January 2012 Archives

Competitive Edge, the bicycle shop that has been on Haven Avenue north of Foothill Boulevard for 20 years, is in the process of moving.

After a rent increase, the owner looked for a new location and found one on Foothill and Ramona.

All the bikes and inventory should be moved in by Thursday. A grand opening may take place some time in February.

This past Monday was Chinese New Year, a day in which the Chinese and many other Asians who observe the lunar calendar celebrate. For my Twitter followers, I've been tweeting Chinese New Year facts every day.

For instance, did you know that Chinese New Year lasts 10 days? That means the New Year holiday doesn't end until Feb. 1. But most of the holiday meals, firecrackers and other celebrations take place in the first three days. Businesses in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong that close for the holiday typically open by the third day.

The often heard "gung hay fat choy" does not mean "Happy New Year," as commonly assumed. It means "wishing you wealth and happiness" in Cantonese. "Sun nien fai lok" means "Happy New Year" in Cantonese. To say it in Mandarin, it's "Xin nian kuai le."

Everybody turns a year older on Chinese New Year. It is said that the holiday is the whole country's birthday. So for instance, singer Lucinda Williams turned 59 this week. If she were Chinese, she'd be 60.

In some parts of the U.S., students get the day off for the Lunar New Year. According to this New York Times article, schools in San Francisco and Tenafly, N.J. -- cities with sizable Asian American population -- consider it a public holiday. Two New York lawmakers are calling for Mayor Michael Bloomberg to have schools mark the holiday. This is the third year the lawmakers have pushed for the holiday but to no avail.

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Rancho Cucamonga Relay for Life will take place May 19 and 20 at Guasti Regional Park. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help plan the annual relay event to benefit the American Cancer Society. Anybody wishing to volunteer can join the next meeting on March 20 at Central Park. Team captains meet at 6:30 and committee members meet 7:30 p.m.

For more information about joining the relay, call Lamarr Daniels 909-972-5640, Michelle Millet 909-908-8594 or Jennifer Palmer 951-300-1210.  

Farrell's might have had a bad night last night but generally speaking it has been doing well since it opened last month.

After years of absence, the ice-cream parlor and restaurant opened its first Inland Valley location on Foothill Boulevard, taking over the former Macaroni Grill. Those who grew up going to the Montclair Plaza restaurant or others in Southern California have been returning in droves for the nostalgia factor.

Wait time for dinner ranges from 30 minutes to two hours, even on weeknights. Manager Chad Khalaf said weekday lunch is the time to go without the wait. The recent opening of the Brea restaurant may ease the crowds but Khalaf doesn't expect wait times to change for another six months.

Anybody dined there yet? How long did you wait?

Restaurants and other businesses had to turn away a number of customers Wednesday night when an electrical vault explosion near Foothill Boulevard and Haven Avenue led to a power outage. No injuries occurred during the explosion.

The explosion happened around 7:30 p.m. when Farrell's, the newly-opened ice cream parlor and restaurant, had a line of hopeful diners waiting outside for a table. The restaurant did not get power again until the next morning, said manager Chad Khalaf. To keep all the food and ice-cream cold, Khalaf spent $1,000 on ice.

Last night's outage affected Foothill Boulevard from Ramona to Spruce avenues. Residents north of Foothill to Church Street were without power as well. A second vault explosion occurred later, which led to an evacuation of customers and employees at Panera Bread.

I've heard it from three different people, so it must be true. Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill is getting ready to open. If my sources were to guess, they pit the opening anywhere from end of February to early March.

Building and Safety Official Trang Huynh and other city staff members conducted an inspection of the Victoria Gardens restaurant this week. Huynh said workers are doing the flooring and decorations. He can already see the beginnings of a giant guitar that will hang over the bar area.

In 2010, the Planning Commission gave the ok for the Toby Keith establishment to open with live music and dancing. At the time, Toby Keith officials predicted a January 2011 grand opening with a possible Toby Keith concert. But 2011 passed with little activity in the empty store front opposite of Lucille's BBQ.

Not sure why it has taken so long. Huynh said the contractor and subcontractor were replaced, which explains the delay. Victoria Gardens General Manager Christine Pham said the restaurant had been focused on openings in other cities until now.

 

Aaron Sandusky, owner of Upland's G3 Holistic, will speak to the Rancho Cucamonga Rotary Club at noon on Feb. 7 at the Etiwanda Gardens.

Medical marijuana cooperative G3 Holistic has been battling to remain open in Upland. The city has been fighting the cooperative, claiming such a business violates its zoning ordinance. Last week, a superior court judge ruled in favor of the dispensary because the case is under review by the state supreme court.     

Free USDA food will be given out to any Rancho Cucamonga or Ontario resident in need this Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Cucamonga Christian Fellowship, 1376 5th St.

Information: 909 945-5333

There will be a community blood drive on Jan. 28 at the Starbucks on 12273 Highland Ave. The drive takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donors will get a coupon for a free pizza at the nearby Pizza Factory and a free Starbucks coffee; while supplies last. There will also be a free bone marrow screening for the Be The Match program. Those interested in receiving the screening kit online can visit bethematch.org and use promo code 92408.

Planning Commissioners Frances Howdyshell and Ray Wimberly have been reappointed by the City Council to serve another four-year term. The two were first appointed by the council in 2007. Their new terms will take them through Dec. 2015.

This week's City Council meeting was adjourned in memory of Vera Alice Arthur. The retired fire inspector died on Jan. 8 from cancer.

"She was one of the sweetest woman you could run across," said Mayor Dennis Michael. "Never do I recall ... did she ever come to work without the most positive attitude."

Vera worked for the fire district from 1975 to 1991, starting as a secretary and eventually becoming fire inspector and investigator. As secretary before the age of computers, Vera would transcribe field notes and type them into reports without ever using white-out. She was 74 years old.

I stopped by Pho Rancho for a pre-City Council meeting dinner last night. Opened four months ago at the Vons/Trader Joe's center on Haven, Pho Rancho is the fifth Vietnamese noodle shop in the city, to my knowledge.

My pho on Wednesday came with "Here Comes Santa Claus" playing over stereo speakers and the BBC news on the overhead television. Not one of the four other customers seemed fazed. Why wouldn't you want to eat Vietnamese food while listening to Christmas music and learning about David Beckham's new Galaxy deal?

In addition to pho, Pho Rancho also serves rice, spring rolls and banh mi, or Vietnamese baguette sandwiches. Their banh mi, which comes with chicken, pork or beef, are $2.99. That makes me wonder what Subway, which is several doors down and boasts $5 foot-long sandwiches, thinks about the competition.

Next weekend, Rancho Cucamonga High School will host a free electronic recycling event at the school parking lot, 11801 Lark Dr.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 28 and 29, you can unload clothes and electronic devices such as computers, printers, monitors, televisions, phones and others. A $15 fee will be charged for appliances. The event is hosted by the Cougar Booster Club and High Tech Recycling.

Information: 800-981-9019   

Chick-fil-A is giving away free breakfast items from Jan. 24 through 28. To participate, you must visit its website from now through Jan. 23 and reserve a time slot and entree. The Rancho Cucamonga location, 12190 Foothill Blvd., is among four in the Inland Valley participating. The Chino Hills, Ontario Mills and Upland Colonies stores are also offering free breakfasts.

"Food for Thought: A Question of Consumption" will be on show at the Chaffey College Wignall Museum from Jan. 17 to March 24. The exhibit explores issues of food politics and activism with works by Edith Abeyta, Fallen Fruit (David Burns, Matias Viegener and Austin Young), Anne Hamersky, Mark Menjivar, and Jessica Rath.

The show was created in concert with the One Book/One College selection of Michael Pollan's "Botany of Desire." The exhibit and related programing aim to expand the dialogue of Pollan's book into the realm of contemporary art.       

Auditions for the fifth annual Silver Fox Follies will be Feb. 6 and 13 at David Dreier Hall, Central Park. Organizers are preparing a special fall performance at the Lewis Family Playhouse to mark the fifth year.

Participants should bring sheet music or a CD to sing during the auditions, which begin at 5:30 p.m. on both days. Any senior 55 and older is invited to audition. Rehearsals will begin in March.

Information: 909-987-9403

With all the restaurants coming and going, it's hard to keep track. Good thing it's not just "going," there are businesses coming, too.

First the sad news. Joey's BBQ on Foothill Boulevard closed last week. Its Upland, Pomona and Chino locations are unaffected. Robin's Dono, a Japanese restaurant on Fourth Street across from Ontario Mills, has also closed.

Here's some good news. Alberto's will take over Joey's BBQ spot. Alberto's is a chain of taquerias with more than 40 locations in Southern California. Cuban restaurant Flamingo Palms is leaving its tiny Archibald Avenue location and moving to the more prominent Fourth Street, in a space where Camille's used to be. Flamingo Palms will be on Archibald for another month. Handel's, the popular ice-cream joint in Upland, is opening another shop on Haven Avenue at the Vons center near the 210 Freeway. Handel's is expected to open mid-February or March. Finally, it was mentioned in this space recently that Felipe's on Archibald and Foothill has closed. Stevie Dee's Diner is expected to take over.

Am I missing anything? 

The book club for seniors is looking for new members.

Bookworms 50 and older are invited to join the club at 10 a.m. on the third Thursday of every month at the senior center Crafter's Den. The discussion revolves around a different theme, author or topic on a monthly basis. 

* Hermosa Beach opening today
  Mountain View opening today
  Brentwood opening today
* Burbank opening Jan. 18
  Santee opening Jan. 18
* Laguna Niguel opening Feb. 1
  San Francisco opening Feb. 1
  Torrance opening Feb. 8
  San Luis Obispo opening Feb. 8
  Granada Hills opening Feb. 8
* Los Angeles (Figueroa Street and Jefferson Boulevard) opening Feb. 15

* denotes smaller, "Express" stores

Today is marathon meeting today. From now until about 4 p.m., the City Council and department heads will be talking about the demise of the redevelopment agency, how to work better as a team, what's in store for 2012 and economic/political issues beyond Rancho Cucamonga.

It's lonely here. Like always, I am the only non-City Hall person here listening. Where's gadfly John Lyons?

I'll be here by myself typing my observations all day. You can follow me on Twitter.


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There is a traveling exhibition on Abraham Lincoln on view at the Biane Library through Feb. 17.

"Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War" examines how the famous president used the Constitution to confront the crises of the Civil War. The exhibit -- which explores Lincoln's struggles with issues of secession, slavery and civil liberties -- features photographic reproductions of Lincoln's inaugural speech, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment.

A number of events are planned to coincide with the exhibit.

On Jan. 19, there will be a book discussion at 7 p.m. on "March" by Geraldine Brooks, a Lincoln Community Read selection. Don McCue of the Smiley Public Library in Redlands will lead a lecture called "Lincoln's Greatest Decision." Another discussion on "March" will take place 7 p.m. Feb. 2.

On Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. teens will view the exhibit and discuss the resolutions Lincoln made. Participants will make their own New Year resolutions.

Black History Month Cultural Arts Night takes place 7 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 10. Music, entertainment, children's activities and a panel discussion by Lincoln scholars are on the agenda.

On Feb. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m., Lincoln's birthday will be celebrated with family-friendly activities including log cabin crafts and scavenger hunt.

At 4 p.m. on Feb. 15 at the Archibald Library and 4 p.m. on Feb. 16 at the Biane Library, there will be hands-on activities for children ages 6 to 11.

On Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. the discussion on "March" will take place at the senior center.

All events take place at the Cultural Center Biane Library unless otherwise noted.

Information: 909-477-2720

Tomorrow, the City Council will work on consensus building at 8:30 a.m. during a special meeting at Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. This meeting takes place twice a year and is led by consultant Bill Mathis.

After lunch, there will be a discussion on 2012 goals and the future of the redevelopment agency. The city is expected to name itself a successor agency after a state supreme court ruled to abolish redevelopment agencies in California.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, nonprofit group Outreach Nation will host a brunch honoring the late civil rights leader.

The event will be at Central Park on Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon.
 
Tickets start at $50 for a table for two. To RSVP, call 909-825-8080 or 909-567-5824.

The Dionne Warwick concert is almost sold out. Warwick's one-night performance is Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets to the Lewis Family Playhouse show is $65.

Information: 909-477-2752



















Photo courtesy
of Lewis Family Playhouse

Congratulations to Sage Young, 12, who placed third in the L.A. Lakers NBA Fit/WNBA Fit Dribble, Dish and Swish regional competition in Los Angeles. The Dribble, Dish and Swish program gives boys and girls an opportunity to show off their dribbling, passing and shooting skills in a time-based basketball competition against their peers. More than 40,000 children ages 7 to 12 took part in local competitions around the country.

Sage, pictured here, a seventh grader at Deer Creek Intermediate, won the local competition at the Boys and Girls Club in Palm Springs last month and advanced to the regional match. There, he got a chance to meet broadcasters John Ireland, Billy MacDonald and Mychal Thompson.

Photo courtesy of Joann Young

                                                                                                  Courtesy of CCAA

There is an exhibit showcasing 52 Milford Zornes paintings taking place at the Chaffey Community Art Association Museum through Jan. 29. "Zornes on Trees" features work by the famed painter, who died in 2008 at the age of 100.

To mark his birthday, the museum will host a celebration of Zornes' life from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a panel discussion featuring friends and fellow artists Bill Anderson, Tom Fong and Joanne Merseraeu.

The museum is located inside the Joseph Filippi Winery, 12467 Base Line Road. The museum is open noon to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday.

Information: 909-463-3733

There will be a couple of blood and bone marrow drives next week. On Wednesday, the event is 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at City Hall, 10500 Civic Center Dr. On Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., it will be at Wells Fargo, 10750 Fourth St. 

Donors will receive a free t-shirt. For those interested in participating in the bone marrow drive but can't make it on these two dates, you can request a free online kit by visiting Bethematch.org and enter the promo code 92408.

The Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity is getting ready to build a 4-bedroom home in Rancho Cucamonga. To apply, you must attend an orientation meeting. Register for the meeting by calling 909-596-7098.

To qualify, you must:

Be a Rancho Cucamonga resident for at least a year
Earn income that falls within 30 to 50 percent of area median income
Pay a 30-year no-interest loan
Put in at least 250 hours of sweat equity
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Not own any real estate
Not currently live in section 8 or other subsidized housing
Have good credit
Make a $2,500 down payment

Gas prices in 2012 don't look so good. It'll probably be just as high as it was in 2011 if not higher, according to today's front page article.

But if you go to GasBuddy.com, you can find the cheapest gas in the city. Today for instance, the cheapest place to go in Rancho Cucamonga is the Arco on Arrow Route and Etiwanda Avenue at $3.51 per gallon. The cheapest place is almost always Arco or Costco. Why is that?

Well, it's not because some stations sell poor quality gas. By law, gasoline has to meet certain standards and must be tested, said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com.

"You can go to Exxon or Arco and you'd be getting the same gas at Costco," DeHaan said.

The main reason Arco might be cheaper is because it doesn't take credit cards. Gas stations typically pay 7 cents to 11 cents per gallon to process credit card payments and since Arco doesn't take credit, the company can charge less.

Also, Arco and other big chains are at an advantage over smaller independent gas stations because they can afford to hire a pricing manager to keep a close eye on constantly changing prices of wholesale gasoline. When prices dip, big chains can buy quickly.

Now about Costco. DeHaan believes cheap gas is used as a lure.

"It gets people in the door to buy 50,000 rolls of toilet paper," DeHaan said. "Selling gas 10 cents cheaper speaks volumes to Americans. They get people to sign up (for membership.) It's a big boon for them and they're not necessarily losing money on it."