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GTWC and Paragon Tattoo Use Ink to Get Toys for Children

Photo Courtesy of: Debbie Earle

Debbie Earle (front row, second from the left) former Grand Terrace Women’s Club president and current publicist, smiles with Julius Vargas (front row, third from the left), owner of Paragon Tattoo Studio and other artists from the tattoo studio Paragon Tattoo Studio located in Moreno Valley. The tattoo shop gave tattoos in exchange for unwrapped toys that could be donated to children in need.

By Shelby Horton, Staff Writer
December 21, 2016 at 01:14pm. Views: 96

MORENO VALLEY>> A toy in exchange for a tattoo is not the first thing many people would think of when trying to come up with a charity idea to help kids in need. But Julius Vargas, owner of Paragon Tattoo Studio located in Moreno Valley, and Debbie Earle, former Grand Terrace Women’s Club president and current publicist, said they saw it as a great way to give to the community during the holiday season. In 2010, while Earle was the President of the Grand Terrace Women’s Club, she was contacted by Vargas who had just opened a new tattoo studio in town. Vargas was looking for ways he could get involved in the community and help out those in need. He came up with the idea of giving away tattoos in exchange for unwrapped toys that could be donated to children in need. This is how “Toys for Tats” was born. “When I first presented it to the board they were a bit shocked at the idea, but these guys had kind hearts and wanted to help out the kids in our community,” Earle said. Now, the Grand Terrace Women’s Club has been partnering with Vargas and his tattoo shop for the last seven years with success. On Sunday, Dec. 11, Vargas and his staff offered to do 3X3 tattoos for people that brought in unwrapped toys that were worth $15. “I just wanted to help out the community and give something back to those who needed it,” Vargas said. This is all done in order to help the Women’s Club Child Help Program where they help out children in need. Paragon Tattoo Studio provides the toys, the Grand Terrace Women’s Club provides clothes, and Grand Terrace Lion’s Club and Women’s Club both provides Stater Bros. Market gift cards. This year Paragon Tattoo Studio was able to collect a total of 225 toys for the Child Help Program. “Julius was completely involved throughout everything, he is a man with a heart of gold,” Earle said. Earle said she was grateful for the hard work that Vargas and Paragon Tattoo did for their program and all the hard work the Grand Terrace Women’s Club Chairman, Claire Kidd, did to keep this program running in great shape. As for Vargas, he said that he is just happy to do it and give a helping hand to those in need.

Serving Hope While Curbing Hunger

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:24pm. Views: 772

The highly-anticipated annual soup luncheon: Curbing Hunger: Serving Hope.

Assemblymember Ramos Moves to Protect Victims With New Parole-Notification Safeguards

Photo Courtesy of: Assemblymember James C. Ramos Official Website

By Maria Lopez, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 505

James C. Ramos is a California State Assemblymember representing the 45th District, known for his leadership on public safety, education, and Native American issues as the first California Native American elected to the Legislature.

Design. Read. Imagine. San Bernardino County Library’s Bookmark Contest Is Back!

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Library

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 408

An illustrated promotional graphic shows an open book at the bottom with colorful paint splashes bursting upward, paintbrushes and books emerging from the colors, and bold text in the center reading “Design a Bookmark Contest! 2026,” alongside the San Bernardino County Library logo in the upper corner.

NSAWMF Introduces “Jus Be Great™” Initiative to Support Youth Mental Fitness and Recognize Coaches in the Inland Empire

Photo Courtesy of: NSAWMF

By Vanessa Vizard, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 536

NSAWMF Leadership Team: NSAWMF leadership pictured at the Jus Be Great™ Community Kickoff. From left to right: Dr. Jei Pearcey, Chief Sport & Performance Psychologist; Sammy Knight Jr., Chief Member Relations & Advocacy Officer; Hassan Faggett, Programs and Fundraising Advisor; and Gregg Knight, President of the National Sports Association of Wellness & Mental Fitness.

San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra Launches 97th Season Celebrating American Voices and Philanthropic Leadership

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino Symphony Library

By Anne L. Viricel, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 684

The San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Anthony Parnther, will open their 97th performance season on Saturday, February 21 at 3 p.m. at the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts.

HSSBV Hosts Waggin’ Wednesday Fundraiser with Inland Empire 66ers

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Jill Henderson, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 809

An illustration generated by AI using ChatGPT shows a dog and its owner at a baseball game, representing the pet-friendly atmosphere of Waggin’ Wednesday.

Local Food Bank Reflects on 45th Anniversary Amid Rising Need

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 677

45 years in operation is a wonderful accomplishment for Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

City of San Bernardino Secures Federal Funding for Police Technology

Photo Courtesy of: City of San Bernardino

By Jeff Kraus, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 504

In the photo are Kim Knaus, Sandra Ibarra, Mayor Helen Tran, Congressman Pete Aguilar, Mario Flores, Treasure Ortiz, and Fred Shorett.
Congressman Aguilar, Mayor Tran, and 5 council members stand shoulder to shoulder inside a police department room, smiling while holding an oversized ceremonial check, for $1,031,000, made out to the City of San Bernardino for a mobile crime prevention program. A police badge emblem as well as U.S. and California flags are displayed on the wall behind them.

Dignity Health Sounds the Alarm on Heart Disease

Photo Courtesy of: Dignity Health

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

February 17, 2026 at 01:25pm. Views: 2

Dr. Mir Wasif Ali, Chief of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery at Dignity Health St Bernardine Medical Center, smiles warmly at the camera, depicting his medical portrait. Dignity Health is spotlighting the vital importance of proactive heart health, urging individuals to prioritize understanding their cardiac risk factors through comprehensive screenings.

Renting vs. Buying: What Makes Sense Right Now?

Photo Courtesy of: Tumisu

By Margie Miller, Your Realtor, Columnist

February 11, 2026 at 01:43pm. Views: 457

With shifting Real Estate prices, Interest Rates, the rising costs for Insurance and maintenance; today’s housing decision requires a closer look at lifestyle, finances, and long-term goals. Home ownership is a great investment but is it right for you?

Black History Month

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ulises Cabrera, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:02pm. Views: 573

This month, our iconic “M” on Box Springs Mountain shines in red, black, and green as a visible sign of recognition and respect
Two women writing on a board while in a classroom.

The Old Spanish Trail

Photo Courtesy of: Gene Valdez

By Vivian Johnson, Community Writer

February 10, 2026 at 03:03pm. Views: 805

South Colton Diversity Committee Chairperson Gene Valdez with Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. at the Agua Mansa Frontier Cemetary in Colton

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