Cuts for a cause

A project to expand the seven-year-old salon, at 1041 E. 16th St., Suite A, was completed literally minutes before the kickoff to a monthlong event devoted to helping Valencia Elementary students, their families and teachers.

"I just thought there was no better time than right now," said Enza Calandra, owner of the salon. "Why wait? There's no reason to wait. There are teachers getting pink slips, there's people losing their jobs and it's time to talk about happy things. Keep it positive."

The event will raise funds for Valencia Elementary and people in the school's community who have been affected by recent state budget cuts.

At the end of April, 25 percent of the proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the school.

The event continues next month when fathers of Valencia Elementary students will be pampered - including haircuts, facials and makeovers. Mothers will get their turn on April 20, while the school's faculty and staff will get their makeovers on April 27.

"I think all the schools in Upland are fantastic, but I definitely think that the kids at Valencia are a group of really great kids, the teachers are amazing and the principal is like no other. Times are tough, and it's time to start helping each other out," said Calandra, who has two sons attending Valencia Elementary.

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