December 2010 Archives

I'm rubbish at keeping New Year's resolutions.

You spend Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's being an unapologetic glutton and then Jan. 1 rolls around and you're supposed to show restraint. Give up sweets, take up a gym membership, stop smoking. It seems so abrupt. Why can't New Year's resolutions be made on Groundhog's Day?

I find it impossible to give up anything for a resolution. The moment I've told myself to stop eating red meat, for instance, all I think about is how great it'd be if I could eat red meat. It's like when somebody says, "Whatever you do, don't think about a pink elephant." And of course, you can't help but be fixated on anything other than a pink elephant.

Some people pick vague resolutions and those are easier to keep. Gino Filippi of Filippi Winery fame said his resolution is to be more patient and to listen more. That resolution can't be hard to keep. Filippi is the newest member on the Upland City Council. If he starts dozing during public comment, you'll know he's no good at keeping his resolutions either.

Filippi said he'll also resolve to spend more time with his 14-year-old dog, Bruno. The aging Labrador has a hip disorder so Filippi will likely drive Bruno around in his truck.

The new year has a tendency to make us reflect on our age. In Chinese culture, everybody turns a year older on New Year's Day. What an unpleasant thing to observe.

That means if Don McFadden were Chinese, he'd be 91. McFadden, a frequent senior center visitor, said aging is a new feeling for him.

"I didn't pay much attention to being 89. It didn't occur to me that 90 was coming next," McFadden said. "When I saw 90 on the horizon, I realized I was getting older. Now I'm 90. I was born in 1920. That seems old to me. Being in my 80s didn't seem old to me."

This year, McFadden was reminded of his age because of his role in the Senior Follies show. Seeing the tape afterward made him realize his posture isn't the way it used to be.

"I really didn't like it," McFadden said. "I don't stand straight at all anymore."

So his resolution this year is to use the gym more at the senior center with hopes that some calisthenics will straighten him out.

McFadden also has good genes on his side. His father lived until he was 103.

Happy New Year, dear readers. I hope you're successful at keep your resolutions. If you're not, don't feel too guilty.

Remember when the city was in the running for a $10,000 park/playground grant? The reward was one big popularity contest. Kaboom! asked fans to pick their favorite project and whoever got the most online votes, got the money. Rancho Cucamonga came in second and won $7,500.

    
The community garden that Dee Matreyek is starting up is also in the running for a $10,000 grant. Matreyek, the former first lady of this city, is calling it the Root 66 Community Garden. It's located on a Southern California Edison corridor near Foothill and Day Creek boulevards.

The Rain Bird Corporation, an Azusa-based manufacturer of irrigation products, is offering $51,000 worth of grant money as part of its Intelligent Use of Water Awards program. The Root 66 garden stands to win $10,000. It's currently ranked 14 and needs your vote. Click here.

Participants can vote 10 times a day every day. The winner will be announced on March 22, which is World Water Day. 

Kudos to the Rancho Cucamonga High School Pep Squad, which celebrated Christmas with the right spirit. Instead of exchanging gifts this year, these ladies gathered toys and food items for the Gap Food Bank.

Charitable organizations like the Gap Food Bank have been struggling in this economy despite an increased need in services. The food bank on 8768 Helms St. distributes food every Thursday with lines forming at 3 p.m. and distribution starting at 4 p.m.

Information: 909-945-1020   

                                                                   Courtesy of Lula Washington Dance Theatre

The Lewis Family Playhouse kicks off the new year with the Los Angeles-based Lula Washington Dance Theatre's "Ode to the 60s." Washington, who recently choreographed scenes in the James Cameron film "Avatar," will host an evening of dance to the music of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and other musicians of that era. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 performance are $35.50; $33.50 for seniors and $29 for youth.

Information: 909-477-2752 

The staff here at RC Now (that's me) wishes all the readers out there a very wonderful Christmas. (Assemblyman Curt Hagman said there's nothing wrong with using that word.) See you back here on Monday.

Oh and to those originally from the Commonwealth or some former British colony (like me), happy Boxing Day.

Thoroughbred is a pretty big deal. Last year's event, pictured here, had a better turnout because of warmer weather but many still drove up in recent days despite the pouring rain.

The city has a neutral position on the Christmas lights affair. It does not sanction or prohibit the event. Instead, about 15-20 sheriff's personnel and volunteers go to monitor traffic and keep watch in the week prior to Christmas.

"It's not a sanctioned event. It has nothing to do with us," said sheriff's Capt. Joe Cusimano. "It's just a matter of we know it's going to happen and we have to maintain public safety."

Some residents think the city should do more.

Roger Baer, who lives on the corner of Thoroughbred and Sapphire, said the city spends thousands on marketing itself so why not use Thoroughbred to promote the city and take control of the event. That way, Thoroughbred can become pedestrian-only, eliminating so much of the traffic problems that plague the neighborhood.

Sue Jones, who lives in the neighborhood east of all the hoopla, said motorists ignore barricades and park in front of fire hydrants.

"The parking laws just go out the window," said Jones, but added she doesn't know what the solution is.

But according to Cusimano, turning the event into a street fair with foot traffic only creates problems for residents who use their cars to get in and out of the neighborhood. Plus, that takes a lot of man power and therefore a lot of city resources.

What do you think? Should the city do anything different in regards to Thoroughbred?    

Young thespians are encouraged to audition for "Cats" and "School House Rock Live! Junior," performances put on by the Valverde School of Performing Arts. Auditions for the two musicals are at 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 8. Roles are available for actors age 6 to 18. Have a 16-bar cut of a song ready and be prepared to learn some choreography. Also bring a headshot and a short biography.

The school is on 11981 Jack Benny Dr. #102.

Information: 909-987-2789 or send an e-mail

The Animal Care and Adoption Center really wants you to adopt a cat or kitten this holiday season. It's dropping adoption fees to $5 for all cats and kittens this month. The fee includes spaying or neutering, vaccination and microchip.

Most city facilities are closed next week but the animal center on 11780 Arrow Route will be open with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Information: 909-466-7387

Did Library Director Robert Karatsu quit his job and become a chef?

For several hours last week, yes. Karatsu, who heads the two libraries in town, was spotted making scrambled eggs for a Friends of the Library pot luck. It turns out, the chef's coat wasn't just for show. Karatsu, 55, said when he retires, he plans on enrolling in culinary school. Who knows, maybe he'll still come to the library's annual pot luck and turn those scrambled eggs into a souffle.

But for now, Karatsu just wants to play the guitar. With next week being furlough week for city employees, Karatsu, who plays the guitar in addition to making eggs and managing two libraries, wants to start a City Hall band. So far, he's enlisted Fabian Villenas, principal analyst at the city manager's office and a percussionist. But two guys aren't enough for a band. If you work for the city and aspire to be a star at the next City Hall employee quarterly meeting, shoot Karatsu an e-mail. Experience singing in the shower will be considered. 

Applebee's on 10709 Foothill Blvd. will donate 15 percent of proceeds on Dec. 30 to the Freedom Courtyard project slated for Central Park. To participate, print out the flier below and bring it with you from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The offer is good for dine-in or carside service.

The city and a group of community leaders are spearheading an effort to build a memorial/reflection area near the senior center to honor military veterans. On Veteran's Day, organizers kicked off a fund-raising effort, which includes this contribution from Applebee's. 

Applebees Flyer.pdf

That rain doesn't look like it's going to let up until Thursday. If you need sand bags, head over to the fire stations on Amethyst and Banyon. They're available.

The stations are on 6627 Amethyst Ave. and 11108 Banyan St.

Information: 909-477-2770

The VFW is throwing a New Year's party with music and dancing. Festivities start at 8 p.m. New Year's Eve and goes into 1 a.m. There will be a no-host bar and food for sale. A $5 donation is requested.

On Christmas Day, anybody in need of a meal or want to spend the day in the company of others, can show up at the VFW for a plate full of ham, roast beef and all the fixings. The free meals will be served noon to 3 p.m.

VFW Post 8680 is on 8751 Industrial Lane.

Whew! I've had enough of city meetings. I'm not going to another one until 2011.

Actually, the Dec. 22 Planning Commission meeting was canceled due to the holidays so the rest of the year is meeting-free. The Jan. 5 City Council meeting also goes dark. The next one is January 19.

Support the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club by purchasing See's Candy this holiday season. The group is selling milk chocolates, dark chocolates, nuts and chews, toffees and other flavors to raise money for its philanthropic efforts. Visit the group on 9950 Foothill Blvd., Suite F from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale is through Christmas Eve. See below for a $2 coupon.

Sees Candy Flier 2010.pdf

Information: 909-226-1375

David Bratzler, lucky guy, won an iPad today.

In an effort to promote its new website, the city held a drawing of those who signed up for its online feature My Rancho. They're giving away the second of two iPads on Feb. 7. Just create a My Rancho account at the city's main page and you'll be entered to win the second coveted prize donated by AEF Systems Consulting. 

The freshman assemblyman has been out and about, getting his bearings on the new job. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, was at the swearing-in of two Cucamonga Valley Water District officials on Tuesday and then moseyed over to the open house events at the offices of Supervisor Janice Rutherford and Sen. Bob Dutton on Wednesday. He was looking spiffy in a jacket and tie, shaking hands and smiling. You know, like a politician.

But if you read Morrell's guest column in today's paper, you'd never have guessed his occupation. While slamming his "friends across the aisle" for their big government ways, Morrell calls politicians "out of touch" and wonders why "our government refused to listen to the common sense of the California people."

Morrell successfully won his bid for Bill Emmerson's termed-out seat this November on a platform of "I'm a businessman, not a politician." Voters here seemed to like this about him. But how much longer can he be a non-politician?  

A Rancho Cucamonga children's photographer is offering complimentary custom portraits worth $1,800 to a family who can not afford them. The offer from Danielle Simone is part of an international photographic effort called Giving is Awesome.

Here's how it works: Nominate a family who is in financial straits and can not afford a professional portrait but would want one for the holiday season. You can not nominate yourself. The family must live within 100 miles of Rancho Cucamonga. E-mail the nomination to Simone by Dec. 30. The winner will be notified on Jan. 1 and receive a 16x20 portrait and other 5x7 images from the session.

For more information, read Simone's blog.      

The City Council set new hours for the Etiwanda Creek Park yesterday. Pending final approval, dog owners and their pets won't be allowed past 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends. The hours were set following complaints by neighbors who say there are too many noisy dogs late at night.

Several dog owners and one council gadfly were not pleased with the new hours.

"I propose 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the good dogs, " said John Lyons. "Don't punish the dogs who don't bark."

But like all things in life, one bad apple tends to ruin the whole bunch.

  

Councilman Sam Spagnolo has been appointed to be the city's mayor pro tem.

The mayor pro tem takes on the duties of mayor when the mayor is absent. Dennis Michael had been the mayor pro tem for the last four years and the title rotates every four years. Michael pointed out that Spagnolo is the most senior member of the council without having served as mayor pro tem.

"I appreciate that," Spagnolo said. "I will do my best as mayor pro tem as I have as a councilman."

Starting tomorrow, you can pick up a free copy of the Rancho Cucamonga Library calendar. It's not one of those calendars that let you write down your appointments because it's filled with all the 2011 library events. You can find out, for instance, that Special Super Sports-tacular Night is Jan. 28 and that the library is closed on certain holidays like Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents' Day. The calendars are available at the Biane and Archibald libraries.

A local businessman with a dozen years of City Council experience is the newest member of this city's governing board.

Chuck Buquet, 59, was sworn in prior to the last City Council meeting of the year tonight.

Chuck Buquet will be sworn in as the newest member of the City Council at 6:30 p.m. tonight.

A new mayor pro tem will be selected at the regular meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. The City Council will also weigh changes to dog park hours.

Former Councilman Rex Gutierrez was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison today after being found guilty in October for conspiracy, grand theft and filing a fraudulent claim. Read more here.

Janice Rutherford will mark her first Christmas as supervisor with an open house tomorrow.
Residents are invited to the district office from 5 to 7 p.m. to meet Rutherford and her staff members. Bring a gift card or pre-paid phone card to be donated to relatives of local military personnel. Rutherford's office is on 8575 Haven Ave., Suite 110.

Sen. Bob Dutton will also host an open house tomorrow from 3 to 7 p.m. at his office on 8577 Haven Ave., Suite 210. Residents are encouraged to bring items for care packages -- such as magazines, toiletries and playing cards -- that will be sent to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sometimes, readers call to complain about matters not related to the newspaper. They want to complain to somebody and our phone numbers are always listed in the paper.

This weekend, a man named Henry was upset after seeing a television commercial featuring the San Manuel Band of Indian chairman talking about contributions to the Inland Empire.
 

"They didn't help me worth a darn and I deserve property just like they do. I also read an article not too long ago that the Indians were going to be getting some money. By God I want some money and if you know of anyone who has free money, I'm going to give you my number in case somebody has a stack of money. That's what I wanted to say. I felt like complaining today."

Ok. So if anybody has "free money" kicking around, leave your information for Henry here.

Who knew people still trade Pokemon cards?

On Sunday, there will be a free Pokemon tournament at Shuffle & Cut on 8605 Base Line at 10 a.m. The Pokemon Company International is sponsoring the one-on-one battles. There are three categories. Those born in 2000 or later are junior; born 1996-1999 are senior; born 1995 or earlier are masters.

For rules, regulations and prizes, click here.

Tomorrow is furlough Friday at the office of Wendy Leung. Actually, it's more like the cubicle of Wendy Leung.

It'll be a furlocation -- half furlough, half Netflix-fueled staycation. Come back next week. I should have more to write about because it's City Council meeting week.

Is it me or is Rex Gutierrez's Vineyard Press getting more risque?

This month's holiday issue, which came to doorsteps this week, contains a new feature "Sexy Senior." Belle Knott is the lucky gal selected this month. There's also a naughty joke about an old lady who lifts up the hem of her nightgown to men and says, "super sex." I'll leave the punchline to page 14.

Despite his legal troubles, Gutierrez spent November working on his publication. This month features a couple of advice columns, blurbs about his advertisers and several long contemplative essays by Gutierrez, who reflects on God, his memories of his grandmother and the time his brother almost drowned.

He leaves a message with one of his former colleagues ("Diane, don't forget to take down your large campaign sign across from Costco. It was still there at the end of November.") and takes a stab at code enforcement for requiring an elderly couple to landscape their front yard even though their property has been unchanged for 40 years. Underneath an ad for a Sunrize Center tenant, Gutierrez calls the Sunrize Center "the bomb!" and likens it to Victoria Gardens "but less stuffy." I wonder what he'll say about Victoria Gardens if it decides to advertise with him.

Finally, on page 22, Gutierrez writes about what a rough year he's had and the friends and foes who have responded.

"Some were vicious in their comments. Politicians who had something to gain by my demise were the worst. Not all, but most," Gutierrez wrote. "Do not trust a politician until he has proven himself worth of your respect. Test his or her loyalty. Politicians will use you and toss you aside like a piece of bruised fruit when you are no longer of benefit to them."

The Vineyard Press will soon deliver only to those who requests a copy. If you think the publication is like a piece of bruised fruit, do nothing. If you'd like to continue receiving copies, send Gutierrez an e-mail or call 909-994-3881.

 

It's the season of giving and Upland resident Francella Favela takes that adage seriously.

Last year, she took $400 out of her bank account to cook a feast for anybody who wanted one on Christmas Day. This year, the free meal at the VFW returns.

From noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 25, there will be ham, roast beef, potatoes, salad and bread served at the VFW on 8751 Industrial Lane. Favela and family will serve any veteran, homeless person, senior and anybody else in need of a meal.

A monthly book club at the senior center is looking for new members. The club, hosted by the library and senior center, is a casual discussion centered around a particular theme or author. Meetings are on the third Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. The next meeting is Dec. 16 and is open to all seniors on a walk-in basis.

Information: 909-477-2720    

The Frontier Project was named by California Construction magazine as one of the best in 2010 in the architectural design category. The 14,000-square-foot facility next to the Cucamonga Valley Water District on Ashford Street is a demonstration building showcasing the latest in environmentally friendly designs. Designed by HMC Architects, the two-story building was constructed using recycled materials and renewable resources.

Self-guided tours are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group guided tours are also available.

Information: 909-944-6025 

The Animal Care and Adoption Center is offering toys, treats and other gifts to those who adopt a dog or cat during the month of December. Each person who adopts will also be entered into a raffle for a Littermaid self-cleaning litter box or a dog bed. The incentives are part of a Home 4 the Holidays initiative to find homes for abandoned pets. The center on 11780 Arrow Route is opened 1 to 7 p.m. weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Information: 909-466-7387   

Wahoo's, the fish taco joint on 11561 Foothill Blvd., will donate 20 percent of proceeds to the Central Park Freedom Courtyard on Monday. To participate, give the cashier the flier below when you order any time Monday.

The city is working with veterans and other community groups to raise money for a monument at Central Park to honor military veterans. The fund-raising effort kicked off on Veterans Day and Monday is the first restaurant-sponsored event.

Freedom Courtyard Dec 6 RC.pdf 

There will be a holiday boutique from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, when arts and crafts made by seniors and other community members will be sold. The craft fair will take place at the senior center and will feature entertainment and refreshments.  

Dang it.

The city did not get the $10,000 park grant from Kaboom! Rancho Cucamonga was leading in an online contest to win the grant but a community from Louisiana pulled ahead last minute. Rancho Cucamonga and Baton Rouge were neck-in-neck in a contest that asked participants to vote online. At a Louisiana football game in which 60,000 people attended, the Kaboom competition was announced just days before the contest closed. Rancho Cucamonga came in second place.

Kaboom is an organization advocating outdoor play for American children. The city had planned to build a shade structure at Lions Park with $10,000. But hope is not lost. As a runner-up, the city will get $7,500 and may be in the running for a Pepsi grant next year. 

The Food Network will be stopping by Victoria Gardens today to film the ladies behind Suite 106 Cupcakery. Be there at the Food Hall from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to see the action. They are giving away 1,000 cupcakes.

Etiwanda High graduates Christiana Grammer and Rebecca Ybarra were winners in one of the Food Network episodes of Cupcake Wars earlier this year. Last month, the cupcake mavens set up shop at Victoria Gardens.  

It was nice to see the two ropes blocking access to the Council Chambers dais were removed during last night's meeting. That's one difference with the new mayor.

Don Kurth had the rope strategically placed so Joe Schmo, or rather Reporter Schmo, couldn't rush the dais for a surprise interview. Earlier this year, a Fox News producer and cameraman approached Kurth and caught him off guard. After that incident Kurth had two ropes placed on both sides of the dais.

I try to remain unbiased on most city issues but not on this one. I was a one-woman group secretly calling for the ropes' removal. After Dennis Michael won the November elections, I asked him to weigh in.

"I'm not at all opposed to remvoing them," Michael said.

Last night, he followed through.

Come Dec. 15, it'll be time to party like it's 1994. Chuck Buquet, who was a councilman from 1982 to 1994, will be sworn in.

Councilman Sam Spagnolo was pleased. Spagnolo was among the three who backed the appointment of Buquet last night.

"You mean we have to have more cake?" Spagnolo asked.

The city hasn't had a swearing-in ceremony in two years. This month, there will be two.

In the early 90s, Buquet, Bill Alexander and Diane Williams were on the council. Dennis Michael was fire chief and Spagnolo was a firefighter.

Buquet, who came in third in a field of 10, garnered 8,322 votes, about 3,000 less than Alexander.

At 59, the newest member of the council is also the youngest. Michael is 63, Spagnolo and Wiliams are 69 and Alexander is 67. But who's counting?   

The City Council, on a 3-1 vote, has decided to appoint Chuck Buquet, the third highest vote getter in the council member race, to fill the remaining two years of Dennis Michael's term.

"It just makes good, clean sense to me," said Councilwoman Diane Williams.

Councilman Bill Alexander was the dissenting vote. Alexander said Marc Steinorth, who came in second in the mayoral race, should be considered.

"He did have a tremendous amount of votes," Alexander said, referring to the 36 percent of voters who backed Steinorth in a field of four.

Buquet accepted the appointment.

"I would be honored with the appointment," Buquet said. "I look forward for the opportunity to be of service to this great council."

Kurth ended his four-year term as mayor tonight in the company of his wife and children.

Addie and Daisy, Kurth's two daughters, were good sports while watching their father receive a handful of proclamations from Mayor Dennis Michael at the start of tonight's meeting.

Daisy, 11 months old, clapped out of turn and tried to steal her father's microphone. Addie, 2, started making friends, motioning to outgoing Supervisor Paul Biane and other officials to hold her.

"You're being upstaged," Councilwoman Diane Williams told Michael.

The new mayor told Kurth, "We thank you for your leadership, for your vision and for your calming ways in building this team."

Kurth said he felt very comfortable handing over the mayor's gavel to Michael.

"I have some commitments as you can see," Kurth said, referring to his new family. "But I won't be going far."

With that, Kurth left City Hall with Daisy on his shoulders. His Wednesday evenings will now be free.

It's official. Dennis Michael is this city's mayor. Even the name plates on the wall of the Council Chambers have changed.

"I will lead with openness, with integrity and with the highest degree of ethics," Michael said. "I promise you I will build a City Council team that each of you will be proud of."

Michael, 63, thanked his parents and his wife in a short emotional speech after taking the oath of office. The former fire chief has served on the council since 2004 and was the top vote-getter in a field of four running for the mayoral seat left wide open when Don Kurth decided not to run for re-election.  

Associate Justice Jeffrey King led the swearing-in ceremony with about 100 people in the audience.

"You've got a new City Council and a new mayor," King said.

At 6 p.m. tonight, a judge will swear in Dennis Michael, Bill Alexander and Diane Williams -- victors in the November election. Cake and schmoozing to follow.

The meeting will start with four members (Kurth, Spagnolo, Williams and Michael) and end with four members (Michael, Spagnolo, Williams and Alexander).

At 7 p.m. the regular meeting will convene. Outgoing mayor Don Kurth and outgoing Supervisor Paul Biane will be recognized for their service to the city and the second district.The council will also discuss future locations for farmer's markets.

Finally, at 8:30 p.m., the council will discuss options to fill the City Council vacancy. The city could hold a special election or appoint somebody.