Executive Director of the LLUCC.  “We value our partnership with the Ducks and hope it will continue for many more years.”

The “Hockey Fights Cancer” night is part of the NHL’s ongoing initiative to raise support and awareness for one of hockey’s most important fights.

With lavender serving as the official “Hockey Fights Cancer” color (representing awareness for all types of cancers), the first 3,000 fans that arrived at the Oct. 22 game received lavender ribbons to wear for the game.  Fans also had the opportunity to obtain “I Fight For” cards, which they used to fill in the name of loved ones who have been affected by cancer.  During the game, there was a special moment of recognition, in which attendees held up their “I Fight For” cards to honor the person they knew battling the disease.

“Virtually everyone has been touched by cancer or knows someone who has been affected by it,” said Graham Siderius, Corporate Partnership Director for the Anaheim Ducks.  “We know about the outstanding clinical and support services delivered by the Loma Linda University Cancer Center.  The center has challenging work, and it is an indispensible resource for stricken patients.  The Ducks and its fans are pleased to do our part to assist the effort.”