LOCAL RESIDENTS HONORED AS HEROES AFTER SAVING MAN’S LIFE WITH CPR AT CONSTRUCTION SITE IN ALPINE
June 21, 2014 (Alpine) — Alpine Fire Department held a ceremony on June 17th to honor residents who saved the life of Scott Holland. Holland was working at a construction project on Kevin Court in Alpine on October 9, 2013 when he suddenly collapsed from a severe cardiac event. Michelle Ditomaso, the homeowner, sprang into action and initiated CPR, while another construction worker dialed 911. Ditomaso continued CPR for approximately 9 minutes before she was relieved by Isaiah Andrus, an audio installer who was also working at the site of the new home under construction. Ditomaso stayed by the victim’s side while giving CPR instructions to Andrus. Soon after, the Alpine Fire Department paramedic/firefighters and the Viejas Fire Department ambulance arrived and crews were able to defibrillate Holland—transporting him him to the hospital with a heartbeat. Holland experienced a full recovery and was in attendance at the ceremony—along with the . firefighters and ambulance crew who helped save his life. Dr. Brad Schwartz, Medical Director for AMR and the Regional Cooperative Care Program, spoke of the benefits of bystander CPR prior to arrival of Advanced Life Support. Without the quick and sustained actions of Mrs. Ditomaso and Mr. Andrus, Scott Holland would have had a very low chance of survival. The early actions of these local heroes, followed up by Alpine Fire department’s advanced life support and rapid transport to the hospital made the difference in this life or death situation. Alpine Fire Chief Bill Paskle and Alpine Fire Board President Patrick Price handed awards for outstanding community service to everyone involved, including the Heartland Fire Dispatcher that assisted with emergency CPR instructions over the phone. Maureen O’Connor from Project Heartbeat, a nonprofit that provides automatic defibrillators for public facilities, was also at the event. Alpine Fire Department provides free hands only CPR training each year at their annual sidewalk CPR event in early June. For more information on learning CPR, log onto: http://sdprojectheartbeat.com/
UCSD FINDS PROTEIN THAT INDUCES DIABETES
By Jaden Jimenez June 18, 2014 (San Diego) — Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have, for the first time, described the sequence of early cellular responses to a high-fat diet, one that can result in obesity-induced insulin resistance and diabetes. Doctor Jerrold Olefsky, associate dean for Scientific Affairs and Distinguished Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego said, “We’ve described the etiology of obesity-related diabetes. We’ve pinpointed the steps, the way the whole thing happens,” he also added, “The research is in mice, but the evidence suggests that the processes are comparable in humans and these findings are important to not just understanding how diabetes begins, but how better to treat and prevent it.” Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and a major risk factor for other life-threatening conditions, including heart disease and stroke. More than 25 million Americans have diabetes with another 79 million Americans estimated to be pre-diabetic, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels poorly regulated by either inadequate insulin production or because cells do not respond properly to the regulating hormone. Yun Sok Lee, PhD, a project scientist in doctor Olefsky’s lab, and colleagues fed mice a high-fat diet. They observed that the large amounts of saturated fatty acids in the diet activated ANT2, a protein in fat cells that is involved in energy metabolism. Activation of ANT2 caused increased oxygen consumption, which meant less was available for the rest of the cell. This subsequently induced production of HIF-1alpha, a protein made to send signals of distress to the immune system causing an inflammatory response eventually leading to an insulin resistance in the cell. The researchers suggest that inhibiting either ANT2 or HIF-1alpha could blunt, or even reverse, the damaging cellular sequence. Following that, they found that mice genetically engineered to lack HIF-1alpha in their fat cells were protected from high-fat diet-induced inflammation, insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels.
CALIFORNIANS URGED TO BE CAREFUL IN SUMMER HEAT
Lori Abbott, California News Service June 18, 2014 (Sacramento)–The first day of summer may be on Saturday, but parts of California already have seen triple-digit heat this year – and more is on the way. With that in mind, health officials across the West are urging people to be careful in the potentially deadly heat. This is the time of year when it’s easy to fall victim to heat exhaustion, which can cause serious health problems, said Henry Varela, public information officer for New Mexico’s Children, Youth and Families Department. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness are seniors and children, he said. “Children’s body temperatures rise at three to five times that of an adult,” he said. “Therefore, when it comes to children, they’re probably more at risk than anybody else.” Varela stressed that leaving a child in a hot car even for a short time can be dangerous and have negative health consequences. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 650 people a year die from heat-related causes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in more than half of cases where children have died from heat stroke in America in the past 15 years, the caregiver reported “forgetting” the child was even in the vehicle. Varela said that sometimes, kids can sneak into the unlocked family car at home and get locked inside. “That’s why it’s always important for parents to be vigilant, not only when they’re driving in the car with their child and going somewhere, but also when you’re at home,” he said. “Make sure your doors are locked so that your children can’t get in.” In the United States, heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash-related deaths in vehicles for children under age 14.
COUNTY TRAUMA SYSTEM DRIVING DEATHS DOWN, BUT EAST COUNTY LACKS TRAUMA CENTER
East County News Service June 20, 2014 (San Diego)–Thirty years ago, the rate of preventable trauma deaths in San Diego County was 21 percent. Today, the figure is less than one percent. The County attributes this dramatic change to the County Trauma System, a successful public-private partnership between the County of San Diego and six designated Trauma Centers. None of them are in East County, however. “The San Diego County Trauma System has saved thousands of lives and continues to prevent deaths from traumatic injury,” said County Supervisor Ron Roberts, who presented a proclamation to the Trauma System this week. “The Trauma System has proven to be a vital resource for our communities.” The San Diego County Trauma System was one of the first coordinated, multi-center trauma systems established in the United States, and remains a nationally recognized model. In fact, a person who sustains a life-threatening injury in San Diego County is twice more likely to survive than if the injury happened in practically any other part of the U.S. A traumatic injury refers to physical injuries of sudden onset and severity which require immediate medical interventions to save life and limb. Traumatic injuries could result from motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, falls, natural disasters and a many other physical injuries. The local Trauma System serves all of San Diego County and receives many patients from Imperial County hospitals. It is made up of the following six trauma centers: Palomar Medical Center Scripps Memorial Hospital-La Jolla Scripps Mercy Hospital-Hillcrest Sharp Memorial Hospital Rady Children’s Hospital UC San Diego Medical Center It is unclear why East County, the most geographically expansive region locally, has no trauma center. In the past 30 years, about 250,000 injured patients have received vital trauma care in the region. The County Health and Human Services Agency’s Emergency Medical Services triages patients to one of the six centers based on a number of factors, including geographic proximity. Whether arriving by ambulance, helicopter or on foot, critically injured people are rapidly assessed and the coordination of trauma care begins. “A trauma victim’s chance of survival depends on immediate response,” said Nick Macchione, director of Health and Human Services. “The San Diego County Trauma System has been a great success because of the dedication and many years of hard work from the surgeons, nurses and staffs of the Trauma Centers, as well as the pre-hospital and base hospital personnel, and staff of EMS.” Despite these successes, however, the lack of a trauma center in East County means patients in rural areas must still be transported long distances for treatment.
PET PARADE AND FAMILY FESTIVAL JULY 12 IN CAMPO
East County News Service June 22, 2014 (Campo)—Kids of all ages are invited to join the fun and showcase pets at the first annual Pet Parade and St. Adelaide Parish Family Festival On July 12 at the Campo baseball field. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and the festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and most entertaining costumes, as well as the pastor’s choice. Drawings will also be held for prizes including a 50/50 raffle plus two chances to fill your freezer by winning half a steer, donated by Wright Ranch of Potrero. The festival also includes vendor booths, inflatable slide and water combo with all-day jumper tickets for $10. Other activities will include face painting and refreshments. Parade entrants are invited to decorate a wagon or stroller for your pet, or walk with your pet(s) on a leash. Pre-registration is required by 5 p.m. Friday July 11. For parade rules, details and registration, click here to view a flyer about the pet parade. To view a flyer about the festival, click here. For vendors information, click here.
GMO LABELING BILL DIES BY 2 VOTES AS LOCAL SENATORS SPLIT ON MEASURE
By Miriam Raftery June 18, 2014 (Sacramento)–While other states are taking steps to protect consumers from genetically modified foods or give consumers information to make informed choices, California’s Legislature this week voted down a bill that would have required labeling of foods sold in California that are made with genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Exceptions were granted for alcoholic beverages and foods sold at farmer’s markets. The bill, SB 1381, failed by two votes in the State Senate. Among our local legislators, Republican Senators Joel Anderson and Mark Wyland voted against the bill, along with Democrat Marty Block. Ben Hueso, also a Democrat, voted for the measure. The author, Senator Noreen Evans, has said she hopes to have the bill reconsidered before the end of the Legislative session. A similar bill previously failed passage in 2012, as did a ballot initiative, Prop 37, following a campaign against the measure funded by Monsanto and other giants in the chemical and agricultural industries. Vermont recently became the first state in the nation to require labeling of GMOs on all foods sold in the state Four food supply organizations representing grocers, manufacturers, the snack foods industry and dairy farmers promptly announced a lawsuit against Vermont seeking to stop the law from taking effect. Worldwide, over 60 countries have adopted GMO labeling. Some studies indicate genetically modified foods such as soy and corn, pose risks to human health. But companies opposed to labeling insist GMOs are needed to make crops disease resistant and supply food for the world’s growing population. At the national level,, a petition drafted by the Center for Food Safety, a national environmental advocacy non-profit, asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to require distributors to label GMO ingredients in food products. Some local communities are taking action on their own. Two counties in Oregon voted last week to ban farmers from growing genetically modified crops within their local jurisdictions.
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S APRIL RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE: LISTEN NOW
In April, we interviewed top newsmakers on hot local issues ranging from closure of rural fire stations to a State Senate race. We also covered some national and international topics including an interview with a local pastor whose family is impacted by Uganda’s new law criminalizing homosexuality. Plus we’ll take you on the road to discover Lakeside’s colorful history, cover the 50th anniversary of the Lakeside rodeo, interview local authors and much more. For a complete list of interviews and topics covered in April, and to listen to our shows online now, click here. You can hear our show Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. on KNSJ 89.1 FM. Audio files to listen to shows are at the bottom of this page, below the index of shows. Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Newsmakers: Bishop Terry Angel Mason speaks out on Uganda’s harsh new law that provides life in prison for gay people, the impact on his own fiancé and children, and a shocking rise in hate crimes and extremist laws targeting gay people across Africa. Public News Service: Latino and African-American students lag behind in education News: Binge drinking on rise among minors Capitol Report: Supreme Court throws out election spending limits Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Public service announcement: East County Magazine – send news tips and volunteer Station ID Green Scene: State Senator Ben Hueso asks FAA to take action to protect Ocotillo residents from flashing lights on wind turbines Destination East County: This week’s festivals, events and attractions Station ID Missing El Cajon Man David Marquez found dead off freeway exit in Crest Health: Pertussis cases on rise in county Jobs Talk: Congresswoman Susan Davis hosts career reentry and development program at SDSU Public News Service: AARP offers free tax preparation services for seniors in CA Newsmakers: Robin Reardon, Lakeside Riverpark Conservancy, on efforts to clean up San Diego River Pubilc Service announcement: Donate to KNSJ, Network for Social Justice Closing credits Friday, April 4, 2014 News: AT&T lobbying to get rid of land lines in next few years; Boulevard residents object in public meeting News: DMV in El Cajon closing for remodeling until October Crimebeat: Man found shot behind Lakeside Laundromat Free defensible space workshop coming up in Julian Library Station ID Jobs Talk: Which jobs attract the most psychopaths? Public service announcement: Ramona High School seeks donations of prom attire to help students in need Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes Public service announcement: East County Magazine – volunteer and send news tips Station ID SDSU to commemorate 50 year anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. speech here — seeks photos, transcript, or video Destination East County: this week’s festivals, events and attractions Bookshelf: Reina Menasche interviews Peggy Snyder, author of 10 Minute Cognitive Workout Station ID Public Service Announcement: National Weather Service seeks Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network weather observers in rural areas Ready, Set, Grow: Plants to attract hummingbirds Public News Service: AARP offers free tax preparation services for seniors Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire and Emergency Alerts Service Closing credits Monday, April 7, 2014 Politics: Councilman Mark Arapostathis announces he will challenge Mayor Art Madrid in La Mesa; Councilman Ernest Ewin won’t seek reelection, leaving two open seats Newsmakers: Leon Thompson interviews Kathy Cassell, executive director of Lakeside’s Chamber of Commerce News: California proposes to name state amphibian: endangered red legged frog immortalized in Mark Twain’s classic frog-jump tale News: El Cajon to build new park in a day–designed by community members Local Government Report: GUHSD , El Cajon, La Mesa, Helix Water Board, San Miguel Fire board, and Spring Valley Planning Group agenda highlights Politics: League of Women Voters to host meet-the-candidates reception for San Diego races Green Scene: Invenergy acquires Soitec solar facility in Borrego Springs SDSU to commemorate 50 year anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. speech here — seeks photos, transcript, or video Public News Service: Bill to require epi-pens for allergic reactions in schools advances in Legislature Public service announcement: National Weather Service seeks Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network weather observers in rural areas Crimebeat: Borrego Springs residents rally against placement of child molester Terry Stone Health report: Pertussis cases on rise Public News Service: AARP offers free tax aid program to help seniors Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts service Public service announcement: East County Magazine – volunteer and send news tips Station ID Newsmakers: Nancy Nunke, Hearts and Hands Animal Rescue, a zebra ranch and rescue facility in Ramona News: binge drinking on rise; County reminds adults it’s a crime to hold underage drinking parties as spring break begins Green Scene: Robin Reardon, Lakeside Riverpark Conservancy, on efforts to clean up San Diego River of invasive bamboo-like reeds Closing credits Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Newsmaker: Frank Fotios Tsimboukakis, candidate for State Senate, challenging Senator Joel Anderson Station ID Scammers, Schemers and Swindlers: Corrupt employees selling driver’s licenses for cash at El Cajon Department of Motor Vehicles Destination East County: this week’s festivals, events and attractions Station ID Public service announcement: East County Magazine, volunteer and send news tips On the Road in East County: Profiling Lakeside, California’s colorful history and highlights of Lakeside today – from the rodeo to the riverfront Closing credits Friday, April 11, 2014 Introduction Public News Service: Women still lagging in pay; CA legislator holds hearing Capitol Report: Senate Republicans block passage of Paycheck Protection Act Crimebeat: Fishermen say shots fired at them along San Diego River News: El Council votes to seek proposals from groups to rent or lease space at East County Performing Arts Center Station ID Jobs Talk: Report shows immigrants create small businesses at double the rate of other Americans Destination East County: this week’s festivals, events and attractions Public service announcement: Pool safety tips from Dept. of Environmental Health Public service announcement: East County Magazine, volunteer and send news tips Station ID Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Newsmakers: La Mesa Councilwoman
EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE’S MARCH RADIO SHOWS ARE NOW ONLINE: LISTEN NOW
In March, we covered plenty of hot topics, from the new healthcare exchange programs in California to La Mesa’s term limits initiative. We toured a zebra ranch and animal rescue facility in Ramona, heard complaints about AT&T’s home wireless sytems, and had a rollicking interview with the Bayous Brothers band. View a complete list of interviews and topics covered during March by clicking here. You can hear our show on KNSJ 89.1 Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 p.m., with reruns aired the next mornings at 9 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. Audio files to listen to shows are at the bottom of this page, below the index of shows. Wednesday, March 5, 2014: Newsmakers: Craig Maxwell, cabin owner, raises serious questions over controlled burn in Rancho Cuyamaca State Park Sports: SDSU staffer and wounded veteran named Challenged Athlete of Year News story: CA court rules it’s legal to check a map ap on your cell phone News story: Federal court rulings on two crime laws could impact thousands of prisoners News story: Many local workers have no sick days including 86% in food services Politics: Democrats lost supermajority in Sacramento – due to convicted Senator and another facing charges Nutrition: Garden Grandmas teach kids healthy eating habits (County News Service) Health: SD Council passes new medical marijuana ordinance News story: body found in Lake Sutherland Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Public service announcement: East County Magazine – become a citizen journalist Station ID Green Scene: Study in Journal of Veterinary Sciences finds negative impacts in geese near wind turbines Newsmakers: Interview with Martin Eder, CEO of Activist San Diego and founder of KNSJ discussion the station’s history, mission and station soon to open in East County Public News Service: banks buy less than 8% of goods and services from minority-owned businesses Feature: Impossible Railway line restoration planned in East County Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Closing credits Friday, March 7, 2014: Newsmakers: Kim Hamilton, Deerhorn Valley Antler Editor on AT&T home wireless system problems: barn burns down as caller can’t reach 911 Destination East County: This week’s top festivals, events and attractions Green Scene Report: Monarch butterfly migration declines Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Public service announcement: East County Magazine nonprofit media – send news or volunteer Station ID People Power: Dr. Carrolle Jean Murat, winner of “Beautiful, brave black women award” from San Diego Women’s Museum, speaks on her humanitarian efforts from East County to Haiti Music: Interview with Bayou Brothers band (playing their own original music) preview East County Magazine Mardi Gras party Arts: Artists receive award for epic 5-panel history mural in Lemon Grove Home safety tips from Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna Closing credits Monday, March 10, 2014: Newsmaker: Eric Larson, San Diego County Farm Bureau, speaks on local agricultural issues and upcoming farm tour News: Rural Fire Protection District votes to dissolve, join County Fire Authority Gun Fire caused extended power outages, 250 firefighters continue battling blaze near Alpine Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Local government report: What’s on the agenda for Supervisors and East County councils Public service announcement: East County Magazine – volunteer and send news tips Station ID Missing person: Venecia Ortiz, 14, Alpine Green Scene: Ed Piffard, California Native Plant Society discusses impacts of controlled burns on native plants Crimebeat: Burning body found in Alpine Health report: County warns local students exposed to tuberculosis Public service announcement: Sheriff seeks dispatchers for 911 call centers News: Tentative ruling in Protect Our Communities lawsuit over Tule Wind project Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Public News Service: AARP offers free tax preparers for older Americans and others, too Sports: SDSU staffer and wounded veteran named Challenged Athlete of the Year Closing credits Wednesday, March 12, 2014: Newsmakers: Marie Johnson, KNSJ, on the People’s Ball benefit for Activist San Diego News: Center on Policy Initiatives: 38% of households don’t earn enough to make ends meet locally Destination East County: this week’s top festivals, events and attractions Public service announcement: East County Magazine’s Mardi Gras benefit preview Feature story: History of King’s cakes for Mardi Gras Crimebeat: Lakeside man arrested after SWAT operation at FBI headquarters in San Diego Public service announcement: Viejas Wildfire & Emergency Alerts Service Crimebeat: Man arrested after fatal shooting at Alpine campground Check your emergency kit for fire season Station ID Public service announcement: East County Magazine/nonprofit Heartland Coalition Weather: March winds may face severe fire danger Newsmakers: Nancy Nunke, Hearts & Hands Animal Rescue on her zebra ranch and animal rescue services Green Scene: Phil Pride, past president, San Diego Audobon Society on Supervisors’ approval of expanding Silverwood Wildife Sanctuary in Lakeside Closing credits Friday, March 14, 2014: Newsmakers: Prof. Phil Pryde, SDSU professor emeritus and author speaks on crisis in the Ukraine Station ID Destination East County: this week’s top festivals, events and attractions Newsmakers: Marie Johnson, KNSJ on upcoming People’s Ball to benefit Activist San Diego Bookshelf: NY Times best-selling author Caitlin Rother discusses her true crime books, including Lost Girls, covering the murders of Chelsea King and Amber Dubois Closing credits Monday, March 17, 2014: Newsmakers: Phil Constantine, former CHP officer and “Officer Phil: on Channel 10 on dangers of drowsy driving, which claimed life of his wife Politics: Grand Jury recommends city charter be amended to make it easier for Council to remove a mayor Education report: Alpine parents’ unification petition accepted by County Board of Education: hearings set in Alpine and Grossmont Union High School Districts Capitol Report: Congresswoman Susan Davis bill would require extra payments on student loans pay down principal first, not interest rates Warning: Rattlesnakes are out early due to warm weather—tips to reduce your risk of being bitten News: Backcountry Against Dumps files complaint asking CPUC to pull plug on Eco Substation due to “flawed” water supply plan Soitec water use criticized Public service announcement: East
TRANSFORMING EARLY LEARNERS INTO SUPERB READERS: PROMOTING LITERACY AT SCHOOL, AT HOME, AND WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, BY ANDREA M. NELSON-ROYES, EdD
Book Review by Dennis Moore Andrea Nelson-Royes, EdD, an educator, researcher, author, and parent who has a passionate interest in how children learn to read and how to keep them reading, has authored a book that demonstrates all that she has experienced and believes in; Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers: Promoting Literacy at School, at Home, and within the Community. It starts for her at home with her own children, endeavoring to give them the opportunity at the best possible education that they can get. Being a mother of four children gives her ample time and opportunity to test her passion for the education of other parent’s children. Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers is a scholarly book and approach to education from someone who has made a lifetime of educating children and instilling in them the fundamentals of early childhood development. The author succinctly states and demonstrates in her book: “Children want to learn to read, can learn to read, yet reading underachievement plagues children across the nation. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals that more than one-third of fourth graders fail to attain basic levels of reading achievement. Essentially, reading is about deciphering shapes on a sheet or screen to reveal subtle meanings. Learning to read in early years is crucial to every child’s success.” These would be empty words if the author did not offer solutions, which she does throughout this well written and researched book. Parallels exist between Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers and the author’s earlier written Success in School and Career: Common Core Standards in Language Arts K-5, in which she states: “Every Child in America deserves a world-class education. The author writes of “Technology and Early Learners’ Motivation” by stating: “Technology has a profound effect on children’s motivation to learn to read. Technological hardware and software promote early learners’ engagement, motivation, and learning proficiencies. The National Reading Panel noted that although the cognitive aspects of reading, such as comprehension and decoding, are commonly recognized as vital components within the overall process of learning to read, motivation also is a critical factor in a child’s reading success. Graphics, animation, and sound effects are constant eye-openers or ear catchers for early learners.” This book by Nelson-Royes comes at a crucial time, with the raging debate of the public school tenure system across our country, particularly here in California. Just recently, Los Angeles County Superior Judge Rolf M. Treu decreed California’s tenure laws unconstitutional because they compromise students’ rights to a quality education by protecting incompetent teachers. The author clearly defines in her book the roles of teachers and their interactions with students and a partnership with parents in transforming early learners into superb readers, by stating; “Educators must use some of the following activities to help struggling readers in their classroom:” Familiarize themselves with the children and their parents and caregivers. Encourage continued assistance at home. Make use of specialists’ resources within the school. Search for professional development tools that help children incorporate the five components – phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and reading comprehension – into their daily instruction. Provide the parents and caregivers of children with school-based and outside resources for any available in-school tutoring programs or private tutoring. Stay well versed in current information in the field of reading. This sounds like an educator that is truly engaged! The author further states in this scholarly and well-written book: “Struggling readers benefit from effective collaborations connecting home and school. Educators must offer guidance to parents and caregivers to assist their children at home. Conversely, parents and caregivers must offer guidance to educators to help educators stimulate children at school.” With this type of interaction there would seem to be less of an issue of tenure and seniority. The author sums up her brilliant analysis of promoting literacy at school, at home, and within the community, in chapter 5, titled ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO LOVE WHAT THEY READ, by stating: “Teaching children to read continues to be a highly investigated area of education, and it is consistently a focus of our nation’s initiatives. The NCLB Act requires schools to take steps to make certain that all children are reading at grade level by end of the third grade. As a result, schools across our nation continually search for ways to achieve this standard.” In a recent phone conversation with Nijaah Howard, Founder & CEO of Young Men Strong (YSM), LLC, she emphasized to me the need for her core constituency, young men of color, to be proficient in reading a book. Obviously, Dr. Nelson-Royes’ message has resonated with this parent and national leader. Desmond Amuh, a Homewood Flossmoor High School African-American teen from my hometown area of Chicago, has been accepted into 13 prestigious colleges, but ultimately accepted Yale. This is obviously the best example of parents and educators collaborating in transforming early learners into superb readers. See story on WLS – Chicago. Perhaps the best testament of the author’s findings and the quality of this book, comes from someone who for 15 years was a secondary-level (grades six through twelve) English educator who also taught math, Byung-In Seo, PhD, associate professor, Chicago State University, and managing editor, Illinois Schools Journal. Dr. Byung-In Seo, who wrote the foreword to this excellent book states: “This book takes literacy theory and research and puts it in practical, usable pieces of information. It has the same readability as a newspaper and most trade magazines, so parents and caregivers will be able to understand and apply the information.” That says it all! Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Sr., MD, professor and director of pediatric neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, states: “In Transforming Early Learners into Superb Readers, Dr. Andrea M. Nelson-Royes has done a terrific job of showing our society how to take advantage of all the resources at our disposal in order to accomplish the vital task of creating widespread literacy competency. The material is presented in an