http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/ Daily tidbits on Rancho Cucamonga written by Daily Bulletin reporter Wendy Leung en Copyright 2012 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:28:00 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Biane Library. From 7 to 9 p.m., there will be music, children's activities and a panel discussion by Lincoln scholars. You can also view the exhibit Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, which will be on display through Feb. 17.

]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/library-celebrates-black-histo.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/library-celebrates-black-histo.html Events around town Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:28:00 -0800
Information: 909-477-2720  ]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/library-hosts-reading-workshop.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/library-hosts-reading-workshop.html Events around town In the classroom Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:43:49 -0800


City leaders, former fire chiefs and nearby neighbors welcomed the opening of the long-awaited Hellman Avenue Fire Station during a dedication ceremony today.

"This station took years of planning and patience," said Mayor Dennis Michael, a former fire chief. "We never lost sight of this fire station and I'm extremely proud of that."

Located on Hellman Avenue south of Hillside Road, the seventh fire station in the city is equipped to battle hillside fires in the Alta Loma neighborhood.

City leaders have been planning for this northwest fire station since the early 1970s. But with growth concentrated on the east side, the Alta Loma station got put on the back burner.

During today's ceremony, Fire Chief Mike Bell read a portion of a newspaper article from 1972 that quoted then Fire Chief Gene Billings predicting a northwest station by 1977.

"A funny thing happened on the way to this fire house," Bell said. "Rancho Cucamonga had a tremendous spurt of growth out toward the east part of the community and we were fortunate enough to build several fire stations out there."

In attendance at the ceremony was former fire chief Peter Bryan, former city manager Jack Lam and Esther Billings, wife of the former fire chief.

"He wasn't here to see it finally come to fruition," said Rick Billings, son of Gene Billings.

"He would have been pleased," said Esther Billings. "His family worked to build the city's first fire station."

Rick Billing's grandfather, Gordon Billings, also helped start the community's first volunteer fire department.

The Hellman Avenue Fire Station is staffed 24 hours a day with a three-person crew. A fire engine specially designed to fight hillside brush fires is stationed there.]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/city-dedicates-hellman-station.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/city-dedicates-hellman-station.html Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:51:09 -0800 In 2009, I wrote about the rivalry between two Pomona Mediterranean restaurants serving a nearly identical menu and located in the same strip mall. The "kebob war" was between Aladdin Jr. and The Mirage; both owners had unkind words for the other.

Later that year, The Mirage owner John Hassan sold his restaurant and went on to open Ali Baba down the street on Foothill Boulevard in Claremont. Ali Baba closed in December.

In 2010, I wrote about bike shop Cyclery USA opening in the same Rancho Cucamonga plaza as Competitive Edge. Allegations of back-stabbing and unethical practices were lobbed.

Surprisingly, there have been developments in both stories.

The Mirage, which has changed owners several times since Hassan left, has changed ownership once again and this time, the new owners have changed its name. But much to the chagrin of Aladdin Jr. owner Kal Halik, the new Palms Palace also serves a near identical menu of kabobs, hummus and hookah.

Meanwhile, Competitive Edge has moved shop to Foothill and Ramona, as stated in today's business page article. Owner Mark Ceccarelli said the property manager raised his rent a whopping 40 percent.

I could not get additional information on this alleged rent hike. When I called the property manager, he said, "I decline to comment and I would like to discontinue this call." (Click.)   ]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/kebob-and-bicycle-wars-part-2.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/kebob-and-bicycle-wars-part-2.html Shoppin' and eatin' Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:41:36 -0800










At 81 pages, Wednesday's City Council agenda packet was the thinnest in memory. It weighed less than an iPad.

Packets in past months have been as thick as 700+ pages.


According to the city manager's office, the city has saved 900 reams of paper, or $10,000, after buying iPads for the council and enacting other paper-saving measures.

City Attorney Jim Markman once stated the iPad changed his life.

But Councilman Bill Alexander, the Luddite on the council, said, "I hate it."

Alexander prefers his council agenda packet in paper form. He likes dealing with highlighters and sticky notes.

"I guess I'm just old-fashioned," he said. 

Alexander also hates e-mails and text messages.

"I don't get any excitement over the typed word," Alexander said.

I wonder if that applies to newspapers.

]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/alexander-no-fan-of-ipad.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/alexander-no-fan-of-ipad.html City Council happenings Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:39:54 -0800
This year's big game has two local connections -- Patrick Chung of the New England Patriots and Terrell Thomas of the New York Giants. Both are from Rancho Cuamonga High School, as mentioned in sports editor Louis Brewster's column this week. Too bad Thomas is injured.

On Wednesday, Mayor Dennis Michael commended the talents of the local athletes.

"I for one am going for the New York Giants," Michael said.

"I'm for the Patriots," Spagnolo said.

"What's the over-under?" wondered Councilman Chuck Buquet.

Again, a council divided.


]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/patriots-or-giants-neither-go.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/patriots-or-giants-neither-go.html Meeting place Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:17:25 -0800 City Hall staff members recently took down the signs, flags and other adornment hung on a street pole bearing the military banner of Ronnie Pallares. The items were placed there by family and friends to memorialize Pallares, the 19-year-old Army combat engineer who died in Afghanistan in 2010. Since his death, the Haven Avenue street pole has been adorned with flowers, Christmas lights and other sentimental items. The picture at right shows the pole before the items were taken away.

Although Pallares' mother, Brenda Pallares, does not object to the city's actions, Pallares' uncle, grandmother and other relatives are hurt and upset.

On Wednesday, City Council gadfly Jim Moffatt blasted the city for removing the items, which have since been returned to the family.

"He gave his life for the country," Moffatt said. "I don't see any reason for that not to be up."

Moffatt suggested the sentimental decorations remain until the Freedom Courtyard is built. Freedom Courtyard is a planned veterans memorial at Central Park. Construction for the project is expected to begin this summer.

Public Works Services Director Bill Wittkopf said it's a matter of public safety, particularly if the items spill out into the sidewalk or are blown away by high winds. He said memorials can typically be up for no longer than 30 to 45 days.

"The city does not mean any disrespect," Wittkopf said.

Pallares' uncle, Vince Pallares, did not address the council but shouted to Wittkopf from the audience, "If your son dies, I'll give you 30 days to mourn."

Later during the meeting, Councilman Bill Alexander said he would like staff to identify a place in the city where families can go and mourn or honor military personnel until the Freedom Courtyard is built.

"We owe it to those people who served the military, particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice," Alexander said. "We can't put a time frame on how long people grieve."

"I don't disagree," said Mayor Dennis Michael and directed the city manager to locate such a site.
]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/city-takes-down-pallares-memor.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/city-takes-down-pallares-memor.html City Council happenings Meeting place Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:52:55 -0800 Construction workers this week erected the walls for the new Public Works Services Center, putting them a step closer to completing the new City Yard project.

Public Works Services Director Bill Wittkopf said work on the project, which broke ground in June, has been going well with very few rain delays.

"We're happy that the weather is cooperative," Wittkopf said. "A significant amount of the underground work is done. We're transitioning to the above-ground improvements and starting to see the structure taking form."

The $10.8 million project, located on Lion Street, will also include a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. It is expected to be complete by December.

]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/city-yard-coming-along.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/city-yard-coming-along.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:40:39 -0800
Kelley Donaldson, spokeswoman of the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District, said firefighters do not solicit donations through the phone. Lately, residents and businesses have received calls from an organization claiming it is representing local firefighters and seeking donations. If you receive such a call, contact the fire district at 909-477-2770 to verify. 
]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/dont-fall-for-this-phone-scam.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/02/dont-fall-for-this-phone-scam.html Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:38:39 -0800 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. ]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/competitive-edge-on-the-move.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/competitive-edge-on-the-move.html Shoppin' and eatin' Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:51:47 -0800
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.

Follow @RanchoNow ]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/did-you-know-this-about-the-ch.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/did-you-know-this-about-the-ch.html Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:23:51 -0800 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.   ]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/organizers-getting-ready-for-r.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/organizers-getting-ready-for-r.html Events around town Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:19:03 -0800 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?

]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/dinner-at-farrells-expect-to-w.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/dinner-at-farrells-expect-to-w.html Shoppin' and eatin' Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:28:56 -0800
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.
]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/explosion-darkened-center-of-c.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/explosion-darkened-center-of-c.html Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:17:02 -0800
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.

  ]]> http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/ive-heard-it-from-three.html http://www.insidesocal.com/rcnow/2012/01/ive-heard-it-from-three.html Shoppin' and eatin' Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:51:53 -0800