RC in review
It's not clear to me how reporters, bloggers and critics list their top 10 this and that of the decade. It's impossible for me to name the last 10 movies I've seen or the last 10 cds I've bought, let alone 10 of the best.
That's why I got nervous when my editor asked me to identify the top three stories in Rancho Cucamonga of 2009. I'm horrible about these lists for two reasons. One, I'm not very organized. I don't have a file of 2009 Rancho stories to comb through to make my decision. I forgot what my second reason was.
In today's story, you'll see I picked the Haven Avenue bridge as a top story because it was a major construction project that affected many people's commutes in 2009. It also had a negative impact on many local businesses. I also found out the bridge weighs 3.5 million pounds, making it the heaviest story of the year.
Furniture maker Sam Maloof died in May and even though I never met him, I sat in one of his chairs and wished I did. Although many in the city may not recognize the Maloof name, I still think he was the city's most famous resident.
The trials and tribulations of Councilman Rex Gutierrez made the list, if not for the stunning arrest that occured May 27, then for the colorful quotes that came out of the scandal.
Details of Gutierrez's role in the Assessor's Office came out when former Enron prosecutor John Hueston released his report. Gutierrez had this to say: "Mr. Hueston was paid to paint the worst possible light on the Assessor's Office. He's a paid assassin, and he would not be doing his job if he was not printing the most salacious comments he
could gather from hourly workers."
After reading the report, Councilman Sam Spagnolo had this to say: "This bucket (Gutierrez) stepped into has splashed on us. Rex always said (Bill) Postmus was his mentor. I hope he will follow his mentor's footsteps and resign."
But Gutierrez was far from resigning. "For (Williams and Spagnolo) to do this is the most sickening, disgusting, un-Christian act anyone can take," Gutierrez said about his colleagues' calls for him to step down. "They have tried me and hanged me in public. I'm totally beside myself."
Gutierrez found solace, however, when his supporters showed up to a City Council meeting and gave him a standing ovation.
"I just want to thank those of you who have stood by me," he said. "You are the real Christians."
Am I missing something? Was there anything that happened in 2009 that should on this list?
That's why I got nervous when my editor asked me to identify the top three stories in Rancho Cucamonga of 2009. I'm horrible about these lists for two reasons. One, I'm not very organized. I don't have a file of 2009 Rancho stories to comb through to make my decision. I forgot what my second reason was.
In today's story, you'll see I picked the Haven Avenue bridge as a top story because it was a major construction project that affected many people's commutes in 2009. It also had a negative impact on many local businesses. I also found out the bridge weighs 3.5 million pounds, making it the heaviest story of the year.
Furniture maker Sam Maloof died in May and even though I never met him, I sat in one of his chairs and wished I did. Although many in the city may not recognize the Maloof name, I still think he was the city's most famous resident.
The trials and tribulations of Councilman Rex Gutierrez made the list, if not for the stunning arrest that occured May 27, then for the colorful quotes that came out of the scandal.
Details of Gutierrez's role in the Assessor's Office came out when former Enron prosecutor John Hueston released his report. Gutierrez had this to say: "Mr. Hueston was paid to paint the worst possible light on the Assessor's Office. He's a paid assassin, and he would not be doing his job if he was not printing the most salacious comments he
could gather from hourly workers."After reading the report, Councilman Sam Spagnolo had this to say: "This bucket (Gutierrez) stepped into has splashed on us. Rex always said (Bill) Postmus was his mentor. I hope he will follow his mentor's footsteps and resign."
But Gutierrez was far from resigning. "For (Williams and Spagnolo) to do this is the most sickening, disgusting, un-Christian act anyone can take," Gutierrez said about his colleagues' calls for him to step down. "They have tried me and hanged me in public. I'm totally beside myself."
Gutierrez found solace, however, when his supporters showed up to a City Council meeting and gave him a standing ovation.
"I just want to thank those of you who have stood by me," he said. "You are the real Christians."
* * *
Am I missing something? Was there anything that happened in 2009 that should on this list?
Wendy,
As far as top stories I think you are probably right on. Hopefully 2010 can bring us 3 Positive stories that Rancho Cucamonga can be remembered for.
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
I came across this by mistake and am saddened to hear of Sam Maloof's death but how blessed with such a long life and all his contributions.
I grew up in Cucamonga and remember their home all tucked away in the groves before all the streets went through. I remember when Archibald Ave. ended at Baseline and went all the way down to Guasti. God Bless him. I do think also that he will always be the most famous person from that area. I lived there too when Alta Loma, Cucamonga, and Etiwanda were seperate communities.
I was researching the Upland area because of some old books I came across and found this article.