August 2011 Archives

For today's article about City Manager Jack Lam's retirement, staff photographer Thomas R. Cordova and I went to City Hall to take this photo at right. Cordova composed and executed this shot, I stood nearby to hold up a strobe light.

Lam is not necessarily camera shy but it certainly wasn't his idea to have his photo taken.


"Don't you have a photo in your archives you can use?" Lam asked. "My hair would be a lot darker."

Well, I'm glad you asked. We certainly have old photos we could have published. But I don't think most people would recognize the young Lam. At right are a couple of photos of Lam while he was community development director. He's almost as unrecognizable as Councilman Chuck Buquet, pictured standing.

Lam's tenure at City Hall, which started 33 years ago, will end in a couple of hours. Not many city managers last this long. Most move on to different opportunities or get knocked down by political dynamics.

Diane Williams became a council woman shortly after Lam became city manager. She thought Lam was a good manager but she didn't realize how great he was until she started meeting others in the political realm.

"I started going to the League (of California Cities conventions) listening to people talk about their city managers like they were the devil's incarnate," Williams said. "That's when I started paying more attention to Jack. He really did have the city planned and had the city's best interest at heart."

Well there you go. Jack Lam -- planning genius, financial wizard and NOT the devil's incarnate.

Happy retirement!

The Rancho Cucamonga Community Theatre will stage Neil Simon's comedy "Rumors" as its season opener from Oct. 29 through Nov. 6.

Auditions for actors 18 and older will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Cultural Center. Participants will be asked to read audition material and do some improvisational work. Click here to read Director Zoe Bright's biography, the rehearsal schedule and audition materials. 

The Cucamonga Valley Water District will host a blood drive and bone marrow screening on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If interested, bring a photo identification and drink plenty of water that day. The blood drive will take place in the water district board room on 10440 Ashford St.

Information: 909-987-2591

The Inland Valley Patriots, a local chapter of the tea party movement, will meet on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Omaha Jack's on 11837 Foothill Blvd.

Guest speaker Patricia Winkler will give a talk about emergency preparedness. There will also be a discussion about smart meters and why residents might not want one.

For more about this tea party meeting, call Jean Ensley at 909-873-2218.

Activists who oppose the city's new permitting process for protests will respond tomorrow with a protest of their own at Foothill and Day Creek boulevards.

Organizers across the political spectrum -- from a chapter of the tea party to a local Democratic club -- will meet at 5 p.m. to speak out against a city ordinance approved last week. The ordinance stipulates that starting Sept. 16, organizers planning to hold rallies and protests in this city will need to obtain a permit.

Some San Bernardino County employees are looking to change its union representation. A group calling itself San Bernardino County Employees for Change will host an informational barbecue at Beryl Park on Saturday for workers to learn more about the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union. The event is 1 to 5 p.m. on 6524 Beryl St.   

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors has approved a policy that bans the naming of county buildings after sitting elected officials, as reported by my colleague Joe Nelson.

Supervisor Janice Rutherford introduced the policy, which gives naming rights to elected officials only after the official has been retired for three years.

"Elected officials are public servants who serve an important role in directing funds to needed projects, but they should not be allowed to use taxpayer money to build their political legacies by having their names attached to buildings, parks and other public facilities supported by county funds," Rutherford said in a statement.

You can't help but assume Rutherford is talking about the most famous building in this city named after a public official -- the Paul A. Biane Library.

Former Supervisor Paul Biane, Rutherford's predecessor, helped steer $1 million to the Victoria Gardens library and received naming rights in return. After Biane was arrested on felony charges linked to the controversial Upland Colonies deal, the City Council considered making changes to its naming rights policy but ultimately decided not to change it. The majority of the council thought changing its policy would limit contributions made to public projects.

At the next meeting on Sept. 7, the City Council will decide on the fate of a group of eucalyptus trees, the subject of today's A3 article. If the council chooses, the trees on Hellman Avenue between Base Line Road and 19th Street, will get historic landmark status.

Although the trees are much loved, they're in bad health. They are aging, diseased and damaged by insect attacks.

Planning Commissioner Rich Fletcher, who has eucalyptus trees at his home, said the trees often look good on the outside but are actually rotting from the inside.

"My neighbor's trees had a limb that just fell off," Fletcher said. "It had a rope swinging from it."

Although they are unhealthy, the Planning Commission believed the trees are still in tact and deserve to be protected. The five member voted for the landmark designation.

Upscale Mexican eatery Candelas has closed its location at Victoria Gardens. Thanks to reader Scott for giving me the tip.

The restaurant closed a couple of weeks ago, leaving the spot on Monet Avenue vacant once again. Wapango, a pan-Latin restaurant, closed after just six months. It was empty for almost a year until Candelas came in late 2009.

Candelas, which has another location in Coronado, made several attempts to bring in customers before its demise.

The restaurant opened with entrees in the $20 range and offered discounts for those with a Rancho Cucamonga zip code. Later they started giving discounts to residents of neighboring cities and extended happy hour until closing. On Tuesdays, they offered three carnitas tacos for $3.75. Candelas also brought in a DJ earlier this year to bring in some night life to the bar area.

The Alta Loma Riding Club and Rising Stars Foundation will present An Evening of Horses at 5 p.m. on Aug. 27. The event will include horse demonstrations and will highlight the features of the Alta Loma equestrian community. Rising Stars, which uses equestrian therapy to work with seniors and those with disabilities, will demonstrate the impact horses have in the community. A dinner is included with a $5 donation.

An Evening of Horses will take place at Heritage Park, 5546 Beryl St.

Information: 909-987-9403 or 909-944-9929 

Today was City Manager Jack Lam's last City Council meeting. It's hard to believe Lam's Wednesday evenings (and other evenings) will now be free considering he has spent most Wednesdays at meetings for the last 33 years.

Each council member tonight had glowing words to describe Lam, who retires at the end of this month.

The council's newest member, Chuck Buquet, served on the council when Lam was promoted to city manager.

"The best thing that ever happened to Rancho Cucamonga was Jack Lam," Buquet said.

But maybe Buquet won't think that now Lam is near retirement. It's possible that come September, Lam will be a gadfly.

"Who knows? I might walk up there and complain about a few things," Lam said, gesturing toward the lectern.

By the way, Aug. 27 is Jack Lam Day at the Quakes Stadium. The retiring city manager will throw the opening pitch. Tickets are $7 that day.

Spotted on the corner of Milliken Avenue and Foothill Boulevard yesterday: a guy holding up a $1 taco sign for Zendejas.

Dollar tacos is not news, especially on Tuesdays. But I found it amusing that Zendejas is offering such cheap fare in a restaurant that once served filet mignon tacos.

Duane Roberts, who's behind the gorgeous Mission Inn in Riverside, spent $5 million on the Milliken and Foothill restaurant. It was in operation for about 15 months and closed in 2008. The restaurant was vacant until Zendejas took over earlier this year.

Anybody been to the new Zendejas? How is it?

The Frontier Project will unveil a new resource library next Wednesday. The Green Hive Library will be a place where the public can learn and research environmentally sustainable products, technologies and designs. The library, located in the Frontier Project on 10435 Ashford St., will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information: 909-944-6025 

The city has extended the deadline for its home energy makeover contest to Aug. 31. Homeowners 21 or older are eligible to enter for a chance to win $5,000 worth of energy efficient improvements. Participants will be judged on the size and age of their home, energy usage and other features.

For an entry form, click here.

Information: 909-477-2700 ext. 2047 

 

The Alta Loma Riding Club will host an evening of fun and games for equestrians this Saturday, Aug. 27 20 at Heritage Park. Hot August Night Playday starts 4 p.m. with the first race at 4:30 p.m. There will be musical stalls, barrel racing, dollar bill bareback race and many others. Young and adult riders of all experience levels are welcome.

It's $4.99 per class; $30 all day for riding club members or $33 for non-members. The park is on 5556 Beryl St.

Information: 909-484-2875





Jennifer Cappuccio Maher/
Staff Photographer

Today's front-page article gives an update on the Foothill Boulevard widening project. You know, the project that has slowed traffic in the area that we all assume is Upland. The most significant part of the project, a new bridge at Baker Avenue, will be complete and ready for bikers and pedestrians in October. Here's what it's going to look like:






On the north side of the street is a trailhead park. A parking lot and restroom are here. On the left side of the photo, is a small structure. That is a chunk of the old bridge and next to it will be a historic timeline. There are also stairs and a ramp to get to the Pacific Electric Trail.

The city has a new smoke-free recognition program, which commends businesses that have enacted smoke-free measures beyond local, state and federal restrictions. Apartments, hotels and restaurants that qualify will be included in the city's directory of smoke-free establishments on the Healthy RC website.

To qualify, apartment complexes must dedicate at least 80 percent of its units as smoke-free. Hotels must have all of its rooms smoke-free and restaurants must have its entire outdoor dining area smoke-free.

During the tenure of former Mayor Don Kurth, the council considered a number of smoking bans in the city. In 2008, the city banned smoking in city buildings, such as City Hall and the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. Last year, the council decided to prohibit smoking within 20 feet of bus stops, ATM lines and other areas where people wait in line.

But the council did not enact stricter measures such as banning smoking in apartment complexes or al fresco dining areas. Instead, the council decided to create a voluntary program that would highlight restaurants, hotels and apartment complexes.

Information: 909-477-2700 ext. 2006

The Inland Valley Democratic Club will canvass the southern portion of the city on Saturday, knocking on doors to register Democrats and convincing non-Democrats to switch parties. The group will meet 10 a.m. at Old Town Park, 10033 Feron Blvd., and hit the pavement until 5 p.m.

The Quakes will donate $3 for every ticket sold on Aug. 27 to the American Cancer Society during a ballgame fundraiser. The Quakes are playing the San Jose Giants that night at 7:05 p.m. followed by a fireworks show. Tickets are $10.

Organizers of the event will pass out glow sticks at the stadium's entrance. When the lights go out before the fireworks show, there will be a moment of silence to honor all those who've battled cancer. Nancy Millet, an event organizer, said her hope is to light up the stadium in honor of all the cancer victims.

For tickets or more information, call Jeremy at 909-481-5000 or Nancy at 909-908-5597.  

 

The Manna Bank from Cucamonga Christian Fellowship, which serves the hungry in the community, has been running low on food. But for some reason, the food bank has received an unusual amount of soda. If you would like to donate food in exchange for soda, or if you just want to make a donation to the Manna Bank ministry, call 909-730-5064.

They are especially in need of dry goods such as rice, beans, macaroni and cheese, pasta and soup.

The church is on 9592 Seventh St. Their doors are open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The Animal Care and Adoption Center is offering significantly reduced adoption fees for the month of August. The Hawaiian-themed promotion "Hula Hounds" promotes the large variety of small adult dogs that are available at the shelter. The typical $100 adoption fee has been reduced to $5. Each pet is spayed or neutered and micro-chipped. Participants also receive five pounds of dog food and other goodies.

The center, 11780 Arrow Route, is open 1 to 7 p.m. weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. weekends.

Information: 909-466-7387

City Council members will soon get iPads, if they want one.

Incoming City Manager John Gillison gave the council a crash course on navigating the iPad today. The idea is to have the council members use their iPads to read their council packets, which can be 500-plus pages on most weeks.

Gillison taught the council how to scroll, zoom in, zoom out, highlight and take notes.

"You can literally duplicate what you used to do by hand with your agenda," Gillison said. "It's pretty easy to use."

Mayor Dennis Michael wonders how steep the learning curve is.

"I'm not going to be the last council member without an iPad," Michael said. "But I might say, 'Give me the packet with the iPad until I can get used to it.' "

The twice-a-year City Council team-building session kicked off today with a comedy team.

To show the incoming City Manager John Gillison that the council has a good sense of humor, Councilman Diane Williams presented Gillison a new name plate that reads "Jon Gilson, city manager." But perhaps the most useful gift that Gillison received was from his mentor, the outgoing city manager. Jack Lam gave Gillison a yes-man doll, a desk top figurine that spouts out all kinds of affirmations. Gillison was urged to use it following any City Council request.

Bill Mathis is the consultant hired to lead these sessions. He told Gillison, "While we have serious things going on around us, we do have a sense of humor."    

October brings "Honus and Me: A Baseball Card Adventure" and Japanese jazz fusion band Hiroshima to the Lewis Family Playhouse stage.

"Honus and Me," a MainStreet Theatre Company production is a story about a little leaguer who finds the most valuable baseball card in the world. The family-friendly show is staged Oct. 1 to 16 at 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays; 1 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $16; $14 for youth.

Hiroshima, pictured here, is a band that brings jazz sounds with Latin rhythms and Japanese folk music. They will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 21. Tickets are $35; $33 for seniors.

Information: 909-477-2752
 

A number of community events are planned to honor Bernie Cota and raise funds for his funeral.

Bernie, a Rancho Cucamonga High School student, died on Friday. He was riding his bike near his home about two weeks ago when he collided with a vehicle.

As mentioned in this space last week, the Hair Phases Salon on 7211 Haven Ave. will host a cut-a-thon to raise funds for the family. This will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

On Tuesday, Red Brick Pizza on 9659 Milliken Ave. near Fourth Street will donate a portion of proceeds made from 1:30 to 9 p.m. to the Cota family. You can print out a flier here.

RBP fundraiser flyer-Bernie Cota072911.doc 

A date for funeral services have not been set yet.

Did you know there's a farmer's market on Thursdays?

From 4 to 8 p.m. tomorrow, it's family fun night at the Heritage Farmers Market. There will be live music, ice-cream, arts and crafts and other child-friendly activities. The market is in front of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Foothill near Rochester.

You know that feeling of relief after finding something valuable that you've lost? Michael Vorbav had that feeling the other day.

The German exchange student was with a group of friends and chaperone at Victoria Gardens when he lost his wallet. Everything he needed for his overseas visit was in that wallet including $800. Michael thought he dropped it in the food court but a lengthy search resulted in nothing.

Michael had already accepted the lost when he and the group waited outside the AMC theater for their ride. It turned out, Michael had lost his wallet while watching a movie earlier that day.

Corrina Comia, a coordinator for the exchange program who was with the group, said, "As we were standing near the AMC theater, somebody came out and asked, 'Does this belong to one of the German students?' "

It turned out one of the theater staff remembered the exchange students from earlier.

"I just had to commend AMC," Comia said. "Not many people find a wallet that has $800 in cash and gives it back. It's nice to see that even in this economy, there's still a lot of honest people."

Michael, pictured in the middle with an orange shirt, was obviously ecstatic. He leaves this country with a great impression -- and perhaps $800 in gifts.     

Assemblyman Mike Morrell, R-Rancho Cucamonga, will give a legislative update to seniors at the James L. Brulte Senior Center from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

The 63rd District lawmaker will discuss Caylee's Law, the Veteran's and Public Safety Bill and other issues coming out of Sacramento.

Calling all eagles from Etiwanda High School Class of 1991.

The 20-year reunion will be on Aug. 13 at the Red Hill Country Club, 8358 Red Hill Country Club Dr. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with cocktails followed by dinner and dancing.

Visit the reunion website to register and get more details about e-mailing photos for the slideshow. The cost is $85.

You can also follow the reunion organizers on Facebook (Etiwanda High School Class of 1991 20 Year Reunion) or on Twitter (EHS 1991 Reunion (Etiwanda 1991).