February 2011 Archives

The Alta Loma Little League wants to spread a little love on their opening day. The team is asking families to bring items for care packages that will be sent to troops overseas. The goal is to assemble 100 packages from 8 a.m. to noon on March 12 at Heritage Park.

A pancake breakfast will be served. The park is at Hillside Road and Beryl Street. Read below for a list of what items to bring.


  

A blog entry this week on the Huffington Post was centered on the late great Sam Maloof. It's a reminder to all who live in Rancho Cucamonga that a visit to Maloof's beautiful home and work space atop Carnelian is a must.

According to this entry, the Huntington Library will exhibit "The House That Sam Built: Sam Maloof and Art in the Pomona Valley 1945-1985 from Sept. 24 to Jan. 30, 2012. The show will feature 30 pieces by Maloof as well as others by Millard Sheets, Karl Benjamin and others in Maloof's circle of friends.

A new art exhibit, "3 Paths to Expressions," will be on display at the Jacobs Education Center at the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts starting next Thursday. The show features paintings by Tina Mion, Georgette Unis and Lan-Chiann Wu. The exhibit is open noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 3.




An opening reception will take place 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Wu will lead a gallery talk on March 20; Unis on April 3; and Mion on May 22. All talks begin at 2 p.m. The exhibit and events are free.

The Jacobs Education Center is on 5131 Carnelian St.

Information: 909-980-0412

If you're interested in getting involved with the John Rains House, the San Bernardino County Museum on 8810 Hemlock Street, you might want to stop by the Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society meeting on Tuesday. It starts at 7 p.m. at the John Rains House, which is also known as the Casa de Rancho Cucamonga.

Also, this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a free open house at the museum with activities for young children that mimic the activities of early Californian settlers.

Information: 909-938-6230

Did you know there is a support group for family members of veterans that meets at the senior center?

On the first Tuesday of every month, the Family of Veterans Social Club meets at 1:30 at Central Park. Veterans, family members and anybody else who wants to learn about veterans programs are encouraged to attend. The next meeting is next Tuesday.

For more information, call Robert at 909-256-1112, Ed at 909-985-8466 or Loree at 909-987-5687.

The Cucamonga Christian Fellowship will distribute packages of food to any Rancho Cucamonga or Ontario resident in need from 4:30 to 6 p.m. tomorrow. It is on a first come, first serve basis. The fellowship is located 9592 Seventh Street.

Information: 909-945-5333 

Did you see Tha Boogie, the Rancho Cucamonga trio featured in the current issue (March 3) of Rolling Stone? This hometown group, with an air of Outkast, was among 16 unsigned bands selected in the "Do You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star" contest. They were picked out of 1,200 submissions.

This is one of those popularity contests that needs your vote. Here's how it works: See below to rate Tha Boogie or the 15 others in contention. The four bands with the most votes, along with four others selected by the editors will get to record two songs and perform them for music industry leaders. Readers will once again select four out of the eight to head to the next round and record another song.

After another round of voting, two acts will perform at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Readers will view the performances online and vote for their favorite. The winner will be announced on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and featured on the cover of the Aug. 18 issue of Rolling Stone. Lots of luck to Tha Boogie.

Unhappy with Gov. Jerry Brown's budget proposal, our new assemblyman has made a video calling for more cuts. Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, takes us to his Sacramento office and gives us a semantics analysis but offers no suggestions on where else to slash.

(Hiding) 1.27.11. Asm Mike Morrell / Budget and office tour from CA Assembly GOP on Vimeo.

Sunday's fast draw competition at Bass Pro Shops got 19 shooters together to show off their speed. Winner was Gil "Cisko" Guerra, who shot at 0.369 seconds. Runner-up was Mike "Cowboy Up" Karsten at 0.381 seconds. Jennifer "Kiss N Tell" Guerra, at 0.602 seconds, was the fastest among the ladies.

Next Friday, an Australia-based chicken burger joint will open about three miles west of Chik-fil-A.

Oporto -- with locations in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and China -- opens its first U.S. location on 8220 Haven Ave., just south of Foothill Boulevard. Locations in Ontario and Glendora are planned later this year. Oporto serves grilled chicken burgers, wraps, salads and fries. The Rancho Cucamonga location will be opened 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Head over to IHOP on March 1 and you'll get a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to mark National Pancake Day. The event is hosted by the Children's Miracle Network Hospital and customers will be asked to leave a donation for the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles and Orange County.

At last year's event, the pancake house raised $2.1 million for children's charities. This year, organizers hope to raise $2.3 million.

The IHOP is on 7228 Archibald Ave. There are also locations in Upland and Ontario.

A young Elvis Presley wore this shirt -- a mustard button-down with brown corduroy trim.

Rancho Cucamonga resident Frank Reed bought it last year for $900. Today, officials at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will receive the collector's item in the mail.

Reed had intended to give the shirt to Graceland in the hopes that it would be properly preserved as opposed to leaving the shirt in a display case of his Alta Loma home. But after Reed heard a radio show about St. Jude, he decided to donate the shirt to the hospital. Elvis was a strong supporter of the hospital, which treats children at no cost.

"It makes me feel very good to donate the shirt to St. Jude," Reed said. "It is a cause that Elvis and his estate care a lot for."

Reed is a pretty big Elvis fan. His memorabilia collection includes an autographed concert poster, autographed record album and a Fort Hood 5 cent coin that Elvis once asked his uncle to keep for him after he completed basic training in the Army.

Last year, Reed purchased the shirt for $900, which comes with a letter from Elvis' uncle, who kept the shirt after a teenage Elvis left it at his house in the 1950s.

"It just meant something to me," Reed said about the shirt. "To actually have something from his childhood was really unique."

Mayor Dennis Michael wants to bring the City Council to the people. Rather than asking residents to come to the Council Chambers on Wednesday evenings, he wants to hold several mobile meetings in the community.

On March 7 at 10 a.m., the City Council will hold a meeting at the Central Park senior center and discuss the services for the elderly.

Today's meeting is a light one. There aren't even any awards and presentations that typically begin a meeting.

Deputy City Manager Linda Daniels will continue her series of PowerPoint presentations about the value of redevelopment agencies and why the governor should not abolish them. She will also give an update on the city's capital projects.

Sunday's car show has been postponed.

Drizzly weather is expected tonight through the weekend so organizers of a car show fundraiser at the Magic Lamp have pushed it back until March 20.

Owners of pre-1970s classic cars can enter the March 20 show at the Foothill Boulevard restaurant starting 8 a.m. The cost is $25 and includes a Magic Lamp buffet. Proceeds go toward Rising Stars, a nonprofit that uses equestrian therapy for special needs children and young adults.

Those bullets you'll see fired at Bass Pro Shops on Sunday will be made of wax.

A cowboy fast draw competition begins at 10 a.m. at the Bass Pro parking lot.

Here's how it works: Participants stand 21 feet away from a 24-inch round target. When the light in the middle of the target lights up, the shooter cocks the hammer of the 45 caliber single-action pistol, puts finger on the trigger, pulls the gun out of the holster, aims and fires.

Can you do that in a third of a second? Some people can.

In every round, there are two participants shooting against each other. It's a random draw so a newcomer could be up against one of the fastest hands of the west.

Mike "Cowboy Up" Karsten of The Deputies Cowboy Fast Draw Club said, "Our motto is safety first, fun second and competition third."
 

The VFW, on 8751 Industrial Lane, will host a pasta dinner to benefit the Ladies' Auxillary programs for veterans and their families Friday night. A spaghetti meatball dinner with salad and garlic bread will be served for a donation of $5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Santos -- a duo who plays disco, rock, Latin, country western, oldies and easy listening -- will perform 7 to 10 p.m.

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

The Magic Lamp restaurant on 8189 Foothill Blvd. will be the site of a classic car show on Feb. 20. The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. fundraiser will benefit Rising Stars of Equestrian Therapy, a nonprofit that works with children and young adults with special needs.

To enter a pre-1970s classic car, just show up anytime after 8 a.m. The cost to enter is $25 and includes a buffet brunch at Magic Lamp. It's free to view the cars and to cast a vote for a favorite. Prizes will go to the top five vote-getters including best of show.

Last year's winner is pictured above. Standing next to the winning car is Gary and Tony Guglielmo.

Hair Inn, on 6331 Haven Ave. near Lemon Avenue, will have a cut-a-thon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 20. Six stylists will donate their time to cut hair for a minimum donation of $15. Proceeds will go to the family of Upland resident Avery Anderson.

Avery, 6, was diagnosed with a brain tumor that's inoperable. Her mother, a customer at Hair Inn, recently quit her job to take care of Avery, who just went through six weeks of radiation. The first grader at Baldy View Elementary now faces two years of chemotherapy.

The Feb. 20 event will feature food, face painting and an appearance by Penelope the Clown. There will be a raffle for prizes which include facials, hair products and gift certificates. 

Information: 909-945-5152

These pint-sized pre-schoolers are also theater-goers.

Thanks to a grant from Macy's, more than 360 students from the city's pre-school program got to visit the Lewis Family Playhouse to watch "The Gingerbread Man."

The show, appropriate for children ages 4 and older, follows a cast of kitchen pantry items on a quest to help a cuckoo. The hero and leader of the show is a just-baked gingerbread man.

There are three shows left -- 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $17; $15 for seniors, $14 for youth up to 12 years old.

Information: 909-477-2752




  

Los Angeles-based comedian Michael Jr., pictured left, will perform his stand-up act at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Abundant Living Family Church. He gave a teaser to students at Upland Christian Academy yesterday. Students from kindergarten, pictured below, to high school welcomed the comedian during their hour of chapel.






Photos by Will Lester/Staff Photographer

Michael Jr. has appeared at a number of comedy clubs and on late-night television including the shows of Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel. He's known for his "clean" shows.

"If I"m in a club, my material has to be clean enough to work in a church. If I'm in a pulpit, it has to be funny enough to work in a club," according to the comedian.

Tickets -- available online, at the school office and at the door -- are $10. Proceeds go to Upland Christian Academy, which has its campus on church grounds at 10900 Civic Center Dr.

The Animal Care and Adoption Center, borrowing from the Oscars, has nominated 10 pit bulls for the Pitcademy Awards. Here's how it works: Go visit the center on 11780 Arrow Route and take a gander at the 10 nominated pit bulls. Vote for your favorite and you'll be entered in a drawing. Prizes include a Blue-ray player, a Coach handbag, dinner and movie for two and other prizes. The contest is through March 7.

Pitcademy is the city's promotional program to get more of the crowded shelter's dogs and cats adopted. It's also a public awareness campaign to separate the truth and myth surrounding pit bull terriers. 

Thanks to a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, the dogs will go through obedience training during the voting period.

For any dog lovers who adopt one of the nominated pit, they will receive prizes donated by Scrubby Puppy, Dogs Etc. and Trader Joes.

Information: 909-466-7387

An opportunity for families to try life as early Californians lived it will be offered at the John Rains House on Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event will be at the county museum historical site, 8810 Hemlock St.

Family activities will reflect the life of the early Southern California settlers -- beating rugs, washing clothes the old-fashioned way, making candles, whirly gigs and corn husk dolls, and other activities common in the 1800s. Children can even make an authentic adobe brick to take home.
 
Activities are suitable for children ages 4 and older.

The day will also include tours of the fired brick John Rains House led by members of the Casa de Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society.

Information: 909-307-2669 ext. 271

City council members serve on a number of subcommittees to address specific issues that need attention beyond what can be given at a typical Wednesday night meeting. The City Council also sends representatives to a number of regional government and business agencies.

Because Rex Gutierrez and Don Kurth are no longer on the council, there are several vacancies on these committees. Yesterday, the new City Council reshuffled the appointments and gave newcomers Bill Alexander and Chuck Buquet a chance to serve on some of these committees. Here's the complete list:

Mobile home accord renewal -- Sam Spagnolo and Alexander
Development code amendment for alternate landscape requirements -- Buquet and Diane Williams
Refuse service levels and illegal dumping -- Spagnolo and Williams
Community services -- Spagnolo and Dennis Michael
Housing set aside -- Michael and Alexander
Library -- Alexander and Williams
Community development/historic preservation -- Williams and Buquet
Public works -- Williams and Buquet
Redevelopment marketing -- Williams and Buquet
League of California Inland Empire legislative task force -- Spagnolo
Inland Empire Utilities Agency landscape alliance task force -- Michael
City selection committee -- Michael
Omnitrans -- Spagnolo, Alexander as alternate
Chamber of Commerce -- Michael, Buquet as alternate
210 Freeway Corridor Design Joint Powers Authority -- Williams, Spagnolo as alternate
San Bernardino Associated Governments -- Michael, Williams as alternate
North Etiwanda Preserve district board -- Spagnolo, Buquet as alternate 

The City Council said yes yesterday to a permit parking district for a neighborhood north of Chaffey College. That means, unless you are a resident with a permit, you will not be able to park on Apple Lane, Beechwood Drive and Valinda, Date and Bonita avenues from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This permit parking regulation affects 52 homes. The City Council supported the measure after residents representing 39 homes signed a petition asking for permit parking. The other 13 households that didn't sign the petition couldn't be reached. 

I had a pre-council meeting dinner at Dragon Inn to mark the Lunar New Year, which is today. Just two or three families were there, perhaps the strong winds kept them away. Happy New Year to any of you out there who celebrate it.   

Like many other cities, Rancho Cucamonga will adopt a resolution opposing Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to eliminate redevelopment agencies. That will happen at tonight's regular meeting, followed by the City Council agreeing to allocate $38 million in redevelopment money to Sacramento for its budget crisis.

The City Council is also expected to approve a permit parking system for the residents of Apple Lane, Beechwood Drive and Valinda, Date and Bonita avenues. The neighborhood is north of Chaffey College.

Finally, the city will review the list of subcommittees and decide what changes to make now that there are two new councilmen on board. 

Supervisor Janice Rutherford will walk the Pacific Electric Trail on Saturday. The event is the first of several planned get-togethers for the new supervisor to meet her constituents. The next event will be at Upland's Memorial Park on March 12.

"These events are going to be as informal as it gets," Rutherford said in a statement. "I want people to feel comfortable and ready to talk about anything that's on their mind."

The walk begins at 11 a.m. on the Pacific Electric Trail at Milliken Avenue.

Five Guys Burgers, the east coast fast food chain that got lots of attention after the president paid a visit, is opening in this city. Thanks to reader Jonathan Cummings for the news tip.

The burger joint, known for its long list of toppings, will be on 7945 Haven Ave. near Foothill. It's opening in March.

When it opens, you can get a burger then go down Foothill to Vineyard for another burger at In-N-Out. Then decide for yourself if you agree with the results of this Zagat survey, which puts Five Guys as the best fast food burger.