Montclair Now

Montclair offers H1N1 immunizations

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:20:12 -0800

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

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:55:50 -0800

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

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:25:02 -0800

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

Local park hit four times by graffiti vandals

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:12:32 -0800

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

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:11:40 -0800

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

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:10:54 -0800

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

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:19:35 -0800

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.

Free crime against elders workshop

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:19:38 -0800

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

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:23:28 -0800

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.

Nearly 300 get H1N1 shots at Montclair clinic

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:22:09 -0800

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.

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

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:13:41 -0800

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.

H1N1 vaccinations available at Community Center

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:02:14 -0800

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

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:05:07 -0800

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

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:55:35 -0800

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

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:54:01 -0800

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.