December 2008 Archives
This is a release I got about a program that will be coming to Ontario in the new year:
Friday Night Live youth want their peers to make a new year's resolution they can live with: "Be safe - buckle up and don't drink and drive". Youth groups in Redlands, Victorville, San Bernardino and Ontario will be planning a traffic safety campaign in 2009 to increase seat belt use among their peers and educate the community on the dangers of underage drinking and driving. "Friday Night Live teaches leadership and advocacy skills to youth. The purpose of the campaign is to reduce injuries and fatalities among teen drivers and passengers", said Bernadette Beltran, Friday Night Live coordinator. Car crashes are the leading cause of injury and death among teens.
Speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and drinking and driving put teens at risk for serious injury and death. In 2007, 35 teens were killed and 1,765 were injured in car crashes in San Bernardino County of which 12% were not using seat belts at the time of the crash. A total of 158 car crashes occurred where the driver under 21 years of age had been drinking at the time of the crash resulting in 10 fatalities and 245 injuries.
This project is funded by a new grant of $18,800 from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the California Friday Night Live Partnership. For more information call the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health at (909) 387-6623.
|
Today local Ontario resident, Nikita Singh, will be participating in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. If you recall, last weekend I did an article on Nikita, 14, about being selected by Kaiser Permanente to be on their float.
A survivor of leukemia, Nikita , is one of 14 riders chosen from Southern California to ride in Kaiser Permanente's float titled "Propel Your Dreams."
The float features a flying vehicle which is powered by children who cycle, row, and jog above floral clouds.
Nikita will be on the a boat rowing.
So I came across this event the Ontario Library is going to hold next Friday, January 9. "StarLab Stories for Families," is an event where the whole family can experience the night skies in a portables planetarium. There will also be a storyteller.
That made me wonder ? What does a portable planetarium look like and who are the storyteller's?
Well the storyteller's are all students who go through a program to learn how to run the portable planetarium, discover astronomy and star gazing, and explore potential career opportunities, including teaching.
By the way, I'm still trying to figure out what the portable planetairum looks like.
The event will be Friday, January 9 from 4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Ontario's Main Library,
For more information call (909) 395-2014.
The winter edition of the Recycling News, which is published by the city's Public Works/Community Services agency has ideas on ways to save water while at the same time saving yourself some green.
One of their top suggestions is to reduce the amount you water your landscape because it is not needed as much.
The newsletter suggests that residents look into "Smart Timers" because they adjust to weather conditions and reduce water consumption by 13,500 gallons a year. The city offers rebates for these type of smart timers.
Other ways to reduce water usage is to broken spinklers and adjust the alignment so that they don't water the pavement.
For more information on water conservation call (909) 395-2678 or visit www.ieua.org.
By Frank C. Girardot
Staff writer
COVINA -- Relatives and friends Monday remembered the youngest victim of a Christmas Eve massacre that left nine dead as a good-hearted young man who loved baseball and computers.
Michael Ortiz, 17, of Ontario, attended Ontario High School and pitched for the Jaguars baseball team, according to Margaret and Benny Medina of Diamond Bar, his aunt and uncle.
Margaret said Ortiz had attended a family gathering in Alhambra earlier Christmas Eve, but slipped away to attend a party at his grandparent's home on East Knollcrest Drive in Covina.
"This was going to be his last year of high school," Margaret said as tears streamed down her face. "He had so much ahead of him."
Bruce Pardo, 45, of Montrose, arrived at East Knollcrest Drive about 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve. Police said he systematically killed nine people attending the party at the home of Joseph and Alicia Ortega.
After he unloaded four semi-automatic handguns, Pardo's homemade flamethrower exploded causing the Ortega's home to burn to the ground.
Ortiz and his mother, Alicia Ortiz, have been missing since. Two of Michael's sisters, who also attended the party were able to escape physical injury.
Officials with the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner said the bodies recovered from the home were so badly burned that it may be several days before any can be positively identified.
The Medinas said they heard news about what would become the Christmas Eve massacre, while they were still celebrating with family members in Alhambra.
Margaret said her brother, Charlie, got a phone call and immediately left for Covina in hopes of finding his son.
He waited outside the home for the entire night, calling his son's name and looking through shrubbery for some sign, she said.
"It's heartbreaking," said Roxanne Jauruque, a family friend of 30 years. "When Michael's father got to the house it was already engulfed. He knew his wife and children were in there but he didn't know anything. He waited all night for his son to come out of the bushes."
Family members believe Michael was on an upstairs computer sending an e-mail and was not shot, but killed when Pardo's flamethrower exploded.
Chris Romero, Michael's baseball coach, said he was shocked to learn the news Monday afternoon.
"He was a good kid with good grades," Romero said. "This is tragic."
Romero said he knew Ortiz had taken advanced courses and "definitely was college bound."
Michael had made the varsity team last year and played baseball for the Jaguars since he was a freshmen, he said.
"He was a natural leader and kids gravitate to that," he said.
With the school on break, Romero said he doesn't expect to address Michael's teammates until they return from the break on Jan 5.
"Very bright kid with a very bright future," he said.
The news of Michael's death had not been confirmed by officials at Ontario High School, said Mathew Holton, superintendent for Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
Holton said he had received a phone call from the school's principal, but said he was still trying to get in contact with the family.
In the past, whenever there has been a death in the district, Holton said extra psychologists, counselors and administrators have been made available at the school site.
"If this is indeed the case we will have resources available for the students," Holton said.
As his wife shook with sadness, Benny recalled how loving and close-knit the Ortega family had been.
"They did everything together," he said. "It will never be the same. It will be with us until we are gone."
Staff writers Amanda Baumfeld and Liset Marquez contributed to this story.
(626) 962-8811, Ext 2717
The youngest victim in the Christmas Eve shooting at a Covina house, where nine people died at the hands of a man dressed as Santa Claus, has been identified as an Ontario resident. Michael Ortiz was 17 and attended Ontario High.
Chris Romero, who coached Michael last year on the baseball team, said he was shocked to learn the news Monday afternoon.
"He was a good kid with good grades," Romero said. "This is tragic."
Romero said he knew Michael had taken advanced courses and "definitely was college bound."
Michael had made the varsity team last year and had played baseball for the Jaguars since he was a freshmen, he said.
Described as one of the best hitter's on the team, Romero said Michael was a player that consistently produced which he said was an indication of who he was in life.
"He was a natural leader and kids gravitate to that," he said.
With the school on break, Romero said he doesn't expect to address Michael's teammates until they return from the break until January 5.
"Very bright kid with a very bright future," he said.
The news of Michael's death had not been confirmed by officials at Ontario High School, said Mathew Holton, superintendent for Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
Holton said he had received a phone call from the school's principal, but said he was still trying to get in contact with the family.
In the past, whenever there has been a death in the district, Holton said extra psychologists, counselors and administrators have been made available at the school site.
"If this is indeed the case we will have resources available for the students," Holton said
The community is invited to the Museum of History and Art, Ontario to enjoy a day with friends and family learning crafts and discovering new perspectives relating to celebration of the year of the Ox.
For many Asian cultures, those born under the sign of the Ox will prosper through fortitude and hard work.
The event is free will be January 24, from noon to 4 p.m. The Museum of History and Art, Ontario, 225 South Euclid Ave., Ontario or call (909) 983-3198.
To make new year's resolution's. I'm sure by now we are all tired of making resolutions but the city of Ontario's Public Works/Community Services Agency has the solution for you. In their winter Recycling News they offer a couple of suggestions, but first you must recite this:
"My New Year's Resolution will be to reduce my waist and, more importantly, my waste,"
To do so, the newsletter offers a couple of suggestion such as
-recycle all paper, bottles and cans
-drop off hazardous waste, electronic waste and universal water at the Ontario's Household Hazardous Waste Facility
-reduce outdoor water usage by adjusting the time and frequency of watering with the seasons and checking for leaks
-use cleaning products that are safer for the environment, and only buy enough to get the job done, or share and borrow produects with friends and neighbors
-sweep the front yard and put the trimmings in the green waste can.
Starting on Wednesday City Hall offices will be closed until Jan. 5.
You may also want to note down that trash pick up will be a little different in the next couple of days because of the holidays.
Trash, recyclables and green waste will not be collected on Christmas and New Year's Day. After each of the holidays, collection will be one day later for the remainder of the week.
A couple of days ago I did a story on Mercy House, a nonprofit agency here in town, receiving more than 100 blankets from staff at the Ontario Convention Center.
If you recall, they were asking for help with hygiene products. owever, the contact information for Mercy House was left out.
If you are interested contacting the organization either visit them in Ontario or call them. I was told by staff that they are open at different hours during the day and the best thing is to call first.
Mercy House is located at 905 E Holt Avenue in Ontario or call (909) 460-6768.
I know Christmas has not even passed, but you have to start thinking about disposing that tree properly. The city of Ontario will be collecting trees for the recycling from Jan. 2 through Jan. 9 as part of your regular collection day.
The city's Public Works/Community Services Agency, Solid Waster Department has some guidelines for you:
Do not place trees inside bin enclosures
Remove all tinsel, ornament stands
Do not place your tree in a plastic bag
palce the tree next to the containers on your regular collection day
Apartment renters: contact your apartment manager regarding your tree collection
I received my copy of Ontario's Recycling News which had a list of green gift giving ideas. I wish I had seen this earlier as to be able to inform you.
With time expiring here are some, offered by the city which might not even require you leaving the comforts of your home:
Reduce packaging by giving an "experience" such as lessons or activities offered by the city.
In place of a gift, give a card or hug.
I think their best suggestion is "the best green gift of all, the one size fits all kind of gift--CA$H!," the newsletter states.
In case you're wondering they put the dollar sign in instead of the letter S.
Citizens Business Bank Arena will be the host site for the championships in an announcement made Monday, Dec. 22.
In a release annoucing the selection it said: "In addition to being the primary selection event for the World Synchronized Skating Championships, the U.S. Synchronized Championships crowns the U.S. champions in eight levels: juvenile, intermediate, novice, junior, senior, collegiate, adult and masters."
Recent host cities of the U.S. Synchronized Championships include Providence, R.I. (2008), and Colorado Springs, Colo. (2007). The 2009 event will take place in Portland, Maine.
I wrote an article on Dec. 16 which talked about Redeemer Luthern Church in Ontario and Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills that have got on board with the "It's Ok, Wish me a Merry Christmas," button campaign.
Since then I have received a couple of phone calls and e-mails about the buttons, many of them were asking me where they could get one.
When I went to the Redeemer church's website it said there they have distributed 275 buttons and are currently out of stock
They are asking:. "If you've seen someone wearing a button, you are asked to e-mail to reved@redeemer4me.com with the subject line: Wish Me a Merry Christams Button Sighting.
Visit www.wmamc.com for more information
The city council on Tuesday during their council meeting recognized the achievements of Captain Scott Cummings and Lieutenant Brad Wirtz who are retiring on Dec. 27. Captain Cummings has been with the department for 24 and Lieutenant Wirtz for 31 years.
This is the information from the city about each of the officers.
Police Lieutenant Brad Wirtz was first hired as a Police Technician on September 11, 1977, before being hired as a Police Officer on January 8, 1979. He promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on January 25, 2004. Lieutenant Wirtz has served in a wide variety of capacities within the Police Department. Some of them include Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Investigations Bureau, Training & Recruitment, Administrative Investigations Team (AIT), Community Problem Solving (COPS), Field Training Officer (FTO) Supervisor, and Gang Unit.
Police Captain Scott Cummings began his law enforcement career with the Ontario Police Department as a part-time Reserve Officer on November 21, 1983. He was hired as a Police Officer on October 16, 1984; and ultimately promoted to the rank of Police Captain on October 30, 2005, overseeing the Uniform Bureau which is the largest bureau within the Police Department. Captain Cummings has also served in a wide variety of special units within the Department such as Commander of the Crisis Negotiations Team, Labor Relations Team, and the Disaster Preparedness Group. He also has played a vital role in bringing COPSWEST, a regional law enforcement training and tradeshow conference, to the City of Ontario, as well as serving as a strong promoter of team-building and the philosophy of leadership enrichment within the Police Department.
Kids ages 12 and under will receive free presents. Raffle prizes including six bicycles, sport balls, school supplies and 12 Christmas Trees will be given away.
Kids will also have the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa Claus, there will also be a free screening of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas," at 5 p.m.
The event is spsonsored by Onelife Community Outreach Team and will be from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The Sisterhood of Temple Sholom cordially invites you to attend our annual Latke Luncheon and Party on Sunday, December 21, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a Traditional Latke Lunch for $5 / adults and $3 / children, Jelly Donuts, Homemade Hanukkah cookies and much, much, more
The gift shop will host a huge bazaar and sale, offering traditional as well as unusual Hanukkah items for sale. Free gift wrapping will be available for all items purchased at our bazaar & party.
Children will be treated to a crafts corner where they can participate in Hanukkah arts and crafts, Latka Toss, and an apron pocket lady.
Enjoy a $1 used book sale, including children's books, a white Hanukkah elephant sale, featuring slightly used and re-gifted items for a nominal price, an amazing raffle and guaranteed Food, Frolic, Fun and Festivities.
For information or advanced reservations, call the Temple Sholom Office at (909) 983-966.
Temple Sholom of Ontario
963 W. 6th Street
Ontario, CA 91762
Domino's Pizza in Ontario is holding a "Pizza Night," to raise funds for Corona School. Domino's will donate $3 per order, every time the school is mentioned when an order is placed on January 14, 2009.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 4 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Domino's Pizza, 1650 E. 4th Street, Ontario
For more information call (909) 391-3471
Even with muddled vocals from lead singer James Hetfield, Metallica could do no wrong with the Ontario audience at the Citizens Business Bank Arena Friday night.
The band used a multi-colored laser light show to start the show and didn't let up with loud flames, lighted-up coffins and red and green lights that popped up out the stage floor, which was in the center of the arena.
The first song was the eerie heartbeat from Death Magnetic's "That Was Just Your Life" before the guitars and Hetfeld's muddied vocals kicked in. Then the group went into the second song from the album ""The End of the Line."
Metallica's individual members looked to be having one of the best times of their life ... Hetfield constantly wore a sneering smile, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, kept raising his arms to the adoring crowd, drummer Lars Ulrich kept getting off his drum set to talk to the fans in the front row or playfully throw water at them and bassist Robert Trujillo would kneel down and show his bass (and playing skills) to the fans in the closest rows.
Hetfield kept talking about how "Metallica loves Ontario" toward the end of the encore (which included balloons being dropped from the Ontario rafters and the explosive "Whiplash" and "Seek & Destroy." The band actually seemed to be enjoying the concert as they energetically walked the stage back and forth and after the concert ended they spent an extended period of time throwing out picks and Ulrich even gave away his drum sticks.
Fans were equally into Metallica and many of them pumped their fists, yelled or raised their arms the entire set. There were mosh pits continuously started on both sides of the stage with people happily shoving, getting shoved or running into other people.
Most of the crowd appeared to show up midway through Metallica's set because there were pockets of empty seats in the arena, which was sold out with more than 10,000 people.
In the mosh pit on the left side of the stage, noisy firecrackers were thrown down a couple of times during Metallica's set (and during second band Lamb of God). Somewhat surprisingly, no security appeared to go and check it out.
One fan even jumped on stage toward the end of Metallica's encore and appeared to take a guitar but security tackled him and got the guitar.
Lamb of God and The Sword were strong openers but their lead singer's vocals (from Lamb of God's Randy Blythe and The Sword's John "J. D." Cronise) were worse than Metallica's and nearly inaudible.
- Wes Woods II wes.woods@inlandnewspapers.com
Those are the words sprawling across the marquee in downtown. I have to admit I was in a bit of shock Saturday when my colleague, Wes Woods, mentioned it to me, as was David.
If I were him I would be thrilled, but then again David has had his name in much larger font when he had his own billboard and then there was last year when he was the grand marshall of Pomona's Christmas parade.
Anyways, just thought I'd share the message, read David Allen.
With a pre-event panel discussion and break out sessions, this is not your typical State of the City address. The city of Ontario has planned a four hour event in March which will discuss "A Plan for Tomorrow."
A release from the city about their plans for the State of the City address:
The region's most anticipated event Ontario's Annual State of the City themed A Plan for Tomorrow will bring together Southern California's leading professionals for a compelling discussion on the current market and the pivotal role the City will play in the future of the region.
Join the City of Ontario and fellow colleagues on March 4 for a pre-event panel discussion, special presentation by Ontario's Mayor Paul S. Leon and comprehensive breakout sessions, which will provide valuable insight to the City's smart growth strategies and future real estate trends.
Ontario's leadership has taken a strategic outlook at planning for its growth and forged ahead with long-term investments that demonstrate the City's commitment to becoming a "complete community" for businesses and residents. A Plan for Tomorrow will offer guests an overview of the future of Ontario, as detailed in its cutting edge general plan, The Ontario Plan. Attendees will have the chance to build relationships and initiate strategic alliances as well as up close and personal time with Ontario's Mayor and City Council-- the people responsible for making The Ontario Plan come to life.
Agenda:
4 p.m. Registration Opens
4:30- 5:30 p.m. Pre-Event Panel Discussion: Ontario's Plan for Tomorrow
Co-sponsored by NAIOP Inland Empire
5 - 6 p.m. Pre-Event Networking
6- 6:20 p.m. State of the City Program: Mayor Paul S. Leon
6:30- 8 p.m. Business Networking Forum
6:30- 8 p.m. Comprehensive Breakout Sessions: (1) Ontario's New Main Street, (2) The Ontario Plan and (3) Ontario: The New Suburban City
WHEN: March 4, 2009
4 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: 2000 East Convention Center Way, Ontario, California
REGISTER: Register online at www.acteva.com/go/cityofontario
Or call (909) 395-2396 for more information
COST: $50 per person
The exhibit will run from Dec. 11 through January 25. There will be a free public event on Friday, Dec. 12, a gallery talk with the artists from 5 p.m to 6 p.m. A reception will follow.
For more information visit the museum, 225 South Euclid Avenue, Ontario or call (909) 983-3198.
The Parent Project is coming to Ontario Police Department. The program brings together parents and the police department to fight behavior problems, truancy, failing grades, drug/alcohol use as well as gang involvement.
The program will help parents prepare their children for middle and high school as well as improve school attendance and prevent their children from drug and gang involvement. Classes will be held one night a week, for 10 weeks.
Classes begin Thursday, January 8 and will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.. Space is limited. To reserve a space contact (909) 395-2093 or (909) 395-2094.
It's the holiday season and with that comes holiday parties.
Sometimes, for the ladies, the hardest part about the outfit is finding the right accessories. On Saturday Linda Hallan of OXO Linda Designs will be selling her handmade jewlry at Hair Co. Salon & Supplies in Ontario.
Hair Co. Salon & Supplies, 2409 S. Vineyard Ave., Ontario
The event begins at 9 a.m. until closing. For more information call (909) 947-6550.
A release from Hooters:
Hooters has announced the Calender drop and encourages Ontario-area residents to stop by and support the troops.
For the 4th year in a row, Hooters has initiated Operation Calendar Drop
in an effort to spread some cheer to the troops. This holiday season,
local residents can stop into the local Hooters restaurant, purchase a
2009 Hooters calendar and attach a personalized note of appreciation to an
unknown service man or woman who is currently stationed overseas and won't
be home to celebrate the holidays with their friends and family. Hooters
will take care of the postage and ship these calendars out to bases
overseas.
"This event is a way for Hooters and the Ontario-area community to show
support to the troops who are defending our country," said Alexis
Aleshire, public relations manager for Hooters of America. "Being away
from home during the holidays is tough and Operation Calendar Drop is our
way of sending season's greetings to those overseas."
Over the past three years, Hooters restaurants across the country have
shipped over 60,000 Hooters Calendars to troops overseas during the
holidays through the effort.
For more information on Operation Calendar Drop, please visit:
* Ontario Hooters, located at 725 North Milliken Ave, or call 909/989-2209
I was drinking a copy of coffee at the Starbucks on Milliken Avenue the other day when a colleague pointed out a flier announcing Inland Empire Idols, a singing talent search.
The show itself will be on Jan. 9, 2009 at Colony high school but organizers have already begun holding auditions.
Purchase ticket from any Colony Choir or Dance Team member or pick them up from Flamingo Palms Cuban Resturant @ 9223 Archibald Ste. #H Corner of 6th
There is more infor on myspace.com/inlandempireidol
From Colony's theater department:
A cold hearted man!
Mysterious Ghosts!
A journey of the past!
A visit of the present!
A glimpse of what's to come!
That's right! Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is coming to Colony High School's Theater! The show runs from December 4th to the 13th. Tickets will be on sale at both lunches at the box office starting December 1st. Prices are $7.00 w/ASB, $8.00 w/o, and $10.00 at the door.
Come out with the whole family to see this wonderful holiday tradition
Next week the ABC reality show, Dancing with the Stars will kick off their tour featuring Lance Bass in San Diego, Dec 17. The following night Bass and the celebrities will be heading down to Ontario's Citizens Business Bank Arena on Dec. 18 for a show.
Here is some information from a release about who will be there:
The fourth Dancing with the Stars tour features an entirely new ensemble of the most popular and exciting competitors from the hit ABC show, including celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton and Maurice Greene from Season 7, as well as Marlee Matlin from Season 6. Joining the celebrities on tour will be some of the show's most beloved and professional dancers including Mark Ballas, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Alec Mazo, Lacey Schwimmer, Edyta Sliwinska, Karina Smirnoff and Fabian Sanchez.
The fourth Dancing with the Stars - The Tour is once again produced by BBC Worldwide America, AEG LIVE and Front Line Management Group. The two-hour show features a larger-than-life recreation of the TV show's actual stage and set design.
For more information visit www.DancingWithTheStarsO
The theme for this year's Kaiser Permanente parade entry will be "Propel Your Dreams," which is a colorful and imaginative flying vehicle powered by inspiring children who cycle, row, and jog above floral clouds of solid roses. The images and the riders represent the importance of exercise and lifestyle in achieving and maintaining total health, a central theme of Kaiser Permanente's ongoing "Thrive" message.
With the aviation theme it is appropriate that one of the 14 riders is from Ontario.
Nikita was hospitalized at the age of two where she was hospitalized and nearly died, it was then that she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
She has gone through chemotherapy and several other treatments and was declared cancer-free three years after her diagnosis.
At the age of 14, Nikita and her family are doing their part to help find a cure by participating in fundraising activities sponsored by groups like the American Cancer Society.
The choir, under the direction of Sheri Nelson, will perform at the noon holiday luncheon at the Ontario/Montclair YMCA, 215 W. C St. Ontario
Reservations or information: (909) 593-1786.
This is a release I received from the Ontario Salvation Army
Every day new families walk into Salvation Army centers asking for help, people we have never seen before. They tell us of job layoffs, work hours reduced, a mortgage or rent they cannot pay and worries about putting food on the table for their children. Seniors are telling us they have lost their retirement savings. Single moms are wondering how they will provide Christmas for their little ones.
As need increases, The Salvation Army is seeing a decrease in monetary donations. As of December 5, giving in this region is down 21%. In dollars, the Army is $279,000 behind where it was this time last year.
"We are worried because we see a community is in crisis," says Salvation Army Envoy Abel Tamez, "We are launching OPERATION CODE RED to alert all of Ontario to the increased need and ask their help."
Since 1887, The Salvation Army has been at work in this region through wars, depressions, epidemics, and countless disasters.
The Ontario community is known as a place where people don't just talk about giving - they give to care for others. For information about how to help, go to the divisional website: www.inlandempire.salvationarmy.org. Call 1 866 I'll Help (866 455-4357). Mail monetary donations to: The Salvation Army, 2320 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
You may also reach the Envoys Tamez via e-mail:
Abel.Tamez@usw.salvationarmy.org
Naomi.Tamez@usw.salvationarmy.org
or by calling The Salvation Army Ontario Corps Community Center 909 986-6748
Choirs from Chaffey, Colony, Fontana, Jurupa Valley and Ontario high schools will perform in the 16th annual choral competition sponsored by the Oremor Automotive Group.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt will serve as master of ceremonies.
Performances will begin at Ontario Dodge at 6:30 p.m., Empire Nissan at 7 p.m. and Romero Mazda/Buick/Hyundai at 7:30 p.m., at which time the audience will vote on their favorites and prizes will be awarded.
The auto center is off the 15 Freeway at Jurupa Avenue. Information: amy@oremorautomotivegroup.net or (909) 563-7708.
Creekside Ranch Little League, located in South Ontario, will be holding their 2009 Spring Season sign-ups for Boys and Girls ages 5 - 16. Little League age is determined by the player's age as of 4/30/09.
Sign-ups the following locations, times and dates:Archibald's Restaurant - 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. on Dec. 10, Jan. 7 and 14, 2009.
Creekside Park (located at the corner of Riverside Drive and Turner Ave) - 9:00am - noon on Dec. 06, Dec. 13, and Jan. 10, 2009.
An Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate and three proofs of residency is required at sign-up.
For more information visit our website at www.CREEKSIDERANCH.org; Eddie Gomez (909) 731-9578 and Kim Peraita (909) 868-8399 can also answer any questions.
ONTARIO - Roz Jones' 9-year-old daughter, Cameron Brown, doesn't have much time to live.
But Jones said she knows if she feels sorry for herself, she'll miss out on valuable time with Cameron.
"I'll have plenty of time to fall apart when I no longer have time with her," she said.
Two years ago, doctors found a mass over a third of Cameron's brain.
Within three days of being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, she had two surgeries. In a span of 21 days she went through four surgeries to drain fluid as well as to try to remove the mass.
During the first surgery, Cameron began to hemorrhage and doctors decided to stop and allow the family to say their goodbyes, Jones said.
But Cameron defied expectations and recovered.
Since then Jones, of Chino, has been at the side of her daughter for each one of her five surgeries and the rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.
To make matters worse, Jones recently lost her job, and as Cameron's health continues to deteriorate, the money from unemployment checks will not cover the medical costs.
On Saturday, five of Cameron's "aunts," all friends of Jones, will hold a fundraiser in Ontario. The money raised will go toward a trust fund to pay bills and future burial costs, said Linda Gutierrez, a longtime friend of Jones.
The women - Gutierrez, Erma Tapscott, Donna Hurlburt, Elizabeth Webster and Angela Cazares - have spent many hours drumming up donations from the community for the event.
"There's nothing I wouldn't do for Cameron," Tapscott said as she wiped away tears. "I wish I could do more. It's small in comparison to what I wish I could do."
The gathering Saturday will be anything but somber, Gutierrez said.
From Starbucks gift baskets to large Coach purses, the public is invited to stop by and bid on any of the items or purchase raffle tickets.
How to help
If you are interested in learning more, call (909) 565-8944 or make a donation to Bank of America, 40 W. Foothill Blvd., Upland; attention: Pat Obezo.
Saturday's fundraiser will start at 6 p.m. at 1843 S. Almond Ave., Ontario.
HO! HO! HO! Bring your family to have Breakfast with Santa at the Westwind Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 13. The event will be served between 10 a.m. until noon.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, participants will create a holiday craft and have the opportunity to purchase a memory photo with Santa for just $2. Attendance is limited so register ASAP!
For more information call the Armstrong Center at 395-2020 or the Westwind Community Center at 930-3346.
The event will be at Westwind Community Center, 2425 Riverside Dr. Ontario
Chances are if you stop by the Salvation Army's Ontario Corps Community Center you will find Ron Barksdale, 57, behind the piano. Barksdale, a Rancho Cucamonga resident was recently named the gospel arts music director.
Prior to working for the Salvation Army he performed alongside entertainers like Tina Turner, Barry White and Rick James.
As the new director Barksdale said he would to teach children how to play instruments and encourage kids to become skilled in the arts.
"It will encourage their creativity and their world view. Learning music requires discipline, they have to be accountable. It's the same thing as being in sports they have to prepare and practice," he said.
Barksdale said in order to start a community band he needs the community's help on instrument donation.
These are the instruments we're looking for to really get our music program off the ground:
Ontario Salvation Army Gospel Arts Music Program Instrument Request
RHYTHM
-
Electronic Keyboard - 88 key, weighted keys w music stand, self amplification, acoustic pianos okay.
-
Electronic drum set - foot pedal, and drum seat, acoustic drum set okay.
-
Guitar - prefer electric hollow body, solid body okay.
-
Guitar Bass - prefer solid body, hollow body okay.
-
Guitar Amps - prefer small, light weight, regular amps will do.
BRASS
-
Trumpets
-
Coronets
-
Trombones
-
Euphonium
-
Tuba
WINDS
-
Flute
-
Clarinet
-
Saxophone
-
Tenor
-
Alto
-
Soprano
-
Baritone
STRINGS
-
Violins
-
Violas
-
Cellos
-
Bass Violin
RECORDING
-
Computer Recording Programs
a. Reasons
b. Cubase
c. Microphones
d. Mixing board
Contact Music Director: Ron Barksdale - Music Director: 909 -986-6748 ext. 1204
For early risers who want to help those in need this holiday season, Ontario Mills is the place to be Friday morning.
In support of the 16th annual "Spark of Love" Toy Drive, ABC7's Garth Kemp and KFRG 95.1 will be on hand in the parking lot near Krispy Kreme, from 4 a.m. <NO1>cq<NO>until 6 p.m. to collect new, unwrapped toys and games for underprivileged children.
The hope is to fill a Omnitrans bus which will be include Omnitrans employee Michael Donato, dressed as Santa.
Rolling up in a customized "reindeer-mobile" driven by his wife Dianne, also a coach operator, Mike volunteers his time and signature good cheer at several other Inland Valley events for
children.
"It's my favorite time of year, and I'll do anything for kids," says Mike, who begins growing his beard during late summer and suffers through an annual coloring session to become St. Nick.
He will also appear at a similar toy drive Dec. 13, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 4001 Hallmark Parkway, San Bernardino. Information: (818) 863-7777.
The Kiwanis Club of Ontario Parkway will be on hand to allow youngsters to selected up to three free books, part of the club's recent program of encouraging reading among young people.
In addition, the club will be offering pictures with Santa at a cost
of $5 for two 5x7 prints. The Kiwanians will also be available beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday to
sell coffee and doughnuts to the vendors. The coffee is being provided by the DoubleTree, Hilton and Marriot hotels.
On August 5, the Council approved a resolution committing the City to an estimated $24.26 million towards three grade separation projects at Milliken Avenue north of Airport Drive, Milliken Avenue north of Mission Boulevard, and Vineyard Avenue north of Airport Drive.
But at Tuesday's meeting they will rescind that resolution. The council is expected to pass a new resolution to fully fund City participation costs of the highway-railroad grade separation projects at Milliken Avenue north of Airport Drive, Milliken Avenue north of Mission Boulevard, Avenue north of Airport Drive, and Archibald Avenue north of Mission Boulevard; and authorize the City Manager to execute the baseline agreements, amendments and other associated documents to secure Trade Corridor Improvement Fund (TCIF) funding for the projects from the California Transportation Commission (CTC).
The staff report states:
This action commits the City to fully fund its participation costs for four grade separation projects which are integral to the improvement of the City's vehicular traffic flows and goods movement. Over $253 million is required to complete these four projects; however the City's participation costs are estimated to be $48.893 million which is less than 20% of the total projects' costs. That amount will be further reduced after negotiations with the railroad are completed under separate agreements and the railroad's share of bridge construction costs is identified for three of the projects.
I noticed in the agenda for Tuesday's meeting that outgoing councilmember Jason Anderson will be given some time to share some parting words.
Anderson lost his reelection bid at the Nov. 4 General Election, he has served on the council for the past eight years.
That the City Council will decide whether to purchase a mobile fire apparatus driving simulator. The agreement would be from FAAC, Inc. of Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the amount of $470,868 and the CMAS Administration Fee of up to $8,866.
The report to the council states:
In June 2008, included in the Third Quarter Budget Report, the City Council approved the acceptance of a grant award from FEMA in the amount of $485,000. The Federal share is 80 percent or $388,000 of the approved amount with a 20 percent or $97,000 share cost provided by the City of Ontario in conjunction with the other four West End Fire Agencies: Chino Valley Independent Fire Protection District, Montclair Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District and Upland Fire Department. Each Agency contributed $16,167 with the remaining $16,167 provided by the West End Fire and Emergency Response Commission (WEFERC).
The useful life of the simulator is approximately 10 years. At this time, the City does not plan to use City resources to participate in the future replacement of the simulator. The replacement of the simulator will be contingent upon WEFERC security additional grant funding.
