May 2011 Archives

Services for Ontario Soldier

By Liset Marquez on May 31, 2011 10:40 AM | | Comments (0)
A public viewing and visitation for Pfc Ramon Mora Jr.,19, will be held Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Draper Mortuary located at 811 N. Mountain Ave in Ontario.
Mora, an Ontario resident, was killed May 22. A bomb exploded near Mora, killing him and Sgt. 1st Class Clifford E. Beattie, 37, of Medical Lake, Wash.
The men were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kan.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at San Secondo d'Asti Catholic Church, located at 250 North Turner Avenue in Ontario.
The public is invited.
A hero mission for Mora will be held Tuesday at LA/Ontario International Airport. A spokeswoman for the family has not been able to confirm the time.
For more information, visit:www.honoringourfallen.org

Kids Come First turns to community for help

By Liset Marquez on May 27, 2011 8:34 AM | | Comments (0)
For the past couple of years, Kids Come First has provided a low-cost clinic for children.
Now its needs the community's help. 
Aside from the quest to improve the health of children, the clinic strives to improve their literacy by providing books for patients to take home.
Two of the clinic's sources for those books are national programs -- First Book and Reach Out and Read, clinic Executive Director Beverly Speak said.
Kids Come First buys new books in bulk at low prices.
However, the programs don't cover all the charity's needs, Speak said.
More than 6,000 patients visited the clinic last year, and it often provides books to patients' siblings, she said.
Speak said another source has been community groups -- Scout troops, cheerleaders, service clubs, churches, families and friends. But Kids Come First is still low on books.
"Our shelves are almost bare," she said.
To help the clinic restock, Speak asks people to ask their friends and family to help.
Books can be delivered to the clinic from 8 a.m. to 4:30 Monday to Friday.
Speak said she also welcomes phone calls or emails from prospective donors. She is willing to arrange drop-off locations.
For more information, call 909-673-9125.
Kids Come First is at 1501 S. Bon View Ave. in Ontario.

'Hangover Part II' gets a headstart at ONT

By Liset Marquez on May 26, 2011 9:01 AM | | Comments (0)

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Image Courtesy of Warner Bros Studio

ONTARIO - Four men and a little monkey will make their way to the silver screen today, when "The Hangover Part II" opens in theaters nationwide.

After wreaking havoc in Las Vegas in the first film, the characters this time take their testosterone-fueled journey to Bangkok. Their starting point: Ontario.

L.A./Ontario International Airport helped set one of the scenes to the comedy sequel, acting as Los Angeles International Airport for the Thailand-bound crew.

Look closely when the characters - played by Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha - leave for Bangkok. They're actually at Terminal 2 of ONT.

The film crew was at ONT for six days in October, including three days of filming, according to airport spokeswoman Maria Tesoro-Fermin.

ONT, as well as the Ontario Convention Center, have been used in airport scenes of commercials, television shows and films on numerous occasions. A recent episode of "The Office" was shot at ONT, marking Steve Carell's last appearance on the sitcom.

wendy.leung@inlandnewspapers.com 909-483-9376

Chaffey High alumni association honors alumnus

By Liset Marquez on May 26, 2011 8:33 AM | | Comments (0)
Col. David Forden, a Chaffey High School alumnus of the class of 1966, has been selected as the Tiger of the Year.
Forden was selected by Board of Directors of the Chaffey High School Alumni Association and was nominated by his brother, Don Forden, a 1962 Chaffey High graduate.
He spoke at the baccalaureate service on Sunday to the the class of 2011, Chaffey's 100th graduating class.


Continue reading Chaffey High alumni association honors alumnus.

University of Phoenix hosts criminal justice expo

By Liset Marquez on May 26, 2011 8:17 AM | | Comments (0)
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More than 200 University of Phoenix students, alumni and members of the public attended a Criminal Justice and Security Career Expo held on May 17 at its the college campus' Ontario Learning Center. The expo was held in celebration of National Police Appreciation Week, which is observed May 15 - 21, recognizes the service and sacrifice of law enforcement as they serve to protect others.
The expo provided an opportunity to meet with local law enforcement agencies, network and attend an interview skills workshop.
Also offered was a panel discussion with University of Phoenix Criminal Justice alumni, who shared their experiences working in law enforcement and the benefit of education within their departments.
Agencies that participated in the career expo included: the Los Angeles Police Department, California Department of Justice, San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner - Coroner Division, Federal Air Marshals, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allied Barton, Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Bureau of Investigations, United States Army, United States Marines, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, CDCR - Division of Adult Parole Operations, California State University - San Bernardino Police, Time Warner Cable, United States Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Los Angeles County Probation and Unified Protective Services.

Ontario Medical Center Tech upgrade

By Liset Marquez on May 25, 2011 9:50 AM | | Comments (0)
$550M to provide patient quick links

From the outside, the Ontario Medical Center looks like any hospital.

But it's the infrastructure that will set it apart from any other Kaiser Permanente hospital in the state.

The $550 million project, set to open this fall, will be the first Kaiser Permanente hospital to feature a fully integrated IT system throughout the entire medical campus.

The new patient-centric technology will not only streamline communication and operations at the hospital, it is also paving the way for new technology to be implemented in the 386,000-square-foot medical center, said David Young, Kaiser Permanente's information officer for the Inland Empire.

"There is a number of firsts throughout the Kaiser Permanente

Theresa Ashby shows an operating room at Ontario Medical Center, which is slated to open in the fall. The hospital will have 224 beds and lots of new technology. Ashby is the hospital s transition director. (Thomas R. Cordova/Staff Photographer)
system," he said. "By being a fully integrated campus we have the ability to share all of the same technology, and no other center has that."

The technology includes the transition to a digital telephone system that operates on the hospital's data network, and the ability to conduct appointments 50 miles away from a patient using new teleconferencing equipment.

Patient communication

When hospital officials were first looking at the new digital phone system, also known as "voice over the IP" network, in 2008, they realized in order for it to work, the existing facilities on the campus - at the southeast corner of Vineyard Avenue and Philadelphia Street - would need to be updated to the same system.

In addition to the 1,200 new desk phones, the hospital has added a pervasive wireless network which provides coverage throughout the entire campus for cell phones as well as computer devices, Young said.
Continue reading Ontario Medical Center Tech upgrade.

Amy's Farm vies for Pepsi Refresh grant

By Liset Marquez on May 24, 2011 2:59 PM | | Comments (0)
Amy's Farm in Ontario is hoping the public could help them win a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh Project grant.
All throughout this month the public can vote for the Ontario farm.
If selected, Amy's Farm would use the grant funds to provide scholarship for students and community members.
The farm's goal is educating participants about healthy food choices and sustainability practices, including growing food on balconies or in backyards. Amy's Farm also strives to promote and encourage change for a healthy and sustainable future within a community.
With the establishment of the scholarship funds would provide tours, workshops and summer programs at Amy's Farm at little or no cost to the recipients.
The public can vote three times a day every day this month by visiting at www.refresheverything.com/eatyourveggies.

Ontario moves forward with downtown growth

By Liset Marquez on May 24, 2011 12:15 PM | | Comments (0)
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An elevation rendering taken from the Euclid median looking east towards "C" Street.  The development site is bounded by "D" street on the north, "C" Street on the south, Lemon on the east and Euclid on the west. 

A 2.4-acre property along Euclid Avenue may be an empty lot right now, but city officials are hoping it will play an important role in invigorating downtown.
Simply known as the "C-1" project, the four story, $40 million investment -- being built by the city's Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Department along with developer J.H. Snyder Co -- will add an additional 153 units.Construction is expected to begin by July.
When it is completed in the next two years, it will also add a component that recent ventures in the downtown have not: 30,000 square feet of retail space.
The retail space will be located on the ground floor of the building along Euclid Avenue and wrap around C Street, said Brent Schultz, director of the city's Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization.
"This council has been committed to bringing investment to the downtown to keep growth going. With this project, it will help return investment to this area," Schultz said.
Continue reading Ontario moves forward with downtown growth.

Ontario High students push for menu changes

By Liset Marquez on May 24, 2011 10:02 AM | | Comments (0)
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Ontario High School Students present their report to  high school officials last week. The  meeting was held at 
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Ontario. 


Move over, Jamie Oliver. A group of students at Ontario High School is launching its own food revolution.
Unhappy with lunch menus they felt were unhealthy, the group of students from a local church have started a campaign to change the meals churned out of the school cafeteria.
"From conversations with our friends and other high school students, we realized quickly that the food at our high school was not at all what we'd like it to be," said Hugo Flores, one of the organizers.
About 25 students, most of them also members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, are working with district officials to change the lunch menu at Ontario High.
The students represent a youth group at Our Lady of Guadalupe known as Ontario United with Tenacity. It is an affiliate of Inland Congregations United for Change, said Nicole Scheunemann, ICUC's coordinator for the Ontario church.
The students launched the campaign because many studies have concluded that eating healthier food, including breakfast, leads to decreased tardiness, increased attendance, better test scores and higher graduation rates, Scheunemann said.
At Ontario High, 77 percent of the students are eligible to receive reduced- cost lunches, she said.
"Which means for many of the kids, the basis of their food, while it meets the requirements of the U.S. government, is not healthy," Scheunemann said. "Eating institutionalized frozen food doesn't set you up to learn well."
Continue reading Ontario High students push for menu changes.

Ontario restaurant to be recognized by Sen. Negrete Mcleod

By Liset Marquez on May 19, 2011 6:42 PM | | Comments (0)
Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod will host the 3 rd Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, where she will recognize the community involvement and special impacts of local businesses within the 32nd Senate District.
Among those recognized at tomorrow's luncheon will be Ontario's Vince's Spaghetti.

Here's a little description about the well-known eatery.
Vince's Spaghetti, has enjoyed 64 years of success as one of the Inland Empire's most popular Italian eatery. Serving spaghetti to over 4 generations of patrons, since 1945, when one customer asked the small sandwich shop if the spaghetti was on the menu. The restaurant has gone from a small shop to a 425 patron restaurant that serves up to 9,000 meals a week. When Vince's Spaghetti is not serving customers they are serving the community by donating to law enforcement efforts, sponsoring little league girls softball and basketball programs, and donating to church and school fundraisers. They continue to be family operated; many of the waitresses are 2nd and 3rd generation family members. 

Ontario police recognize heroism, fallen officers

By Liset Marquez on May 19, 2011 4:28 PM | | Comments (0)
For Police Chief Eric Hopley, this week is bittersweet.
Across the nation, law enforcement officials are mourning the loss of fallen officers.
As they mourn, the Ontario Police Department recognized and celebrated their men and women in uniform on Tuesday at the 51st annual Police Recognition Luncheon.
"Today, you will see a theme, the theme of lifesaving, dedication and bravery by men and women who are your public servants," Hopley said at the luncheon.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce hosted the celebration at the Ontario DoubleTree.
The Police Department selected award recipients.
Among those honored were a dispatcher who helped save the life of a baby who was choking, detectives who spearheaded the arrest of several gang members and four citizens who rescued a baby inside a washing machine.
  • On April 20, the Police Department received a call that a child was trapped in washing machine on Sixth Street. Three construction workers -- Victor Gonzalez, Gustavo Gonzalez and Edgar Delgado -- and a city employee, Dave Gonzales, ran to the laundromat. Each tried to force open the door and stop the machine, but were unsuccessful. They were also trying to get behind the machine to turn off the power and yelling to workers to shut off the circuit breakers, he said. During the process, Victor Gonzalez retrieved a large pry bar from his truck, Hopley said. He made several attempts to open the door, but received an electrical shock. "This did not dissuade Gonzalez. He and the others took turns prying on the door until it was finally forced open," Hopley said. Hopley said the four men acted selflessly when they ran to the aid of the trapped baby. "I believe their actions and quick thinking resulted in a life being saved," he said.
  • Detective Justin Johnson and Cpl. Kris Lavoie were honored as the department's Officers of the Year. In July 2008, the officers were alerted of a heroin distribution cell in the city. The officers determined the "Onterio <NO1>cq<NO>Black Angels" street gang was extorting money and conducting enforcement efforts for heroin distributors. The involvement of the Black Angels gang moved the case from the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The two police officers prepared federal search warrants for more than 20 residences in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Riverside counties and organized 350 law-enforcement officers to complete the search warrants and arrests, Hopley said. On April 21, 2010, the investigation concluded with 60 federal indictments against the Mexican Mafia and Black Angel Gang members under federal racketeering laws, he said.
  • Dispatcher Candice Bernhard was recognized with the department's Life Saving Award. On April 13, Bernhard received a call reporting a child choking. The dispatcher stayed on the line with the neighbor relaying vital medical instructions, "which played an important role in saving this child's life," Hopley said."Candice's instruction assisted the family in dislodging the obstruction, and she continued to remain on the telephone until the paramedic units arrived on scene."
For a complete list of the officers who were honored at the luncheon:
Continue reading Ontario police recognize heroism, fallen officers .

Lasorda speaks at police luncheon

By Liset Marquez on May 19, 2011 3:30 PM | | Comments (0)
I was a little surprised to see Tommy Lasorda, the former Dodgers manager, walk by me on Tuesday as I waited for the Police Recognition Luncheon awards ceremony to begin.
Turns out, Lasorda was invited to speak at the event by Chris Leggio, his close friend and owner of Mark Christopher Auto Center. 
And for nearly 20 minutes, Lasorda entertained the crowd with some baseball antics throughout his career.
A self-proclaimed friend of law enforcement, Lasorda said he has spoke at many police academies and luncheons.
"I admire you, I respect you and I appreciate you," Lasorda told the police officers in attendance.
"I'm really thankful. You put your lives on the line whenever you put on your uniform."
But before thanking the officers for their service, Lasorda talked about his marriage.
Lasorda told the crowd of 300 people that as he was leaving to head out to Ontario his wife questioned him about where he was going.
Having had a speaking engagement the night before in Los Angeles, Lasorda said she told him she finally realized he loved the Dodgers and baseball more than her.
"Yeah, but I love you more than I love football and basketball and soccer," he quipped.

Cupcakery set to expand within a couple of weeks

By Liset Marquez on May 19, 2011 3:26 PM | | Comments (0)
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Known for its bacon and maple-syrup-infused cupcake, My Delight Cupcakery has developed quite a following since it opened a little more than a year ago.
So much so that mother and daughter co-owners, Melinda and Naomi Moreno, started to think about expansion.
Naomi, the operation's baker, said the owner of their building had approached them months ago inquiring if they were interested in expanding.
The shop in the 1500 block of Mountain Avenue is only 850 square feet.
Continue reading Cupcakery set to expand within a couple of weeks.

Ontario church to bless bikes

By Liset Marquez on May 19, 2011 2:58 PM | | Comments (0)
Bethel UCC will be hosting our first Bike Blessing during their Sunday morning worship service this weekend.  Bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles - all are welcome. 
"Clean bicycles are welcome in the sanctuary (dirty ones can chain up outside)," said Rev Jonathon Edwards.
There will be motorcycle parking on F Street.
Like the church's blessing of the animals in the Fall, the "bike blessing is a reminder to us of our obligation to care for God's creation - in this case by being closer to nature and limiting our carbon footprint in our transportation choices," Edwards said.
Worship begins at 10:10 am and will be followed by refreshments.  
Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 536 N Euclid Ave. at the corner of F and Euclid in downtown Ontario.  For more information, please call 909-984-9111 or email info@bethelucc-ontario.com.  

University of Phoenix Hosts Criminal Justice and Security Career Expo on May 17

By Liset Marquez on May 16, 2011 1:45 PM | | Comments (0)
On Tuesday, May 17, in honor of National Police week, University of Phoenix's College of Criminal Justice and Security will host a free career expo for students, alumni and the community in Ontario. Event attendees will have the opportunity to meet with local hiring law enforcement agencies, network and attend interview workshops.
The event will also offer participants the opportunity to attend a panel discussion with University of Phoenix Criminal Justice alumni who will offer their experiences and advice about working in law enforcement. Panel members include alumni who currently hold leadership positions with organizations such as the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security and Pomona Police Department.
WHO: Participating federal and state law enforcement agencies include: Riverside County District Attorney's Office, Bureau of Investigations San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner - Coroner Division California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
CDCR - Division of Adult and Parole Operations
Time Warner Cable
United States Army
United States Marines

Tea with the Juror of art exhibit set Tuesday

By Liset Marquez on May 16, 2011 9:56 AM | | Comments (0)
The Museum of History and Art, Ontario as well as the Ontario Associates presents the 2011 Ontario Open Art Exhibition. In collaboration with the exhibit, there will a Tea with the Juror May 17 from 2 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
The public is invited to join juror Sant Khalsa for a tour of the Ontario Open Art Exhibition and afternoon tea.
Khalsa's work can be found in museum collections including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Nevada Museum of Art and the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson.
Tickets are $10, or $8 for museum members. Reservations are required. For information, call 909-395-2510.
Museum of History and Art, Ontario is at 225 S. Euclid Ave.

Ontario Woman's Club luncheon on Tuesday

By Liset Marquez on May 16, 2011 9:02 AM | | Comments (0)
The Ontario Woman's Club will hold a catered, installation luncheon on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge, located at 1025 Vine St.
As well as the installation of officers, the club will make presentations to the Ontario paramedics and a nursing student from Chaffey College. To attend please call Helen Franz 909-981-3556 or Bobbie Parent 909-986-2700.

Ontario chef honored with Cutting Edge Award

By Liset Marquez on May 12, 2011 9:27 AM | | Comments (0)
The American Culinary Federation, Inc. recently honored chefs, including one from Ontario, with Cutting Edge Awards at the 2011 ACF Western Regional Conference.
The Cutting Edge Award recognizes industry leaders, ACF chapters and supporting agencies for their leadership and service to the culinary profession.
Ricardo Santana, executive chef of Impressions Catering in Ontario, was among the 2011 Western Region recipients during the Scottsdale, Ariz., held between April 29 and May 2.
Santana was not at the regional conference, but I'm told they are going to hold his award and present it to him at the American Culinary Federation's national convention in July in Dallas.

Graffiti art workshop coming to Ontario

By Liset Marquez on May 12, 2011 9:22 AM | | Comments (0)
Later this month, Black Book Sessions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and teens develop their artistic skills, will hold a free public event on the Westwood College ---- Inland Empire Satellite campus in Ontario on May 21 starting at 1 p.m.
The group targets youth interested in all types of artistic media, but focuses on urban/graffiti art.
At the event, artists will conduct demos and workshops and interact with participants sharing their personal stories and often talking about how they succeeded at making their street art work for them as an artist. 
The 10th Black Book Sessions event includes a series of participatory workshops and art demonstrations by well-known graffiti, comic book, fine art and computer artists including Jeff Mcmillan, Jeff Soto, MURAL, Munk One and MAXX242.
Also throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to interact with about 20 artists who will paint on canvases and a 6'8" x 30' graffiti wall.
The final pieces, painted on canvases, will be auctioned off at a later event with proceeds supporting future Black Book Sessions.
Artists 9 to 25 years of age are invited to bring their best work to the event for judging.
Entry forms can be downloaded at www.blackbooksessions.org and facebook.com/blackbookworld. 
Art can be submitted prior to the event day (see website for details) or at the event between 1 and 3 p.m.
The theme of the contest is "Sick Society." All styles of art in natural mediums will be accepted. Computer generated art is not allowed.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day to winners in three age categories. One winner in the 18-25 age category may be eligible to win a scholarship including tuition, books and fees for Westwood College's Visual Communications bachelor's program.
Westwood College, 2890 Inland Empire Blvd., in Ontario.

City Hall, Veterans Memorial Park updates

By Liset Marquez on May 12, 2011 9:22 AM | | Comments (0)
I spoke with Otto Kroutil, Ontario's Development Agency director, who informed me there will be a City Hall rededication ceremony on June 6.
As you may recall, the 30-year-old building, has been under $20 million of floor-to-ceiling renovations.
Construction, which started in late 2009, will lead to energy-saving insulation or roofing. A big component of that has also been replacing heating and air conditioning built in the early 1970s that consumed a lot of energy.
Kroutil tells me that the first City Council meeting in the new City Hall will be that next day, June 7.
More than a week after that, on June 17, the city will be welcoming the reopening of Veterans Memorial Park.
At the 10 a.m. dedication ceremony, the public will get to see first hand the improvement made which include a 20,000-square-foot new community center, California drought friendly plants as well as a new concrete walking path.
"It's a big change to the park. Residents are going to benefit and value the new additions being offered," said Mark Chase, Ontario's Community and Public Services director.

New Facebook page available

By Liset Marquez on May 12, 2011 9:20 AM | | Comments (0)
So in an effort to connect with everyone a little more I've created a Facebook page. If you visit the page you'll notice that I've post items that also appear on my blog but not always. It gives me the opportunity to give you some behind-the-scenes of the newsroom, stories or issues I'm working on.
It's also an opportunity for you to make comments on stories or send me any ideas, concerns you may have.
Hope to hear from you soon.
You can find my page by visiting: www.facebook.com/journalistLisetMarquez

ONT employees sent memo on airport's future

By Liset Marquez on May 11, 2011 4:48 PM | | Comments (0)
There is no immediate plans to change management of LA/Ontario International Airport, according to a memo sent to the ailing airport's employees on Wednesday.
In the memo Los Angeles World Airports executive director, Gina Marie Lindsey, addresses the airport's future.
LAWA - which operates the facility - and the city of Ontario have been in discussions for nearly two years about transferring control of the irport.
In their discussions, Ontario officials have been vocal about a July 1 self-imposed deadline of getting control.
Last week, a bill created by state Sen. Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, which would create a local airport authority to manage the airport received unanimous approval from a Senate committee.
"All of this suggests that big change in airport management is imminent. While I can't predict what kinds of change the future has in store for us, I can assure you that it is by no means imminent," Lindsey writes.
She goes on to tell employee's that Dutton's authority would operate ONT only if LAWA's Board of Airport Commissioners, as well as the city of Los Angeles "elected," to transfer control.
"Neither the Mayor nor the Board of Airport Commissioners is pursuing a transfer of ONT to any organization, including the city of Ontario," she writes.
Ontario officials have been vocal about their desire to manage the facility. A stall in negotiations led officials to enlist the support of legislators.
Despite the recent battle to control the airport, Lindsey writes to employees that LAWA officials have developed a "good working relationship" with Ontario officials.
The memo also credits ONT staff for making significant reductions in expenses and staffing which has led to the redeployment of more than 100 employees to other LAWA airports.
"I admire what you've achieved and am confident that you will continue to do what it takes to manage costs and deliver quality service," Lindsey writes. "In so doing, you will help ONT prepare for what we all want, productive, long term growth."

Read the letter below

TSA officers at ONT stop passenger with gun

By Liset Marquez on May 9, 2011 2:24 PM | | Comments (0)
Law enforcment authorities questioned a male passenger bound for Southwest Airlines flight # 958 Sunday morning at approximately 5:40 a.m. after Transportation Security Administration officers found an undeclared weapon in his checked bag.

Law enforcement authorities released the .22 caliber hand gun back to the passenger, after conducting a criminal records check on the man and the weapon.

Ultimately, the process led to the man missing his flight. Instead of rebooking his flight with the airline, he ultimately decided not to travel Sunday.

Weapons are permitted in checked baggage so long as they are declared to the airline, in the proper carrying case and unloaded.

For more information on what is allowed in baggage, please visit www.tsa.gov.
-SOURCE: TSA

Newest moms discover new joy

By Liset Marquez on May 9, 2011 9:53 AM | | Comments (0)

Up until a week ago, Nicole Oliver's only title was OB/GYN physician at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center.

Now, she's proud to say she is also a mother.

"I look at this perfect guy," she says as she begins to tear up.

"For all the things I've done and the accomplishments, I'm finally starting the most important job in my life."

The 34-year-old said prior to last week she was well aware of what a pregnancy entailed. After all, she has worked at the center for the past year and a half.

But that was as far her experience went - up until last week, when Oliver became a mother for the first time.

As mothers across the nation are celebrated today, Oliver says that giving birth to a healthy 7-pound, 11-ounce baby, named Jackson Oliver, has given her a whole new perspective on motherhood.

Oliver said she didn't stress out about reading pregnancy books, relying more on her medical training and knowledge.

But that wealth of knowledge didn't always work in her favor, she says.

"I know, on the medical end, all the things that could have gone wrong. And I did think about it, but I never let it interfere with the pregnancy," she said.

Leading up to the pregnancy, the La Verne resident says she got plenty of useful advice from mothers, including her own mother and mother-in-law.

Many of the moms warned her, your life will never be the same again, Oliver said.

They also suggested that she sleep whenever the baby is asleep.
Continue reading Newest moms discover new joy.

IE Food Truck Fest names attendees

By Liset Marquez on May 5, 2011 12:18 PM | | Comments (0)
A couple of weeks ago we told you about the IE Food Truck Fest coming to the Citizens Business Bank Arena on June 18. 
Tickets are now available for the inaugural IE Food Truck Fest, which will feature 50 SoCal mobile eateries, live music, local businesses, a skate demo and kid's area. Well, today they have announced 35 of the food trucks that will be attending. Click on the link to read this impressive list.


Continue reading IE Food Truck Fest names attendees.

'Guys and Dolls' opens Thursday at Chaffey High

By Liset Marquez on May 4, 2011 5:02 PM | | Comments (0)
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Thursday marks the opening for Chaffey High School's production of "Guys and Dolls."
The production is set in New York in the 1930s when gambling was illegal, a group of missionaries, portraying members of the Salvation Army, do their best to help the sinners near their Mission on Broadway to change their ways.
The Broadway-style show is the same script as the storyline from the Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine movie from 1955.
There will be a performance tonight, Friday and Saturday as well as May 12, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.
There are matinees shows on Sunday and May 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for seniors and students.
There will be a special $7 discounted Family Night Performance on Monday at 7 p.m.
First come-first seating with doors opening one half-hour before the show.
For those who want particular seats, guaranteed reserved seating tickets can be purchased online at www.chsthespians.com. Email DaveMasterson at d2dmast@aol.com or call 909-988-5560 x 2314 for more details.
Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium is at 1245 N. Euclid Ave, on the Chaffey High School campus.

Student applications still accepted for commission

By Liset Marquez on May 4, 2011 5:01 PM | | Comments (0)
City officials are seeking a non-voting student representative to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Interested high school-age students and residents of Ontario may apply to serve as the student representative of the commission. Students who are residents of Ontario but attend a school outside the city may apply directly to the Recreation and Community Services Department at 1265 S Palmetto Ave., Ontario. The deadline to submit an application is May 13.
The student representative will serve a one-year term, from July 1 through June 30, 2012. The duties will include attending regular and special meetings of the Recreation and Parks Commission. The regular meetings are held every fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m.
The student shall express opinions and participate in discussions regarding matters that affect recreation and park programs and facilities in Ontario.
For questions or an application, interested students may contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at 909-395-2372.

Saturday scholarship fund library presentation

By Liset Marquez on May 4, 2011 5:00 PM | | Comments (0)
A presentation about Zambia's Scholarship Fund will be hosted by Sue Francis, California coordinator of Zambia Scholarship Fund, on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ovitt Family Library in Ontario.
The non-profit organization establishes self-reliance by providing the people of Zambia access to their educational system.
The specific goals of nonprofit organization is to support education in the poorest and remote areas of Zambia by providing scholarships to students to attend high school (public education in Zambia is only free up to the seventh grade) and college. The organization also seeks to hire teachers to teach elementary education in poor and remote villages that have gone without teachers for many years.
"Teach a Man to Fish" will be featured.
More information is available at www.zambiascholarshipfund.org.

Chamber to honor police at annual luncheon

By Liset Marquez on May 4, 2011 5:00 PM | | Comments (0)
Officials with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are getting ready for their marquee event of the year, the 51th annual Ontario Police Recognition Luncheon on May 17.
The luncheon recognizes individuals in the departments as well as community members who have displayed acts of valor. The luncheon, which will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, is also an opportunity for the public to say "thank you" to officers. One member of the Police Department will be seated at every table, said Charla Lenarth, director of operations at the Chamber.
"It's about recognizing the people that serve them," she said.
Which is why Lenarth is encouraging residents to attend the luncheon or that they consider sponsoring an officer's meal for $50.
The luncheon is also a celebration of their profession and commitment to providing public service to the residents of Ontario, said Bob Brown, chairman of the chamber's board of directors.
"They literally put their life on the line the minute they step into that uniform and into the car," he said. "It's acts of bravery that they go through every day."
Chamber officials are still looking for sponsorships from businesses and the community.
The luncheon is from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree, 222 N. Vineyard Ave. For more information, call 909-984-2458.

Local families participate in regional walk

By Liset Marquez on May 4, 2011 4:55 PM | | Comments (0)
More than 9,000 people from across Southern California as well as two families in Ontario came together last weekend for Donate Life Run/Walk at Cal State Fullerton. 
Now in its ninth year, the event -- the largest of its kind in the country - reminds Californians to donate by becoming organ, eye and tissue donors.
Family members of Ontario native Frankie Sotelo, participated in the walk as team "Like a Hurricane."
The team was formed in honor of Sotelo, a 24-year-old salesman who was the victim of a homicide in 2008 - the killer stabbed him during a Halloween party and was never found. He donated his pancreas and both kidneys; one went to a young man of his same age, and another one to a law enforcement officer. More than 50 family and friends will be walking, including Sotelo's fiancée, whom he was going to marry the year he was killed.


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Bryan Morales of Ontario, who died this past January and became a tissue donor, was honored by more than 100 family and friends who walked as part of "Team Bryan."
Morales' siblings: Jessica, Aubrie and Zach along with their parents Greg and Jeanne Morales hold and image of Bryan during Saturday's walk.

Senate committee discusses ONT authority bill

By Liset Marquez on May 4, 2011 9:58 AM | | Comments (0)
An amended bill transferring control of LA/Ontario International Airport from the city of Los Angeles to a regional airport authority is one step closer to receiving approval from the state Senate.

The state Senate Transportation and Housing Committee unanimously agreed to move Senate Bill 446 to the Senate Appropriations Committee during a hearing held at the state Capitol on Tuesday afternoon.

The bill authorizes and encourages the authority to enter into an agreement with Los Angeles to facilitate the transfer of management and operational control of ONT from Los Angeles to the authority.

"I am pleased with the bipartisan support this bill has received and believe it represents an important step in increasing local participation in the operation of the Ontario International Airport," said Senate GOP leader Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, who introduced SB 446 in February.

Larry Venus, Dutton's spokesman, said Tuesday's approval demonstrates there is support for transfer of ONT even outside of the Inland Empire.

In order for the bill to be approved it needs to be passed by the Senate and Assembly by Sept. 3, he said.

The bill, which creates an Ontario International Airport Authority, was amended so that the authority would be comprised of four directors from the city of Ontario and three directors from the County of San Bernardino.

"It's important we have local involvement from the region to make this asset as strong as it can be," Dutton said.
Continue reading Senate committee discusses ONT authority bill.

Church spruces up Inland Empire

By Liset Marquez on May 3, 2011 12:14 PM | | Comments (0)
Reporter Wendy Leung details the work done at Veterans Memorial Park this past weekend.


Volunteers paint, shovel and clean

Bradley Woods' hands were starting to blister.

After several hours of raking mulch for a garden at Ontario's Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, it was bound to happen.

But a blister or two won't faze the Chaffey High School Student.

"I'll get joy coming back here to see what I did," Woods said.

The work was labor intensive and unenviable - spreading out large mounds of mulch and planting drought-tolerant shrub to spruce up a D Street park in the midst of a revitalization project.

Woods, 17, was just one of about 150 people helping out at the park. That group, in turn was part of hundreds of others throughout the Inland Valley taking part in the statewide Mormon Helping Hands Day.

Their

Elder Nathan Welch, of Ontario, with the Rancho Park Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, plants a shrub during Mormon Helping Hands Day on Saturday at Veterans Park in Ontario. (Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Staff Photographer)
effort Saturday morning resulted in brighter parks, prettier schools and cleaner trails.

Mark Chase, Ontario Stake president, said service is a central part of the Mormon church.

"It's a misnomer that we only serve one another," Chase said. "In fact, no matter who you are or what faith you belong to, we're always there to help."

As part of the California wide effort, the Mormon church invited the greater community to roll up their sleeves and get working.

In Chino, volunteers painted a wrought iron fence at Ayala Park. The La Verne Stake, or ecclesiastical unit, gave Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas a mini makeover.

Continue reading Church spruces up Inland Empire.

Airport officials to public: remain vigilant

By Liset Marquez on May 3, 2011 11:26 AM | | Comments (0)
Airport and security officials are asking travelers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity following the killing of Osama bin Laden.
In a worldwide travel alert -- released Sunday night shortly after President Barack Obama announced that a Navy SEAL team had killed the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- the U.S. State Department said there was an "enhanced potential for anti-American violence."
L.A./Ontario International Airport is always on alert given that U.S. transportation systems are subject to terrorist attacks, said officials from Los Angeles World Airports, which operates ONT.
ONT officials were not aware of any specific threats to the facility, airport spokeswoman Maria Tesoro-Fermin said.
"If you see something, say something," she said.
Continue reading Airport officials to public: remain vigilant.

Senate Committe to hold hearing on airport authority

By Liset Marquez on May 3, 2011 10:08 AM | | Comments (0)
The California State Senate Transportation and Housing Committee will hold a hearing today on a bill creating the Ontario Airport Authority Senate Bill 446 was introduced Feb. 16, 2011, by Senate Republic Leader Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) with principal coauthor Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Ontario). 
The hearing will start at 1:30 p.m. in the John L. Burton Hearing Room (4203) in the State Capitol. For more information and a link to listen to the hearing via the Internet, click here.

TSA official on air travel

By Liset Marquez on May 2, 2011 10:24 AM | | Comments (0)
If you are getting ready to travel via LA/Ontario International Airport you may want to consider the following statement from the Transportation Security Administration:

"TSA continually evaluates the latest threats and screening measures which are implemented based on the latest intelligence. As always, passengers may notice a variety of security measures at U.S. airports to include the use of explosives detection technology, physical bag checks, random gate screening, canine teams and behavior detection officers. We ask the traveling public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities."

TSA official
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