Are you aware of the Asistencia in Redlands? It was a distant outpost of Mission San Gabriel in the early 19th century but came and went in the wink of an eye. The site was rebuilt in 1937 and, after nearly a century in the county’s hands, was given to a nonprofit in 2018. I visit, learn the slightly comical history of the site and share the results in my Wednesday column.
Monthly Archives: November 2022
Column: Festival of Lights returns and so do crowds
I attend my first Festival of Lights in downtown Riverside, in which the Mission Inn is emblazoned with lights, animatronic figures move and fireworks go off, and write about it for my Sunday column. Have you ever been? The lights continue through Jan. 6 and the festival through New Year’s Eve.
This was a rare column written in the evening after an event rather than in a morning or afternoon. But it’s a big event and something I thought I ought to cover. Here was how my schedule worked.
In downtown Riverside Friday, I ate lunch, walked around downtown for color and spoke to some people camping out to watch, then went to my go-to coffeehouse to write a draft of the top portion of the column before it was time to head back to the event. When it was over, about 5:45, I ate dinner, then returned to my coffeehouse to finish the column just before closing time at 9 p.m. Drove home and uploaded two photos of my own, wrote captions and added them to the column before turning in. Saturday morning early, I made a couple of changes to the column, the main one being rewriting the last paragraph, then headed out for the day. Hope the effort of turning a column around on deadline was worth it!
Column: Where is Snoopy headed for Thanksgiving? Needles
For the day after Thanksgiving, I present a bunch of items from around the Inland Empire, including a “Peanuts” excursion to the desert, local reaction to my San Francisco column and more. It’s all in my Friday column (should you be in the mood for a column).
Column: Fans quiz Laemmle on future of Claremont 5
The well-liked independent movie house in Claremont is in escrow but will continue operating for at minimum six months, Laemmle’s president says at a screening of “Only in Theaters.” I was there and write about the movie, the Q&A and more in my Wednesday column.
Column: Walking in SF reveals unexpected delights
What did I do on vacation in San Francisco, the one to which I flew from San Bernardino? A lot of walking, as well as bus riding and train hopping. I focus on the walking aspect, including a self-guided tour around one neighborhood with a mystery writer connection, in my Sunday column.
Column: What’s it like to fly from San Bernardino? Uncrowded
As you may have read, passenger service began in August between San Bernardino and San Francisco, two of my favorite “Sans.” I bought a ticket to see what it was like and I tell you about it in my Friday column.
Column: Cucamonga winery was once shot by ‘Cannon’ for TV episode
“Shot by ‘Cannon,'” get it? If you do or if you don’t, the column will explain to you or remind you about “Cannon,” the 1970s detective show, which once filmed scenes at this column’s old friend, the Virginia Dare Winery. Also: some lighter news from a Moreno Valley council meeting involving seniors and a clutch of brIEfly items from Pomona and Perris, most of which have been on hold for a while. I threw together this column last Friday before leaving for a short vacation — which ends today!
Column: Elvis swung his hips at the Swing in ’72
As mentioned in m column back in August, Elvis Presley headlined two concerts at San Bernardino’s Swing Auditorium in 1972 and another two in 1974. I write about the ’72 shows — for their 50th anniversary! — based on setlists, newspaper accounts and fan memories, in my Sunday column.
Column: A closer look at local election outcomes so far
As per tradition, with Election Day past, I take a look at the results (somewhat preliminary though they are) of local elections for city council and such, and note the ones that seem significant or amusing. These are mostly in the Inland Valley, where I have more knowledge, but with some eastern contests thrown in as well. I offer my observations in Friday’s column, which I hope will get your vote of approval.
Column: Sky was crying, voters were smiling (mostly)
I voted in person Tuesday in Claremont and was surprised, but cheered, to find my vote center packed. Apparently not everyone is voting early or by mail. I observe the scene in my Wednesday column.