What it do with Lue

LOS ANGELES, CA – Union Bank, N.A., in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, has opened its first Los Angeles student-run branches at Lincoln High School located at 3501 North Broadway and Crenshaw High School located at 5010 11th Ave.  Grand opening celebrations are scheduled at both schools in May.

The branches are part of an innovative program designed to provide students with real-world financial education and work experience.  Located on the schools’ campuses, the full-service student-run branches are each staffed by student bankers who have an opportunity to acquire skills in finance as well as teamwork and leadership and the hands-on experience of working in a bank.  Traditional banking products and services are available to students, school staff, school administrators and teachers, and Union Bank has plans to establish a Parents Academy that will offer financial education, in English and Spanish, for parents and guardians of the students at both schools.

“We are thrilled to open the first LAUSD student-run bank in Lincoln High School and offer services that help students learn money management skills that prepare them for college and real-life experience,” said District 2 Board Member Mónica García. “I am grateful to have partners like Union Bank.”

“This is an exciting way to help our high school students learn critical financial management skills,” said District 1 Board Liaison Dr. Sylvia Rousseau.  “We are happy to partner with Union Bank to celebrate the grand opening of these student-run branches in Los Angeles.  The real-world life experience will be a benefit to the student bankers long after high school, and we are pleased to be involved in a collaboration of this type, which will also help to enrich our communities.”

In addition to building skills in finance, leadership, management and marketing, the students receive a $500 stipend for working in the branch and a $1,000 scholarship for college when the course is completed.

Union Bank opened its first student-run branch in 2011 in Fresno, California, at McLane High School.  Thirty student bankers have graduated from the program and five McLane graduates are currently employed by Union Bank in the Central Valley.

“This marks a major accomplishment for Union Bank and LAUSD, and celebrating the opening of our first-ever student-run branches in L.A. at Lincoln and Crenshaw High Schools is a dream come true for everyone who collaborated on this project,” said Union Bank Executive Vice President and Regional President Leticia Aguilar, who manages the bank’s branches in the Los Angeles and Central California divisions.   “We’ve seen tremendous talent and success from the students in our student-run branch in Fresno, and our goal is to replicate that in Los Angeles – this is another example of our commitment to responsible banking and of our dedication to increasing financial awareness within our communities.”

Union Bank Branch Manager Wendy Estrada* manages the Lincoln branch.  Estrada has more than 10 years of banking experience.  She joined Union Bank in 2007 and most recently served as branch manager of the Burbank branch.  Previously, she was a senior relationship banker at the Highland Park and California Mart branches.  Active in the community, Estrada volunteers with Junior Achievement, the American Heart Association and Operation Hope.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Northridge.  She also holds series 6 and 63 licenses.

Estrada is joined by 12 student bankers and Branch Service Officer Grace Buenrostro, who joined Union Bank in 2007 and has held various positions, including customer service officer and relationship banker.  Passionate about financial literacy, Buenrostro often volunteers with organizations and schools to teach students about money management.

Union Bank Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager Vernell Taylor manages the Crenshaw branch.  Taylor has more than 25 years of financial services industry experience.  She began her career at Union Bank as a teller.  Engaged in the community, Taylor serves on the advisory board for the Coalition of Mental Health Professionals.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.

Taylor is joined by 13 student bankers and Customer Service Officer Daisy Torres who has nearly 10 years of experience in the banking industry.  Torres started with Union Bank in 2005 and has also worked as a senior teller and customer service manager.

The high school branches are open during the school year – the Lincoln High School branch is open Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Crenshaw High School branch is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors personally invites you to celebrate the launch of Give BIG San Bernardino County. The event to launch the Give BIG campaign begins at 3 p.m. on April 30  at the San Bernardino County Government Center, 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue in San Bernardino. Give BIG San Bernardino County is a 24-hour online giving campaign which allows you to give to your favorite causes in the community. The goal is to get everyone who cares about the residents of San Bernardino County to assist in raising a minimum of $300,000 in just 24 hours on May 8, 2014. For information, visit www.giveBIGsbcounty.org and Give BIG!

HIGHLAND, CA- The community is invited to come join Immanuel Baptist Church for their prayer breakfast on Thursday, May 1 at 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.. The event will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall, “C” Building. The main purpose of the event is for the community, pastors and church staff to come together in prayer. They will be praying for our communities, our state, nation, and asking God to send revival and spiritual awakening. The breakfast will start at 8 a.m., and prayer time will proceed after. There will be no charge to attend, but guests must RSVP as soon as possible, no later than 12 p.m. on Monday, April 28. For more information and to RSVP, please call or email your response to Kim Skalky at (909) 425-1777or kskalky@ibchighland.org. The church is located at 28355 Baseline Street in Highland (92346).

Photo Caption (left to right): Cassie Bracket, J’vion Johnson and Krystal Cretzal.

Johnson is on the 4 by 1 relay team, runs the 4 by 4 and on occasion’s 100 meter dash. Her focus is the 4 by 1. Johnson and Cretzal are freshman at Redlands High School in Redlands, CA.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- In efforts to dedicate themselves to Christ in the pursuit to maintain the highest standard of care, Sealstone Health works to achieve goals and to meet the specific needs of each resident that they serve. Sealstone is an organization that works with in Senior Care and Hospitality Services where they specialize in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Bathing/Showering, Market/Shopping Days, Hygiene Assistance, Spiritual Support, Visual Arts, Physical Activities, Enhancing dining services, Nutritional Counseling, Housekeeping and Laundry Services, Salon Service and Massage, and more. For more information, please call (909) 435-5114.

WHAT IT DO I.E.! It’s ya’ girl back at it again with an introduction of another hot and upcoming artist; family you have to check out R&B Assassin, better known as C-Nova. When I say this young dude got vocals that are out of this world, I truly mean it. A few years back when I started working in the community putting on shows for local artists, I was introduced to C-Nova by a friend. Back then he couldn’t have been any more than 19. When he came to audition for our show and began to sing with no music, I almost fell out of my seat. The entire room was floored! I been a fan ever since.

Singing since the tender age of six and now 24, this R&B Assassin is buzzing all over Southern California.  C-Nova, whose real name is Gregory Casanova Clark, is gaining fans and breaking hearts.  He was born in Los Angeles, but raised in the Inland Empire. Using his talent for the Lord in the church choir got him recognized fast by many, but it wasn’t until the death of his sister, Lydia Funez James in December 2006 that gave him the ambition to pursue his dream and stay away from gang violence.

Talented in so many ways, not only is he a singer but he’s’ a heck of a producer and song writer. C-Nova has performed at multiple concerts with well-known artists such as, Joe Moses, AV, Sean Kingston, Teeflii, and many more. Not being selfish with his gifts, this artist has also worked with several talented independent artists which include, CD, Nova of Heartbreak, Rialto Staxx of Jac Pac Entertainment, Larry Spades, Jayo, Westside Bugg, and several others.

Right now the streets are bumpin’ his new CD entitled “Lights On, Light Off”.  If you haven’t heard the CD please get your copy. C-Nova is the TRUTH! Follow him on all the social network sites.  He is also LUE Productions/Family First Entertainment 2014 Urban Fashion Show Featured R&B artist. Please check him out Sunday, May 18 at 114 S. Arrowhead Avenue San Bernardino (92408) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This will be a multicultural event highlighting urban fashions, hip-hop, and r&b. For more information on the fashion show contact LUE Productions at 909.567.1000 or look us up on Facebook. Stay Blessed!

PASADENA, CA- The Pasadena Playhouse announced that they will present the hit production of Gabrielle Pina’s LETTERS FROM ZORA, in association with One Pearl and a Sphinx. The production, which returns by popular demand, will play a limited engagement of eight performances and stars Vanessa Bell Calloway. LETTERS FROM ZORA is directed by Anita Dashiell-Sparks with original music composed by Ron McCurdy. Performances run May 10 to the May 18 with a press opening on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m. Single ticket prices range from $40.00 to $100.00. Limited VIP Packages including premium seating, post-show meet and greet with Gabrielle Pina, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Anita Dashiell-Sparks and light reception is available for $150.00 per ticket. VIP Packages are available only on the following performances: Saturday, May 11 at 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m.; Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena (91101). The performance schedule is Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at (626) 356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. during non-performance dates. For more information, visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – April 25, 2014 – High school students nationwide can now apply at www.disneydreamersacademy.com to be among 100 selected to participate in the 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine, the innovative, outside-the-classroom, educational mentoring program at Walt Disney World Resort.

Entering the search for its eighth class, Disney Dreamers Academy continues to hold true to its mission to inspire and fuel the dreams of teens, help them discover a world of possibilities and help them prepare for the future. Each year, students participate in hands-on, full-immersion workshops related to a bevy of career paths, ranging from animation to zoology. Each participant learns important skills such as communication techniques and networking strategies.

It all takes place in a magical setting: the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Both on stage and behind the scenes, the parks become vibrant ‘classrooms,’ leading to career discoveries, the pursuit of dreams and fun memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Motivational speakers and celebrities share their stories and provide insight on how to achieve success and DREAM BIG. Dreamers have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with other students from across the nation while they gain first-hand knowledge from Disney experts and world-renowned entrepreneurs and executives.

Applicants must answer three essay questions about their personal stories, the people who are most influential in their lives and their dreams for the future. Students are selected based on a combination of attributes, including a strong character, positive attitude and determination to achieve their dreams. Nearly 10,000 students submitted an application in 2014.

Participants and a parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where they will engage in life-changing sessions and enjoy Disney’s magical theme parks. The 2015 Disney Dreamers Academy will take place March 5 to 8.

“Disney Dreamers Academy gives us the honor each year to motivate, educate and uplift 100 exceptional students ready to unlock their potential,” said Disney Vice President of Global Initiatives and Integrations/Disney Dreamers Academy Executive Champion, Tracey D. Powell. “Disney is proud to once again partner with Steve Harvey and Essence Communications to deliver a program that impacts lives every year.”

Steve Harvey, syndicated radio and television personality, along with ESSENCE Magazine and Walt Disney World Resort will host the selected Dreamers during their four-day power packed career and educational exploration. Harvey, speaking on the program, says, “Disney Dreamers Academy gives hope and inspiration and exposes youth to a world of possibilities. We are excited about another opportunity to transform lives and give students an inside look at what their future can hold.

ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks added, “We are excited about the eighth Disney Dreamers Academy. This program transcends the normal classroom setting, taking learning to the next level. This year we plan to go above and beyond to encourage Dreamers. Our valued partnership with Disney Parks and Steve Harvey represents our commitment to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Applications are open to U.S. high school students, ages 13 to 19, until Oct. 31, 2014. A distinguished panel of leaders representing the best in their fields will judge the applications in November and winners will be announced in December 2014.

For more information visit www.disneydreamersacademy.com, www.facebook.com/disneydreamersacademy or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dreamersacademy.

McDonalds Mural

SAN BERNARDINO, CA- On Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public is invited to see the progress on the two murals being painted on the outside of the museum which sits on the historic spot of the original McDonald’s Restaurant. This first “Meet-Up at the Museums” was inspired by veteran motorcyclist Paul Busser from San Diego County. His friends have invited bikers from all over the area to come out and enjoy the Inland Empire Military Museum next door to The McDonald’s Museum. Music, models and the muralists will be on hand for this event at 1398 N. “E” Street in San Bernardino.

“We hope to get a few classic cars out for this event and make this a regular activity throughout the year,” principle artist Phil Yeh said. “This is the first meet-up, but I can see this growing over the years as we continue to add more details to these murals. Our plan is to paint even more murals on this spot and also to open a bookstore and art gallery in the future”.

Beth Winokur, a writer as well as one of the muralists, is writing a brand new book about the murals. The book will explain the details and background of the subjects on the murals in addition to showing the images. The south side of the mural was finished early last year and depicts San Bernardino?s rich history. Many noted people were born in the city and many graduated from high school there including Edith Head, who won eight Academy Awards; Gene Hackman, who won two; Hoyt Curtain, the composer of classic animated theme songs including The Flintstones, The Jetsons and Top Cat; and Chester Carlson, who invented dry copying in 1937. His invention helped create the Xerox Corporation. San Bernardino was also the site of the last appearance of Will Rogers in 1935 and the very first U.S. appearance of The Rolling Stones in 1965.

The north side mural depicts all of Route 66 in California from the end of the highway in Santa Monica all the way through San Bernardino County. This second mural was started in March 2013. This side of the building is being painted in exacting detail and will take another year to finish. Rory Murray, who painted on both sides, has been adding classic cars from all makes on the north side. Yeh, himself a motorcyclist in his youth, has made this north side a tribute to his late friend Hal Robinson, the original cartoonist of Easyriders magazine.

“We are painting bikes riding west to Santa Monica on the mural. Rory and I have also painted some bigger motorcycles in the foreground. I was inspired to draw by looking at Hal?s cartoons while in high school in the early „70s. We became friends shortly before he passed away of cancer in the 80s. Hal really had a great style, but when we met he told me he never rode a motorcycle,” added Yeh.

Many artists have contributed to this mural including guest artist Mark Nelson who came out from Houston, Texas in January. Nelson is best known for his work on the Aliens comic book series. Jan Windhausen has added colorful details to the plants, rocks and sky; and Anna Lambert, who recently turned 14, has added some great fantasy elements as well. Yeh?s eldest son, Rob Valentine, came down from San Francisco to paint some amazing detail as well.

“Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was the very first cartoonist to endorse our tour in 1985. He believed that the power of humor could really increase our literacy rate. His widow, Jeannie, gave us permission to paint Spike, Snoopy’s brother, in the Needles section on the right side of the north wall. Schulz lived in this Route 66 town briefly as a child and paid tribute to it in his comic strip. I have painted Spike in front of the mountains in a Chinese brush style. Rory Murray added the Needles covered wagon sign,” said Yeh from his Running Springs studio.

“The whole San Bernardino mural project started when I painted a MIA-POW logo on the Inland Empire Military Museum a couple of years ago sponsored by my friend Jim Valdez, a veteran himself. Since both this museum and the McDonalds Museum are owned by Albert Okura, we got to talking about painting a more detailed work of art on the side of his building; something that truly celebrates the many accomplishments that took place in this city,” said Yeh.

“The portraits on the south wall were done by Sandy Fischer Cvar, who went to Los Alamitos High School with me more than 40 years ago. We also have an original Dan Romero metal sculpture of palm tree leaves on the roof,” continued Yeh.

Sponsors for the San Bernardino County side include Loma Linda University & Hospital; Arrowhead Medical Center; Redlands Paint Company; San Bernardino Paint Company; Sherwin Williams Paint Company; Millcreek Cattle Company; Dale Brothers Brewery; Tofurkey; Beanfield Chips; Two Guys Pizza & Pasta; Mattel Toys; The Ontario Airport; Speedball Art Supplies; The Los Angeles Athletic Club; and Country Inn & Suites in Redlands.

Yeh, who founded Cartoonists Across America & The World in 1985, is on the 29th year of his world tour. Yeh also speaks to students of all ages about the importance of reading and the power of art to fuel your creativity in all fields. First Lady Barbara Bush wrote three introductions to his books and painted a mural with his group in the Library of Congress.

Yeh’s full color hardcover book, Dinosaurs Across America published by New York publisher NBM. School Library Journal recommends Dinosaurs Across America as one of the most outstanding 25 graphic novels for kids. Dinosaurs Across America also won a 2008 Children’s Choice Award from the Children’s Book Council and the International Reading Association. This book is the fun way to learn a little about U.S. history and geography and is one of several books using Yeh’s dinosaurs and a little rabbit called Patrick to teach kids of all ages about various places around the world.

Yeh, often called the Godfather of the Modern American Graphic Novel, will be issuing an updated version of his comic book Dinosaurs Across Route 66 later this year. Since 1985, Yeh and Cartoonists Across America & The World have painted more than 1800 colorful cartoon murals promoting literacy, creativity and the arts in 49 U.S. states and 15 foreign countries. These murals have covered school, library, and community walls as well as being painted on portable lightweight form core board, city buses, bookmobiles, and billboards all around the world.

Yeh continues to speak in schools, libraries and communities about creativity and the arts. His talks are for all ages. To see a bit more of his tour and books go to www.wingedtiger.com.