Theresa Contreras and BAJA FORGED: Crafting Custom Off-Road Machines that Empower Adventure and Expression

Portland News Staff on September 18, 2024

In the automotive world, Theresa Contreras and BAJA FORGED have become synonymous with innovation and individuality. As the co-founder, lead designer, and visionary behind the brand, Theresa has turned BAJA FORGED into a leader in custom off-road vehicles, creating builds that reflect both performance and personal expression. Her passion for design and adventure has led to vehicles that empower others to break new ground and explore uncharted paths.

Custom Vehicles as a Reflection of Personal Identity

For Theresa, building custom vehicles is more than just modifying a car—it’s about self-expression and personal growth. “Customizing your vehicle and using it to take you on adventures will change your life; it changed mine,” she explains. Theresa believes that a well-crafted vehicle can inspire confidence, spark exploration, and connect individuals with their true selves. Her journey is about more than just creating capable off-road machines; it’s about helping people forge new paths, both on the road and in life.

At BAJA FORGED, every build is crafted to be as unique as the driver, combining rugged performance with bold aesthetics. The company’s tagline, “Signature builds & off-road products built to forge your own path,” perfectly captures Theresa’s vision, inspiring clients to embrace their individuality and set out on their own adventures.

The Origins of BAJA FORGED: A Blend of Passion and Innovation

BAJA FORGED was born from Theresa’s deep-seated passion for the automotive industry and her desire to push the boundaries of what custom vehicles could be. The company specializes in designing off-road products and custom vehicle builds, with a focus on the iconic Ford Bronco. These vehicles are built to withstand harsh terrains while offering a striking visual presence, merging practicality with creativity.

Theresa’s journey into automotive design began in her family’s business, LGE-CTS Motorsports, where she and her sister grew up working in the shop, sanding panels and learning the craft from an early age. After taking a detour to study Graphic Design at Cal Poly Pomona, she returned to the industry with a fresh perspective and a determination to make her mark. Her early exposure to custom vehicles laid the foundation for what would eventually become BAJA FORGED.

Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Ahead of the Curve

Theresa’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Many of her designs were ahead of their time, which initially led to skepticism from industry peers. However, she remained steadfast in her vision, and her designs eventually gained recognition, winning awards and earning praise at industry events like SEMA. “If I had let the initial naysayers hold us back, we wouldn’t be here today,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-belief.

This perseverance led to the creation of BAJA FORGED, where Theresa could fully embrace her creative vision and offer her custom builds to a growing fan base. Her ability to stay ahead of trends and her unwillingness to compromise on her values have been key to the company’s success.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Theresa is a trailblazer, not only for her groundbreaking designs but also for her role as a woman in a predominantly male industry. However, she doesn’t focus on the barriers—she focuses on being the best at what she does. “I don’t think about being a female in a male-dominated industry; I think about how I can be the best at what I do and how that translates into helping others find their best too,” she says. This mindset has allowed her to excel and create a space for others to thrive, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Her journey is one of empowerment, inspiring others to break stereotypes and follow their passions with courage and determination.

A Celebrated Career of Creativity and Innovation

Theresa’s relentless drive has led to numerous accolades and industry recognition for her contributions to the world of custom automotive design. Some of her notable achievements include:

2024 – “Female Builder” One Moto Show
2024 – 2017 Vibrance Top Gun Painter – PPG Industries
2023 – “Hero Award” Sturgis Hall of Fame
2022 – SBN All Female Build Paint Lead – SEMA
2021 – “She is SEMA – Woman of the Year – SBN/SEMA
2021 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2020 – PPG Ad Campaign – PPG Industries
2019 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2018 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2018 – YEN Vanguard award winner – SEMA
2017 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
2017 – International Motorcycle Show – Winner – Modified Class
2012 – SBN All Female Build Paint Lead – SEMA

Theresa’s custom builds have appeared at prestigious automotive shows, and she has worked with well-known figures like Jay Leno, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Tanner Foust of Top GearTM. Her ability to combine functionality and creativity has made her a standout in the industry.

Forging a Future of Empowerment and Exploration

Looking ahead, Theresa Contreras and BAJA FORGED continue to inspire by crafting vehicles that embody adventure, self-expression, and empowerment. BAJA FORGED’s signature builds are more than just off-road vehicles; they represent a philosophy of forging one’s path and embracing individuality. Theresa’s journey is far from over, and she remains committed to helping others discover their best selves through the power of custom vehicles and adventure.

Published by: Martin De Juan

3 Major Differences Between Petty Theft and Grand Theft

Portland News Staff on September 18, 2024

You’ve probably heard the terms “petty theft” and “grand theft” before, but you might not know the differences between them. After all, they both seem like the same crime. Simply put, you’ve committed theft if you steal something from someone else. It seems pretty straightforward, but there are differences between petty and grand theft charges. You’ll almost certainly need an excellent criminal defense lawyer no matter what charge you might face, but it’s still important to know how these charges differ.

1. The Value of the Stolen Goods

The most significant difference between petty theft and grand theft is the value of the stolen goods. If the value of the cash or stolen goods is less than a certain amount, the charge is usually petty theft. If the value is over that amount, it’s grand theft. This threshold varies by state. It can be as low as $200, as is the case in New Jersey, or as high as $2,000. In California, stealing anything valued at less than $950 is considered petty theft. Anything more than that is grand theft.

In some cases, the type of property stolen is taken into account. For example, stealing automobiles or firearms may be considered grand theft regardless of their value.

2. Felony vs. Misdemeanor

Another significant difference between petty theft and grand theft is that petty theft is usually charged as a misdemeanor while grand theft is often a felony. Petty theft may even be charged as an infraction if the monetary value of the stolen goods is minimal, usually under $50. A misdemeanor could result in a six-month stay in a county jail and a fine of up to $1,000, while an infraction is punishable by a fine of up to $250.

A felony grand theft conviction will almost certainly result in a prison sentence. This sentence will vary depending on the nature of the crime and where it was committed. More severe cases of grand theft, such as the theft of an automobile or a firearm, often result in heavier sentences. In any case, you’ll still have a felony charge on your record, which could significantly impact your life.

3. How the Property Was Stolen

The most significant difference between petty and grand theft is the value of the stolen property, but how the items are stolen is sometimes taken into account. An item forcibly taken from a person will be more likely to result in a grand theft charge, especially if the thief threatened or intimidated the victim. The impact of the theft may also be taken into account. Having something stolen is always stressful for the victim, but if the theft causes significant distress or financial hardship, it is more likely to result in a grand theft charge.

While petty and grand theft seem like similar crimes, there are some significant differences. It’s essential to know these differences if you are ever accused of any kind of theft. Your defense lawyer will fight for you, but knowing these differences will always help your case.

Published by: Holy Minoza

5 Reasons Why Franchises Have Great Brand Awareness

Portland News Staff on September 18, 2024

Franchises succeed because they build and keep strong brand awareness. A well-known brand pulls in both customers and franchisees, and independent businesses often can’t match that. Having a loyal customer following is one of the many reasons people should invest in franchises. The following are five reasons why franchises crush it at building brand recognition.

1. Consistent Customer Experience

A big part of why customers know they can trust franchise brands is because they know what they’re getting. There is consistency across different locations of the same franchise. They know what they get in their hometown is what they will get in another. That consistency is a comfort for the customer, whether they visit a restaurant or service provider within a few blocks of their house or drive 100 miles to the next closest location. To keep this consistency, franchises follow the rules for things like quality, service, and the look of their stores, ensuring that every location feels the same.

2. National and Local Marketing Support

Franchises use a combination of large-scale and local marketing. The company runs extensive campaigns—TV ads, web promotions, and so on—that create mass awareness at a national level. Small businesses don’t usually have the budget to do this sort of thing, and this is one of the benefits of owning a franchise. At the same time, local franchise owners also run their own marketing to keep the brand strong in their community. In this way, the brand grows both nationally and locally.

3. Established Reputation and Trust

A franchise that opens in a new market comes with a well-known brand. People know the business and trust it. They might choose a familiar franchise over a new, independent business because they know what to expect. This is an advantage for the new franchise owner. Studies show that having a well-known brand gives new companies a significant advantage, as people are more likely to visit a place they’ve heard of before it even opens.

4. Leveraging Franchisees as Brand Ambassadors

The franchise owner is a local advocate, increasing awareness. He or she isn’t just running the business; they are also promoting it in the community, networking, participating, and selling. This local, personal touch helps the franchise feel more connected to the community, which extensive corporate marketing can’t do on its own. For small business owners, creating good marketing takes a lot of time and money. Franchises make this easier by providing ready-made marketing strategies, which helps them build brand awareness faster.

5. Access to Professional Marketing Resources

Franchises can gain a marketing advantage over small business owners because the main franchising company provides owners with various marketing tools. These tools include but are not limited to pre-made ads and social media guidelines. Small business owners have a much harder time trying to build a brand from the ground up because they have to find the right type of marketing for their business while also learning about different marketing tactics and strategies. This is not only expensive but also takes up a lot of time.

Published by: Holy Minoza

8 Military-Inspired Gifts Veterans Will Like

Portland News Staff on September 18, 2024

For the sacrifices Servicemembers and Veterans make in defense of the country, simply saying “thank you” seems far too little. If there is a special person in your life who gave service to the military, there are many ways to show appreciation. Whether they are still serving or veterans, thoughtful military-inspired gifts are sure to bring a smile to both young and old, regardless of their branch of service. Many Servicemembers appreciate recognition of their service. Honor their dedication with some of the following gift ideas:

1. Military Custom Challenge Coins

A challenge coin is a great way to build cohesion between teammates and commemorate a mission or campaign with fellow soldiers. Given to every member of the team for honor and achievement, these customizable keepsakes are a great way to remember team unity.

2. Tactical Pen

Tactical pens are definitely no ordinary pens. Your Veteran is sure to appreciate this versatile tool, as most feature a window breaker, bottle opener, screwdriver, flashlight, and many other useful tools. And of course, it actually writes.

3. Engraved American Flag Case

The American flag has a tremendous ceremonial and emotional significance to those who serve in the military. A thoughtful present to your Veteran is a personalized engraved flag case to hold a treasured flag as a symbol of why they chose to serve.

4. Keepsake Box

For those who want to treasure their military items or store mementos from their service in a safe place, military keepsake boxes are a good choice. Many options are available on Etsy for engraving, personalization, and accents, so be sure to please the sentimental servicemember.

5. Portable Home Gym

A compact and easily stored full-body gym set allows you to bring the gym to your own home. Many military personnel have to stay in shape, and most choose to continue to work out even after leaving the service. With at-home gym equipment taking up valuable home space and costing thousands, a small workout set is sure to help your Veteran stay fit.

6. Personalized Knife

Most Servicemembers recognize the value of a good pocketknife as a must-have while on duty and out and about in the civilian world. A folding tactical knife offers many features, such as a rust-proof blade, flashlight, fire starter, glass breaker, and bottle opener. Etsy sellers offer a wide variety of personalization options with various fonts.

7. Paracord Survival Kit

A paracord-wrapped survival kit is a great item to have in the bug-out bag. These tightly woven paracord kits are often packed with survival tools kit that any veteran will envy. Several items include first aid items, flashlights, fish hooks and lines, fire starters, waterproof matches, wire saws, and much more.

8. At Ease Retirement Pillow

For the Veteran who retired from service, a pillow personalized with a name, rank, branch, and date of discharge, is a great way to remember the day the DD214 papers arrived and it is finally time to stay at rest.

When choosing a gift for a military veteran, think about what they need and how you can incorporate the military into that.

Published By: Aize Perez

Maximize Your Days Off: Tips for Balance and Fulfillment

Portland News Staff on September 18, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and fulfillment during your days off is more critical than ever. Many people struggle to unwind fully, often feeling like their time off is wasted or unproductive. To truly make the most of your free time, it’s essential to strike the right balance between relaxation, self-care, and productivity. This approach can transform your days off into opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and overall well-being.

Prioritize Self-Care

One of the most important ways to maximize your days off is by prioritizing self-care. Self-care doesn’t always mean indulging in luxury activities—it can be as simple as taking a long walk, practicing mindfulness, or doing some light yoga. Whether it’s focusing on physical health through exercise or mental health through meditation, taking care of yourself helps you reset for the week ahead. Self-care allows you to recharge both mentally and physically, giving you the energy to tackle upcoming challenges with a refreshed mindset.

Set Intentions for the Day

Instead of waking up and letting your day unfold aimlessly, try setting intentions or goals for your time off. These can be as simple as relaxing with a book, tackling a personal project, or catching up on household chores. By giving your day some structure, even loosely, you’ll feel more productive and accomplished. However, don’t forget to maintain a balance—set goals that allow for both productivity and rest.

Disconnect to Reconnect

A key aspect of making the most of your days off is disconnecting from work-related responsibilities. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to stay constantly connected to work emails, phone calls, and notifications. Make a conscious effort to turn off work-related alerts and immerse yourself in activities that promote relaxation and personal growth. Disconnecting from the professional world will give you the mental space to reconnect with hobbies, loved ones, and yourself.

Explore New Hobbies or Interests

Days off are the perfect time to explore new hobbies or revisit interests that may have taken a back seat during the workweek. Whether it’s learning to cook a new recipe, painting, gardening, or trying out a musical instrument, engaging in a creative outlet can bring fulfillment and excitement. New hobbies stimulate creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment, helping to alleviate the stresses of the daily grind. By dedicating time to activities you’re passionate about, your days off will feel enriching and refreshing.

Balance Productivity and Relaxation

A common struggle for many on their days off is feeling like they need to be constantly productive. While it’s essential to check tasks off your to-do list, it’s equally important to balance that with relaxation. Over-scheduling yourself on a day off can lead to burnout, defeating the purpose of having downtime. Instead, focus on achieving a healthy balance—tackle a few important tasks but also leave room for leisurely activities. Whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, or simply lounging around, giving yourself permission to relax will help rejuvenate your mind and body.

Spend Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors can have an incredible impact on your well-being. Nature has a calming effect that allows for reflection and reduces stress levels. Consider activities like hiking, biking, or even just enjoying a picnic at your local park. Outdoor activities offer a break from the screens and digital devices we’re constantly attached to, helping you feel more grounded and connected to your surroundings.

Reconnect with Loved Ones

Use your days off as an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. Meaningful interactions with loved ones can provide emotional support, and spending quality time together strengthens relationships. Whether it’s organizing a casual get-together, video calling someone who lives far away, or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, nurturing your relationships will leave you feeling fulfilled and emotionally recharged.

Reflect and Plan Ahead

At the end of your day off, take a few moments to reflect on how you spent your time and how you feel. Were you able to achieve a balance of relaxation and productivity? Use these reflections to plan for future days off, ensuring that you continually prioritize activities that promote well-being. Whether it’s refining your self-care routine or dedicating more time to a hobby, planning ahead will help you make the most of your downtime in the future.

Maximizing your days off doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on self-care, disconnecting from work, exploring hobbies, and creating balance, you can turn your free time into opportunities for rejuvenation, creativity, and fulfillment. For more tips on how to find balance and fulfillment, visit thebrainsjournal.com.

Published by: Khy Talara

Ethan’s Good Dad Act: Reshaping Fathers’ Rights in Florida

Portland News Staff on September 18, 2024

By: Overnight Publicity

Ethan’s Good Dad Act stands as a landmark piece of legislation that has significantly reshaped fathers’ rights in Florida. This groundbreaking law, born from one father’s personal struggle, has far-reaching implications for families across the state and potentially the nation.

The genesis of Ethan’s Good Dad Act lies in a deeply personal crisis. A father discovered that his son had been withdrawn from school and moved from their county without his knowledge or consent. The child’s mother had disappeared with the boy for over a month, her whereabouts unknown. When the father sought help from the courts, he was confronted with a shocking reality: as an unwed father, he had no legal rights to his child under Florida law, despite being named on the birth certificate and having been actively involved in his son’s life since birth.

This experience exposed a glaring gap in Florida’s family law system, where unwed fathers often found themselves without legal recourse in matters concerning their children. Recognizing that this issue affected countless other fathers and children, the father behind Ethan’s Good Dad Act decided to take action.

After months of advocacy, drafting, and legislative process, these efforts culminated in the introduction of House Bill #775, known as Ethan’s Good Dad Act. The bill proposed granting unwed fathers the same rights and responsibilities to their children as if they were married to the mother. This meant that fathers would have legal standing in decisions regarding their children’s education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and other crucial aspects of their lives.

The passage of Ethan’s Good Dad Act through the Florida legislature was a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of fathers in children’s lives. The bill received unanimous support in both the House and Senate, a clear indication of the widespread acknowledgment of the need for change. On July 1, 2023, Ethan’s Good Dad Act was signed into law, marking a significant victory for fathers’ rights in Florida.

The impact of this legislation is profound. Under the new law, unwed fathers in Florida can no longer be shut out of their children’s lives without due process. They have the right to be informed about and involved in major decisions affecting their children. This includes the right to object to relocations or other significant changes that could impact their relationship with their children.

Ethan’s Good Dad Act also has implications for child support and custody arrangements. By establishing legal paternity rights, it creates a framework for more equitable custody agreements and ensures that financial responsibilities are appropriately shared between both parents.

The passage of Ethan’s Good Dad Act in Florida represents more than just a change in legislation. It’s a shift in how society views fatherhood and family structures. It acknowledges that strong parent-child relationships are not dependent on marital status and that children benefit from having both parents actively involved in their lives.

However, the journey that began with Ethan’s Good Dad Act is far from over. Recognizing that similar issues affect fathers across the country, the father behind this legislative change now leads the GoodDadAct Committee, working to change comparable laws nationwide. The goal is to ensure that every state recognizes the rights of fathers, regardless of marital status, and protects the invaluable bond between parents and their children.

Ethan’s Good Dad Act serves as a model for how laws can be changed to better serve families and children in our modern society. It demonstrates that when outdated laws no longer serve the best interests of families, it’s possible to enact meaningful change through determined advocacy and legislative action.

As this movement gains momentum, it’s clear that the conversation around fathers’ rights is evolving. Ethan’s Good Dad Act has set a precedent that other states are watching closely. As awareness of the importance of fathers in children’s lives grows, there’s potential for similar legislation to be introduced across the country, potentially reshaping family law on a national scale.

The story of Ethan’s Good Dad Act is a powerful reminder of how personal adversity can be transformed into positive societal change. It offers hope to fathers facing similar challenges and underscores the importance of recognizing and protecting the role of both parents in children’s lives, regardless of marital status.

To learn more about Ethan’s Good Dad Act and its ongoing impact, visit www.GoodDadAct.com. This website provides comprehensive information about the legislation and the broader movement for fathers’ rights. You can also purchase a copy of the book detailing the journey behind Ethan’s Good Dad Act at www.EthansGoodDadAct.com.

Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”

Published by: Nelly Chavez