August 2009 Archives

Riverside Public Utilities is campaigning to be one of the first medium-sized utilities in the country to be entirely on the "smart grid," according to a recent news release.  The utility is asking for $9 million of federal stimulus dollars to partially fund the $18 million endeavor.  The decision will be announced by the Department of Energy in October.

Bryan Weiner has purchased two condo units, totalling 3,144 square feet, at 25875 Barton Road, Loma Linda, according to costar.com.  Weiner paied $1.15 million to Meridian Property Co. for the property.  Built in 2008, the office building totals 13,220 square feet and is part of the new Loma Linda Professional Center at the northeast corner of Mountain View Avenue and Barton Road.  Drew Wetherholt of Marcus & Millichap represented both sides of the transaction.

The Inland Empire chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, a commercial real estate development association, is seeking submissions to showcase industrial, office, retail and mixed use properties throughout the Inland Empire in its "Virtual Bus Tour" scheduled for Nov. 11. The deadline for submission is Sept. 1. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available.  The event will take place at Citizen's Bank Arena, 4000 E. Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario. Registration begins at 3 p.m., followed by a networking reception with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and project exhibits.  The virtual bus tour will be displayed during the remainder of the event which concludes at 7 p.m.  Information: Rob Evans at (951) 324-0350 or rob@naiopie.org

The Inland Valley Chapter No. 140 of the National Association of Women In Construction will hold a meeting Sept. 10 at Antonino's Ristorante Italiano, 7945 Vineyard Ave. D-7, Rancho Cucamonga.  Bonnie Montoya-May, a principal of Abundance Unlimited Inc. and the founding chairwoman for the Inland Empire chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, will be the keynote speaker for the evening.  Networking will begin at 5:30 p.m.; the program and dinner will start at 6 p.m. Cost: $30.  Reservations are required by Sept. 9.  Information: Marlene Hargrove at (951) 202-4484, or leave a message at (909) 982-7911; or e-mail nawic140@msn.com

The San Bernardino County Assessor's Office wants local property owners to be on the look-out for "various unscrupulous private companies (that) are mailing solicitations to property owners offering to file 'Decline in Value' review request forms with the Assessor's Office for fees ranging from $95 to thousands of dollars."  These applications may be filed by the property owner free of charge directly with the Assessor's Office.  Information: (877) 885-7654, (909) 387-8307, or online at www.sbassessor.org

If you feel that you are a victim of a misleading mailing, you may contact the state Attorney General's Public Inquiry Unit at: www.ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php

The Victor Valley Family Resource Center, which will provide area residents with literacy, computer skills, life-skill services and work-readiness training, will hold it's grand opening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at 16857 C St., Victorville.  According to a news release, the center's goal is "to enrich the lives of the families most traumatized by the economy and to divert our youth from getting involved in crime, violence and gangs."  Information: (760) 955-8866.

PCV Murcor, a real-estate valuation company in Pomona, has expanded its staff with the hiring of Brandon A. Melanese as vice president of business development.  Melanese was previously associated with IRR Residential in Kansas City, Mo., and First American eAppraiseIT in San Diego.

Kurt Strasmann was brought on as managing director for Voit Real Estate Services' Anaheim office, according to a news release.  He will take the lead with the planned expansion into Inland Empire with a new office in that area.  Strasmann spent 24 years with Grubb & Ellis, covering the Orange County, Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley.

Michael Feldman is the new deputy executive director of facilities management at Los Angeles World Airports, which operates L.A./Ontario International, Los Angeles International and Van Nuys airports.  In this position, Feldman is responsible for the activities of the Facilities Planning, Facilities Engineering, Environmental Services, Inspection Services and Construction and Maintenance divisions, according to a news release.

The Los Angeles Regional Census Center, which includes the Inland Empire census offices, is recruiting managers for local census offices that will open in the fall, according to a news release.  The temporary jobs will last through July.  The application closing date is Sept. 3. Local positions include assistant managers in San Bernardino.  Only candidates residing within the boundaries of the local census offices will be considered.  Applicants who are bilingual in Spanish and English are encouraged to apply.  Information: www.census.gov/losangeles

The state Board of Equalization recently updated its list of California's largest unpaid sales and use tax delinquencies at www.boe.ca.gov

The agency replaced 19 names on its list of debtors, according to the release.  Bosch Auto Center Inc. in Fontana and ABC NJ Inc. Bosch Kia Isuzu of Corona are both on the list, officials said.  Since 2007, the Board of Equalization has been mandated by state law to post a list of the largest 250 tax delinquencies of more than $100,000 in tax after notifying the debtors that their tax liabilities will be disclosed to the public.

For a complete list: www.boe.ca.gov/cgi-bin/deliq.cgi

San Bernardino Associated Governments, the transportation planning agency for San Bernardino County, will receive $9.95 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act "to assist in the construction of clean-energy projects and facilities in the Inland Empire," according to a news release from the office of Rep. Joe Baca, D-San Bernardino.  The money will be used to support the J.B. Hunt LNG Truck Project's Made in America Initiative, which aims to deploy 262 heavy-duty liquid natural gas trucks in Southern California and construct two LNG refueling stations in the Inland Empire, including one in San Bernardino.

The Inland Empire African-American Chamber of Commerce and an area political action committee will hold a Candidate Recruitment and Development Mixer at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at Castaways Restaurant & Banquet Center, 670 Kendall Drive, San Bernardino.  The chamber and Citizens of the Inland Empire are inviting "anyone interested in running for elected office, but especially African-Americans," to come and learn about the process, according to a news release.  Reservations are required.  Information: citizensoftheinlandempire@gmail.com

The state Housing and Community Development Department is distributing $92.7 million from the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program to 96 communities.  The funds are meant to "go toward rejuvenating neighborhoods and communities that are hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis," according to an agency news release.  San Bernardino County cities are receiving more than $2.7 million of the funds.  Chino was awarded the largest chunk of funds in the county, $1.78 million.  Next highest was Redlands, which will receive $672,313.  Upland will receive $560,366, and Chino Hills will get $550,622.

In Riverside County, Coachella, Palm Desert and Palm Springs will receive a combined total of $1.85 million, and the county will receive $448,898.  Los Angeles County will get $4.8 million.  The funds can be used for five activities:

* To purchase and rehabilitate homes to sell, rent or redevelop.
* To create land banks for homes that have been foreclosed upon.
* To demolish blighted structures.
* To redevelop demolished or vacant properties.
* To establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed-upon homes and residential properties.

For a listing of total awards, go to: www.hcd.ca.gov/fa/nsp/ChartofAllNSPAwards.pdf

Ayres Hotel Chino Hills has opened at 4785 Chino Hills Parkway.  The hotel has 124 guest rooms with flat-screen televisions, complimentary high-speed Internet access, microwaves and refrigerators.  The Chino Hills site is the ninth Ayres Hotels property in the Inland Empire and the 19th hotel in the chain.  Information: www.ayreschinohills.com

Michael Fish has been named general manager of the Ashwood Golf Course in Apple Valley.  The 27-hole course is owned by Del Webb and managed by Billy Casper Golf.  Information: www.ashwoodgolf.com

The Frontier Project Foundation recently announced the addition of Paul Biane, chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, as a sponsor of the group's inaugural Green Tie Gala, scheduled for Oct. 17.  The event will honor the Lewis Operating Corp. and Herman Miller Inc. for their contributions to environmental sustainability in the region.  The program will include dinner, entertainment and a silent auction.  Best, Best and Krieger LLP, Robert Brkich Construction Corp., Stone & Youngberg LLC, CV Strategies and Robert A. Bernheimer Inc. are also sponsoring the event.  The Frontier Project, owned by the Cucamonga Water District and designed by HMC Architects, will be a community building with the purpose of "educating business leaders and residential consumers in the latest technologies in water, energy and site conservation," according to a news release.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Information: (909) 483-7484; www.frontierproject.org

According to the new U.S. News and World Report annual college guide, the University of Redlands is the only Southern California university ranked both as an A+ school and a best value.  The college has been listed among the top 10 universities for master's degrees each year since 1995.  In the annual college guide, the University of Redlands is listed seventh in the category of Western universities that offer undergraduate and master's programs but few, if any, doctoral programs, according to a news release. It was ranked eighth last year.

The Fellowship of Local Businessmen and Women will meet at 7 tonight, Aug. 27, in the second floor banquet room at 8647 Helms Ave., Rancho Cucamonga.  The evening will feature three local businessmen addressing the topic, "Does Faith Really Work? How God is Bringing Them Through These Hard Times." The speakers are Ed Martinez of E&M Carpets, Robert Jimenez of R. Jimenez Trenching and Al Gutierrez of A.G. Engineering.  Information: (951) 453-9914.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has begun posting informational videos on YouTube.com.  The SBA YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/sba, debuted with a 60-second introduction to the SBA, its programs and services, and a 10-part "Delivering Success" series co-produced with the U.S. Postal Service.

Watt Commercial Properties has signed a 10-year lease with Ross Dress for Less to fill a retail space in Riverside Towne Center. Ross, which expects to open its doors at this location in May 2010, fills the retail space vacated by Circuit City after the retailer filed bankruptcy last year.

The Claremont and Upland chambers of commerce will hold a joint mixer and business expo from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the DoubleTree Hotel Claremont, 555 W. Foothill Blvd. Approximately 50 vendors will be displaying their businesses at the event, according to a chamber news release.  The event is sponsored by the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency.  Information: Upland Chamber, (909) 204-4465; Claremont Chamber, (909) 624-1681.

The Redlands Chamber of Commerce will hold a "Business After Hours" networking event from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Security Bank of California, 201 E. State St., Redlands.  Cost: $5 for members with reservations; $10 for members at the door and $15 for nonmembers.  Information: (909) 793-2546.

ExecuCar, formerly Express Shuttle LA, is launching new 24-hour nonstop service from LA/Ontario International, Los Angeles International, John Wayne, Burbank and Long Beach airports.  Information: www.execucarexpress.com

North Shore Trading Company in Fawnskin, on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, has revamped its Web site, www.GoPaddleACanoe.com

The store, which is owned by Jim and Janet Dooley, specializes in canoes, kayaks and boating accessories.

The Inland Empire Women's Business Center will hold a seminar, "A Trillion Dollar Journey: Life and Business Lessons from a Woman Entrepreneur," from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.  The presenter will be Robin De-Ivy Allen, founder of Necessary Nutrition.  Preregistration is requested for the free event.  Information: (909) 890-1242, www.iewbc.org

General Environmental Management Inc. in Pomona, an environmental and waste-remediation company, has sold the stock of its GEM Mobile Treatment Services Inc. unit to MTS Acquisition Company Inc.  According to a company news release, GEM MTS will function independently and "with no disruptive transitory period."  GEM received promissory notes for $5.6 million, the assumption by GEM MTS of about $1 million of accounts payable as well as future royalties.  GEM is using the consideration to pay down debt.  Information: www.go-gem.com

Isolatek International, a manufacturer of fireproofing materials for commercial buildings, will open its new manufacturing and warehouse facility today at 4062 N. Georgia Blvd., San Bernardino, according to a news release.  The new facility, which is located in the San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone, is 65,000 square feet and will serve the company's West Coast customers.  According to the company's release, "Isolatek International selected the enterprise zone because of its strategic location to the country's western markets and the business and tax incentives it offers."  The company has plans to hire additional employees by the end of the year.

Rebecca Knapp has joined ThunderWheel Communications in Ontario as account supervisor and senior strategist, according to a company news release.  Knapp comes to ThunderWheel with more than 15 years of public relations, marketing and business management experience. Her specialties include "project management, strategic planning, branding initiatives, crisis communications and harvesting opportunities from emerging trends, such as the advent of social media and Web 2.0," according to the release.

In the San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside metro area, home prices in June were down 28.5 percent from the year before, according to newly released data from First American CoreLogic and its LoanPerformance Home Price Index.  The decline was slightly less than in May, in which the median home price in the Inland Empire was 29.7 percent lower than the previous year's.

Between January and June 2009, CoreLogic's home-price index showed an improvement of 3.3 percent, according to the release. This is the first time in four years that the spring and summer seasonal price trend exhibited its normal pattern, according to CoreLogic.  The seasonal improvement in home prices in the first half of 2009 is a positive sign, but a decline in distressed sales, rather than an increase in traditional home prices, was responsible for the change, according to CoreLogic. If the decline in distressed sales is sustainable and not a result of recent foreclosure moratoriums, this could be the first step toward recovery, CoreLogic's analysts state.

Statewide, prices continued to improve in June as California's depreciation rate fell 17.0 percent to its lowest value since October 2007.  Information: www.loanperformance.com

Enspired Technology Inc. has announced it is open for business.  The Ontario-based company is a "full-service IT consulting firm that focuses on driving down IT costs for businesses while maximizing their current network and computer resources," according to a news release.  The company will be posting self-help articles for business owners needing free advice to solve simple IT problems at www.EnspiredTech.com 

The company plans to have free educational seminars for businesses.  For more information, contact president and CEO Joshua Wrye at (909) 732-2215 or info@EnspiredTech.com.

The company also barters its services to other companies through ITEX Corp., a locally-based bartering exchange, and is a member of the Inland Empire Network Partners business group.

Michelle Steel, who represents the California Board of Equalization's 3rd District, has announced that the board has sent 337 letters to local government finance directors explaining that "declining state sales tax revenues have caused a reduction in expected local allocations for their August 2009 advances," a news release states.  "In addition, 15 jurisdictions received letters notifying them they will be receiving no August advance.  This is a continuation of an issue that developed this year with the unprecedented drop in taxable sales due to the recession.  Payments to the local taxing jurisdictions are based in part on prior taxable sales patterns that do not apply in the current economic climate.  Similar letters were sent to 473 local jurisdictions in May 2009."

CB Richard Ellis has announced a new 177,591- square-foot industrial lease at 1580 Eastridge Drive, Riverside, on behalf of third-party logistics firm OHL, according to a news release.  "It is the fifth significant lease transaction for the company in the Inland Empire this year representing more than 1.2 million square feet cumulatively," the release states.  Dan de la Paz of CB Richard Ellis's Ontario office co-represented OHL with Doug McDowell of ProVenture.  De la Paz also completed the following transactions for OHL:  100,617 square feet at 8950 Rochester Ave., Rancho Cucamonga; 577,905 square feet at 13277 San Bernardino Ave., Fontana; 285,600 square feet at 5725 E. Jurupa St., Ontario; 102,100 square feet at 10846 Commerce Way, Fontana.

Voit Real Estate Services has announced the addition of Kurt Strasmann as managing director of the firm's Anaheim Metro commercial brokerage office.  Strasmann will be creating an Inland Empire office.  He was previously executive vice president and managing director for Grubb and Ellis Co.'s Orange County, Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley offices.

Walker Corp., a precision metal-forming company headquartered in Ontario, has acquired Specialty International de Mexico, a metal fabricating, welding, assembly and powder-coating operation that produces fabricated assemblies and products in Monclova, Mexico, according to a news release.  The acquired company will become Walker Specialty International de Mexico.

Joel Kotkin will head the lineup of economic experts and local government representatives at the High Desert Leaders Economic Summit on Sept. 10 from 7:15 a.m. to noon at the Victor Valley College Performing Arts Center.  "Kotkin is an internationally recognized authority on global, economic, political and social trends," a news release states.  The lineup also includes 1st District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt; John Husing, president of Redlands-based Economics and Politics; Larry Kosmont, president of Kosmont Associates; and representatives from desert cities.  General admission is $65, with special rates for seniors and nonprofit organizations.  Sponsorships are also available.  To register, contact the American Red Cross High Desert Chapter at (760) 245-6511, e-mail contact@hd-redcross.org or visit www.archighdesert.org

At their Aug. 19 meeting, the Zonta Club of Redlands initiated three new members:  Rose-Marie Raumin, Diane Carrillo and Rosemary Estupinan.  Zonta is a service organization of business executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide.  Information: Yolanda Solis at (909) 793-5536; www.zonta.org

Dos Lagos, a mixed-use community in Corona, has launched a new Web site, www.DosLagosLife.com.  It features links to monthly coupons for The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos, a calendar listing of live entertainment and information on the community's golf course.

Teens and their parents are invited to attend a free financial education fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 17 at Cal State San Bernardino, sponsored by California JumpStart in partnership with the university's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.  Workshops on such subjects as credit card management, saving for the future, current job opportunities, job interview skills and achieving top credit scores will take place in the Upper Commons' Obershaw Dining Room, as well as the Lower Commons.  Pre-registration is encouraged. Information: www.cajumpstart.org or e-mail info@cajumpstart.org

International Aerospace Enterprises Inc. in Ontario recently announced in a news release that the company's president, Saffet Uslu, will "embark on an extensive sales and marketing trip to the Middle East designed to further the company's worldwide sales and marketing effort."
"I believe that our timing for this trip is spot-on since our strategic partners and contacts in the area all feel that the worldwide recession has loosened its grip on military budgets and that parts orders will flow," Uslu said in the release. "The pinned-up need and demand for our company's military spare parts is the best it has been in over two years."

Hesperia is among the regions recently designated as a preliminary California Enterprise Zone by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.  The other four areas are Tulare, Pittsburg, Sacramento and Taft.  The program "targets economically distressed areas using special state and local incentives to promote business investment and job creation," according to a news release.  Businesses in enterprise zones are eligible for substantial tax credits and benefits.  Each zone designation is in effect for 15 years.  Certain conditions must be met before final designation can be granted, including a signed memorandum of understanding with the housing agency, which includes performance measures and benchmarks.  Information: www.caez.org

The La Verne Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Taste of La Verne 5 - 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Sierra La Verne Country Club.  The event will feature as many as 25 restaurants, live entertainment and opportunity drawings.  Cost: $30. Sponsorship and participation opportunities are available.  Information: (909) 593-5265.

Stater Bros.Markets, headquartered in San Bernardino, recently held its 23rd annual "Family Service Awards" banquet.  The event honors Stater Bros. employees who have been with the company for 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 consecutive years.  According to a company news release, a record 586 employees were honored this year, and 4,845 have been honored since the first event in 1987.

The Claremont and Upland chambers of commerce will host a mixer and business expo 5 - 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Doubletree Hotel, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont.  More than 50 vendors will be on display.  The event is sponsored by the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency and the Doubletree.  Information: (909) 624-1681.

Germain Garcia, a Farmers Insurance agent in Ontario, recently completed the five-day Career Agents Course at the University of Farmers, a training facility in Agoura Hills.
 Information: www.farmers.com

Buchanan Street Partners, a national real estate investment management firm, recently announced the $65.1 million investment sale of Centergate Distribution Park in Redlands.  The property consists of two industrial buildings totaling about 1 million square feet on 44 acres.

Inland Empire Interstate Batteries distributor Larry Burke has been recognized as a top performer by the replacement battery brand.  The company rewarded Burke's "hard work, substantial growth and outrageous customer service" with an all-expense-paid vacation for two to The Cove Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Bahamas.  Burke's retail location is at 822 Berry Court, Upland.

LP4LP, a division of Universal Surveillance Systems in Rancho Cucamonga, recently announced the appointment of Douglas Beeuwsaert, an internal audit and loss prevention executive, to vice president.  According to a news release, Beeuwsaert has more than 20 years of experience, including as chief audit executive and chief ethics officer of public and privately held companies.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is expanding its Microloan program, according to an agency news release.  The expansion is being funded with an additional $50 million for loans and $24 million for technical assistance from the the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  According to the news release, the program is shifting to funding provided under the Recovery Act now that it has exhausted its regular appropriation of $20 million in loans and $20 million in technical assistance.  With the additional resources, the SBA is "focused on adding new lenders and encouraging entrepreneurs to seek out SBA-backed microlenders to finance their businesses," according to the release.  Organizations interested in becoming SBA microlenders must meet specific criteria in terms of organizational status, microlending experience and matching requirements from nonfederal sources. Information: (202) 205-6485; www.sba.gov; or e-mail microloans@sba.gov

Entrepreneurs wishing to learn about the Microloan program are asked to visit:  www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/sbaloantopics/microloans/index.html

Eric Garner and Roderick Walston of Best Best & Krieger, a law firm with offices in Riverside, Ontario and elsewhere in the state, are co-chairing the 16th annual CLE (Continuing Legal Education) International Western Water Law Conference this month, according to a news release from the firm.  The event will examine water supply issues facing the West.  This is the fourth consecutive year BB&K attorneys have chaired the conference, according to the release.  The conference will take place Aug. 27-28 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.  Information: www.bbklaw.com

The Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa Regional Occupation Program put 225 Inland Empire youth to work this summer through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and administered through the San Bernardino County Department of Workforce Development, according to a news release.  The youths completed "WorkReady 101" training and were placed at one of more than 85 public agencies and private businesses that partnered with CRY-ROP.  Participants came from Bloomington, Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and Yucaipa, and met Workforce Investment Act eligibility guidelines for the program, according to the release.

Scarbrough Design Associates, a commercial interior design firm in Ontario, has announced that its principal, Nancy Scarbrough, recently passed the U.S. Green Building Council LEED AP exam. Information: (909) 773-0411; or e-mail info@scarbroughdesign.com

The Victorville-based Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District has announced a new program offering $1,000 for motor vehicles registered no later than 1989 that are still operating.  Under the program, eligible vehicles must be driven to a contracted vehicle dismantler and pass the most recent biennial smog checks required by the Department of Motor Vehicles.  Eligible vehicles must also meet Vehicle Status Requirements and a Vehicle Functional and Equipment Eligibility Inspection.  Incentives will be awarded on a "first come, first served" basis until available funds are exhausted.  Information: (800) 717-7624; www.mdaqmd.ca.gov

Lenders Who Care, a nonprofit organization of mortgage lending professionals, will host a course for first-time home buyers on the federal tax benefits of buying a home.  The event is scheduled 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Sept. 1 in the multi-purpose room at the Upland Public Library, 460 N. Euclid Ave.  Information: (877) 811-1592; www.lenderswhocare.org

The California Travel Industry Association's annual conference, themed "Beyond the Gateways," will take place Oct. 26 - 28 at the Northwoods Resort in Big Bear Lake.  Cost: $199 for members who register before Oct. 9; $225 for members who register thereafter; $289 for nonmembers; $145 for students and educators.  Information: www.caltia.com

San Bernardino County Supervisor Neil Derry, who represents the 3rd District, will be the speaker at the Yucaipa Chamber of Commerce's monthly lunch meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the city's Community Center, 34900 Oak Glen Road.  The event will be catered by WABA Grill Teriyaki House.  Cost: $15 for chamber members; $20 for nonmembers.  Information: (909) 790-1841; www.yucaipachamber.org

The Hair Phases Salon, 7211 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, will hold a "grand re-opening" 4-7 p.m. Aug. 26.  New owners Bill and Carrol Powell undertook extensive remodeling of the business.  Some of the proceeds from the event's opportunity drawings will go to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.  Information: (909) 483-1450; www.hairphasessalon.com

Rentech Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement to supply eight airlines with up to 1.5 million gallons per year of renewable synthetic diesel for ground service equipment operations at Los Angeles International Airport.  The service will begin in late 2012, when the Rialto plant that will produce the fuel goes into service.  According to a company news release, the initial purchasers under the agreement with Aircraft Service International Group are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, UPS Airlines and US Airways.  Additional airline purchasers also can be added under the agreement.  Rentech is developing a commercial-scale facility in Rialto to produce renewable electric power and clean diesel.

Southern California homes sold last month at the fastest clip for a July in three years and the fastest pace for any month since December 2006, according to newly released data from San Diego-based MDA DataQuick.  The median price for the five-county region rose slightly from June -- marking the third consecutive month-to-month gain.  Prices held steady in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, according to the report.  A total of 24,104 new and resale houses and condos closed escrow in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino counties last month, according to the report.  Sales have increased year-over-year for 13 consecutive months. The median price paid for all new and resale houses and condos sold in the Southland last month was $268,000, up 1.1 percent from $265,000 in June but down 23.0 percent from $348,000 a year ago. July was the third consecutive month in which the median price rose on a month-to-month basis.  In San Bernardino County, 3,549 homes were sold in July, a 40.8 percent increase over July 2008's numbers. The median home price remained at $140,000 for the second month, a 39.1 percent drop from the same month in 2008.  In Riverside County, sales increased by 14.2 percent, totalling 4,699 for the month. The median home price remained at $185,000, 28.8 percent lower than the year prior.
In Los Angeles County, 8,082 homes were sold, an increase of 22.6 percent. The median home price increased slightly from June, coming in at $321,000. That figure is 19.8 percent lower than in July 2008.

Several students studying business at UC Riverside finished in the top eight of 28 teams in the 10th annual Case Study Competition in Boston.  The UCR team consisted of five undergraduate students majoring in business administration:  Jose Hernandez, George Moreno, Ismaele Perez, Jacqueline Ugalde and Lawrence Zhang.  Also on the team was MBA student Erin Peach.  They are all students of the university's A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management.  Professors Michael Moore and Ted Mock were the faculty advisers.  Additional coaching was provided by UCR professors Berry Mishra and Erik Rolland, KPMG's Marco Aguirre and Dawna Mason, a former judge at the case-study competition.

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its Legislative Action Committee meeting at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21.  The event's speaker will be Christina Bivona-Tellez of the Hospital Association of Southern California.  She will be discussing health care reform.  The meeting will held at the Chino Hills Community Room at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive. Reservations are requested.  Information: (909) 627-6177.

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials recently recognized Frank Williams, a commissioner with San Bernardino County's Housing Authority, for receiving the NAHRO Commissioner Certification.  Williams is executive officer of the Baldy View chapter of the Building Industry Association Southern California Inc.  He is also the founder, chairman of the board and president of the Housing Action Resource Trust.  He also is the president of HIP Projects LLC, a home-building business.

The California Trucking Association will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a dinner program starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at the DoubleTree Ontario Airport, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Reservations are requested by Sept. 8.  Information: (916) 373-3505.

The San Bernardino City Unified School District's Family Resource Center will hold a free, hour-long resume workshop at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.  Topics will include general resume format, work history and will address both electronic and printed resumes.  The Family Resource Center is at 1525 W. Highland Ave., San Bernardino.  Information: (909) 880-4057; www.sbcusd.com/familyresourcecenter

Randall Lewis, executive vice president and director of marketing for Upland-based Lewis Operating Corp., will be the featured speaker at the Real Estate Research Council of Southern California second quarter 2009 luncheon meeting.  The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. Aug. 27 at Cal Poly Pomona's Kellogg West, 3801 W. Temple Ave.  The topic will be "Outlook for New Housing," and the council will release its Real Estate and Construction Report for the second quarter.  Reservations are required.  Information: (909) 869-2410; rerc@csupomona.edu

Altura Credit Union will present a free workshop on "The Retirement Red Zone" in two of its Riverside branches on Tuesday and Thursday, Aug. 18, and Aug. 20.  The course aims to help people learn more about what they can do to ensure that their assets will generate the income needed to support retirement.  The seminar will meet from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Altura's branch at 1725 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, from 6 - 7:30 p.m.  The Aug. 20 class will meet from 5 - 6:30 p.m. at 6403 Riverside Ave.  Pre-registration is required two days before class.  Information: www.alturacu.com

Or Dawn Rose at (951) 571-5391 or drose@alturacu.com

Western University of Health Sciences' College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona will receive $5,000 from Realm Labs of Delray Beach, Fla., for the college's Dean's Scholarship fund, according to a news release.

Wells Fargo has launched a new appointment service at www.wellsfargo.com/makeappointment

This feature allows customers and potential customers to schedule an appointment online with a banker for the time, date, and store location of their choice.  At this time, the feature is only available in the Southern California region, which includes San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Imperial counties.

Skin Physicians and Surgeons, a family business for more than 30 years, recently moved to a new, much larger facility in Upland, at 859 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite B.  According to a company news release, the new, more modern setting will "enable Skin PS to treat more patients, more efficiently."  Dr. Sandra Lee performs Mohs Micrographic surgery, a specialized way of treating skin cancers.  The company also recently added some cosmetic procedures to their services.  They will hold a free seminar about Zerona, a new procedure using laser technique for removing fat, from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at their new offices.  Reservations are required as space is limited.  Information: (909) 981-8929.

Jacqueline Yaft has assumed the position of deputy executive director for operations and emergency management at Los Angeles World Airports, which operates four Southern California airports:  Los Angeles International, L.A./Ontario International, Van Nuys and Palmdale.  Yaft will be responsible for airside, terminal and landside operations at all LAWA airports, as well as the Emergency Management Division.  Yaft previously held the position of assistant deputy manager of aviation at Denver International Airport.

Randall Lewis, executive vice president and director of marketing for Upland-based Lewis Operating Corp., will be the featured speaker at the Real Estate Research Council of Southern California second quarter 2009 luncheon meeting.  The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. at Cal Poly Pomona's Kellogg West, 3801 W. Temple Ave., Pomona.  The topic will be "Outlook for New Housing," and the council will release its Real Estate and Construction Report for the second quarter.  Reservations are required. Information: (909) 869-2410; rerc@csupomona.edu

Several area companies made Inc. magazine's annual Inc. 5000, a ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies.  According to a news release, "The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy, America's independent-minded entrepreneurs."  The 2009 Inc. 5000 list measures revenue growth from 2005 through 2008.  To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based and privately held, independent, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies as of Dec. 31, 2008, and have had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2005 and $2 million in 2008.  Area companies in order of listing are: No. 157, Global Wedge in Riverside; No. 185, Walz Group in Temecula; No. 197, Monoprice in Rancho Cucamonga; No. 1,857, WebMetro in San Dimas; No. 2,102, Preludesys in Diamond Bar; No. 2,118, SRS Engineering in Murrieta; No. 2,239, ICSN in Riverside; No. 2,300. RehabAbilities in Rancho Cucamonga; No. 4,008, Organize.com in Riverside; and No. 4,250, Plastics Research in Ontario.  The full list is at www.inc.com

Chase bank is opening a branch at 1693 Second St., Beaumont.  This brings the total number of Chase branches in Riverside County to 23.  The new branch will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

A free Foreclosure Prevention Resource Fair will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 29 at the Village Conference Center, 1444 E. Holt Ave., Pomona.  The event will feature help for homeowners facing possible foreclosure, workshops on how to avoid fraud and one-on-one meetings with financial counselors.  Assistance will be available in English and Spanish.  Those wishing to participate in the individual counseling sessions should bring mortgage and financial documents.  The workshop is being organized by Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Ontario, with the collaboration of Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Santa Fe Springs, the city and the nonprofit Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services Inc.  Information: (909) 984-7741; www.assembly.ca.gov/torres

The Inland Empire Economic Partnership and the San Diego and Inland Empire chapters of the Women's Transportation Seminar, a group dedicated to the advancement of women in transportation, will join to present "Rolling the Dice on Transportation Growth in Southern California: Perspectives from Regional Leaders."  Larry Sharp, chairman of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and CEO and president of San Bernardino-based Arrowhead Credit Union, will be the moderator.  The event is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.  Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Panelists will be Pedro Orso Delgado, former Caltrans director and deputy city manager for Santee; Raymond W. Wolfe, Caltrans director for District 8; Hasan Ikhrata, executive director of the Southern California Association of Governments; and John Standiford, deputy executive director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission.  Cost: $45 general admission; $35 for public agency employees and students.  Information: Richard Dial at (858) 712-8367 or richard.dial@hdrinc.com

Door Components in Fontana has been selected as a member of the Steel Door Institute, an organization of only 10 manufacturers of steel doors and frames for the nonresidential construction industry. According to a news release, the organization has a rigorous membership evaluation process and had not accepted a new member in the 10 years prior to the Fontana company's selection on July 31.  "We are very proud to join the Steel Door Institute after 28 years as a door manufacturer," Bob Briggs Jr., president of Door Components, said in a news release.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released a "Frequently Asked Questions" document on the new Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act rule.  According to a HUD news release, the new rules will give consumers access to "clear, transparent disclosure of loan information that consumers can use to shop for the best loan -- resulting in lower interest rates and lower origination and settlement costs for borrowers."  The FAQs can be found on the HUD Web site, www.hud.gov

The new regulations were published Nov. 17, 2008, and are scheduled to take full effect on Jan. 1.

According to newly released data collected by Santa Ana-based First American CoreLogic, more than half of the Inland Empire's properties with a mortgage were in negative equity as of June 30.  Negative equity is when the borrower owes more on their mortgage than the home is worth.  According to the report, 501,915, or 56.69 percent, of all properties with a mortgage, are in negative equity in the region.  A total of 531,887 mortgages, or 60.07 percent, are in near negative equity or negative equity.  Nationwide, more than 15.2 million, or 32.2 percent, of all mortgaged properties were in negative equity as of June 30, according to the report.  And an additional 2.5 million mortgaged properties were approaching negative equity.  The aggregate property value for loans in a negative equity position was $3.4 trillion, which represents the total property value at risk of default.  And in the Inland Empire, more than $119 billion in total property value was at risk of default, according to the report.

Grubb & Ellis has released its Office Market Snapshot for the second quarter.  The Inland Empire's office market vacancy rate increased in the second quarter to 23.5 percent, according to the report.  Annual Class A rents declined $1.16 to $26.34 per square foot in the past 12 months.  Class B rents declined $1.20 per square foot to $19.64 per square foot.  The office sector has shifted to a tenants' market in which prospective tenants are being offered incentives to renew or lease new space.  The positive absorption, at a rate of 23,387 square feet, indicates that tenants took notice of this during the second quarter, although they are committing to smaller spaces.  The desirability, coupled with competitive tenant incentives and amenities will make Riverside and Ontario more appealing to tenants as opposed to newer, more outlying submarkets, according to the report.  The total amount of vacant space increased by 50,000 square feet from the first quarter, bringing the total to 6.4 million square feet at the end of the second quarter, according to the report.

Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. has released financial results for its third quarter, which ended June 28. Sales for the quarter decreased 0.43 percent to $928.6 million, compared with $932.7 million for the same quarter in 2008.  Total sales for the year up to June 28 increased $17.8 million or 0.64 percent and amounted to $2.82 billion compared with $2.80 billion for the same period in fiscal 2008.  Stater Bros. Holdings Inc. operates 167 supermarkets through its wholly owned subsidiary, San Bernardino-based Stater Bros. Markets.

Victorville has received a $5.3 million Neighborhood Stabilization Program grant, through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, to purchase and revitalize abandoned and foreclosed homes in the city.  The city is one of about 250 local governments in the country that received funding.  Four areas in the city have been designated for the program: The Old Town Redevelopment Project Area; the area bordered by Mojave Drive, El Evado Road, Amargosa Road and Tawney Ridge Lane; the area bordered by Mojave Drive, Amethyst Road, El Evado Road and Seneca Road; and the area bordered by Mojave Drive, El Evado Road, Amargosa Road and Hook Boulevard.  In those areas, the funds will be used to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed and abandoned homes, increase code enforcement, demolish dangerous properties and purchase land contributing to a decline in appearance and property values, according to a news release.

A free eCommerce Workshop for small businesses, "Click IT or Lose IT," will be held from 7:15 to 9 a.m. Tuesday at the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, 546 W. Sixth St., in conjunction with the California Small Business Association from 7:15 a.m. - 9 a.m.  A complimentary breakfast will be served.  RSVP by calling (909) 885-7515.

Programs and services created by San Bernardino County received a record 16 achievement awards from the National Association of Counties, according to a news release.  "The Workforce Development Department realized there was an untapped potential for clients in need of work-force training ... (and) stepped outside their traditional scope of assignment and marketed their training services to several other departments, and have provided job skills workshops," the release said.  The department was also awarded for its Dispatcher Training Program, in conjunction with BNSF Railway, for helping place 14 students in railroad dispatch jobs.

Voit Real Estate Services' Asset Services Division, the full-service distressed asset management arm of Voit, recently negotiated the sale of two Inland Empire distressed assets, according to a news release.  An undisclosed bank has sold a loan collateralized by a partially constructed residential condo project comprised of 41 units in Rancho Cucamonga for an undisclosed price.  Also, "an undisclosed bank has sold a loan collateralized by 35 single-family homes in Fontana for an undisclosed price," the release states.

A meeting about a trip to London and Paris is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, 546 W. Sixth St., San Bernardino, according to a news release.  The trip is scheduled for April 22 - 29.  To RSVP for the meeting, call the chamber at (909) 885-7515 or e-mail sba.chamber@verizon.net

MetLife Home Loans, The Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and Redlands Daily Facts will host a free real estate buyers workshop on Aug. 26 at the Ontario DoubleTree and on Aug. 27 at the University of Redlands Orton Center.  Both workshops will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and light refreshments will be served.  "During the first 60 minutes of the workshop, the audience will receive insider information on a variety of real estate buying topics such as: home inspection, realtor selection, loans and title," a news release states.  "Tips on finding the best value in the market will be detailed as well as information on stimulus money and the current real estate market climate.  Experts will talk about the differences and opportunities in selecting and buying foreclosed properties versus homes in move-in ready condition."  Seating is limited.  To register, call (909) 386-3014.

July data released Aug. 13 by Irvine-based RealtyTrac shows that the San Bernardino-Ontario-Riverside area ranked No. 6 on a list of top "foreclosure filing" metro regions across the nation in July. Six other California areas were in the Top 10: Stockton at No. 2; Modesto, No. 3; Merced, No. 5; Bakersfield, No. 7; Vallejo-Fairfield, No. 8; and Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville No. 10.  One in every 123 homes in California was assigned a foreclosure filing status by the company in July. A foreclosure filing, according to RealtyTrac -- a real-estate data collector -- is any property that is delinquent, has been foreclosed on or has been sold in an auction. Nationwide, RealtyTrac assigned its foreclosure filing status to more than 360,000 in July, a 7-percent jump from June and a 32-percent increase from July 2008.

Redlands estate-planning attorney Nathan McIntyre will be a presenter for the National Business Institute, which aims "to provide advanced education opportunities to other lawyers and business professionals who must complete continuing education credits in order to remain certified and licensed," according to a news release.  McIntyre will join Lawrence Brock and Sherri Kastilahn at a seminar on estate administration procedures Sept. 15 at the San Bernardino Hilton.  McIntyre will focus on the closing of estates and understanding proper tax procedures.  Information: (866) 669-9266; www.mcintyrelawgroup.com

Chase will open its Rancho Cucamonga Homeownership Center on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 8599 Haven Ave., Suite 303.  The aim of the center is to help families struggling with their mortgage payments.  It is open to borrowers who have a home loan serviced by Chase, Washington Mutual or EMC -- all now part of JPMorgan Chase.  The center is at 8599 Haven Avenue, Suite 303.

The Sempra Energy Foundation has launched a contest for nonprofits with an environmental focus to outline the best use of $100,000 for making Southern California "green."  The winners will receive between $25,000 and $100,000 as part of a new $1 million Environmental Champions Awards program created to recognize the environmental efforts of Southern California organizations, according to a news release.  Nonprofits can submit applications at www.sempraenergyfoundation.org until Sept. 4 in one of three categories: natural resource protection and conservation, environmental education or environmental health.  The foundation plans to announce the winners on Oct. 1.  Information: www.sempraenergyfoundation.org

State Controller John Chiang has released his report on the state's cash balance, receipts and disbursements for July.  The state started the fiscal year with an $11.9 billion cash deficit, which grew to $16.5 billion on July 31.  From July 2 through 31, the state issued $1.493 billion worth of registered warrants, commonly known as IOUs, according to the release.  Personal income taxes in July were 11.5 percent, or $335 million, below the same month last year.  Sales taxes were up 20.8 percent, or $185 million.  Corporate taxes were up 9.1 percent, or $18.9 million, from July 2008.  Information: www.sco.ca.gov

Ontario-based CVB Financial Corp. and its subsidiary, Citizens Business Bank, has received final regulatory approval to repurchase all the preferred stock it sold to the Treasury Department in December, according to a news release.  The stock was issued as part of the Capital Purchase Program established under the Troubled Asset Relief Program.  The company will pay $130 million to repurchase the stock, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  The company plans to complete the transaction as soon as possible, according to the release.  Information: www.cbbank.com

Randy Abril, a Farmers Insurance agent in Rancho Cucamonga, has completed the company's Career Agents Course at a training facility in Agoura Hills.  Information: www.farmers.com

Barger and Company, a marketing and design firm in Yucaipa, recently announced the launch of a new Web site, www.alleyhousedesigns.com, aimed at "providing greater access to their graphic design division and to better serve clients by giving them dynamic online content that features new portfolio samples."  According to a news release, the new site will "allow Alley House Designs to expand its reach as well as showcase its growing expertise in graphic design and online marketing."

Inland Empire-based Hodgdon Group recently announced that it has completed three medical construction management projects at the newly built CHW Medical Plaza at 17051 Casmalia St., Fontana. According to a company news release, the three projects have a combined value of approximately $3.58 million.  Two of the projects were on behalf of Catholic Healthcare West, which owns St. Bernardine Medical Center and Community Hospital of San Bernardino.  The other project was on behalf San Bernardino Medical Group Inc.  The architect for all three projects was Pierce/Cooley Architects Inc. of Irvine.  Hattox Design Group LLC of Irvine provided the interior design.  The developer is PRP Development of Newport Beach.  Josef Farrar and Justin Hodgdon of UGL Equis in Costa Mesa represented the lessor in the lease transaction.

The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a workshop Aug. 18 on how business owners and those interested in starting their own business can effectively manage their finances.  The workshop, which will be taught by a representative from Lucia & Co., is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.  Cost: $15 if pre-registered online; $20 at the door.
Information: Carla Ulloa at (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

The monthly CBIA/Hanley Wood Market Intelligence New-Home Sales and Pricing Report showed that statewide sales in new-home communities of 10 units or more were 26 percent below June 2008, the same percentage decline as in the previous month. In June, 2,607 new homes and condominiums were sold in the subdivisions tracked by Costa Mesa-based HWMI, compared to 3,528 in June 2008.  Sales of single-family homes were down by 38 percent, and sales of townhomes and "plexes" -- duplexes, triplexes, etc. -- were down 16 percent and sales of condominiums increased by 9 percent.  Compared with the same period last year, the median base price of homes sold statewide dropped by 5 percent.
In the Inland Empire, new home sales were down 37 percent year over year, and down 10 percent from the month before, according to the report. Median prices remained relatively unchanged from May, dropping only 0.9 percent to $283,115. That is 18.2 percent lower than the June 2008 price of $346,190.

American States Water Company in San Dimas has reported earnings of $0.64 per common share for the second quarter, ended June 30. According to the report,  "The $0.11 per share increase in reported diluted earnings for the second quarter of 2009, as compared to the same period of 2008, included a $0.06 per share unrealized gain on purchased power contracts during the three months ended June 30, 2008."  In May, AWR's subsidiary, Golden State Water Company, reached a settlement agreement with Mirant Trading and recorded the settlement proceeds of $1 million as a reduction to legal costs.  There was no similar gain in the same period of 2008, according to the statement.  Pretax operating income through AWR's contracted services subsidiary, American States Utility Services Inc., increased by $1.6 million as compared to the second quarter of 2008 due primarily to an increase in special construction projects at Fort Bliss and the military bases in Virginia, and improved performance at Fort Jackson and Fort Bragg military bases, the statement concludes.

The Inland Empire Women's Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a time management workshop from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Cypress Community Center, 8380 Cypress Ave., Fontana.  "Time Management, Work Smart, Not Harder!" is a free workshop aimed at giving participants "the tools to find balance, achieve goals, be more effective and productive," according to a news release.  Participants will be given examples on how to delegate tasks to the right people, a list of 50 ways of "getting things done," and the "5 P rule: proper planning prevents poor performance."  Information: Carla Ulloa at (909) 890-1242; www.iewbc.org

The Dental Board of California this month has granted the status of provisional approval to the College of Dental Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona.  The College of Dental Medicine's inaugural class of 74 students had orientation Aug. 3, and began on Aug. 10.  According to a news release from the school, Western U's Patient Care Center will open in early 2010 "to provide realistic patient simulation experiences for first-year dental students as they begin to practice their skills under the supervision of licensed faculty."

The San Bernardino Valley Enterprise Zone will host an online social networking workshop to "educate local business owners on how to use Facebook, Twitter and other online social networking programs for business development and growth," according to a news release.  The event will be presented by representatives of Cal State San Bernardino and Take One Productions.  It is scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Aug. 18 at the San Bernardino Economic Development Agency's office, 201 N. E St., Suite 301.  Reservations are required by Sunday.  Information: Wendy Clements at (909) 382-4100, ext. 230; or info@sbvez.com

The Upland Public Library will host an event for job seekers on how to use online job resources and tips for successfully completing an application.  The class will be taught by human resource analyst Gina McIntyre and Sayeed Shaikh, who works for Southern California Edison.  The free program will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the multipurpose room of the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave.  Information: (909) 931-4205.

WebMetro, an interactive marketing agency in San Dimas, has named Karen Helweg its vice president of interactive strategy.  Helweg is "accountable for overseeing the strategic development and integration of clients' interactive marketing campaigns for maximum effectiveness," according to a news release.

Desmond McLeish Inc., an Inland Empire-based public relations firm with offices in Riverside, Yucaipa, Orange County and Northern California, will occupy 1,700 square feet in an office building at 1901 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, according to a news release from Rick Lazar, president of Coldwell Banker Commercial-Lazar & Associates in Redlands.  The lease is for one year.  Financial terms were not disclosed.  Lazar, who negotiated the deal, is a member of Orange Tree Lane Partners II, which owns the five-year-old building.

Cal State San Bernardino's Inland Empire Women's Business Center will hold a free class 9 - 11 a.m. Aug. 26 to help business owners considering obtaining government certification.  "The $9 Billion Connection: Doing Business with California State Government" will be held at the center's office, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino.  Information: Carla Ulloa at (909) 890-1242 or at culloa@iewbc.org or www.iewbc.org

OCBP LLC has sold an 11,051-square-foot property at 1429 S. Cucamonga Ave., Ontario, for $1.3 million.  Jack Faris of Voit Real Estate Services' Brokerage division's Anaheim Metro office represented the seller, OCBP LLC.  Dick Bell of Quakenboss represented the buyers, Kevin and Penny Crayne.  Information: www.voitco.com

Inland Center mall in San Bernardino has welcomed three new stores this summer:  Shoe Palace, V Generation and Jane's Hallmark.  Shoe Palace takes up 3,063 square feet near Sears.  V Generation, a women's apparel store, has more than 6,900 square feet of space.  And Hallmark has returned to Inland Center in a 3,400-square-foot space.

Desmond McLeish Inc., a public-relations firm in Riverside, has been awarded a new contract with the Redding-based Shasta County Economic Development Corp.  The EDC is a public-private partnership tasked with promoting jobs and increased economic activity in Shasta County.  According to a news release, the goal of the public-relations program is "to aid in business retention, expansion and to a lesser extent attraction from August 2009 to July of 2010."

The Montclair Chamber of Commerce's monthly networking breakfast will take place at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at HomeTown Buffet, 5247 Arrow Highway.  Terri DiMarco of Pomona Valley Workshop and Lori Jepson of Montclair High School will discuss "out-of-the-box employee opportunities."  Cost: $10 for chamber members; $15 for nonmembers.  Information: (909) 624-4569.

Donna Ward, a loan officer with Robert A. Webber & Associates, will offer a workshop for home buyers at 6 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Crestline Public Library, 23555 Knapps Cut Off.  Topics will include the first-time home buyers tax credit, the "5 Keys to Home Ownership," credit and homeownership, monthly payment components, the benefits of an FHA-insured loan, and other loan types.  Information and reservations: (909) 327-6094.

The Upland Public Library's September Meet the Expert event will feature Gina McIntyre, a human resource analyst who specializes in employment and recruiting.  She will give a presentation on how to write an effective resume.  Her co-presenter will be Sayeed Shaikh, who works for Southern California Edison Co.  Topics will include resume writing, different formats and useful vocabulary.  The free program will be held 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Multipurpose Room of the library, 450 N. Euclid Ave.  Information: (909) 931-4205.

Cal State San Bernardino's Inland Empire Women's Business Center will offer a "Small Business Success Clinic" 4 - 8 p.m. Aug. 19.  The clinic aims to connect business owners with accountants, attorneys, bankers and other professionals. Participants will have access to 30-minute sessions with the various experts.  The event will take place at the center's headquarters, 202 E. Airport Drive, Suite 155, San Bernardino. Pre-registration online is required by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14.  Cost: $20. Information: Carla Ulloa at (909) 890-1242 or visit culloa@iewbc.org or www.iewbc.org

Michael Salazar of Merrill Lynch's Ontario office has been promoted to assistant vice president. Salazar, a Highland native, has been a part of Merrill Lynch's Ontario office for seven years.  In his new role, he will be responsible for "analysis, implementation, and review of best in class solutions for his clientele," according to a news release.  Salazar also is a board member for the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council and the Hispanic Alumni Association at Cal State San Bernardino.  He chairs the Estate & Planned Giving Committee of the St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, which plans to open a new store at Foothill and Day Creek boulevards in Rancho Cucamonga, is inviting anyone from the neighborhood to nominate a local nonprofit to receive a $1,000 donation from the company.  Fresh & Easy says it will donate to the selected group as part of the opening-day celebration.  Nominations are being accepted starting today on the company's Web site, www.freshandeasy.com/goodneighbor

Submission deadline is Sept. 4.  The store is expected to employ 20 to 30 people.  Hiring is under way at the site.

The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board is being honored with two achievement awards from the National Association of Counties for "work in developing economical, innovative programs targeted to assist local residents in building necessary skills and education to secure employment," according to a news release.  One award is for a training program to assist individuals in attaining employment as railroad dispatchers with Burlington Northern Santa Fe BNSF Railway.  The program led to the hiring of 14 individuals at a starting salary of $50,000 a year.  The other award is for "building training curriculums using the skills of Workforce Development Department employees to serve the training needs of other county departments and their clients."

CB Richard Ellis in Ontario has announced completion of a five-year office lease at Crossroads Professional Center, 3110 Chino Ave., Chino Hills.  Pro-Body Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy Inc. leased 1,630 square feet.  John Oien and Cynthia Hllywa of CB Richard Ellis represented the owner, StoneCreek Company in Claremont.  Also on behalf of StoneCreek, Oien and Hllywa arranged two new lease transactions at Claremont Medical Plaza, 1601 Monte Vista Ave. Endodontist Bassem Alkatib leased 1,108 square feet, and the family medical practices of Jennifer R. Boozer leased 1,443 square feet.

Altura Credit Union will offer a four-part workshop, titled "Making Yourself Marketable," that will focus on job-hunting skills most likely needed in the current economy.  The first session, on resume writing and interviewing techniques, is Aug. 19. The second session, on face-to-face versus social networking, is Aug. 26. The third session, scheduled for Sept. 2, will offer resume and Internet profile review and feedback. The final session will be a networking mixer on Sept. 9.  All classes will take place 6 - 9 p.m. at Altura Credit Union's headquarters, 2847 Campus Parkway, Riverside.  Cost: Free for Altura Credit Union members; $20 for nonmembers. Reservations are required.  Information: Ricki McManuis at (951) 571-5310 or rmcmanuis@alturacu.com

Grubb & Ellis has released its Inland Empire Industrial Trends report for the second quarter.  "The industrial development pipeline throughout the Inland Empire has started to dry up, decreasing the impact of new construction delivering to the market," the report says.

The Riverside County Homeowner Education Learning Program, which started as a group of volunteers that offered free seminars, will now function as a nonprofit organization, according to a news release.  HELP will will continue to offer education workshops to help current and prospective homeowners navigate the current economic climate.  In addition to seminars, however, the organization will work to develop a certification process for the real-estate industry and will serve as an advocacy group to help residents avoid the problems that led to the current foreclosure crisis.  Information: www.freehomeownershiphelp.org

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in Long Beach on "the agency's proposed rule to set more protective engine and fuel standards for U.S. flagged ships," according to a news release.  The hearing will take place at the Westin Long Beach, 333 E. Ocean Blvd.  Information: www.epa.gov/otaq/oceanvessels.htm

Marcus & Millichap real-estate investment services has announced the sale of the vacant Albertsons property at 2419 Euclid Ave., Upland, according to Douglas J. McCauley, regional manager of the firm's Ontario office.  The property garnered a sales price of $1.55 million. Tim Sebek of Marcus & Millichap's Ontario office had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a private investor. The buyer, a limited liability company, was also represented by Sebek.

Dr. Lawrence Walker has taken over as the chairman of St. Bernardine Medical Center's Hospital Community Board, a 20-member advisory panel.  Walker has been a member of the board since 2005, according to a news release.  The board works with the hospital and its parent company, Catholic Healthcare West "in overseeing quality metrics, mission-related outreach as well as opportunities for growth and improvement," according to the release.

Kohl's Department Store will be opening 12 new stores in the Los Angeles area in September, one of which will be in Upland.  In advance of the openings, the company will be holding job fairs next week.  The events will be from 10:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 12:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12; and 12:15 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. The job fairs for the Upland store will be held at the Doubletree Hotel Ontario Airport, 222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario.  Applicants are encouraged to call ahead and schedule an interview.  Information: (877) 639-5645; www.kohlscareers.com

Marcus & Millichap, the nation's largest real estate investment services firm, recently announced the sale of Loma Linda Professional Center, 25845 F Barton Road. The single-tenant offering sold for $2.97 million and will be leased to Loma Linda University Medical Center.  Drew Wetherholt and Vincent Schwab of Marcus & Millichap's Ontario office had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of a California-based investment group.

The Montclair Chamber of Commerce began its new year by eliminating its printed newsletter, "The Business Express," and moving to an electronic version of the monthly publication. The newsletter, which is sent out at the beginning of each month, links readers to the Web site where they can obtain more in-depth information on the stories and chamber. There are also advertising opportunities for members, according to a news release from the chamber.
The chamber also has arranged a permanent drop-off location for electronic waste for city residents and businesses. Chamber board member Chris Carpenter of Extra Space Storage has donated a storage unit to house the e-waste during the time between chamber sponsored events. Extra Space Storage is at 5548 Arrow Highway and will accept e-waste between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays.

CB Richard Ellis announced the execution of a 497,714-square-foot industrial lease in Redlands on behalf of Continental Tire North America Inc.  The 42-month lease represents one of the largest in the Inland Empire region so far in 2009, according to a news release from CB Richard Ellis.  Continental will be the first tenant to occupy space in the newly constructed building at 27322 Pioneer Ave. in Redlands.  Prologis, which originally developed the building on a speculative basis, is the landlord.  Continental was represented in the transaction by Frank Geraci, Walt Chenoweth, Juan Gutierrez and Patrick Wood of CBRE's Ontario office, and Stuart Ingram of CBRE's North Carolina office.  The lease represents a consolidation of two warehouses in Southern California for Continental, one in Ontario and another in South Gate, according to the news release. Continental will begin moving into the Redlands building immediately and expects to be fully operational in the new space within three months.

Foreclosure rates in the Inland Empire increased in June over the same period last year, according to recent data from First American CoreLogic.  According to the report, the rate of foreclosures among outstanding mortgage loans is 5.9 percent for the month of June, an increase of 2.1 percentage points compared with June 2008 when the rate was 3.8 percent.  The mortgage delinquency rate also increased. According to First American CoreLogic preview data for June, 16.3 percent of mortgage loans were 90 days or more delinquent compared with 10.8 percent for the same period last year, representing an increase of 5.5 percentage points.

The National Orange Show Foundation is in search of restaurants, catering companies and sponsors to participate in its 22nd annual fundraising event, Wine and Food under the Stars, to be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 8 at the National Orange Show Events Center.  Restaurants and catering companies that register will receive a booth free of charge in exchange for providing free food samples to the event's attendees, according to the news release.  Information: Derrick Vasquez at (909) 888-6788, ext. 411.

The Western States Police & Fire Games will return to the Ontario Convention Center in 2011, the Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced. According to the news release, "The games are expected to generate $10 million in economic impact and book up to 4,500 room nights at local hotels June 3-11, 2011."  Upland Fire Chief Mike Antonucci initiated the effort to bring the games to Ontario, and Ontario Fire Department Capt. Art Andres will assist with organizing the games, according to the news release.

McIntyre Law Group of Redlands will offer a free dinner seminar about estate planning for local senior citizens.  The class is scheduled at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Old Spaghetti Factory, 11896 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga. The event is open to seniors, ages 55 and older, who own their own home. Limit: Two reservations per household. Reservations are required.
Information: (866) 669-9266; www.mcintyrelawgroup.com

The Inland Empire African American Chamber of Commerce has created a new Web site that makes it easier to find and support African-American owned businesses, according to a news release.  The new Web site, www.IEAfricanAmericanChamber.com, includes an interactive business directory. Visitors to the Web site can add information about their business, even if they aren't Chamber of Commerce members, according to the release.  "It is a way for minority business owners to make contact with new customers or other resources," Carl Dameron, president of the chamber, said in the release. "If you are not a member, you will be able to upload very basic information. If you are a member you will be able to upload complete information."  Information: (909) 888-0017; www.ieafricanamericanchamber.com

Fairplex and the L.A. County Fair will present the fifth annual Joint Chamber Mixer, bringing together members of the Upland, Chino Valley, Claremont, La Verne, Pomona, San Dimas and Glendora chambers. The event will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Finish Line Sports Grill, 2201 N. White Ave., Pomona. Hors d'oeuvres and wines from the 2009 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition will be served.  Information: Kristy Dahlstrom at (909) 865-4217; realpeople@uplandchamber.org