Longtime Black Friday shopper Susie Pollich of Rancho Cucamonga was plopped on the floor outside of the Hollister Co in Victoria Gardens. The 48-year-old admits she found the earlier start to be a challenge.

"It was better when they opened at 3 or 4 in the morning," she said. "I prefer the other way because I can get up at the time."

Kendra Farmer of Fontana, who was shopping at the Wal-Mart in Fontana, sees it differently.

"It's easier to stay awake," the 33-year-old said. "I'd rather stay awake, shopping until 4 a.m. then have to get up at 4 a.m."

A record number of shoppers are expected to head to stores across the country to take advantage of deals of up to 70 percent during the kickoff to the holiday shopping weekend. For three days starting on Black Friday, 152 million people are expected shop, up about 10 percent from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. That's good news for retailers, many of which depend on the busy holiday shopping season for up to 40 percent of their annual revenue.

"It's the literal, physical and emotional start to a very big period for us," said Mike Vitelli, Best Buy's president.

That's exactly what Antonio Marin wanted to see at the Nov. 19 art walk held at the Emporia Arts District in Ontario.

The recent art walk marked just the third show Marin had curated selections for the new gallery space. Ontario Emporia Arts District is in the 200 block of West Emporia Street.

"It's a good show," Marin said as he looked back to a packed gallery.

The more than 70 pieces that filled the wall came from artists throughout the Inland Empire.

The gallery bears the name of the architect, Paul Williams. Often times, Marin said attendees are confused and mistake him for Williams. Because of the confusion, Marin said he wants to place a plaque in the gallery space with some more information about the architect. One of Williams most notable projects was the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport.

Marin said he would like to see more galleries open up in the Ontario arts community to help increase the amount of work that is on display.

"I do see there's support but it's going to take a little longer to get more," he said.

It was the first time Brian Servellon, 23, ventured out to the Ontario art walk. Judging by the response he received from the artists, the Fontana resident said he already plans to come back to the Jan. 21 walk.

More than 150 volunteers helped prepare and serve food as well as set up, clean and even play music to those seeking a hot meal at the Salvation Army's annual Thanksgiving dinner.

"I believe the more people give and support communities in general the more cities can come together," said Nadine Tapia, a volunteer of five years.

"People donated food and served and that's what being a community is all about. There are families and college students here that could be at home watching football but they're here today to help."

Plates topped with turkey, stuffing, corn, mashed potatoes, green beans,

This year the event will be held on Friday at Mathis Brothers Furniture at 4105 E. Inland Empire Blvd. in Ontario.

Ontario firefighters will be looking for donations of new and unwrapped toys from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday.

They will be joined by KABC-TV weatherman Garth Kemp, who will be dressed as an elf.

Collected toys will be distributed to local families and charitable organizations.

Stuff-a-Bus helped more than 3,000 families in 2010.

The event was supported by the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, House of Ruth, Steven's Hope for Children and other local hospitals.

Donations will also be accepted throughout December at Ontario fire stations.

ONT officials have not calculated Thanksgiving travel figures for the airport, but they expect to be especially busy from Thursday through Monday, ONT spokeswoman Maria Tesoro-Fermin.

Airports usually see a higher number of new or inexperienced travelers during this holiday season, said Nico Melendez, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration.

"Obviously, during the holidays, we see a lot of inexperienced travelers coming to the airport," Melendez said.

"We ask passengers, first and foremost, check with the airline what the airport is going to be like that morning."

But

They include:

- Arrive at least two hours before a flight's departure.

- Check with your airline or travel agent for flight delays or cancellations before going to ONT.

- Passengers can be dropped off or picked up along the curb in front of the terminals. However, cars can't wait or park at the curb. Motorists waiting for arriving passengers can park in the free cell phone waiting lot at 1940 E. Moore Way.

- Watch belongings at all times and never leave baggage unattended. Airport police officers will be looking for unattended items.

- Double check your bags for weapons or sharp items before heading to the airport

ONTARIO - As a die-hard Lakers fan, John Armijo was supposed to be celebrating the birth of a new basketball season on Wednesday.

And even with the players in a lockout and the threat of the season being cancelled, it was still a monumental day.

That's because he and his wife, Bethany, welcomed the arrival of their son, Jakobe, which bears the name of his favorite player.

News of their new bundle of joy, got even better when the couple learned baby "Kobe," who weighed exactly 7 pounds and 19 3/4 inches long, was the first baby ever born at Kaiser Permanente's newly opened hospital.

"We knew they had the grand opening but we did not expect this," said John, who was wearing purple and gold.

And had the Lakers play, as John pointed out, he would have plenty of time to watch the game from the hospital. His son arrived at 11:25 a.m. and the Lakers game wouldn't have tipped off until 7 p.m.

"Opening season would have started with the Thunders vs the Lakers," he said. "It would have been a great capper."

Hospital officials had opened the 386,000-square-foot hospital at 2295 S. Vineyard Ave. earlier that morning.

The $550 million hospital has a 36-bed emergency room and two patient towers, which includes diagnostic and treatment areas as well as private patient rooms.

The Labor and Delivery Unit has eight labor, delivery, and recovery suites, two operating rooms and three post-surgery recovery beds.