Redondo Beach to Host July 4 Party, Fireworks

Independence Day is Thursday, and what's more representative of the Fourth of July than fireworks? Amateur fireworks—even the so-called "safe and sane" ones—are banned in Redondo Beach, so those who want to see explosions of light will have to attend a professional show.
Though in recent years, many cities—including Torrance—have canceled their fireworks shows, Redondo Beach's is still going strong.
The gates open for the annual community celebration at 2 p.m., and arts and crafts for kids start at 3 p.m. Other highlights include the Beach Sports Piano Run at 4:30 p.m., a free paddleboard experience from 3:30 to 6 p.m., the seventh annual Kids Freedom Parade at 6:30 p.m., and the Shari Puorto Band live at 8 p.m.
The fireworks show, which will be simulcast on JACK FM radio at 93.1 FM, will begin at 9 p.m.
For tickets to the Seaside Lagoon celebration, visit redondofireworks.com. Order tickets now, as the show has sold out every year.

The Beach Comes to San Marino's Old Mill

A new art show at San Marino's Old Mill called "On The Water," shows more than 50 surfside paintings, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, which reviewed the show.

The Tribune's piece focuses on Laguna Beach artist Michael Obermeyer who is a featured artist in the display
For more on Obermeyer and to see pictures of the art display check out the story here.

The Old Mill is open from 1 to 4 p.m. each afternoon except Mondays and there is no charge for admission.  More information on the site can be found on its website.

Where Fourth of July Fireworks are Legal in L.A. County

With the majority of cities in the county banning fireworks of any kind, for most L.A. County residents Fourth of July fireworks means watching a display, not firing off their own.
Altadena has a Fireworks and Food Trucks celebration but the Sheriff's Station has warned residents that the use of fireworks is illegal and dangerous.
So while most cities in the county forbid the use of any fireworks at all, the below ones do permit the sale and use of "safe and sane" fireworks, according to the Cal Fire newswire website:
Alhambra, Artesia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower Carson, Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Duarte, El Monte, Gardena, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Mirada, La Puente, Lakewood, Lawndale, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Rosemead, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, South Gate, Temple City, Vernon
So what constitutes a safe and sane firework?  According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, any firework that "explodes, rises in the air or moves about the ground or any fireworks which is not approved and labeled 'Safe and Sane' by the State Fire Marshal," is against the law.

Deer Put Down After Hiker’s Dog Attacks Near Millard Canyon

 

A doe attacked by a hiker’s off leash dog near the Millard Canyon Campground Tuesday afternoon was put down by the Department of Fish& Wildlife (formerly Fish & Game).
The doe was in “bad shape” and had bite marks on the neck and head, a broken leg and appeared to be pregnant, Millard Canyon caretaker Lonnie Fehr told Patch via email.
Shortly after the incident, a call was made to the Millard Campground caretaker, who contacted Forest Service Dispatch, who called Fish& Wildlife, Bonny Schumaker, from locally-based animal rescue On Wings of Care.
Schumaker, who was out of town, tried to get a hold of a veterinarian but Fish and Wildlife made it to the area first and “shot the doe mercifully,” said Schumaker. 
“The doe was suffering from severe bleeding dog bite wounds on her neck and head,” said Schumaker and may have broken both legs.
“This was a completely unnecessary tragedy to one of the few remaining healthy does since the Station Fire almost four years ago, in one of the few remaining green areas of the Angeles National Forest,” Schumaker noted.
Schumaker made contact with the suspected hiker who owns the dog and the dog is known to chase local wildlife, according to Schumaker.
This is not the first time a dog has injured a local deer. Previously, another deer suffered a broken leg from a dog chasing it and was never found.
“People need to understand once and for all that there is NO area of the national forest where it is okay for their dogs to chase wildlife, and that anyone who is caught near Millard Canyon or vicinity allowing their dogs to do so, will face very serious reprimands, fines, and other repercussions,” said Schumaker.

Power Outage Reported Near Huntington Drive and Baldwin Avenue

Southern California Edison is working to restore power to about 390 customers near Baldwin Avenue and Huntington Drive.

The outage began at 10:24 p.m. and is being blamed on equipment problems, according to Edison's online outage map.

"We have notified our repair crews," the site states.

There is no estimate for when electricity will be restored.

Cal Poly Pomona

Neon Slash

 

 

Ren's Music Corner

The Mouse in Pomona ?

KABOOM!

 

Jul 04, 2013

08:00 PM - 10:00 PM

KABOOM!

Location: Fairplex, Grandstand

It's the 27th annual fireworks spectacular at Fairplex. Monster trucks and Moto X extreme gets the crowd cheering while the stupendous fireworks display creates the perfect, unforgettable grand finale. The nighttime programming has been a crowd pleaser since its inception in 2002. It puts the boom in KABOOM! Monster Truck and Big Air Freestyle Motocross begin at 8 p.m.
FIREWORKS SHOW 9:20 P.M.
One of the largest and most spectacular fireworks shows in California presented by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, the premier theme party in the U.S.A.
General Admission Seat $15.00
Trackside Bleacher Seat $18.50
Reserved Box Seat $21.00
Reserved Box Seat w/ Buffet Meal (Adult $49.00 / Child $30.00) *
Terrace Seat w/ Buffet Meal (Adult $45.00 / Child $25.00) *
 Kids 2 & under FREE!
Click here for more information and to buy tickets

Prolong Twilight Cruise Jul 03, 2013 at the Fairplex

All '72 and earlier rods, customs, classics, and muscle cars are invited to join us in the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum parking lot at Fairplex from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Featuring celebrity selectors and great raffle prizes, the Prolong Twilight Cruise is an event car-lovers won't want to miss. Vehicles selected by our celebrities win the opportunity to parade down the Pomona Drag Strip on Sunday morning during the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals in November.
Twilight Cruise admission is FREE and free admission to the NHRA museum after 3 p.m. Food and beverages are available. It's a fun evening and a great chance to see some of the coolest cars in Southern California, so please join us.
All proceeds generated by the raffle go to support the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Prolong Twilight Cruise is run by the Cal-Rods Car Club. PROLONG Super Lubricants is the proud sponsor of the NHRA Twilight Cruise.
Parking is at Gate 2

Citrus College Recognized as a Top Producing Community College

By Stacy Armstrong, Citrus College

Community College Week magazine has once again recognized Citrus Collegeas one of the nation’s leading two-year institutions.

Every year, the national publication releases a special report highlighting the top degree and certificate producing two-year institutions in the United States.  The report consists of 44 different categories, including associate degrees awarded to minorities, associate degrees awarded by discipline, and total number of two-year certificates awarded.
“Community College Week is a well-respected, independent publication that serves community, technical, and junior colleges throughout the United States.  Inclusion on their annual top producer lists is truly an honor,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College.  “What makes this so impressive is that we are being compared with over 1,100 colleges nationwide.  The fact that we are recognized as a top producer is extraordinary.”

Using data gathered from the 2011-2012 academic year, Community CollegeWeek ranked Citrus College 60 out of the top 100 producers of associate degrees awarded to minority students.  Last year, the college was ranked 65 out of the top 100 in the same category. 
Citrus College’s ranking in the associate degrees awarded to Asian Americans category also improved significantly.  Last year, the college was ranked 87 out of the top 100.  In 2013, Citrus College ranked 68 out of the top 100 – a jump of 19 spots.

In addition, Citrus College was ranked number 38 out of the top 50 producers of associate degrees in nursing.  In 2012, the college was not included on this list.

“Seeing such significant improvements in these categories serves as a validation of our efforts to increase college completion rates, empower students, and support academic success,” Dr. Perri said.

Three additional rankings round out Citrus College’s Community College Weekrecognitions for 2013.  The college was listed number 36 out of the top 100 producers of associate degrees awarded to Hispanic students, 23 out of the top 50 producers of associate degrees awarded in multi/interdisciplinary studies, and 37 out of the top 50 producers of associate degrees awarded in parks, recreation, leisure and fitness.
“Every year, Citrus College looks forward to the findings highlighted in CommunityCollege Week’s special report.  We are always delighted to be recognized as a top producer, but this year’s results have given us even more cause for celebration,” said Mrs. Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus CommunityCollege District’s Board of Trustees.  “Being included on their lists and experiencing impressive improvements in several categories demonstrates our commitment to college completion. It also illustrates our success in meeting the needs of the students within the communities we serve.”

Walnut Pushes to Prevent Vandalism of Public Trees

  The city of Walnut has a new ordinance and manual designed to protect trees in the public rights-of-way from vandalism and prohibit unauthorized planting.

Crews maintaining Walnut's green spaces have reported that public trees have been severely trimmed or removed by homeowners or contractors not employed by the city, said Hector Kistemann, deputy director of community services.  They also found that trees have been planted in public spaces without city authorization.
Staff suggested amending the city's existing ordinance to the City Council in April at a study session.

Last week, the council voted 5-0 to approve a first reading of the ordinance and a corresponding tree policy manual.
Mayor Pro Tem Antonio "Tony" Cartagena said that some members of the community might not be aware of city's concerns about the trees.

"It is imperative for us to be able to disseminate the information on our policies on trees," he said. "We have some residents planting trees on the (Lighting and Open Space Maintenance Districts). Perhaps they don't know because they come from other cities who are not as stringent."

Kistemann said Walnut already has an ordinance in place that protects heritage trees, specifically oak and walnut. 

"This is for trees of all varieties that in our public spaces," he said. 

Another benefit of the new law is that the city would be recognized as a Tree City USA, which would aid in making Walnut eligible for tree grants in the future.

Outgoing Mayor Tom King recalled introducing the city's woodlands ordinance some years ago to protect oak trees.  That was in relation to new development going in, he said.

When the city trims trees, it is done under the supervision of an arborist, he added.

"The problem we are getting is we have unscrupulous laborers who basically come in and just cut trees off at the top," he said.  "And with certain types of trees....they kill the tree. That's why these ordinances are so important."

AAA Offering Tipsy Tow for Fourth of July Holiday

For the 16th consecutive year, the Automobile Club of Southern California will offer its free Tipsy Tow service for intoxicated drivers during the Fourth of July holiday, beginning Wednesday night.
A free tow home of up to seven miles will be available by calling (800) 400-4222 and telling the operator, "I need a Tipsy Tow," according to the Auto
The service, which employs regular Auto Club-contracted roadside service companies, is available in 13 Southern California counties. It will be available from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
There are some limitations, however: Passengers don't get rides, the service is limited to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver and vehicles will only be towed to the driver's residence.
Regular tow service rates apply for any ride longer than seven miles, according to the Auto Club.
More than 182,000 drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated in California in 2011, the last year for which results are available, and a recent survey found that 14 percent of motorists admitted to driving at least once in the past year when they felt they were probably over the legal limit, according to the Auto Club.
--City News Service

Edison Plans Projects in Diamond Bar this Summer

The city of Diamond Bar is getting residents geared up for some planned Southern California Edison construction projects this summer.

Edison plans to do several projects around the city, although the dates have not been set just yet. The city announced the upcoming construction in its July newsletter.
"The work, aimed at enhancing residential service, will involve installing new conduit and electrical vaults in the neighborhoods surrounding Chaparral Middle School, as well as Maple Hill, Diamond Point, and Castle Rock elementary schools," city officials wrote in the newsletter.

Related work also will be done along Diamond Bar Boulevard from Grand Avenue to Brea Canyon Road.

The projects are expected to be compleed in eight to 11 weeks once construction gets underway, officials said, adding that the work will likely include intermittent power outages during construction.

Edison plans to send out notices to affected residents five to 10 days prior to the outage.

For more information on planned power outages, residents can visit www.sce.com or call the 24-hour hotline at 800-655-4555.

The city also plans to post construction information online at www.diamondbarca.gov/construction when the work gets underway.

Ren's Music Corner

Victory Outreach to host four-day carnival

CHINO - Victory Outreach Church will host their first festival this week, a year after they've opened.
The festival will include rides, game and food booths, a live music stage, a classic car show and two showings of the live drama 'Straight from the Hood.' The church officially opened last July and since has made it a priority to provide a variety of community services to the surrounding area. Join the Victory Fest from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the Victory Outreach church, 11436 Central Ave. Chino. At the Chino State of the City Address in May, the church was awarded the 2012 City of Chino Building Design winners. Event organizers hope this year's Victory Fest will serve as a safe alternative for families and also as an opportunity for the community to see what the church has to offer. The Victory Outreach Chino congregation is lead by Sonny and Kim Arguinzoni. For pre-sale Victory Fest ride tickets call 909-628-4959. Information: www.VOChino.com

Planes of Fame event on Saturday in Chino

CHINO - The Planes of Fame Air Museum will host their monthly Living History event on Saturday called Flying Tigers-AVG. .
Saturday's event will feature the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, which will be on display and perform a flight demonstration. A Membership Sponsored raffle flight will occur noon. Become a member to enter the raffle. All members are eligible to enter the raffle, but you must be present to win. Speakers include Kevin Thompson as well as historian Charlie Iasics. Iasics has taught high school English, journalism, and photography for over 30 years and has been an aviation enthusiast his whole life. He grew up flying in his father's planes - two Ercoupes and a Stits Skycoupe. He first visited the museum in the late 60s when it was located in Ontario. Don Baer will be presenting a Veterans History Project overview and show a film on a P-40 pilot. Museum doors open at 9 a.m. with the speaker portion from 10 a.m. to noon at 7000 Merrill Ave. #17, Chino. Information: 909-597-3722 or www.planesoffame.org

HISTORY OF JOEY'S BARBECUE

 

Joey's is owned and operated by Luria and Ray Moors who opened the original location 25 years ago. The idea began when Luria and Ray moved to Southern California from Houston, Texas back in the mid 70's. Ray was offered a position as a television camera operator for several television studios in downtown Hollywood. While residing in Houston, Luria had picked up the knack for barbecuing and would always experiment in her home kitchen with recipes she'd wish to use in her own restaurant one day. They both realized that there wasn't any genuine Texas-style barbecue establishments in the area. Luria and Ray often talked about opening up a restaurant to bring the taste of Texas to the community.

Luria spent a lot of time taking care of her one year old son Joe while Ray was in Hollywood at the studios working on shows such as The Dating game, The Newlywed Show, Los Angeles Dodger games and Silver Spoons and was working with names such as Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope and Joe Namath. One day Luria walked to the local market on the corner of East End Avenue and Riverside Drive in the city of Chino for some groceries and noticed a for sale sign on the building across the street. She knew this would be a nice place for her to pursue her dream as a restaurant owner.

After a few phone calls to the bank and some convincing conversation to Ray, she finally had her shot. There were long hours, sometimes day and night spending in the kitchen perfecting her recipes. After a few years and a lot of trial and error, they finally had a successful barbecue restaurant.To this day, Joey's Barbecue is still family owned and operated and they use the exact same recipes they did 25 years ago. The Moors' family invites you to come in and enjoy a real Texas barbecue at any of their two locations.

Pomona Cemetery on Pomona Blvd.

 

 

 

Well after taking care of some chores, Porky and I stopped off at the Pomona Cemetery, just to give Porky a little History Lesson and pick up a little trash, Damn Humans !