Attitude Magazine Fall 2004

spring issue
Positive “Attitude” Outlook Magazine
would like to thank our advertisers,
local businesses and all those
who have been so supportive of
the hard work it takes to bring
another issue of this magazine
to our community. Over the past
six months, the staff at ”Attitude”
magazine has been working with
the local and surrounding school
districts, meeting with their
principals and superintendents to
get the magazine into the schools.
I would like to personally thank all
the representatives from the Fresno,
Clovis, Visalia, Madera and Central
districts for allowing my staff to
come to your campus and place
“Attitude” magazine in the hands of
students, teachers, librarians
and parents.
Most PAO staff are parents,
grandparents, aunts and uncles who
know the importance of working
with our children and with the local
counties that place foster children
in our agency. By working with our
own children and foster children
we see the pain and struggle that
teachers and principals must deal
with because of budget constraints
and laws which dictate to them how
to run their classrooms.
It is a difficult job to teach children
if their parents are not involved.
This burden is passed on to the
teachers and the school system.
When a teacher tries to convey
problems with a child’s behavior
in the classroom to the parent,
the parents want to blame the
superintendent, principal, teacher and
school board, even going so far as to
threaten teachers and administrators
with a lawsuit saying, “My child would
not do that.” As a parent I say, “Enough
is enough.” Parents, use discretion
when communicating with your child’s
teachers. Remember that you are the
example, the primary role model, for
your child. The schools can’t raise your
children. It’s up to you as the adult to
raise them and what you instill in them
will be the path they will take in their
adult years. The bible speaks of raising
up a child in a way so that when he is
older he will not stray. Therefore, this
job, in my opinion and experience, is
for parents first, then churches, then
the schools. If all these components
are positive and striving to help one
child at a time, that child has a greater
chance to be a productive adult in
the community.
Whether as parents, grandparents or
entities dealing with children, we need
to get involved with our local schools. If
you don’t have school age children, you
can adopt a school and help with one
of their programs. When a child comes
to your door and asks you to buy a
product for a fundraiser, your purchase
helps. Donate your time or make a cash
donation to the PTA in your community.
Consider a donation to the elementary,
middle or high school you attended. I’m
sure the children and school would
be grateful.
As we all know, most children will not
attend college. Some who do attend
do not complete requirements for a
degree. We must teach those who won’t
go to college but seek a profession
which doesn’t require a college degree.
It doesn’t make a difference what
economic background you come from
as long as you earn an honest wage.
This is what we must instill in our
children, especially those who will
never see a junior college or university.
Positive “Attitude” Outlook Magazine
is a vehicle that can be used to assist
the school community and help educate
those passing the laws which affect our
youth. We must listen to the children
and they must listen to positive adult
authority. I hope and pray that as we
continue to publish more issues we can
grow closer to helping and fixing the
problem that discourages good people
from working in the schools and not
lose the ones who are trying to do well.
This magazine is dedicated to all the
teachers, principals, staff, volunteers,
PTA and members of the community
who are working in and with the schools
trying to make a difference. Don’t give
up because you are appreciated and
each child and adult knows the impact
you have on them.
Keep up the good work.
Regana McKinney Bunch
If you give a little love, it all comes back to you. You know you’re
gonna be remembered for the things that you say and do.
Help a child and become a
Positive Attitude Outlook, Inc. Foster Parent.
(559) 248-2670
• Ages: Newborn to 18 yrs & Unwed Mothers • Social Workers Available 24/7 • Weekly
Social Worker Visits • Financial Compensation to Caregivers • Foster Child Medical/Dental
Coverage • Family Support Services • Specialized Support Staff for Certification Process
Positive Attitude Outlook, Inc. offices near you:
4828 North First Street, Ste 101 • Fresno, CA • 93726 • (559) 248-2670
1441 South Mooney Blvd., Ste F • Visalia, CA • 93277 • (559) 636-5880
1706 Chester Ave., Ste 500 • Bakersfield, CA • 93301 • (661) 281-2670
10700 Civic Center Dr., Ste 200 • Rancho Cucamonga, CA • 91730 • (909) 476-2782
5
*see community calendar (page 38) for Foster Parent Orientation dates
This year’s
Fresno Earth
Day Festival
will take place
at Roeding
Park from noon
until sundown on April 25.
The Fresno Earth Day Festival
is a community event made
possible through the efforts of
local organizations and green
businesses in order to promote
environmental education and
awareness in the Central Valley
of California, to promote local
arts and music and to provide
opportunities for environmental
and social justice organizations
to reach the widest possible
audience with their message.
Fresno Earth Day is a member
of the Earth Day Network. To
find out more about the Fresno
Earth Day Festival and other
Earth Day activities, please visit
www.fresnoearthday.org.
Even in the most trying of
times we must remember to
celebrate because there is
much to give thanks for in the
world around us: our families,
our communities, the sunshine,
the rain, the air we breathe,
the water we drink, the food
we eat. There is so much to
celebrate and the earth is home
to all of these.
Humans are part of a large and
intricate web of life; we are as
dependent on this web as it
is dependent on us. By forgetting this, our connection to nature, we not only put the
health of our environment and other species at risk but also the health of our children
and communities. Our connection with nature has become eclipsed by a desire for
bigger and better things. Indeed, more than 30 years after the first International Earth
Day, our world faces a pretty alarming situation: an estimated 35-200 species become
extinct EACH DAY due to the way humans are treating the earth. We have a worldwide fresh water shortage while 40% of United States’ household water is flushed down
the toilet. Nearly half of the U.S. population lives in areas with levels of air pollution
considered harmful. Yet the real crisis is inside of us. Life is so busy and overwhelming,
how can we ever change the world if we can’t change ourselves?
Earth Day gives us a glimpse of how we might change the world by changing our
habits. It is a time to remember that the most important things in life are the simple
things: air, water, music, dance, conversation, community, touch, song and laughter. It
is a time to remember that as busy and complicated as life may get, we must take time
out to stand up for those things around us that don’t have a voice. We must take time
to celebrate creation.
Big change starts small. One person riding their bike to work may not necessarily
make for bluer skies, but 1,000 people riding to work instead of driving makes a big
difference. Small + small + small = big. Here is some food for thought*:
• Almost 80% of what we throw away can be recycled
• You could operate a TV set for three hours with the energy saved from recycling
 one aluminum can.
• By recycling all of your newspapers for one year you could save an estimated four
 trees, 2,200 gallons of water and stop 15 pounds of pollutants from entering the air.
• The sun produces enough energy in one minute to supply the whole world for
one year.
• If each commuter car carried one more person, 600,000 gallons of gas could be
saved and 12 million pounds of carbon dioxide could be kept out of the air.
Don’t wait until Earth Day to do something great for the earth: ride your bicycle to work
or school, plant native trees and shrubbery, install a low-flow showerhead, set up a
recycling program at work, home or school. For other great ideas on how you can work
for a cleaner environment check out www.earthday.net.
By: Jeremy Hofer
Jeremy Hofer is the event coordinator of the Fresno Earth Day Festival. He can be
reached at [email protected].
*From “One Makes the Difference” by Julia Butterfly Hill
Jaime Fajardo, manager of Hair Affair
International, has shared his life with many of
his customers over the course of his seven-year
tenure.
Fajardo’s decision to become a barber is the
result of his father’s influence. As a boy, he
would sit on his father’s ranch and watch as he
provided haircuts to his visitors for free. “I saw
the joy he brought to people when he made them
look and feel better,” he said.
Taking cues from his father, Fajardo developed
friendships with his own clients, especially his
younger ones. He has seen boys who frequently
entered his shop grow into young adulthood. As
a way to give back, Fajardo took an active role in
providing more for kids than haircuts.
He and his staff have actively participated in the
lives of their younger clients. Some employees
have coached little league teams. Elijah
Armstrong, the most recent addition to the Hair
Affair staff, said he joined after he heard many
positive remarks regarding them. “The location
was great,” he said. “Plus I heard they love
helping the kids. Anytime they have a problem,
they can talk to us. We’ve developed a personal
relationship with them.”
Over the years, members of Hair Affair have
grown attached to the young clients they have
served. Youth who regularly visit his shop come
from various high schools and visit because
they say they do not have a lot of activities
after school. “They feel safer
here,” Fajardo said. They
have attended kids’ football,
baseball and basketball games
whenever possible. J. Mason,
a Mass Communications
and Journalism graduate of
California State University,
Fresno, has been employed
at the shop for five years and
said he has known some of his
clients since the fifth grade.
The staff has also made a
habit of offering discounts
to kids who earn higher
grades. “T-Styles,” a
Hair Affair employee
for two years, said
he approached
the rest of the
shop with the
idea because he
noticed some kids’
grades needed
improvement. The
staff agreed and the policy was
implemented throughout the
shop. “T started looking at the
kids’ report cards and told them
that the better they do with
grades, the better the discount
will be,” Fajardo said. Students
now frequently visit the shop
with report cards in hand.
It is another way the
staff of Hair Affair is
reaching out to youth in
an effort to positively
impact their lives.
By: Robert Silvas
Most recently, they have
included events on the
weekends where kids can hold
e-mail us at
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or call 559/248.2679
SOUL is a public charter high school serving Fresno youth. The seated program
holds approximately 100 students and also has an independent study option that
works with another 150 students. They enroll all year, but have a high number of
enrollees during the month of January, when a new semester begins. Throughout
the school year, new students enter and some of their student body transfer
to a conventional campus. With the rate of new and returning students shifting
constantly, Failla said conflicts sometimes arise among the student body. “Some
of the students feel isolated and separated, so we try to simulate the high school
experience as much as possible through sports, theater and the leadership team,
who is in charge of the yearbook and the prom.”
Within the halls of the School of Unlimited
Learning (SOUL), students are viewing each
other in a new way.
Through an event entitled Mix-It-Up Day,
activities were held encouraging students to
explore the backgrounds of their peers and
discover common interests. Another aspect of
the day involved connecting students who do
not normally associate with each other in an
attempt to bring the student body
closer together.
“Mix-It-Up Day is our way of promoting
tolerance and acceptance among a diverse
group of students,” Rena Failla, SOUL’s
guidance counselor coordinator said. “Our
goal is to reduce student conflicts and
increase acceptance among peers. We hope
it will increase students’ awareness of how
different we can be, yet still share the same
thoughts, interests, feelings and goals.”
“At all my other schools, we never had
anything like this,” Julio Delcid, 18, said. “I
think it was great because you actually saw
different people talking and it was pretty fun,”
Esteban Ramirez, 17, said.
The school’s leadership team coordinated the event after attending a conference
that focused on promoting diversity among high school students. The students
witnessed a variety of activities and games which the team would later incorporate
throughout Mix-It-Up Day. However, the spark that led the group to bring the
event to the campus of SOUL was a video entitled “Don’t Laugh At Me.”
According to the website that distributes the video, www.dontlaugh.org, its
purpose is “to reduce the emotional and physical cruelty some children inflict
upon each other by behaviors such as ridicule, bullying and - in extreme cases
- violence.” When the video was shown to the students, the reaction was
positive. “They were making fun of it in the beginning, but then towards the end,
everybody learned something new,” Gerardo Gonzalez, 18, said. Gonzalez is a
member of the leadership team.
In the days leading up to the event, the team built anticipation by posting signs
around the campus. Gonzalez said the student body’s curiosity rose and when the
day finally arrived, the students found themselves enlightened by the day’s end.
“I believe new friends and a new attitude made miracles happen to those who feel
out of place,” said Kristina Garcia, 17.
As a result of the turnout, Failla hopes Mix-It-Up Day becomes an annual
campus event.
By: Robert Silvas
e-mail us at
ok.com
paom@positiveattitudeoutlo
or call 559/248.2679
From the footsteps
of the Fresno County
Economic Opportunities
Commission (EOC)
Sanctuary to Fresno City
Hall, volunteers and city
officials banded together
in support of keeping
youth safe.
The rally, to honor
National Safe Place
Week, was attended by
over 200 local youth,
who marched to
acknowledge the
efforts of local
communities that
cooperate with
each other to
assist in locating
and protecting
runaway, atrisk and homeless
youth. It also featured
performances from
several youth organizations
including D.A.N.C.E. Empowerment and the
Cornerstone Academy Dance Troupe.
“The purpose of this walk is to make our
community and youth aware that there are
safe places for youth to go to when they
feel they cannot go home due to a personal
or family crisis,” said Lucianna Ventresca,
EOC Sanctuary Director. “No matter how
much we try to educate the community, the
message always comes best from kids.”
Every year, nearly 4,000 children from the
city and county are runaways. To date,
over 250 have sought help and benefited
from the program.
Safe Place sites are in over 140 locations in
Fresno including local Wal-Mart stores, the
Boys and Girls Club, City of Fresno Parks
and Recreation, Tree Fresno and Fresno
Area Express (FAX), which in particular,
displays yellow and black placards
throughout all of its buses.
These organizations, along with the Fresno
Unified School District Neighborhood
Resource Centers, were recognized by the
City as designated “EOC Sanctuary Safe Place Sites.” They were presented with
awards from EOC Sanctuary Director Lucianna Ventresca, City of Fresno Chief of
Staff Georganne White and District Three Councilmember Cynthia Sterling.
Sterling worked closely with Ventresca and other Safe Place partners in
coordinating the event. She presented a proclamation in recognition of Safe Place
Week and spoke to the crowd about the importance of community involvement
with at-risk youth. “We support our children, no matter what the circumstances,”
she said.
Any youth who is in trouble can reach Safe Place through any location displaying
its yellow and black diamond-shaped logo. They can seek help by contacting a
volunteer who will provide assistance and, if needed, transport to the local
youth shelter.
The EOC Sanctuary operates as the only shelter in Central California for local atrisk and homeless youth. They are home to the Safe Place Outreach program which
provides shelter, food, clothing and counseling 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
By: Robert Silvas
e-mail us at
om
[email protected]
or call 559/248.2679
employed, with 21 percent working more than 20 hours per
week. On average, 32 percent of teens in the United States
are employed.
Working part-time and attending Central High School,
Giovanni Zamora, 16, runs a tight schedule.
He works an average of 25 hours a week at Albertson’s.
Depending on his schedule, he is usually off work during
the late evening hours and has little time to study before
he goes to sleep at 11 p.m. At 7 a.m. he is off to school
until approximately 3:30 p.m.
Despite the circumstances, Zamora maintains a 3.2 GPA.
He said his schedule can wear him
down sometimes, but he does not regret
entering the work force at a young age.
“It was my choice to get a job. I want my
own things and I want to earn my own
money,” he said. “Sometimes I feel like
I’m tired, but I’ve come to realize that I
need money for the things I want and that
means having a job.”
Some of the ‘things’ Zamora refers to are accessories
and enhancement parts for his 1993 Honda Accord. His
passion for cars is undeniable. During his spare time, he
and his closest friends work on each other’s cars and enter
competitions to showcase them. However, in order to pay
for the parts he needs and fulfill his expectations, gaining
employment was his only option.
Zamora’s situation is not uncommon. According to a 2001
study by childtrends.org, 22 percent of California teens are
Childtrends.org surveyed teens ages 14-17 from across 13
states including Texas, New York and Florida. They found
that moderate amounts of work, less than 20 hours a week,
can lead to positive development. Longer hours, 20 or more
during the week, can have harmful effects on the development
and family life of teens.
The study warns that teens who work should only do so in
moderate amounts (20 hours or less.) Longer hours can affect
teens negatively in both their development and their family
life. Teens who work excessively are shown to receive less
sleep, practice poor exercise and
nutrition habits and experience
greater amounts of stress.
On the positive side, however,
teens entering the work force
during high school have a higher
rate of successful employment
after graduation. In the case of lower-income families,
youth contribute earnings to help support the family and
are more independent later in life. When work hours are
kept in moderation, teens who work also yearn to achieve
higher education as well. They can develop a greater sense
of self-worth, responsibility and feel more dependable than
unemployed teens. Parents perceive them as independent and
in general they feel greater life satisfaction.
For more comprehensive data, visit www.childtrends.org.
By: Robert Silvas
e-mail us at
.com
paom@positiveattitudeoutlook
or call 559/248.2679
we repair all makes and brands of gas or electric scooters
It was two years ago when
Brent McCaffrey made a lifechanging decision.
He was starting offensive
tackle for the USC Trojans
for three seasons and a
1999 All-Pac-10 honorable
mention pick. A pro football
career was on the horizon,
when in 2001, injury struck.
After surgery ended his hopes of
playing for the NFL, he knew he had
to make a career change. He
relied on the education
he received while he
was at USC and
is thankful it has
led him to a life
outside
of football.
“You never know
what kind of curves
you’re going to get
thrown in life and
you have to prepare for
any obstacle that you can’t
predict,” he said. “I had originally
thought, the average career for an
NFL player is like two years, so I was
thinking I’m going to be doing this for
another two years after USC.”
A Fork in the Road
McCaffrey was on the fast track
to a pro career. He signed with an
agent who was handling the likes
of all-star players such as Barry
Sanders and was sent to Indianapolis to train for the upcoming season.
During a workout session, though, a drastic turn of events unfolded. A
disc ruptured in his back and he was immediately sent to the hospital. “I
knew it was serious when I hurt my back and I couldn’t walk,” he said.
The injury and impending surgery would keep McCaffrey from entering
the NFL draft that year; however he would still be eligible to
enter the league as a free agent.
Six months passed before McCaffrey was able to
recover from the surgery he had hoped would
revive his dream of playing pro football. He was
sent to the Denver Broncos training camp, but
when he arrived, he knew it was already too
late. “They pulled me into their office and they
said they want me to play and they expected
me to play by a certain date. I just knew in the
back of my head I couldn’t play,” he said. “I knew
I didn’t feel right and to this day I think I made the
right decision.”
A New Endeavor
Now, he is the Vice President of Construction for the McCaffrey
Group, the company that his family owns. As a child, he grew
up around the business and felt the need to return home to
work under his parents, Bob and Karen.
“My family is great. They support me in whatever decision
I make. If I wanted to pursue other endeavors, they are
all for it,” he said. “I’ve done my share of traveling and
I’ve seen the country through football. I’ve always felt like
this was a great community to come back to, the Fresno
community. I always kind of knew I’d end up back here.”
As vice president, his duties include meeting with the superintendents of
the various job sites to ensure that the company’s standards are being met. In
addition, he said he communicates daily with various workers about improving
job quality.
McCaffrey said he was eager to handle the responsibilities of his new job, but he
knew he still had a lot to learn. “I work with a bunch of people that have been
doing this for 20-30 years that have knowledge you can’t learn in a classroom.
You have to learn it out on the field,” he said. “I’ve accepted the fact that I have
to be a sponge in gaining this material and soaking it up.”
The Tools of the Trade
Gaining an educational background is a key component when working in
construction. Courses in math, specifically geometry, will help an aspiring
student gain knowledge that will lead
them towards collegiate courses in
engineering and architecture. In addition,
McCaffrey said courses at the community
college level will enlighten students about
the building, electrical and plumbing
codes. Most importantly, he said learning
effective communication will help build
morale on the job sites. “If you can’t
communicate with people, you’re not
gonna succeed out on the field,” he said.
“I’m always listening to people to see if
there are new things out there that we
could be doing to make things easier.
It’s a team effort. It goes from us to the
architect, to the engineer, to working
with city hall to the sub-contractors and
everybody being on the same page.”
Reflecting on the Past
McCaffrey stood firm in his choice that
life had more to offer besides sports.
“I thought it was just time to move
on. Once I had back surgery, football
was over for me,” he said. “I was more
appreciative of the fact that I had gone to
school and finished my degree.”
As a result of the surgery, McCaffrey
still feels pain in his back to this day.
In addition, he said the injuries and
surgeries that occurred as a result of
playing football still have lingering
effects. Nonetheless, his experience has
made him grateful for the education he
received as well as for the opportunities
he has now.
By: Robert Silvas
e-mail us at
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paom@positiveattitudeoutlo
or call 559/248.2679
their fears; mainly the fear of the unknown. I explain to them
about the program, where they are going, what to expect and
what the program will expect from them. I explain that it’s going
to suck for the first few days, however most kids get used to it
and may even get to like the program.”
A Rough Upbringing
Haywood is well aware of the signs of a troubled youth. During
his teenage years, he was one.
“I was brought up in a rough side of L.A. on Jefferson and 4th. It
was bloods and crips sitting across from each other. I was never
involved with gangs, but I was in that environment,” he said. “I
was a little clepto, my mom had some control but not much.”
He was raised by his mother, who passed away when he was
13 years old. His stepfather, who he had only known for two
years, raised him from that point on but they shared a strained
As a teen, John Haywood was always in
trouble.
Born in Los Angeles, he frequently encountered
situations he knew he should have avoided.
Throughout his adolescence, he constantly
moved through several different homes
from L.A. to Fresno in search of stability and
security. Instead he only found turmoil.
However, he now runs an organization which
locates teens experiencing the same difficulties
in life he encountered.
Haywood, the founder of Vision Adolescent
Services, Inc., travels across the country
to assist families with troubled teens on a
regular basis. He is a transport agent, whose
duty is to find young people and relocate
them to programs provided by therapeutic
boarding schools and wilderness camps which
rehabilitate troubled youth. He has run VAS,
Inc. for over ten years.
“A lot of these teens are out of control,” he
said. “The parents are in distress and they want
to keep their kids out of trouble by finding
suitable programs.”
“These teens are mainly dealing with
life’s issues and the pressures of being an
adolescent,” he said. “Many of them are just
searching for guidance. I am their first and
crucial step into getting the help they need.
I make it my job to be personable. I address
relationship. After the passing of his mother, Haywood said his anger was
unleashed.
“I was bored and did crazy stuff. I couldn’t focus my energy,” he said. He
broke into a neighbor’s house and was charged with breaking and entering.
On separate occasions, he was busted for joyriding. Eventually, he landed
in Juvenile Hall. “In juvy, my freedom was gone,” he said. “I knew then I
wanted to get away from my environment, away from everything. I wanted
to do better, but I didn’t know how.”
Finding Support
He was placed in a group home and formed a bond with some of the
staff. He also bonded with Duckworth Ford, a probation officer who gave
Haywood a second chance. “My probation officer, I felt, was on my side,”
he said. “To be honest, my parents were some of the staff members of
some of the programs I went through. Some of them kept in contact with
me afterwards.”
Through their support, he made the decision to try to change his life.
However, the transition would be rough. He joined the basketball team
for Centennial High School in Compton, but his surroundings at home
and at school remained negative. He still clashed with his stepfather and
Centennial was a dangerous school where violence occurred every day.
At 17, he moved to Fresno. He played basketball for Edison High, but
soon transferred to Fresno High because he landed in fights at Edison. His
search for stability was far from over, but he would soon find a purpose.
Changing for the Better
Finally, he met Ruby White. Haywood refers to her as a mother figure
who encouraged him to face his problems. He said it was her guidance
that helped him improve his lifestyle. As a result, he earned his diploma
through the Restart program, enrolled in Southern California College (a
Christian college in Newport Beach),
where he played basketball. After
college, he started work for a company
similar to VAS, Inc.
personal interest in them. As a result, he has formed
a wealth of friendships with the kids he has helped.
“Some of them email me or call once in a while just
to see how I’m doing or to give me a hard time.”
As an adult, he enjoys reaching out to
kids who share a background similar
to his. He also wants the teens he
transports to realize the importance of
family, which is something he had to
search for in his adolescence.
“I’m hoping I can make a difference. I’m just sharing
my past. Vision’s goals are really to assist families
with troubled teens,” he said. “Most of the kids are
great. They just need a little guidance down the right
path.”
While Haywood is only involved briefly
with the teens he transports, he takes a
Through the Eyes of Youth is the second annual Youth
Film Festival at Roosevelt School of the Arts in Fresno
on May 2 at 2:30 p.m. This free event highlights
youth produced videos which share art, ideas and
feelings of high school
students
in
the
Central Valley. See
the winning videos
and celebrate the
winners of the Youth
Film Festival. This is
one of several projects
co-sponsored by the
Fresno County Youth
Service Council.
The
Council
was
established in 1998
to
involve
youth
leaders
from
high
schools, colleges and
youth organizations in
leadership development
and community service
projects.
The goal
is to provide a forum
for youth voice and to
empower youth leaders to
practice civic participation
and serve their school,
community and nation.
They meet on the third
Monday of every month at
the Fresno County Office of
Education and facilitate the
annual Fresno County Youth
Summit. See their web site:
www.yesfresno.org.
The
Council
co-sponsors
several
opportunities to involve and recognize youth service.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is given to
By: Robert Silvas
e-mail us at
.com
paom@positiveattitudeoutlook
or call 559/248.2679
hundreds of students in Fresno County. The Youth Citizenship
Awards Program recognizes students, who demonstrate civic
responsibility, solving problems and serving others in their
school or community.
The Council facilitated the Fresno Youth
Summit on October 15, at the Fresno
Convention Center. 300 student leaders
from 30 schools participated in the
Summit, which included leadership
training and development of school
action plans.
The Central Valley Stories of Service
Project documents stories of veterans
and creates digital mini-documentaries
(five minutes) about their wartime
experiences and insights. These
moving and inspirational digital
stories record the extraordinary
courage, commitment and sacrifice of
Americans who served their country.
In Operation Respect, youth leaders
use the Don’t Laugh at Me video
to lead other students to agree to
Respect Zones, in which bullying
is not okay. This includes conflict
resolution training and commitment
to values of respect and
responsibility. The kNOw MORE
group leads training to reduce
relationship abuse.
Applications and information are
available at www.yesfresno.org.
Contact John Minkler, Program
Coordinator, Fresno County Office of Education, phone:
497-3728, email: [email protected]. Sponsors include the
Fresno County Office of Education, Fresno, Clovis and Central
Unified School Districts and the Civic Education Network for
Region 7. By: John Minkler
Mateo Rivera
can perform any
jump, flip and
tumble when he is
inside a gymnasium.
As he manipulates
the rings, pommel
horse, trampolines
and parallel bars to
his will, he is right at
home.
An instructor for
Gymnastics Beat, Inc.,
Rivera, 19, said
he wants to
show kids
how fun
the sport
can be.
As a child
growing
up,
gymnastics
gave him
confidence in
himself. “I like to call myself
the ‘show monkey,’” he
said. “I show the kids how
exercises are done. It’s fun. I
get to use my skills and help
other kids by teaching them
what I know.”
A Natural-Born Gymnast
For Rivera, gymnastics was a
perfect fit. “My mom and dad
decided to get me into it because I
was always hyperactive,” he said. “I
used to flip around when I was little
so they put me in gym
classes. Ever since then
I’ve loved it.”
At seven years old
he won his first award:
first place in all-around
competition in Berkeley.
He has participated in state
and regional competitions,
winning awards and medals
in Tempe and Phoenix,
Arizona and Las Vegas,
Nevada. At the Junior
Olympics in Vegas
in 1998, he teamed
with the top
six amateur
gymnasts
in Northern
California;
at the
event,
he
earned a
gold medal for
floor competition and the team
won first place.
Excelling in the sport allowed him
to accumulate a wall of awards.
Along the way he met former
Olympic champion Shannon Miller
and other famous gymnasts such as
Chainey Humphrey (1996 OlympianMen’s team) and Chris Waller (1992
Olympian-Men’s team). During this
time he also kept a steady focus
on his academics. While attending
Central High School, he earned an
overall grade point average (GPA)
of 3.95.
Obstacles Arise
Success in gymnastics came with
ease for Rivera, but factors beyond
his control kept him from turning
professional. “I went to the highest
point where no one in the Fresno
area could teach me more than
what I know,” he said. The costs
associated with higher training were
too expensive, so he reevaluated
his goals. He switched to teaching
and began instruction at the Central Valley YMCA.
He welcomed the chance to pass his experience and
years of training to others and was especially excited
because he would have the chance to work with kids.
Sam Shima, the owner of Gymnastics Beat, Inc. said
the lack of programs for young male gymnasts in the
Central Valley is one reason Rivera did not go farther.
He said it is a shame because he has never seen a
gymnast as great in the Central Valley as Rivera. “If
I had his skills at his age, I’d have been state champ
if not higher,” he said. “I remember when his mom
approached me about training him. When I saw his
skill level, I told her I could not train him because he
surpassed my ability to train him.”
Shima saw an opportunity however. He approached
Rivera and asked him if he would like to be an
instructor at the facility when it was
ready
to open. Rivera jumped at the
offer to join. “I’ve known
Sam for five years. He’s
had more faith in me
than anybody I know.
He’s helped me
find several jobs.
He even got me a
scholarship worth
$500 from the Fig
Garden Rotary Club
when I was going to
Clovis Academy (Of
Gymnastics and Dance)
and Madera Gymnastics
and Dance.”
Teaching For Fun
Since then, he has had the chance to pass the
knowledge he acquired during years of competing
onto others who want to learn and have fun through
gymnastics. It is his hope that the kids he trains have
fun and grow in confidence in their abilities. He said
that confidence will give them the strength to achieve
their goals in life. “Gymnastics taught me if you try
hard, you can achieve your goals and your dreams,”
he said. He also hopes that Gymnastics Beat grows to
the point where they can conduct demonstrations and
become a training facility for aspiring amateurs looking
to turn pro.
Rivera is currently attending Fresno City College,
taking criminology classes. He is interested in law
enforcement and feels he has gone as far as possible
in gymnastics. For now though, he is happy to be an
instructor where he can promote a family atmosphere
and emphasize fun above everything else. “I love it,
there’s no other place that I’d rather be.”
By: Robert Silvas
Ask any boxing fan about Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and you are
likely to induce a heated reaction. The current WBC lightweight
champion has been called brash, arrogant and mouthy, while in
contrast, some label him as the best pound for pound fighter who is
long overdue for credit.
He is a fighter with an incredible undefeated record (31 wins, 21 by
knockout). He fought in the Olympics during his
amateur days, then fought professionally in
the featherweight division and became
champion. After dominating the
featherweights he boldly moved up to
the lightweight division and captured
the title there as well.
His skill in the ring, however, has not
translated to success outside of it.
Being in the limelight has not been kind
to Mayweather. He has had his share of
personal and legal battles, as well as felt
the scorn of the boxing fans and press,
who have mercilessly bashed him as an
individual while admiring his ability in
the ring.
A Perplexing Phenomenon
Mayweather’s last two fights have
been an example of the level
of competition in the sport, as
well as the capricious nature
of boxing fans. In April, he
defended his title against
Victoriano Sosa at Fresno’s
Selland Arena. With an arena
full of fans simultaneously
displaying their disdain for the
champ, he nonetheless fought
for 12 rounds and went on
to win the contest by way
of the judges’ unanimous
decision. Fight reporters had
a different perspective; they
had the fight closer to a
split decision, some had it
in Sosa’s favor.
His contest against Philip
N’Dou yielded the opposite
outcome. Taking place in
November in Grand Rapids,
MI, the crowd was firmly
behind their hometown hero as
he earned the praise of critics
by out-boxing and eventually
knocking out his challenger in
the seventh round. “I feel that
put me back at the top. The people should just
give me my props,” he said. “I’m gonna be
honest, people say I’m real arrogant. They say
I’m cocky. Everybody is entitled to their own
opinion. Some can love me, some can hate
me. I know in my heart I can’t be beat.
At the end of the day, there’s only
one person I’ve got to answer to,
that’s the big man upstairs.”
Fights outside the
Squared Circle
Disputes outside the ring have
been just as prominent as his
battles inside of it. He has had a
rocky relationship with his father,
Floyd Mayweather, Sr., a former
fighter who trained his son for a period
of time and claimed to be the reason young
Mayweather is a phenomenon in the sport. The
champ credits his uncle Roger,
though, more than his father
in developing his skills as a
fighter. In a well-publicized
and bitter split, his father was
removed from the team in
1999 and regrouped by joining
Oscar De La Hoya’s camp as
head trainer. He has had little
to no contact with his father
since then. “My dad was there
for me, boxing-wise, but as far
as just me and him spending
time together, going to the
movies, having talks, father-son
things, I never had that type of
relationship,”
he said.
A legal battle also surfaced
when a woman alleged she was
run off the road by someone
driving a vehicle owned by
Mayweather. Tommy Smalls,
a representative of his team, insists those
troubles are over: “There have been false
accusations, but there has been no truth to
them and those misunderstandings have been
cleared up,” he said via telephone.
Mayweather in Private
With his record currently at 31-0 with 21 KO’s, Mayweather is
looking to move past the lightweight division and trade fists
with contenders in higher weight classes. One of the more
notable opponents mentioned is Oscar De La Hoya. “That fight
is destined to happen,” Mayweather said. But can he prove to
the boxing world that he can once again move up in weight class
and effectively compete in another division?
Only Mayweather knows his true intentions. However, when
Mayweather is away from the ring, the sport is the farthest
thing from his mind. Instead, he turns his focus towards his
entrepreneurial endeavors. He prefers to discuss his long-term
goals, which include his record label/clothing line, $Philthy Rich
Records and training other fighters. Currently, he has one artist
to promote, Dirtbomb and one fighter under his wing, Wes
Ferguson, who had his first pro fight during the undercard of the
Mayweather-N’Dou contest. “He’s a top amateur fighter who kept
getting bad deals and really wanted to fight a more professional
style,” he said. “The first guy he faced he beat, a guy with
record of 4-2-1. He was 17 and his opponent was 21.”
At home, he is concerned about his relationship with his
children, in particular his sons, Koraun Amir, 4, and Shamaree
Zion, 2. He does not want to repeat the cycle he had with his
father. “I’m trying not to have that type of relationship with
my boys so we can grow older as father and son. When I’m not
traveling and trying to take care of business, I see my kids
every day.”
At least two times a year, he travels back to his hometown of
Grand Rapids, MI to visit local schools and talk with children.
He visits with various alternative, elementary, junior high and
high schools about the importance of being positive. “We talk
to them about accomplishing their goals in life and I tell them
‘whatever you wanna do in life, you can do it, but it’s not
gonna come easy,’” he said.
During the holidays, he participates with Job Corps and the
Ronald McDonald House of Charity, working at a Las Vegas
McDonald’s for charity and giving away turkeys to feed the
homeless in Las Vegas and Grand Rapids for Thanksgiving.
“I’m appreciative of everything I got. I feel I’m truly blessed.
I’m truly, truly blessed. The kids that are less fortunate, we
feed them,” he said. “I just went home, had a big dinner for
the homeless and all the children in Job Corps. I feel that if the
shoe was on the other foot, I would want somebody to help
me out.”
It is no secret in boxing that fighters are either loved or
despised. In Mayweather’s case, his proficiency in the ring
is hidden by his antics outside of it. Boxing fans, critics and
“experts” perceive him as full of himself with the praise that is
heaped upon him through good press and favorable opinion.
They may never know the real Floyd Mayweather, Jr.; however,
the man in private is struggling for separation from the character
seen in public.
By: Robert Silvas
an
exclusive
Mayor Alan Autry wants to wipe out graffiti in the
City of Fresno. As a result, he took drastic measures
throughout last year to eradicate it and he has more
plans on the way.
-Suspending the driving privileges of a minor upon conviction of
vandalism.
“Fresno pays $1.5 million to rid our city of graffiti,”
Mayor Autry said. “Do you know how many after
school programs and other programs we could start if
that money wasn’t used to stop graffiti?”
-Pursuing parents for fines imposed for vandalism regarded as
infractions or misdemeanors.*
Some of the Mayor’s new plans include stiffer
penalties for graffiti which can be found on the city’s
website (www.fresno.gov). Those penalties include:
-One year in jail/$5,000 fine or pay for clean up.
In addition, one detective is now assigned to each of the five police
districts to handle graffiti violations. Graffiti Detective Ed Rij said other
penalties for graffiti vandalism can be imposed by the court. They
consist of: one year in boot camp, formal probation status, electronic
monitoring (ankle monitor), work detail, substance abuse/physiological
treatment and/or essays to victim.
Youth and Graffiti Prevention
Code Enforcement Graffiti Supervisor Jet Lim said last year
approximately 1.7 million square feet of graffiti was eliminated due to
the efforts of the city’s AntiGraffiti Team and volunteer
groups. More importantly,
he said teens have played a
vital role in improving the
community through graffiti
eradication. The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints alone enlisted 200
student volunteers to fight
graffiti in their neighborhoods
in 2003.
“Volunteer efforts like these
will help wipe the plague
of graffiti from our streets,”
Mayor Autry said. “After the
graffiti is gone, we must keep
working to catch those who
continue to vandalize
our city.”
Lim said other groups
who volunteered last year
included: McLane High
School JROTC, CSUF Sigma
Beta Mentoring Club and the
Weed and Seed Program.
Lim added campaigns such as
Adopt-A-Spot have been
successful in graffiti
elimination as well. AdoptA-Spot started in May
of last year and is open
to anyone 15 and older.
The program provides
members with graffiti
eradication kits, which
contain materials needed for
removal and a video on how
to properly use them.
Block parties have also been
developed by the City of Fresno and are
designed for any group with an adult sponsor or
organization. Lim said students as young as 13
have participated.
There are several ways more teens can get involved
in stopping graffiti. They can form groups and
encourage school clubs or church youth groups
to spend a weekend or two volunteering to paint
out graffiti. School clubs and groups can also
adopt a neighborhood and keep it free from graffiti
throughout the year. The McLane JROTC, for
example, cleans graffiti around their campus
year-round.
This year, the city will implement the Bob BringIt-Down program, which will target 4th-6th grade
classrooms. The program will revolve around a game show
format intended to present graffiti as a crime that destroys
their community.
Graffiti Awareness
According to the Fresno Police Department, the recidivism rate
for “taggers” is relatively low at 10 percent.
Teachers and school staff are also helping in the fight against
graffiti. Many are always on the look out for those possibly involved
with graffiti on campus. The Police Probation Team also conducts
patrols on campus to handle graffiti as fast as it happens.
“We always interview those who have been arrested for graffiti. The most
common answers are habit or addiction to graffiti,” Rij said.
Contact the Anti-Graffiti Team at 621-TAGS/8247 to report graffiti in your area
or to receive information on participating in graffiti removal and prevention.
To access information on the web, visit www.fresno.gov.
By: Robert Silvas
Thanks to Christine Cerda from Mayor Autry’s office for her collaborative efforts in compiling this report.
*From the City of Fresno website: www.fresno.gov.
e-mail us at
.com
paom@positiveattitudeoutlook
or call 559/248.2679
If you’re not aware what shoes draw attention these days, don’t worry.
ATTITUDE has your back, or feet for that matter. With help from Shiekh
shoes we give you, the reader the newest and hottest footwear.
Athletic
At the moment, Nike is the frontrunner on the athletic shoe market,
capitalizing on its legendary Air Jordan line and looking
towards the future with Air Zoom Generation ($109.97),
the signature shoe of NBA rookie sensation LeBron James. Nike’s latest
concoction is the Air Huarache 2K4 ($124.97), which combines the elements
of eight different shoes over 32 years including the Jordan XI, Air Penny
IV, Air Force I and Air Flight Huarache.
Speaking of Nike, its Air Force I ($74.97) is highly popular. So popular
in fact they are sold as limited editions in limited quantities. Some
styles have been collector’s items traded on Ebay, selling as high
as $550.00. For the release dates for the newest Air Force 1’s, go to
nike.com.
Another highly collectable shoe is the Air Jordan. Nike recently caught
on to the value this shoe has generated over the years and has released
limited editions of Jordan’s which recall the styles of the past. Currently,
Nike has a remake of the first Air Jordan shoe; patent leather in its classic
original colors; red, white and black ($99.97).
Casual
For those who prefer fashion over function, Reebok has taken the cue
from some of hip-hop’s hottest celebrities to find their niche in the world
of footwear. The Sean Carter Mid ($99.97) inspired by Jay-Z and the 50
Cent/G-Unit approved G6 ($84.50) have catapulted Reebok’s sales by
catering to a hip-hop audience.
Another company that is flourishing is Converse with its line of Chuck
Taylor shoes ($29.97-34.97). This style, which has been a mainstay in
fashion since the 20’s, has been favorite among males and females alike
and is very popular with skate and punk crowds.
Ladies Only
Now by this point, you ladies
are wondering, what about
us? There are plenty of styles
coming out from brands like
Delicious, Bamboo and Shiekh.
Most companies have ditched the
platform heel look and are now
focusing on pump-style shoes.
There are limitless possibilities,
so whether you like sandals,
pumps, flats or sneakers, these shoes
will have you running out to grab the pair
that’s just right for you.
For the athletic female, Bloch offers a dance
sneaker, the Boost DRT, for $69-75, depending on
the location.
It is a routine afternoon in Meoshe’s Los
Angeles headquarters until Delroy Morgan
frantically enters the room. Morgan,
the company’s Executive Vice President
of Operations, politely interrupts CEO
Lennox Barnes to share the news that
Eastbay, a national clothing catalog, has
featured Meoshe in an advertisement
that will run in XXL, a national hip-hop
magazine. Upon hearing this, Barnes
becomes ecstatic. “They did it on their
own,” he said. “We didn’t have to ask
them to endorse us. This is very good
news. I am very pleased.”
For Barnes, the announcement is proof
he made the right decision to form his
own clothing company. A Jamaican
immigrant, he arrived in the United States
in the summer of 1983 and resided in
New York for almost a decade. There, he
started a career as a tailor then
moved to Los Angeles to work
under other clothing companies.
He felt the move to L.A. would be
advantageous to him; most fashion
companies are based on the East
Coast and very few manufacturers
decide to originate from the West
Coast. As he became involved
in the design, marketing and
advertising aspects of the fashion
industry, he found his current
position within reach. Finally, in
1997, he ventured on his own and
created Meoshe (“good child”
in Japanese).
Facing Peril
As CEO, Barnes recognizes the
hazards of the fashion industry.
A potentially crippling situation
arose when he dropped his line of
women’s apparel. It was a setback,
but he said it gave him the chance
to restructure and focus solely on
fashions for men.
“I had to drop the women’s
line because it didn’t match the
standard of the men’s line. The
standard of the men’s line was way
ahead of the women’s and for me,
they both have to have the same
high standard,” he said.
Since his decision to concentrate on
men’s apparel alone, his company
has flourished into a rising name
in the industry. His fashions
have been featured in the movie
“Barbershop” and in videos by hiphop artists such as Ludacris, Lil’ Jon
and the Eastside Boys
and the Ying Yang Twins.
In addition, celebrities such
as Doug E. Fresh, Raekwon
(Wu-Tang Clan), Coolio, 112,
Jamie Foxx and Nelly have
been shown wearing his
brand. Foot Locker, which is
owned by Eastbay, has also
featured Meoshe as hot items
in online advertisements and
throughout its website. He
said these endorsements have
been a boost and a sign that
his company has found its
place in the world of
hip-hop clothing.
Competing with ArtistDriven Brands
In an industry flooded with
celebrity clothing lines and
brands that focus on hip-hop
style, with most based in the
East Coast, Meoshe is one
of the few that designs and
develops its clothes from the
West Coast. They not only
compete with established
brands but with celebrity-led
labels as well. All of which
are vying for a coveted
consumer group: the always
trend-conscious hip-hop
aficionado.
Sean
John,
Rocawear, IceWear, Vokal,
Snoop Dogg and Shady, all
brands related to hip-hop
artists, have capitalized
on the mass popularity
of the genre by designing
and manufacturing clothes
bearing their likenesses. It
is an attempt to use their
popularity to overtake the
fashion industry and gain
further dominance in the
music business.
However, Morgan believes
these artists might not be
as dedicated to the brands
they are endorsing. He
said success in music does
not always translate into
success in fashion. “Those
brands are only as good
as their artists,” Morgan
said. “If your artist is hot,
the clothes are hot, but if
an artist is on the decline,
then his line is going to fall
as well.”
Barnes sees more for
his company’s future. At
the present time, he has
the attention of fashionably
conscious hip-hop fans, but
eventually, he would like
to see his brand develop a
universal appeal. “To me, I’m a
businessperson. I want people
to like my product for the
quality of it. I want to have a
little something for the old and
a little something for
the young.”
He credits his staff of designers,
marketers, key executives and
cooperating retailers for the
success he has realized thus
far. “I can’t complain. I am
successful. I could always do
better, but that comes
with time.”
By: Robert Silvas
an
exclusive
Cameron began designing shirts and sold them at local clubs featuring
local bands. “It started off as something I wanted to do for fun. I was
going to a lot of the shows and I wanted to be a bigger part of it.”
Being at the center of a burgeoning
business is no easy task. Just ask
Cameron, the driving force behind
Ephraim Clothing Company. Starting
a business of any nature comes with
pitfalls that most would rather not deal
with, including acquiring substantial
debt. However, he presses on, fueled by
the message behind the fashion.
He saw the potential for growth when he attended Spirit West Coast, an
annual festival in Monterey, CA. “It was a great starting point. I got a
good reaction and the people liked the idea behind the company.”
From there, his direction was clear. The clothes he designed would carry
a meaning close to his heart.
The Meaning of Ephraim
Cameron said the message of Ephraim is simple. “We chose Ephraim
because we liked the way it sounded and we liked the message behind
it,” he said. “It represents the people of Israel, who were unfaithful and
made mistakes but God was still faithful to them.”
“I believe everyone can relate to it because it is such a realistic human
condition. We fail all of the time and through it all God is there to pick
us up and restore us if we are willing to let him.”
Some of the bands currently sponsored
by Ephraim are national acts such as
Watashi Wa, Number One Gun, Kutless
and local band Most Inspirational.
Cameron’s future plans include
overseeing the operation of his recently
opened online store. He also obtained
several retailers, including Skully
Brothers and Berean Christian stores.
He continues to set up booths at local
concerts featuring local bands and will
also attend several festivals throughout
the year. In the long term, he hopes one
day he can establish a youth outreach
program through Ephraim to give back to
the community once he is able to run his
company on a full-time basis.
Despite all he has accomplished, he
realizes there is a lot to achieve. “We
need to go to trade shows. We need to
Difficulties Arise
Along the way, Cameron discovered the
growing pains of a fledging business.
He ran into debt early due to the
overwhelming costs of printing and
manufacturing T-shirts. It took two years
for him to climb out of debt and earn
enough revenue to cover production
costs. Currently, he also maintains a
full-time job while staying dedicated to
operating Ephraim.
He also found selling his shirts would be
difficult if he did not find retailers that
would carry his shirts. At the present
time, Cameron has the support of a few
local retailers but sometimes still relies on
selling clothes directly from his apartment.
Despite the hurdles he has encountered,
Cameron has remained positive. “We
don’t want to preach to people. We don’t
want to be about a religion. It’s not about
following these rules, these ‘do’s and
don’ts,’” he said. “We want our shirts
to draw people in and ask ‘What’s that
mean?’ or ‘Why would you spend so
much time designing something like that?’
We definitely don’t want to push people
away. We want to create a dialogue and
draw them in.”
Cameron has also been fortunate enough
to run across rock, alternative, punk and
hardcore bands that share his views.
get picked up by a big company and we
need to sell a lot of clothes all the time. I
need to hire a graphics designer to work
with me full-time. I have a friend who
helps me out, but I’d like to be able to
pay him.”
Overall, Cameron said he is satisfied.
“The thing I like about this is I’m my own
boss,” he said. “I make the decisions, I
get to meet and work with people and
build relationships. People are interested
in what I’m doing and it feels like God is
opening all these doors for me.”
To see Ephraim’s line of fashions, visit
www.ephraimclothing.com.
By: Robert Silvas
e-mail us at
k.com
paom@positiveattitudeoutloo
or call 559/248.2679
We are now officially, a “city that rocks.”
Sound strange? Not to the writers of Esquire Magazine. Inside its April issue, it listed Fresno as the sixth best city in the nation to
experience live music. The city ranked above San Francisco (#8), the only other California city listed in the rankings.
Until this declaration, Fresno had been labeled unfashionable when it came to music, fashion and pop culture. Soon that line of
reasoning will be extinct if any of these artists can help it. The number of local musicians is too numerous to mention, but the list
below should give an indication of the diverse musical talent in the Central Valley. The groups listed represent a scene that is vibrant
and very active, with each artist making significant strides toward national stardom.
Get to know these artists if you have not already. They may become the next big thing.
40 WATT HYPE:
A hybrid of jazz, hip-hop, latin and soul, the
group has made huge leaps over their seven-year
career. Budweiser chose them to represent Central
CA in last summer’s True Music Live program and
bassist Darren Klassen said they will be sponsored
again this summer. This past January, they were
handpicked by Billboard Magazine and Disc Makers
to compete in the Independent Music World Series
held in Hollywood. Out of 2,000 contestants
who entered, they ended up competing with six
other groups in an event attended by producers,
promoters and record label representatives. Even
though they finished second place, the group’s
momentum hasn’t faded. 40 Watt’s schedule
remains full, with upcoming gigs in April including a
fundraiser for the music program at Roosevelt High
School on Apr. 16 and Fresno State Vintage Days on
Apr. 17.
Current album: Grand Unification Theory (Vol. 4).
www.40watthype.com
MYNIS:
Mention Mynis to a local music fan and chances
are they have either heard their CD or seen them
live. The group has actively headlined local shows
and festivals and is regularly played on rock station
KRZR, 103.7. In addition, they have shared the stage
with Papa Roach, Weezer and Green Day as support
acts. The band toured the West Coast recently and
headlined the local stage at KRZR’s annual Manfest.
They will play shows throughout the summer.
Current album: Self-titled.
www.mynismusic.com
KAT JONES:
24-year-old singer/songwriter Kat Jones was
already a respected local musician with a
wealth of live and recording experience.
But her big break came when, on a whim,
she submitted a demo to Velvet Blue Music,
who liked what they heard and released her
last demo, Building. She has been on tour
throughout the country ever since, taking
short breaks to record her next CD. The
result of her efforts, La Rosa, La Cavalera, is
expected to see a late April/early May release
through Velvet Blue Music.
Current CD: Building
www.katjonesmusic.com
ATARI CHAMP:
If the band is the champ of anything, it’s their
own destiny. The band, which is reminiscent
of bands like At The Drive-In, Pedro the
Lion and Death Cab for Cutie, has booked
four regional tours themselves, traveling the
Midwest and the West Coast for the past two
years and played festivals in Washington and
CA along the way. According to the band’s
vocalist/guitarist Paul Chesterton, their future
plans include another summer tour to be
launched in July.
Current CD: Nostalgia
www.atarichamp.com
PLANET ASIA: Fed up with the politics of his former label,
Interscope Records, local rapper Planet Asia pulled a daring stunt
when he left after waiting three years for his CD to be released.
Now, however, things are looking up for the Valley’s only Grammynominated rap artist. He signed with Avatar Records and released The
Grand Opening in February, featuring collaborations with Ghostface
Killa from the Wu-Tang Clan and his partner in the Cali Agents, Rasco.
Look for him to also hook up with his partner Rasco again when the
Cali Agents release Head of State on May 4 through Pockets
Linted Entertainment.
Current CD: The Grand Opening
www.mcplanetasia.com
by: Robert Silvas
bacon, avocado and cream cheese on a Basque
roll. The mixture of ingredients may sound strange
at first, but your mouth will thank you once you
try this exotic combination of flavors.
If you are looking for fresh food, a friendly
atmosphere and want to escape the safety net of
“restaurant chains,” look no further than Irene’s
Café for your lunchtime needs.
Located in the Tower District, the restaurant
offers freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, soups
and burgers. Of note are the sandwiches, like the
Rio which is a hot smoked ham and Swiss cheese
delight that melts into your taste buds the second
you try it. For the more adventurous, try the
Bahama Club, a turkey sandwich flavored with
Exotic and tropical are words that come to
mind when describing Irene’s, for it not only
explains the variety of its menu, it describes the
atmosphere of the restaurant as well. Decked in
tropical décor on the walls and on the uniforms
of the friendly staff, they provide excellent
service and can accommodate you for indoor
dining, or out on the patio adorned with flowers
and palm trees. In this comfortable setting, you
might lean towards trying something new, like the
aforementioned Bahama Club, a Brownie Sundae
or dinner items such as their Spicy Caesar Salad
and Chicken Apple Fettuccini.
No review of Irene’s would be complete, though,
if their hamburgers were not mentioned. These
9 ounce monsters are sure to fill your stomach
and satisfy your hunger. In fact, you might find
any burger you try from this point forward
to fail in comparison to an Irene’s burger.
The California Restaurant Association thinks
so too, they voted Irene’s the number one
hamburger in the San Joaquin Valley. If you
are so inclined, order a basket of crinkle fries
along with one of their thick milkshakes in unique
Almond Joy, Oreo and Winter Mint Cream flavors.
If you are against the thought of devouring meat
though, don’t fret. Vegetarian selections are
available such as a veggie burger and the Islander,
prepared with avocado, lettuce, sprouts, artichoke
hearts, choice of cheese and all the extras.
You have no excuse to deny yourself a trip to
Irene’s Café. If you can’t dine during lunch,
remember they also serve breakfast and dinner.
They are open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to
9 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturday and
Sunday, they are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Located in the Tower District:
747 E. Olive Ave.
(559) 237-9919
By: Robert Silvas
13 Going on 30- PG-13- Release Date: April 23, 2004
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Shana Dowdeswell
Director: Gary Winick
www.sonypictures.com/movies/13goingon30/
In the case of “be careful what you wish for,” 13-year-old Jenna Rink makes
a wish for a new life. She gets her wish, but with a twist…it’s 17 years later
and she’s transformed into a 30-year-old ad executive (Garner). This movie
will draw heavy comparisons to “Big.” However, judging from the trailer,
Garner’s first lead role seems promising and she appears to possess enough
charm to deliver a standout performance in an otherwise derivative film.
14
Other movies coming out in April:
April 16:
Kill Bill, Vol. 2, starring Uma Thurman –R
The Punisher, starring Thomas Jane and John Travolta –R
Connie and Carla, starring Nia Vardolos –PG-13
Young Adam, starring Ewan McGregor –NR
April 23:
Man On Fire, starring Denzel Washington and Christopher Walken –NR
13 Going On 30, starring Jennifer Garner –PG-13
April 30:
Godsend, starring Robert DeNiro and Greg Kinnear –PG-13
Laws of Attraction, starring Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore –PG-13
Mean Girls, starring Lindsay Lohan –PG-13
Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius, starring Jim Caviezel –NR
Troy- NR- Release Date: May 14, 2004
Starring: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Sean Bean
Director- Wolfgang Petersen
www.troymovie.warnerbros.com
In order to win back his honor, King Menelaus amasses a great army
to assault the walled city of Troy where his wife has defected to
live with her lover, the Prince of Troy. I can already hear English
professors around the country sharpening their critical blades in
anticipation of carving this film up. I am 50/50 as to whether this
will be epic and great, or silly and self-indulgent. Hopefully, it will
at least prove worthy as a visual companion to the great literary
classic it is based upon, “The Illiad” by Homer.
Other movies coming out in May:
May 7:
Van Helsing, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Winslet –NR
New York Minute, starring the Olsen Twins, Mary Kate and Ashley –NR
May 14:
Troy, starring Brad Pitt –NR
Breakin’ All the Rules, starring Jamie Foxx –PG-13
May 21:
Shrek 2, featuring the voices of: Mike Myers,
Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and
Antonio Banderas –NR
The Clearing, starring Robert Redford and
Willem Dafoe –NR
May 28:
The Day After Tomorrow, starring Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal –NR
Soul Plane, starring Snoop Dogg –R
Raising Helen, starring Kate Hudson –PG-13
Eulogy, starring Ray Romano and Winona Ryder –R
Spider-Man 2- NR- Release Date: June 30, 2004
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina
Director: Sam Raimi
www.spiderman.sonypictures.com
Late word arrived that Spider-Man 2 would be released on June
30, two days ahead of its scheduled release date of July 2. This
time around, Peter Parker struggles with his duality as superhero
and college student. His personal relationships start to fray as it
becomes difficult to share his true identity with those closest to
him, especially the love of his life, Mary Jane (Dunst). His best
friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) grows increasingly obsessed
with destroying the web-slinger, unaware of his true identity and
the impact it would have on their lives. Parker’s troubles continue
with his Aunt May, who has fallen on hard times since becoming a
widow. To make things worse a new villain enters the fray to distract
Spidey: Dr. Otto Octavius, the infamous Dr.
Around the World in 80 Days, starring Jackie
Octopus (Molina). Add it up and you have what
Chan –NR
is sure to be a blockbuster, surpassing the total
Darkness, starring Anna Paquin –NR
of the previous film. If you’re smart you’ll buy
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, starring
tickets early to ensure you won’t miss out when
it opens.
Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn –NR
June 25:
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow,
Other movies coming out in June:
starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law–NR
June 4:
Garfield: The Movie, featuring the voice of
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,
Bill Murray as Garfield–NR
starring Daniel Radcliffe and Gary Oldman –NR
Door in the Floor, starring Jeff Bridges and
Mindhunters, starring Val Kilmer and LL Cool J –R
Kim Basinger –R
The Notebook, starring Ryan Gosling–PG-13
June 11:
White Chicks, starring Marlon and Shawn
The Chronicles of Riddick, starring Vin Diesel –NR
Wayans–NR
The Stepford Wives, starring Nicole Kidman,
Before Sunset, starring Ethan Hawke and
Matthew Broderick and Christopher Walken –NR
Julie Delpy–R
June 18:
The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks and Catherine
by: Robert Silvas & Chad Jones
Zeta-Jones –NR
Miracle is a great family movie, safe for all children to watch. It is
highly recommended for a group of boys, instead of a violent video
game. For adults it reminds them of a good memory; for kids it’s
just a good story. I liked this movie because it documents a great
victory. The negatives are: there is no drama or strong personalities
that shine through. The assistant coach is super cheesy. It is not a
particularly GOOD movie, just a good memory to revive. Score one
for Disney!
Upcoming DVD Releases
By: Tracy
Miracle is the story of the major underdog USA Hockey team’s battle to capture the
1980 Winter Olympics gold medal. It’s a surprisingly inspirational story. A great historic
achievement in the history of American sports which gave the nation a much needed
morale boost. Kurt Russell’s portrayal of the head coach is exceptional. The only negative
was the film is short. It only hinted at the stories behind the majority of its characters.
Since it’s based on a true story, I wanted to know where the characters came from,
why they are the way they are, etc. I enjoyed this film because it effectively portrayed
the USA Hockey team as a symbol of American values such as extreme belief in one’s
self, dogged optimism, and belief that merit supercedes position or wealth. Go see it
if you’re a coach, teacher, student, athlete, ok…no matter where you’re coming from,
you’ll probably get something out of watching it. It’s a good reminder of how learning
to be disciplined and to sacrifice ego and self –interests for the sake of a team can
lead to gold medals, but will always give one the understanding and depth it takes to
achieve one’s own meaning of success.
By: Chad
RATING GUIDE: 4 stars (best film ever)
3 stars (great film) 2 stars (entertaining video)
1 star (complete waste of mind space)
movie!
Tell us about your favorite
e-mail us at
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paom@pos veattitudeoutlo
or call
559/248.2679
APRIL 20
Master and Commander:
The Far Side of the World
The Haunted Mansion
APRIL 27
Big Fish
Love, Actually
Timeline
Love Don’t Cost a Thing
The Cooler
MAY 4
The Last Samurai
Chasing Liberty
Peter Pan
Elephant
MAY 11
In America
Scary Movie 3
MAY 18
Paycheck
Miracle
You Got Served
MAY 25
The Lord of the Rings:
The Return of the King
JUNE 1
Angels in America
JUNE 8
Along Came Polly
Mystic River
JUNE 15
Tupac: Resurrection
JUNE 29
Cold Mountain
As in all disciplines, the public
school system incorporates both
dedicated, skilled participants
and a portion of those who are
apathetic towards the purpose
of the particular specialty, being
only concerned with the amount
of remuneration they take home.
Therefore, I would like to take this
opportunity to express that what
is stated in these articles is not an
indictment of the public school
system in general, but an attempt
to point out some deficit areas
which need reorientation so our
children can get the benefits of
the purpose of why the system
was established in the first place.
As previously stated in earlier
articles, it is extremely important
to establish not only information
in the minds of our children, but
also to teach them the process
of recognizing the particular
principle involved so that through
the use of transference they can
apply principles to multiple
similar situations without having
to depend upon a new set of
instructions for each and every
circumstance. It is also mandatory
that the public school system
does not undermine the affected
moral training of the parents
so their children can grow into
individuals in the community
whose sense of accountability,
responsibility, integrity, honesty
and respect for their elders can
be depended upon.
This process of training is
impossible to internalize for
our children if they are not
given repeatable, constant standards
that are applicable to everyone.
Foundations that constantly change will
invariably bring a sense of confusion
and inconsistency, which results in
indecision, loss of focus, inability to
prioritize and disciplinary problems.
The public school system over the past
40 years has moved from dedicating
the first years in primary school which
concentrated solely on the basic
skills of reading, writing, composition
and the basics of mathematics. Each
child had the appropriate reading
and writing ability before they were
introduced to any other social subjects.
Now they have moved to the early
introduction of social subjects, sex
education, moral affectation programs,
etc., and in the abandonment of the
previous concentration upon the basic
skills of reading, writing and arithmetic
discarded systematic phonetics which
was replaced with a “look-say” method
of teaching, reading and writing that
was initially developed for the deaf.
Unfortunately this method requires
memorizing each word and of
necessity limits one’s vocabulary to
only the amount that person can hold
in memory. Phonetics, on the other
hand, relies on only memorizing the 40
sounds that make up the vast majority
of the English language. Therefore one’s
vocabulary becomes unlimited. That
is to say that even when one does not
know the meaning of a word it can be
pronounced.
Parents, there are many simple
methods on the market on phonetics.
It is a great idea to start teaching your
children phonetics at home around age
two to three. When they start school
at six or seven they already read well
and will avoid the frustration associated
with not being able to perform at
their God-given levels because they
cannot read the material they are given.
Remember, you do not have to fear
teaching your children the basic skills. It
is not necessary to have a formal higher
education to teach phonetics. Even
parents who do not know phonetics
will find that not only the child, but they
will benefit from teaching their child
phonetics.
There is an important secondary benefit
that will come out of this process.
The relationship between child and
parent will get closer, because you will
demonstrate that you care about them
and that you love them. You will find that
it will become easier for you to instill in
them “values that will lead to victory.”
Remember, parents, that your children
are yours and this country’s prime
asset. It is much easier to instill in
them the concepts of “Victory through
Values” if you can get their attention
long enough to teach them values like
integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility,
accountability, patience, delayed
gratification and in simple terms, to be a
dependable person of their word.
I am not rich and I am not poor.
I am not bitter and I am not sore.
I don’t see black and I don’t see white.
I am just a youth trying to get it right.
I am not smart. I am not dumb.
I just want to know what is going on.
I am at a loss though,
I see adults around me not taking responsibility,
to help the youth of today from going astray.
My God, how can I be a good citizen when my
fellow brothers are full of sin?
No, I am not right. Yet, I am not wrong.
Please people tell me what is going on.
Destruction is what I see because
the system has failed me.
I see strife everywhere.
It is not even safe for a baby to live here.
Wake up people, because we are the next
generation,
And we do need you all to care.
Please do not turn your back on us.
We are the future.
Don’t turn your back on us because
we are your tomorrow.
by: R.B.
Fresno
559/248.2670
April 5, 2004
May 3, 2004
June 14, 2004
July 12, 2004
Aug. 9, 2004
Sept. 13, 2004
Visalia
559/636.5880
April 20, 2004
May 18, 2004
June 15, 2004
July 20, 2004
Aug. 17, 2004
Sept. 21, 2004
*to become a foster parent you must first attend an orientation
Bakersfield
661/281.2670
April 14, 2004
May 5, 2004
June 2, 2004
July 7, 2004
Aug. 4, 2004
Sept. 1, 2004
Rancho Cucamonga
909/476.2782
April 15, 2004
May 20, 2004
June 17, 2004
July 15, 2004
Aug. 19, 2004
Sept. 16, 2004
POSITIVE ATTITUDE OUTLOOK, INC.
A Foster Family Agency
MOTIVATION • DETERMINATION • THE PLACE TO BE