April 2010 Archives

Driving on the 15 Freeway this week, I noticed The Melting Pot has closed.

It turns out, after three years of bringing melted cheese into the community, the fondue joint shuttered last month. The closest restaurant is now in Pasadena and Brea.

I was curious of The Melting Pot but I never made it out there. Long summers and a skinny wallet prevented me from going. The restaurant, known for being on the pricey side (fondue for two could go for $87), always seemed out of place at the Wal-mart center.

Are there Melting Pot fans out there? Am I missing out? 

The city will host an evening of food and games at the RC Family Resource Center on 9791 Arrow Route. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. when a free dinner will be served. The Family Fun Night is part of an initiative to combat childhood obesity in the southern part of the city where fresh produce is hard to come by. Earlier this year, the city received a $360,000 grant by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to craft policy changes that address the obesity epidemic.

Tomorrow night, there will be fun and games for young children. Adults can take part in a mapping activity that identifies the needs and challenges of the Northtown neighborhood in relation to access to healthy foods.

Information: 909-477-2781 

The Planning Commission approved the final draft of the General Plan update tonight. The document will be forwarded to the City Council on May 19 for final approval.

It was a culmination of a couple of years of hard work by the consultants and Planning Department staff members, many of whom attended the meeting. When the commissioners approved the plan, everybody in the audience did the wave. Suddenly, the Council Chambers looked like a baseball stadium.

Will there be a bigger wave after the City Council approves the plan in May?

The Planning Department is ready to submit an application to have the Pacific Electric Etiwanda Depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Located on Etiwanda Avenue at the Pacific Electric Trail, the former train station will soon become a trailhead for the pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly trail. The city is in the final stages of buying the depot and a half acre of the parcel from San Bernardino Associated Governments. The plan is to restore the property and provide restrooms, parking, picnic facilities and a train museum for historic displays.

"The (national) designation will be a feather in our cap," said Commissioner Frances Howdyshell at tonight's Planning Commission meeting. "To witness the renovations is going to be really exciting."

In today's front-page article about El Loco Cantina, the date of the next public hearing was incorrect.

The City Council will discuss whether to revoke the cantina's entertainment and conditional use permits at 7 p.m. on May 19. The restaurant's attorney had asked the matter be postponed until May 5 but the council was not able to vote on the postponement on April 21 because that meeting was canceled. Last week's meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum. Mayor Don Kurth was sick, Councilman Dennis Michael was on vacation and Councilman Rex Gutierrez attended his daughter's graduation from Brigham Young University.

Spotted at a meet-and-greet for Redlands Mayor Pat Gilbreath last night at the Etiwanda Gardens: red velvet cake and coconut shrimp.

Also spotted: Councilwoman Diane Williams.

The councilwoman has announced her endorsement of Gilbreath for the 63rd Assembly District race. The Republican primary is set for June 8 and features seven candidates including Gilbreath and Mayor Don Kurth.

There is a public hearing about raising water rates at the Cucamonga Valley Water District at 6 p.m. today. If the increase is passed as expected, an average household could see rates raise by about 7 percent. The meeting is on 10440 Ashford St.

An RC Now commenter's recommendation of Candelas, the new restaurant at Victoria Gardens, helped me and a group of friends decide where to take a birthday gal for dinner the other night.

After finishing my entree and sampling a half dozen others, it became clear that Candelas has the classiest, most creative menu at the mall. Flemmings fans might object but what can I say, I'm a Ruth's Chris gal at heart. 

Candelas is one of those fancy restaurants where horchata is a cocktail and lobster is served on the side.

I devoured my Salmon Epazote ($15) which was a filet with epazote and almond butter on a bed of green rice with lobster-tequila sauce. Also recommended is what's pictured, tequila-flamed jumbo prawns over tuna sashimi in a balsamic demi-glaze ($19.50). The birthday girl got a complimentary pastel tres leches (normally $8.50).

The only thing that annoyed me about the menu is the offerings of Fettuccini Alfredo and hamburger. Why do some restaurants feel like they have to appeal to every single picky eater?

Another thing before you go: Mention that you live in the 91739 for a 20 percent discount.

I'm on page 142 of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," the library's featured book for Big Read. I'd just finished the part when Tom crashes his own funeral.

Who knows when I'll read a Big Read book again. According to David Allen's column on Sunday, the city did not receive a grant to do the reading initiative next year.

That means, this Thursday's public discussion will be the last Big Read activity for awhile. Prof. William Cook will discuss humor and cynicism in Twain's works at 7 p.m. at the Biane Library.

A couple of forums featuring local candidates running for office are planned this week.

The Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated will host a 63rd Assembly District candidate's forum 6:30 p.m. Wednesday during its regular meeting at The Magic Lamp Inn on 8189 Foothill Blvd. Candidates expected to attend are: Jacqueline Bolda, Paul Chabot, Patricia Gilbreath, Don Kurth, Mike Morrell, Henry Nickel and Aquanetta Warren. Dinner is $25 and reservations can be made calling 909-946-2962.

The Inland Valley Democratic Club and the Fontana Democratic Club on Thursday will present the inaugural Inland Valley Democratic Candidates' Forum. The forum, which is free, is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the VFW Post #8680, 8751 Industrial Lane. The forum will provide attendees with the opportunity to meet and interact with 22 Democratic candidates running for local offices in the June and November elections. They are:

Seen on Base Line and Archibald this morning: a Nissan pick-up with the license plate MRGODOT being whisked away in a tow truck. I wonder if anybody was waiting anxiously for the truck's arrival.

Upland Christian Academy will host a golf tournament at Sierra La Verne Country Club on May 10 to raise money for its campus at Abundant Living Church. The tournament is best ball with a high noon tee off with lunch, an awards dinner, silent auction and raffle prizes throughout the day. Local magician and comedian Taylor Hughes and the school's singing ensemble will provide the entertainment.

Information: 909-758-8747

You might have toured a water treatment plant for a school field trip when you were young. At the time, you probably didn't understand why the field trip and water conservation was so important.

On May 19, the Cucamonga Valley Water District will give adults a field trip to its Lloyd W. Michael Water Treatment Plant. The 5:30 to 7 p.m. tour is free and starts at the plant on 5815 Etiwanda Ave.

Register here.

Three Fertility Dolls "Akua'ba," Ghana, mid-20th century




Courtesy
of the Maloof Foundation



"Tribal Craft: A Collector's Seduction," an exhibition of ethnic craft from three private collections including Sam Maloof's, will be on display through August 14. The show is free and is open Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.

Curator John Scott will give a slideshow lecture "Collecting Artifacts in New Guinea" at 2 p.m. May 23.

The exhibit is at the Maloof Foundation on 5131 Carnelian St.

Information: 909-980-0412

The banner on Base Line might have scooped me but nevertheless here it is -- the city and Northtown will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration on uno de Mayo. It's easier that way since Cinco de Mayo falls on a Wednesday.

To mark the battle of Puebla, there will be folklorico dancers, pony rides, face painting, food and of course, mariachis. There will be a salsa contest that will award the winners with cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. Contestants must arrive before 2 p.m.

The event is 1 to 6 p.m. next Saturday at Old Town Park on 10033 Feron Blvd.

Information: 909-941-7465

Note: Tonight's City Council meeting at 7 p.m. has been canceled due to lack of quorum. However, the presentations originally scheduled for 6 p.m. will still take place.

A number of proclamations will be presented at a special meeting that starts at 6 p.m. tonight. Sonics and Nets youth basketball teams and Junior Girl Scout Troop 12664 will be recognized. Two proclamations will declare April child abuse prevention and autism awareness month. Two founding members of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Safety Council and three residents who helped out during the recent mobile home fire will also be recognized.

At the 7 p.m. meeting, the city was scheduled to consider whether to revoke the conditional use and entertainment permits of El Loco Cantina but the restaurant's attorney has requested the matter be postponed until May 5.

A public hearing will take place on the allocation of Community Development Block Grant
funds. This year, the city will receive $1.1 million in grant funding.

The city's Planning Department has several events lined up to mark Historic Preservation Month.

The annual Mother's Day tea hosted by the Etiwanda Historical Society will take place 11:30 a.m. May 1 at the Etiwanda Gardens. Price is $25 and includes a gift for every mom. Information: 909-899-8432.

On May 5, the City Council will present a proclamation to the Historic Preservation Commission at its regular meeting.

Display boards depicting local history will be showcased at the Biane Library on May 19 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The Historical Preservation Association will host a historic home tour from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 23. The cost is $25 per person. Information: 909-989-7772

On June 4, at 7 p.m., the Biane Library will host local history night and show several digital oral history interviews conducted with prominent members of the community.

Historic Preservation Month is also a good time to pay a visit to the Kaiser Steel Museum, which is open Thursdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. at Sweeten Hall on San Bernardino and Hellman. Information: 909-823-6163 


 

Congratulations to Hermosa, Caryn and Etiwanda Colony elementary schools for being named a 2010 California Distinguished School. They were among 31 elementary schools in San Bernardino County honored with that distinction by the state.

Sylvan Street -- a band featuring University of Arizona faculty musicians -- will perform jazz, rock, Latin and funk 7 p.m. next Tuesday at Los Osos High School. Tickets are $10. The school theater is on 6001 Milliken Ave.

Information: 909-477-6900 

The annual Community Wellness Fair will be held 4 to 8 p.m. next Friday at Central Park. There will be health screenings, prize drawings and family-friendly activities. 

Did you participate in the Tea Party protests yesterday? You might have been captured by staff photographer Jennifer Cappuccio Maher. Check out her photo gallery here.














Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/Staff Photographer

"Fire at the U.S. Treasury"
Robert Dowd, 1968








"Pop Art Money," paintings by Robert Dowd, will be shown from May 1 to June 13 at the Chaffey Community Art Association Museum of Art located in the Filippi Winery. Dowd's  paintings of money and postage stamps made him one of the key members of the California Pop Art movement.

The exhibit is free and is opened Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. A reception is scheduled 2 to 4 p.m. May 2. The winery is on 12467 Base Line Road.

Information: 909-463-3733

To the person in front of me on Haven Avenue today driving a Hyndai Azera with the license frame "God Bless Willie Nelson": Where on earth did you buy that? 

If you light up at a bus stop this weekend, you probably won't get fined but you might get a dirty look.

Starting Saturday, smoking will be prohibited within 20 feet of outdoor service lines and transit stops. The ordinance was passed on March 17 by a City Council that felt non-smokers standing in lines are a captive audience and can't leave their place to avoid cigarette smoke. The ordinance applies to all 225 bus stops, Metrolink station, ATM and movie theater lines.

The city is not expected to actively enforce the new stipulation but rather rely on posted signs to encourage self enforcement.

City Hall, parks, Victoria Gardens Cultural Center and other city properties have been smoke-free since 2008. Council members considered widening the ban to outdoor dining areas of restaurants and apartment complexes but felt it was too stringent.

If you have questions about the ordinance, call 909-477-2700

Fresh & Easy is marking Earth Day by giving free canvas bags to shoppers who spend $20 or more. The offer is through April 22. Download the coupon here. Fresh & Easy has two locations in the city -- one on Foothill and Vineyard and another on Foothill and Day Creek. 

Tomorrow is tax day and you know what that means. Tea party organizers will stage protests around the country. There will be several in the Inland Empire including in Redlands, Chino Hills and San Bernardino. In Rancho Cucamonga, the protest is 4 to 7 p.m. on the corner of Day Creek and Foothill. 

Representatives from several water agencies will discuss a water bond proposal that voters will decide on in the November election. The forum will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday at the Frontier Project on 10435 Ashford Street. If passed, the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act would let the state borrow $11.1 billion for water infrastructure projects. 

There are events planned for both libraries this Saturday. At the Biane Library, a family-friendly Earth Day celebration will take place 1 to 4 p.m. The first 200 participants will get a free Healthy RC shopping bag.

Over at the Archibald Library, Mark Twain scholar Laura Skandera Trombley will be the keynote speaker for the Big Read initiative. Trombley is president of Pitzer College and author of "Mark Twain's Other Woman: The Hidden Story of His Final Years." Trombley will speak at 2 p.m.

Other Big Read events centered on "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer":

A theatrical production of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" put on by Will & Company will take place at the Biane Library 4 p.m. on April 21. This will be for young readers.

On April 29 at 7 p.m., there will be a book discussion at the Biane Library on the humor and cynicism in Mark Twain by Prof. William Cook. This will be for adult readers. 

Information: 909-477-2720

The Loma Linda Healthcare System will open a new VA clinic on Friday. The open house celebrations begin at 1 p.m. with tours through the facility at 2 p.m. There will be free H1N1 flu shots for veterans. The clinic is on 8599 Haven Ave., Suite #102.

Information: 909-583-6193

Eddie Carroll, who graced the Lewis Family Playhouse stage in 2007 as a Jack Benny impersonator, died last Tuesday from a brain tumor. He was 76.

Read more about Carroll in the Los Angeles Times obituary. Family members have also set up a tribute page.

Carroll performed his one-man show "Life in Bloom" in January of 2007 during the inaugural season of the Lewis Family Playhouse. Carroll is seen here posing with the statue of this city's honorary mayor.








Photo courtesy
of Lewis Family Playhouse

Jamba Juice, celebrating its 20th year, will offer buy one, get one free drink specials through April 25. Download your coupon here.

Fireworks, Tremor and $2 beers marked the season opener for the Quakes last night. The hometown team fell to the 66ers 6-3 but most fans were just pleased baseball season's finally here.

As tradition goes, the City Council throws the ceremonial first pitch -- which Mayor Don Kurth, City Manager Jack Lam, council members Dennis Michael, Sam Spagnolo and Diane Williams did alongside a representative from Buffalo Wild Wings. They were all pitch perfect but from where I was sitting, the Wings guy got much more applause than the city leaders. Understandable, I suppose, since Buffalo Wild Wings sponsored the Thirsty Thursday specials.

The Inland Empire rivals meet again today at the Epicenter 7:05 p.m.

Councilman Rex Gutierrez spent his last day working in Delano yesterday. The councilman was getting tired of his 180-mile commute.

"It's time to move on," Gutierrez said.

Now that's he's back in the city full time, Gutierrez told residents at the City Council meeting that he'll be "much more available."

In November, Gutierrez took a job as a programs specialist working for his brother at the Delano Association for the Developmentally Disabled. Delano is Gutierrez's home town. Gutierrez spent most weekdays in Delano and spent four hours driving back for City Council meetings and to be with his family over the weekend.

Gutierrez said he will now focus on publishing his newsletter Vineyard Press, a free monthly that residents will receive at their doorsteps.

In the late 1990s, the councilman published a newsletter called the Grapevine Press. He resigned from the City Council in 1998 after he was criticized for soliciting ads from businesses that had contracts with City Hall. After four years in the business, he ceased publication and ran for the City Council again and won in 2002.

Gutierrez started an online version of the Vineyard Press last January but stopped posting content after his arrest last May.

"I'm going to resurrect it," Gutierrez said today about his newsletter. He said he believes there are many businesses in the city that do not have contracts with City Hall and can advertise with him.

"It's not the easiest thing to do but it's what I do best," Gutierrez said. "I think I have a Constitutional right to run a business."

If all goes well, Gutierrez expects to have his first newsletter published in July.

Stop by the VFW Post 8680 during dinner time on Tuesdays and Saturdays to show your support. The group hosts Taco Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tacos are $1 each and a taco plate is $5. On Saturdays, Steak Night is also 6 to 8:30 p.m. and costs $10. Karaoke and 50/50 drawing starts at 7:30 p.m.

The VFW is on 8751 Industrial Lane.

Information: 909-957-1417, 909-980-5220

A group of Guillermo Reyes' neighbors pleaded with the City Council tonight to help save Reyes' home. Reyes, who turns 79 this month, is a hoarder who exhibits extreme pack-rat behavior and was evicted from his home last month. He was featured in the Daily Bulletin last week. Since the publication of the article, a for sale sign has been posted in front of his home.

"We're trying to help him out as much as we can, but we're just one family," said Brian Watson, one of six neighbors who spoke about Reyes.

"His life has basically been stolen from him," said neighbor Rosa Trevino-Mortensen

According to the city manager and building and safety official, the city has been working with the county in locating Reyes to offer him mental health treatment.

There was some political stumping tonight at the City Council meeting.

City Council meeting regular Jim Moffatt, who hates the recent approval of no-smoking signs at transit stops, made a sign of his own. Moffatt showed a Daily Bulletin photo of Mayor Don Kurth at an anti-illegal immigration rally and pasted a hand-written "No Fumar" sign next to it. "No Fumar," as you may know, means "no smoking" in Spanish. Moffatt later showed a flier of Paul Chabot, who is running against Kurth for the Assembly, and urged everyone to vote for Chabot.

But Kurth had supporters, too.

A group of activists who participated in the anti-immigration rally praised Kurth for showing up and speaking at the event. The protest last month was organized by Raymond Herrera of We the People California's Crusader. Herrera, another City Council watcher who frequently calls for a crack down against day laborers in the city, urged for residents to back Kurth for the Assembly.

An Earth Day celebration will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Frontier Project. There will be family-friendly activities, water district demonstrations and hands-on gardening projects.

Participants can bring their unwanted tennis shoes for recycling. Each family can bring two pairs to be recycled for Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe program. The shoes will be used to make running tracks and padding for basketball and tennis courts.

The Frontier Project is on 10435 Ashford Street.

Information: 909-944-6025, www.greencountysb.com

There will be a presentation today concerning a proposed water rate increase by the Cucamonga Valley Water District. The district is expected to vote on raising rates by approximately 7 percent at its April 27 meeting.

The City Council is expected to make a decision on a dispute between a city-hired contractor and a subcontractor. UST Development, a company hired to complete the Wilson Avenue landscaping and trail project, has requested that subcontractor Gates Landscape be replaced. According to UST, Gates has fallen behind schedule and refused to complete landscape work. But after conducting an evidentiary hearing, city attorney Jim Markman concluded that UST failed and refused to pay Gates and is recommending that Gates not be replaced. 

 

The Alta Loma Educational Foundation, a fund-raising arm for the school district, will hold Festival of the Arts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 1. The event, featuring student art displays, demonstrations and performances by the district's students and staff, will take place at Vineyard Junior High School on 6440 Mayberry Ave. There will be drawings for a chance to win a family four-pack to Disneyland. 

I was puttering around my kitchen in Pomona and didn't feel a thing.

But a small group of students from Upland Christian Academy certainly did. Twelve high school students from the Rancho Cucamonga-based school are in Mexicali this week on a missionary trip for spring break. They were rattled by the 7.2 quake but safe. Thanks to a universal phone card, they were able to call and send text messages to their parents. The students are due back this Saturday but until then, the students are hoping to help out in relief efforts. 

Famed author Ray Bradbury, who was scheduled to speak at the Biane Library on April 16, has canceled his appearance, according to Library Director Robert Karatsu. Bradbury might be rescheduled at a later date.

The Big Read kickoff will still take place 2 p.m. April 10 at the Biane Library. There will be appearances by a Mark Twain impersonator and the world's tallest cat. No tickets are required.

A local performing arts school will stage "The Wiz," at the Center Stage Theater in Fontana April 30 to May 2. "The Wiz" is based on "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

The performance by the Valverde School of Performing Arts will raise money for breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Inland Empire. For every ticket sold on Friday, the school will donate $10 for the cause.

Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. Friday gala dinner is $80. Tickets for the show at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday is $15. 

For tickets, visit www.CenterStageFontana.com

Information: 909-987-2789 

There were 162,000 new jobs last month, the largest gain in three years in March. The increase however doesn't mean the job fair scheduled Wednesday will be any less crowded than it was last year. More than 3,000 people showed up to the last employment fair hosted by Rep. David Dreier. The lines, pictured, wrapped around Central Park long before doors opened.

Wednesday's event is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Central Park community center. Dress professionally and bring copies of your resume.

Information: 909-575-6226, www.csb-win.org


  

You might have seen or met Guillermo Reyes before. He goes by "March" or sometimes "Marc" and is often seen in the Terra Vista community with his shopping cart full of recyclables.

Reyes is the 78 year old man featured in today's paper. The longtime resident was evicted after years of exhibiting pack-rat behavior. The story led to a series of phone calls to me starting at 6:30 a.m. this morning. Many wanted to know how a longtime homeowner can now be homeless. One caller said Reyes didn't slip through the cracks, he was sucked through the cracks.


 

(It's also April Fool's Day so watch out for those sneaky jokes.)

If you haven't filled out your census form yet, today is a good day to do it. You wouldn't want census workers knocking on your door when company's over.

Response rate has been not bad. The national rate is at 52 percent so far. But in this city, the response rate is tied with the state at 49 percent. City leaders are hoping for an 80 percent rate this year. In 2000, the city reached 76 percent.

Census workers say it takes just 10 minutes to fill out the 10-question form. But I say if you know your race and how many people live in your house, you can do it in five minutes.