February 2012 Archives
You always can tell when we are approaching the birthday of Dr Seuss when you are driving on the road and you glance over at the person in the car next to you looks like one of the characters from a Dr Seuss book. The person, by the way, was donning white makeup and blue wig. Can you guess who they were?
Back to birthdays. Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr Seuss, was born on March 2, a date that has now become the annual date for National Read Across America Day. Locally, the Montclair Library will have a Dr. Seuss Day event from 11 to 12:30 p.m.
Upland has become the latest city to support Ontario's effort to regain control of LA/Ontario International Airport, passing a resolution during Monday's City Council meeting.
In recent weeks cities in the Inland Empire such as Claremont, Chino Hills and Rancho Cucamonga have voiced their opinions about the battle over the struggling medium-hub facility. They have been joined by cities in the east San Gabriel Valley that are weighing in on the financial significance the airport has to their region.
For the past couple of years, Ontario officials have lobbied for local control, claiming they would be able to convert ONT ---- which serves four counties ---- into a competitive regional airport again.
Upland City Manager Stephen Dunn explained to the council on Monday Ontario's situation.
"And we've been seeing the airport lose traffic, a lot of traffic, over the years and there's nothing in the horizon that shows that we're going to see an up tick of traffic unless policies are changed and there's not a whole lot of confidence that the Los Angeles World Airports will make those changes, therefore Ontario has asked all its neighboring cities to help them in this battle," he said.
The decline in air service at ONT from 2007 to 2011 led to a $494 million blow to the Inland Empire's economy and the loss of more than 9,000 jobs.
On Tuesday, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors also threw in their support for ONT.
Listed below are the names of the middle school students who have been selected to represent the Ontario-Montclair School District at Thursday's Ontario Rotary Club "Student of the Month" luncheon/meeting at the Doubletree Hotel.
Gorman Bentley, Principal, Central Language Academy, will accompany the students.
- De Anza Middle School -- Alexis Apodaca
- Oaks Middle School -- Humberto Mendez
- Serrano Middle School -- Samantha Valencia
- Vernon Middle School -- Giobanny Bermudez
- Vina Danks Middle School -- Alondra Gonzalez
- Wiltsey Middle School -- Anthony Binion
- Central Language Academy -- Crystal Carmona
- Vineyard STEM Magnet School -- Harold Alfaro
Members of the City of Ontario's Solid Waste Department are holding a fundraiser Tuesday night for a co-worker who just passed away. Between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. 25 percent of sales from Taco Hut, 1150 E. Philadelphia Ave, will go to cover funeral costs.
Put on your walking shoes. The city of Ontario will be launching the Active Adult Walking Club for ages 50 and older. This program will promote the "Healthy Ontario" initiative.
Officials hope the program will create a social opportunity for active adults which makes walking and fitness fun. Starting March 13 and going on throughout the year, the group will meet most Tuesdays at the Ontario Senior Center, except the first Tuesday of the month. from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Ontario Senior center is located at 225 East "B" Street.
Please call for more information 909-395-2021.
Pre-registration is requested, all walkers must have a current emergency card on file. Please check with your doctor before starting this or any new health program.
Ontario Councilwoman Sheila Mautz was a very proud mother during Tuesday's council meeting.
The mother of three took time to update the public on her youngest child, Brian, during the council comments portion of the meeting.
Mautz announced that her son had returned to Ontario after being in Australia for 3 and half years earning his doctorate in biology.
The 30-year-old is only doing a quick tour of Ontario before he will be moving to Ottawa, Canada, to do his post-doctorate work, Mautz said.
According to Mautz, her youngest has always had an interest in science.
"I think as soon as he outgrew wanting to be a Dodger, this is what he's been wanting to do," she said.
While her son is moving away, Mautz said she is comforted by the fact that he's at least on the same continent now. Mautz said they were never able to visit him while he was in Australia but they kept in touch by Skyping every Sunday.
But Mautz said she is very proud of what her son has been able to accomplish.
"I like to claim that he got some of his brains from me," she said.
State Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod has recognized Chaffey High School for taking tops honors this past month at the 29th annual San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon.
A total of 47 teams from 27 different high school participated.
As part of the competition, students were tested in math and sciences, had to write essays and give speeches to earn points.
"Coming in at an amazing first place, I congratulate Chaffey High School for winning its third title in the past four years," McLeod said.
Chaffey High earned 2,848.9 points out of 60,000 possible points.
McLeod, D-Montclair, attributed the feats of the Chaffey team to their hard work.
"I would like to give special thanks to varsity coach Steven Mercado and his fellow faculty for mentoring and training his students to be successful in this year's academic decathlon," she said.
Chaffey will compete in the state Academic Decathlon competition on March 15-18 in Sacramento.
I was a little surprised today when I listened to a voice mail from Monday afternoon sort of criticizing me. The reader, who did not disclose his name, said: "is there anything else you can write about other than the airport?
Ouch!
I thought I was doing a good job covering Ontario, besides the airport I write other Ontario-related stories and I do help pull together information for our City News edition. This week alone I've written items about Kit-Cat clocks in Ontario and the job fair that was held yesterday.
Then, about an hour later I got a call from another reader who informed me that he has enjoyed reading my ONT stories with "great interest".
Whew, I thought, someone does cares.
I happen to tweet the messages above and I got a response from Nicole Simard, who goes by the Twitter handle @nickelcent, with another affirmation on my reporting.
Here's the message:
"I also appreciate all the airport stories and wish the PR for Ontario Airport went public a long time ago! We all need to ..." (the tweet cuts off here)
I appreciate the feedback and whether you love it or hate it, I'm still going to cover the airport issue.
Seniors at Chaffey High School are eligible to compete for $2,000 scholarships in De La Rosa & Co.'s fourth annual Fabric of Society essay competition.
De La Rosa invites seniors on track to graduate in 2012 to write an original and creative essay from 600 to 800 words reflecting on the observation by Maya Angelou that, "Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are - cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes."
At least one student from Chaffey High School will be selected to receive the scholarship.
Essays must be emailed, faxed or postmarked before March 1. For contest rules and entry forms, as well as the winning essays from 2011, visit www.ejdelarosa.com.
At Tuesday's Ontario City Council meeting, Jack Cunningham, a representative for Rep. Joe Baca announced the politician will host his annual Outstanding Student Achievement Awards event in honor of Black History Month.
The event recognizes the top African American students from each of the high schools in the 43rd Congressional District for their academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
The event will be held tonight at the Chaffey Joint Union High School District's Hill Auditorium, located at 211 W. 5th Street in Ontario; from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cunningham also announced that Baca will be hosting a Women's Health event on March 15 at Ontario Police Department. For more information, call 909-885-2222.
The Ontario Recreation and Community Services Department is hosting the 27th annual kite-flying contest on Feb. 23 at Dorothy Quesada Center, 1010 S. Bon View Ave.
Participants can buy a kite at the event for $3 or bring their own. Contact number: 909-930-3344
The contest will be from 3 to 6 p.m.
Prizes will be given for the each high flyer per age category.
The Ontario Police Department Crime Prevention Unit is seeking participants, and activity scholarship sponsors, for its Positive Alternatives Fair on April 21.
The fair will be held on the Euclid Avenue median between C and E streets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Positive Alternatives Fair involves various organizations, schools and agencies who offer activities for youths to encourage them to stay away from gangs and drugs.
The Police Department is looking for participants from sports groups, to special interest clubs, job training, family resources and more.
Display booth space is available at no charge to a limited number of organizations. During the fair, parents will have the opportunity to sign kids up for activities.
Businesses and individuals are encouraged to support this event by sponsoring youth for an activity scholarship.
To register an organization or to sponsor an activity scholarship, contact Cecelia Huggins at 909-395-2093 or chuggins@ontariopolice.org.
The Ontario Fire Department will face off against the New York Fire Department for a hockey match in an effort to raise money for the Southeast Los Angeles/
San Bernardino Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
The fourth annual Fire on Ice hockey match will be held between 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday. OFD and FDNY will play a full three periods at Citizens Business Bank Arena, 4400 E. Ontario Center Parkway.
Tickets for the event are $12 and grant you access to the entire day's events.
In between periods, two attendees will each receive five chances to shoot a puck into the goal to contribute $100 toward the MDA. There will also be a silent auction for several signed pieces of memorabilia during the Fire on Ice game.
After the hockey game, outside the arena, there will be a chili cook-off with Ontario firefighters participating in the challenge. Between 4 and 5:30 p.m., those attending the Fire on Ice game will be allowed to taste the chili for $1 per taste and help contribute to who they think has the best-tasting chili.
Participants will also be rated on their "heat" level as well. Once the cook-off is over, game-goers can head back into the arena to watch the Ontario Reign take on the Idaho Steelheads at 6 p.m.
Throughout the day, participants will be able to meet and greet with local MDA families and Ontario Fire Fighters.
Fire on Ice shirts will be available for $20 to those who would like a keepsake from the annual event. Proceeds from the day's events will benefit the Southeast Los Angeles/San Bernardino Chapter of the MDA.
The ladies at My Delight Cupcakery have once again taken top honors at the L.A. Cupcake Challenge, making it their third year in a row.
At the Feb. 4 competition, the Ontario-based cupcakery was named best bakery. The mother-daughter duo of Melinda and Naomi Moreno were the best among 20 other cupcake shops in the competition.
The cupcakery had two entries. The first was a red velvet cupcake with raspberry filling topped with a cheesecake mousse. The western breakfast cupcake is described as a cornbread cupcake with melted butter, honey and a side of bacon.
If you're a fan of the cupcake shop and are intrigued by the winning entries, then you're going to want to stop by their shop today after 1p.m., which is when they will be on sale for the public.
My Delight is at 1520 N. Mountain Ave.
Cal State San Bernardino Business Alliance will hold a scholarship fundraiser, "Triple Bottom Line -- Profits. People. Planet," today at the Ontario Convention Center.
Attendees will hear how some of today's companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success.
Speakers include Dale Partridge, the CEO of Sevenly.org, and Nathan Westwick, the CEO of Wild Goose Coffee Co. It will be hosted by Justin Nottingham.
Attendees will also see a special screening of the documentary "Start Something That Matters."
Ontario Convention Center is at 2000 E. Convention Center Way.
For more information, call Phillip Bolda, director of development, at 909-537-7295.
This past weekend, members of Kids Come First, a low-cost health clinic for children, participated in the Huntington Beach half marathon to raise money for their organization.
"The race was spectacular -- a gorgeous day and 20,000 people all breathing and pumping hard for the full 26 or half, 13.1, miles," said Beverly Speak, the CEO of Kids Come First.
Speak was joined by pediatricians Lisa Ponce and Mitzi Loubriel, nurse practitioner Mary Whitten, medical director Yolanda Quam, nurse practitioner Carolina Sandoval, and volunteer Leilani Ligans, as well as Dr. Toni Oliver Carfino. All are on staff at Kids Come First.
So far, the organization has raised more than $6,000, but the goal is $10,000.
For those who are interested, Speak said it is not too late to donate. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Kids Come First, 1501A S. Bon View, Ontario 91761, or call 909-673-9125 to donate via credit card.
The city of Ontario has embarked on a corridor plan for Holt Boulevard and will focus on incorporating "Complete Streets" strategies.
In order to respond to the community's needs and concerns regarding Holt Boulevard, the city tonight will be conducting the first of three open houses aimed at providing information for review and soliciting input from the community.
The open house will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at Ontario Senior Center, 225 E. B St.
The goal of the workshops is to create a safe and inviting transportation network that will serve the needs of everyone who travels the corridor, including bicyclists, drivers, transit users, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities along the Holt Boulevard corridor.
For information, contact Rudy Zeledon at the Ontario Planning Department at 909-395-2036.
ONTARIO - It is an important juncture for an empty lot on the southeast corner of Holt Boulevard and Euclid Avenue.
A longtime business owner has agreed to purchase the city-owned lot, for $527,000 to build a three-story building office.
Sam Chebeir's company, Westates de Oro, will be building a 57,930-square-foot commercial office, including 43 on-site parking spaces. In his agreement with the city, the developer must provide a total of 222 parking spaces.
But the move may be more than a just a business deal, the city may have a new champion in its efforts to revive the downtown.
"I really believe the city has done an excellent job in developing the downtown," Chebeir said.
Chebeir who has been doing business in Ontario for about 30 years has other manufacturing developments in the city.
"It was very important to me to make sure the downtown started moving in the right direction," he said. "It's a personal thing, more than anything else, because of my love for the city."
The 1.23-acre property, which has been vacant for more than a decade, has been problem site through the years. It originally served as the site of the Ford Lunch diner, a fixture in the city in the 1930s. A bank was the last tenant to occupy the land. But a flaw in the building's design caused it to start sagging and it was eventually torn down.
Officials have attempted in the past to fill the vacancy.
"I'm very happy it's finally moving forward, we've been looking at that site for a long time," said Councilman Alan Wapner.
Mayor Paul Leon still recalls the last proposal brought to the council several years ago, a Starbucks drive-thru. The project was denied because city officials saw the potential for the site, Leon said.
"I see this as a coming of age for this property," he said. "We've held out for it, and I'm thankful it's happening."
In recent years, Ontario has put an emphasis on invigorating its downtown.
Already, 300 residential units have risen along Holt Boulevard east of Euclid, all of them apartments, after 140 units originally designated as for-sale townhomes were converted to apartments due to minimal interest.
John Andrews, the city's economic development director, said the site has long been viewed as a prime candidate for office building.
"The thinking is, and I support this, for the downtown to be able to attract people, in addition to residents, you need to add a daytime population of workers that are going to look for place to eat, a place to shop," he said.
Continue reading Developer purchases vacant lot in downtown Ontario.
Kudos to Ontario resident Laura Lee Bredehoft, a student at North Carolina-based Barton College, who was recently named to the Dean's List.
Barton College named 35 students to the President's List and 248 students to the Dean's Listfor fall semester 2011. President's List students compiled a perfect 4.0 grade point average; Dean's List studentsachieved a grade point average of 3.3 or better on a four-point scale.
Starting Friday, residents in the city will be permitted to hold a yard sale until Sunday. If rains on Friday or Saturday, a make-up yard sale may be held Feb. 10, 11 and 12. The next
yard sale weekend is scheduled to occur on the weekend of May 4, 5, and 6.
In 2010, the city adopted a garage sale ordinance giving residents the opportunity to hold yard sales each year, on fixed dates, while eliminating the need for yard/garage sale permit fees.
Merchandise sold on the property shall be only the seller's personal property and shall not include new or re-sold goods.
yard sale weekend is scheduled to occur on the weekend of May 4, 5, and 6.
In 2010, the city adopted a garage sale ordinance giving residents the opportunity to hold yard sales each year, on fixed dates, while eliminating the need for yard/garage sale permit fees.
Merchandise sold on the property shall be only the seller's personal property and shall not include new or re-sold goods.
The Ontario Woman's Club will hold its annual Silver Tea on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Masonic Center, 1025 N. Vine.
Attendees are asked to bring at least 10 signed valentines for the veterans at Loma Linda for their food trays.
There will be no jewelry exchange at this time. To attend call Louise Riviere at 909-986-4653 or Bobbie Parent at 909-986-2700.
Attendees are asked to bring at least 10 signed valentines for the veterans at Loma Linda for their food trays.
There will be no jewelry exchange at this time. To attend call Louise Riviere at 909-986-4653 or Bobbie Parent at 909-986-2700.
Community Ambassadors and Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC) have embarked on a campaign to improve access to opportunities for youth in Ontario and Montclair.
Their collaboration attempts to create a healthy community through family involvement, community integration, and consciousness-raising around education, culture and spirituality.
As part of their efforts, they are inviting the community to attend
Noche de Inspiración (Night of Inspiration) from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Linda Vista School Multipurpose Room, 1556 S. Sultana Ave., Ontario.
The goal of the event is to get attendees to become involved in their children's lives and to become involved in the betterment of their communities.
Attendees will hear testimony from community members and the special guest speaker Chico Garza, the assistant superintendent to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.
This is the second in a series of educational events with the goal of increasing parental involvement in Ontario schools and in their community. These events are being held in the spirit of collaboration with and care for the district, schools and community. Guests are
invited to bring friends and family members.
Community Ambassadors is a parent group dedicated to empowering parents through teaching the program. Inland Congregations United for Change is an organization that works with congregations, schools and neighborhood institutions to bring people together to strengthen families and improve communities.
Their collaboration attempts to create a healthy community through family involvement, community integration, and consciousness-raising around education, culture and spirituality.
As part of their efforts, they are inviting the community to attend
Noche de Inspiración (Night of Inspiration) from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Linda Vista School Multipurpose Room, 1556 S. Sultana Ave., Ontario.
The goal of the event is to get attendees to become involved in their children's lives and to become involved in the betterment of their communities.
Attendees will hear testimony from community members and the special guest speaker Chico Garza, the assistant superintendent to the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools.
This is the second in a series of educational events with the goal of increasing parental involvement in Ontario schools and in their community. These events are being held in the spirit of collaboration with and care for the district, schools and community. Guests are
invited to bring friends and family members.
Community Ambassadors is a parent group dedicated to empowering parents through teaching the program. Inland Congregations United for Change is an organization that works with congregations, schools and neighborhood institutions to bring people together to strengthen families and improve communities.
Noche de la inspiración
Embajadores de la Comunidad y de las congregaciones interior Unidas para el Cambio (ICUC) se han embarcado en una campaña para mejorar el acceso a las oportunidades para los jóvenes de Ontario y Montclair.
Su colaboración intentos de crear una comunidad sana a través de la participación familiar, integración en la comunidad, y la sensibilización en torno a la educación, la cultura y la espiritualidad.
Como parte de sus esfuerzos, están invitando a la comunidad a asistir a Noche de Inspiración (Noche de la inspiración) de 7 a 9 pm el viernes en Linda Vista Salón de Usos Múltiples School, 1556 S. Ave Sultana., Ontario.
El objetivo del evento es conseguir que los asistentes a participar en la vida de sus hijos e involucrarse en el mejoramiento de sus comunidades.
Los asistentes podrán escuchar el testimonio de miembros de la comunidad y el invitado especial del altavoz Chico Garza, el superintendente asistente del condado de San Bernardino Superintendente de Escuelas.
Este es el segundo de una serie de eventos educativos con el objetivo de aumentar la participación de los padres en las escuelas de Ontario y en su comunidad. Estos eventos se realizarán en el espíritu de colaboración y asistencia para el distrito, las escuelas y la comunidad. Los huéspedes son
invitados a traer a sus amigos y familiares.
Embajadores de la comunidad es un grupo de padres dedicados a empoderar a los padres a través de la enseñanza del programa. Congregaciones interior Unidas para el Cambio es una organización que trabaja con las congregaciones, escuelas y las instituciones del barrio para reunir a la gente a fortalecer a las familias y mejorar las comunidades.
Cal State San Bernardino Business Alliance will hold a scholarship fundraiser, "Triple Bottom Line -- Profits. People. Planet," on Feb. 9 at the Ontario Convention Center.
Attendees will hear how some of today's companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success.
The event will raise funds for scholarships and build awareness of local businesses which have adopted the concept of helping the community as a part of their business model. The phrase (3BL) was coined by John Elkington in his 1998 book "Cannibals with Forks: The
Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business."
Attendees will hear how some of today's companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success.
The event will raise funds for scholarships and build awareness of local businesses which have adopted the concept of helping the community as a part of their business model. The phrase (3BL) was coined by John Elkington in his 1998 book "Cannibals with Forks: The
Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business."
Speakers include Dale Partridge, CEO of Sevenly.org, and Nathan Westwick, CEO of Wild Goose Coffee Co. It will be hosted by Justin Nottingham.
Attendees will also see a special screening of the TOMS Shoes documentary: "Start Something That Matters."
Ontario Convention Center is at 2000 E. Convention Center Way.
For more information, contact Phillip Bolda, director of development
at 909-537-7295 or Shelly Brown at 909-537-577
Attendees will also see a special screening of the TOMS Shoes documentary: "Start Something That Matters."
Ontario Convention Center is at 2000 E. Convention Center Way.
For more information, contact Phillip Bolda, director of development
at 909-537-7295 or Shelly Brown at 909-537-577
