February 2011 Archives

UCLA could play at Ontario's Citizens Business Bank Arena

By Liset Marquez on February 24, 2011 8:05 PM | | Comments (0)
So Pauley Pavilion, the home of the UCLA Bruins basketball team, will be closed next season for renovations. Which means the Bruins are in search for a temporary location to play their home games.  
This is where Ontario's Citizen Business Bank Arena gets into the mix. The arena is one of several venues that are candidates to host the Bruins. Below is ESPN's story about the possibility of the basketball playing two game and exhibition game at the arena.

Hotel general manager earns national nod

By Liset Marquez on February 24, 2011 12:26 PM | | Comments (0)
Out of 500 Country Inn & Suites by Carlson worldwide, Ontario general manager Karen Pedersen was named "GM of the Year" for 2010.
Pedersen was handed the award last week during the hotel company's conference in Washington, D.C. Pedersen, who has been with the Country Inn & Suites by Carlson for more than 10 years, said she was shocked by the news.
"It was very nice," she said. "It's something nobody ever thinks they'll get."
Pedersen opened the Ontario hotel, near the Ontario Mills mall in December 2008, probably during the worst time in this economy, Pedersen admitted.
Despite the timing, the hotel has improved its occupancy rate.
"This could not have been earned by myself. It was earned by my staff," she said.
The key to the hotel's success, Pedersen said, has been providing great customer service to clients.

Bill would transfer control of Ontario airport to regional authority

By Liset Marquez on February 23, 2011 5:20 PM | | Comments (0)
Area state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would transfer control of L.A./Ontario International Airport from the city of Los Angeles to a regional airport authority.

The authority would reduce ONT's $67 million annual operating budget by streamlining operations and eliminating an $8.7 million administrative fee, said Senate GOP leader Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, who introduced the bill on Wednesday.

The bill mirrors efforts made in the past year by officials from Ontario. The city has been in negotiations with Los Angeles World Airports over the future management of the ailing airport.

Dutton introduced Senate Bill 446 in an effort to move discussions along between officials from Ontario and LAWA, which operates ONT under a 44-year joint-powers agreement.

"It's urgent that we break the stalemate between the two cities and speed return of the region's airport to local officials who can again make it affordable for airlines," said Dutton, a leader among Republicans in the state Senate on transportation issues.
Continue reading Bill would transfer control of Ontario airport to regional authority.

Ontario Mills Mall improvements begin

By Liset Marquez on February 23, 2011 5:13 PM | | Comments (0)
Marc Smith, center-left, general manager of Ontario Mills, listens to Ontario Mayor Paul Leon during a ceremony Thursday as construction starts on several enhancements to the mall. (Thomas R. Cordova/Staff Photographer)

ONTARIO - In these economic times, more businesses in the Inland Empire are either closing down or cutting services.

At Ontario Mills mall it is the opposite.

Thursday marked the start of more than $4.5million worth of improvements coming financed by the city and Simon Co., the owner of the mall.

These improvements include the relocation and expansion of Forever 21 and Burlington Coat Factory, plus the addition of Sports Authority. The project will include additional entrances, added parking spaces, and decorative landscaping to be completed in the fall.

The city's Redevelopment Agency will provide $4.5million for the project, Mayor Paul Leon said.

Simon Co. would not disclose the amount of its contribution, citing company policy, but Marc Smith, the mall's general manager, has described it as significant.

"It does bring an economic benefit to the city of Ontario and to its residents," Smith said.

The project continues the city's tradition as one of California's leading municipalities for economic growth and prosperity, Leon said.

"Ontario Mills has long been a major shopping and entertainment destination for the region. The work being done demonstrates the real value of the Ontario Redevelopment Agency to create more amenities for residents of our community and the region, boost job creation, and work proactively with our local businesses," he said.
Continue reading Ontario Mills Mall improvements begin.

Ontario shifts redevelopment funds to try to protect them

By Liset Marquez on February 23, 2011 4:18 PM | | Comments (0)

In an effort to secure its future redevelopment funds, the City Council has agreed to shift the obligation of redevelopment work and the payment of more than $335million in anticipated redevelopment funding to the city.

Ontario's action turns over responsibility for the Redevelopment Agency's participation in projects over a five-year span to the city. The funding is to be used for capital and public improvements, as well as building affordable housing.

Gov. Jerry Brown, who is facing a $25billion budget deficit, has proposed doing away with redevelopment agencies and diverting their funds - more than $5billion a year - to pay for basic services such as education and public safety.

"As we looked at the situation we felt this is a step we could use to continue to implement our project and programs," said John Andrews, the city's Redevelopment Agency director.

Andrews said the projects are vital to helping the city's economy recover by creating jobs.

As his staff report notes, the council's action "will contractually commit available resources and projected Net Tax Increment" from the city's redevelopment areas. Redevelopment funds that are contractually obligated presumably would be spared from state take-away.

In 2010, Ontario's agency received $49.7million from the state. Those funds were used toward the debt service on bonds the city has on existing redevelopment projects, Andrews said.
Continue reading Ontario shifts redevelopment funds to try to protect them.

Love is in the air

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 4:15 PM | | Comments (0)
Vammoncolette (1) (1).JPGalentine's Day was special for passengers and employees at LA/Ontario International Airport.
Ammon Becar surprised his girlfriend, Nicoleta Knapp with a late night proposal.
Becar, a Redlands resident, went against Knapp's wishes for the proposal, which were for it to not be made in public, not in front of family members and not on Valentine's Day.
"I had told him to not propose on Valentine's Day because I thought that would be too cheesy,' said Knapp, a Mentone resident. "But I loved it."
Becar said he knew he could pull it off.
"I wanted it to be different and something she never expected," he said. "I wanted it to be unique and unexpected."
The couple have only been dating for a month and half, but had discussed marriage, Becar said.
About three weeks before his fiancé left for a business trip in Connecticut, Becar said he contacted Delta Air Lines officials to see if they were open to the idea.
ONT staffers were able to get Becar a pass to greet his fiancé at the gate when she got off her 10 p.m. flight, he said.
From her seat on the plane, Knapp said she thought she had seen Becar hugging her mom in the airport's waiting area. But quickly realized it wasn't them.
Despite that, Knapp said she was still caught off guard when Becar was there with a box of chocolates and roses.
"The first thing I told him was 'What are you doing here?'" Knapp said.
Her other instinct was that he was going to propose to her, especially when he pulled out a box.
It turned out to be a heart-shaped necklace, she said.
As the couple walked over to the escalators and down to baggage claim, it was Becar who was getting nervous.
"As we both turned the corner before coming down, she saw the big banner and she jumped back," he said.
At the bottom of the stairs, in the baggage claim area, Becar's family members were carrying a banner with the marriage proposal.
The banner was also filled with heart-shaped messages from members of their families, he said.
It was then that Becar got on his knee and proposed.
Knapp admits that she was so nervous by it all that she never actually read the sign.
The couple celebrated by meeting up with her family at a nearby restaurant.
"Now Valentine's Day will have a special meaning," she said.

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Cupcakery to celebrate victory

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 4:10 PM | | Comments (0)
You read last week about Ontario-based My Delight Cupcakery winning all three categories at the LA Cupcake Challenge, one of the bigger cupcake competitions in the city.
The cupcake bakery won for the Late Night Breakfast cupcake entry, which is a waffle-flavored cupcake that is filled with a piece of fried chicken and topped with maple syrup flavored frosting and another piece of friend chicken.
Because it is a new flavor created specifically for the challenge it is not on the menu, said co-owner Naomi Moreno.
But on Sunday, fans who are on their social networking sites will be treated to a victory celebrate during their "Sunday Social," this weekend from noon until 5 p.m.
The first 150 customers get their choice of one of their winning flavors: Red Velvet OR Late Night Breakfast-Chicken & Waffles for free.
The first 25 customers will get a special giveaway.
There will also be a special cupcake menu, detail have not been released.
Besides the sweets, there will be a food truck, a DJ and a balloon twister.
The celebration will be held rain or shine.
For more information, call 909-988-4151.
My Delight Cupcakery is located at 1520 Mountain Avenue in Ontario.

John Valenzuela/Staff photographer
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Local artist to showcase work at Ontario art walk

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 4:04 PM | | Comments (0)
As part of the quarterly Emporia Arts District artwalk, the Latino Art Museum, on 119 W. Transit St., Ontario will be hosting the art of Ontario's own Rick Caughman this Saturday.
The show entitled, "View from the Street," are Caughman's paintings inspired by locations in the Inland Empire.
This is the first time the 53-year-old has showed his work at the museum, he said.
For the past five years, Caughman has held an annul show at the dA Center for the Arts in Pomona. But last year Caughman's home was damaged by a fire forcing him and his family to temporarily relocate.
Because of the issues at his house, Caughman said he ultimately decided not to do his annual show in Pomona.
Caughman, whose mother is Puerto Rican, was then invited to showcase his work by the museum's director, Graciela Nardi.
"It was a very nice thing to be offered," he said. "I accepted because I thought it would be a real treat to do the show."
Nardi selected the 20 pieces of art work that's going to be in the show, he said. Caughman's exhibit should be on display until Feb. 26.
There will also be other artists studios open that evening during the third Saturday art walk.
For more information about the Museum, click the link below. www.lamoa.net
Artist reception will be Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Refreshments and food will be served.

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Small Business of the month

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 4:03 PM | | Comments (0)
San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt wants to recognize small businesses who go above and beyond their call of duty, said Roman Nava, Small Business Liaison for the supervisor.
The chairman of the board of supervisors has created the program "Small Business of the Month," in which one business in Ovitt's district is recognized, Nava said.
The first business nominated was Montclair Florist, he said.
Nava said they will work with the three chambers in Ovitt's district but encourages the public to contact Ovitt's office with a name and the reason why they are nominating the business.
"At the end of the year there will be a Small Business of the Year," he said.

Capital in your Corner

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 4:02 PM | | Comments (0)
Vicki McLeod, field representative of Assemblymember Norma Torres, D-Ontario, was also at Ontario's City Council meeting Tuesday night.
She was there to let the public know about the upcoming "Captial in your Corner," on Feb. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Colony High School's Career Center.
McLeod reminded the public that the the meeting is not a townhall meeting but an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the assemblywomen on any issues they may be experiencing.
Colony High School is located at 3850 East Riverside Drive.

Mayor Leon named to board

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 4:01 PM | | Comments (0)
At the previous meeting, councilman Alan Wapner had suggested the council rethink who they nominate to fill the recent vacancy on the West Valley Mosquito & vector Control District.
Before introducing the item for discussion, Mayor Paul Leon chimed in with "I'm itching to find out what he has to say about that."
Traditionally, the council had filled the position by nominating residents, Wapner said.
But Wapner said he prefer that the council now fill the position with an elected official since its a policy-driven board, he said.
Wapner nominated Leon, which was then approved by the council.

IE fire departments plan charity tournament

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 3:58 PM | | Comments (0)
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Hoops for Hope basketball tournament is once again making its returned to the Inland Empire.
The Ontario Professional Firefighters(Local 1430) and Rancho Cucamonga Professional Firefighters(Local 2274) will be participating in the second annual Hoops for Hope basketball tournament at Los Oso High School on March 12.
Hoops for Hope is a basketball tournament with a five team format comprised of all of the West End fire agencies, playing in a single elimination.
Participants will include teams from Montclair Firefighters, Upland Firefighters, Chino Valley Independent Firefighters, Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters and Ontario Firefighters.
Hoops for Hope is a concept dreamed by Coach Dave Smith, Los Oso boys basketball coach, and Richard "Chip" Smith, battalion chief for Ontario Fire Department. Both were undergoing intense treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer, said Ontario Battalion Chief Jim Schiller in an e-mail.
"Both Dave and Chip dreamed of a series of basketball games to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and education," he said. "Unfortunately, Chip lost his battle on the very night of last year's tournament."
Schiller is asking the public to come and support Dave Smith and "help us to continue he and Chip's dream of Hoops for Hope and raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer."
Proceeds will be given to San Antonio Community Hospital' Cancer Education Center and City of Hope.
The tournament will be played at Los Oso High School located at 6001 Miliken Ave in Rancho Cucamonga. The first game will be at noon.
Additional information can be found at the web site HoopsforHope.info or call Deputy Chief Mark Hartwig of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department at 909-477-2770, or Battalion Chief Jim Schiller from the Ontario fire Department at 760-954-8635.

Upcoming production at Ontario High School

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 3:57 PM | | Comments (0)
Tonight marks the opening of the production "You're a good man, Charlie Brown," at Ontario High School.
The school production which will be performed this weekend and next weekend, is based on the "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles M. Schulz with book, music & lyrics by Clark Gesner.
But the production is special to the cast at Ontario High School because it marks the first time they will use the new digital sound system, which was recently donated by Gary Ovitt, chairman of County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors and Ontario resident.On Friday, the cast will honor Ovitt during the intermission of that evening's performance.
The musical will be performed Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and then pick back up again next Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
To reserve tickets, please call the box office at 909-460-5837, x2310. Please leave your name, phone number, date you would like to attend, and the number of tickets requested. A box office representative will contact you within 24 hours.
Ontario High School is located at 901 West Francis Street.

Annual spaghetti event

By Liset Marquez on February 16, 2011 3:54 PM | | Comments (0)
The Ontario Elks 18th annual Spaghetti Feed will be held on Sunday at the Elks Lodge 1150 W 4th Street in Ontario.
All you can eat for $6.
The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be a drawing for a laptop computer at 5 p.m. Raffle tickets are $5, winner need not be present. All funds go to The Elks' various charities.

Ontario cupcakery wins LA competition

By Liset Marquez on February 9, 2011 5:45 PM | | Comments (0)
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Los Angeles' best cupcake can be found in Ontario. Yes, you read that correctly.
Many of you might be familiar with My Delight Cupcakery in Ontario. The mother-daughter duo of Melinda and Naomi Moreno have made a name for themselves with their breakfast cupcake, even wining several competitions with the entry.
Well they've done it again but this time with a new flavor, the Late Night Breakfast cupcake.
The Ontario-based cupcakery swept all three categories at the LA Cupcake Challenge, one of the bigger cupcake competitions in the city.
"We're really excited," said Naomi, who comes up with the winning combinations.
So what does this winning entry taste like? I'm told it's like a maple syrup waffle, with a piece of fried chicken in the middle as well as topped with fried chicken.
This competition is nothing new to Moreno, last year's entry, breakfast cupcake, also won a top prize. This is the first time in the challenge's history that any bakery has paced first more than once, she said.
Judging for the Feb. 5Saturday's competition in Los Angeles was from members of the press and the 650 people in attendance, she said.
The bakery didn't know how well they did until the results were announced two days after, on Monday, Moreno said.
Because it is a new flavor created specifically for the challenge it is not on the menu, yet, she said.
Moreno hopes to have a special event celebrating the win by giving out a limited amount of the cupcakes later this month. Dates will be announced on the company's website as well as their social networking sites, she said.
The Ontario bakery beat out 34 other cupcake bakeries in the Los Angeles area for the award.
Here is the breakdown:
Best Traditional: 1st place for its Red Velvet cupcake.
Best Original: 1st place for its Late Night Breakfast cupcake.
Best Overall: 1st place for Late Night Breakfast cupcake.
Kudos to Melinda and Naomi Moreno.

These are images that Staff photographer John Valenzuela shot on Wednesday
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Blood donation at Crown Toyota on Feb. 17

By Liset Marquez on February 9, 2011 5:21 PM | | Comments (0)
Lifestream will be holding a community blood and marrow drive next Thursday at John Elway's Crown Toyota Scion at 1201 Kettering Drive, Ontario.
The drive will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donors receive Gift of Life Loyalty Points that may be redeemed in the online store at www.LStream.org. They may also register for Be The Match bone marrow screening at all donor locations free of charge or go to bethematch.org and use the promo code 92408.

Relay for Life kickoff party in Ontario

By Liset Marquez on February 9, 2011 5:20 PM | | Comments (0)
Volunteers, cancer survivors and community members are invited to the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life of Ontario Kickoff" on Feb. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Michael Angelo's Pizza, 2467 S. Euclid Ave. in Ontario. 
The purpose of the kickoff is to recruit volunteers and teams to participate in the 24-hour event, which will be held on May 14 and 15 at the Ontario Soccer Complex.
Volunteers are needed to assist on the planning committee, serve as team captains, and work with cancer survivors. 
"We invite the local community to join in this fabulous event, where we celebrate cancer survivorship, remember those we've lost to cancer and fight back against this disease," said Debbie Raymond, volunteer event chairwoman for the Relay For Life of Ontario.
"This is an opportunity for our community to get involved and fight back against cancer together." 
The Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event, held in more than 5,000 communities nationwide, to honor cancer survivors, educate participants about healthy lifestyles, and raise funds for cancer research.
Free patient services throughout the Inland Empire communities are available by calling the American Cancer Society 24 hours a day at 800-227-2345, or visiting the website at www.cancer.org. 
For more information about the Relay Kickoff, contact Debbie Raymond at 909-988-4907 or by e-mail at OntarioRelay@yahoo.com, or Jennifer Palmer of the American Cancer Society at 951-204-9257 or by email at Jennifer.Palmer@cancer.org, or visiting our relay website at www.relayforlife.org/ontarioca.

'Wheel of Fortune' rolls into Mathis Brothers

By Liset Marquez on February 9, 2011 5:19 PM | | Comments (0)
Think you've got what it takes to be on "Wheel of Fortune?"
Well, here's your chance to try to get on the game show. "Wheel of Fortune's" Wheelmobile, the show's promotional vehicle, will be at Mathis Brothers Furniture this Sunday in search of players who are energetic and enthusiastic.
Viewers who are interested in being a contestant on an upcoming episode are invited to attend.
Fans will have the opportunity to fill out an application, have his or her name drawn at random to play a simulated version of the game onstage, win unique prizes and be evaluated as a potential contestant for the broadcast version of the show.
Searches will be held at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with each show lasting about an hour. Everyone who attends the event will be able to submit an application. Participants will be selected to come to the stage and audition via a random draw.
The event will be held on the second floor of Mathis Brothers Furniture from noon to 4 p.m.
The store is at 4105 E. Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario.

Art walk in downtown set for next weekend

By Liset Marquez on February 9, 2011 5:18 PM | | Comments (0)
Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada, also known for her efforts to spruce up the downtown, is at it again.
She is encouraging residents to come out next weekend in support of the Emporia Arts District quarterly artwalk.
"Please help me put some energy back in our downtown. The Emporia Arts District is in the regeneration stage," Dorst-Porada said.
As part of the quarterly artwalk, the Latino Art Museum, on 119 W. Transit St., Ontario will be hosting the art of Ontario's own Rick Caughman.
The Latino Art Museum/ Ontario is in Ontario's original post office just behind of the current post office within the Emporia Arts District.
Caughman, whose mother is Puerto Rican, was invited to showcase his work by the museum's director, Graciela Nardi.
The show entitled, "View from the Street," are Caughman's paintings inspired by locations in the Inland Empire.
This is the first time the 53-year-old has showed his work at the museum, he said.
"The gallery space is absolutely terrific," he said. 
The Emporia Arts District is still in its early stages but there is room for growth, Caughman said.
There will also be other artists studios open that evening during the third Saturday art walk.
For more information about the Museum, click the link below. www.lamoa.net
Artist reception will be Feb. 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Superbowl Sunday helpers

By Liset Marquez on February 9, 2011 1:40 PM | | Comments (0)
Some last minute shoppers loading up on grocery for the Super Bowl were surprised this past weekend.
The Helpful Guys in Blue, made up of Honda empolyees, were out in full forceat neighborhood grocery stores lending a hand.
The helpful teams are frequently in Ontario performing random acts of helpful.
Launched in January 2007, Honda Helpful is an inspiring multi-layered program representing over 57 dealers from various cities across Southern California. A collaborative effort between the Southern California Honda Dealers Association and creative agency, Secret Weapon Marketing, Honda Helpful serves to create a unified voice through an evergreen message: Helpful.
For more information, visit www.SocalHonda.com.

Assemblymember Torres responds to budget proposal

By Liset Marquez on February 8, 2011 3:46 PM | | Comments (0)

From Assemblymember Torres office (Note, this was released last week. I'm just a little late posting this) :




Assemblymember Torres Responds to

Governor Brown's State of the State Address

 

 

Sacramento, CA- Assemblymember Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) issued today the following statement in response to Governor Brown's State of the State address:

 

"These are painful times and our communities are hurting. Governor Brown understands the difficulty we are in and the tough decisions we have to make in order to balance the budget. I'm committed to work with Gov. Brown to solve our budget problems and I'm glad, he too, wants to end the gimmicks. These cuts are going to be painful but I can assure you that I will not eliminate programs that are vital for the most vulnerable in our communities, and I will make sure that public safety is protected from the budget cuts.

 

We have to look to the future- lets invest in our schools, let's put California's back to work. These goals are what we need in order to move California forward," said Torres after hearing Governor Brown's State of the State speech.




LA's best cupcake in Ontario

By Liset Marquez on February 8, 2011 2:20 PM | | Comments (0)
Many of you are familiar with My Delight Cupcakery in Ontario. They have made a name for themselves with their breakfast cupcake and even wining several competitions with the entry.
Recently, the Ontario-based cupcakery made their best showing sweeping all three competitions at the LA Cupcake Challenge in LA.
The mother-daughter duo of Melinda and Naomi were the best among 34 other cupcake shops in the Los Angeles. I hope to have some photos for you soon.

Here is the breakdown.
Best Traditional: 1st place for their Red Velvet cupcake
Best Original: 1st place for their Late Night Breakfast cupcake
Best Overall: 1st place for Late Night Breakfast cupcake

Here is a link with more details. 


Rotary to honor students

By Liset Marquez on February 3, 2011 11:01 AM | | Comments (0)
The Ontario Rotary Club will honor its "Students of the Month" today at it weekly meeting at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario.
The Rotary Club honors six eighth grade students selected by school staff each month for this honor.
For February the honorees are from De Anza Middle School, Anaseini Tuivai; from Oaks Middle School, Michelle Rivera; from Serrano Middle School, Dillon Estrada; from Vernon Middle School, Daisy Alcarez; from Vina Danks Middle School, Katy Maldonado; and from Wiltsey Middle School, Silvia Torres.
"The Ontario Rotary Club salutes these fine students, their families and school educators for being selected for this honor," said Rotary member Don Driftmier.
For more information, call Driftmier of the Ontario Rotary Club at 951-206-5731

Racing and pizza

By Liset Marquez on February 3, 2011 9:48 AM | | Comments (0)
Bruce Kilgour, local regional ambassador for the NASCAR Foundation, will host the 2011 Daytona 500 viewing party and fundraiser at Michael Angelo's Pizza in Ontario on Feb. 20 at 9 a.m.
Funds raised through the event will be donated to the NASCAR Foundation. There will also be NASCAR giveaways, prizes, and games. Event is free.
Michael Angelo's Pizza is at 2467 S. Euclid Ave., Ontario.

Yard sale weekend in Ontario

By Liset Marquez on February 3, 2011 9:47 AM | | Comments (0)
The city will hold its first citywide yard sale of year this weekend.
Residents are permitted to hold yard sales this weekend ending on Sunday. If it rains Friday or Saturday, an alternate yard sale may be held on Feb. 12 and 13.
Rules for signs (one 6-square-foot sign on the owner's property) and for merchandise sold (seller's personal property only, no new or re-sold goods) remain unchanged.
The next yard sale weekend will be May 6, 7, and 8.
Last year, the city adopted a garage sale ordinance giving residents the opportunity to hold more sales each year on fixed dates and eliminating the need for garage sale permits and fees.

New reading program to be held at Dorothy Quesada Center

By Liset Marquez on February 3, 2011 7:23 AM | | Comments (0)
On Feb. 10, staff at the Dorothy Quesada Center will host its first reading club for elementary-age students. 
"We are really excited to turn one of the open spaces into a reading lab with the help of Farmers Boys," said Johnny Thompson, senior supervisor with Ontario Recreation and Community Services.
The program will start at 3:45 p.m. in the Dorothy Quesada Center at 1010 S. Bon View Ave.

Grace Yokley Middle School dinner and auction

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 6:18 PM | | Comments (0)
Linda Sierra is not not ashamed to promote her son's musical career, especially when it's for a good cause.
Sierra was at Tuesday night's City Council meeting encouraging everyone to attend Grace Yokley Middle School's 3rd annual Feast Festival this Friday night.
This isn't just a fundraiser for the school's band, Sierra said. While there is a performance by current and former members of the Grace Yokley school band, there is also a silent auction.
And this is where it gets different.
Every year they auction off desserts made and contributed by parents, Sierra said.
"Some of these homemade treats have gone for $80. There was a blueberry pie that was auctioned off for $150," she said, adding that the funds all go to help support the junior and senior band at Grace Yokley Middle School.
Mayor Paul Leon, who has made it to the event every year, chimed in.
"It's a fun-filled event," he said. "The kids are fantastic. It's something you do not want to miss."
The dinner and auction starts at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 prior to the event and $20 at the door.
Grace Yokley Middle School is at 2947 S. Turner Ave., Ontario. For more information, call 909-947-6774 ext 365.

Wapner named to NLC committee

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 6:02 PM | | Comments (0)
National League of Cities president James Mitchell, Jr., has announced the appointment of Councilman Alan Wapner to the National League of Cities' (NLC) 2011 Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy and Advocacy Steering Committee.
This committee has the lead responsibility for developing NLC federal policy positions in the areas of crime prevention, public safety, homeland security, disaster preparedness and response, substance abuse, and municipal fire policy.
As a longtime councilman and retired Ontario police officer, Wapner knows firsthand the public safety issues confronting cities. This is Wapner's third term on this committee.
As a member of the committee, Wapner will play a key role in shaping NLC's policy positions, while advocating on behalf of America's cities and towns on Capitol Hill, with the Administration, and at home.

California Sports Hall of Fame to hold induction class in Ontario

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 5:28 PM | | Comments (0)
I'm sure some of you may recall a council meeting, more than a year ago, when Mayor Paul Leon made it known his mission to bring the California Sports Hall of Fame to the city.
It was a bit random at the time but now it looks like Leon has delivered a bit on that promise.
The California Sports Hall of Fame has decided to hold its Class of 2011 induction ceremony at the Ontario Convention Center on Feb. 27.
"This is happening right here in our city," Leon said.
During the 5th annual induction ceremony, five California sports icons will receive recognition and become a permanent part of California sports history:
· Dick Vermeil: NFL Super Bowl shampion, St. Louis Rams
· Mike Haynes: NFL hall of famer, Los Angeles Raiders
· Ken Norton: WBC heavyweight champion, World Boxing Hall of Famer
· Tony Lopez: 3-time world boxing champion
· Bob Miller: Longtime play-by-play announcer of the Los Angeles Kings
But Leon said he is not done. Ultimately, he would like to see a shrine built in Ontario for the California Sports Hall of Fame.
"We look at Ontario, and we are a destination," he said. "This is a place people want to be."
Councilman Alan Wapner said he wanted to thank Leon for his efforts.
"You're too humble for your own good," Wapner said. "You've been at the forefront of all of this and I want to thank you."
A reception for the induction will be held at 5 p.m., with dinner & induction ceremony taking place at 6 p.m.
Tickets for the dinner and ceremony are $260.
Induction reception, dinner & ceremony is $400 per ticket.
For more information, call 909-481-3541 or e-mail support@californiasportshalloffame.org.
The Ontario Convention Center is at 2000 E. Convention Center Way.

Walks with Dorst-Porada

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 3:28 PM | | Comments (0)
In recent months, Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada has been promoting her Sunday walks along Euclid Avenue. At Tuesday night's meeting, Dorst-Porada said she had a bigger turnout but would like to see more people join her.
Just in case you are wondering, Dorst-Porada's three-mile walk starts in front of the downtown bandstand at 9 a.m.

Freedom's Flame Foundation on Facebook

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 3:27 PM | | Comments (0)
Rancho Cucamonga Councilman Sam Spagnolo sent out an e-mail Wednesday announcing the creation of a Facebook page for the organization Freedom's Flame Foundation.
The foundation, a Rancho Cucamonga nonprofit formed in 2002, designed bicoastal sculptures depicting the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.
The foundation has 16 tons of charred and tangled steel that once held up the Trade Center's south tower. 
It also has Ladder Truck 152, which was originally stationed in Queens, N.Y. The truck was used to help put out the fires at ground zero. 
"We are getting ready to commemorate the 10th Anniversary this year and will keep our web site updated as to where this will be," Spagnolo said in the e-mail.
There will also be a display at the Western States Police and Fire Games which will be held in June at the Ontario Convention Center.
www.facebook.com/freedomsflame

Ontario to study ambulance calls

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 3:26 PM | | Comments (0)
Councilwoman Debra Dorst-Porada is asking city staff to follow in the footsteps of Upland and look into the ambulance calls made by nursing facilities in Ontario.
Late last month, Upland city officials discussed the idea of charging skilled nursing facilities for making what turn out to be non-emergency 9-1-1 calls. 
In the past year, five facilities in Upland's southeast quadrant have generated 487 incidents, of which only 146 were actual emergencies.
The Upland council will hold a public hearing on Feb. 14 before considering the implementation of an ordinance that will seek reimbursement for the non-emergency calls. 
Dorst-Porada said she is concerned nursing facilities in Ontario may be over-utilizing the services as well.
"If it is not truly an urgent matter then they should get billed for that service," she said.

ONT not impacted by winter storm

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 3:19 PM | | Comments (0)
The winter storm system that has crippled most of airtraffic in the east coast has had little impact at LA/Ontario International Airport.
Airport operations slowed to a crawl nationwide, and flight cancellations reached 13,000 for the week, making this system the most disruptive so far this winter. A massive post-Christmas blizzard led to about 10,000 cancellations.
At ONT, officials said American Airlines had one cancellation Wednesday due to weather in Dallas.
"American Airlines had one morning delay due to winds. The winds were affecting the boarding bridge to the limit they felt was unsafe for passengers to board so they delayed the flight," said ONT spokeswoman Maria Tesoro-Fermin.
-AP and staff reports

SoCal Edison hits the roof

By Liset Marquez on February 2, 2011 10:22 AM | | Comments (0)

As the sun beamed down Tuesday morning on the Inland Empire, Southern California Edison officially connected seven solar photovoltaic installations to its neighborhood power grid system.

The solar plants are capable of generating 12.5 million watts of energy, which could provide electricity to more than 8,000 homes, said Rudy Perez, solar photovoltaic program manager for Southern California Edison.

The utility company commissioned the solar panels - which rest on the roofs of four distribution warehouses in Ontario and three in Redlands - at a ceremony in Ontario attended by Edison and city officials.

"We're trying to utilize as much rooftops as we can," Perez said.

Edison plans to get 100 such

City officials and representatives from Southern California Edison gather to view the solar panels on the roof of a warehouse Tuesday in Ontario. (Will Lester/Staff Photographer)
installations up and running in the next four years, which will create 250 megawatts of power. (One megawatt equals 1 million watts.)

The majority of the projects will be in the Inland Empire because of an abundance of rooftops as well as a plethora of sunny days, Perez said.

"This is rooftop space that otherwise would be unused. We're just getting started," Edison spokesman Christian Nelson said.

The solar panels in Ontario rest on top of four warehouses on East Francis Street owned by ProLogis, a major distribution facilities company.

The installations in Ontario will produce 7.5 million watts of electricity - enough power to meet the needs of 4,800 Inland Empire homes, Perez said.

Following the throwing of a ceremonial switch Tuesday, city officials got an up-close view of the 32,950 solar photovoltaic panels that cover 1.8 million square feet of the leased Ontario warehouse roofs.

"Southern California Edison has worked to speed the deployment of solar photovoltaic energy and bring down the price," Nelson said. "Now, the vision has become a reality as the the cost of solar panels has come down and become readily available to consumers."
Continue reading SoCal Edison hits the roof.
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