August 2010 Archives

If you own property in Landscape Maintenance District 6, or the Caryn community, the last day to turn your ballot in is tomorrow. Ballots regarding the landscape maintenance fee increase will be accepted by the close of the public hearing, which begins shortly after 7 p.m. at the Council Chambers on 10500 Civic Center Dr. Homeowners could pay about $120 more than their current rate if this measure passes. Results of the vote will be announced at the close of tomorrow's City Council meeting.

 

Jerie Lee, who is a constant presence at City Council meetings and at the senior center, will host a candidates' debate on Oct. 26, a week before the elections. The Alta Loma Riding Club will have a forum on Oct. 19. With the Chamber of Commerce's Oct. 5 event, that's three Tuesdays worth of debating.

More information about the riding club event later. Lee's event will be at the senior center's David Dreier Hall from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Unlike the Chamber's forum, this is open just to the City Council candidates and not to the water district and supervisor hopefuls. Lee helped organize a similar forum in the 2006 elections.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will not be selling admission to its "Be Cool to Your School" youth variety show on Sept. 11. Instead the church will ask for school supplies such as paper, notebooks, pencils, pens, boxes of tissue, etc. The items will be donated to your high school of choice. Representatives from Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland high schools will be there to collect them. The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Rancho Cucamonga Stake Center on 6829 Etiwanda Ave.

Information: 909-899-3371 

Massage Envy, which opened earlier this year at the Henry's shopping center on Day Creek Boulevard and Base Line, will offer $49 massages on Sept. 14 to raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure to fight breast cancer. For each massage that day, Massage Envy will give $15 to the cause. The goal for the chain of nationwide spas is to raise $500,000 in one day. At a similar event last year, the Upland Massage Envy raised $2,200.

Information: 909-803-1001  

The Chamber of Commerce will host a candidates forum at 5:30 Oct. 5 at Central Park. Candidates running for the second district supervisorial district, city council and Cucamonga Valley Water District are invited to participate. The public is invited, too. If you miss it, you can watch it on channel 3 about a week after the event.

The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Zendejas, which is planning to open on Foothill Boulevard east of Vineyard. The commission also said yes to allowing supermarkets in the Terra Vista Town Center. Winco now looks ready to take over the old Mervyn's spot.

City officials broke ground on the Hellman fire station this morning, a ceremonial start to a facility that will take about 14 months to construct. The 6,000-square-feet station will be located on Hellman Avenue south of Hillside Road.

This station has been a long time coming. Fire Chief Mike Bell still has a copy of the 1972 Daily Report which features an article about Alta Loma Fire District Chief Gene Billings discussing a future station in this part of town. Billings predicted a station would be complete in 1977.

The Hellman station, or Fire Station 177, will house a paramedic engine with a three-person crew. It will also house a fire engine specifically geared for hillside fires.

It reached well over 100 degrees in Rancho Cucamonga today and as I type this at dusk, it's still 94 degrees. I feel bad for all the men who are wearing ties and jackets at the Planning Commission meeting tonight. At my count, there are eight ties and eight jackets. I feel really bad for the commissioners, who took a tour of the new affordable housing project on Foothill at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, which was probably as hot as high noon. And finally, I feel really, really bad for the gentleman who wore a bow tie to this meeting. He was a spokesman for Clear Wireless asking to add new panels and antennas to an existing cell tower at Heritage Park but he looked like he was about to get married. I guess he really, really wanted the new antennas.

Stay cool, readers. According to AccuWeather, Rancho will reach 102 on Thursday.

Supervisor Paul Biane, in a black and white shirt, is obscured by the world's tallest cat as he helps a veterinarian measure Scarlett's Magic. That cat is taller than the supervisor!




Scarlett's Magic, who snatched the Guinness World Record last year for the tallest domestic cat, has grown. She was 17.1 inches from shoulder to toe when she broke the record last year. Last week, she was measured by a vet, who realized she grew another inch.

That's no surprise. Scarlett's Magic is just 2 years old. She probably won't stop growing until she's 4.

That's why her owners, Lee and Kimberly Draper, measured their Savannah cat once again to see if she'll keep her title this year. The Rancho Cucamonga couple are also hoping Scarlett's Magic will break the record for longest cat. She is nearly 43 inches from nose to tail.

When I visited the Drapers' Savannah Cat Shoppe in Corona last year to write this story, I saw her being hand fed ham. Now she's keen on chicken drumstick, perhaps the secret to her long and lean looks.

"She's spoiled to death," Lee said.      

Zendejas is looking to open a Mexican restaurant again on Foothill near Vineyard in the Big Lots/Osh shopping center. At tonight's 7 p.m. planning meeting, commissioners are expected to approve a conditional use permit allowing Zendejas to serve liquor. Zendejas once occupied a nearby spot in the Thomas Winery Plaza.

WinCo (you may know it if you shop in Fontana) wants to take over the old Mervyns spot on Foothill and Haven. The commission will discuss whether a supermarket is a good fit for the location. The site is part of the Terra Vista Community Plan, which does not included supermarkets as a permitted land use.

 

Etiwanda High graduates Christiana Grammer and Rebecca Ybarra have been on a cupcake tour, selling their desserts to raise money for charity now that they've won the Food Network contest Cupcake Wars. They were recently at the Crossroads Church in Corona, selling thousands of cupcakes to support the Corona/Norco homeless shelter.

You can catch them at the Grape Harvest Festival Friday to Sunday, where they'll sell their $3 cupcakes and donate half the proceeds to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House.

At $250 a pop, you can meet your new assemblyman.

Mike Morrell will hold an evening reception with former state legislator Jim Brulte as the guest speaker on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

For more about the Rancho Cucamonga event, call Diane Stone at 209-847-6200.  

Dwayne Wade Sr., the father of the Miami Heat point guard, will lead an Education Awareness Day at the Lifeway Church Ministries. Wade is the special guest for the Sept. 18 event featuring fitness classes, financial literacy seminars, free hair cuts and other health programs. The church is on 7477 Vineyard Ave.

Information: 909-948-5557       

The senior center often partners with local eateries to raise funds for the city's homebound seniors. This weekend's fundraiser is at Rubio's on 10798 Foothill Blvd. From 2 p.m. until closing on Sunday, 20 percent of proceeds will go toward the city's transportation program, which brings homebound seniors to the center. For more information, call 909-477-2780.

You must print out this flier to participate:Rubio's.pdf

A message from the Rains House:

Wanted: Volunteer Crafters 

The Rains House is looking for volunteer crafters. Items crafted are sold in the gift shop as a
fundraiser for the house. If you are interested, please call 909-989-4970. Crafting sessions will begin September 7.

Tonight's meeting starts at 5:30, which will give the City Council plenty of time for awards and presentations. Among those being honored are: Nellie Ayala, nutrition manager for the Oldtimer's Foundation; Doug Morris for his California Parks and Recognition Society's District 11 layman's award; Community Hills Church group for their services at the Animal Care and Adoption Center; three Rancho Cucamonga ACE girls softball teams for advancing to the state championships; and the Little League All-Star teams in the Alta Loma and Vineyard leagues.

At the 7 p.m. meeting, the City Council is expected to adopt a resolution opposing Proposition 19, the November ballot initiative that would legalize consumption of marijuana for people 21 and older. Finally, Community Services Director Kevin McArdle will have a response for a number of complaints made by City Council candidate Jim Moffatt at the last meeting. Moffatt was upset that 1. there are plans for a bocce ball court 2. that the city is not paying for the veteran's memorial and 3. a youth sports team was recently kicked out of a park for not registering and paying with the city.

The three candidates -- Bill Hanlon, Robert Ledbetter and Marc Steinorth -- running against Dennis Michael for mayor will have a tough road ahead if they want to raise as much money as the councilman. According to his campaign statement, Michael has raised more than $10,000 so far ($5,000 each from the firefighters and sheriff's unions). The 460s from the other four members of the City Council are also provided below.

DM Mayor august 02, 2010 (460) Mayor.pdf
DM August , 02 , 2010 (460).pdf 
DK August 02, 2010 (460) Mayor (1).pdf 
RG August 02, 2010 (460) (1).pdf
DW August 02, 2010 (460).pdf
SS July 27, 2010 (460).pdf

The Wine Tailor will host smooth jazz and wine tasting event on Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. The event, along with a silent auction, will benefit A Daughter's Heart, Inc., a Chino-based nonprofit helping women fight cancer. Pre-sale tickets are $30; $35 at the door. You can buy them here.



 

For today's article about the flood-prone Hellman Avenue, I talked to some residents who remembered the storms of 1969 and 1978. But those weren't the only times Mother Nature scared us.

In 1937, one of those 100-year floods swept through the Inland Valley, taking with it homes, cars and roads. Catherine Bridge, who owned a citrus ranch with her husband, Arthur Bridge, shared with me a letter that her sister-in-law Anne Bridge Smith wrote describing the aftermath.

Anne, a student at Chaffey High School at the time, wrote:

"The little house on the Snyder Ranch ... was washed away and is now sitting on the side down the wash. John Klusman's house at the foot of Carnelian is in a sorry state. The water has washed around it and it has sunk to fill the gaps. His cars were washed down the grove and buried in mud. The family moved out and I don't know where they are. The house is a total wreck. Foothill, where it isn't washed away, is covered with 5 feet of debris.

"After lunch today, I dressed up warmly and went down to watch the flume. I was out three hours, and I am certain I saw 1,000 cars go cross the trestle, mostly dumb curiosity seekers who messed things up. I walked almost to Upland, got caught in a thunderstorm and hail, but had the time of my life. All the sycamores in our wash are gone. The groves on the west side of the wash are gone. The concrete pieces that held up 16th went down the river like corks.

"We are absolutely cut off of everything except water which we have plenty of even if it is a little muddy. We do have lights but no phone nor roads. The stores can't get supplies. If it weren't so disastrous it would be fun."

 

Since when did the 1980s become retro? Wasn't 1980 like 15 years ago?

I dropped by the new teen rec center today and heard Cyndi Lauper blasting out of speakers hooked to a laptop.

What do today's teens know about "Girls Just Want To Have Fun"?

"They think it's retro," said Heather Davis, the community services supervisor who, like me, was a junior high student in the 80s. "We were playing Michael Jackson earlier and they liked it 'cause it's old."

And sure enough, at the grand opening of The Rec there were throngs of teens wearing neon colors and high-top sneakers. I guess to them, listening to Cyndi Lauper is cool the way I think Frank Sinatra is cool.  

"Even Better Than the Real Thing: The Art of the Uncanny" is the upcoming exhibit at Chaffey College's Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art. The show, from Aug. 23 to Sept. 25, is curated by Jennifer Frias and features works by Jon Bonser, Joe Davidson, Ben Jackel, Kiel Johnson, Nina Katchadourian, Rebecca Morales, Kristen Morgin, Kaz Oshiro, Derek Parker, Andy Ralph, Laura Splan and Stephanie Syjuco.

The exhibit aims to make the viewer see common things in an unfamiliar way and make the everyday seem uncanny. A reception, featuring entertainment by dj Trickmilla, is scheduled Aug. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. The reception follows the 5 p.m. dedication of the school's Center for the Arts building. A curator walk-through will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 22.

Information: 909-652-6492

The Southern California Edison office will be the spot for the next blood drive taking place 7 a.m. to noon on Aug. 19. Donors will get a coupon for a free pint of ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. First-time donors will also get a discounted ticket to Knott's Soak City. On that day, participants can opt to register in the Be The Match bone marrow screening.

SCE is on 9500 Cleveland Ave.

Information: 1-800-TRY-GIVING

Based on a random alphabet drawing by the Secretary of State's office, the order of City Council candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot will be as follows:

Some at the senior center are already thinking about Christmas.

The Link Program, which organizes a delivery of holiday goodie bags to homebound seniors, is collecting donations for the annual giveaway. These bags typically consist of:

toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand soap, deodorant, canned food, peanut butter, microwavable items, gift cards and other items.

Companies can also opt to have their logos printed on pill boxes, band-aids, bags and stationary to be included in the package. Volunteers will collect and organize these items in the coming months and deliver them by the first week of December.

Information: 909-477-2780 ext. 8009

The filing period for November's mayoral election has closed. The four candidates hoping to lead this city now that Mayor Don Kurth is stepping down are: Councilman Dennis Michael, military veteran Bill Hanlon, business owner Marc Steinorth and businessman Robert Ledbetter.

Kurth's decision to not run extended the filing period to today.

"I've never planned to do this as a career," said Kurth, who is endorsing Michael. "I need to spend some time with my family. At least for right now, that's where my priorities need to be. If times change and I can help the city some time in the future or get involved at another level, then I'll make that decision at that time. I've got to spend some time with (my daughter) Daisy Grace."

Fourteen people, including two incumbents, are running for three seats this year.

The Planning Commission goes dark tonight, a typical summer recess. Perhaps commissioners can sing karaoke at Omaha Jacks on their night off.

The Biane Library will begin accepting passport applications starting Sept. 1. Passport services are available 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Photo services are available for a fee.

City Hall also offers passport services by appointment through the City Clerk's office. Passport services are available Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit the Department of State website.

Today's the first day of school for some (what happened to summer?!) and many teens after school headed to the city's teen recreation center, or The Rec. Starting today, The Rec will be at its new location at Lions Center West on 9161 Base Line. It used to be at the RC Sports Center on San Bernardino Road.

The Rec is where middle and high school students can play video games, shoot pool and hang out with their peers. It's opened 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday. It costs $1 Monday to Thursday and $2 on Friday. This week, however, it's free.

On Friday, there will be a grand opening celebration from 2:30 to 8 p.m. The first 50 people to arrive will get a free taco.

The Frontier Project is seeking nominations for the Environmental Steward Awards to be presented at the Green Tie Gala on Oct. 16. The deadline for submission is Friday.

Honorees will be recognized in five categories. An individual will be recognized for his or her commitment to the health or quality of the environment. A corporation will be recognized for advancing green building practices. An educator will be recognized for promoting environmental awareness in the context of learning. A green team will be recognized for working collaboratively to raise environmental issues in a community. And a Founders Award will be presented to an individual or organization working with the Frontier Project Foundation to encourage sustainable living.

Information: 909-944-6025

Councilman Rex Gutierrez faces another felony charge in connection with the investigation into malfeasance in the county Assessor's Office, according to courts reporter Mike Cruz. Read more here.

Don Kurth, who took the mayor's post from Bill Alexander four years ago, will not seek re-election.

Without the incumbent in the mayor's race, the deadline to submit papers will be Aug. 11. Councilman Dennis Michael and military veteran Bill Hanlon are both in the race. Advertising executive Marc Steinorth has pulled papers and said he'll finalize his decision to run on Monday.

Ten people, including incumbents Diane Williams and Rex Gutierrez, will run for two council member seats. They are: Williams, Gutierrez, Erick Jimenez, David Gonzalez, Bill Alexander, Jim Moffatt, Brian O'Connell, Chuck Buquet, Alexander Mendoza Sr. and Luella Hairston.

Putt 4 Paws, a miniature golf tournament raising funds for the city's animal center, gathered 120 players last year (pictured). This year, organizers are hoping for a similar turnout for the Aug. 21 game. Registration starts at 3 p.m. with tee off at 4 p.m. The cost is $20; $75 for four people. Cost includes a game at Boomer's and a buffet lunch at Be Bop Cafe. Proceeds go to the city's homeless pets. For more information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call Suzanne at 909-481-1822 or send an e-mail to Linda.

A federal judge has overturned the gay marriage ban, deeming it unconstitutional. You can read U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker's decision here.

Gay rights activists plan on holding a rally at Day Creek and Foothill tonight at 6 p.m.


Update: To see Staff Photographer Jennifer Cappuccio Maher's photo gallery of tonight's rally, click here.

Dairy Queen's Blizzard is 25 years old. To mark the milestone, the ice-cream shop tomorrow will donate $1 for every Blizzard sold to Children's Miracle Network, a group that raises money for children's hospitals. Last year, Dairy Queen raised $4.6 million during a similar event.

Rancho's Dairy Queen is on Base Line and Archibald.   

The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to discuss proposed changes to the municipal code related to the entertainment permit process and proposed changes to the development code related to landscape requirements. This meeting starts at 3 p.m. at the Tri-Communities Room.

At the 7 p.m. meeting, the City Council is expected to amend the municipal code to allow the fire department be responsible for weed abatement and other fire hazards in the city. It is also expected to amend the definition of "church" in the municipal code, giving code enforcement officers clearer direction.

 

It's hatch chili season, a noteworthy time for some in this newsroom, and the Albertsons on Foothill and Vineyard will have a roasting day next Saturday. A 30-pound bag of New Mexico's famous chili pepper will cost $32.99 and the roasting, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., is free. Other free roasting events will be throughout the month at Albertsons in Chula Vista, Reseda, La Habra and Montebello. 

Fun fact from the folks at Albertsons: One hatch chili has as much Vitamin C as six oranges. Sounds like a cure for the common cold.

Call the Rancho Cucamonga location for more details, 909-484-7237.

The Beer Mug did not get any leeway from the Planning Commission last month and saw its conditional use permit revoked. The owner has filed an appeal and the City Council is scheduled to discuss the matter at its Sept. 1 meeting.

On July 14, the commission, on a unanimous vote, took away the Foothill Boulevard bar's ability to serve hard liquor after hearing reports from the sheriff's department about a shooting, underage drinking and other incidents. Owner Jesus Roig contends he inherited an establishment with a bad rep and is committed to turn the place around.   

There's three more days left to turn in documentation for the Nov. 2 City Council race. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday. City Hall is typically closed that day but the City Clerk's office will be open for the purpose of accepting papers.

As of this morning, 12 people have pulled papers to run for two council members seats. They are: Chuck Buquet, Alexander Mendoza Sr., Luella Hairston, Diane Williams, Erick Jimenez, David Gonzalez, Bill Alexander, Jim Moffatt, Rex Gutierrez, Margaret Strom, John Lyons and Brian O'Connell.

Dennis Michael and Bill Hanlon have pulled papers to run for mayor. If Mayor Don Kurth does not file by Friday, the deadline to turn in papers will be extended until Aug. 11.

Of the 14 people who have pulled, Jimenez is the only one to have turned in papers.

This from an anonymous caller, most likely in response to the article about Councilman Rex Gutierrez's Vineyard Press.

"Wendy, you are a great writer but do me a favor and quit writing about Gutierrez ... giving him so much publicity. He's a mess. Thank you."

Readers (and haters) have the opportunity to leave their opinions in the RC Now comments section. They can also call me (909-483-9376), write me (2041 E. Fourth St., Ontario 91764) or e-mail me.

In today's Your Two Cents, an occasional feature, we have a note from "Carol," who wondered how I got my job after writing about Robert Rizzo.

"Your artical was crap... Their was'nt even a proper ending.... How did you even get your job? You must have known someone who worked there cause your writing is worse than mine... I'm a 5th grade student at a halfass school and was in awe with your tragic piece... but thanks 4 the entertainment... sincerly a critic in the making...p.s.... this is my sisters email so feel free to express a responce"