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News Release:
By Pamela Emenger
President / CEO
Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce

YUCAIPA - From 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. tonight, (Thursday) a FREE Home-Based Business Workshop will be held at The Old Church Club, 12142 Bryant Street, Yucaipa.

Are you worried about making it through these tough financial times? Do you want to know how to get the most out of your home-based business?

Please join us as Mr. Gus Searcy, multi-millionaire and owner of several diverse home-based businesses, will tell you how he did it, and answer all your questions. Food and drinks will be provided.

(The Old Church Club is located on the southwest corner of Yucaipa Boulevard and Bryant Street. Travel up Yucaipa Blvd. to Bryant Street and turn right. The club will be on the right side of Bryant.)

Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce
35139 Yucaipa Blvd.,
P.O. Box 45
Yucaipa, CA 92399

phone: (909)790-1841
fax: (909)363-7373
email: info@yucaipachamber.org
website: www.yucaipachamber.org

YUCAIPA - A local Yucaipa Valley SUN reader sent this question to Michelle Pearl, who answers motorists' questions in her popular "Drive Time" that appears in the SUN. It's worth repeating.

Question from Walter H. of Yucaipa: "I thought that a ticket for talking on a cell phone was only $20. When I got my ticket in the mail it was nearly $80! How can they do this?

Michelle's Answer: You have just received a crash course in ticket fines and penalty assessments, Walter.

Here is the anatomy of a typical traffic fine:

First you will have to pay the base fine which is determined by each individual city. Then, you will need to pay the state penalty assessment, which will be equal to or greater than the base fine. Then there will be a county penalty assessment added onto the tab, which averages nearly as much as the base fine.

But wait, there's more! Once the state court security fees, conviction assessments, surcharges and other fines are added on, the price of your original citation will most likely be nearly quadruple the original base fine.

Thank you Michelle for informing those drivers who continue to violate the law that prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while driving in the state. And Yucaipa has its fair share who think they are above the law.

Send your questions to Michelle at drivetime@inlandnewspapers.com. Some readers questions will be answered in the SUN in print. Drive Time can be found in the "A" section of the SUN.

By Steve Moore
Communications
(760) 832-8170
scoop@dc.rr.com

CABAZON, CA - High water quality, upgrades of water lines to prevent leaks, and careful management of expenses all combine to keep the water flowing at affordable rates for homeowners, merchants, and industrial plants in Cabazon.

"Everyone on the staff is going the extra mile, staying within our budget, and doing everything necessary to serve water customers in Cabazon," said R.D. Cash, board president of the Cabazon Water District.

During the first half of the fiscal year, Cabazon Water saved $15,000 on electricity needed for pumping water through the system. Legal fees decreased by about $10,000. Having employees work part-time reduced payroll costs by $40,000.

And improvements like connecting a new water line to the former Jensen Water Co., and capping off and closing aging facilities such as a well and pump house all helped modernize Cabazon's water distribution system.

YUCAIPA - Come September, 36-year-old Jorge Carlos will celebrate his 22nd year driving a big rig. Hmmm, lets do a little math. If I'm right 36-22 comes out to 14.

"Your started driving a semi when you were 14 years old?"

Carlos just smiles and nods yes. As the story goes the young Jorge was riding along with his semi-driving uncle on a trip from Chino to Las Vegas when his uncle's legs went numb.

So Jorge's uncle ushered him into the driver's seat and said lets go. Barely able to see over the wheel with just enough leg to reach the pedals, young Jorge admits he was scared.

"I was afraid, this was a big machine, and I told my uncle that it bucks like a bronco," Carlos said. "My uncle said that he was giving me a birthday present and teaching me to drive. When my dad found out he was really mad at both of us. He said he was going to take my horses away if I ever drove again."

Press Release:

By Pamela Emenger
President/CEO
Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (909)790-1841
Fax: (909)363-7373

OAK GLEN - It's Time to Cut the Ribbon at The Orchard Events Center by Partners Pantry Catering.

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with Ribbon Cutting at 5:45 p.m.

What To Expect: Appetizers & Networking all evening long with adult beverages provided.

Where:
Orchard Events Center
38490 Oak Glen Rd.
Oak Glen, CA 92399
(909) 797-2629

For more information about the Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce, contact President and CEO, Pamela Emenger.

Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce
35139 Yucaipa Blvd.,
P.O. Box 45
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Phone: (909)790-1841
Fax: (909)363-7373
email: info@yucaipachamber.org
website: www.yucaipachamber.org

Site serves as a repository of information for those impacted by the economic downturn

Press Release:
From the Office of
Supervisor Neil Derry
County of San Bernardino, Third District
www.sbcounty.gov/derry

For more information, contact
Steve Hauer, Deputy Chief of Staff
(909) 387-4855

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Supervisor Neil Derry recently added a section to his official Web site to include links to various programs and information for constituents who have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn. The Web site can be found at: http://www.sbcounty.gov/bosd3/

The "Other Assistance Programs" section includes information about assistance programs available at various utilities, job training and food banks. Additional
information about housing and shelter options are also available.

"The key to helping those in need is providing them with accurate information about available resources," Supervisor Derry stated.

The Web site will be updated to include programs and resources that are brought to the supervisor's attention. Supervisor Derry invites the public to share any information about programs that might be of use to our residents by calling his office at: (909) 387-4855.

Courtesy Photo

News Release:
By Steve Moore

CABAZON - After a long school year, it's a well-deserved reward for students at Cabazon Elementary. And good, old-fashioned fun for the community.

Field Day, a hometown celebration held annually, takes place Thursday, June 11 in the park behind the James A. Venable Community Center, 50390 Carmen Ave. The festivities start at 9 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.

Games played include "bucket brigades" where lines of youngsters pass water-filled buckets hand-to-hand, a potato sack race and a jump rope contest. Lunch will be served up by volunteers passing out barbecued hot dogs and pizza. Other treats include snow cones, caramel apples and popcorn.

Cabazon Elementary youngsters will receive a t-shirt adorned with a dinosaur --the school mascot.

For the grand finale, youngsters will be cooled off by a stream of water sprayed high into the air from a nearby fire truck.

"Field Day honors all our students at Cabazon Elementary School and says `Thank You' to the community for its very generous support during the year," said teacher and Field Day coordinator Johnny Baker. "It's a way for everyone in a small town to come together and celebrate at an old-fashioned picnic."

YUCAIPA - The new Rite Aid and Pharmacy located at 11352 Bryant Street opened at the corner of Bryant Street and Oak Glen Road on Thursday.

The store offers a drive-through pharmacy, food mart, and one hour photo lab with three sit down, self service kiosks to download and order digital prints.

The store's pharmacy also has a personal consultation room and the cash registers have the newest technology, said store manager, Denice Dunson. "Our customers can get in and out faster and more efficiently," she said. "We've had an amazing response and people are happy to have a local store in this area."

Dunson said a grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 30 from noon to 4 p.m. with free giveaways, raffles, free samples, coffee cups, and magnets. The entertainment will be furnished by the Yucaipa High School jazz band.

The store is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The pharmacy's hours are Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rite Aid and Pharmacy
11352 Bryant Street
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 790-4232

YUCAIPA - Work continued on the Yucaipa Blvd. Storm Drain project at the corner of Yucaipa Blvd. and California Street on Monday.

Chicken Springs Wash Storm Drain and Street Improvements / Yucaipa Boulevard Storm Drain projects include the construction of curb and gutter, sidewalk, asphalt concrete pavement, and storm drain improvements.

The projects also include earth channel grading, placement of grouted rip rap, concrete structures and catch basins, removal of existing storm drain culverts, construction of concrete flood walls/retaining walls, and reconstruction of existing surfaces between Adams Street and Third Street along Yucaipa Boulevard and at the Third and Fourth Street culvert crossings.

The project is underway and is scheduled to be completed April 2009.

By Bob Otto / Staff Photographer

CALIMESA - Construction was brisk at the $30 million, 9.4 acre, 90,319-square-foot neighborhood center called, "The Shoppes at Calimesa" on Wednesday in nearly every phase of construction including off-sight street improvements along Calimesa Blvd.

Owner Jaime Bahr of Inland Valley Pipeline of Temecula and his crew were busy working on the installation of a 16-inch water main extension that runs through the property.

"The project is going smooth and on schedule," Bahr said. "All the improvements will be done by May 1st.

The project runs along the south side of Calimesa Boulevard, and is located near Sandalwood and Myrtlewood drives, and will be built in two phases.

The first phase, which consists of 50,000 square feet, will feature Fresh & Easy, Walgreens, Carl's Jr., Subway and Denny's plus nearly 16,000 square feet of shop space.

There is also a drive-thru pad opportunity at the entrance of the center that is available. Phase one is slated to open in May 2009. The opening of Walgreens at The Shoppes at Calimesa will be the first major drug store to open in the city.

News Release:
San Bernardino County
Democratic Central Committee

INLAND EMPIRE - On the weekend of March 21st, Organizing for America hosted a pledge drive, including neighborhood canvass events, and a policy workshop to study President Obama's budget proposal.

We examined how President Obama's budget can lead to a transformation of the Inland Empire.

The budget presented to congress focuses on three key areas: health care, energy and education. The priorities laid out in his budget are exactly the medicine the doctor ordered for the ailing Inland Empire economy.

CALIMESA - Belonging to the Chamber of Commerce has many benefits that can help a local business expand its marketing opportunities, and create a bond and fellowship with other local small business owners.

"One of the many benefits of membership includes the wide array of marketing opportunities provided to our members," says Chamber President, Jim Murcray in his Welcome to the Neighborhood address. "From newsletter advertising, to on-line Membership Directory, from information packets and webstreaming to in office referral, membership has its benefits."

Reduced Fees For In-Home Businesses,
In 2009, the Calimesa Chamber of Commerce encourages in-home business owners to join the chamber. For the discounted price of $60 a year for your first year membership, new members of in-home businesses will find chamber membership a key to networking and increasing referral and word of mouth, says Murcray.

For more information, call (909) 795-7612, or visit www.calimesachamber.org. Membership applications can be completed on the website.Click Here For Chamber website

I came across this article. Interesting.

Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:05pm EDT
By Thomas Ferraro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With many U.S. newspapers struggling to survive, a Democratic senator on Tuesday introduced a bill to help them by allowing newspaper companies to restructure as nonprofits with a variety of tax breaks.

"This may not be the optimal choice for some major newspapers or corporate media chains but it should be an option for many newspapers that are struggling to stay afloat," said Senator Benjamin Cardin.Click Here To Read Story

YUCAIPA - The City Council will meet tonight at 6 p.m. Agenda items include, among other things:

• Funds for Yucaipa Youth Scholarship Program.


• Mobilehome Rent Control Ordinance - 1987 base year.


• Fire Dept. annual report.


• Police Dept. annual report.


• Yucaipa Police Department needs assessment and facility planning services discussion in an amount calling for $57,530.


• Study and review citywide energy efficiency / solar energy initiatives, which includes implementation of a solar energy requirement for all new residential construction; establishment of a city sponsored and funded financing program for making energy efficiency improvements and / or purchasing solar energy systems; and installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems at several city owned facilities.

News Release:

Banning, CA - The Banning Redevelopment Agency will begin accepting applications from interested property owners for the Downtown Façade Improvement Program on March 11, 2009.

The Downtown Façade Improvement Program was substantially revised and was approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency in December of 2008.

The program provides for financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to
downtown property owners to rehabilitate and remodel the exterior of their buildings.
Grant and loan amounts range from less than $25,000 to over $100,000 depending on the scope of the proposed repairs and improvements.

Press Release:

By Brian Nakamura, Executive Director
John Jansons, Redevelopment Manager
Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Banning
(951) 922-3171

Banning, CA - The Banning Redevelopment Agency will begin accepting applications
from interested property owners for the Downtown Façade Improvement Program on
March 11, 2009.

The Downtown Façade Improvement Program was substantially
revised and was approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency in December of
2008.

The program provides for financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to
downtown property owners to rehabilitate and remodel the exterior of their buildings.

Grant and loan amounts range from less than $25,000 to over $100,000 depending on the scope of the proposed repairs and improvements.

Eligible work includes: architectural modifications, exterior refinishing, signage, lighting, doors windows and awnings, and other rehabilitation and restoration work.

News Release:
March 3, 2009

Interstate 10 Live Oak Canyon Road Interchange Project, Yucaipa.

For the week of March 9

Westbound Interstate 10 Lane Closures, at Live Oak Canyon Road are Scheduled
March 9-10, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The two outside lanes on westbound Interstate 10, at Live Oak Canyon Road, are scheduled to close, March 9 and 10, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. At least one lane is scheduled to remain open at all times. These closures are required for installation of signage.

FOREST FALLS - The proposed State budget is a framework for failure of Californiaʼs hopes and dreams. The proposed budget includes billions of dollars in cuts to schools. Our schools are already not adequately servicing the needʼs of our students. They are in dire need of help.

Schools are being closed and programs are being cut. Teachers are being pink slipped during class hours, this is not only tacky, but a disgrace to our educational process. Class sizes are being increased which creates a non-educational structure for our children. Now the teacher is a childcare provider and not an educator.

The newly elected Redlands Area Democratic Club officers include, Pat Meagher, Forest Falls, President, Sally Ann Maas, Redlands, 1st Vice-President, Jesse Mendez, Redlands, 2nd Vice-President, Rhonda Stanton, Redlands, Secretary, and Bob Wood, Redlands, Treasurer.
Courtesy Photo

REDLANDS / FOREST FALLS - On Saturday, February 21st, the member of the Redlands Area Democratic Club elected new officers.

The new officers were sworn in by John Longville, Trustee of the San Bernardino Community College District.

The newly elected officers are:
Pat Meagher, Forest Falls, President
Sally Ann Maas, Redlands, 1st Vice-President
Jesse Mendez, Redlands, 2nd Vice-President
Rhonda Stanton, Redlands, Secretary
Bob Wood, Redlands, Treasurer

President Meagher said that "We need to coalesce with like-minded groups to improve the quality of life in our community."

Mayor Villaraigosa's plans would destroy ecologically rich desert, mountain areas

Courtesy Photos

News Release:

OAK GLEN - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is still considering running transmission lines through California's ecologically rich regions nearly two years after 10 environmental groups petitioned him to use a less damaging existing utility corridor.

This was revealed at a Greenpath Power Project meeting on Friday, February 20 at the offices of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The groups have requested that Mayor Villaraigosa use the "Smart Path," an existing utility corridor along Interstate 10.

LADWP originally contended this path would condemn 3500 houses. At Friday's meeting, LADWP's own study revealed it would impact only 16 houses, which environmentalists and community groups believe could be avoided.

"It is clear that any route that does not follow existing transmission corridors would be an economic choice by Mayor Villaraigosa that totally disregards the environment," states Joan Taylor, the Desert Energy Chair of the Sierra Club.