February 2009 Archives

   A&R Tarpaulins Inc. in Fontana was featured in the February issue of the Industrial Fabric Association International's Specialty Fabrics Review for its achievements, management style and growth despite the recession, according to a news release.  The company is owned and operated by Carmen and Bud Weisebart.  Carmen Weisebart is president of the company and Bud Weisebart is vice president.  Information: www.artech2000.com

   Claremont's senior program will continue its free Senior Topics Seminar series with a presentation titled "A Financial Education Seminar: Financial Blunders - Lessons We Never Learn," 10 - 11 a.m. March 18 at the Joslyn Center, 660 N. Mountain Ave.  The topic will be presented by Christopher Wiloughby, a financial adviser with the Society for Financial Awareness.  The program is free and open to people of all ages.  Information: (909) 399-5488

   The Inland Empire Economic Partnership will hold its 23rd annual meeting luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11 at the Mission Inn, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside.  The keynote speaker, Redlands-based regional economist John Husing, will discuss "The Inland Empire's Recession ... Its Causes and Likely Solution."

   Cost: $50 per person; $350 for a table of eight. Reservations are required by March 4.  Information: events@ieep.com and sponsorships are still available: (951) 779-6700, ext. 239, or via e-mail at cmendez@ieep.com

   Officials from Mount San Jacinto Community College and Cal State San Bernardino have signed a dual-admission agreement that will allow students to take courses concurrently at the schools.  The program will be evaluated for effectiveness on an annual basis.

   After the three-year term of the agreement, the college and the university will have the option of renewing the agreement.  Information: Mount San Jacinto College at (951) 487-3280 or Cal State San Bernardino at (909) 537-8111 or (909) 537-5188.

   Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty in Redlands was recently named the top-producing Century 21 office in the West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii.  It was the firm's third consecutive, No. 1 regional ranking and the 10th in the firm's 11-year association with Century 21, according to a news release.  The office's sales have also placed it in the top 10 nationwide for those 11 consecutive years.  Lois Lauer Realty was also No. 1 in the county among all real-estate offices, the agency said in the news release.  Information: www.loislauer.com

   Tenants Together, a statewide organization that aims to help renters, is launching a new hotline for tenants in foreclosure situations. According to a news release, Tenants Together announced the hotline to address a growing problem -- "the harassment and displacement of tenants who are innocent victims of the mortgage crisis."  California tenants can reach the Tenant Foreclosure Hotline at (415) 495-8012.

   Among other topics, hotline volunteers may assist in:  Finding out if a particular rental property is in foreclosure; identifying the new owner after a foreclosure sale; locating organizations that provide legal representation for tenants in foreclosures; keeping utilities on and getting repairs done in all stages of the foreclosure process; protecting and recovering security deposits.

   Construction has been completed on Phase II at Voit Development Co.'s Waterman Business Park, a 500,000-square-foot mixed-use office and industrial business center on Waterman Avenue in San Bernardino.  This phase is comprised of seven industrial buildings, ranging in size from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet that are currently being marketed for sale or lease.

   James Camp and Chris Cussen of Voit Development are the project managers on the project.  Herrick Johnson and Alexey Zabolotskikh of Lee & Associates' Riverside office are the exclusive marketing representatives for the industrial portions of Waterman Business Park.   Information: www.voitco.com

   All of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board's field offices are now participating in its nationwide toll-free telephone service, according to a news release.  The number to reach all offices is (877) 772-5772.

   Riverside Extension will hold a class on "Staging Your Home to Sell" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7.  The course, to be instructed by real-estate professional Sabine Gross-Vasquez, will be held at the extended learning program's building, 1200 University Ave. Cost: $65, which includes parking. 

   Information: (951) 827-5801 or via e-mail to arts@ucx.ucr.edu

   Registration:  (951) 827-4105, or visit www.extension.ucr.edu

   The Shoppes at Chino Hills, 13920 City Center Drive, will host a series of free activities from 5 to 8 p.m. March 14 during Fashion Night 2009 in celebration of the spring fashion season, according to a news release.

   "Project Runway" finalist Jerell Scott will speak.  The event will also feature an interactive art show and sale provided by members of the Associated Artists of the Inland Empire and the Pomona Valley Art Association.  Information: (866) 909-0305, or online at www.TheShoppesAtChinoHills.com

   According to a news release, Verizon has awarded seven grants totaling $212,000 to "help create educational opportunities, improve health-care resources, prevent domestic violence, and provide Internet-safety education for San Bernardino residents."

   The grants, according to a news release, went to:  Option House, $24,000; Asian American Educational & Cultural Resource Centre, $20,000; Libreria Del Pueblo Inc., $20,000; Applied Principals for Service Inc., $18,000; Community Hospital of San Bernardino, $35,000; San Bernardino Sexual Assault Services, $45,000; San Bernardino City Unified School District, $50,000.

   Information:  www.verizonfoundation.org

   Rancho Cucamonga-based Emrise Corp., a manufacturer of defense and aerospace electronic devices and communications equipment, announced Wednesday that it received a $1 million order from a "major international defense prime contractor," according to a news release.  The design phase will begin immediately with initial shipments of product scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2010.

   The 1 percent sales and use tax rate increase takes effect April 1 as a provision of the newly signed state budget agreement.  Sales and use tax rates in the state will range from 8.25 percent to 10.25 percent.

   The provisions of the statewide sales and use tax increase sunset on either July 1, 2011, or July 1, 2012, the latter if voters approve the proposed Proposition 1A, the Budget Stabilization Act, in an election to be held May 19.

   The state Board of Equalization estimated in a news release that the increase will generate $1.187 billion in new general fund revenue for the remainder of the 2008 - 09 fiscal year and $4.632 billon in 2009 - 10.  Information: www.boe.ca.gov/news/pdf/l212b.pdf

   The Rancho Cucamonga-based Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire will honor individuals and businesses in the rental housing industry at the 10th annual Awarding Positive Efforts to Excellence awards at the Riverside Convention Center.  The gala, scheduled from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, will include a formal dinner, award ceremony and dancing.  Cost: $75.  Information: (909) 948-0784, ext. 14; or www.aagie.com

   The Comfort Suites hotel in Redlands recently received a 2008 - 2009 Platinum Hospitality Award from Choice Hotels International Inc., franchiser of the Comfort Suites brand.

   The award recognizes the Redlands hotel as one of the 5,800-location chain's top performers and the local site's "focus on guest satisfaction and dedication to providing superior service," according to a news release.  Information: www.choicehotels.com

   The Hi-Desert Water District is recruiting Yucca Valley area residents residing in the Hi-Desert Water District service area to serve on the Wastewater Public Advisory Committee, according to a news release.  The district is planning to build a wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility in Yucca Valley.

   The committee will serve as the community's voice during the planning process.  According to the release, the committee's membership "is designed to reflect the knowledge and interest of major affected constituencies: ratepayers, businesses, special interest groups, senior citizens, environmental advocacy, the engineering and construction industries, etc."

   There are several seats open, and it is expected to be a two-year commitment. Application and resume must be received no later than 5 p.m. March 3.  Information: (760) 365-8333, via e-mail at donnac@hdwd.com, or online at www.hdwd.com

   The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce will welcome Foundation Family Chiropractic to the city this week.  The event is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the office, 8225 White Oak Ave. Information: (909) 948-9661.

   The board of directors of the National Low Income Housing Coalition will be electing new board members at its meeting April 18.  According to a news release, "Threshold requirements for consideration for nomination are current NLIHC membership, commitment to NLIHC mission, and is or has been a low income person or is or has worked with low-income people to meet their housing needs."

   There are 24 positions on the NLIHC Board.  Six are to be filled by low-income people, six by representatives of affiliated state coalitions, six by representatives of allied national organizations, and six are at-large.  Board members are elected for three-year terms and generally serve two terms.

   The board has in-person meetings twice a year in Washington, D.C., and regular committee meetings by conference call throughout the year.

   Information: Mark Allison at mallisonshc-nm@nmia.com or Sheila Crowley at (202) 662-1530, or via e-mail at sheila@nlihc.org

   For You Network High Desert Connection, a National Association of Female Executives affiliate, meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Marie Callender's, 12180 Mariposa Road, Victorville.  The next meeting is March 10 and will feature Nick Fletcher from Brian Tracy International, a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations.  Cost: $20.  Reservations are requested by March 6.  Information:  Linda Marie at (760) 987-0562; or Lillie Montgomery at (760) 475-8048 or via e-mail at Lbounbasket@aol.com

   A small number of vendor spaces are still available for Chino Hills' free Family Fun Days event from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. March 7.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Rett syndrome awareness.  The fair will be at the Crossroads Center, 3060 Chino Ave.
Participation information: Christine Ritoli, president of Inland Empire Network Parnters, via e-mail at critoli@verizon.net

   Security California Bancorp, the Riverside-based holding company of Security Bank of California, has announced that Beth Sanders will join the bank as senior vice president and chief deposit officer in Redlands.  Sanders was formerly the chief financial officer for 1st Centennial Bank in Redlands.

   In late January, First California Bank acquired all insured deposits and branches of 1st Centennial Bank.

   Sanders joins Brent Coats, also formerly of 1st Centennial Bank, who joined the Security Bank last month as vice president market manager.  Sanders and Coats will "focus their efforts on establishing an active and well-involved presence in the Redlands and Loma Linda markets," according to a news release.

   The Montclair Chamber of Commerce will hold a "Networking Fiesta" from 5 - 7 p.m. tonight.  The business connections event will take place at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant Y Cantina, 9405 Monte Vista Ave.  Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.  Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards to pass out to prospective clients.  Information and reservations: (909) 624-4569.

   The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce's 13th annual Taste of Chino Valley is scheduled for 5 - 8 p.m. March 2 at the newly opened Chaffey College Chino Community Center at 5890 College Park Ave.  Tickets are now on sale at the chamber's office, and will be available at other locations at a future time.  Cost: $15 for adults and $8 for children, ages 5-12, if tickets are bought in at advance; $20 at the door.  Information: (909) 627-6177.

   The Center for International Trade Development and the California-Mexico Trade Assistance Center, which serves the Los Angeles County area of the Inland Empire, including Claremont, Diamond Bar, La Verne, and Pomona, will host the third in a series of workshops on "Developing Your Global Competitive Edge."  The workshop, which will focus on the essential requirements of U.S. export compliance, will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at the offices of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, 4900 Rivergrade Road, Irwindale.  Information: Gene Bohatch, (626) 335-4016, or via e-mail at gbohatch@citd-citruscc.com

   The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, recently signed into law by President Barack Obama, contains a number of provisions that affect railroad retirement annuitants and railroad workers.  According to a news release from the Railroad Retirement Board, the new law provides for a one-time $250 payment to most individuals who receive railroad retirement benefits, and also provides up to 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits for certain railroad workers who exhaust their rights to the benefits normally provided under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.  Information: (877) 772-5772, or online at www.rrb.gov

   The Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire, a Rancho Cucamonga-based organization that advocates for an ethical rental housing industry, will hold its annual awards ceremony Friday.  The 10th annual Awarding Positive Efforts to Excellence (APEX) Awards will "honor rental property staff and service providers for exemplary service to apartment communities," according to a news release.  The formal ceremony is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday at the Riverside Convention Center.  Cost: $75.  Information: (909) 948-0784, ext. 14.

   James R. Dallas, a Barstow optometrist, was elected for a second term as secretary/treasurer of the California Optometric Association's board of trustees during its annual meeting in Sacramento.

   Ontario-based ICB Financial, parent company of Inland Community Bank, has reported a net income of $313,000 for the year ended Dec. 31, a decrease of 67 percent from the year previous when the bank earned $963,000, according to a recent news release.  The bank's provision for loan and lease losses was $2.7 billion for 2008, as opposed to $480 million for 2007.  Total assets for the bank, which is classified as "well-capitalized," increased 1.4 percent to $253.1 million as of Dec. 31, compared with $249.5 million a year earlier. Information:  www.icbbank.com

   Zetabid, a home-auction firm, will sell about 250 bank-owned homes from throughout Southern California on March 7.  The company is auctioning single-family homes, condos and town houses, ranging in price from $50,000 to $800,000, and the largest concentration of homes is in the Inland Empire.  According to a news release, Zetabid expects more than 1,000 participants for the auction at Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona. Bidding begins at 10 a.m.

   The company encourages buyers to view homes with a listing agent during the open house, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 through March 1, or by appointment. Buyers can register and bid online at www.zetabid.com

   Colton will hold two free workshops for entrepreneurs and vendors looking to learn how to do business with the city.  The seminars are at 10 a.m. March 23 and 25, at city council chambers, 650 N. La Cadena Drive.

   The workshops will cover bid limits and dollar thresholds, requests for quotations, requests for proposals, pre-bid conferences and job-walks, public bid openings and insurance requirements.  City purchasing policies will be discussed, and participants can learn how to become a registered vendor.

   Reservations: Jennifer M. Sims, C.P.M., (909) 370-5047, or via e-mail at jsims@ci.<QA0>
colton.ca.us

   Information: Laura Morales, (909) 825-2222

   Cal Poly Pomona accounting students will provide free federal and state income-tax assistance to Pomona Valley families who earn about $40,000 or less, as well as to the elderly.  Non-English-speaking people who are legal residents also are eligible to receive tax-preparation assistance.

   Taxpayers have the option to electronically file their returns for free, which is the fastest way to receive tax refunds.

   The free tax-preparation program is offered as part of a course taught by accounting professor Bill Foley, a certified public accountant and attorney.  The service is funded by Cal Poly Pomona in conjunction with the Inland Empire United Way.

   Assistance is available in two locations: 

   Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center, 300 W. Second St. The center will accept walk-ins from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will help people by appointment only from 3 to 5 p.m.

   Boys and Girls Club, 1420 Garey Ave., Pomona. Walk-ins also are welcome from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

   UC Riverside Chancellor Timothy P. White has announced that Dallas Rabenstein, a distinguished professor who has served as a dean for the Graduate Division, has agreed to take over the role of executive vice chancellor and provost.  Rabenstein agreed to serve through June 30, 2010, according to the news release.  He replaces Ellen Wartella, who has served five years in the post.

   SunWize Systems, the installation business unit of SunWize Technologies Inc., has completed a 24.6 kW ground-mounted photovoltaic system at the David Page residence in Sky Valley in Riverside County.  The system is the largest installation of its kind in California and is designed to provide 100 percent of the Page family's requirement for electricity.  The system generates 50,000 kilowatt-hours annually, eliminating 34 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking six cars off the road, according to the release.

   The Kingston, New York-based SunWize Technologies operates a manufacturing and distribution center in Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: (805) 625-2121, or online at www.sunwize.com

   An investment seminar investigating short- and long-term strategies for financial planning will be held at noon March 1 at Golden Avenue Church, 2404 N. Golden Ave., San Bernardino.  Information: Barbara Adams, (909) 883-7171.

   DistTech Inc. is welcoming two of its Rancho Cucamonga drivers to the company's prestigious Million Miles Club.  These drivers earned the honor for having achieved 1 million consecutive accident-free miles throughout their driving careers.  Local honorees are Robert Lamere and John Mills.

   Southern California home sales climbed above year-ago levels for the seventh consecutive month in January as bargain-hungry buyers flocked to inland areas pounded by foreclosures and deep discounts, according to the latest survey by San Diego-based MDA DataQuick.

   Foreclosures continued to play a leading role in the market, accounting for nearly 60 percent of all homes that resold, according to the report service.  Sales of newly built homes were the lowest for a January in at least 21 years.

   A total of 15,227 new and resale houses and condos closed escrow in the six-county Southland last month.  That was down 23.6 percent from 19,926 in December but up 52.5 percent from 9,983 in January 2008.  A decline of 20 to 30 percent between December and January is normal.

   Sales of existing single-family houses reached record levels for a January in Fontana and Victorville in San Bernardino County; and in Perris and Temecula in Riverside County.

   The median price paid for all homes combined last month was $250,000, down 10.1 percent from $278,000 in December and down a record 39.8 percent from $415,000 in January 2008.

   The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring people to help with the 2010 census.  Exam is required, and the bureau is testing applicants.  A practice test is available online at www.2010censusjobs.gov

   The Riverside office is at 11820 Pierce St. Phone: (951) 324-2030.  Pay rate: Starts at $15/hour.  The San Bernardino is at 2088 N. Medical Center Drive.  Phone: (909) 475-3130.  Pay rate: Starts at $16.50/hour.

   General information: (866) 861-2010.

   Redlands Chrysler Dodge Jeep Mazda dealership in the Redlands Auto Center has undergone a significant face-lift in the past few weeks.  From the signs to the interior to the lot, there is virtually no space that has not been touched by the renovations ushered in by General Manager Clive Skilton, according to a news release.

   "While other dealerships are cutting back, Redlands Auto Center is doing more," Skilton said in the release.  "We know that there's a recession, but if you need a new car, you need a new car. So, we've simply decided not to participate."

   The recent renovations at Redlands Chrysler Dodge Jeep Mazda are all part of Skilton's approach to selling cars, according to the release.

   "It should be a pleasant experience," he said. "It should never be intimidating. We've worked to make sure customers feel welcome and are comfortable asking questions."

   Ontario and Community Bank's Ontario banking center will hold a Small Business Finance Seminar from 8 - 11 a.m. Feb. 26 at the Ontario Convention Center.  The event aims to give small-business owners in the Inland Empire valuable information and resources to help them navigate the economic crisis.  Information: Eugene Valdez, (909) 937-8529, or via e-mail at evaldez@cbank.com

   The toll California's budget crisis is taking on public schools, students and teachers will be discussed as part of a forum sponsored by the University of Redlands School of Education.  The forum, titled "A Critical View on the Current California Financial Crisis in Education," will be held from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the University Hall on campus.  The event is free and open to the public.

   Guest speakers will include Stuart Dorsey, a former U.S. Senate economist and University of Redlands president; Ken Hall, a widely recognized expert in California public finance and school management; Kent Bechler, superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District; Susan Levine, interim superintendent of the Barstow school district; Brian Bock, an attorney familiar with school finance issues; and Jose Lalas, director of teacher education at the University of Redlands and a member of the Corona-Norco school board.

   Information: (909) 748-8815 for more information.

   HonestFlorist.com has selected Internet marketing agency WebMetro in San Dimas to launch its search engine marketing campaigns, including pay per click advertising and search engine optimization, according to a recent news release.  Information: www.webmetro.com

   Lee & Associates has named Chad Fonceca as its newest vice president and shareholder, according to costar.com.  Fonceca joined Lee & Associates in 2007 and has recorded nearly $50 million is sales and leases.  He represents several local and national retail chains and developers for the High Desert market.  Fonceca operates out the company's Victorville office.

   The Fellowship of Local Businessmen and Women is inviting regional professionals to come to its monthly meeting, scheduled for Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.  The event speaker will be Bob Wood, vice president of CB Richard Ellis, and he will be addressing the topic of "Re-creating Yourself in These Tough Economic Times."  The event is at A.G. Engineering, 8647 Helms Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: (951) 453-9914.

   In its Feb. 15 issue, Looking Fit magazine named Summit Beach Tanning Inc. in Fontana as one of the top 250 tanning salons in the U.S.  Summit Beach Tanning, which just celebrated its two-year anniversary Feb. 13, is operated by Lori Brophy and employs six to 10 people over the course of the year.  The salon is at 15290 Summit Ave., Suite E. Information:  (909) 899-9876, or online at www.summitbeach.com

   Year-end statistics for 2008 released by CB Richard Ellis show that two of the company's brokers, Frank Geraci and Walt Chenoweth, along with team members Juan Gutierrez, Patrick Wood and Aditi McCann, completed sale and lease transactions in excess of 10 million square feet, including 4.5 million square feet of new lease transactions in the Inland Empire and 3.8 million square feet of lease renewals.

   With total gross absorption in the Inland Empire at 19.8 million square feet for the year, the team's transactions represent more than 23 percent of the gross absorption in the Inland Empire in 2008, according to the news release.

   Among the most significant deals completed by the team in 2008 were 1.3 million square feet of renewals at Shea Center in Ontario; 393,000-square-foot sale in Ontario to a Chinese importer of aluminum and vinyl extrusions, and a 405,864-square-foot renewal at 5351 Jurupa St., Ontario, on behalf of Toto USA Inc.

   GIS technology company ESRI recently commissioned the installation of 2,737 rooftop solar panels on three office buildings at its main campus in Redlands, according to a news release.  ESRI's solar-energy system will reduce global carbon emissions by more than 1 million pounds annually, the equivalent of planting 70,000 mature trees, according to the release.  The 195-watt solar panels will produce 533 kW of electricity -- enough to power 100 average homes.  Information: www.esri.com

   On Feb. 25, the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone will host a free employer workshop to update local employers on labor laws.  The event, scheduled from 8 - 9:30 a.m. at the Gonzales Center, 670 Colton Ave., Grand Terrace, is sponsored by the Inland Valley Development Agency, Colton, San Bernardino Economic Development Agency and the County of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency.  Reservations are required by Friday.  Information: (909) 382-4100, ext. 230, or via e-mail at info@sbvez.com

   The La Verne Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a "Travel Mixer" in conjunction with Collette Vacations and Noah's Travel at 6 p.m. tonight.  The meeting will be held at Access Business Center, 2120 Foothill Blvd., suite 107, La Verne.  There will be a slide presentation of the chamber's upcoming trip to Greece in October, and the 2010 trip to Australia and New Zealand. Information: (909) 593-5265.

   The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will offer the second of its four-part workshop to existing or prospective business owners on how to develop a business plan.  The workshops will be from 6 - 9 p.m. Feb. 24, March 10 and 24, at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, suite 155, San Bernardino.  Cost: $80 if pre-registered online.  The first workshop was held Feb. 10.  Information: Nicole Kinney, (909) 890-1242, or visit the center's Web site, www.iewbc.org

   Aegis Senior Living, 14837 Peyton Drive in Chino Hills, will hold a free seminar on investment strategies and recovery at 6 p.m. Feb. 24.  The event will include refreshments and an opportunity drawing.  Reservations are required.  Information: (909) 606-3010.

   San Bernardino businessman Gregg Kerr will be offering business-survival seminars from 6:30-8 p.m. today at 290 W. Orange Show Road in San Bernardino; Thursday at 6370 Brockton Ave. in Riverside; and Feb. 24 at 155 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 123, in San Bernardino.

   The classes are sponsored by Money Mailer, San Bernardino, Leivas & Associates, Riverside and Tax and Business Solutions of San Bernardino.  According to a news release, the seminars will help struggling business owners improve marketing efforts, increase revenue, reduce costs and streamline processes.  Reservations are required.  Information: (951) 543-9901, or via e-mail at jeffweston@actioncoach.com

   The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce is seeking sponsors for its 13th annual golf tournament, the Spring Swing 2009.  The tourney is scheduled for May 12 at Sierra Lakes Golf Club, 16600 Clubhouse Drive, Fontana.  There are several sponsorship packages available.  Golfers receive a catered lunch, green fees, use of a golf cart, commemorative gift and more.  Cost: $195 per golfer; $700 per foursome.  Information: (909) 987-1012, or via e-mail at stacey@ranchochamber.org

   Through a special allocation from the state, UC Riverside Extension can provide no-cost training for manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, supply chain management and construction companies.  According to the news release, employees can receive customized training in such areas as computer skills, project management and more.

   To participate in the program, employees must be permanent (on the job 90 days prior to training), work more than 35 hours a week, and earn a minimum wage of $13 an hour inclusive of benefits.  Other restrictions may apply.

   Information: (951) 827-1623, or e-mail Customs Program Manager Susan Almeida at salmeida@ucx.ucr.edu

   The College of Dental Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona has received initial accreditation as it prepares to welcome its inaugural class in August.  The college submitted its initial application for accreditation to the Commission of Dental Accreditation in March and had a site visit Oct. 14-15.  Information: http://westernu.edu/xp/edu/dentistry/accreditation.xml

   To celebrate National Get Organized Month in January, Redlands-based Practical Solutions Organizing held a contest to find the messiest desk in the Inland Empire.  They received many great entries.  The winner, Joyce Heitmeier, was announced this week.  Practical Solutions is providing hands-on organizing help to set up personalized organizing systems that work for her.  Freeman Office Products in San Bernardino furnished the office supplies and desk accessories for the project.  Pixily provided a year's subscription to their online document storage service and Neat donated a Neat Receipts system that scan and records receipts.  Information: http://www.psorganizing.com

   The Montclair Chamber of Commerce will hold an after-hours business connections event from 5 - 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, 9405 Monte Vista Ave.  Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards to pass out to prospective clients. Cost: $10 for members, $15 non-members.  Information: (909) 624-4569.

   Victoria Gardens, owned by Forest City Enterprises, has named Walke Communications Inc. as its new public relations agency.  According to the news release, the contract "represents a greater emphasis on local public relations efforts that have been developing over the past few years."

   Toby Solórzano, a former recruiter and UCLA graduate, will hold a resume preparation workshop from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. March 12 at the La Verne Library, 3640 D St.  The class will provide instruction on how to prepare a resume that looks professional and tips on how to improve an existing one.  Information: (909) 596-1934.

   San Bernardino County will host a free Business Survival Workshop at Grand Terrace City Hall from 8 - 11 a.m. Feb. 18.  Utility companies, banks, manufacturing consultants, marketing advisors and business aid organizations will be on hand to meet one-on-one with businesses to discuss their services.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to complete a free business analysis.  Grand Terrace City Hall is at 22795 Barton Road.  Reservations are required.  Information and reservations:  Vanessa Gilmore, (909) 387-9851, or by e-mail vgilmore@wdd.sbcounty.gov

   Michael Deane Lamkin, the Bessie and Cecil Frankel Professor of Music, was named interim vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty at Scripps College in Claremont for a one-year term, to begin July 1.  According to the news release, Lamkin has been a member of the Scripps faculty since 1977 and served as vice president and dean of faculty from 1997 to 2007.  The current dean of faculty, Cecilia Conrad, returns to Pomona College in July after serving a two-year appointment.

   According to a news release, "Wells Fargo will assist city officials and nonprofit organizations to access $3.9 billion in federal funds in an effort to help stabilize housing, advance home ownership and revitalize neighborhoods in San Bernardino and Riverside counties hit hard by foreclosures."  The federal housing aid became available Feb. 1 through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act.  Wells Fargo will supplement this money with an additional $2 million in grants.

   According to the release, the funds will be used to accelerate the preparation and sale of bank- and investor-owned properties.  Government entities and nonprofit housing groups that provide affordable homeownership or rental opportunities to low- to moderate-income families have the opportunity to purchase foreclosed properties at a discounted price through the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation by calling (612) 667-5131.

   Government entities also can participate by contacting Wells Fargo at (816) 518-2164.
Properties considered for discount through Wells Fargo are listed on the Premiere Asset Services Web site, www.pasreo.com

   Extreme Green Technologies Inc., known as Extreme Biodiesel, in Corona has joined the ranks as one of California's few fully licensed and operational biodiesel production and distribution facilities, according to a news release.  With passage of final inspection by the city of Corona, production will increase to as much as 4,000 gallons a day.  California has mandated the use of bio-fuels in a significant percentage of state, city and county vehicles, creating a demand that far exceeds available supply.  The opening of facilities similar to the one Extreme Biodiesel is now operating in Corona will be critical to helping California meet its self-imposed renewable energy usage goals, according to the news release.  Information: company President Joe Spadafore, (949) 280-1557, or via e-mail at joe@extremebiodiesel.com

   According to a news release from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, "Nearly 1,000 business, environmental and water stakeholders gathered Jan. 29 to find united solutions to balancing population growth, economics, the environment and securing safe, reliable water during the inaugural State of the Santa Ana River Watershed Conference at the Ontario Convention Center."  The Riverside County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation praising the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and Riverside-based TMG Communications Inc., which produced the event, in recognition of "their spearheading the effort toward adopting a new water ethic for the 21st century," according to the release.  Information: www.santaanawatershed.com

   At the Grove Productions Inc. will host the Upland Chamber of Commerce's February business mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12.  The event, at The Grove theater, 276 E. Ninth St., will include refreshments, a 50/50 opportunity drawing and prizes.  Information: (909) 204-4465 or www.uplandchamber.org

   Summit Career College in Colton will start offering monthly career fairs beginning this month.  The first event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 20 at the campus, 851 S. Cooley Drive.  According to a news release, the fairs will allow prospective students to explore the vocational training programs being offered at the school and meet with potential employers.  The fairs also will allow them an on-the-spot opportunity to interview and network with prospective employers.  Information: (909) 422-8950.

   Real Estate Disposition Corp. auctioned 1,301 foreclosed Southern California homes for $129.4 million during its seven-day tour of seven Southern California cities, including Ontario and Palm Springs.  In a news release,Jeff Frieden, CEO of Real Estate Disposition and USHomeAuction.com, wrote, "Consumers walked away with some incredible deals. Many people were able to buy the home of their dreams, sometimes at a discount of up to 40 to 50 percent of the home's value.  We're elated to be in a position to give home buyers opportunities like this."  In Ontario, the company auctioned off 405 properties for $25.8 million. In Palm Springs, 111 properties were auctioned for $7.8 million.

   Prakash Chandran, a Google Inc. employee who has helped design applications such as Google Calendar, Gmail and Picasa Web album, will be the first guest at Cal Poly Pomona's College of Business Administration Alumni Chapter's Executive Speaker Series.  The presentation, "Put the User First and the Rest Will Follow," will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the school's Kellogg West Conference Center.  Cost: $15 for current students; $30 for Alumni Association members; $40 for the general public. There will be a reception for alumni chapter members at 5:30 p.m.  Information: (909) 869-2963.

   McIntyre Law Group of Redlands will offer a free dinner seminar on Feb. 24 to local senior citizens on developing a proper estate plan.  The seminar will feature attorney Nathan McIntyre, who will present information about the Legacy Wealth Estate Plan.  Seating starts at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., in the Casa Loma Room at the University of Redlands.  Reservations are required.  Seating is limited to seniors 55 and older who own their own home and to two reservations per household.  Information: (909) 798-5780 or www.mcintyrelawgroup.com

   San Dimas-based RCI Technologies' Filterless Diesel Fuel Purifiers was certified "green" by the Green Clean Institute based upon observed and declared benefits, which are shown on its Web site at www.rcitechnologies.com

   Rialto-based RC Construction Services Inc. is working withGonzo Marketers in Rancho Cucamonga to develop a package of sales materials for new business development for the award-winning construction company, according to a news release from Bob Clapper, president at RC Construction Services.  In the release, Tim Sunderland of Gonzo Marketers said the materials will cover both the general construction and concrete sides of the business.

   The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will coordinate three international trips this year. The first, March 10 - 24, will be to the South Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand; cost is $4,599.  The second, Sept. 29 to Oct. 8, will be to Ireland; cost is $3,149. The third, May 10-21, will be to Italy; cost is $6,179.  Information: (909) 627-6177.

   The Crafton Hills College Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda business club is hosting a presentation by Stater Bros. Markets Chief Executive Officer Jack Brown.  The free presentation is "Pursuing a Dream."  The event will take place at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center on campus, 11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa. Information: (909) 389-3304.

   The Montclair Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly networking breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at Home Town Buffet, 5247 Arrow Highway.  The breakfast will include a presentation by Crystal Olmedo of the District Attorney's Office on "Bad Checks and What To Do About Them."  Cost: $10 for members, $15 nonmembers.  Information: (909) 624-4569.

   State Controller John Chiang announced Tuesday an agreement with several financial institutions to provide lines of credit to Californians impacted by the state's historic cash crunch, which has forced the Controller's Office to delay $3.5 billion in payments during February.  The following institutions together pledged at least $22.4 million to meet the needs of their affected customers:
   Alliance Credit Union -- $250,000.
   American First Credit Union -- $1 million.
   Cal State L.A. Credit Union -- $1 million.
   Central State Credit Union -- $1 million.
   Firestone Financial Services Credit Union -- $100,000.
   First Entertainment Credit Union -- $5 million.
   Health Associates Federal Credit Union -- $300,000.
   SF Police Credit Union -- $250,000.
   Stanford Federal Credit Union -- $5 million.
   Visterra Credit Union -- $1 million.
   Water and Power Community Credit Union -- $7.5 million.
   Other banks and credit unions have indicated they will provide lines of credit and other short-term borrowing solutions on a case-by-case basis to those affected by the state's cash crisis.
   The controller's Web site will continue to be updated with new payment information as it becomes available, officials said. Information: <NO1>Online at www.sco.ca.gov">http://<NO>www.sco.ca.gov

   GYL Decauwer LLP in Rancho Cucamonga recently announced the promotions of two staff accountants to supervisor positions.  According to the news release, "Cheryl Van Veluwen and Michael Lynch have both had their hard work rewarded as evidenced in their promotions." Van Veluwen has been with GYL Decauwer LLP for 12 years, and Michael Lynch has been with the company for three years and passed the CPA exam last year.

   Cal State San Bernardino's Office of Technology Transfer and Commercialization has announced five grants to four Southern California companies and one Pennsylvania firm, totaling more than $450,000.  According to the release, the grants "go to entrepreneurial firms developing life-saving civilian and military medical applications."

   Winners are:

   Agilenano of Rancho Santa Fe received $75,000 to test and evaluate a product called AgileZorb, which may prevent or lessen injuries from explosive devices such as roadside bombs used against American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

   Intubation Plus Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, received $125,000 to develop the RespiScope, an intubation device used in emergency situations and operating rooms.

   Pacific Consolidated Industries LLC of Riverside received approximately $120,000 for work on its process of liquefying oxygen for emergency care.

   Integrated Medical Systems Inc. of Signal Hill received up to $125,000 for commercialization of its integrated medical system, the MedEx 1000 "suitcase ICU."

   IntelliDOT Corp. of San Diego was awarded more than $25,000 for the study of military medical markets that will use a bedside barcode point-of-care system to prevent medication errors.

   Information: Online at http://www.ottc.csusb.edu

   The Pomona Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction will hold its monthly general meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12.  The event, at Antonino's Italian Ristorante, 8045 Vineyard Ave. No. 1, in Rancho Cucamonga, will start with networking, followed by dinner and a presentation by Sheree Neudoerffer, owner of SMW Construction.  Cost: $25.  Reservation deadline is Feb. 10.  Information: (909) 982-7911, or call Marlene Hargrove at (951) 202-4484.  Send e-mail to nawic140@msn.com

   Cal State San Bernardino's Institute of Applied Research has released its "Report on Business" for January.  According to Shel Bockman and Barbara Sirotnik, co-directors of the IAR, and Lori Aldana, project coordinator of the IAR, "With the continuation of bad economic news (layoffs daily in the news and companies closing their doors), it is no surprise that the PMI remains low (37.1).  A PMI below 41.1 percent over a period of three consecutive months generally indicates that the economy is in a decline. This is now the fourth month below the 41.1 percent benchmark," a news release said.

   According to the report, the local Employment Index continues to decline from 34.5 percent in December, to 32.9 percent now in January and is still well below the 50 percent baseline figure, indicating that employment continues to decline. Commodity prices increased slightly from 32.1 percent last month to 34.1 percent this month, and Production and New Orders -- the most important indices making up the PMI -- remain weak. According to the report, the Production Index dropped to 32.9 percent in January from 35.7 percent from last month, but there was a slight boost in New Orders from 34.5 percent in December to 39.0 percent in January.

   Golden State Water Co. in San Dimas is looking to hike water rates in several local cities to fund more than $100 million in infrastructure improvements.  The increases, which are subject to approval from the California Public Utilities Commission, would boost water rates in the agency's Region III area by $30.03 million, or 32.67 percent, in 2010; $1.7 million, or 1.39 percent in 2011; and $3.6 million, or 2.92 percent, in 2012.

   Region III serves about 98,300 customers in Arcadia, El Monte, Monrovia, Irwindale, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, Temple City and San Dimas, as well as other areas of San Bernardino, Imperial and Orange counties.

   A public hearing for Golden State's proposed rate hikes will be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday at the Alexander Hughes Community Center, at 1700 Danbury Road in Claremont.

   The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center will hold a free workshop for new or aspiring business owners, called "How to Start Your Small Business."  The course, presented by an SBDC business consultant, will discuss topics including small business financing, planning and licensing and permits.  The course will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce office, 7945 Vineyard Ave., Suite D-5. Preregistration is recommended.  Information: (951) 781-2345, or online at www.iesmallbusiness.com

   Heat-transfer resource company Transprint announced that CEO William Boyd is retiring from the day-to-day operations of the company, although he will consult for Transprint, according to a report on hometextilestoday.com.  The company was purchased by Rancho Cucamonga-based Colorep Inc. in 2007 and is expanding.

   The former controller for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles has been named chief financial officer for LeRoy Haynes Center in La Verne, according to a news release.  Tony Williams, who has 11 years of experience in accounting with an emphasis on the public sector and nonprofit arena, holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills, is working on a master's degree in public administration and is a member of both the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Government Finance Officers Association.  He is a resident of Rancho Cucamonga.  Information: (909) 593-2581, or online at www.leroyhaynes.org

   Gary Griggs and Brett Cervantes, investment specialists in Marcus & Millichap's Ontario office, represented both the seller and buyer in the sale of North Hills Professional Plaza in Brea.  The building sold for $2.615 million.  The property is 100 percent occupied by eight medical and professional tenants with substantially under-market rents and gross leases, according to a news release.

   The Banta Center for Business, Ethics and Society at the University of Redlands hosts several lectures and events throughout the year.  Michael E. Conroy will speak on "How Certification is Transforming Global Corporations" at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Casa Loma Room on campus.  Reservations are required by Feb. 11.  Information and reservations: Vanessa Siliezar, (909) 748-8769, or www.redlands.edu/bantacenter.asp

   Diamond Bar resident Steve Rubinstein has joined First Bank as a vice president and relationship manager in the bank's Inland Empire commercial banking department in Corona.
Before joining First Bank, Rubinstein worked forCitizens Business Bank, headquartered in Ontario.  He also co-founded a financial consulting firm focused on corporate turnarounds with an asset-based credit.

   The San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce's Governmental Affairs Division will hold a legislative breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Friday.  The guest speaker, Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter, D-Rialto, will address the economic status of the state and how it relates to local funding, and the distribution of infrastructure funds to government agencies and private businesses, among other topics.  The breakfast will take place at Shandin Hills Golf Club, 3380 Little Mountain Drive, San Bernardino.  Cost: $25.  Information: (909) 885-7515.

   LG Exotics Inc., an area manufacturer of pure soy skin care products, has announced the Feb. 7 opening of its new outlet store.  The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at 4650 Arrow Highway, Suite C-5, Montclair.  The company's president is Sharon Tirabasso.  Its products have been included in gift bags at the Emmy awards, Academy awards and more.  Information: (909) 625-9111 or www.lgexotics.com

   The Applied Technology Training Center of the San Bernardino Community College District won a $2 million grant award for nanotechnology from the U.S. Department of Labor.  The grant will enable the district to establish a Center for the Advancement of Nanotechnology in San Bernardino for the preparation of technicians for entry-level jobs, according to a news release.

   Redlands-based regional economist John Husing will be the first to headline the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's new Breakfast Speakers Series with a talk titled "The Economic Mess: How We Got in It, Where We're Are on It, What is Being Done to Get Out of It."

   The event will take place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Ontario Airport DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N. Vineyard Ave. Cost: $20 if pre-paid; $25 at the door. Information: (909) 984-2458 or www.ontario.org