Lake Elsinore Takes on Swift Legislation!

Schwarzenegger also vetoed a bill that was written by Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries (R-Lake Elsinore) after a couple of bartenders at his local Elks Lodge were prosecuted for running a football betting pool with a total prize of $50. The measure, AB 1852, would have made participation in a sports betting pool the criminal equivalent of a parking ticket.

Riverside Museum Events.

Camp Anza Exhibit - Sep 27 - Jan 31
Artists Declare Exhibit - Oct 2 - Mar 15
Trains, Planes & More Field Trip - Oct 9
Family Village Festival - Oct 11
Dia de Los Muertos - Nov 2


Dow Tanks 777 points; largest in History...here's how our California Lawmakers Voted!

How California lawmakers voted on the bailout

With the Dow closing down a record 777 points on Monday after Congress thumbed down a $700 billion bailout package for the financial industry, take a look at how the California delegation -- the nation's largest -- voted.

Overall, the delegation cast 29 aye votes and 24 no votes. A majority of both Republican (10 to 9) and Democratic lawmakers (19 to 15) from the state supported the bailout package.

The plan failed the full House of Representatives 228 to 205, with 133 Republicans and 95 Democrats in opposition. A total of 140 Democrats and 65 Republicans backed the plan.

The vote clearly did not split along ideological lines with liberal Rep. Lynn Woolsey voting against the bailout, while fellow liberal Democratic Rep. Howard Berman voted in favor.

Likewise for Republicans, some conservatives like Rep. John Campbell voted in favor, while others like Rep. Duncan Hunter and John Doolittle voted no.

Read more about Congress' vote and the stock market's tumble.

Here's the full roll call:

Democrats

Aye

Berman
Capps
Cardoza
Costa
Davis
Eshoo
Farr
Harman
Honda
Lofgren
Matsui
McNerney
George Miller
Pelosi
Richardson
Speier
Tauscher
Waters
Waxman

No
Baca
Becerra
Filner
Lee
Napolitano
Roybal-Allard
Linda Sanchez
Loretta Sanchez
Schiff
Sherman
Solis
Stark
Thompson
Watson
Woolsey

Republicans

Aye

Bono Mack
Calvert
Campbell
Dreier
Herger
Lewis
Lungren
McKeon
Gary Miller
Radanovich

No
Bilbray
Doolittle
Gallegly
Hunter
Issa
McCarthy
Nunes
Rohrabacher
Royce

91 Express Lanes to reduce some tolls; about damn time!

Editors Note: This is more of a back-lash of corporate greed on the part of the OCTA, taking advantage of Inland residents. 50 cents is a start but ultimately will not be enough since the OCTA raised rates at triple and quadruple the rate of rising gas prices and other expenses. I recommend all Inland drivers reading this put serious thought into alternative means of travel outside of the 91 Express Lanes; carpool, Metrolink, etc.

Some tolls on the 91 Express Lanes will fall by 50 cents Wednesday to reflect reduced traffic flows amid higher unemployment in Orange County and the Inland Empire, the Orange County Transportation Authority said.

Tolls on the 91 Express Lanes change hourly. The planned toll cuts affect 14 hours during the week, all on afternoon eastbound commutes.

The top toll, currently $10 for an eastbound drive between 3 and 4 p.m. Fridays, will fall to $9.50. The new high toll will be $9.55 for the hour between 4 and 5 p.m. Thursdays.

Under OCTA's congestion management pricing policy, tolls are managed to assure a free flow of traffic in the 91 Express Lanes at all times, said Joel Zlotnik, an OCTA spokesman.

It's the first time since OCTA introduced congestion management pricing in July 2003 that some tolls have fallen. Traffic is monitored daily and tolls are adjusted quarterly.

Zlotnik pointed out that the unemployment rate in the Inland Empire rose to 9.2 percent in August from 6.4 percent a year earlier. In Orange County, the unemployment rate was 5.8 percent in August, up from 4.2 percent a year earlier.

"With fewer jobs, we're seeing fewer people use the Express Lanes," he said. "As the economy dips, we're going to see a dip in usage."

This is how OCTA's congestion management pricing works, according to Zlotnik:

• If traffic volume falls below 2,720 vehicles in any hour in six of 12 consecutive weeks, tolls for that hour are reduced by 50 cents.

• If volume rises above 3,200 vehicles in any hour in six of 12 consecutive weeks, tolls for that hour are raised.

The minimum toll is $1.25.

To see the new toll schedule, go to
www.octa.net/91tolls

Politics: Corona, CA Local contributes to Yes on Proposition 8.

Editors Note: This is a re-print of a Blog opinion...We are only informing you about a local contributor, we are not taking a political stand and we are not instructing you how to vote.

"Californians Against Hate (cah) was established to draw attention to the major donors to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign. These contributors are spending tens of millions of dollars to amend the California Constitution to take away the right of same-sex couples to marry.

If our opponents want to end equality for gays and lesbians, then we will fight back. We will let the world know who these donors are, and then our millions of friends and allies can decide if they want to support their businesses or not.

Together, we must stand for equality—and against hate."

Stephen Lang, owner, Pacific Shores Masonry Corona, CA $125,000

Poker Events: Lake Elsinore, CA Casino and Pechanga Temecula, CA

LAKE ELSINORE, CA: Starting on September 1st through January 26th every Monday and Thursday night at 7pm the Lake Elsinore Casino Poker Room will be holding the 33 Club Tournament Series. 1st and 2nd place finishers in each of these tournaments will receive an entry into the $10,000 winners only event. All final table players will receive a complimentary limited edition 33 club jersey. Also, final table players who have already won a seat to the final event will receive 25 points towards bonus chips in the final event.

33 Club Tournaments every Monday and Thursday night at 7pm
Game:No-Limit hold’em
Buy-in:$33+$7 entry
No rebuys/add-ons
$2000 guaranteed
3300 chips
20 min. rounds
$10,000 guarantee tournament entry to 1st and 2nd place winners.

See tournament staff for additional details or call the poker room at 951-674-5160.


TEMECULA, CA: The Pechanga Poker Room has some great poker tournaments coming up at the end of September!

Thursday, September 25 @ 7pm - Ladies Only No-Limit Hold’em - $85 buy-in+$15 entry fee. 1st place wins $1,000 buy-in to the 2009 WSOP Ladies Event.

Friday, September 26 @ 7pm - $15,000 Guarantee No-Limit Hold’em - $75 buy-in+$20 entry fee.

Saturday, September 27 @ 7pm - Big Showdown Series - $200 buy-in+$25 entry fee. 1st place wins $10,000 buy-in to the 2009 WSOP Main Event.

For more information contact the Pechanga poker room at 877-711-2946.

The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos: From the sky!


Corona, CA: Mater Dei can't keep up with Centennial this time

Barkley has a rough night as the Monarchs are beaten on both sides of the ball.

Friday night's nonleague game between Centennial of Corona and Mater Dei turned into another track meet.

This time, however, the Huskies were the ones celebrating at the finish line. The Huskies (2-0), behind a balanced offense, exacted a bit of revenge against the Monarchs (2-1) with a 47-35 home victory at Santa Ana Stadium in front of an estimated crowd of 7,500.

"I thought it was a continuation of last year's game," Centennial coach Matt Logan said."Our defense played great in the second half to hold them to just that one score."

This year's game didn't have the video game-like numbers of last year's meeting, when the teams combined for more than 1,300 total yards. The Monarchs won last year's meeting that game, 51-37, also played at Santa Ana Stadium. The teams combined for 966 total yards Friday.

"Very physical, very fast," was how Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson described Centennial.

The Huskies were the designated home team and made themselves feel right at home from the outset.

Much of that physical play was evident in the Huskies ground attack, led by senior running back Arthur Burns. Burns, who was a backup to Ryan Bass (Arizona St.) last year, performed like a star against the Monarchs. He rushed for 234 yards on 29 carries and four touchdowns. (Bass rushed for 350 yards last year against the Monarchs.)

Centennial displayed its defensive plan early in the game when they sacked Mater Dei quarterback Matt Barkley on the third play.

Offensively, the Huskies scored on their first possession in 18 seconds by going 47 yards on two plays, and they didn't seem to be stopped seemed to be unstoppable after that .It all added up to a long night for Barkley and the county's top-ranked team Mater Dei Monarchs.

Barkley completed 23 of 45 passes for 412 yards. He threw three touchdowns passes but was intercepted three times. He was also sacked three times.

The Huskies were able to get to Barkley throughout the game and forced him into several rushed throws. Mater Dei was again forced to play without junior offensive lineman Chris Ward, who is out because of a knee injury.

Centennial went into halftime with a 33-28 lead. It opened the second half with a five-play, 68-yard drive that ended on a 3-yard run by Burns to put the Monarchs back on their heels.

The defense held the Monarchs scoreless in the second half until a 3-yard touchdown pass from Barkley to Derek Campbell with 3:12 left in the game.

This was second time in the first three games this season that Mater Dei has allowed an opponent to score at least 40 points.

Mater Dei allowed 43 points to Carson in its season opener, Sept. 3.The Monarchs play host to L.A. Jordan next Thursday.

10th Annual Walk for Health on September 27th, 2008

The 10th annual "Walk for Health" Hosted by The Foundation for Community and Family Health will be held this Saturday, September 27th, 2008. The City of Corona, and thousands of Inland Empire residents will gather together on the South Lawn of Corona City Hall to join the cause and fight against Breast Cancer. The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness & funds for the Breast Health Detection program. The Breast Health Detection program was created to help women under 40 who have no insurance or who are under insured. The program will provide women the necessary breast diagnostic care they need, as well as health screenings and prevention education. For more information please call The Foundation at: 951-270-0536.

OC Roller Girls present Season Opener in Corona, CA

Date

From January 24, 2009 6:00 PM Until 9:00 PM

Location


Anaheim Hockey of Corona
4325 Prado Road, #101
Corona, CA 92880 [map it!]

Info Line


1-877- OC DERBY

Website

http://www.ocrollergirls.com

Contact


Disco
PO BOX 53024
Irvine, CA 92619

1-714-614-3230
info@ocrollergirls.com

Doors


Open 6pm Game 1 at 6:30 Game 2 7:30

Description

The OC Roller Girls welcome TBD to partake in an 2 bout event & to raise funds for ( ).

Corona Symphony Orchestra Announces November 8th Concert, CA Featuring the Works of Copland and Dvorak

Darnell Abraham, Baritone, To Sing Copland's Old American Songs at November 8, 2008 Concert 'This exciting concert combines Copland's timeless American music with Dvorak's masterful accomplishment in defining the American classical sound.' - Walt Straiton, CSO Artistic Director

CORONA, CA: The Corona Symphony Orchestra announces the details of its next concert, SONGS OF THE NEW WORLD, Saturday, November 8, 7:00 PM (PST) at Northpoint Church, 988 West Ontario Street, Corona, CA. Conducted by Marco Mejia, the program includes: Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Variations on a Shaker Melody, and Old American Songs, plus Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World".

Baritone, Darnell Abraham will be the soloist for Copland's Old American Songs. Mr. Abraham has been a featured soloist in Mendelssohn's Elijah (singing the title role), Raphael in Haydn's Creation, and Handel's Messiah. In addition, he recently appeared as Guglielmo in Azusa Pacific University's production of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. In 2007, he was one of thirty young artists selected for an apprenticeship with Utah Festival Opera.

Tickets for this concert are available by phone at the ticket office (951.273.1375) or via email to boxoffice@coronasymphonyorchestra.org. In addition, online ticket purchase is available at http://www.coronasymphonyorchestra.org/tickets.html. General admission is $15. For more information about the symphony and the November 8th concert, visit the website, http://www.coronasymphonyorchestra.org.


Corona Symphony Orchestra conductor Marco Mejia, says, "The program features the beloved songs of Aaron Copland, America's nationalistic composer, and a memorable symphony composed by romantic music's versatile master, Dvorak, Symphony No. 9 'From the New World'."

The Corona Symphony Orchestra is organized as a non-profit orchestra, presently without financial compensation to its members and will create expanding musical, cultural, and educational programs that not only entertain, but also enrich the Corona and Riverside community. The symphony's repertoire explores many genres: classics, choral works, light opera, pops, film and television scores, original works, and more. It also plans to support the City of Corona in selected civic events; cultivate a relationship with local schools for promoting the life-enriching and elevating quality of the arts; foster the growth of student musicians through mentor relationships and performance opportunities; provide accompaniment resources for local choral and theatrical groups; and numerous other contributions to our community.

Corona, CA: GREEN RIVER ROAD INTERCHANGE

CORONA – Construction crews will be working at freeway level on the center bridge column for the next three weeks. This work requires closure of inside lanes on westbound State Route 91. The following schedule applies to each week through October 6, 2008.
DATE

Monday thru Thursday 6 PM to 3 AM
HOV and number one lane


Friday 8 PM to 4 AM
HOV and number one lane

Corona, CA: Vineyard National Bancorp Announces the Appointment of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Credit Officer

CORONA, CA: Vineyard National Bancorp (NASDAQ: VNBC) ("VNBC"), the holding company of Vineyard Bank, National Association ("Vineyard"), announced today that Glen C. Terry has been appointed as president and chief executive officer of VNBC and Vineyard, effective September 12, 2008. In connection with the appointment, VNBC entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Terry, the terms of which are subject to regulatory approval. In addition, Lucilio Couto was appointed executive vice president and chief credit officer of Vineyard, effective September 12, 2008. Mr. Terry's appointment is subject to regulatory approval by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Mr. Couto's appointment is subject to regulatory approval by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Mr. Terry succeeds James G. LeSieur, III, VNBC and Vineyard's interim chief executive officer and president since January 24, 2008. Mr. LeSieur will assume the role of Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors ("Board") for both VNBC and Vineyard. Mr. Terry will continue as a member of the Board for both VNBC and Vineyard.

Mr. LeSieur said, "Glen is a distinguished and widely respected professional in the banking industry. His experience and deep knowledge make him the ideal candidate to lead VNBC and Vineyard. The Board is unanimous in its decision that Glen is the right person to provide sound leadership to build on VNBC's core strengths and successfully manage the company through the current environment."

Mr. Terry is a career banking executive, having held the positions of president and chief executive officer of four regional community banks in northern California -- The Vintage Bank (Napa), Solano Bank (Vacaville), Napa Valley Bank (Napa) and Tri Valley Bank (San Ramon). Mr. Terry has served on the respective boards of each entity. His career has also included senior positions in multi-billion dollar regional and interstate banks. At Napa Valley Bank, Mr. Terry engineered the company's restructuring, established an effective sales culture, managed full compliance with and ultimate removal of a regulatory cease and desist order, substantially reduced troubled assets and significantly improved the profitability of the institution. In 1996, Napa Valley Bank was merged into Westamerica Bank. While at The Vintage Bank and Solano Bank, Mr. Terry managed the profitable and sound growth of the companies from approximately $192 million in assets to over $650 million in assets over a six year period, at which time the companies were sold to Umpqua Bank. Mr. Terry introduced and implemented a relationship oriented culture that resulted in the creation and growth of a substantial base of low cost core deposits, allowing the banks to inexpensively fund measured loan growth.

Mr. Terry said, "I am honored to have the opportunity to lead VNBC and Vineyard. Clearly, there are challenges ahead and in our current environment, but I am encouraged that most areas of VNBC continue to perform well. This performance is a testament to the quality of VNBC and Vineyard's employees and the longstanding commitment to provide excellent customer service. I see an institution with great strengths and potential. With the leadership of the new Board, the management team is taking decisive actions to face current challenges head on, and I am excited to have an opportunity to build on that progress. I look forward to working with this dedicated team to restore confidence and value to our customers, depositors, and shareholders while continuing to deliver outstanding customer service."

Prior to Mr. Couto's appointment, he was executive vice president and chief risk officer of VNBC and Vineyard and will remain in this capacity until his successor is named. Before joining VNBC and Vineyard in July 2007, Mr. Couto spent over 15 years working for the FDIC in a variety of positions, including most recently as a Senior Risk Management Examiner. He has expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, credit analysis and financial statement analysis. Prior to his appointment as executive vice president and chief credit officer, Mr. Couto was responsible for enterprise risk management, information security, consumer compliance (CRA/BSA) and general regulatory issues.

"The Board of Directors believe Mr. Couto's extensive history and expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance and credit analysis make him the ideal candidate to fill the position of executive vice president and chief credit officer for Vineyard, and we welcome his continued dedication and critical detail in his new position," stated Douglas Kratz, chairman of the board.

About Vineyard National Bancorp

VNBC is a $2.2 billion bank holding company headquartered in Corona, and the parent company of Vineyard also headquartered in Corona. Vineyard operates through 16 full-service banking centers and has four regional financial centers in the counties of Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara and Ventura, Calif. VNBC's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market System under the symbol "VNBC." For additional information on VNBC visit www.vnbcstock.com. For additional information on Vineyard visit www.vineyardbank.com.

Red Bull KTM Signs Mike Brown for WORCS Series; Murrieta, CA

Murrieta, CA – The Red Bull KTM Factory WORCS Team is proud to announce its newest rider, Mike Brown.

Brown, the former 125cc Supercross Champion and British 125cc Motocross Champion, has signed a one-year contract with the factory team. Brown will race the series aboard the KTM 450 XC race machine. “We are fortunate to bring a rider with Brown’s experience to the WORCS Series and are looking forward to many top finishes in the coming season,” commented KTM’s Director of Racing Kurt Nicoll.

“I feel that the WORCS Series is a challenging Series that fits my riding skills well. I look forward to competing in this series against old and new rivals,” commented Brown. He continued, “The KTM 450 XC is a great bike and I believe it will hold up well on the off-road sections while also providing more than enough power on the motocross portion of the course.”

Brown will warm up for the 2009 series by competing in the eighth round of the current 2008 WORCS Series scheduled for August 30, 2008 in Monticello, UT. He is then set to compete the entire 2009 race season. Brown will be joined by teammate, Justin Soulè, who will be returning for his third year as a member of the Red Bull KTM Team.


Oakmont Sells Hunter Park Business Center Bldg. for $3M

Qualis Expanding to 31,800-SF Industrial

The Oakmont Industrial Group sold Building B in the Hunter Park Business Center in Riverside, CA, to Qualis International Inc. for $3.1 million, or about $97.50 per square foot.

The 31,768-square-foot industrial/distribution facility is at 1120 Citrus St. The building includes approximately 4,875 square feet of office space and is on a 1.64-acre parcel with four other buildings.

The sale only took about 30 days to close, as the buyer needed a bigger facility to expand its business.


Save the date! Fiesta de Comida Nov. 5, 2008 | 6:00 PM

Presenting fine foods from over 30 unique restaurants in the New Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

In Concert: Poncho Sanchez 8:30 to 10:00 p.m.

All proceeds go to Ontario-Montclair YMCA

Tickets available at: Ontario-Montclair YMCA

909.986.5847

INFO


Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested

Riverside, CA – On Tuesday, September 16, 2008, Detectives from the Riverside Police Department responded to an anonymous tip and arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for two bank robberies of the Provident Bank located in the 3300 block of La Sierra Avenue.

The suspect was identified as David Wayne DUKE, 55; it is unknown at this time where he resides. The suspect was alone at the time of his arrest, which occurred in the area of Pierce Street and Indiana Avenue in the city of Riverside.

On Tuesday, September 2, 2008, David Duke entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding cash; the teller provided Duke with an unknown amount of cash. After receiving the cash, Duke exited the bank and fled in a green vehicle.

On Monday, September 11, 2008, David Duke entered the same bank and committed the second robbery.

The Riverside Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Detectives were assisted by personnel from the Inland Regional Apprehension Team. Duke will be booked into Riverside County Jail on two counts of robbery, and one count of being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

Inland Empire professionals sound off about Merrill Lynch acquisition

Executives at three Merrill Lynch and Co. locations in the Inland Empire are answering to a new boss this morning following Bank of America Corp.'s $50 billion acquisition on Monday.
But some local professionals are questioning whether it was a smart move.

Still, the bigger issue is whether Merrill Lynch's small-business customers will jump ship because of its new behemoth parent company.

"You lose a little bit of that personal touch," said Ed Combs, a retired 38-year Inland Empire real-estate veteran, about big banks taking over other financial institutions. "People love to go somewhere where you can get on the phone and say, `Hey, how're you doing? It's Charlie.' I've shied away from big corporate banks because of what's happened there."

Merrill Lynch is no small-time operation, but Bank of America's ever-expanding basket of subsidiaries seems to dwarf more companies every year.

"People are going to look at it and ask if their relationship will change with (Merrill Lynch) or if the level of service will be the same," said Mike Stull, director of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino.

"There's always that level of uneasiness within the customer base, particularly smaller companies."


Events: Anthony Williams wins ALL Out 2 Street Contest in Corona, CA

Intuition Rollerbladers,

All Out 2 Street Contest was organized by Nikolay Veselkov aka Niko of Reckless Habits Crew. It was held Saturday September 13, 2008 in the city of Corona, CA.

Some of the best skaters came out that day from different cities, counties, and states like Venice, San Diego, Santee, San Clemente, Riverside, Thousand Oaks, Buena Park, San Marcos, Whittier, Inglewood, San Pedro, LA, Orange, Las Vegas, and France. Everyone met up and gathered together at 11am at Corona Skate Park, where the warm ups and registration were held.

All Out 2 was judged by legend Carlos Kessell (LA All Day) and Hunter Hill. The Contest consisted of three different spots. When we arrived at the first spot, which was a red curve ledge, the skaters where broken down into four different heats and where given ten minutes per heat. There was an outstanding performance from every skater in each heat. When we arrived at the second spot, which was a nice handicap rail, the skaters where then broken into two different heats. Some sick tricks went down from skaters like Tony Rivituso, Tyler Hester, Dean Coward, Jeffery Hamm, Anthony Williams, Lyle Shivak, Sean Cowen, Russell Day, Quinn Feldman, and Adam Brierley. They all killed it. With everyone juiced and hyped up, the crowd walked over to the park around the corner for the finals, which where two kinked rails on the left and right hand side and two little rails in the middle. With no hesitation skaters started disastering to the flat of the kink and transferring over to the middle rails. Skaters where dropping hammers after hammers, spinning in and out of tricks, and at the same time taking some hard falls. Winston Wardwell tried to disaster royale to the flat of the kink, but missed and busted his shin open. He was later sewn up in the hospital with twenty three stitches! In the end it came down to only one winner: Anthony Williams.

All Out 2 Street Contest Results:
1st Place - Anthony Williams
2nd Place - Tyler Hester
3rd Place - Quinn Feldman

USA Today Super 25 High School Football Rankings; Corona, CA

1. Byrnes (Duncan, SC) 3-0, LW: #1
2. Trinity (Euless TX) 2-0, LW: #2
3. Gateway (Monroeville, PA) 3-0, LW: #3
4. Long Beach Poly (CA) 1-0, LW: #5
5. St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 2-0, LW: #6
6. Armwood (Seffner, FL) 2-0, LW: #8
7. Carmel (IN) 4-0, LW: #9
8. De La Salle (Concord, CA) 1-0, LW:#7
9. Colerain (Cincinnati, OH) 4-0, LW: #10
10. River Hill (Clarksville, MD) 2-0, LW: #12
11. Lowndes (Valdosta, GA) 2-0, LW: #13
12. Lakeland (FL) 2-0, LW: #14
13. Madison County (Madison, FL) 1-0, LW: #15
14. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA) 3-0, LW: #16
15. Skyline (Issaquah, WA) 2-0, LW: #17
16. Centennial (Corona, CA) 1-0, LW: #18
17. Stone Bridge (Ashburn, VA) 3-0, LW: #19
18. South Panola (Batesville, MS) 3-0, LW: #21
19. Lake Travis (Austin TX) 3-0, LW: #23
20. St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH) 3-1, LW: #25
21. Northside (Warner Robins, GA) 3-0, LW: #20
22. Plano (TX) 3-0, LW: #24
23. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, NJ) 0-1, LW: #4
24. Tuscaloosa County (Northport, AL) 3-0, LW: NR
25. Glenville (Cleveland, OH) 4-0, LW: NR


SNEAK PEEK at Thomas Ranch/Corona Palisades Business Park (and RV hangout)


Preview: Centennial Vs. Chaparral

The first full week of football in the Southern Section brings one of the most anticipated games in the Inland Empire. Defending Inland Division champion Corona Centennial will travel to Temecula tonight to face Chaparral. In the most recent CIF polls, Centennial was ranked at the top of the Inland Division, with the Pumas right behind them in second. Pictured: Centennial QB Taylor Martinez

Answer Racing And James Stewart Sign Three-Year Agreement

Corona, CA. Answer Racing and James Stewart, announced today that the two parties have reached a three-year agreement for James Stewart to use and endorse ANSWER RACING apparel starting in the 2009 racing season.

Stewart, who swept the 2008 AMA National Motocross series, was thrilled about his big move to the Answer team.

"I am extremely excited about this new relationship with one of the sports premier brands. At the speeds and level we are racing at these days it is very important to have the best safety equipment possible. I know that Answer Racing can provide the quality race wear demanded of me and today's MX athletes. I am very excited about this new venture and my new signature lines that we will be designing and releasing in 09 and all the other great new opportunities that are ahead." Stated James Stewart.

Answer Racings Director David Casella is equally excited. "Signing a three-year deal with a world-class athlete like James Stewart shows our commitment to bringing Answer to a whole new level, a level that only an athlete like James can help us reach".

Answer Marketing Manager Roger Larsen adds, "I am really excited and privileged to be working with an athlete of James caliber. A rider like Stewart is the one piece of the puzzle that the brand has been missing. We are looking forward to a very strong and lasting relationship that with out a doubt will change the face of the Answer brand."

Look for James to be running his own replica line of Answer Racing apparel when the AMA Supercross series kicks off at Anaheim's Edison Field, January 3, 2009.

Answer Racing has been in the business of making quality motocross products since 1976.


Inland Empire business owners to receive sales tax proposal info

Some business owners across the Inland Empire are no doubt up in arms about a proposed 1-percent sales tax across the state to help plug holes in California's $15 billion budget deficit.

The Board of Equalization, the state's publicly-elected tax-collecting entity, said today that more than 500,000 retailers will be receiving information about the possible tax hike.

It also said retailers might have to file a supplemental sales-and-use tax return. And if the tax increase is passed by the legislature, several businesses will need to reprogram their cash registers and computers to adjust for the new tax rate.

On the heels of the La Verne Chamber of Commerce's Valley Area Chamber Executives event on Monday -- which brought together small business owners from San Dimas, La Verne and the San Gabriel Valley -- the La Verne chamber's leader said retailers aren't handling the proposed tax jump very well.

"It's a very difficult time to ask for sales tax increases," said the chamber's president and CEO, Brian McNerney. "(Businesses) are upset. A lot of them have to cut their profits and margins to be competitive."


Top 25 High School Football Teams; Corona, CA # 6

Football is the largest high school sport in the U.S. and tends to bring the highest turnout of fans over all other high school sports.

If you are a high school student looking to make it pro, it’s important to play on a good high school team and to have your name highlighted in the local paper’s sports section.

Here are the 2008-2009 rankings for the top high school football teams.

1. De La Salle High School - Concord, CA
2. Don Bosco Prep – Ramsey, NJ
3. Byrnes – Duncan, SC
4. Poly – Long Beach, CA
5. Trinity – Euless, TX
6. Centennial – Corona, CA
7. Stone Bridge – Ashburn, VA
8. Skyline – Sammamish, WA
9. Phoebus – Hampton, VA
10. Madison County – Madison, FL
11. Armwood – Seffner, FL
12. Wayne County – Waynesboro, MS
13. Cairo – Cairo, GA
14. River Hill – Clarksville, MD
15. Aquinas – Fort Lauderdale, FL
16. Rockhurst – Kansas City, MO
17. Crespi – Encino, CA
18. Bastrop – Bastrop, LA
19. Oceanside – Oceanside, CA
20. Lowndes – Valdosta, GA
21. Lake Travis – Austin, TX
22. Carmel – Carmel, IN
23. Glenville – Cleveland, OH
24. Camden County – Kingsland, GA


Corona, CA Panthers Schedule, with Game 1 results


9/05/08 TBA @ Temescal Canyon (Lake Elsinore, CA) 20-42 (L)
9/12/08 7:00 PM vs. Arlington (Centennial) Pregame
9/26/08 7:00 PM @ Chino (Centennial) Pregame
10/02/08 7:00 PM @ Centennial (Corona, CA) * Pregame
10/09/08 7:00 PM @ Norco (Roosevelt) * Pregame
10/16/08 7:00 PM @ Poly (Centennial) * Pregame
10/23/08 7:00 PM vs. North (King) * Pregame
10/31/08 7:00 PM vs. King (Riverside, CA) * Pregame
11/07/08 7:00 PM @ Roosevelt (Corona, CA) * Pregame
11/14/08 7:00 PM vs. Santiago (Centennial) * Pregame


League of California Cities Denounces Cynical Attempt to Recall Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

The proposed signature gathering effort to recall Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with strong opposition today from the League of California Cities. The League's leadership denounced the proposal and commended the Governor for his steadfast leadership and vision.

"The recall proposal is reckless and irresponsible," said League President Jim Madaffer, San Diego Council president pro tem. "From the day he was elected, Arnold Schwarzenegger has worked to offer real solutions to the fiscal and other challenges facing California. Threatening a recall in the midst of the budget impasse will simply extend the gridlock he is working to end."

League Second Vice President Judith Mitchell, Rolling Hills Estates council member, expressed frustration that the Governor has been targeted, especially at a time when the focus should be on crafting a balanced budget that doesn't rely on borrowing local government or transportation revenues.

"We don't agree with the Governor on everything, but we do know he has provided excellent leadership to California on infrastructure, climate change, budget reform and local government finance. It is outrageous to blame him for the current budget crisis when there is enough blame to go around for everyone," said Mitchell.

In 2004, the League awarded the Governor with its "Champion of Local Democracy" award for his leadership in brokering legislative support of the Proposition 1A package. The measure, approved by 84 percent of voters that November, protected local government revenues. Then-League President and Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge remarked while presenting the award: "No governor in recent memory has shown such sensitivity to the importance of local services as Governor Schwarzenegger. From the day he was elected he seemed to understand that people value local services and they treasure their access to government at the local level."

Earlier this year, the League recognized the Governor with its first "Sustainable Community Leadership" award. The new award honors California leaders who advance a broad vision and agenda of community sustainability for California and its cities. Commenting on the Governor's leadership on sustainability, League Immediate Past President and Novato Mayor Pat Eklund said: "The Governor not only cares about global warming, renewable resources and air quality, but he understands the broader concept of 'sustainability' and how it is connected to the practical challenges of making our communities work."

Chris McKenzie, League executive director, observed: "We have never had to explain to this Governor why safe communities require both strong law enforcement and quality park services or why maintaining infrastructure is critical to the economic growth of California. Gov. Schwarzenegger gets it and knows that you can't have a strong state without strong communities. The voters of California are sick and tired of distractions like this cynical recall attempt, and they want state leaders to lead -- exactly what the Governor is doing."

Founded in 1898, the League of California Cities is an association of California city officials who work together to enhance their knowledge and skills, exchange information, and combine resources so that they may influence policy decisions that affect cities. The League's mission is to restore and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.

City of Corona to host first-time home buyer seminar

The seminar will offer attendees important home buying information as well as information on the city’s Home Owner Assistance Program (HOAP Now)

CORONA, CA: The city of Corona in partnership with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County will present a first-time home buyer seminar on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a .m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place at the Corona City Hall multi-purpose room located at 400 S. Vicentia Avenue in Corona .

The seminar will educate attendees on the buying process and down payment and closing cost assistance programs including Home Owner Assistance Program (HOAP Now). Attendees who qualify will also be considered for the HOAP Now, which can provide up to $75,000 in assistance.

Topics including credit repair; credit counseling; dealing with realtors, escrow and title companies; financial planning and the responsibilities of home ownership will also be covered.

Register for the event by Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 by calling 951-736-2260. Seating is limited, so call at your earliest convenience.

The city of Corona , centrally located between Orange County and the Inland Empire , is an innovator in building an attractive environment in which to locate a business. Rising from its humble beginnings as a small agricultural community, Corona is now an upscale city, offering a vibrant and thriving economy for businesses, residents and visitors alike.

Corona, CA By the Numbers

Closed Sales for July 2008: Up 59 from last month

384 Single Family Homes

17 Condos/Townhomes

Pending Sales for July 2008: Up 5 from last month

726 Single Family Homes

45 Condos/Townhomes

Current Actives as of Today's Post: Up 5 from last month

1270 Single Family Homes

145 Condos/Townhomes

Foreclosure Activity for July 2008
92879 - 97 Notice of Defaults (NOD) Down 9 from last month

92879 - 89 Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NOS) Up 10 from last month

92880 - 153 Notice of Defaults (NOD) Up 18 from last month

92880 - 142 Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NOS) Up 14 from last month

92881 - 58 Notice of Defaults (NOD) The same as last month

92881 - 52 Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NOS) Up 3 from last month
92882 - 129 Notice of Defaults (NOD) Up 9 from last month

92882 - 115 Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NOS) Down 11 from last month
92883 - 86 Notice of Defaults (NOD) Down 3 from last month

92883 - 104 Notice of Foreclosure Sale (NOS) Up 8 from last month
Price Per Square Foot

Looking at the price per square foot helps us understand the value placed on homes in a real estate market. Median Price per Sqft. as of September7, 2008 for Corona is $169, down $9 from last month.


Taken from a blog: News Flash In Murrieta Ca.: Stay Off The Grass!!!!

Recently the city council in Murrieta Ca. passed an ordinance that requires the owners of Real Estate Owned (REO) properties to clean the lawns on their properties and keep them mowed and watered as many neighborhoods were deteriorating in their appearance due to the high number of foreclosures and nobody likes a dead lawn especially the neighbors.

The ordinance was passed because of complaints flooding in to the city office from residents complaining about the banks that own these properties, and the Realtors that are selling them, not caring about the appearance of the homes and it is lowering the property values of the whole city. Fair complaint in my opinion and as an agent that represents some of the Institutions involved I passed the information on to the Asset Managers I work with and received positive results.

The Home Pictured received a new sod lawn and you would think most of the neighbors would be glad, I'm sure some are, but it has created a new problem as some of the parents in the neighborhood are allowing their children to play on this brand new lawn as we are trying to allow it to take root. Where is the cooperation between the City, Banks, Neighbors and the Agents when one party complains and gets their request then tells the other to kick rocks when asked to do their part to improve the situation?

This Home has received new interior paint and carpet plus the pool has been repaired to the tune of $4500 dollars in addition to the new front lawn all paid for by the bank and it just went into escrow with a family who cannot wait to move to their new home. Congratulations to the buyers, the bank, the agents involved, the neighbors that do care, and to the neighbors who don't care I can only say Stay Off The Grass!!!!!!!

Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't.


Tom's Farm in a Nutshell (Get it)?

Located along interstate 15 in Temescal Canyon Tom's farm has been selling fresh produce since 1974. Over the years the place has grown into a family destination with kids rides and attractions.

The Art of Dos Lagos!

The Corona Art Association is sponsoring Art at the Heart of Dos Lagos on Friday, September 12th from 6-9PM. Local visual and performing artists will be present. There will be painting and sculpting to live music at the Dos Lagos Ampitheater.

STATE ROUTE 91 CLOSES AT TWO INTERCHANGES IN RIVERSIDE COUNTY

RIVERSIDE- Caltrans, in cooperation with the City of Riverside, is advising motorists to choose alternate routes and avoid the SR-91 this coming Friday and Saturday nights, September 12th and 13th.

The City of Riverside is conducting full directional closures on SR-91 at the La Sierra Avenue Interchange Project and Caltrans is conducting full directional closures of SR-91 at the Green River Road Interchange Project. The City and Caltrans coordinated the closures to occur the same weekend to limit the impact on traffic. The City of Riverside continues improvements to the La Sierra Avenue Interchange; however, this is the last full directional freeway closure for the Green River Road Interchange Project.

Drivers are advised to use SR-60 and I-10 as alternate east / west routes between Southern California Counties. Southern County drivers may use SR-74 (Ortega Highway) between Riverside and Orange Counties. Visit Caltrans8.info and click on “News and Documents” for more information on these two projects. A detour map of Southern California highways is available by visiting the web site and following this path: Caltrans8.info> Projects> Green River Road> Detour Maps> Map number 7.

The Press (Exit)prise: Riverside newspaper cutting 150 jobs


More bad news for anyone who loves newspapers -- the Riverside Press-Enterprise has cut 150 positions. The Inland Empire newspaper announced the move on its website today, saying 130 employees took buyouts and another 20 will be laid off. From the story:

A.H. Belo Inc., the Riverside publication's parent, announced on Friday that 120 employees are leaving on voluntary buy-outs, and 30 other workers will get booted between now and the end of October.

Dallas-based Belo Corp. (NYSE: BLC) -- the head corporation of The Press-Enterprise, numerous TV stations, radio stations and a variety of publications -- saw its non-political advertising revenue drop $22.5 million, or 6.5 percent, from January to June of this year compared to 2007.

The paper follows in the footsteps of two other Inland Empire newspapers. The San Bernardino Sun and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, owned by Dean Singleton's MediaNews Group Inc., cut scores of workers over the last year. Here at The Times, we're still saying goodbye to the last of 150 journalists who lost their jobs under new owner Sam Zell.


SNEAK PEEK at Miguel's Restaurant (The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos) Opening 1st Week October 2008.