May 2009 Archives

The students in the drama club at Magnolia Elementary School will be performing "Comic Book Artist" at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the school.

Cost is free of charge and open to the public.

Donations will be accepted.

A multi-purpose room at Magnolia Elementary School on Wednesdays after school is transformed into a theatrical getaway.

As part of an after-school drama club, a group of sixth-graders are joined by former Magnolia Elementary students. Together, they create sets, memorize lines and just let loose.

For 10 years, Kevin Maedel, a special education teacher at the school, has volunteered his time to teach young people how to act and put on plays.

"I have a lot of kids who came to me and were just quiet in the classroom and they just blossom. In drama, they become a whole different person," Maedel said.

"Their confidence gets built, their social skills and their tolerance and acceptance of other people, because in this drama club it's not the popular kids, it's not the best students. It's a whole range of students from special education, regular education, struggling students, the brightest students."

The club does not have a budget and relies on the support of parents as well as community, school and student volunteers to keep afloat.

"Mr. Maedel does it out of the kindness of his heart. He's not paid to do it, he has parents who help quite a bit with the chores that need to be done," Magnolia Elementary principal Deborah Davis. "It's neat when it's not tied to monies because it not something that can be on the chopping block."

The opportunity to continue learning about theater at Pioneer Junior High School may soon be lost, if its drama class is cut from next year's schedule due to state budget issues.

"I think it's really sad. I think because they get to shine right there and it transitions into high school, there's a huge gap there, and I almost wish someone would step up and do something like this up there," Maedel said. "I think it's unfortunate but, at the same time, it's hard with this budget. I understand, but it's really going to be a big loss for the kids."

Many of Maedel's former students help him out with the club, even when they have moved on to junior high, high school and beyond.

"I let kids come back and help me direct at 12, 13 years old. They just kind of feel that confidence. That's why a lot of them get lead roles in high school shows and they basically run the drama department at Upland High," Maedel said. "They're the president of thespian, they're the assistant directors, they're the lead in the show -- their whole life is theater and it all starts back in fifth, sixth grade."

C.C. Chiu, 18, participated in the drama club when she attended Magnolia Elementary, and helps Maedel get organized for performances, such as tonight's "Comic Book Artist."

"Aside from just being a fun activity, it was a really great way to learn how to begin to express yourself," Chiu said. "I was always a shy person and Mr. Maedel's drama club really helped me as it does a lot of the students."

The club has been rehearsing for nearly three months for the "Comic Book Artist."

"It's like a comic-book story that comes to life on stage. It's villains and good guys and characters with flaws and then the good guys win in the end," Maedel said. "So it's kind of like a total fantasy and it's a satire on how silly some comic book characters are."

Tyler Shively, 12, plays "Star Guy," a comic-book character whose only power is to make girls swoon.

"He's pretty much conceited. He loves himself. His main weapon is the charisma ray, which will make anybody fall to their knees screaming his name and begging for an autograph," Tyler said. "It's fun because I get to be with a bunch of my friends and it's kind of fun getting into Star Guy's character."

Future Energy Corporation will hold a ribbon cutting at noon June 10 at their office, 1671 West Arrow Route in Upland.

Information: (909) 204-4465.


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Gina McIntyre and Sayeed Shaikh will give a presentation about the process of interviewing for a job from 2 to 3 p.m. June 6 at the Upland Public Library.

These Toastmasters will also perform some role playing to highlight specific interview situations.

Information: (909) 931-4200.

The Upland Unified School District will have a board meeting at 7 p.m. at Sycamore Elementary School, 1075 W. 13th Street in Upland.

The agenda can be obtained here.

Information: (909) 985 - 1864.

Sycamore phone: (909) 982-0347.


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The Upland City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. today.

The meeting will be in the council chambers in city hall, 460 N. Euclid Avenue.

The agenda packet can be viewed here.

Information: (909) 931-4100.

The city of Upland Animal Services will offer cat and kitten adoptions for $25.

With each adoption, each cat and kitten will be spayed/neutered, receive their first set of vaccines and will be micro chipped with an AVID micro chip.

The Upland Animal Shelter has cats and kittens of all ages, sizes and colors, each with their own personality.

The special adoption fee will only last for a limited time.

Anyone looking for a furry companion can visit the shelter at 860 E. 15th Street in Upland.

Information: (909) 931-4185.


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The Upland Fire Explorers will be holding a rummage sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday June 6 in the parking lot outside of the Second Ave. fire station and Upland city hall,
475 N. Second Ave.

All proceeds will go to the Post 955 for education and training towards careers in the fire service.

Donations are being accepted prior to June 6.

All unsold items will be donated to local charities.

Information: (909) 931-4180.

Ruby Ahmed of the Ahmed Team Blackstone Realty will speak at the Upland Chamber of Commerce's first Friday of the month meeting.

The meeting will be at 7 a.m. June 5 at the Carnegie Building, 123 E. "D" Street in Upland.

Local business professionals will have an opportunity to meet other business professionals while increasing profit potential.

Cost is $10 for members and $15 for prospective members.

Buckboard BBQ & Grill is sponsoring the meeting.

Reservations are required by June 1.

Information: (909)204-4465.

The Upland Chamber of Commerce will hold their June Ambassador Team Meeting at 8 a.m. June 3 at the chamber offices, 215 N. Second Ave.

Ambassador Team members get networking opportunities while extending support to the chamber.

Information and to RSVP: (909)204-4465.

A book enders meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon on June 6 at the Upland Public Library.

The book "Maisie Dobbs" by Jacqueline Winspear will be discussed.

Sam Maloof, world renowned wood worker and Rancho Cucamonga resident, died Thursday at home with family. He was 93 years old.

Maloof's handcrafted furniture has been exhibited in the Smithsonian, Vatican and the White House.

The Upland City Council meeting will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday May 26 due to the Memorial Day Holiday on May 25.

The meeting will be in the council chambers in city hall, 460 N. Euclid Avenue.

The agenda packet can be viewed here.

Information: (909) 931-4100.

The Upland Unified School District will have a board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the district community room, 390 North Euclid Avenue.

The agenda can be obtained here.

Information: (909) 985 - 1864.

An ordinance passed by the city council in reaction to slowly forming day labor site appears to be having an effect, according to Mayor John Pomierski.

"It's appeared to work very well," Pomierski said. "I have been by there myself and there's a very minimal impact from people standing around looking for work.

The increasing number of day labors congregating in the Home Depot parking lot on Mountain Ave. and 8^th Street has been a prominent topic of discussion during some city council meetings.

The issue was first brought up by local minuteman project members to the council in January.

"We're very pleased that the city of Upland took that stance," said Robin Hvidston, member of the minuteman project. "We feel like in the long run the property owner and home depot can perhaps come up with more specific plans that will really be able to utilize the ordinance to their advantage."

The ordinance amends the Upland Municipal Code adding Title 9, public peace and welfare, relative to trespassing on private property.

"It says yes you cannot congregate on private property unless you have the owner's permission and there are consequences if the owner doesn't want you there," Pomierski said. "He can tell you to leave now. With that ordinance in place the police can come enforce the ordinance, which is basically 'get off the owners property."

The ordinance, officially passed by the city council in March, is based on a similar ordinance passed in Lake Forrest and Mission Viejo, Pomierski said.

"That's been a worthwhile effort. - our attorney also represents Mission Viejo and I think that worked out very well," Pomierski said.

The courts have held it is unconstitutional to restrict a person soliciting work, on the public right of way, from any person traveling in a vehicle along the public right of way, according to the staff report.

The ordinance provides the property owner enhanced means to regulate trespassing on private property.

"The bottom line to that working is the owner, in this case Home Depot, coming out and telling people to get off their property or making phone calls, or giving them a warning and making a phone call," Pomierski said.

Funeral services for Walt Reardon, former Upland city treasurer, have been moved to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at St. Anthony's Church, 2110 N San Antonio Ave. in Upland.


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Walter F. Reardon, who served for 28 years as treasurer of the city of Upland, died after suffering a stroke May 12 in Hawaii.

He was 77.

Reardon was on vacation in Hawaii with his wife of 58 years, Barbara "Pat" Reardon, his youngest daughter, Kathleen Reardon, and his granddaughter, Alex.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at St. Anthony's Church in Upland.

Reardon and his wife have been taking trips to the Napili Kai resort in Maui for more than 30 years.

He was sitting on a beach with his wife when he suffered the stroke.

"I just have to say the last two days we had together were just magical. They were really special," said Kathleen Reardon of Summerland. "It was really nice, and I'm just honored to have been there."

Walter Reardon was city treasurer from 1980 to his retirement in November.

"What was nice about Walt was I can't remember as long as I was there, nobody ever ran against him, and I think that goes a lot to say in terms of a person, he didn't politicize the office," said Councilman Brendan Brandt, who is a longtime friend of the family.

"It wasn't controversial. He ran it with a steady hand. He didn't make enemies, and I think his underlying goal as it was always that he just had a real love for the city."

Reardon enjoyed sailing, jogging and was an UCLA football season-ticket holder.

Reardon was born Oct. 3, 1931, in Massachusetts. He moved in the 1930s to Los Angeles with his family, and later served in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was stationed in Kodiak, Alaska.

After his service, Reardon graduated from UCLA with a degree in accounting. He later received his certified public accountant certificate as well as an MBA from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University.

Reardon relocated his family in 1967 to Upland and, in 1971, founded his own CPA firm, which became known as Reardon & McCallum and later merged into Mellon, Johnson and Reardon.

"No one I know in my whole life has ever said anything bad about him. Everybody at work loved him, everyone in his office loved him," Kathleen Reardon said.

"I worked with him over a few different tax seasons - he would take the time every morning he would go from person to person and say `Hi, how's it going? How is the family?' He genuinely cared about people."

Reach Out West End is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing non-profit services to local youth, families and communities.

Throughout the year the organization is looking for former clients, mentors, mentees, board members and employees to share their stories and experiences.

They are asking anyone with a story to e-mail anniversary@reachout-westend.org.

Some stories will be highlighted during the organization's 40th anniversary celebration in November.

Information: (909) 982-8641.

The San Antonio Heights Citizens Patrol annual pancake breakfast is from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at San Antonio Park, 24th Street and Mountain Ave.

The citizen patrol provides business and residential security checks, welfare checks, traffic control assistance as well as additional services that permit deputies to concentrate on other law enforcement assignments.

Information: http://www.sanantonioheights.org/id7.html


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Rep. David Dreier (R-San Dimas) comments on the failure of proposition 1A through 1E during yesterday's special election.

"Obviously with the decision the voters have made last night it means that the state has very challenging days ahead.

Yesterday Governor Schwarzenegger attended a bi-partisan California congressional delegation meeting. At the meeting he said a few things that are very important.

He is not coming to Washington to ask for a federal bailout of the state of California. he said we need as a state to take care of this situation ourselves and he went on to talk about a wide range of proposed cuts in spending and looking at creative ways to deal with the repair of schools.

Things like that rather than go through massive state borrowing. That is the kind of thing that has not been addressed in the past that he plans to do, so I wholeheartedly support his effort to bring about strong spending cuts because I think that is the message voters sent to the people who represent us in Sacramento."

Dreier represents District 26, which includes the cities of Upland, San Dimas, Claremont, Glendora, Covina, La Verne, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, Pasadena and Walnut.

The Upland Chamber of Commerce is having an economic development forum to discuss issues that affect the vitality of the Upland Business community.

The meeting is 7:30 a.m. May 26 at the chamber offices, 215 N. Second Ave., Suite D in downtown Upland.

This forum's purpose is to create and support a positive business climate.

Information: (909)204-4465.

Gary Thomas, San Bernardino County superintendent of schools, will be speaking at the Upland Chamber of Commerce monthly membership luncheon May 28 at the Sycamore Inn, 8318 Foothill Blvd. in Rancho Cucamonga.

Check-in is 11 a.m. followed by a lunch and program at 11:30 a.m.

Cost is $25 with reservations by May 22 and $35 at the door.

This month's luncheon is sponsored by the Chaffey Community Art Association Museum of Art.

Information: 909-204-4465.

The Upland High School and Alta Loma High School jazz bands are finishing the school year up with a battle.

The Battle of the Big Bands will showcase both schools' talents before the year wraps up.

However, it's not a competition. It's just for fun, said Mark Capalbo, assistant director of Jazz at Upland High School.

"So really it's going to be about two really good bands up on stage together and the audience is going to be the benefactor," Capalbo said.

This is the first year the battle of the bands included two different high school bands. Upland High School held a battle last year with one of the school's other bands.

"The reason I wanted to get another high school is because a lot of times parents will go to jazz festivals and they hear their kids' band and then they leave," Capalbo said. "I really wanted to be able to have the two communities come together and hear two great bands and just have a really fun evening."

Both bands will perform songs together and separate.

"I haven't heard them play, so I don't know what to expect," said senior tenor saxophone player, Marcie Jarquin, 17.

She participated in last year's battle against Upland High School's number two band.

"Hopefully people will get drawn to it this year and next year will be bigger and the years as they come," Jarquin said. "Hopefully it will be a really big thing in a few years from now."

For the seniors in the band, the performance with Alta Loma is the last.

Joomi Kim, 18, has played the piano in the jazz band all four years of high school.

"I think it's kind of cool because it's our last thing," Kim said. "It's just like a fun thing - it's our last time to show off the band in front of the school."

The festivals and competitions are over for the band until next school year, but never the less, Kim is still excited to practice and learn the songs.

"I think more of the serious part is done with," Kim said. "We still want to do well because we're still in front of everybody, but I think it's mostly just for kicks now."

Jazz band is year round and some students play in other bands at the school such as marching band, wind ensemble and concert band.

"The goal really for me is to be able to train them how to be musicians, so when they put on a show like this they already have the skills necessary to put that together," Capalbo said.

Some of the songs the students will play include "In The Mood" and "On A Clear Day" - to be sang by 17 year-old jazz trumpeter Corey Mannoia.

"I think a lot of times, the general population thinks well these are high school kids how good can it be?" Capalbo said. "But what they all find when they show up they'll more than likely be amazed at how good young people can sound."

The Upland and Rancho Cucamonga Chambers of Commerce are holding a joint mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 26 at the Sycamore Inn, 8318 Foothill Blvd. in Rancho Cucamonga.

Information: (909)204-4465.

Pets and their families were roaming around Memorial Park this weekend checking out the numerous booths catered to pets and their owners.

The 10th Annual Pet Adoption Faire organized by Upland-based pet rescue charity Helping Out Pets Everyday showcased some of the dogs and cats currently in need of homes.

About 18 dogs and 23 cats were adopted during the faire.

"It was amazing - that's the only word I can use to describe how excited I was with how the day went," said Margaret Coffman, president of Helping Out Pets Everyday.

"The community really poured out in large numbers. I felt we had thousands of people at the park."

Helping Out Pets Everyday rescued three cats from the shelter that were not adopted during the fair.

"By about 12:30 to 1 p.m. most of our dogs were adopted and because many of them were spayed and neutered many were able to leave the park with their new owner," Coffman said.

Free AVID micro chipping was available to Upland residents as well as low cost vaccinations.

Border Collies In Need adopted three border collies as well.

"I think the community was really happy for all the samples and many vendors," Coffman said. "I know everyone was happy to be able to introduce their products and give out free samples."

The Ravelers provided entertainment to residents hanging out on the benches eating hot dogs cooked by the Upland Fire Department.

The Disc Dogs and the Rock 'N' Rovers showed off their talents as well.

Helping Out Pets Everyday: 800-811-4285. 

The Upland Fire Department will be hosting the kick off event for the 13th Annual Quest Rally put on by the Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors from noon to 2 p.m. June 1 Fire Station #161, 475 N. 2nd Avenue.

Monday will be the kick off event to a week-long event where volunteer staff travels caravan style visiting fire, medical and law enforcement agencies throughout California.

Traveling with red lights and sirens, the firefighters will transport celebrity spokespersons via emergency response apparatus. Joining them will be local Television personalities throughout the week helping raise funds for burn survivors as well as Burn Centers, Burn Foundations and Burn Associations.

A "Santa Maria" style barbecue will be provided by Buckboard Catering, Co.

"Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors" is a non-profit organization managed by fire fighters and civilians who volunteer their services and are dedicated to assist anyone that has been affected by burn injuries. Burn injuries are devastating, and the majority takes a lifetime to heal. The physical and emotional pain the victims suffer is something firefighters see on a regular basis. As a result, the organization was founded in 1996 following the Southern California Malibu Brush Fire. Since then this event has been an opportunity for communities to come together to make a difference in many peoples lives.

The Upland High School jazz band will be battling the Alta Loma High School Jazz band at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Upland High School Auditorium, 565 W. 11th Street.

Admission is $5.

Parking is free on the west side of the campus. Enter from San Antonio Avenue.

Four dates have been added to the Church Basement Ladies performances at The Grove Theatre in downtown Upland.

Due to the show's popularity, performances will be June 6 and 14 at 2 p.m. and June 12 and 13 at 7:29 p.m.

The musical comedy features four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and solve the problems of a rural Minnesota church undergoing changes in the mid 1960s.

Tickets are $25 or $30 for adults and $22 or $27 for seniors and students.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Grove box office at (909) 920-4343 or by visiting the Grove Web site at www.grovetheatre.com.

Members of the Minuteman Project addressed the city council Monday over a recent clash in beliefs with an Upland business owner

The group held American Flag rallies on May 5 to encourage people to celebrate the Fourth of July or other significant days in American history rather than Cinco De Mayo.

After seeing a large Cinco De Mayo sign outside of Graziano's Italian Restaurant and Bar, the group decided to take a photo with their flags next to the sign.

The incident resulted in a yelling match between the members as well as the restaurant owner and employees who called the Upland Police Department.

"We found it ironic that eight moms and dad's holding American flags on a public sidewalk - the police were called in and we were told to give our names and would be subject to arrest," said Robin Hvidston, member of the Minuteman Project. "We felt in Upland a day labor has more rights than an American citizen on a public sidewalk holding an American Flag."

Before taking the photos, the group went into the restaurant to speak with the owner and give him a pamphlet on the American Flag.

"Basically they were insinuating that I was un-American and I was insuring them that I have every right to conduct my business the way I see fit," said Danny Guida, owner of Grazianos.

"They were very demanding and aggressive in their tactics and disrupting my whole front lobby."

The group was asked to leave, but when the owner saw they were taking photos next to his sign both groups entered into a confrontation leading to a call to the police.

"I saw the sign and I thought what photo opportunity that would be. That was it," said Raymond Herrera, member of the Minuteman Project. "We did not intend to even go to Graziano's or go to any restaurant to do anything like this."

A police report was taken for battery, but no prosecution was desired by any parties, said Sgt. Cliff Mathews with the Upland Police Department.

"My main point was to ask if that was the way they felt about small business and the free market and they didn't have an answer for me," Guida said. "That was the main objective I wanted to get across."

The purpose of the flag rallies on Cinco De Mayo was to make residents aware of the insignificance of the holiday to the people of Mexico, Herrera said.

"In Mexico they don't even celebrate Cinco De Mayo, but here it is a beckoning call to have beer drinking parties all over America and make the American people believe there is significance to it - that's it's the liberation of the people of Mexico and it is not even anything close to that," Herrera said.

"Obviously Graziano's has freedom of speech and obviously in our country we can display signs and utilize freedom of speech allowing both of us to go forward and express our view points," Hvidston said. "In retrospect if we had known officers would be called to the scene we absolutely would not have taken the photo."

The Curling Iron Salon, 560 N. Mountain Ave., is hosting a customer appreciation party from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

There will be live model hair shows as well as hair, skin care and make up consultations by the salon's artistic team.

Any purchases made will give patrons a chance to win a gift bag. Any appointments made that day will also come with a gift certificate to be used in the future.

The salon will also offer a 10 percent discount on some of the merchandise.

The Upland Public Library, 450 N. Euclid Ave, is hosting a teen craft night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday in the library multi-purpose room.

Teens are asked to bring an old pair of blue jeans to turn them into a pillow.

Information: (909) 931-4213

Walter F. Reardon, Upland city treasurer for 28 years, died Tuesday in Maui Hawaii after suffering a stroke.

The 77 year-old was on vacation in Hawaii with his wife of 57 years, Barbara "Pat" Reardon, his youngest daughter Kathleen and his granddaughter, Alex.

"Loved by all who know him, he was truly a renaissance man - an accomplished leader, with an avocation for reading and learning new things, an adventurous world traveler, sailor, golfer, UCLA Bruin fan and longtime fixture seen jogging and walking along Euclid Avenue," said Mike Reardon, Walt Reardon's oldest son.

Reardon is survived by six children and thirteen grandchildren.

Services will be at 1 p.m. May 22 at St. Anthony's Church in Upland.

Discover Upland, partnership between the city of Upland and the Upland Chamber of Commerce, will be hosting Taste Of The I.E. from 6 to 9 p.m. May 15 in Downtown Upland.

Guests will be able to try cuisine from area restaurants and fine wines from local vintners and wine shops.

Cost is $25 per person and you must be 21 years old and over to attend. A portion of the ticket sales will go toward non-profit organizations within the community.

For tickets and more information call the Upland Chamber of Commerce (909) 204-4465 or visit the following Web sites: http://www.uplandchamber.org/ or http://www.discoverupland.com/FindU/

Valencia Elementary School Principal Lori Thompson will be the new director of student services for the Upland Unified School District beginning July 1.

Thompson will be replacing Lynda Spicer, who is retiring.

The Upland Unified School District board of trustees approved to appoint Thompson to her new role during Tuesday's board meeting.

Superintendent Gary Rutherford said the district will open an aggressive recruitment to fill Thompson's position as principal of Valencia Elementary School.



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The 2nd Annual Rebecca Goss Boo-Yaah Memorial Car Show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in downtown Upland.

Neil Saavedra, host of "The Jesus Christ Show" on KFI, vendors, music, food and more than 150 classic custom hot rods will be set up in downtown.

Proceeds will go toward the Rebecca Goss Memorial Foundation, an Upland-based non-profit that helps families who had lost loved ones with medical, burial and counseling expenses.

The foundation was formed in 2007 by Martha and John Goss after their 16 year-old daughter, Rebecca, died in a tragic car accident. A couple months after her death three of Rebecca's classmates were also killed in a car accident. The families were unable to give their children a proper burial, so the Rebecca Goss Memorial Foundation was formed.

The foundation has heled more than two dozen families with burial expenses for their children ranging in ages from a few hours old to 21 years old.

Rebecca Goss enjoyed riding horses and was a classic car enthusiast. The foundation also holds an annual Reigning Horse Show.

The Southern California Festival and Sale for world hunger and relief is 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Pacific Christian Center, corner of Arrow Hwy and San Antonio Avenue.

The proceeds of the festival go directly to international relief, development and service ministries of the Mennonite Central Committee.

On Friday, participants will be able to have a deep pit barbecue beef dinner as well as get a preview of the afghans, quilts, comforters and wall hangings to be auctioned off on Saturday.

Household antique items will be auctioned off at 6 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, visitors will get to participate in the "make your own omelet" breakfast from 7 to 9:30 a.m.

They'll have the opportunity to browse through the different booths, antiques, collectibles and preview auction items.

A car show and motorcycle display will also be part of Saturday's festivities.

Admission and parking is free.



Tentative Schedule:

Friday May 15

4:30 to 7 p.m. : Deep pit barbecue beef dinner

6 p.m. : household antique auction

Saturday May 16

7 to 9:30 a.m. : "make your own omelet" breakfast

10 a.m. : quilt auction

11 a.m. : kids auction

noon: special features auction

The Upland City Council made some proclamations during Monday's city council meeting.

They presented Margaret Coffman of Helping Out Pets Everyday with a proclamation making May "Pet Adoption Month."

Coffman and the animal rescue charity have been organizing the Pet Adoption Faire in Memorial Park for 10 years. This year's fair is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

The council also presented Carol Timm and Dave Stevens of Upland Heritage with a proclamation making May "National Historic Preservation" month.

The Upland Unified School District board of trustees recognized a group of Upland High School students during Tuesday's school board meeting.

The students were awarded Upland Pride Awards for meeting the requirements to enter the 2010 National Merit Scholarship program.

Nicholas Anderson, Timothy Brock, Wyatt Keegan, Trenton Ramos and Timothy Rotolo were given their awards by board Vice President Michael Varela.

Jenny Chang, Andrew Chen, Randall Lin and Tiffany Wei also received awards, but were not present during the meeting.

The results are in for the Upland Fire Department's participation in this year's "Fill The Boot."

The department reached their set goal of raising over $50,000 in donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Upland fire fighters were seen walking down the median at the intersections of 8th Street and Mountain Avenue and 19th Street and Campus Avenue April 3-5 for "Fill The Boot."

The International Association of Fire Fighters has been in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1954. Millions of dollars has been raised through the partnership to fight muscle disease.

The Upland High School Choir Cabaret Cafe is at 7 p.m. May 16 at Magnolia Park.

It is a free vocal concert performed by choirs and small groups.

Hot dogs and desert will be available for guests to purchase to make it a dinner or desert event.

Margaret Coffman, President of Helping Out Pets Everyday attended cat abuser Timothy Kooyman's sentencing Wednesday May 5 at West Valley Superior Court.

Kooyman, 25, was sentenced to five years in state prison after he was found guilty on four felony charges last month - three for animal cruelty and one for causing a fire.

His sentence "seems utterly inadequate for the depraved and heinous mutilation of the four cats that he tortured and killed," Coffman said.

Prosecutors said Kooyman doused a cat with gasoline and set it on fire in Rancho Cucamonga on May 13, 2008, killing the cat and causing a small brushfire.

"The innocent victims, domestic cats that were allowed to roam outdoors by their owners, suffered prolonged and painful deaths at his hands," Coffman said. "He needs to be held accountable for the three cats he killed in Corona too and be incarcerated for as long as possible."

The city has been seeking World War II veterans to pay tribute to during city council meetings.

They are also in search for residents currently serving in the military. The city council has been giving Blue Star Service Banners to the families of residents in the service. The Blue Star Service Banners are meant to be hung in a household winner to let people know they have family serving.

Any residents related to or know World War II veterans, or residents who have family currently in the military are asked to call the city clerk's office at (909) 931-4120.

Rancho San Antonio Medical Center, 7777 Milliken Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga, is holding a blood drive  to "Celebrate Your Mom."

The drive will run from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 13.

All donors will receive a flower for mom, plus a buy one get one free at Vince's Spaghetti and a Kentucky Fried Chicken Corn Special.

Information: (909) 920-4705.

Toastmasters Route 66 Club will meet at 7 p.m. May 15 at the International House of Pancakes, 80 N. Euclid Ave., Upland.

The club provides members a place to overcome fear of public speaking and an opportunity to gain self-confidence.

They meet the first and third Friday of the month.

The Club welcomes members.

Information: (909) 949-0814.

The Inland Empire Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. will host their "Status of Women" luncheon at 11 a.m. Saturday at Imagine That, 1318 W. 9th Street in Upland.

The luncheon will give special recognition for outstanding accomplishments by women in the community. The theme for this year's luncheon is "Changing The World One Community At A Time."

The group will honor Lummas Burton, Leola Green and Irma Jenkins for their achievements and paving the way for many African American women.

There will be a lunch, an array of vendors and musical entertainment.

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. is an international professional and humanitarian organization composed of dedicated and concerned women representing a melange of talents, skills and resources.

Donation for this event is $35. Information: (909) 597-7134.

Upland-based non-profit, Helping Out Pets Everyday (HOPE) is having their 10th Annual Pet Adoption Faire from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 in Memorial Park, 1100 E. Foothill Blvd.

The fair is sponsored by Target and PetSmart and will be next to the new Upland Animal Services Shelter, which is expected to be completed during the Summer.

Free AVID microchipping will be available for Upland residents, $20 for non-residents.

There will be low cost vaccinations at the Upland Animal Hospital and Foothill Animal Hospital booths, dog and cat specialty vendors, food and drinks and a prize opportunity drawing.

Diana Sholley, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin columnist and author, will be there signing copies of her book "That's Amore."

Radio Personality Ron Stark from "Voice of the Inland Empire" will be hosting.

Los Angeles Kings Mascot Bailey will make a special appearance.

The Rock 'N' Rovers flying racing team and the Disc Dogs are expected to perform.

Last year, Helping Out Pets Everyday rescued 31 dogs, 35 of which were adopted and they rescued 62 cats and 60 were adopted.

Information: 800-811-4285 or www.helpingoutpetseveryday.com

When the state's budget crisis started putting elementary school art and music programs at risk, the board of the Upland Community Foundation decided to do something new.

The foundation, in partnership with the Upland Music and Arts Festival, started the Community Arts fund, which will provide money for the visuals and performing arts programs at local schools.

"Our belief is that there are a ton of incredible artists out there, but there are some schools that have no art programs, so the artistic talent of the kids doesn't get to be developed," said Jennifer Moore, member of the foundation. "It's not very stable, it's unsure that the art programs are going to continue, so what the Upland Community Foundation is trying to do is fill that gap and help to provide funds for the art program."

The foundation will be seeking donations from the community and grants from corporations, Moore said.

Sierra Vista Elementary School is the first of Upland's schools to receive money from the Foundation.

The school prepared a list of art supplies they needed and estimated costs.

A check for $625 was given to the school's principal Allison Benson Tuesday during the school's family fun night.

"It's great because kids who might not be A students academically are shining in our art program," said Sierra Vista Principal Alison Benson. "So we're really excited to be able to give them that outlet for it."

Sierra Vista has a "meet the masters" program for students to learn about classic artists and try to imitate their creations.

An after school art club is also being developed.

Supplies such as crayons, paints and paper made up the majority of Sierra Vista's list of needed supplies.

"Talking to the teachers, it's like some teachers even have a hard time getting paper and paints for the kids to be able to draw," Moore said. "A lot of teachers here don't even have paints in their classrooms, so how are they ever going to develop their artistic ability if they don't have paints."

Marci Stone, a parent volunteer, was concerned that Sierra Vista's arts programs were vanishing, so when she found out about the arts fund she approached the foundation board of directors.

"I gave them a very detailed list of supplies we need, they were very basic ones and we were very surprised that they were very happy to help," Stone said. "Because of that we are able to have an art club now, where kids can create art after school so teachers don't have to take time away from their regular lessons."

The program is available to all Upland schools, that need extra funds to support their music and arts programs.

The foundation has been known in the community for their work on the Carnegie Building, construction of the skate park in Memorial Park, wall murals in downtown and the recently preserved Waiting Station on Mountain Ave.

The foundation is also working to bring public art displays to the area.

"We're a community foundation and we try and reach out to those who need or restore city treasures of the past," said Claude Ellena, president of the board for the foundation. "The budget has put a strain on the schools and the arts are being left behind and forgotten or eliminated all together and because we have done murals and we are in the art and restoring project mode, we think that preserving the arts for the school and music fort he schools will be a great thing."

The first annual Upland Music and Arts Festival is scheduled for November 6 and 7 in downtown and will showcase local talent, educate participants and celebrate music and art.

The festival will bring together 10 stages, over 100 music acts, music and art workshops, gallery art exhibits, school exhibits and an international food fair.

"Our hope is that the performances and exhibits shown at the Upland Music and Arts Festival will call attention to the importance of arts education and the need to maintain it in our schools," Moore said Wednesday. "We hope that people in the community recognize that a child's opportunity for a rich, well rounded education should not be compromised by our state's economic woes. The community has the ability to cover the shortfall and ensure that all children have access to arts education, and this can happen through the Community Arts Fund."

The Upland Community Foundation is selling annual memberships to raise money for the Community Arts Fund and other community oriented projects.

Proceeds from memberships to the Upland Community Foundation, which are on sale now, will go to the Community Arts Fund.

Visit www.UplandMusicandArtsFestival.com for more information about the Festival and the Community Arts Fund

On the evening of November 6, a VIP Gala event will be held to raise money for the arts fund. All proceeds from this event will go directly toward supporting arts education in Upland school and public art to be displayed within the community.

Visit www.UplandCommunityfdn.org for more information on the Foundation.

Karlina Gracia watched one of her students paint a paper flower, as if it were any other day at the First Presbyterian Church preschool.

To anyone who walked into Gracia's classroom, it would be hard to tell that she was diagnosed in April with two incurable diseases -- multiple myeloma and amyloidosis.

"Coming here and being with the little kids, you forget you're sick," said Gracia, who has worked at the preschool for 14 years. "You're too busy, so I'm going to keep working as long as I can."

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer and amyloidosis causes proteins to form on internal organs and tissue.

Gracia said she has started chemotherapy and is taking medication.

"I'm just going to fight and I'm going to win," said Gracia, 53, of Ontario. "You don't have a lot of choices, but that's what I'm doing."

She won't be alone in the fight, though.

To help mitigate the costs associated with seeking treatment, a group of the preschool's parents and teachers have organized a bunco fundraiser in her honor.

"Really, what we're doing is supporting her, so she can afford her medical premiums to continue," preschool director Sherri Provencher said. "The school has no state disability insurance, so therefore, there is no income coming in for her at all if she's not working. That's the difficult part."

The fundraiser is at 7 p.m. May 15 at the First Presbyterian Church Preschool, 869 N. Euclid Ave. in Upland. A donation of $25 is suggested for the event, but any amount will be appreciated.

Information: (909) 982-8616.

"It's amazing all the support I've gotten," Gracia said. "I can't thank them enough. How do you say thank you to something like this."

Read more in the Thursday May 7 edition of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin newspaper.

The National Association of Letter Carriers and the United States Postal Service will have their annual food drive May 9.

Last year, letter carriers across the country collected over 73 million pounds of food. Within the city of Upland, residents contributed 25,000 pounds.

The food drive will help replenish local food banks.

The post office wants to remind residents to leave canned food next to their mailboxes. Information: www.helpstampouthunger.com or www.nalc.org.

The Upland Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business mixer and ribbon cutting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The event will be for Route 66 Auto Repair at 1775 W. Foothill Blvd. in Upland.

There will be refreshments, a 50/50 opportunity drawing and a raffle.

Information: (909) 204-4465.

Upland-based non-profit, Steven's Hope For Children, was selected to benefit from screenings of some new short films at the Mock Film Festival in West Hollywood.

The screenings begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Macha Theatre, 1107 N. Kings Road in West Hollywood.

Tickets are $10 and guests will be able to see a video from Steven's Hope before the film screenings.

All proceeds go to the charity, which helps provide housing for sick children in their families in close proximity to the hospitals where they are being treated.

The city is celebrating it's heritage, diversity of cultures and ethnicities through the National Day of Prayer at 6 p.m. May 7 in the Upland civic center courtyard outside of City Hall.

This event is open to all leaders and citizens of Upland.

The Upland civic center courtyard is at 460 N. Euclid Ave.

The Upland Chamber of Commerce will have an Ambassador team meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday in the chamber offices, 215 N. Second Ave. in downtown Upland.

Those interested in becoming part of the Ambassador team are to call the chamber at (909) 204-4465.

Team members have the opportunity to network while extending support to the chamber.

La Bella Salon & Day Spa will be having an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. today.

The Upland Chamber of Commerce is welcoming the business into the Chamber with a ribbon cutting.

The salon is at 111 N. Benson Ave. in Upland.
Information: (909) 204-4465.

Weston Ryan of Upland recently received the Outstanding Freshman Award at California State University San Marcos in San Diego County.

This award is given to the freshman who achieves excellence in a broad range of areas of campus life ranging from academics to leadership to athletics and organizations.

Ryan is finishing up his first year of college, which got off to a rocky start.

The day before he was to move into his on campus apartment, Ryan was in a bicycle accident while riding down San Antonio Avenue to the gym.

He flew over his handle bars after hitting an unknown object and received severe injuries to his face.

He had sustained a level 3 concussion, but no acute head trauma.

The following day, Ryan made the big move to college, facial wounds and all.

Ryan has since healed and found his niche in Kinesiology. He attended a personal trainer certification program and is now one of three students, and the only freshman, who are certified at the campus' fitness center.

A parent information night about Upland Christian Academy will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Abundant Living Church.

There will be four half hour sessions. Each session will go over programs at the kindergarten, elementary, junior high and high school level.

K-12 registration packets and information will also be available.

Abundant Living Church is at 10900 Civic Center Drive in Rancho Cucamonga.

Visithttp://www.uplandchristianacademy.org/ for more information about Upland Christian Academy.

UPLAND - Larry Sharp was diagnosed with colon and bile duct cancer more than two years ago.

Today, he is cancer free.

The Arrowhead Credit Union president and CEO will share his survivor story with Relay For Life participants on Saturday in Magnolia Park.

"One of the things you want to do out of this is highlight the fact that you having cancer shouldn't stop you," Sharp said. "You should be positive about the treatment and what you're doing because you can beat cancer."

Between 300 and 400 people are expected at the event to fight back against cancer.

During his speech, Sharp said, he hopes to help reinforce the success stories of people who have beaten the disease.

"Cancer patients spend a lot of hours in chemotherapy, and it's always interesting to see and talk to numerous people who are there and talk to them about their cancer and how they're doing and building those relationships with them," Sharp said.

"Then I'm always amazed at the community - the number of people who had cancer of one sort or another and have been cured."

The relay is from 9 a.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday.

"I'm really interested in the relay and how the event is structured and the way it really brings focus to those folks that weren't as fortunate, and really we don't want to lose the opportunity to remember them," Sharp said.

Read more here.

Upland Christian Academy has hired teachers.

Enrollment is currently at 313 students, so contracts have been offered to some teachers at Upland Christian Schools.

Here is the list of hired teachers for the 2009-2010 school year.

Head of School: Susan Chiappone 

High School Principal: Tamara Solis

• Bachelor of Arts in History with honors from Cal Poly Pomona
• Masters in Education al Leadership from Azusa Pacific University
• Tamera holds two clear professional secondary teaching credentials from the state of California
• Taught in public high schools for seven years before following a calling to Christian Education.

 
 

Junior High Principal: Jim Keen

• Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly Pomona
• Masters in School Administration from Azusa Pacific University
• Single subject clear credential from Californian
• ACSI Administrative credential

 

Elementary Principal: C. Todd Barnes

• Bachelor of Arts in Religion/Christian Ministries emphasis from Point Loma Nazarene University
• Masters in Education/Counseling and Guidance from Point Loma Nazarene University
• ACSI Teaching and Administration Credentials
• California State Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

 
 

Dean of Visual and Performing Arts/Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach: Doug Porterfield

• Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Azusa Pacific University
• Masters in Music Conducting from Azusa Pacific University
• Academic Hall of Fame Azusa Pacific University 2006
• Coach of the Year NCSAA 2007

 
 

Dean of Technology: Charles "Chip" Chiappone

• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from University of Redlands
• California Lifetime Secondary Teaching Credential

Graduate Studies

• University of California, Riverside University Extension - Summer Institute in Advanced Placement Content and Methods for Teaching Calculus
• Golden Gate University, Los Angeles, California - Telecommunications Management

 

Dean of Athletics/Director of Advancement: Mark Edgemon

• Bachelor of Science from Cal State Long Beach
• Certified Athletic Administrator with 20 years of experience
• 2005-2006 California State Athletic Director Association's Athletic Director of the Year for Southern California
• Currently serving as Vice President on the CSADA Board of Directors.

 
 
 

UCA Elementary Teachers:

Melecia Bronner 
Marijoy Currier 
Trina De Los Santos 
Nadene Heinen 
Rayna Keen 
Olivia McEachron 
Beth Paxton 
Beth Scholz 
Josephine Syiem 
 

UCA Junior High Teachers:

Carolyn Fehn

Ronda Brake

Robin Colburn

Amy Taylor

Dave Sorensen 

UCA High School Teachers:

Mark Williams

Katie Seals

Michael Robinson

Gabriel Pagel

Rhonda Patterson

Nick Scholz

Neveen Zaki

Chris Salazar

The Upland High School Choir Cabaret Cafe is at 7 p.m. May 16 at Magnolia Park.

It is a free vocal concert performed by choirs and small groups.

Hot dogs and desert will be available for guests to purchase to make it a dinner or desert event.

The West Coast premiere of Church Basement Ladies is Saturday May 9 at the Grove Theatre in downtown Upland.

Performances are 7:29 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7:29 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through June 7.

Church Basement Ladies is a new musical comedy featuring four distinct characters and their relationships as they organize the food and solve the problems of a rural Minnesota church about to undergo changes in 1965.

Tickets are $25 and $30 for adults and $22 and $27 for seniors.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (909) 920-4343 or by visiting the Grove Web site: http://www.grovetheatre.com/.