January 2009 Archives

Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Ontario, invites you to bring your ideas, questions and concerns about legislative issues to her open house.

Stop by for a cup of coffee with Torres from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at the 61st Assembly District office, 822 N. Euclid Ave., Suite A., Ontario.

Torres represents the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario and Pomona.

Information: (909) 984-7741 or to RSVP: www.assembly.ca.gov/torres

I got a call from Linda Sierra a parent of Grace Yokley Middle School band student. She was calling to inform me that the band was going to be hosting Feast Festival this Friday. The event is a dinner and silent auction which will also include performances by members of the band. The event is open to the public and tickets are $13 at the door.

Here is a release I received about a blood drive at Ontario Main Library

LifeStream, the new name for the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, invites all healthy residents to give the gift of life on Feb. 5 from 1 to 7 p.m. at City of Ontario Library, 215 East "C" Street in Ontario.

Below is an image of people enjoying Snow day at Westwind Park last year.

A free workshop on water conservation is being sponsored by Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) and the California Department of Public Health, Drinking Water Technical Support Unit on Feb. 5. The workshop, will help to train small water system operators and other personnel to develop realistic budgets for realistic rates.
The workshop will explain how water conservation policies affect budgeted revenue, and different ways that water rate structures can incorporate water conservation.
Participants will use practical, hands-on exercises to help develop realistic budgets that include adequate reserves and are the basis for realistic rates.
To determine if your rate structure adequately covers your costs, attendees are asked to bring the following information for your system:
-Number of service connections
-Amount of water sold or delivered
-List of current expenses or current budget
-Your current rate structure
Individuals interested in attending the free workshop are asked to pre-register online at www.rcac.org under Trainings and Events/California Drinking Water Trainings or by calling RCAC's Mark Wiseman at 916-447-9832 ext. 1029.
Class sizes are limited. The class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with an hour-long "on your own" lunch. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
The workshop is on Feb. 5 in Ontario at the Hyatt Place Ontario Mills.

The Ontario Planning Commission will start their Tuesday meeting by handing out Presentation of Design Awards. The two buildings being recognized are the American Career College building and the Ontario Towers Phase 1 office and retail building.

The American Career College was developed by the college and the architect is Fernando Calderon with LPA. The Ontario Towers building was developed by Peter Vanderburg with PGP Partners, Inc., the architect is Darrel Fullbright with BPA Architects.

Among the items the commission will be discussing is the revision of a tract map to subdivide 37 acres into 143 residential lots within the low density residential area of the West Haven Specific Plan. The project will be on the northeast cornir of Turner Avenue and Schaefer.

The commission will also decide whehter or not to approve a plan to construct a 3,000 square foot fast food restaurant as well as them to operate a drive-through lane. The restaurant will be on the west side of Haven Avenue, south of Philadelphia Street.

The planning commission will meet on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers, 303 E. B Street, Ontario. 

 

Citizens Business Bank Arena will be mixing up its musical lineup in the next couple of months to include rappers and Latino performers.

Rapper Pitbull and hip hop artist Baby Bash on March 24 will perform at the arena.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this morning.

The concert will provide a couple of firsts for the arena. The show will be the first time that the arena will host performers outside of the country and rock genres as well as multiple acts in one night

The Hollywood Live promoted concert will be called "March Madness" and will also feature performances by E-40, MC Magic and Lala, arena spokeswomen Sue Oxarart said.

"We anticipate it to be a popular show and for it to sell out," Oxarart said.

To date, the arena has had success with several of its concerts. Performances by pop singer Carrie Underwood and heavy metal band Metallica sold out, Oxarart said.

"So far we've received a great response," Oxarart said. "This type of entertainment venue in the Inland Empire is something we've all needed for a long time," Oxarart said.

The city-owned, 225,000-square-foot arena in the 4000 block of Ontario Parkway can hold up to 11,000 seats, depending on how a stage is set up, she said.

Oxarart said the arena will be bringing in more acts to attract different audiences.

Earlier this month, arena officials took notice when San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in Highland held a sold-out show featuring Mexican recording artist Jenny Rivera.

Oxarart said the arena is working to host two different shows in the near future with a well-known Latin performer and a variety of Latino acts. Additional details were not provided.

In the next year, arena officials will look to put on more shows to draw in the Latino community such as boxing and rodeos, she said.

"It's not only us. The promoters and agents know its a great site and are contacting us," Oxarart said. "We're on their radar too."

 

 

March Madness" tickets can by purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Citizens Business Bank Arena's box office at 4400 E Ontario Center Parkway in Ontario.

Tickets go on sale today.

Here is a release I received about Assemblymember Norma J. Torres, who represents the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario and Pomona, being assigned to the following committees:

Aging and Long Term Care Committee, where she is Vice-chairperson;

Banking and Finance Committee;

Government Organization Committee;

Human Services Committee;

Insurance Committee; and

Rules Committee.

"Committees are where the detailed work of legislating is done.  I am very pleased that the Speaker has given me assignments to committees where issues of great significance to the people of my district will be addressed," Assemblymember Torres said.

"Banking and Finance and Insurance will enable me to address issues related to the homeownership crisis we face, and the hardships many people are experiencing with their personal finances.  Businesses that are facing the credit crunch and their lenders will also come before the Committee to work on the public policy issues related to the financial crisis.

The Governmental Organization Committee hears a number of issues and measures related to our district, including disaster assistance and government agency responsiveness.  Human Services and Aging Committees address the multitude of agencies and programs related to the provision of care to vulnerable individuals and communities," she continued.

The Rules Committee is the organization that controls the flow of legislative business.   "It is a great honor to be assigned to this important committee as a freshman member," Torres said.

I know there is a lot of buzz about the Oscars especially since nominations were just released. So I thought I'd let you know that "The Wrestler," which is nominated for best actor and best supporting actor will be at the Edwards Ontario Palace 22 & IMAX.

They are also showing the Dark Knight there. For times visit the Edwards website.

Edwards Ontario Palace Stadium 22 & IMAX

4900 E. 4th St.
Ontario, CA 91764
(909) 476-1525

Grace Yokley Middle School before

I got a call from Ontario resident Carlos Moreno today with Creekside Ranch Little League. He tells me that "members of Creekside Ranch Little League in active partnership with Grace Yokley Middle School have been busy in since the holiday break replacing the baseball infield for opening day ceremonies in March."

Moreno said Creekside Ranch Little League is holding tryouts and signups this Saturday and Jan 31starting at 9:30 a.m. 

Visit www.CREEKSIDERANCH.org or call (909) 731-9578.

Grace Yokley Middle School after

At Tuesday night's meeting the council and the Ontario Police Department recognized several residents for their participation in National Night Out.
The event, which was held last August is a time for residents to "join forces to promote crime prevention awareness," said Cecilia Higgins, with the department.
With the effort of several new National Night Out gatherings, Higgins said the city had 15,000 more households participate.
Some of the new areas included LA/Ontario International Airport, Ontario Mills Mall and DeAnza Park.
Higgins told everyone in attendance to set their calendars for the next National Night Out on Aug. 4
"You will hear about it and it will be back here before you know it," she said.

Ritmo Latino, a Mexican music store that sold books, movies
and music closed Monday and will be replaced by T-Mobile next month.
Mareya Chavarria, district manager, said, "the economy and the music
industry" were factors in the store's closure. Music consumers are
making their purchases online now, she said. The store's owners were
unable to pay the necessary bills to keep the store open with a
decrease in sales.
Ritmo Latino's Ontario location was opened 13 years ago and sold "all
types of music" from Latin, Salsa, to Jazz, Chavarria said. The
store's Fontana location, which opened three years ago, is still open
for business.


wendy.rubick@inlandnewspapers.com

It came to my attention that the City of Ontario and Los Angeles World Airports is holding a reception later on this week in hopes of convicing Interjet, one of Mexico's low-cost airlines, to fly out of LA/Ontario International Airport.

The letter I received said Interjet "is exploring the possibility of launching new nonstop service from LA/Ontario to Mexico. Service could begin this year.

The news is significant for the airport who loss 30 percent of their flights last year with the departure of Jet Blue and Express Jet, as well as Southwest Airlines.

The cuts are on top of Express Jet 's announcement in July that it will pull the plug on 22 flights Sept. 1, and Jet Blue 's announcement of ending its only flight out of Ontario International on Sept. 2.

The Ontario Elks Lodge, will host their 50th Anniversary with a special dinner on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1150 W. 4th St, Ontario.
This dinner will celebrate the 50th years they have been at the location on 4th st. The Lodge will be open to members, guests and all people in the community and will feature a rollback of prices to as close as they can make it to 1959.
Dinner will be gourmet hamburger or gourmet hot dog, beans, potato salad and home made desserts. (for $5.50 per person.) Retro 50's music for your enjoyment and dancing.
For more information contact Stephanie Bustamante at (909) 472-4062 or Jim Bustamante at (909) 728-3201 for tickets.

During the early part of February, Inter Valley Health Plan (www.IVHP.com), a non-profit Medicare Advantage Organization, is inviting seniors from around the community to attend their Silver Screenings with TV legend Tom Hatten. Hatten, a veteran radio, film and television personality best known as the long-time host of The Popeye Show and Family Film Festival on KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles in the 1960's, 70's and 80's, will be on to introduce this first run movie, and offer many interesting facts about its production and its stars.

 

MONDAY, FEB 9 at 9:00 a.m.

"NEW IN TOWN" starring Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr.

Edwards Theatre, 4900 E. 4th St (next to Ontario Mills Mall), Ontario

RSVPs are required for this event, while seats last. Please direct interested parties to 888-406-2354 (TTY/TDD 800-505-7150).

A community meeting/public hearing will be held on Jan. 29 to get public input from residents, non-profit public service organizations and other public agencies about the needs of the community. The information received will be used by the City's CDBG, HOME, and ESG Programs.
At the meeting the City will hand out applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public service activities and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG).
For questions contact Ms. Katryna Gonzalez, Project Manager, with the City of Ontario Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Agency at (909) 395-2322.
The meeting will be 6 p.m. at the Ontario Housing Agency located at 208 West Emporia Street, Ontario.

I got a call from a man by the name of Brian with Ontario Church of the Nazarene. He was calling to tell me that members of the Working Witness Team were going to be out to Jericho Outreach Mens home in Chino for a "little act of faith."

The team will be heading out there Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and begin their clean up. The group will help with clean up, upgrade wiring and install new flooring.

I will ask Brian for some photos  and provide you with an update.

I had heard that Cost Plus World Market at the Ontario Mills Mall was going to be shutting down. Then today I was flipping through the pages of the Daily Bulletin to see an add advertising the demise of the Ontario store.

"Total inventory blowout," the ad stated. Apparently they have to sell more than $1.4 million worth of inventory. But then I read on "entire store is one sale," and it made me wonder what that would cost.  Anyways, just thought you might want to stop by and check out those deals.

The store is located at Cost Plus World Market, 4421 Mills Circle, Ontario

A reader by the name of Betty e-mailed my colleague Wendy Leung the other day to let her know that a Fresh and Easy was going to be coming to Ontario. The market will be opening up this month or next at Philadelphia and Euclid and it is across from Food 4 Less, she stated.

I went to Fresh and Easy's web site but I could not find out a specific date. When I do I will let you all know.

 

This is a release that I received from the New Apostolic Church

 

A free piano concert will be given by Robert Sage on a White House piano owned by President Calvin Coolidge that was restored and donated to the church.

The free concert be on Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at New Apostolic Church, 430 W. "I" Street, Ontario.

Hailed as "a true master of the keyboard," Sage has performed throughout the United States and Europe and has been a semi-finalist in a number of international piano competitions, including the Bachauer in Utah, the Concert Artists Guild in New York City, and the Busoni and Pozzoli competitions in Italy.

Sage is a professor of music at Azusa Pacific University, director of music at St. John's Episcopal Church in La Verne, and director of music for Lyric Opera of Los Angeles.

The Mason & Hamlin piano he will be playing was built in 1909 and was played by First Lady Grace Goodhue Coolidge in the White House during her husband's presidency from 1923 to 1929.

The piano was owned by Kathryn Coolidge, who was married to the president's nephew, when it was acquired and restored by Jens Witter of Tucson, Ariz.

For more information, contact Kevin Theilacker at (909) 983-5577.

Christian Okoye, former Kansas City Chiefs all-pro running back is hosting the Ontario Mills 5k/10k on Jan. 24. the event will benefit at-risk children in the Inland Empire.

Runner packets will be available for pick-up at the north east entrace of the mall on Jan 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the race day until race begins. Photo ID is required for registration.

The race will be on Jan. 24 at 7 a.m. around the Ontario Mills Mall. Registration is $30 and $35 on race day.

Entry form is available at www.okoyefoundation.org

For more information call (909) 481-3541 or e-mail support@okoyefoundation.org.

 

The Ontario City Main Library will host a new traveling exhibition "Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery" at the Main Library, from Jan. 26 through March 27, 2009. 

Visions of the Universe uses dramatic imagery from Galileo's observations to the Hubble Space Telescope and other space missions to show how our understanding of the universe has changed over the last four hundred years.  The exhibition vividly illustrates planets, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and discusses the size and scale of the universe in both space and time.  Visions of the Universe is part of the International Year of Astronomy, a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture.

The Ontario City Library was one of 40 sites in the United States, and the only one in California to receive this award.

The exhibition is sponsored by the American Library Association, Chicago, IL (ALA), the Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD (STSci), and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, MA.  The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provided funding for this project.

The Ontario City Library will be offering free programs and other events in connection with the exhibit.  Please call (909) 395-2004 or visit the library's website www.ci.ontario.ca.us/library for more details.

Ontario Main Library, 215 East C Street, Ontario

 

I received an e-mail from Ontario High School informing about about a baseball camp being planned by the school and alumnus, Mike Sweeney in memory of Michael Ortiz.

Sweeney,a Kansas City baseball player, will be hosting a baseball camp on Saturday Feb. 7, 2009. The camp is at OHS and will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All proceeds from the camp will be donated to the Ortiz fund that has been set up with the Chaffey Federal Credit Union.

Michael and his mother, Alicia Ortiz, were two of nine that were killed in the Christmas Eve masscare in Covina. Michael was a senior at the school and pitched for the baseball team.

The LA T-Birds will be coming to Citizens Business Bank Arena for a special matchup against the Renegades. The event is a benefit for the wildfire victims and will feature Liquid Blue in concert after the match.

Ticket prices range from  $19 to $35.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.cbbankarena.com

Madden Bowl Prep Play

Are you registered as one of the 16 players in our upcoming Madden Bowl? If so, stop by the library for some game play time to familiarize yourself with the game, controller and rules. Pre-registration is required. The pre-play will be at the Ontario Main Library on Tuesday, January 20 from 4 - 6 p.m. For more information or to register contact (909) 395-2225.

Madden Bowl

The bowl itself will be held on Saturday, January 31 at the library. This will be the first time the library has put together the Madden Bowl tournament. There will be three minute quarters with 16 brackets. Prizes will be awarded to Champ and Runner-up. The tournament will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This is the 55th season for the Inalnd Empire Community Concert Association which has already featured concerts by Michael Ryan and Deborah Johnson. Next month the Folk-rock band We Five will be performing as part of the series. Journey to good times with the band who created the 1960s hit "You Were on My Mind," which is led by co-founder Jerry Burgen, his wife Debbie, his son Chris, Terry Rangno and Ray Scantlin.

The concert will be on Sunday, February 8 at 2:30 p.m. at Gardiner W Spring Auditorium, 1245 N. Euclid Avenue, Ontario.

For more information contact Jennifer at (909) 463-4534 or visit www.inlandconcerts.org

Join all your friends from the Mary Kay Independent Sales Force and help create an evening that is fun and raises money for a terrific cause.
On Feb. 7, the players will be wearing PINK jerseys and fans will receive a collectable PINK hockey puck.
The entire evening will be a fundraiser around the color PINK and raising money for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation.
Your ticket will help with the fundraiser.
Tickets are only:
$12 Upper End seats
$17 Upper Center seats
$21 Lower End seats
$23 Lower Center seats
Mary Kay Ash Foundation Fundraising Number: 08-184 For Tickets, please call Tony Duran 909-941-PUCK.
For more information, please contact: Lisa Monforte (909) 985-5429 leadinglady@roadrunner.com

Creating Certainty in an Uncertain World, Water Resources Issues in California will be the focus for the annual conference for The Association of Ground Water Agencies American Ground Water on February 9 at the Ontario Convention Center.

The conference will feature panel discussions with several local water agencies participating as the moderators. Below is some of the line up.

Mike Sovich, assistant general manager of Three Valleys Municipal Water District in Claremont will be the panel one speaker which will focus on "Where will the Water Come From?"

Ken Manning with the Chino Basin Watermaster in Rancho Cucamonga will the moderator for the discussion on "New Administration/New Direction: Where does water policy fit in? This panel will outline all aspects of federal legislation to state water issues. It will also look at what to expect in the future from the administration in Washington D.C.

The keynote presenter will be the Lorri Gray, regional director, lower region of the Bureau of Reclamation US Dept of Interior.

Registration varies from $215 to $235. For more information contact (800) 423-7748.

A registration gorm is available online at www.agwt.org.

The City of Ontario Public Services Calendar has very useful information. Something popped up at me when I was changing the page to January. The calendar had a resolution for me.

So if you don't yet have a resolution, here is one offered in the calendar.

"A few changes in behavior like using a broom instead of a shose to clean sidewalks, can help save water for important uses like drinking, washing and cooking,"

Just before the Ontario Reign's game against Utah Grizzlies on January 17 guest will be instore for another treat.

What is being dubbed as the "Brawl for it All," is a hockey game featuring Ontario Fire Department  against the New York City Fire Department. The match starts at 3 p.m. while  the Reign's game begins at 7 p.m. One ticket will get you both games.
All proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

At Tuesday's council meeting both Mayor Paul Leon and councilmember Jim Bowman offered some advice to residents.

Bowman said that this the time for residents, given the economic downturn to come together and face "life with a positive attitude,"  along with the new year.

The new year is a great time for residents to set new resolutions and according to Leon, "2009 is going to be the best year."

 

At Tuesday's council meeting it was announced that Assemblywomen Norma Torres, D-Ontario, would be holding an open house at her District Office on Feb. 5 from 5 - 7 p.m. More information will become available as the date nears.

District Office
822 North Euclid, Suite A
Ontario, CA 91762
Tel: (909) 984-7741
Fax: (909) 984-6695

 The Ontario Convention Center has expanded its technology services to include webinars and webcasting. The Convention Center already offers VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), DS3 and Wi-Fi Internet services, so the addition is a natural extension of existing services.

A webcast is a streaming media technology and is a transmission of audio or video content over the Internet; essentially a broadcast. It is ideal for presentations and seminars because it's a single source of content that can be distributed to many listeners and/or viewers simultaneously.

By contrast a webinar or web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings or presentations over the Internet. Participants can join in via their personal computers and are connected to other participants. Interactions take place over the Internet and phone lines.

"Adding these to our existing services allows our clients greater flexibility," says Bob Brown, general manager and CEO of the Ontario Convention Center. "With budgets being cut, travel may not be an option for companies right now. This gives them a viable alternative to conduct their business without breaking the bank."

For more information, contact the Ontario Convention Center's Internet Services Specialist at (888) 385-6338.

 

Information courtesy of Ontario Convention center

Two memoiral funds have been established to help out the relatives of Michael and his mother Alicia Ortiz.

Michael, a senior at Ontario High School was the youngest victim in the Christmas Eve massacre in Covina.

Bruce Pardo, 45, of Montrose, distraught over his divorce, shot up the home where his ex-wife and her family had gathered. He then sprayed the house with flammable gas, authorities said.

Michael's mother, Alicia Ortiz of Upland, also died.

Pardo later fatally shot himself.

A Michael Ortiz memorial fund has been established through the Chaffey Federal Credit Union.  To contact them call (909) 986-4552 or (626) 968-932 or via e-mail at chaffeymail@chaffey.com.

The California School Employee Association Chapter 108 has set up fund at the Ontario-Montclair School Credit Union in memory of Alicia Ortiz, Michael's mother.

Alicia was an office manager at Vista Grande Elementary School, said Fred Murrillo, president of Chapter 108.

For more details please contact the Ontario-Montclair School Employees Federal Credit Union at (909) 983-1959 and speak with Madeline at ext. 214 or Anna at ext. 203. You can also send an email at mmontano@omsefcu.org.

 

As the NASCAR season gets underway, KFROG will be collaborating with Citizens Business Bank Arena for an event. On Feb. 19 KFROG will be hosting Fast Cars and Country Stars featuring a concert with country singer Jason Aldean.
Expect NASCAR drivers stopping by the arena that day to sign autographs, as well as cars on display, she said.
"It's a great connection, KFROG really understands this local market," said Sue Oxarart, spokeswomen for the arena.

A release from the California Democratic Party

 

 

The California Democratic Party will hold biennial elections for state Central Committee members from seven Assembly Districts throughout San Bernardino County on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 10 and 11.

   Individual Democrats are elected to become California Democratic Party Central Committee members every two years.  Each member is elected to represent their Assembly District for a two-year term.

   Twelve candidates, six men and six women, are elected from each Assembly District to become members of the state central committee.  The Central Committee of the California Democratic Party meets annually on the last weekend of April and is the general governing body of the state party.

   A new slate of officers will be elected to four-year terms at this year's convention.  A new Chair will be elected for the first time since 1996 to replace retiring Chair Art Torres.

   Anyone who was registered Democrat for last year's Presidential election is qualified to attend their local Assembly District meeting and vote.  Voters can find their Assembly District on the web at http://gispub.sbcounty.gov/sbcwebs/ROV_DL/search.asp.

   More information is available from the San Bernardino County Democratic Party website at www.sanbernardinodemocrats.org and the California Democratic Party's website at

http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.4816891/k.46D8/Assembly_District_Election_Meetings.htm

 

 

Assembly District 61: Sun., Jan.11, registration 12 p.m., meeting 2 p.m. at the Ontario-Montclair Teachers Association, 417 W. E St., Ontario.

Candidates: Joseph Beagley II, Aaron Burton, Annette Crowe, Samuel Crowe, Ric Curry, Virginia Curry, Jose Escobar, Carolyn Friedman, Anthony Granillo, Erin Jacobs, Judith Jacobs, Ahjamu Makalani, Gilbert McLeod, Vicky McLeod, Steven Rivas, Carolyn Rockwood, Robin Saunders, Roberto Sequeira, Mario Suarez, LouisTorres, Ronald Wall, Michael Weilein, Vivian Yoshioka.

This is information I received from Redeemer Luthern Church:

On Saturday January 17 at 1 p.m. Azusa Pacific's theater department will be performing "Archie and Emma: A True Love Story" at the church.  Archie and Emma is best described as a "Romantic Dramedy". A true heartwarming tale of two star-crossed lovers kept apart by events beyond their control. The story is the true account of the lives of the author's great grandparents, set in a small town in Indiana in the late 19^th century. Archie and Emma's love transcends their very different cultures and their sacrifices' for each other

Serves as an example for us of what real love looks like. Archie and Emma will inspire audiences of all ages.

 This is a free event suitable for all ages and open to the entire community.

For more information call the church office 909-985-2615 ext 105

After a break, City Hall will be opening their doors on Monday, January 5. When they open they will be back in business with the council meeting on January 6. Among the items they will be discussing is an ordinance to defer the monthly salary compensation for the City Council, city treasurer and clerk. The council meets at 6:30 p.m., Ontario City Hall, 303 East B Street, Ontario.