Friday, November 30, 2012

 
  Tomorrow get your families down to the Pomona Downtown for Christmas pictures. 543 W. 2nd st. $25 dollars .. The green screen and pro lights make for a very nice Christmas picture . We have more than 50 backdrops . 2;30 - 7 the pictures will be put on a DVD 
 

Pomona Christmas Parade - We Need You!

Dress as Paul Soldner or work our booth on 2nd Street

Next Saturday, December 8th, AMOCA will be participating in the Annual Downtown Pomona Christmas Parade as part of PACA (Pomona Arts Colony Association). Each gallery and art institution that is participating is dressing up as a favorite artist - AMOCA is honoring Paul Soldner. We need people to march in the parade behind AMOCA's banner and maybe even dress up as Paul Soldner (Colorful sarong, Birkenstock, blue toe-nails, t-shirts that say "Throw Naked," you get the idea). Anyone interested should meet Nicole Frazer at the AMOCA studio at 9am on December 8th.

We also need volunteers to help man the AMOCA booth on 2nd street at about 3 o'clock when the Art Walk begins - this will be to advertise The Ceramics Studio @ AMOCA's Holiday Sale. No special attire is required, although AMOCA T-shirts are encouraged.

If you can help with either of these, please email Nicole Frazer at nfrazer@amoca.org.

2013 Exhibition Preview

Get a sneak peak at what's coming up at AMOCA

Join us Saturday, December 8th at 7pm for a sneak peak preview of AMOCA's 2013 Exhibition lineup with AMOCA Director and Curator, Christy Johnson.

AMOCA Gift Baskets - $40

Beautiful gifts for everyone on your list!

To celebrate our current exhibit, German Mettlach Ware 1850 - 1915 & Present-day Translations, the AMOCA Museum Store has gift baskets for sale for holiday gifting. Each basket contains two steins, four passes to AMOCA and a small beverage or snack. Get yours now, numbers are limited!
Copyright © 2012 American Museum of Ceramic Art, All rights reserved.

This December @ AMOCA

 

Montclair tree lighting program set Dec. 6

 

 
MONTCLAIR - The city will hold its annual free community tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at the Montclair Youth Center, 5111 Benito St., next to City Hall. The event will begin with a community holiday sing-along led by the Our Lady of Lourdes School Children's Choir. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via fire truck to light the outdoor community tree and will then be available for complimentary family photos. Inside the Youth Center, children can bring a letter to Santa or write one there. All letters that include a legible address will receive a response letter from Santa. In addition, there will be refreshments and entertainment by the Montclair Walkers Choral Group. Community members can buy gift lights on the community tree in honor or in memory of loved ones. Lights are available for $10 each with money raised used to benefit youth programs in Montclair. Participants are encouraged to bring a canned good, packaged, nonperishable food item or new, unwrapped toy to the event for the city's holiday food and toy basket program. The event is sponsored by the Montclair Community Action Committee and the Montclair-Ontario Junior Women's Club. Information: 909-625-9479 or www.cityofmontclair.org.

Ontario Kiwanis collecting coats for needy kids

 



ONTARIO -- Ontario Parkway Kiwanis is collecting coats in good condition from families whose children have out-grown them. There are many children who desperately need a warm coat to wear, especially on the way to school. If you have such a coat and can donate it to the Kiwanis club, call Ken Morse at 909-986-7606.

Click on image and print


 
villageprofile.com
                                        


 

Goldenvoice Presents::

Falling in Reverse

Enter Shikari, I See Stars

Sat, December 1, 2012

6:30 pm

Fox Theater Pomona

Pomona, CA

$18/$20/$22/$24


 
denvoice
Falling in Reverse
with: Enter Shikari & Matt Toka
Choose either GA Floor (standing) or GA Balcony (unreserved seats). GA Balcony tickets do not include access to the Floor or Pit areas. Pit wristbands are given out on a first-come first serve basis to GA Floor ticket holders based on capacity.
Dec 01
Doors open: 6:30pm
Show Starts: 7:30pm
Genre: Hardcore Punk
Ages: All Ages
Tickets Onsale: Friday, 8/31 at 10am
Ticket Price: $18/$20/$22/$24
Pre-Sale Begins: 08/30 10:00AM
Pre-Sale Ends: 08/30 10:00PM
Use Password: DRUG
 
Remember.....
Pomona Heritage
Holiday Progressive Dinner
Saturday December 1, 2012
 
Appetizers at The Larson's
395 E. Jefferson Ave 5-6pm
 
Main Course at The Ebell Club 6:30 - 8pm
 
As usual this is a potluck with Heritage providing Turkey, Ham & Drinks.
 
What to Bring....
A-G Dessert
H-R Side Dish
(Heritage is Making Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes)
S-Z Appetizers
 
Free Admission for Heritage Members.
Non-Members $10/person
Memberships may be renewed at the door!
 
Happy Holidays!!
Contact Information
email: President@PomonaHeritage.org

Thursday, November 29, 2012

City of Pomona COMMUNITY MEETING



 

State Route 71 Widening From I-10 to State Route 60

You are invited to attend a community meeting to hear about the proposed SR71 widening by Caltrans and Metro.

When: Monday, December 10, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Westmont Community Center
1808 West 9th Street, Pomona


Forest Service encourages safe holiday tree-cutting practices

 


A picture of a family walking through snow looking for the right Christmas tree.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28, 2012 –The U.S. Forest Service has some important safety tips for those Americans journeying into their national forests in search of the perfect holiday tree.
“Trees from your national forests brighten homes across the country every year,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We encourage people to be aware of changing weather conditions, dress accordingly and always follow safe cutting practices when looking for that perfect tree this holiday season.”
Each year, local Forest Service offices sell permits that allow individuals to cut one fresh tree on national forest lands. Fees for the permits vary dependent on location. The permit program helps the agency thin stands that have a concentration of small diameter trees.
Reminders and tips for cutting your tree:
  • Travel with a companion, and always tell another person when and where you plan to take a trip into a forest.
  • Remember to take your tree-cutting permit and a map of the location.
  • Think safety. Dress warmly and in layers. Check your weather forecast and be aware of changing weather conditions. Keep your gas tank full. Have tire chains, if necessary, and don’t forget to bring a rope and tarp to transport your tree home. Also do not forget emergency supplies, including water and food.
  • Select a tree with a trunk that is six inches or less in diameter, and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.
  • Put on eye protection and heavy duty work gloves.
  • Decide in which direction you want the tree to fall. Make sure the direction you choose is clear of all obstacles, including power lines and vehicles.
  • Make the back cut by standing to the side and away from the trunk. Step away as soon as the tree begins to fall.
Contact your local Forest Service office to learn how to obtain your permit and for additional tree-cutting guidelines.
The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Forest Service lands contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $27 billion per year.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (toll-free customer service), (800) 877-8339 (local or federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users).

So Cal Edison Gets OK to Raise Rates

 
State regulators today cleared Southern California Edison to raise electricity rates by 5 percent in order to cover the cost of providing "safe and reliable" electricity and integrating renewable energy sources.
The rate increase was shy of the 16.6 percent requested by the private utility.
The California Public Utilities Commission ordered Edison to try harder to cut costs, and the commission disallowed some of what it called "non- essential" projects. The ruling will force the utility to cut operations and maintenance expenses by about $258 million and spending on capital projects by $756 million.
CPUC Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon, who led the review, said the decision strikes a balance between the goals of the utility and protecting ratepayers.
"This decision ensures that SCE is able to invest in smart energy systems, renewables and safety and reliability while its ratepayers are protected under the CPUC's prudent review," Simon said.
The decision authorizes Edison to beef up equipment inspections and to use new technology to better track the condition and service record of the utility's assets. Regulators also ordered an independent review of SCE's system utility poles to determine whether current loads meet legal standards and an independent audit of SCE's spending on infrastructure repair and replacement.
The report by the CPUC addressed widespread criticism over Southern California Edison's response to a 2011 windstorm. The commission required SCE to the commission with a progress report next year on the utility's stated commitments to improve communications with customers during emergencies.
"While today's decision results in a rate increase for SCE's ratepayers, this is a necessary investment in our future. We need to do a more thorough job in monitoring, maintaining, and replacing our aging electricity infrastructure. We also need to modernize and enhance our electricity system to better achieve the state's environmental policy goals," Commissioner Mike Florio said. "We will be vigilant to ensure that SCE will spend every penny wisely."


The Grove Theatre in Ontario


 
When: Monday 12/31/12 9:00 PM(Doors open at 08:30 PM)
 
Description: World Class Elvis Tribute Band - Chris Luna and The TCBFLASH is Southern California's Top Elvis Tribute Band. In Addition, to their "LIVE" Elvis Tribute show, The TCBFLASH Band performs all types of music including Country, R&B, Classic Rock and Oldies but Goodies

276 E 9th St
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 920-4343


New Year's Eve with ELVIS
Mon, December 31, 2012 9:00 PM(Doors open at 08:30 PM)
Select SeatsPrice: $10.00 - $50.00


 

Ren's Music Corner

I could never see myself buying a 3 or 7 dollar cup of coffee, I guess it's one of those Look at me I drink a $5 cup of coffee, lol please give me a break

It use to be Co - Operative Union now M & M Electrical


1896 to 1902 545 W. 2nd St.
 


 

Nov 30, 2012 - Dec02, 2012

Harvest Festival

Location :Fairplex, Building 4

Indulge in the ultimate holiday shopping entertainment experience at the Pomona Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show.
With more than 24,000 handcrafted originals, live music, culinary chef demonstrations, contests, specialty foods and more, this is an event for the whole family. Enjoy all-day stage entertainment featuring Scott Land Marionettes and the Doo-Wah Riders.
Make sure to keep an eye out for our strolling performers, Mama Claus & Eddie the Elf, WC Willy Elf, Fables of the West and the Smartfellers.

Ren's Wayback see you at our next Christmas Parade

Tibbies Center Stage in Fontana

 

Holiday Follies 2012
Thursdays-Sundays • December 1 – 30, 2012

Thursday/Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 7:00pm & Sundays at 2:00pm

TIBBIES is proud to present “Holiday Follies” – our most popular song and dance revue. Over a quarter of a million people have enjoyed this show over the last 20 years! This holiday spectacular features bright, new arrangements of holiday classics as well as the traditional melodies that we all hold so deeply in our hearts. Receive extra-special treatment during this TIBBIES show by being served by “The Stars of Tomorrow” today! Our professional performers break down the fourth-wall to provide you exceptional, personalized dinner service. You’ll want to applaud for them even more when they jump onstage in beautiful costumes to sing and dance for you later in the evening. Whether a family tradition or a company gathering, TIBBIES “Holiday Follies” is the place to be for joy, fun and merriment this holiday season.
Menu & Pricing Information: Click Here

Sticky Ass Glue

 
Sticky Ass Glue is located smack-dab in the middle of factory row Monrovia. Originally founded by four fathers that were having a hard time putting together their children's toys with the lousy glue included in the packaging and decided to branch out and make their own, you got it, Sticky Ass Glue. This glue works on fiberglass, wood, stone, PVC, metal, ceramic, plastic and much more. Sold in stores throughout the United States, and on-line at retailers like Amazon.com, Sticky Ass Glue will adhere even the worst of enemies.
  • Hours:Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm
  • Handicap Accessible:Yes
  • Payments accepted:American Express, Cash, Debit Card, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Products:Glue - really sticky glue
  • ATM:No
  • Public restrooms:No
  • Parking:Free lot, On-street: free
  • What's an important safety tip to keep in mind when working?:Avoid contact with skin.

How to Get Tickets to the Inauguration

 
Interested in attending the presidential inauguration in Washington, DC, in January? There are a limited number of tickets, so your best bet is to request them now from your member of Congress.
Each Senator and Representative receives a limited quantity of free tickets that they may distribute to the public at their discretion.
To find your representative, enter your ZIP Code at the United States House of Representatives website.
In 2009, President Obama's inauguration attracted 1.8 million to the National Mall, according to an estimate from the Washington Post.
President Obama's swearing-in will take place at noon Monday, Jan. 21 on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (He'll be sworn in privately the day before, due to a constitutional requirement that he be sworn in by Jan. 20, since the 20th falls on a Sunday.) If you don't get a ticket, there are large screens set up on the mall to watch the goings-on.
Viewing the swearing-in ceremonies from the National Mall does not require tickets. The non-ticketed area of the National Mall begins at Fourth Street NW.
The swearing-in and address will be followed by a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, which is open to the public.
Many states have their own inaugural balls. For those interested in attending Inaugural Balls and the Parade, tickets are available through the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

Claremont, La Verne Residents Offered Free LED Lights in Exchange for Old Strings

 
Claremont and La Verne residents who would like to try out some LED holiday lights are welcomed to attend a free exchange program sponsored by SoCal Edison, city officials announced this week.
"All San Gabriel Valley residents that are Southern California Edison customers will have the opportunity to exchange an old, incandescent holiday light string for a new, ultra-efficient light string," the city of Claremont announced on Tuesday.
The exchange-- which allows for one string trade-in per household-- will happen at this year's Claremont Holiday Promenade and Tree Lighting. That's on Friday, December 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Claremont Depot.
The exchange is paid for by the San Gabriel Valley Energy Wise Partnership (SGVEWP)-- a collaboration between the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (COG), and Southern California Edison (SCE).
"The SGVEWP is providing this free service to educate residents about the benefits of energy efficiency, while reducing their energy usage this holiday season," the city said. "Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are exceptionally energy efficient and may use up to 90 percent less energy than comparable incandescent bulbs."
What's more, according to SGVEWP, "the amount of electricity consumed by just one seven-watt incandescent bulb could power 140 LEDs--equivalent to four, 10-foot LED strings."
The organization also says that an LED string can last up to ten times longer than their incandescent counterparts, and always remain cool to the touch.
You must bring a copy of your SCE bill to prove eligibility.

Pitzer Teams with Famous Actor



 
Pitzer College recently announced the launch of the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability, a program designed to look at environmental issues unique to Southern California.
The announcement was made at the Los Angeles Press Club at a press conference that included Redford and Pitzer College President Laura Skandera Trombley, according to a news release issued by Pitzer.
The Redford Conservancy at Pitzer College will be located in the historic Marston and Maybury-designed former infirmary located on 11.88 acres of Pitzer’s North Campus, according to college officials.
The building will be renovated this coming spring using innovative design and sustainable construction methods. The first academic programming was scheduled to begin in fall 2014, officials said.
This project is made possible by a gift from Susan and Nicholas Pritzker — the largest single donation in the College’s history, officials said. Redford serves as a special adviser to Pitzer President Laura Skandera Trombley on environmental matters.
“Robert Redford is a trailblazing environmental advocate," Trombley said. “His tireless campaigning to protect the planet proves what individuals can do when they bring the full force of their passion and imagination to a cause. At Pitzer, our students learn to forge new ideas and innovations needed to create a better world.”
The confluence of art, media, environmental sciences and creativity will be central at the Redford Conservancy to reflect the way actual progress is made in the 21st century, college officials said.
“I am both humbled and honored by this acknowledgement and to be part of such a dynamic partnership with Pitzer College, an educational institution firmly planted in the 21st Century,” Redford said.
“We hope that this Conservancy will become a place of collaboration with the best thinkers and best dreamers to take on the sustainability opportunities and challenges embodied in the Southern California region, and apply them here and beyond,” Redford said. “I’m most excited about how inspired this place will be by the ‘nothing’s impossible’ drive of the Pitzer students who will study and discover here.”

Most Asian Voters Statewide Supported Tax Hike

 
About 65 percent of voters of Asian descent statewide voted in favor of the temporary increase on state income and sales taxes to help pay for public education, according to a first-of-its kind post- election poll released today by a Los Angeles-based advocacy group.
The poll done by the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, with help from the National Asian American Survey, showed 76 percent of California voters of Asian descent supported raising state income taxes on the wealthy.
"Discussions in California around Proposition 30 and the state budget crisis set the stage for today's national debate around the 'fiscal cliff,"' APALC President Stewart Kwoh said. "These data show that Asian Americans support taxation proposals like President Obama's that ask wealthy Americans to pay their fair share."
Seventy percent of 1,800 people polled voted for President Barack Obama, according to the poll.
The poll found Obama's immigration policies, including the president's executive order in June aimed at preventing the deportation of qualified undocumented young immigrants and providing them with two-year work permits, played an important role in their decision.
The post-election poll was done in English, Spanish and seven Asian languages, including Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
The poll is being expanded to encompass the views of some 5,000 Asian American voters statewide. APALC plans to release county-level data for Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as Alameda, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties.
APALC released the poll results during a morning news conference in Los Angeles.

We The People got Screwed

 
"MR. PRESIDENT, WILL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY GIVE UP YOUR CURRENT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM AND JOIN THE NEW 'UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM' THAT THE REST OF US WILL BE ...
ON ????"
THERE WAS A STONEY SILENCE AS OBAMA IGNORED THE QUESTION AND CHOSE NOT TO ANSWER IT !!!
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF SENATORS WERE ASKED THE SAME QUESTION AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS, "WE WILL THINK ABOUT IT."
AND THEY DID. IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY ON THE NEWS THAT THE "KENNEDY HEALTH CARE BILL" WAS WRITTEN INTO THE NEW HEALTH CARE REFORM INITIATIVE ENSURING THAT CONGRESS WILL BE 100% EXEMPT !
SO, THIS GREAT NEW HEALTH CARE PLAN THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU AND ME... IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR OBAMA, HIS FAMILY OR CONGRESS...??
WE (THE AMERICAN PUBLIC) NEED TO STOP THIS PROPOSED DEBACLE ASAP !!!! THIS IS TOTALLY WRONG !!!!!
PERSONALLY, I CAN ONLY ACCEPT A UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL THAT EXTENDS TO EVERYONE... NOT JUST US LOWLY CITIZENS.... WHILE THE WASHINGTON "ELITE" KEEP RIGHT ON WITH THEIR GOLD-PLATED HEALTH CARE COVERAGES.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

New low-cost express bus service coming to California

 

 

By George Avalos
Oakland Tribune
Megabus.com, an express bus company that offers city-to-city service with fares starting as low as $1, is expanding into California, including service for San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco.
The company hopes to tap into angst over high gasoline prices, the West Coast proclivity toward a green lifestyle and rising interest among young people to use mass transit.
"We are providing state-of-the-art double-decker buses, with Wi-Fi on board, electric outlets, heating, air conditioning," said Mike Alvich, vice president of the New York-based company. The Wi-Fi access is a way for Megabus to cater to younger professionals who might want to travel within California yet don't want to drive and like to stay connected through their social networks.
Initial routes will connect San Jose with Los Angeles, Oakland with Los Angeles, San Francisco with Los Angeles and Sacramento with the Reno-Sparks metro area in Nevada. In addition, the company will link Los Angeles with Las Vegas.
While Megabus offers fares as low as $1, most seats are priced from $5 to $9, and some are higher, depending on availability.
"The public is clamoring for lower priced options," said Joseph Schwieterman, director of the Chicago-based DePaul University's Chaddick Institute and a professor and transportation expert."They gradually raise their fares, but they still undercut Amtrak by a large margin. They always are under the
cost of rail and airline services." Megabus launched its service in the United States on the East Coast in 2006. It now has 22 million passengers. During its fiscal year that ended in April, it generated $160 million in revenue, up 28 percent from the prior fiscal year, Alvich said, adding that the privately held company is profitable.
The parent company of Megabus, Coach USA, now serves the New York City area, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Houston and Dallas.
Potential customers can book California bus trips starting Wednesday. The first trips begin on Dec. 12, Alvich said.
As a promotion, the company will offer $1 trips for all seats and all trips in California during its first week of service. Buses will depart and arrive at these locations: The Diridon transit station at 65 Cahill St. in San Jose, the West Oakland BART station, 1451 7th Street in Oakland, and the Caltrain station in San Francisco at 700 4th St. Schedules can be found on the company's website at www.megabus.com.
"We think now is the time to expand to California," Alvich said. "But there are no guarantees here. We are not subsidized. We are rolling the dice."

Kiwanis cell phone collection tops 150,000 minutes of free phone time for military members

 

 
ONTARIO -- Kiwanis Club of Ontario Parkway has topped 150,000 hours of donated telephone time for overseas military through its collection of old cell phones. To date, the club has collected 1,260 phones which have been sent to AT&T which in turn provides the military with 120 minutes of free phone time for each cell phone turned in. That equates to 151,200 free minutes raised by the Ontario club and its supporters. The club has more than 30 dropoff locations in the area for the old cell phones, including such places as Cable Airport, Chino Planes of Fame Museum, Flo's Restaurant in Chino, Bowlium in both Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and other restaurants such as Joanne's Cafe and the Iron Skillet.

Rains House Christmas Tour

 
Historical Rains House to presents its annual Christmas Tour 2012 Dec. 1-3 at 7 p.m. at 8810 Hemlock Ave., (corner of Vineyard and Hemlock), Rancho Cucamonga.

The Rancho Cucamonga Historical Society will celebrate the holidays again this year with the annual Christmas Tour at the Rains House. For many, this event has become a family tradition to kick off the holiday season.

Suggested donations are $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 5 -11 and children under 5 are free. This annual event serves as the main fundraiser for the Historical Society to help offset the cost of maintaining and overseeing the Rains House.

Enjoy hot cider and home baked ginger cookies while listening to holiday music on your Tour. The gift shop will feature Christmas ornaments for sale.

For more information or directions, call 909-989-4970.

Joke of the Day


Cool it made it in the OC Paper

PHOTO: Antonovich Helps Kick off Holiday Season

 
Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who represents La Verne, helped kick off the holiday season during the annual lighting of the County Christmas Tree held Nov. 26.
The event is a tradition started by late Supervisor Kenneth Hahn in honor of area children, Los Angeles County officials said.
Castaic Middle School Choir performed and took part, in flipping the switch to light the 50-foot tree, officials said.
“As we light the County Christmas tree, we invite all of our County’s citizens to join us and reflect on the glory of the season and share in the celebration,” said Antonovich.

FBI Seeking Public's Help In Nabbing The 'McBandit'

 
The FBI is continuing to investigate the robbery of a Glendora bank from Monday afternoon and have already given the suspect a moniker.

The "McBandit," so named because of the McDonalds paper bag he placed his stolen cash in, robbed the Chase Bank at Ralphs, 655 South Grand Avenue, just before 1:30 p.m.

During the Nov. 26 robbery, the man handed a computer-printed note to the teller. In the note, the suspect demanded a large amount of cash. He "threatened a gun and that he would shoot/kill victims," said Laura Eimiller, spokeswoman for the FBI in an e-mail.

No weapons were actually seen during the robbery, police said.

The "McBandit" was handed the money, which was placed inside the fast food bag. Glendora Police received the first call from the bank's security company and later confirmed the robbery once employees called, according to scanner reports.

The "McBandit" is also accused of robbing a bank in Upland, Nov. 11. In that robbery, the suspect entered a US Bank inside a Vons supermarket, 81 West Foothill Blvd., and issued a note, that "threatened an explosive device on computer-printed note and verbally advised the teller to read his entire note and said 'This is a robbery,'" Eimiller said.

The suspect has been described as in his 20s, chubby, between 5 foot 6 to 5 feet 9 inches and has blonde, shaggy hair.

The "McBandit was last seen driving south on Grand Avenue in a light blue, 2-door hatchback, similar to a Prius, police said.

Anyone with information can call the FBI's Los Angeles field office at (310) 477-6565, by submitting a tip online at the FBI web site, or submit a tip at labankrobbers.org.

Santa's Pajama Parties at County Museum: Reservations for Dec. 7-8

 
The San Bernardino County Museum in Redlands is accepting reservations for two Santa's Pajama Parties next week, a museum representative announced Tuesday.
The pajama parties are scheduled 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on both Friday Dec. 7 and Saturday Dec. 8.
"Pick one evening to bring your family to play holiday games, hear holiday stories, make winter crafts, have refreshments, visit with some live animals, and have a photo op with Santa," a museum announcement states.
"You can wear your pajamas and bring your favorite teddy bear to keep you company. Please arrive by 6 pm to enjoy the whole party."
Cost is $10 per person, and under age 1 is free with a paid adult. Admission includes all holiday crafts and activities, a chat with Santa, and refreshments.
"Families love this program and return year after year," said Jolene Redvale, museum curator of education. "Our relaxed, seasonal atmosphere gives everyone a chance to enjoy each other’s company while they take part in long-held holiday traditions including story time, snacking, craft-making and, best of all, the thrill of talking to Santa Claus himself."
Space is limited and fills quickly, according to the museum. Reservations with payment must be received by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 5.
"No payments will be accepted at Santa's PJ Party, and the museum is unable to give refunds for this program," the museum announcement states.
For more information call (909) 307-2669, ext. 256. Registration forms are at the museum front desk and at www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at 2024 Orange Tree Lane. Use the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Report: LA County Must Adapt for Healthcare Reform

 
Los Angeles County must move quickly to adapt to federal health care reform or risk huge financial shortfalls or hospital closings, according to a report released without comment Tuesday by the head of the county's hospital system.
The report was posted as part of the agenda for Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, but discussion was postponed.
The Department of Health Services estimates that 70 percent of those currently uninsured in Los Angeles will be eligible for insurance through either Medicaid or the state's Health Benefit Exchange. Starting Jan. 1, 2014, about 200,000 low-income residents currently enrolled in Healthy Way LA, the county's program that pays for health care for income-eligible residents, will transition to Medicaid and be able to choose between a public and a private health care plan.
The county currently collects about $140 million in federal reimbursements caring for Healthy Way LA patients.
"What would be disastrous for L.A. County would be for the vast majority of HWLA patients to choose a different provider," DHS Director Mitchell Katz warned in the report.
In the 1990s, when Medicaid was expanded to cover pregnant women and their children, the number of deliveries in county hospitals dropped from about 43,000 annually to less than 3,000 in recent years, according to DHS.
Because hospitals operate with very high fixed costs, a drop in the number of patients served has a much bigger impact on revenues than on expenses. A drop in patient volume of 30 percent, for example, will only cut expenses by 5 to 10 percent, according to the report.
And because about 1.3 million people in the county are expected to remain uninsured even after the Affordable Care Act takes effect, the county is obliged to keep hospitals open and provide a full range of services, even if that means incurring big losses.
The county has already taken steps to try and improve the patient experience, including setting up a primary care model, retraining health care providers and making appointment times more flexible. But more needs to be done, Katz said, including expanding specialty care, improving overall customer service and using electronic health records to coordinate an efficient range of care.
The federal reimbursement system will also change, from payments based on the cost of providing care to flat monthly per patient fees. Medicare and Medicaid are also focused on paying based on positive outcomes rather than for specific services. The changes are intended to give local hospitals and clinics incentives to control health care costs.
But the reforms will also put more pressure on hospitals to "provide the right service in the right place by the right person," Katz said. That includes moving patients who require a lower level of long-term care -- like chronically ill, homeless patients -- out of hospitals and into facilities better suited to their needs.
The board has asked Katz to report monthly on the department's progress in prepping for 2014.
--ELIZABETH MARCELLINO, City News Service

Ontario to host Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 15

 

 
ONTARIO - The Ontario Recreation and Community Services Department will hold its annual "Breakfast with Santa" program on Dec. 15. Participants will get to make a special holiday craft, enjoy breakfast and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. The event will take at 10 a.m. at the Westwind Community Center, 2455 E. Riverside Drive. Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Cost is $4 for children under 2 years and $8 per person for all others. For more information, call the Armstrong Center at 909-395-2020.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Southland Gasoline Prices Still Dropping

 
The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County decreased for the 48th consecutive day, falling six-tenths of a cent to $3.801, its lowest amount since July 21.
To check where to find the cheapest gas price in Baldwin Park visit our Commute page.
The average price has decreased 90.4 cents over the past 48 days, including two-tenths of a cent on Sunday, after rising 50.4 cents over the previous seven days and reaching a record high of $4.705 on Oct. 9, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service.
The average price is 3.1 cents less than one week ago and 51.2 cents lower than one month ago, but 7.4 cents more than one year ago.
The streak of dropping prices is the longest since a 57-day streak that ended July 13.

Ren's Music Corner

Sheriff's Deputies and LAPD Officers to Box in 'Fight For Life'

 
Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies will square off against LAPD officers to help fund cancer research and treatment programs at City of Hope. The annual Fight For Life boxing match, now in its 18th year, takes place Friday at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif.
"It's a great night out, if you enjoy boxing," City of Hope Development Director Nancy Lewis said. "It's pretty cool to see men and women in uniform take off the uniforms and put on the gloves. It's all in fun and it's all for a great cause."
The fundraiser began in 1994 when deputies patrolling East Los Angeles encountered a young boy with cancer. They befriended the youngster and came up with the idea of a charity boxing match to raise money to improve the quality of life for him and his family.

If You Go:
  • The fight begins at 7 p.m., while the gate opens at 5:30 p.m.
  • Quiet Cannon is at 901 Via San Clemente in Montebello.
  • Tickets cost $25 for General Admission, $50 for Reserve and $100 for Ringside/V.I.P.
  • To purchase tickets, call the Sheriff's Relief Foundation at (626) 946-7081, the Los Angeles Police Protective League at (213) 251-4554 or visit City of Hope's Web site. Tickets are also available at the door.

Gourmet Hot Dog Restaurant Coming to Old Town

 
A S'Links Gourmet Hot Dogs franchise is coming to Old Town Monrovia in the Spring of 2013, Gem City Images reports.
Signs for the hot dog restaurant are posted outside a storefront on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Olive Avenue, according to the blog.
S'Links will be the second restaurant in the area looking to capitalize on the gourmet hot dog trend after The Slaw Dogs opened in Duarte earlier this year.

Arboretum Exhibit Features Art Created With Trees Felled During Windstorm

 
Art gives new life to trees toppled by hurricane-strength winds.
Forces of Nature is a unique three-day exhibition presented by the Los Angeles County Arboretum. The exquisite collection of wood sculptures and functional art will be presented on the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic windstorm that struck the San Gabriel Valley.
All artwork was created from wood salvaged from the 235 Arboretum trees lost during the storm. More than 75 generous and highly accomplished artists have come together for the exhibition, which is curated by Leigh Adams.
The art will be for sale throughout the three-day exhibition. Proceeds will support the Arboretum Tree Fund, contributing to the purchase of new trees and the restoration efforts to preserve the Arboretum for future generations. There will be a special evening reception with live and silent auctions on November 30.
When: Time: Where:
Friday-Sunday, November 30-December 2, 2012 9:00am-4:30pm
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden 301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
www.arboretum.org

Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors and full-time students, $3 children 5-12, children under 5 free

Experts: Pollution Raises Risk of Autism

 
Exposure to air pollution traffic during pregnancy and the first year of life increases an infant's risk of autism, according to a study released today by USC and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
The researchers behind the study, titled "Traffic Related Air Pollution, Particulate Matter, and Autism," say exposure to traffic-related air pollution during pregnancy and early life is linked to a more than two-fold risk of autism.
In addition, exposure to regional pollution consisting of nitrogen dioxide and small pollution particles is also associated with autism, even if the mother did not live near a busy road, according to research published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, a sister publication of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The USC/CHLA study found that children whose mothers lived in areas with high levels of pollution from traffic or with poor air quality during pregnancy or the first year of life may be more likely to have autism.
The Claremont Autism Center, part of Claremont McKenna College, defined Autism as a developmental disability that occurs in about one out of every 2,500 children. It is characterized by extreme withdrawal and lack of social behavior, severe language and attention deficits, and the presence of repetitive behaviors, according to the center's website.
"This work has broad potential public health implications," said the study's principal investigator, Dr. Heather Volk, assistant professor of preventive medicine at USC's Keck School of Medicine and an investigator at CHLA.
"We've known for a long time that air pollution is bad for our lungs, and especially for children," she said. "We're now beginning to understand how air pollution may affect the brain."
The research is the first to look at the amount of near-roadway traffic pollution to which individuals were exposed and combine that with measures of regional air quality, Volk said.
The study builds on previous research that examined how close subjects lived to a freeway, Volk said.
"We took into account how far away people lived from roads, meteorology such as which way the wind was blowing, how busy the road was, and other factors to study traffic-related pollution," she said. "We also examined data from air quality monitors, which measure pollution over a larger region that could come from traffic, industry, rail yards or many other sources."