Montclair Now

Montclair offers H1N1 immunizations

2010-01-29T18:20:12Z

The city will offer free H1N1 immunizations to the community on Feb. 4.

Anyone over six months of age is eligible to receive the vaccine. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This immunization can also serve as the second H1N1 vaccine required for children less than ten years of age who previously received the vaccine.

Immunizations are avaliable from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Montclair Community Center, located at the Montclair Civic Center, 5111 Benito St., Montclair.

Information: 909-625-9479 or www.cityofmontclair.org.

Mayor to run again

2010-01-21T02:55:50Z

Montclair Mayor Paul Eaton's term may be up in November but he's going to run for re-election.

Eaton announced this at last night's City Council meeting.

Habitat ReStore offers home improvement items for fraction of cost

2010-01-12T20:25:02Z

MONTCLAIR - At the Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore bargain hunters can buy kitchen counter tiles for 5 cents, work gloves for $3.50 and other home improvement materials up to 90 percent off their retail price.

"We have some tiles imported from France and Spain," said Jaemmie Canas, ReStore coordinator.

If you go The Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity Restore is open 10am to 6pm from Tues. - Fri.; 9am to 5pm on Sat. at 4609 Holt Blvd. Montclair. Information: 909-399-0202

The store opened in December and is part of Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity, a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing organization.

A volunteer neatly stacks the variety of DVD's at the Montclair ReStore. Photo by Frank Perez

]]> Store profits will be used by the organization to build homes and create home ownership opportunities for families in need.

The store depends on donations of closeout and surplus items from area home supply stores and retailers; excess building materials from contractors; remodeling projects or house demolitions; and items donated from individuals.

The materials are then sold at discount prices.

The store was established to provide a self-sustaining funding source for the Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity affiliate and to provide the community with low-cost building and home improvement materials.

"You never know where you're going to get donations from," said Jody Gmeiner, Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity's chief executive officer.

"Students from a university on the East Coast came to visit Cal Poly Pomona to work on a project and bought a bunch of shovels and rakes locally and when they were done with their project they donated all the items."

The store received 25 shovels and 10 rakes. They are selling at $3 or $5.

The Doubletree Hotel chain recently donated more than $600,000 worth of pictures, furniture, desks, bed frames and other items to the ReStore.

"This lamp is only $35," said Gmeiner.

"This vanity has a granite top," Canas added.

Next year the Montclair ReStore will take over the furniture store next door, adding 5,500 square feet to the store.

Donations made to the organization are tax deductible.

To arrange for a pickup or drop-off call 909-399-0202.

"The more we have, the more we can recycle and sell," Canas said.

Local park hit four times by graffiti vandals

2010-01-09T01:12:32Z

During the month of December, graffiti vandals hit Saratoga Park four times.

The first occurrence was between Dec. 11 and 13 -- the snack bar was tagged, including the roll-up steel shutters, doors, walls on both floors, and the stairs.

Building Maintenance Technician John Conley spent Dec. 14 priming and painting over the graffiti.

The next day he returned to finish the eradication only to discover the park had been hit again during the night. This time they covered the storage building, the south wall, and one of the new scoreboards with graffiti.

The following weekend, the snack bar, and adjacent areas were severely tagged. And on the Christmas holiday weekend, the dugouts and sidewalks were tagged. Public Works staff cleaned up the mess on Dec. 28.

The Police Department was contacted, and crime reports were taken on all instances.

Fire department promotion

2010-01-09T01:11:40Z

Fire Chief Troy Ament introduced the Fire Department's newly promoted employees at the Jan. 4 City Council meeting.

Following promotional recruitments and testing, David Pohl and Thomas Dowser were promoted to Fire Captain on Dec. 21, and Steve Ward was promoted to Fire Engineer on Dec. 7.

Police department promotion

2010-01-09T01:10:54Z

Lt. Steve Lux became Deputy Police Chief at a recent swearing-in ceremony performed by City Clerk Donna Jackson.

The ceremony on Jan. 4 was attended by Lux family members including his wife and children, mom and dad, siblings, members of the Police Department, including off-duty officers, and city staff members.

A highlight of the ceremony was when Lux's wife Mona and his sister Nancy pinned his new Deputy Police Chief badge on him.

Lux began his career with law enforcement in January 1983 as a police officer for the city. He promoted to sergeant in June 1997 and to lieutenant in January 2007.

McDougal looking ahead to retirement after 34 years with the city

2010-01-08T20:19:35Z

MONTCLAIR - In just a few months, City Manager Lee McDougal will say his final goodbyes to the city that he has dedicated three decades to.

"The stars had to line up right and the stars are just about lined up for this to happen," McDougal said.

McDougal, 58, expects to retire in June.

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At the Jan. 4 City Council meeting, McDougal said he realized it was the 34th and last anniversary with the city. Half of those years were spent as city manager.

McDougal joined the city in 1976 and took on the job of housing coordinator, overseeing the city's Community Development Block Grant Program.

As city manager, McDougal directs and coordinates all city services. He also served as public safety director and city treasurer.

Since 2000, McDougal has served on the governing board at Chaffey College. He has two years left in his term.

Deputy City Manager Ed Starr has been recommended to be his replacement, McDougal said.

"I think Ed will move the city into another level with fresh new ideas and in a different way than I will," he said.

During retirement, McDougal expects to play more golf and chase his 10-year-old grandson.

"I want to perfect the short game ... it has hindered my ability to play golf for 30 years," McDougal said.

Free crime against elders workshop

2010-01-08T00:19:38Z

The Montclair Senior Citizens Club will host a free "Crimes Against Elders" workshop.

The workshop is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 13 in the Community Center Gym, located at 5111 Benito St., Montclair.

The presentation will be taught by Nancy Cooper, Deputy District Attorney for the Family Violence Unit of San Bernardino County, and will discuss Penal Code 368, also known as the elder abuse section of the penal code.

A Montclair Police Officer will be in attendance to answer any questions and refreshments will be served.

To register or for more information call 909-625-9483.

Montclair names the best holiday decorators

2009-12-23T19:23:28Z

MONTCLAIR - To say that the front lawn of a house owned by Brad and Robin Holtzman is decorated would be a huge understatement.

The Montclair residents have as many as 40 holiday figurines spread throughout their yard - including two inflatable Santas in a boat, a Santa in a hammock hanging between two palm trees and two inflatable, 7-foot lighthouses featuring a beacon light that rotates 350 degrees.

The list doesn't stop there though - an 8-foot tall inflatable reindeer pops out of a giant present.

"We also have those three lit trees that have a computer box that plays music," Brad Holtzman said. "It's water resistant, too."

Brad and Robin Holtzman stand in their front lawn. The couple's home was named one of four winners in Montclair's Holiday Home Decoration Contest. Photo by Will Lester.

]]> The effort by the Holtzmans to make their home as bright as possible did not go unnoticed - it was named one of four winners in Montclair's Holiday Home Decoration Contest.

The Holtzmans' house at 9332 Rose Ave. was named a "Winter Wonderland."

"We have kids come by that smile and point at all the decorations and that's always enjoyable to see," Robin Holtzman said.

The winner in the "Whimsical Dreams" category was a home at 9453 Exeter Ave. owned by Dan and Marilyn Racelis. Their home is draped with 60 strings of lights and also has an inflatable chorus with instruments that light up.

"My neighbor and I, we're like little kids. The more he puts up, the more I put up, and my whole family gets into it too," Dan Racelis said.

An electricity bill of $200 a month gives the Mendivil family bragging rights as the winners in the "Lights, Lights and More Lights" category.

"We start putting up the lights the day after Thanksgiving and it will take us three days to put up everything," said Roxana Barraza, 13, daughter of Maria Mendivil.

For the past 16 years, the Mendivil family has decorated the home at 4896 El Morado St.

"It's a tradition," Roxana said. "We like to put them up and it makes us feel good and gets us in the spirit."

Eligio and Yolanda Torres' home at 10231 Coalinga Ave. was victorious in the "Children's Fantasy" category.

The winners were honored by Mayor Paul Eaton at Monday's City Council meeting and each received a $50 gift certificate to a restaurant in the city.

Nearly 300 get H1N1 shots at Montclair clinic

2009-12-22T19:22:09Z

MONTCLAIR - Some cried while other squinted, but Cruz Camacho didn't even flinch.

Camacho was among the hundreds getting a free H1N1 immunization at the Montclair Community Center on Tuesday morning.

"It did hurt, but it was a quick pain," said Camacho, 35, of Montclair.

Medical students from Western University of Health Sciences, public health nurses, and Montclair Clinic physician assistants administered the shots.

]]> Originally, the immunizations were restricted to priority groups, such as pregnant women, infants younger than six months of age, health care and emergency medical personnel, anyone from six months through 24 years of age and anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.

"But we got a call saying the immunizations were released to anyone who wanted to receive a vaccine," said Michelle Roche, Montclair's senior human services supervisor.

Roche said there were 2,000 doses of vaccine available.

On Tuesday, medical professionals administered 284 vaccinations - both as immunizations and mist. Of that 123 were under 18 years of age, Roche said.

The Center for Disease Control estimates between 34 million and 67 million cases of 2009 H1N1 have occurred between April and mid-November.

They also estimate there have been between 7,100 and 14,000 H1N1-related deaths.

In the San Bernardino County there have been 37 H1N1 deaths.

"We haven't seen an average healthy person come down with the flu," said Lea Morgan, public health program coordinator with the county Public Health Department. "Although it is possible, but all these 37 cases did have underlining conditions - whether it's diabetes, obesity or hypertension."

Camacho brought her five children - ranging from 2 to 12 - to the Montclair clinic for the H1N1 vaccine.

"We're seeing a lot of infections in the school, and I want to prevent them from getting sick," she said.

While most of Camacho's children didn't mind the poke to the arm, her 2-year-old begged to differ.

"He was crying, but then they gave him a lollypop," Camacho said.

Union effort helps provide Christmas dinners to low-income Montclair families

2009-12-18T19:13:41Z

MONTCLAIR - Holiday dinners came early for some families this year with the help of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

On Friday, the UFCW Local 1428 delivered whole frozen turkeys - with all the trimmings - to 40 severely low-income Kingsley Elementary School families as part of their Santa Day.

"It's about giving back - and those who have, need to give back," said Connie Leyva, president of UFCW 1428.

Families took home a whole turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing that was donated by Albertsons grocery store.

]]> Local 1428 adopted the Montclair-based elementary school and has provided donations to the school for 13 years. In the past, when the school required students to wear uniforms, the union donated uniforms, shoes, underwear and jackets.

"As a union, our responsibility is to take care of our members as well as the communities they live in," Leyva said.

Ivonne Porras, the elementary school's outreach consultant, said a lot of their families have either lost their homes or jobs.

"The economy has really hit our families hard," she said.

In San Bernardino County schools, there are 12,768 homeless children. The number is based on the McKinney-Vento Act that is what many schools use to assist children in their districts.

Children who are considered homeless in the county under that act might live in a motel, which is not considered adequate living conditions because the family all live in one room and might not have running water or electricity, said Brenda Dowdy, homeless education program specialist for the county Superintendent of Schools.

There are also families who have to share an apartment because of financial hardships. While they may have a roof over them, they are not adequate conditions for children.

"This is a definite sign of the times," said Zazette Scott, executive secretary for Local 1428.

Despite the student struggles at Kingsley, Porras said the kids are constantly giving back.

"We collected 253 toys for the Spark of Love campaign," she said. "Our kids have nothing and they're always thinking about how someone is worse off than they are."

The school's 820 students also received goodie bags from Santa Claus filled with games, toys, a pencil and a candy cane, courtesy of the union.

H1N1 vaccinations available at Community Center

2009-12-16T18:02:14Z

The City of Montclair will be giving free H1N1 (swine flu) immunizations to the community on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 from 9 a.m. - noon (limited quantities available). The immunizations will be given at the Montclair Community Center, located at 5111 Benito St., Montclair behind City Hall. Immunizations will only be given to individuals in the following priority groups:

· Pregnant women

· People who live with or care for infants younger than six months of age

· Health care and emergency medical personnel

· Anyone from six months through 24 years of age

· Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system

For more information call (909) 625-9479 or visit www.cityofmontclair.org.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

2009-12-08T18:05:07Z

The Montclair Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for Nationwide Insurance.

The ceremony is at noon on Dec. 10 at 8880 Benson Ave., Suite 100, Montclair.

Join the chamber as well as Montclair Mayor Paul Eaton for lunch as they welcome the newest Chamber of Commerce member.

Tree lighting ceremony slated for tomorrow

2009-12-02T23:55:35Z

The city will hold its annual free community tree lighting ceremony -- complete with a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The event will include a community holiday sing-along, led by the Montclair Walkers Choral Group at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Montclair Community Center, 5111 Benito St., behind City Hall.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive to light the community tree and will then be available for complimentary family photos.

In addition, children are encouraged to bring their holiday wish lists to the event. All lists can be deposited in a specially marked mail box and will receive a response letter from Santa.

Community members can buy gift lights on the community tree in honor or in memory of loved ones.

Lights are available for $10 each and all money raised from the sale of gift lights will be used to benefit youth programs in Montclair.

Participants are also encouraged to bring a donated canned and/or packaged, nonperishable food item to the event for the city's holiday food basket program.

For the health and safety of those receiving the food baskets, outdated, dented and bulging cans, or open packages cannot be accepted.

The event will include free refreshments and is sponsored by the Montclair Community Action Committee and the Montclair-Ontario Junior Women's Club.

Information: (909) 625-9479 or www.cityofmontclair.org.

Holiday food and toy drive set for Dec. 3

2009-12-02T23:54:01Z

Don't forget about Business Helping Families annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive and open house and business connections barbecue.

In cooperation with Montclair Human Services Division -- bring your toys, food and/or monetary donations to the Montclair Chamber of Commerce office and enjoy a casual lunch cooked by Montclair Firefighters Association.

All donations will directly benefit Montclair families. Monetary donations provide for perishable food purchases.

Visit the chamber from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at 5220 Benito St., Montclair.

Bring your donation and enter to win tickets to the Ontario Reign on Dec. 16 and 18.

Information: (909) 624-4569.

Also, the Human Services Division will accept canned food and toys for Montclair's families in need through Dec. 11.

Collection bins are at the Recreation facility, the City Hall lobby, Fire Station No. 1, and the Police Department.

All food and toys will be distributed during the city's Holiday Toy and Food Basket Program.