April 2009 Archives

POMONA - Ministers and community members will gather in the 2200 block
of Virginia Avenue at 4 p.m. Sunday for a vigil in support of the
family and neighborhood in which an 18-year-old Diamond Bar man was
killed recently.

Although ministers moved away from organizing vigils in the recent
past, this one is being called due to concerns among some members of
the community that racial or gang violence may have played a part in
the killing, said Rev. Rick DeBruyne, pastor of Lincoln Avenue
Community Church.

Pomona police have said it did not appear race played a part in the
incident.

Marquis Leblanc was killed late April 17 in the 2200 block of
Virginia Avenue after attending a party in the area that attracted
about 200 guests.

DeBruyne said he along with other ministers and community members
will try to raise the awareness of faith-based groups and residents
to become involved the various efforts in the city to improve the
city and invite then to join Neighborhood Watch groups as a way to
work together to prevent crime and other problems in their areas.

Participants will also call on the Pomona Unified School District to
take a human relations program that exists at Pomona High
and replicate it around the district.

Pomona High has the Campus Action Team, or the CATeam, through which
students continuously work to improve human relations among students.

The program, which includes the participation of representatives from
the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, has students
working with their peers to enlighten them about the negative effects
of bullying, stereotyping, racism, sexual harassment and homophobia.

Another concern of those who will participate in the vigil is that
many of the city's homicides have had connections to parties,
especially ones that drew large crowds, DeBruyne said.

Other cities around the state have addressed such activities with
local legislation and Pomona should take time to taking similar
steps, he said.

POMONA - Ministers and community members will gather in the 2200 block
of Virginia Avenue at 4 p.m. Sunday for a vigil in support of the
family and neighborhood in which an 18-year-old Diamond Bar man was
killed recently.

Although ministers moved away from organizing vigils in the recent
past, this one is being called due to concerns among some members of
the community that racial or gang violence may have played a part in
the killing, said Rev. Rick DeBruyne, pastor of Lincoln Avenue
Community Church.

Pomona police have said it did not appear race played a part in the
incident.

Marquis Leblanc was killed late April 17 in the 2200 block of
Virginia Avenue after attending a party in the area that attracted
about 200 guests.

DeBruyne said he along with other ministers and community members
will try to raise the awareness of faith-based groups and residents
to become involved the various efforts in the city to improve the
city and invite then to join Neighborhood Watch groups as a way to
work together to prevent crime and other problems in their areas.

Participants will also call on the Pomona Unified School District to
take a human relations program that exists at Pomona High
and replicate it around the district.

Pomona High has the Campus Action Team, or the CATeam, through which
students continuously work to improve human relations among students.

The program, which includes the participation of representatives from
the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, has students
working with their peers to enlighten them about the negative effects
of bullying, stereotyping, racism, sexual harassment and homophobia.

Another concern of those who will participate in the vigil is that
many of the city's homicides have had connections to parties,
especially ones that drew large crowds, DeBruyne said.

Other cities around the state have addressed such activities with
local legislation and Pomona should take time to taking similar
steps, he said.

POMONA - A preschool teacher from the Pomona Unified School District
was among six educators who were recognized this week as Los Angeles
County Preschool Teacher of the Year.

Ontario resident Maria Leon, a preschool teacher at Pueblo
Elementary's pre-school program, was among the six teacher honored at
a ceremony that took place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los
Angeles Thursday, according to a statement from Los Angeles Universal
Preschool, also known as LAUP, which is a sponsor of the contest.

LAUP is a non-profit organization established in 2004 with the goal
of providing quality preschool programs to all 4-year-olds in Los
Angeles County.

The program Leon is part of is funded by LAUP and operated by the
Pomona Unified, the statement said.

POMONA - Furniture, antiques, clothing for children and adults and many
other items will be on sale Saturday at a rummage sale offered by
Pilgrim Congregational Church, 600 N. Garey Ave., Pomona.

The sale begins at 8 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m.

A wide range of items including linens, plants, toys and even baked
goods will be on sale.

POMONA - Pomona school board members this week voted to distribute about
130 notices advising classified along with some confidential
employees they may be let go at the end of the school year.

A total 167 positions could be eliminated due to budget cuts. Of
those 34 are currently vacant.

Most of the positions that could be cut involve personnel who are
members of the California School Employees Association, which
represents clerical workers, instructional aides, food service
workers, and custodians.

A little more than 100 employees could be affected by the reductions.

POMONA - The city and the YMCA of Pomona Valley will enter into an
agreement that is expected to save Pomona money on the operation of
its summer aquatics programs.

City Council members voted in favor of entering into an agreement
with the organization that will save the city between $20,000 to
$22,000 this summer, according to a city staff report.

The city will pay the organization about $94,000 to offer swimming
lessons, daily recreational swimming activities and provide staff for
pool rentals and special events at the Ganesha and Washington park
pools, the report said.

City staff would continue being responsible for the maintenance of
the pools and the adjoining facilities.

Depending on the success of the pilot program the city and the YMCA
could enter similar agreements for these services in the future, the
report said.

POMONA -- Programs to improve parent-child communication, community resource centers and assistance for residents in tackling neighborhood concerns are just some of the tangibles coming out of the Pomona Youth and Family Master Plan.

"We've done a lot and it's exciting," said Andrea Rico, youth and family services manager with the city. "We're really starting to see the fruits of our labor."

Programs ranging from the Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley efforts to reach and draw high-risk youth away from negative behavior to efforts to establish a community foundation to help raise the money to support effective programs are all taking place.

All these, and others, are part of the effort to create a healthy environment in Pomona where young people have a chance to reach their full potential rather than following a path that leads to negative behavior.

Such efforts are the result of a violent act five years ago that shook the community profoundly.

POMONA  -- The guests wouldn't be arriving for another three days, but workers at the newly restored Fox Theater were rushing about Wednesday finishing floors, touching up paint and installing new carpeting, all in preparation for tonight's event.

The event is no small affair, it is the sold-out Fox First Night Sneak Preview fundraiser, the first event at the restored theater.

Restoring and renovating a building -- which was designed in 1929, constructed in 1930 and opened in 1931 -- comes with some challenges.

"It's been very complicated to make it all work as a state of the art venue," said Jerry Tessier, who with his brother Ed and business partners Paul and Perry Tollett made the project a reality.

By the time guests arrive late this afternoon, the work in and around the auditorium will be completed.

Some construction will continue in coming weeks to finish off restaurant and lounge spaces in other parts of the building.

All of those pieces, part of the first phase of the project, are expected to be completed by May 21, in time for the first concert on the Fox's schedule, Tessier said.

Some areas will be off limits to visitors tonight because they are considered construction zones, but there will be plenty for them to see.

POMONA -- For months and years, people across Pomona have been waiting for the opening of the Fox Theater.

Downtown merchants are no exception.

"I think everybody is looking forward to it," said Ana Esquivez, owner of Galeria Rustica on South Thomas Street.

Esquivez, like other merchants in the area, said the opening of the Fox is expected to bring people, perspective customers, to the area for shows and other activities who could return later to shop and eat at local businesses.

Esquivez said she frequently extends her business hours on evenings when events are taking place downtown, and she is prepared to do the same when the Fox has concerts or other functions.

The owner of the shop -- which offers home furnishings, art pieces as well as jewelry and more -- hopes to see regular activities at the Fox that draw a variety of potential customers to the area -- perspective clients of all ages to which her shop is prepared to cater to.

POMONA -- A little history, some glitz and a newly restored grand building will all be part of the first event taking place this evening at the historic Fox Theater.

The sold-out Fox First Night Sneak Preview fundraiser has generated excitement among people offering them a chance to take a look at the restored and renovated building, which had been closed since 2000 following years of decline.

The black-tie optional event has generated such enthusiasm in people that some are opting to dress in 1930s period attire, said Larry Egan, executive director of the Downtown Pomona Owners Association, and one of those involved in organizing the event.

Plans call for closing Third Street between Garey Avenue and Thomas Street from 6 a.m. to midnight today to accommodate activities.

POMONA - Education and the need to protect it from budget cuts will be among the messages heard Saturday as part of the seventh annual Cesar Chavez Pilgrimage and Community Celebration.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. outside of Pomona City Hall, 505 S. Garey Ave., and concludes at Philadelphia Elementary, 600 E. Philadelphia St.

Participants will gather at City Hall where they will hear from speakers, including Julie Chavez Rodriguez, of the Cesar Chavez Foundation and Rev. Patricio Guillen, executive director of Libreria del Pueblo in Ontario, said Jose Calderon, president of the Latino and Latina Roundtable of Pomona Valley and San Gabriel Valley.

During the walk, participants will stop in front of the Pomona Unified School District Education Center, 800 S. Garey Ave.

Educational cuts and reductions in teachers are detrimental to students, Calderon said.

While at the district offices, those walking will call on state and federal elected officials to spare education from further reductions, he said.

The walk is also a call to youth to follow the example of Cesar Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers union.

Chavez called on people especially youth to use their life in service to others rather than engaging in selfish activities and crime, Calderon said.

The community celebration at Philadelphia Elementary will include music, folkloric dance performances along with food and information booths.

POMONA - The Relay for Life comes to the Pomona Civic Center Plaza, 505 S. Garey Ave., Saturday as part of an effort to raise awareness about cancer.

The 24-hour event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with an opening ceremony that will include the family of young boy battling kidney cancer, said event chairwoman Joan Orozco.

At 9 a.m. teams will start walking relay-style to raise money in support of services and programs for local cancer patients.

Walking teams include friends, family members and co-workers of people who are cancer survivors and victims. Cancer survivors are also participating in the relay.

At the same time team members are walking around the plaza various family-friendly activities will take place at the plaza, Orozco said.

People can stop by and learn about the services available through the American Cancer Society as well as pick up information on the disease, its various forms, and how to prevent developing it, she said.

At 9 p.m. luminaria bags will be lit as part of a ceremony to remember cancer victims.

At 8:30 a.m. Sunday the event winds down with a closing ceremony.

Teams wishing to participate in the walk can register at 8 a.m today at the Civic Center Plaza.

Organizers have about 21 teams taking part in the relay with a goal of raising $25,000, Orozco said.

Although another relay takes place at Cal Poly Pomona later this year, this event is meant to draw more residents of the city and increase their awareness about cancer along with making people aware of the service the American Cancer Society has to offer, she said.

POMONA - Information on everything from what it takes to be a veterinarian to low cost pet microchipping will be offered  Saturday at the open house of Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. at the university, 309 E. Second St. in downtown.

Tours of the college, pet care tips and giveaways will be part of the event.

Animals including dogs, cats and even reptiles will be a feature of the Open House.

Pet microchipping will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

POMONA -The Target Campus Grant Foundation presented a $50,000 donation to the Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy, the university said in a statement this week.

The funds will go toward the creation of a professional development laboratory where many educational and professional development activities will be carried out, the statement said.

In addition, the foundation contributed $5,000 for a contemporary language development center at the university.

POMONA - A preschool teacher from the Pomona Unified School District was among six educators recognized this week as Los Angeles County Preschool Teacher of the Year.

Ontario resident Maria Leon, a preschool teacher at Pueblo Elementary's pre-school program, earned the award, according to Los Angeles Universal Preschool.

LAUP is a non-profit organization established in 2004 with the goal of providing quality preschool programs to all 4-year-olds in Los Angeles County.

The program Leon is part of is funded by LAUP and operated by the Pomona Unified, the statement said.

POMONA - A proposal that could help the Los Angeles County Fair Association build a long awaited trade and conference center at the Fairplex will go before the City Council Monday evening.

The proposal would involve the city, through its redevelopment agency, providing the Fair Association with $6 million that would be used for the construction of the center.

In exchange Fairplex would double the portion of parking income it turns over to the city. That share is currently $74,500 annually and would increase to about $149,000 a year, according to a city staff report.

The city would also acquire housing covenants for 50 very low, low and moderate income rental spaces at the Fairplex trailer park for 55 years, the report said.

The Fair Association would have the option to buy the covenants back after one year from the time a certificate of occupancy is issued for the center.

Another option would be to purchase the covenants back at a later time but the Fair Association would receive less than the full value, the report said.

The money, $2.7 million of which would come from bond proceeds and $3.3 million from bonds proceeds set aside for low and moderate income housing, would help Fairplex raise the financing needed to build the $28 million trade and conference center, the report said.

POMONA - Producing the blueprint that will help Pomona become a more prosperous city has been a long, challenging process.

Council members faced another challenge this week but pushed forward and voted in favor of paying San Francisco-based Freedman, Tung and Bottomley $1.2 million to complete the city's general plan update, produce a specific plan for the city's major corridors and a strategic plan for public transportation.

Staff was also directed to try to renegotiate the price to a lower level if they could.

Council members voted 4-2 with Mayor Elliott Rothman and Councilman Tim Saunders voting in opposition. Councilman Steve Atchley is out of town.

Councilwoman Paula Lantz said Friday the final product will be a good investment.
"I think we will have something we are very, very proud of, that is useful, meets our community's needs and is not a boiler plate," Lantz said.

POMONA - Well-known artist Henry Asencio will be on hand at the Latino Art Museum tonight for the launch of his show, "Lineage."

Asencio is known for his painting of woman's bodies the collection at the museum centers on his heritage by representing elements of ancient Mexican culture and contemporary Mexican-American culture, according to a statement from the artist.

The show begins at 6 tonight at the Latino Art Museum, 281 S. Thomas St., Suite 105, which is below street level in the Founders Building.

POMONA - City Council members this week authorized city administrators to enter into a $456,100 contract with a City of Industry-based firm for construction management services.

Willdan Engineering will provide services for 17 public works projects that include improvements to alleys around the city, to city streets and street beautification, according to a city staff report.

The services are needed since the city eliminated two engineering posts within the last year, including the city's senior civil engineer with the public works department construction management division.

The firm will provide cost monitoring and oversight of costs, keep track of scheduling and monitor projects for quality, among other things, the report said.

POMONA - The city's redevelopment agency will provide $250,000 to help a manufacturer of heating and ventilation system products with relocation costs.

City Council members, acting as the governing board of the redevelopment agency, approved entering into a business assistance agreement with Superior Duct Fabricators.

The company, which had the option of relocating the business to either Pomona or Chino from Montebello, contacted the agency seeking assistance that would facilitate the move to Pomona, a city staff report said.

The manufacturing company found a location in the 1600 block of Mount Vernon Avenue, just south of Holt Avenue, but needed some assistance to cover the move to the city and other expenses.

At the Pomona site the company plans to expand its business from the current 90 employees to 130 shortly, the report said.

In addition forecasts call for the company to generate about $100,000 annual in sales tax revenue for the city through its sale of heating and ventilations systems at the retail and wholesale level, the report said.

To receive the assistance the company was required to obtain an occupancy permit for the site and a business license which it has done in addition to being in full operation.

The agency will allocate $50,000 initially followed by four annual payments equal to 50 percent of the sales tax the company generates but not to exceed $50,000 on the condition the company stays at the Mount Vernon Avenue location for 62 months, the report said.

If the company leaves the location it will be required to return the money, the report said.

POMONA-City leaders opted to hold off a final vote involving the awarding of non-exclusive franchises to three tow companies.

Council members will take up the matter at May 4 meeting when all the members of the council are expected to be present.

The matter first came up at the March 16 council meeting, but Mayor Elliott Rothman and Councilman Freddie Rodriguez were not present and had not review minutes or recordings of the meeting and could not participate in the discussion at this week's meeting.

 Councilman Steve Atchley was not present this week since he is out of town.

A group of Village Academy High School students who were participated in the creation of the video, "Is Anybody Listening?" will be the special guests at the fifth annual Taste of Pomona Monday evening.

A Taste of Pomona, organized by the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Avalon, which is on the grounds of Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For ticket information call the Pomona Chamber of Commerce at (909) 622-1256.

The students created the video describing the impact of the economic downturn on their families and their concerns that they may not be able to pursue a college education.

Their video was posted on YouTube where it has continued to drawing tens of thousands of views. A copy was sent to the White House.

The students and their video had already drawn media attention when President Obama referred to the teens and their concerns in his first major address on education last month.

A week later he met with the students while on a visit to the Edison International Vehicle Electronic Plant.

After the visit the students were featured on ABC-TV's "20/20" newsmagazine and on KCET's "SoCal Connected" public affairs program.

POMONA - The superintendent of the Pomona Unified School District will be the guest speaker at Thursday's meeting of the Willie White Park Focus Group.

Superintendent Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana will speak about future plans for the district and then take questions from the audience.

The focus group will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Willie White Park Community Center, 3065 Battram St.

The group consists of area residents who came together in the early 1990s to address problems associated with gang activities and to improve the community.

Monthly meetings include speakers from state and local government, public safety and service groups.

Information: (909) 596-4273 or (909) 392-8666.

POMONA - On the surface the third annual Citywide Beautification Day taking place May 9 is about sprucing up the city.

Go a bit deeper and the beautification project is a community building exercise that can result in many new relationships from non-profits connecting with other similar groups to residents meeting neighbors, said Rev. Rick DeBruyne, pastor of Lincoln Avenue Community Church and a member of the Pomona Youth and Family Master Plan.

Plans call for matching up college students with younger children and having them work side by side, DeBruyne said.

By bringing the two groups together, "we're getting the (younger) kids exposed to college and the college-going idea," he said.

The clean-up also offers residents who may have little contact with neighbors a way to meet them.

"They're ridding themselves of the fears of a neighborhood and of blight," DeBryne said.

The American Red Cross San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter has volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas ranging from clerical assistance to providing emergency services.

Most opportunities involve working with the chapter's headquarters in Pasadena, but some volunteer openings are available at the Pomona branch offices at 675 N. Park Ave.

Volunteer spots are available for both adults and teens interested in contributing 10 to 40 hours of their time a week, according to a statement from the chapter.

Prospective volunteers can go to www.sgpvarc.org and click on the "volunteer" tab to find out more about volunteering and the volunteer posts available, along with their qualifications.

People interested in becoming volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation meeting before submitting an application and going through an interview with representatives of the department they wish to serve with.

Background checks of prospective applicants are also completed as part of the application process.

Adults who have questions related to volunteering can call (626) 799-0841, ext. 101. Youth who have questions related to volunteering can call (626) 799- 0841, ext. 229.

Councilman Steve Atchley is traveling to China Saturday where he'll spend two weeks on personal business.

During that time he also plans to make contact with Chinese officials and business people to encourage them to consider Pomona as a place to do business, he said.

Atchley said he'll also be working on opportunities to establish Friendship City relationships with Chinese cities and assisting in establishing a relationship between Village Academy High School and schools in China.

Tickets are available for the Mt. San Antonio College theater program production of "Born Yesterday."

The post-World War II comedy tells the story of a rich junk dealer who goes to Washington, D.C., to try to influence politicians. The junk dealer has a girlfriend in need of social graces, and he hires a magazine writer to help her become more refined, leading to a relationship between the two.

The production will be performed at 8 p.m. April 17, 18, 24 and 25 <NO1>at 8 p.m.<NO>in the college's Sophia B. Clarke Theater.

General-admission tickets are $12. Tickets for seniors, students and children under 12 are $9.

For tickets or more information, go to www.4tix.org ,or call (909) 468-4050.

Representatives of AT&T made a $1,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new store on Indian Hill Boulevard.

The contribution will be used for teen programs, said Victor Caceres, executive director of the club.

Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Ontario, will hold her next "Capitol in Your Corner" meeting in Chino.

The gathering is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. April 11 at Royalty Cakes, 5236 D St.

Torres, who represents Pomona, Chino, Montclair and Ontario, is organizing the gatherings as a way to meet with constituents and talk about their concerns.

Torres would like to have "Capitol in Your Corner" gatherings once a month in her district, according to a statement from her office.

Pomona Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading will hold signups on several Saturdays starting this weekend and continuing until June.

Morning signups will be held from 9 a.m. to noon today and April 18, May 2 and May 16 at Match Grill, 50 Rio Rancho Road.

Parents can also sign up their children from 3 to 6 p.m. the same dates at Roundtable Pizza, 408 Auto Center Drive, Claremont.

Two more signup opportunities will be offered -- from 9 a.m. to noon June 6 and June 20 at the Boys & Girls Club of Pomona Valley, 1420 S. Garey Ave.

For more information on the youth football and cheerleading programs, visit www.pomonapopwarner.org, e-mail ppwbruins71@aol.com, or call (909) 593-4959.