Career Event kicks off today

The need for public safety may not diminish just because the economy is unstable.

At least that is the thought of the students enrolled at Westwood College's criminal justice campus in Upland.

The school is holding a two-day career event with many agencies including the United States Border Patrol, National Guard, Riverside Country Sheriff Department and many other organizations.

"It's good for students to look into careers in criminal justice," said Kim Bell, new student career adviser at Westwood. "Sometimes you don't realize what's out there."

Representatives from non-profit organizations Reach Out West End in Upland and community involved organization Project Sister Family Services in Pomona, were looking for volunteers.

"We try to get students to do more volunteer work to get more experience," Bell said. "I know some of the non-profits are having a hard time, they're at a complete stand still, but it's good to see what's out there so when the economy does get better companies can bring them on board."

Tanilo Ponce of Riverside has been enrolled at the school since last year and is yet to find a job.

"I've been trying to find a job, but I haven't had much luck," Ponce said while waiting to speak with a Riverside Country Sheriff Department representative. "I looked at Department stores for loss prevention and security company places. They just don't call back."

Ponce was released from the United States Army a few months ago and is trying to pursue a career in law enforcement.

He believes the economy is truly having an effect on his job search.

"I just saw on the news that a lot of places are laying off people - a lot of people," he said.

The event run until 2 p.m today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 5 to 7 p.m.

Westwood college criminal justice campus is located at 1399 E. Foothill Blvd. Upland.

Read more in the business section of tomorrow's edition of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.