July 2009 Archives
As you may know by now, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town through Saturday at Citizens Business Bank Arena. On Monday, several of my colleagues watched as the circus organizers walked 11 Asian elephants and several horses from their trailers to the arena.
Jessica Chou was able to take some video footage of the trek.
Elephants on Haven from Jess Chou on Vimeo.
Do you have a classic car you would like to show off?
Want to win prizes and just have a good time?
On August 29 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold its Lifeguard Youth car show. The entry fee is $25, and includes a t-shirt and a lunch ticket. ($5 extra for XL or larger t-shirts). There will be food, games, and activities for all ages. Proceeds are going to help fund our youth National Youth Gathering trip to New Orleans in July 2010. Redeemer is located at 920 W. 6th Street in Ontario. For more information or an entry form contact Shelly in the church office: 909-986-2615 ext 105.
Redeemer Lutheran Church and Schools will be having a rummage sale the weekend of Sept 11th and 12th from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.. So start cleaning out those closets and garages. Contact Nicole Lane at lanebilling@verizon.net or (909) 900-2730 if you have any questions. Also, if you have any electronic items, the church will be having an electrical recycling drive Aug 15 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m..
Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, has selected Impression Gourmet Catering in Ontario as small business of the year for the 31th Senate District.
The company, was founded in 1983 by Sandra Forney. The company has continued to grow over the years and now brings in more than $1.5 million in revenues.
Aside from running the company, Forney is involved in various civic activities such as a member of the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Chaffey College Foundation Board.
"Sandra's company is the kind of business that makes a a community great," Dutton said in a statement. "Not only does Impressions provide jobs for local residents, but Sandy recognizes the value in giving back to the community and works hard at enriching the lives of those around her."
I got a call from staff at the Dorothy Quesada Community Center informing me about the blood drive going on there next week.
The 28th annual KLOS Blood Drive will be held from July 28, Tuesday through Aug. 1 at several locations in the Southern California including Ontario.
To schedule your appointment at one of the following KLOS Blood Drive sites call (800) GIVE-LIFE.
Blood drive hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 8 p.m.
The last day of the drive will be Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Quesada Community Center is at 1010 S. Bon View Ave.
Ontario native Brett Hutter is one of three players from Mt. San Antonio College who have been added to The University of Montana football team's 2009 roster.
Hutter was a starter at Mt. Sac last year at defensive end.
Hutter is a graduate of Ontario Christian High School where he lettered in football, soccer and baseball. He was also team captain in football and soccer.
Looking for something to do on a Tuesday night? Redeemer Lutheran Church and Schools will be hosting a Night Out here at the church. The theme is "Give Neighborhood Crime a Going Away Party!" Ontario PD will host the 23rd Annual Ontario Night Out throughout the city of Ontario. This night coincides with National Night out Against Crime.
The city of Ontario celebrates the evening with a series of neighborhood watch block parties and social gatherings throughout the city to celebrate the unity of the residents involved in neighborhood watch groups and also meet members of law enforcement, emergency services personnel and other city, county and state agency personnel. Neighborhoods participating will receive recognition and gift. The church will be grilling hot dogs and there will be other refreshments, possibly live Christian music, and prizes for the kids!
Release from Joe Baca's office:
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) announced he has received notice from the White House that the 43rd Congressional District will receive $48.8 million in funding for municipal bonds from H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was passed by Congress and enacted into law this February. Initial funding numbers were released by the White House this past June, but Congressional offices were only recently notified of an updated funding amount for Congressional Districts. This updated funding announcement totals $48.8 million for the 43rd Congressional District.
"The proper funding to support municipal bonds is absolutely essential to the economic recovery efforts in the Inland Empire," said Rep. Baca. "I am thrilled to receive the wonderful news from the White House that our area will receive over $48 million in bonding funds. In the midst of too many crippling state budget cuts, this money will be used to fund vital construction, transportation, and small business development projects that have the potential to create new, homegrown jobs and get our local economic engine moving again in Southern California."
The Economic Recovery Package enacted this February has already begun to have a positive impact in the Inland Empire. San Bernardino County has received approval for $49.1 million in federal recovery funds to widen the I-215 freeway, a construction project that is expected to create 8,000 jobs. In addition the County has received approval for $9 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development grants to create new low and moderate income housing and prevent homelessness.
The $48.8 million in municipal bonding funds to the 43rd Congressional District is broken down as follows:
· $17.6 million to the City of San Bernardino;
· $17.7 million to the City of Ontario; and
· $13.5 million to the City of Fontana.
"I thank President Obama for his aggressive action to right our economy, and applaud the White House for their leadership in getting this necessary funding out to our local communities in an expedient manner," concluded Rep. Baca. "With our national recession and our current state fiscal crisis, it is a moral imperative that we act to right our economy, create more jobs, and help working families survive these trying times. I am confident this funding for additional municipal bonds will help us achieve these goals."
The Chamber of Commerce's Breakfast Speaker Series will feature Chapman University College Professor William Shearer on Aug. 5.
Shearer, a local psychotherapist and a consultant to organizations and businesses, will discuss conflict resolution and ways to deal with pressures in a business environment.
The event will be held at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 5 at the Doubletree hotel in Ontario.
To register, call (909)984-2458.
sarah.jo@inlandnewspapers.com
More than 300 community members completed a training program with the American Red Cross Inland Empire Chapter last Saturday.
Instructors gave training presentations on how to respond to an emergency and oversaw exercises while participants learned how to recognize conscious and unconscious choking, symptoms of shock and heart attack and Adult CPR.
Many community members became certified in Adult CPR once completing the program held at the Citizens Business Bank Arena.
"Even if only one person uses the training they learned here today to save a life, then it was worth every effort," says Toni Callicott, the chief executive officer for the Inland Empire Chapter.
For more information, visit www.arcinlandempire.org.
Ontario Mills Mall will hold its Inland Empire Community Festival at the end of August.
The event's proceeds will benefit various charities under the Simon Youth Foundation & Friends.
The festival will be Aug. 28-30 at the Ontario Mills Mall.
Food from local vendors, live music, dancing and other community activities will be available. Children activities including arts and crafts, face painting, and magic tricks will also be provided.
Each day will have a different theme, ranging from country western, jazz and salsa styles.
Friday, Aug. 28, 5 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29, 12 - 10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30, 12 - 8 p.m.
For more information, call (909)275-7273 or e-mail info@iecommunityfest.com.
sarah.jo@inlandnewspapers.com
Ontario residents have until July 24 to register their neighborhood block parties for the city's National Night Out on Aug. 4.
The annual event is designed to bring awareness to local crime issues and strengthen the partnership between the community and city.
Residential parties that register could get prizes from local businesses and get a special guest visit.
Several local law enforcement agencies and organizations are planning to visit different block parties during the citywide event.
This year's theme is "Give Neighborhood Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party." The Ontario Police Department encourages residents and businesses to plan activities particularly for youth and teen involvement.
For more information, contact your neighborhood watch block captain or call (909)395-2093.
sarah.jo@inlandnewspapers.com
Press release from San Bernardino County
Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, located within the City of Ontario, was one of the largest customers of water resources in the City. Characterized by wide-open turf areas and two fishing lakes, the park uses approximately 326 acre feet of water per year.
With the scarcity of water resources making headlines coupled with the economic benefits, it made sense for the Regional Parks Department to pursue conversion to reclaimed water for irrigation purposes and the filling of its two lakes.
Interim Director of Regional Parks, Maureen Snelgrove said, "Utilizing reclaimed water will aid in conservation of a resource that is becoming more and more scarce. In addition, by converting to this method the County will recognize an annual savings of over $108,000 based on current water rates."
The Regional Parks administration began working closely with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) and the City of Ontario in 2007 to perform a retrofit conversion of Cucamonga-Guasti Parks' domestic to largely reclaimed water. The conversion is being accomplished in three phases: I. Construction of a recycled water main, recycled irrigation system and new potable water main; II.
Construction of a new potable water main and a new recycled main for the West side of the park III. Finalizing the connections. Work on the project began in 2008.
Concerns regarding protecting fish and waterfowl in the Parks' lakes were answered by implementing a dechlorination system. The majority of the system was activated on June 29, 2009 and final completion will take place in mid-August.
Only the irrigation system and lakes at Cucamonga-Guasti will utilize the reclaimed water system. Water for restrooms, drinking fountains, swim and slide complex and the zero depth water play park will continue to operate using domestic potable water.
San Bernardino County Regional Parks Department operates nine facilities throughout the County. In addition to Cucamonga-Guasti, Prado Regional Park in Chino operates its lake and irrigation system on reclaimed water. Regional Parks Department will pursue retrofit conversion opportunities at other parks where feasible.
A press release from Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey:
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOMSM, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion. It will be at the Citizens Business Bank Arena, July 29th-August 2nd
· Wednesday, July 29th 7:30pm
· Thursday, July 30th 7:30pm
· Friday, July 31st 7:30pm
· Saturday, August 1st 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm
· Sunday, August 2nd 11:30am, 3:30pm & 7:30pm
Tickets are $90 (Circus Celebrity), $65 (Front Row), $37.00 (VIP), $25, $20 and $15. All opening night seats are $12 except for Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For group rates and information, call (877) 234-8425. For more information on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® visit www.ringling.com.
A press statement from Congressman Joe Baca
Congressman Joe Baca, who represents the city of Ontario (D-Rialto) issued the following statement after attending the Senate confirmation hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor, for the position of Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. Baca attended the hearing as a Congressional guest.
"Today, I was truly honored to be present at the Senate confirmation hearing of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. I am proud to witness these historic proceedings, and support the nomination of such a qualified and distinguished individual to the highest Court of the land."
"Judge Sotomayor brings more federal experience than anyone nominated to the Supreme Court in the past 100 years, and more overall bench experience then anyone nominated in the past 70 years. Her nomination stands as definitive proof that the American Dream is alive and well, and in reach for everyone willing to work hard, play by the rules, and give back to society."
"As the first Hispanic to be nominated to serve on the Supreme Court - these Senate hearings are of course a source of great pride for the 49 million plus Hispanic Americans. But with her amazing legal background and extraordinary life experiences - I am confident Judge Sotomayor will serve as a strong voice for all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or gender."
"I applaud the Senate for giving Judge Sotomayor a fair and expedient hearing process. I believe that Judge Sotomayor will soon be approved as Associate Justice on the
Ontario has joined a list of cities in the state that have passed a resolution acknowledging that the city will be in severe fiscal hardship if the state takes away property taxes.
Ontario's resolution comes at a time when the city has already had to cut $8 million in programs, projects and the elimination of 57 positions.
The League of California Cities has put together the resolution and has more than 200 cities who are opposed to the idea oftaking taxes, said Eva Spiegel, spokeswomen for the League.
Ontario's resolution comes at a time when the city has already had to cut $8 million in programs, projects and the elimination of 57 positions.
The League of California Cities has put together the resolution and has more than 200 cities who are opposed to the idea oftaking taxes, said Eva Spiegel, spokeswomen for the League.
The association launched the Web site saveyourcity.net, which gives local officials and citizens the chance to voice their opposition, she said.
Here is the 48 second clip recorded by Ontario City Manager Greg Devereaux:
Raul Pinedo, (above right) an Ontario resident and member of REAL Ontario was featured on the front cover of Focus, the California School Employees Association magazine.
Pinedo, who lives in South Ontario, was featured in the magazine for the community work he has done at Monterey Hills Elementary School in South Pasadena.
A plant foreman at the school, Pinedo is requested to make presentations by teachers who are lecturing on the Old west era, the magazine states.
Pinedo has been requested because he is a modern day cowboy who owns horses and has even participated in the Mexican version of rodeos.
Even with state funding deteriorating, At Tuesday's city council meeting members decided to hold up its 19-year-old tradition of waiving fire department training center rental fees for the Baldy View Regional Occupational Program.
ROP provides high school students and adults with career preparation programs, one of which is fire technology.
The program helps train potential firefighters and "for the fire department an employee is typically a 30 year employee," said Chris Hughes, fire chief.
ROP uses the Ontario facility on Saturdays for basic fire fighter training and this joint agreement with the city has been in place since 1990. The city approves the fee waiver each year and updates the agreement, Hughes said.
The city is always looking for new sources of revenue, but charging ROP to use the facilities is like charging a school for having firefighters speak in front of a class, Hughes said.
"We don't charge a school to have a fireman come out to a school," Hughes said. "It's part of our community. I look at this as a community service."
christee.lemons@inlandnewspapers.com
I got an e-mail from the communication staff at UPS letting me know that the packaging company announced a carbon reduction goal.
The plan is to reduce the carbon emissions of its aircraft by 20 percent by 2020. UPS Airlines, the world's ninth-largest airline, accounts for 53 percent of UPS's carbon output.
They are also challenging the transportation and logistics industry to fully disclose its entire emissions data.
The announcements were made in UPS's 2008 Corporate Sustainability Report, which was released Tuesday.
In addition, UPS:
· Has prevented 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions by using low-carbon intensive transportation like rail.
· Has eliminated 100 million miles from its delivery routes since 2003 by using routing technology.
· Directed over $100 million in philanthropy to charitable organizations worldwide.
· Partnered with the UN and its competitors to improve disaster relief logistics.
To view the report go to:
www.responsibility.ups.com/sustainability.
Construction continues on the 15 Freeway, as does the monthly community meetings.
On Tuesday morning, Caltrans staff will be meeting at the Hyatt Place to meet with any local business owners about the ongoing construction.
The meeting is also an opportunity for local business owners to raise any concerns they may have.
The meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Place, 4760 Mills Circle in Ontario.
For information contact Caltrans at (909) 383-6291 or visit www.caltrans8.info
Eric Hopley, a 23-year veteran with the Ontario Police Department, officially became the Chief of Police Tuesday night.
With his family in attendance and several uniformed officers in the council chambers, Hopley received his badge.
"Thank you for being here," Hopley said. "It really means a lot for me."
Also in attendance was Upland Chief of Police, Steve Adams.
Born and raised in Upland, Hopley began his career as a police officer in Upland in 1983. Two years later, he joined the Ontario Police Department.
Prior to him being sworn in, Hopley received praise from the council members.
"We're pleased to have you in the position. You will serve this city well and your character precedes this position," Mayor Paul Leon said.
Councilmember Alan Wapner, who served with Hopley said he had the utmost confidence in him.
Debra Dorst-Porada, who in past council meetings has detailed her escapades during police ride alongs, offered to ride with him if he ever needed a partner.
I stopped by Gardiner Spring Auditorium Tuesday night to see how the production of Karousel Kids Inc.'s "Annie Jr" was coming along.
This week is not only "tech week," the grand opening of the musical will be this Friday.
Karousel Kids is a non profit organization based in Claremont and every year they put together a major summer production, said Alisa Allen, founder of the non profit and the production's director.
"It's exciting to see them come, grow and learn from the ones who have been here," Allen said.
Allen, who has been doing it on a volunteer basis for 32 years, said the key to their success has been the volunteerism from parents as well as industry professionals.
The 132 member cast ranges in age from 3 to 23, she said.
"This teaches them a sense of discipline and responsibility that will help them in the classroom," she said.
"Annie Jr" opens on Friday at 7:30 p.m. It will also show July 11-12 and July 17 through the 18 at 7:30 p.m. There are also 1 p.m. shows on July 11, 12 and 18.
Tickets will be $16 at the door and $15 in advance.
You may purchase tickets at Boon Companion, 145 Harvard Ave, in Claremont. Upland Goldsmith, 1623 N Mountain Avenue, Upland and at Glendora Dodge, 931 S. Lone Hill Avenue in Glendora.
For more information call (909) 626-5437.
For the past several months the City Council and the Planning Commission have been hashing out details and amendments to the proposed general plan.
Last week, the council made decisions on two contested items: keeping an area in south Ontario as agricultural zoning, and creating multiple land uses in two neighborhoods in the flight path.
Now, with the direction on those two items, the Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to make their final recommendations on the proposed general plan and an environmental report, said Jerry Blum, planning director.
This will be the Planning Commission's final meeting on the plan. It will then go to the council for discussion and approval, he said.
The commission will meet on Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at 303 East B Street, in Ontario.
A San Bernardino County Superior Court judge has ruled in favor of the City, stating the environmental analysis done for the Wal-Mart supercenter is sufficient and adequately outlines any health threats posed to residents.
Superior Court Judge Donald Alvarez, however, has ordered the city to conduct a new supplemental environment report on one issued raised: the project's traffic safety impacts at the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Fifth Street.
The site - which was once was home to a Target, Food 4 Less and Toys "R" Us - has been under contention by residents in the Ontario Mountain Village Association who are opposed to the city's decision to allow the discount store to come to the city.
"We have, by and large prevailed across the board in the Wal-Mart Case," said John Brown, city's attorney.
-read the entire story in tomorrow's paper
I got an e-mail from the communication staff at UPS letting me know that the packaging company announced its carbon reduction goal.
The plan is to reduce the carbon emissions of its aircraft by 20 percent by 2020. UPS Airlines, the world's ninth-largest airline, accounts for 53 percent of UPS's carbon output.
They are also challenging the transportation and logistics industry to fully disclose its entire emissions data.
The announcements were made in UPS's 2008 Corporate Sustainability Report, which was released Tuesday.
To view the report go to:
www.responsibility.ups.com/sustainability.
In addition, UPS:
· Has prevented 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions by using low-carbon intensive transportation like rail.
· Has eliminated 100 million miles from its delivery routes since 2003 by using routing technology.
· Directed over $100 million in philanthropy to charitable organizations worldwide.
· Partnered with the UN and its competitors to improve disaster relief logistics.
Ontario Elks Lodge #1419 won the "Community Service Trophy" at 4th of July Parade in Ontario.
Using a fire truck 40 years old, volunteers decorated it with red, white & blue. The fire truck was loaned to Ken Karnes, a retired fireman from Rancho Cucamonga, Firemans's Union. Congrats to the Elks.
