Christmas in March

Its incredible to discover the hidden gems of history in our very own community.One of the Rancho Hospitality Leadership Group destination was here in Rancho Cucamonga Christmas House.This establishment has incredible history as it was as a mansion for owners of a citrus field in the early years before the Archibald Ave we know now was established.The current owner Jana provided us with a fascinating tour of the property and has now transformed the house into a Bed & Breakfast,yet stated that the house most popular use has been for weddings.The Christmas House provides a unique experience for couples and their families looking for a elegant and private arrangement.The house was a fine example of what the hospitality industry was all about before hotels were invented and owners rented out unoccupied rooms labeled Inns.

Glitz and Glam! Denim and Diamonds Gala!

The Career Center of Big Bear made up a crew of current and follow-up WIA students to volunteer at the Denim and Diamonds Gala on March 8th. Denim and Diamonds is one of the biggest fundraising events that Big Bear hosts! This memorable night included a fun theme (western attire and glitter anyone?), live auctions that featured some great prizes from local businesses, live music, and serving an amazing dinner for a great cause! All of the money they raise goes to supporting educational programs serving the Big Bear School District.

With our cowboy hats on, we worked through the evening, and we saw just how much work goes into putting together a large event like this one. Our crew was split up to go to the areas that they needed help most, and I think we all learned a lot about customer service and working in a fast-paced environment. It was great to be able to help out such a spectacular cause! I hope that the Career Center has a chance to help out again next year!

-Sarah Avignone and Dezi Guillen

Defining Success

Dakota Cazares has always dreamt of dedicating his life towards saving the lives of others. He is a twenty year old soon-to-be-college student, living on his own in Orange, California. Dakota recently moved from small town Big Bear to big city Orange, and he is adjusting to living on his own and to finding his own way to follow his dream of joining the medical field. He is going back to school to become a Vocational Nurse starting this next fall semester at a local community college, and is currently working at Carls’ Jr. Dakota is saving up for the courses while paying for his living expenses.

The drive to help others runs in his blood, he comes from a long family line of nurses, EMTS, and fire fighters. Through the Career Center’s programs, Dakota was able to take an EMT course and solidify his decision that the medical field was for him.  The Career Center helped him further his career path and pushed him to keep going when the going got tough.  He feels confident and prepared to go towards his personal goals and for whatever comes next.

SYCAMORE INN. 

The Rancho Cucamonga Hospitality program finished their leadership connection touring the Sycamore Inn. It has been an incredible journey witness how different style hotels and restaurants run and work their staff on a day to day basis. Touring the Sycamore Inn, we got to witness even more history! Their own restaurant style and a fabulously dinner to end our leadership connection of 2014. Until next year leadership connection!

Georgia Burckel

gburckel@cinow.org

Hello All!

This post it to inform you guys of some exciting news! The Career Institute in Barstow has recently been interviewed by the Daily Press so, we should be featured in our local paper soon! 

Student Success Story!

                                    Michael Navarro

Navarro and Instructor Jeff Lambert

Michael Navarro also known as “Mike” is 24 years old and is a resident of Barstow. When we first met Mike he was unemployed high school drop out with no idea of how to get back on track. Mike then interviewed fir our PG & E program and is now currently working Full time and is enrolled in our High School & G.E.D. Completion program. Mikes goal is to gain experience and complete our G.E.D. program so he would have better opportunities come his way. Mike has stated that living in Barstow he's noticed that job opportunities are very little and even less without having a Diploma of G.E.D. He is dedicated and motivate about completing our program so that he'll have better opportunities in life.

Sheriff Explorers Outreach

Sarah and I went to the Big Bear Lake Sheriff’s Department to talk with the Sheriff Explorers about the Career Center and what we offer on March 26th. Some of the topics we shared include the Million Dollar Moment, a summary of the programs we offer and what we do, and the positives to continuing your education. The Explorers seemed really interested in the Center and especially interested in the Work Experience opportunity. Being in the Sheriff Explorers’ Program, they already are certified to go on Ride-Alongs and get first-hand experience on how this job works, but with the Work Experience they may have a chance to get paid for it! It was great to learn more about their program, and be able to talk about ours.

-Dezi Guillen and Sarah Avignone