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Wendy Estrada

By Wendy Estrada, Branch Manager, MUFG Union Bank, N.A.

Learning to drive and buying a car can be an exciting time, especially for teenage drivers, and it’s an important step toward adulthood.  While it may offer a sense of freedom and pride, it can also provide valuable lessons in responsibility and financial planning.  The following tips may help teens become financially prepared for their first car purchase.

Create a budget

The first, and perhaps the most important step, is to establish a budget listing all sources of income and the expenses of car ownership.  Determine if your parents, guardians or other family members might be willing to contribute.  Perhaps they will match your savings toward a down payment, or they might decide to buy the vehicle and have you make the payments.  Make sure your expectations are reasonable and clear.  List the costs associated with owning a vehicle, such as gas, insurance and maintenance.  Print your budget to clearly see what is expected and how much must be earned and saved.

Save

If you don’t already have one, set up a savings account as soon as possible.  Ask your parents or another trusted adult to take you to a bank and introduce you to a banker who can explain how making regular deposits can help you reach your savings goals, and how interest can help you grow your savings faster.  Your banker can also help you determine which type of savings account will best suit your needs.

Earn income

According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, as a general rule, to get a job with a company, you must be 14 years old, and certain limits apply to how many hours you can work until you turn 16.  Many teens also earn money by babysitting, tutoring, delivering newspapers, making and selling jewelry and other crafts online, or mowing lawns, for example.  Look for ways to put a skill or hobby to use to earn extra money, and with a little creativity and perseverance, you can make some extra cash doing things you enjoy.

Shop around

When your savings goal has been reached, it is smart to do a little research before shopping for a vehicle.  Whether you are able to buy a new or used vehicle will depend on your budget, and having realistic expectations before visiting the car lots will make the process a lot more fun. Read reviews such as Consumer Reports to find a make and model that is reliable and gets gas mileage that you can afford, and meets your needs.  Ask your parents to call their insurance agent and research insurance rates for the types of vehicles you are considering.

Manage costs

Keep track of your budget and make sure that you’re able to keep up with your bills, and look for ways to lower your expenses.  Keeping your car properly maintained can lower fuel and repair costs.  Regular oil changes and tire rotations can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and increase your gas mileage.  Consider asking for gas gift cards for birthday or holiday gifts.  And note that many insurance companies may offer you more favorable rates for maintaining a clean driving record and your grades.

Be a responsible driver

There are many responsibilities that come with owning a vehicle, but perhaps the most important is being a safe, responsible driver.  Obey the rules of the road to help avoid costly tickets and fines, or even worse, losing your license or hurting someone.               

The foregoing article is intended to provide general information about helping teens save for a car and is not considered financial or tax advice.  Please consult your financial or tax advisor.

ABOUT WENDY ESTRADA

Wendy Estrada is the branch manager of the Lincoln High School student-run branch for MUFG Union Bank, N.A.  MUFG Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service bank with offices across the United States.  We provide a wide spectrum of corporate, commercial, retail banking and wealth management solutions to meet the needs of customers.  The bank also offers an extensive portfolio of value-added solutions for customers, including investment banking, personal trust, capital markets, global treasury management, transaction banking and other services.  With assets of $108.8 billion (USD), as of June 30, 2014, the bank has strong capital reserves, credit ratings and capital ratios relative to peer banks.  MUFG Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (NYSE: MTU), one of the world’s largest financial organizations with total assets of approximately ¥259 trillion (JPY) or $2.5 trillion (USD)¹, as of June 30, 2014.  MUFG Americas Holdings Corporation, the financial holding company and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. have corporate headquarters in New York City.

¹ Exchange rate of USD=¥101.36 (J-GAAP) as of June 30, 2014

Rita Jordan, Parent Interviewed

By Angela M. Coggs

On September 11, 2014 the District’s African American Advisory Council (D.A.A.A.C.) held its second meeting of the year. The meeting was called to order by the President Gwen Rodgers promptly and the panel of new officers was introduced. The new officers include Angelia Watts (Vice President), Nikki Chambers (Secretary), Devona Robertson (Palimaentiran), Miesha Porter (Historian) and Angela Coggs (Press Media). The parents were greeted by officers as they entered the Community Room at the Board of Education.

There were several topics on the agenda for DAAAC meeting, such as, the African-American Task Force Results, Aeries: Parent Portal, New Elementary Report Card, and DAAAC’s new meeting series S.W.A.G. (Success With Academic Goals).

Two SBCUSD Board Members, Danny Tillman and Mike Gallo, were also in attendance at the DAAAC meeting. Both members gave an impromptu greeting to the audience and congratulated the officers for their commitment to volunteering their time and dedication to serving the community. It was great to have their support as Board Members and also as parents.

One important part of the evening was the presentation by Dr. Lori Caruthers-Collins of Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E.).  She discussed the final report and recommendations of the Task Force for African American Student Achievement and using it as a starting point for addressing African American student achievement in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. African American parents were sent a survey in the mail and asked for them to be answered and returned while other parents were given the survey at other community events. As a result, the following are the strategic developments that are recommended for achieve success:

1. Improve proficiency in math and English Language Arts among 3^rd grade students.
2. Improve Algebra One proficiency rates among African American students who are on track and complete UC/CSU courses by 12^th
3. Increase the percentage of African American students by improving school attendance.
4. Address chronic absenteeism among African American students by improving school attendance.
5. Reduce suspensions through effective implementation of positive behavior support systems.
6. Strengthen engagement among parents/caregivers of African American students.

In addition to DAAAC’s agenda topics for the year, other items that are scheduled to be covered this include: A-G graduation requirements, AVID, How to navigate the school system, school police, Rigorous Curriculum Design (RCD)/Common Core (CCSS), Promise for students to attend Cal State San Bernardino, Promise for students to attend San Bernardino Valley College MOU, K-16 Bridge, Richardson/Rodriguez/IB, Program Entrance Requirements and Affirmative Action.

The teams of officers have worked together since the beginning of the school year to come up with new and improved ideas and strategic plans to increase and retain parent involvement throughout the district. A new approach that was implemented recently was a proactive method. The officers went out in teams and attended 20 back to school nights armed with DAAAC and AAPAC informational brochures and sign-up sheets with a mission to engage parents and get commitments to become actively involved in DAAAC and AAPAC. This approach was a monumental success because they were able to sign-up 190 new parents. These were parents not previously involved in DAAAC or AAPAC. Going out, meeting parents, and making connections with parents was a group effort and the commitment of the officers made a big impact on the overall outcome.

“I feel like I have a support system,” stated Rita Jordan. Not only is Jordan the mother of a child at Bonnie Oehl Elementary, she is also an employee of the SBCUSD who also works at her son’s school. According to Jordan, the principal at Oehl Elementary, Robert Morales, approached her last year to start an AAPAC at the school and to get involved in DAAAC. Ever since she has been attending the DAAAC meetings she feels like she has learned a lot. For example, how better prepare for her son’s educational future. She stated that there is always a wealth of resource information available at every meeting. She was very interested in the results gathered from the Task Force survey because she participated in planning process and was one of the employees that were interviewed for the survey.

As a component of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, DAAAC has goals and expectations as a whole however; it is also important to note that each officer also has their own personal goals they would like to achieve within their perceptive position they want to see realized this school year.

Gwen-Rodgers, President

Gwen Rodgers (President)- “My goal as the District African American Advisory Council President is to rebuild parent relationships that will encourage more parent engagement and interaction on campus in the community to ensure student success at all levels.”

Angelia Watts (Vice President)

Angelia Watts (Vice President) – “I believe the collective efforts of DAAAC should be geared toward penetrating the hearts of African American parents from all social, educational, and economic backgrounds. I want to evoke them to get involved in their children’s educational process. As African American parents we must represent a united objective, and that is to create a healthy and happy learning environment where our children can thrive.”

Nikki Chambers (Secretary)

Nikki Chambers (Secretary) – “Parental involvement is a critical, and proven, technique in helping African American children be successful and lessening the achievement gap. My goal is for parent to become actively engaged advocates for their children and their future. Our community can no longer sit back and wait to change to happen. We must begin to affect change in our communities and our lives.”

Devona Robterson (Paraliemarian) – “As a mother of three students in the SBCUSD I know the importance of being my children’s advocate. During my time with DAAAC I hope to encourage and empower parents. The partnerships between the school district, community organizations, and churches are in place, we must now include the voice of the parents. The parent voice represents the future of our children here in the district. So along with discussion and planning we must also have some action. I look forward to working with DAAAC board members, parents, teachers, principals, and school district staff. In the words of Malcolm X, ‘Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today’.”

Meisha Porter (Historian)

Meisha Porter (Historian) – “My goal as an DAAAC officer is to support our African American parents and students to help them realize that there is a great need for us to become active in our community. To help be a voice for those who are afraid to speak up and to be an example for those who want to become more involved. I want to be there when history is made with the help of our team to ensure and establish success and expose opportunities for our children and their future. I see DAAAC officers as a group of leaders who will inspire other parents to become leaders. To help make a difference on how our kids learn, how they interact with teachers and their peers. To show them that we care for them and their education is important.”

Angela Coggs (Social Media/Public Relations Coordinator)

Angela Coggs (Social Media/Public Relations Coordinator) –“My goal for this school year is to increase parent engagement and involvement and visual exposure of DAAAC via printed and digital media. Making connections with the community and supplying parents with much needed information is very crucial to the success of each and every student in the SBCUSD district. I want to reiterate to parents the importance of not only being involved in their children’s educational journey when they are young but to also continue to stay involved through middle school and high school and beyond. We must encourage our children to challenge themselves, to step away from their comfort zone and not to be afraid to have dreams and big goals. Big dreams lead to big success. I believe that it certainly takes a village to raise a child. We have to advocate for our children.  As Frederick Douglass once stated, ‘it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men’.”

Jon Gaede, a representative from Assembly Member Cheryl Brown’s office, presented each new officer with a certificate in recognition of their nomination to provide the community with leadership and initiative. The parent turnout for the meeting was very encouraging and D.A.A.A.C. looks forward to the rest of the school year and hopes that numbers continue to increase from here on.

Elect-Hardy-Brown-II

DAAAC would like to invite all parents and caregivers of African American students who attend SBCUSD schools to the meetings during this school year. The meeting dates are as followed:

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Kohl’s Department Stores’ San Bernardino EFC, located at 825 East Central Ave., and San Bernardino DC, located at 890 E Mill St., are hiring for the holidays! The facility plans to hire approximately 2,200 associates at the San Bernardino EFC and approximately 90 associates at the San Bernardino DC over the next few months for seasonal positions.

New hires will help support Kohl’s commitment to providing excellent service to customers throughout the year.

Seasonal associates will enjoy an immediate associate discount, climate controlled facilities, shift pay premiums and a comfortable, friendly work environment.

Kohl’s is hiring for all shifts from now through November. Applicants must be at least 18-years-old and be able to lift 30 pounds. Prospective employees are asked to visit KohlsCareers.com/dc to apply for open positions.

New interactive science museum will use Sept. 24 and 27 job fairs to fill 100 full- and part-time positions in the Valley

LOS ANGELES, CA- Come November 13, there will be 71,000 square feet of new reasons for L.A. residents to visit the Hansen Dam Recreational Area of the San  Fernando Valley.

That’s the date Discovery Cube Los Angeles officially opens to the public – and to  host and inspire the 180,000 visitors expected during the first year, the Discovery Science  Foundation is partnering with the local America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) to host two  job fairs designed to fill more than 100 new job positions in the Valley.

The new positions will staff the Discovery Cube Los Angeles, a new interactive science  center taking shape on the site of the former Children’s Museum of Los Angeles in the Lake  View Terrace neighborhood. In partnership with the local AJCC, Discovery Cube LA will host  job fairs on Wednesday, Sept. 24, and Saturday, Sept, 27, in search of qualified employees  for the two-story, state-of-the-art museum facility.

“Since the San Fernando Valley is the new home of Discovery Cube LA, we are  delighted to be able to bring exciting new employment opportunities to our neighborhood,”  said Discovery Cube LA Executive Director Kafi Blumenfield. “We’re confident that we can  find local talent here in the Valley and candidates who share our passion for hospitality,  science and hands-on learning.”

Interviews will be for both full- and part-time positions, which will vary in daily duties,  required skills, and experience. In addition to hosting the job fairs, the local AJCC will offer  resources, expertise, and community network to applicants. For more information on the  Discovery Cube Los Angeles job fairs, please visit www.discoverycube.org.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA –Carolina Beltran steps down as Miss Cardinal City on Saturday, September 20, when the new Miss Cardinal City is crowned. Miss Cardinal City, along with reigning Mr. Cardinal City, will represent San Bernardino High School at school and community functions throughout the year. According to pageant director and Bilingual School Outreach Worker Jamie Rios, the goals for Miss Cardinal City are to develop students’ confidence, raise community awareness and pride in the school and community, and make people aware that San Bernardino High School is also a chartered city.

During the two-hour pageant, Miss Cardinal City contestants will be ranked by a panel of judges in on-stage categories, including sportswear, evening gown, and on-stage question. Off-stage rankings, tabulated before the pageant, include grades, attendance, and personal interviews.

The pageant begins at 6 p.m. at Sturges Center for the Fine Arts, 1850 North E Street in San Bernardino. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Jamie Rios at (909) 881-8217.

Aaron Swift

So, who will it be this week folks! Ya’ girl is back and Aaron Swift is What It Do! The first time I heard him spit, I was like, okay then. His style and flavor is definitely UNFORGETTABLE and UNTOUCHABLE.

Aaron Block, known as Swift, was born in 1982 at Gardena memorial. This talented artist grew up listening to artists such as Ice cube, Digital Underground, and other well-known legends in the industry. Swift developed the talent for writing poetry before ever knowing how to write music. After the passing of his beautiful mother Jean Shaneatha Hall in 1991, Swift found a new way to express himself which was putting his poetry into bars and making Hip-Hop music.

Since then he has developed in every aspect and is known for his witty metaphors and catchy hooks.  In 1999, Swift was fully confident in his delivery and decided he was going to let the world know what he is capable of, but some were still skeptical as to how versatile he was, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing dreams.  Skipping a couple rough patches and shady deals with record labels and management, Swift has come into his own, working with artists which include Tony Touch, Westside Bugg, Sylk-E-Fyne, Dirty Birdy, Way2Much, and many others. Swift is currently running a full studio production company called Swifts Production and is currently the CEO of an upcoming filming company called OnMyMama.tv. Please check out his music on face book and YouTube. Till next time, Peace & Blessings!

T’ana and daughter reading Bratty Tatty

SAN BERARDINO, CA- SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Saturday, September 20 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Littlefield/Shultis Park located at 2525 Kendall Way in San Bernardino, local author and philanthropist T’ana Phelice will be hosting “Love & Literacy Block Party,” to amp the release of her latest book, “Bratty Tatty.”

In efforts to promote literacy in a fun and engaging way, ‘Bratty Tatty’ serves as a multicultural book that engages parents and their little ones ages 3 to 7 with raps and riddles inspired by Phelice’s 8-year-old daughter, Tanai. This colorful tale is an educator that parents can use to weapon against naughty behavior by teaching children accountability.

“I’ve fashioned a reputation for my fictional short stories and poetry for the more mature crowd”, Phelice states. “But my child’s outbursts and right on time tantrums every time I’d drop her off to head-start triggered the creative youngster in me. I decided to write something fun, something our kids can identify with, and something they can actually learn from.”

This is a free event for the community to come out and enjoy a family oriented day filled with activities ranging from live performances, a live DJ, a jumper, food, prizes and more! In addition, each person that purchases a book they will receive a free popcorn or cotton candy.

Television personality, author and motivational speaker Lauren Lake takes her seat on the bench this Monday, September 22 as the presiding judge of LAUREN LAKE’S PATERNITY COURT, as it returns for a second season. The show, named the #1 new courtroom series of the year, recently moved production to Atlanta, GA and features Lake, a former attorney and legal expert, who helps families come together to sort out complicated relationships and find resolution in their lives.

In the courtroom series, the sharp-witted Lake helps litigants resolve legal issues involving paternity using DNA results. Lake is a graduate of the University of Michigan and earned her law degree at Wayne State University. She is a member of the New York, New Jersey and Michigan bars with concentrations in family, criminal, entertainment law. A multi-faceted television personality, Lake regularly contributes her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is advice and analysis to some of today’s most popular television programs, including “The View,” “Good Morning America,” “Today,” “CBS This Morning,” “Access Hollywood Live,” “Dr. Phil” and “Dr Drew” and has been featured in articles in various publications, such as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and Time Magazine; she has served as moderator and contributor on panels dedicated to women, relationships, empowerment and family. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Lake is a dedicated wife and mother who is committed to encouraging and inspiring ordinary people to live extraordinary lives.

LAUREN LAKE’S PATERNITY COURT is produced by 79^th & York Entertainment and distributed by Orion TV Productions (Orion Television), a division of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

For more information, please visit the official PATERNITY COURT WITH LAUREN LAKE Facebook page atwww.Facebook.com/PaternityCourt, and follow the show on Twitter, @PaternityCourt, using the hashtag #PaternityCourt, as well as on Instagram, @PaternityCourtTV.

Lou Coleman

By Lou Coleman

When you get an understanding,  understand that it’s not your job to figure out how God is going to do what He said He would do. The Word of God is true, pure ,tried and it has already been settled in the heavens,  never to be changed. So, if God speaks, that settles it, Period!

We are to believe what He says, and  trust Him even when we don’t understand what is going on!  Can I tell you that trust requires us to have unanswered questions?  You need to get “comfortable – not knowing.”  Stop trying to figure everything out!  Stop “staring” at your circumstances and fix your eyes on Jesus, “the Author & Finisher of your faith.”  Mediate on His track record for He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. Focus on the unlimited supply of the God we serve, the God of more than enough!

I tell you, it is important that you do not try to figure out, calculate, or reason how God is going to heal, deliver, set free, meet your needs, etc… rather you must just believe. When you try to figure out in your mind how God is going to do something, then you are not trusting. God never told us that faith required us to figure it out; rather faith requires us to rely on the truth and integrity of His Word. Can I help somebody right now. I know your figuring it out, is your back up plan, just in case God does not come through. But  I want you to know that anytime that you have a backup plan for God, then you are not believing Him.

You must begin to believe God first, and not require Him to prove that He can do it. God must become your salvation in all things. You are not to try to figure out how He is going to do what He promised to do. That’s His job.  Your job is to release your faith. You must release it and trust God. Psalms 37:5 says, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.” So stop trying to figure everything out! Put it away and raise your hands in Praise, thus saying “I trust you God, and I give it to you.” And when you pray, thank Him and expect Him to honor His Word, for  “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hearth us.” Don’t try and figure it out any more, just let go and let God. It may not make sense right now, but one day when God’s whole plan unfolds you’ll see what God was up to.

LOMA LINDA, CA-Breast cancer survivors will show current styles and fashions, while specialists will present the latest medical information and advances, as Loma Linda University Health System Department of Plastic Surgery presents the 6^th annual “The Pink Runway” Breast Cancer Reconstruction Seminar and Fashion Show on Sunday, September 28.

The event starts at noon at Riverside Convention Center, 3637 5th St, Riverside, Calif. Tickets are from $35 to $45 each and may be purchased online at www.ThePinkRunway.com.

Building on success over the years, organizers promise a day of inspiration and empowerment with an all-new format. There will be exciting educational seminars preceding the inspiring fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors as the models showcasing apparel provided by Chico’s.

“We are very proud to ensure all women are educated on their reconstructive options post-mastectomy, which is the main goal of the Pink Runway event,” said Dr. Subhas Gupta, chairman of Loma Linda University Health System Department of Plastic Surgery.

“We believe it is critical to educate women with breast cancer about their reconstructive surgery options because of the positive impact of reconstructive surgery on them. I am very pleased to report that research supported by the Pink Runway and my department has found a 41 percent increase in the rate of breast cancer reconstruction in our Inland Empire community over the past 5 years since we began holding this educational event,” he said.

The agenda for the event includes “Pink Carpet” arrivals and photos, silent auction, opportunity drawings, video tribute to breast cancer survivors, delicious cancer-fighting food samples, and prizes.

The event will also feature Daniel and Shawna Head, owners and instructors of The Yoga Room, who will present exercise, yoga, and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety, depression, and fatigue; and Robin Allen, founder of The Necessary Nutrition Academy, who will lead a session entitled “Key Nutrition Secrets and Superfoods Revealed!”

For more information please call (909) 558-5566.