Protect Yourself and Your Children Online

Protect Yourself and Your Children Online
Awareness Program hosted by GIVE, the City of Corona and The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos

What:
Predators and scam artists are finding ways into your home through the Internet, attempting to wreak havoc on you and your loved ones. Rather than live in fear with every click of the mouse or stroke of the keyboard, attend the City of Corona’s online safety presentation and learn ways you can prevent unwanted spam and spyware and help protect your family from online threats. The 1 ½ hour informative workshop, presented by Corona Police officials, will include information about malware, phishing scams, online predators and their use of chat rooms and social networks and how to avoid online threat.

Free and open to the public, the Internet Safety workshop is part of a monthly awareness program to educate the general public about important issues that affect everyday lives and how to prepare for emergency situations. Upcoming awareness programs include earthquake preparedness, recycling, endangered species, summer/water safety, fire prevention and much more.

When:
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Where:
Krikorian Theatres 15 at Dos Lagos
2710 Lakeshore Drive, Corona
Free admission. Open to the public.
Please RSVP with Denise Seinturier at (951) 667-6200 or Denise@secorporation.com

Who:
Green Institute for Village Empowerment, the City of Corona and The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos are partnering together to increase public awareness about the dangers of internet and how to protect yourself and your family.

About Green Institute for Village Empowerment (GIVE)
GIVE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing philanthropic and educational efforts that promote sustainable practices and promote a better quality of life. Formed by SE Corporation, GIVE hosts monthly symposiums and special events in its mission to educate and empower the public about sustainability, a term used to describe a balance between social, economic and environmental needs. For more information, visit www.GiveForTheFuture.org or www.GreenValleyNow.org

About The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos is Corona, California’s first lifestyle center. Offering more than 60 of the finest specialty shops, five full-service restaurants and a 15-screen movie theatre, the pedestrian-friendly shopping center is a part of Dos Lagos, a 543-acre master-planned sustainable community. The center was developed and is managed by Poag & McEwen Lifestyle Centers, LLC. For more information, visit www.PromenadeShopsatDosLagos.com or www.PM-Lifestyle.com.

About the City of Corona
The City of Corona is located approximately 45 miles southeast of Los Angeles in western Riverside County. The City limits encompass 38 square miles and the population is approximately 145,195. Incorporated in 1896 as a small farming community best known for its produce Corona has emerged into a quality community that is ethnically diverse, where a significant percentage of the population is made up of young, well educated families. For more information, visit www.ci.corona.ca.us/

Corona Art Association Presents...

Corona Art Association Presents...

ARTIST OF THE YEAR SHOW
March 15th, 2008
Reception for Artists 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Public Invited
ART HOUSE GALLERY
510 W. Foothill Parkway
Corona Heritage Park Museum
We have a TIE!!
In the 45 year history of CAA, we are honoring TWO WINNERS

Richard Stergulz Demonstrator
At the General Meeting
March 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Art House Gallery
510 W. Foothill Parkway
Corona Heritage Park Museum
Join us and experience Richard’s artistic talent combined with
his love of Russian artists that infuse his glorious paintings.

Steve McQueen’s Car Show Chino Hills,CA June 14th 2008.

Steve McQueen’s Car Show Chino Hills June 14th 2008.

Got this email and decided to post the information. Looks like this could be big and it is a Great cause.

“One of our members in our 356 club is a member in the same golf club as ChadMcQueen and they started talking and came up with a charity event to benefitthe Boy's Republic. The B.R. is a home for boy's that Steve once spent sometime in and he felt that they helped him as a kid growing up.

They are also waiting for conformation from the Cobra, Shelby, Jag and a fewother clubs. I had also heard that Car's and Coffee will be moved to thislocation for this day.

I hope that you can join in supporting this event.”

The Burfict Choice: “I’m a Trojan!”

Vontaze Burfict Commits to Trojans

As we reported nearly two weeks ago, Vontaze Burfict wanted to make a commitment to the Trojans. Coaches asked him to visit USC and make his commitment in person. Burfict got his chance today, visited USC and made his commitment official.

Burfict met with Head football coach Pete Carroll, Ken Norton Jr. along with his uncle and aunt at Heritage Hall today.

Burfict related, "I came down today, around 5:00, talked to Pete Carroll, and told him I wanted to be a Trojan. My uncle and aunt came with me.” Sounding tired after the long drive home, but with a laugh, Burfict said “It was nice to get this commitment out of the way.”

Burfict became the tenth Trojan commitment for 2009. In his junior season, Burfict recorded 162 tackles. He currently stands 6’2” and weighs 235 lbs. He looks forward to contributing to the Trojans as a freshman.

At Corona Centennial (CA.), Burfict recorded 162 tackles as a junior.

In 2008, the Trojans will see the departure of linebackers Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava. This will set the stage for the incoming freshman in 2009 to contribute immediately.

Supermoto Race At Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, CA March 2nd

Come race Supermoto on an awesome track in Riverside! This Sunday, gates open at 7am, practice at 8:30 am, heat races start at 10am. Free lunch to the riders and pit crews. $100 worth of gift cards from 3Bros Racing, MT High lift tickets as well as other misc motorcycle accesories. Pre enter at Racing 4 RacerZ.

GREEN RIVER ROAD PROJECT: UPDATE

Construction crews will continue demolition of the old bridge at Green River Road Interchange. The removal requires lane closures on SR-91. Closures this Friday and Saturday night have been cancelled. Lane closure information for next week is as follows:

Mon., Mar. 3rd thru Fri., Mar.7th
Westbound
7 PM to 4 AM
3 inside lanes closed-
3 open lanes available

Mon., Mar. 3rd thru Wed., Mar. 5th
Eastbound
9 PM to 5 AM
2 inside lanes closed-
4 open lanes available

Wickes Furniture Going out of Business Sale Begins Sat., March 1, at All Locations in California, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada

Hilco Merchant Resources mail@hilcotrading.com By order of a U.S. Bankruptcy court, store closing sales will begin Saturday, March 1, at all 38 Wickes Furniture, Inc. stores in California, Illinois, Indiana and Nevada. Over $75 million of famous brand furniture and accessories will be liquidated. (Sales at 5 Oregon locations are planned to commence later in March.)

Discounts from 25% to 50% will be offered on all merchandise in each of the 38 California, Illinois, Indiana and Nevada stores. Consumers will be able to benefit from very significant savings on Wickes' entire stock of furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom, kids' room and home office. All mattress sets, home entertainment centers, Oriental rugs and decorative accessories will be deeply discounted, as well.

Liquidation of all inventory and store fixtures will be managed by a joint venture comprised of Hilco Merchant Resources LLC, SB Capital Group LLC, Tiger Capital Group LLC and Planned Furniture Promotions, Inc.

Michael Keefe, President of Hilco Merchant Resources stated, "This is a tremendous opportunity for every home owner and apartment renter to take advantage of truly compelling discounts on a huge selection of brand name furniture and accessories. Anticipating that today's value conscious consumer will respond very positively to these outstanding savings on quality home furnishings, we expect this will be a short sale." -0- NOTE TO EDITORS: STORE LOCATION LIST FOLLOWS Store Closing Sales Begin on March 1 at the Following 38 Wickes Furniture Locations: 1256 N Magnolia Anaheim CA 92801 1482 Second St Beaumont CA 92223 11111 183rd Street Cerritos CA 90703 3615 Grand Oaks Corona CA 92881 3305 Hyland Ave Costa Mesa CA 92626 39825 Avenida Acacias Murrieta CA 92562 1721 Ventura Blvd. Oxnard CA 93036 39626 10th Street West Palmdale CA 93551 3363 E Foothill Blvd. Pasadena CA 91107 11750 Fourth Street Rancho Cucamonga CA 91730 6155 Valley Spring Parkway Riverside CA 92507 217 E Club Center Drive San Bernardino CA 92408 26520 Carl Boyer Drive Santa Clarita CA 91350 18850 Hawthorne Blvd. Torrance CA 90504 6161 Sepulveda Van Nuys CA 91411 12704 Amargosa Road Victorville CA 92392 301 Glendora Avenue West Covina CA 91790 1500 S Randall Road Algonquin IL 60102 165 N Randall Road Batavia IL 60510 7220 S Cicero Bedford Park IL 60629 875 E Boughton Road Bolingbrook IL 60440 1757 East West Road Calumet City IL 60409 2606 N Elston Ave Chicago IL 60647 1508 Butterfield Road Downers Grove IL 60515 1200 Bryn Mawr Itasca IL 60143 825 South Rand Road Lake Zurich IL 60047 3240 W Touhy Avenue Lincolnwood IL 60645 3310 Shoppers Drive McHenry IL 60050 1584 S IL Route 59 Naperville IL 60564 8247 Golf Road Niles IL 60714 7250 W Cermak Road North Riverside IL 60546 140 Orland Park Place Orland Park IL 60462 580 East Golf Road Schaumburg IL 60173 700 N. Milwaukee Avenue Vernon Hills IL 60061 351 W Dundee Road Wheeling IL 60090 1550 E Lincoln Highway Merrillville IN 46410 1080 W Sunset Road Henderson NV 89014 6425 N Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89131

25% To 50% Discounts Offered on All Merchandise

Inland Empire Beer Theft Caught On Tape...must have been good beer!

Joseph Sarkis, who owns Mountain View, said a couple in their 20s walked into this store, loitered for a bit and then grabbed three cases of beer and bolted for the front door.

Sarkis said he chased the pair out of the store and was able to get his hand on one of the thieves before they escaped.

He said that he was inches from being struck by their vehicle as they fled the scene.

Security cameras have recorded at least a dozen high-desert robberies like this during the past few months, Parks reported.

Storeowners have been sharing information with one another and police said they hoping to put an end to the violence.

Inland Empire HIV Planning Council needs members

The Inland Empire HIV Planning Council is looking for members.

The council is short two members from Riverside County and seven from San Bernardino County.

The council helps determine how funding is distributed throughout the region to meet local needs.

Members should be willing to give eight to 12 hours a month.Information: 951-358-7860.

Calif. prison officials examine strip-searches caught on video; Corona, CA

California corrections officials on Friday said they are investigating whether guards at a Southern California prison improperly watched video of female inmates being strip-searched.

The investigation arose after the husband of an inmate, during a visit earlier this month, noticed about six male and female guards gathered around a video monitor in the reception area for prison visitors.

The black-and-white monitor showed women being searched by female guards in a nearby room typically used for visitation.

“It's totally nude,” said Rick Stachowicz, describing what he saw on the monitors. “They're standing on their socks, reaching for the ceiling, lifting up their breasts. I was trying to look and not look.”

His wife, Christina, is in the California Institution for Women in Corona for a probation violation. The 2,100-inmate prison 37 miles east of Los Angeles is one of three women's prisons in the state.

Under corrections department rules, strip-searches are to be performed in private and are not allowed to be watched on a video monitor. Female inmates also must be searched by female guards.

Stachowicz complained to prison authorities and received an e-mail Feb. 4 from Capt. Dean Borders, who was responding on behalf of prison Warden Dawn Davison.

“This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the administration here at (California Institution for Women),” Borders wrote in his e-mail. “We pride ourselves on being the model for other female institutions to follow, and to have this occur in our visiting area is unfathomable.”

He said the matter was being investigated and that staff would be dealt with appropriately.
“Sincerely, I do apologize for the actions of our staff,” he said.

Borders said the visiting room would no longer be used for strip-searches. Since the complaint, inmates are being searched in restrooms or attorney conference rooms that are not under camera surveillance.

The video monitor also was moved from a table in the public reception area to a private office.
The visiting area is usually used for non-contact visits, in which inmates and visitors sit on opposite sides of a glass wall and converse via telephone. It was used to strip-search inmates returning to their cells when other areas of the prison were unavailable, according to family members of several inmates.

Contacted Friday, Borders referred inquiries to a prison spokesman.

Lt. Dennis King confirmed the room used for strip-searches was monitored by a camera and that the video monitor could be seen in the public visiting room. He said investigators are trying to determine if anyone was watching the monitor, as Stachowicz said.

Corrections Department spokeswoman Terry Thornton said investigators have so far found no indication of wrongdoing after getting statements from guards and visitors.

The guards reported they only became aware that the images of the naked women were being shown on the monitor after Stachowicz brought it to their attention.

“No one was standing around watching this. It was 'Oh my gosh, the monitor was on,'” Thornton said. “The staff acted very professionally when they realized what had happened.”

Thornton and King said they did not know when the camera was installed in the visiting room that later was used for strip-searches. The husband of another inmate told The Associated Press it had been there about a year.

Thornton said the viewing monitor had no recording capability.

Stachowicz said he and his wife are considering suing the corrections department even though prison officials say they have made changes. He belongs to an advocacy group that lobbies for improvements in state prisons.

His wife is a mother of three who was sentenced to prison last year for a probation violation and is scheduled to be released in several months. She was among the women searched Feb. 2, when he said the guards were gathered around the video monitor.

“She's feeling progressively violated by it,” Stachowicz said.

State Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, who has pushed for prison reforms, said the response by corrections officials was inadequate.

“They can't just say, 'Golly gee, how did that get there?'” Romero said. “We don't invest $10 billion into corrections to run peep shows, essentially.

“These are not animals to be taken out in public for the entertainment of anybody.”

The matter also will be investigated by the prison system's inspector general, said Chief Deputy Inspector General Brett Morgan.

Krikorian Theater: The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos

The three of us were the only ones in the theater. The whole shopping complex we saw it at, Dos Lagos in Corona, was deserted. The parking lot we parked in was full, but there were no people on the sidewalks and nobody else in the theater (except the couple that came into Persepolis two minutes from the end). Our tickets were torn by the guy working the concessions stand.

"This place is a tomb."
"A fancy tomb."
"A mausoleum!"
"A fancy tomb."

Jeff Miller, a Beauty, Pottery Barn in Lake Elsinore

Jeffrey Miller, mayor of Corona, reported about $226,000 cash on hand.

Newest Contestant on Beauty and the Geek: Cara, a 21-year-old cocktail waitress and aspiring soap star from Leawood, KS who currently resides in Temecula, CA

Pottery Barn will open it's ONLY California outlet store at the Lake Elsinore Outlet Mall in Spring 2008; anticipate March for the Grand Opening. GUESS outlet store also coming Spring 08.

Man gets 29 years for role in $190 million investment scam

An 81-year-old man was sentenced to 29 years in prison on Friday for his role in a huge investment scam that cost seniors about $190 million.

John Heath was also ordered to pay $117 million in restitution by Riverside County Superior Court Judge Ronald Taylor.

Heath was convicted in January of 52 counts that included grand theft, selling false securities and theft from the elderly.

He was one of three people, including his son Daniel Heath, who were found guilty of running a Ponzi scheme that funneled money from new investors to pay off people who had already pumped in cash.
Prosecutors estimate 1,800 people in 25 states lost money.

About 100 letters from victims were sent to the court, with about a dozen being read to the judge, said Ingrid Wyatt, a spokeswoman for the Riverside County district attorney's office.
The notes talked about how the victims' lives had been affected after learning their investments with Daniel W. Heath & Associates had been lost.

Some of Heath's adult children spoke at the hearing, pleading for leniency for their father. Heath's attorney, Chad Firetag, asked the judge for probation, citing his client's age and failing health.
Firetag has said the elder Heath wasn't aware of the scam and had enough trust in his son that he plowed his own commissions back into the investments.

Prosecutors said the company ran a scam dating back to the early 1990s that promised clients their money would go into fixed investments with little or no risk. Instead, it went to money-losing real estate and small business projects controlled by the company that had offices across Southern California.

Investors have had some money returned, but a court-appointed receiver said they will get only about 22 cents on every dollar.

Company president Daniel W. Heath, 51, was convicted of nearly 400 counts and could face as many as 100 years in prison. A former business associate Denis O'Brien, 53, could face up to 30 years in prison. Both men will be sentenced in the coming weeks.

Another business associate, Larre Schlarmann, is serving a 15-year prison term after pleading guilty in 2005 to money laundering and fraud for his involvement in the scheme.

BJ’s Beer Dinner - Corona, California, February 26

BJ’s Brewery in Corona, California is having a “Beer Appreciation Dinner” next Tuesday, February 26th at 7:00. It is $30.00 per guest and they pair the food that BJ’s offers. The theme is Winter Warmers, and features beers from Allagash, Sierra Nevada, Bj’s Brewery, North Coast Brewing and more. There are a few BJ’s Breweries in the Denver area, and I spent some time with some of their crew at the Vail Big Beers and Barleywines festival (don’t worry, there’s still a post coming about that, I promise). They seem like great people, so get out and support craft beer and food pairings!

BJ’s Corona
2520 Tuscany Rd.
Corona, Ca. 92882
Restaurant (951) 271-3610

Both directions to be shut down overnight as Green River bridge is demolished.

Demolition of the Green River Road bridge in Corona will prompt a full closure of the 91 freeway this weekend.

Motorists are urged to use detours to avoid major delays. Both directions of the freeway will be closed from 11 p.m. Saturday to 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Drivers should use I-10 and 60 as east and west routes into and out of the Inland Empire; the 57 freeway to reach the 10 and the 60; and the 15, 71 or 215 to travel north and south within the Inland Empire counties.

The demolition is part of a $21 million effort to build a new bridge. The project includes adding two traffic lanes and the realignment of on-ramps and off-ramps.

In addition, the connector linking southbound I-215 with the westbound 60 will be shut down until 7 a.m. March 2.

Information: 1-866-383-4631 or http://www.caltrans8.info/.

Corona Art Association March 12th. Meeting, Richard Stergulz demo.

Corona Art Association March 12th. Meeting, Richard Stergulz demo:
http://www.stergulzart.com/

Future of Troubled Meatpacker in Doubt

The Inland Empire meatpacking plant that's at the center of the largest beef recall in US history remains shut down. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recalled 143 million pounds of meat processed at the Westland Hallmark Meat Company. It also suspended production there. A video showed workers at the company apparently forcing sick and injured cows to slaughter.

Steven Cuevas: A slaughterhouse is, by its very nature, not the most welcoming of places. Even less so if it's in the kind of trouble that Westland finds itself in. On this morning, the facility's cattle chutes are empty. A row of big rigs sit idle in the parking lot.

Cuevas: Good morning, I'm just a reporter.

Security guard: Yup... Wait, say that again?

Cuevas: A lone security guard, bundled in a thick black jacket, keeps sentry outside Westland's main gate. He won't give his name. It's a pretty lonely job. He's one of the few workers that didn't get laid off.

Security guard: Yeah, they laid 'em all off. They gave 'em their applications for unemployment and everything. They're all gone. Counting the cattle drivers and everything.

Cuevas: Westland was a major supplier of beef to the National School Lunch Program and a pair of major fast food outlets. The USDA suspended production at Westland three weeks ago after the Humane Society released an undercover video recorded inside the Chino plant. It shows workers using forklifts, hoses, and electric prods to force cows that appear unable to stand to slaughter. That practice is banned by state and federal law because of food safety concerns.

[Sound of Humane Society video]

Cuevas: Westland's president Steve Mendel has issued one statement since the video was aired. He said he was shocked and horrified by the images, and he said his company is cooperating with USDA investigators. Two Westland employees seen in the video were fired. Both now face criminal charges. About 200 other workers face unemployment. It's unclear when, or if, Westland will reopen.

John Husing: Those employees will be in trouble.

Cuevas: Economist John Husing says the job outlook is not good right now for workers who had low wage, minimal skill jobs.

Security guard: We are at the point in the Inland region where, for the first time in the 44 years that I've studied the area, that we are seeing negative job growth. The slowdown in housing means fewer people moving to the region and transferring their income, wealth, and spending into it. So if they're going to get jobs, it's not gonna be in the Inland Empire.

Cuevas: That guard at Westland who wouldn't give his name? He says fewer and fewer employees come by the front gate to ask when they might get their jobs back. He says the company looks like it's getting ready to shut down for good.

Security guard: Yeah, they're just getting all the paperwork done they gotta get done. And the security, we're here because of the property they have here until they sell it or do whatever they do with it, then we're outta here too.

Cuevas: Westland did not return phone calls seeking comment. A USDA representative would only say that the agency's investigation is ongoing.

ST. EDWARD SCHOOL CELEBRATES 60TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A SPECIAL BENEFIT AND PERFORMANCE OF LATE NITE CATECHISM

St. Edward School proudly announces its biggest annual fundraiser celebrating its 60th anniversary featuring a performance of the international hit comedy, Late Nite Catechism. The benefit event will take place on April 5, 2008 at Corona’s newly renovated Historic Civic Center located at 815 West Sixth Street in Corona. The evening will begin at 6:00 PM with a cocktail reception, music, raffles and silent auction followed by the live show at 7:30 PM. Proceeds for this event will benefit the students of St. Edward School as well as go toward school improvements. The planning committee for this event is actively seeking donations of cash and/or auction items. Tickets will be sold in advance and are $75.00 for premium seats and $60 for deluxe seats. Please direct questions about tickets and/or donations to St. Edward School (951) 737-2530.

Late Nite Catechism is a hilarious interactive comedy by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. Created as part catechism class, part improv, this hysterical show is perfect for any Catholic, non-practicing Catholic, ex-Catholic, Catholic under consideration, or even Catholic by association. It has been described as “uproarious interactive theatre” (The New York Times), “a marvelous portrayal of the Nun with Attitude” (Orange County Register), “Don Rickles in a habit” (Los Angeles Times), and “a laugh-filled evening cutting across all faiths…first-rate, a blend of John Wayne drill sergeant and Julie Andrews singing her way through the Alps.” (Hollywood Reporter)

Founded in 1947, St. Edward School is located in the inner circle of Corona at 500 South Merrill Street and draws families of various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds from Corona and surrounding areas. The school is dedicated to academic excellence, reinforcing a sense of social concern and encouraging a life balanced by social and physical activities.

Roscoe's Deli ~ Chino CA...Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

Click for more pictures!

The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos, Corona

Blood Drive:

The Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties invites all healthy residents to give the gift of life Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos located off Interstate 15 at Temescal Canyon Road and Cabot Drive in Corona, California. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.bbsbrc.org or call the Blood Bank at 1.800.879.4484.

Live Entertainment:

Join us at the Dos Lagos Amphitheater on Saturday, February 16 and 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM for a FREE performance by Groove Session Trio.

This awesome trio from Ontario, California won the Best Jazz Band category at the 2007 Inland Empire Music Award, and has served up a lot of funk at the Riverside Jazz Festival, Hip Kitty, The Troubadour, and several other hot spots.

Directions: Take I-15 and exit Weirick Road/Dos Lagos Drive and go East; turn left on Temescal Canyon Road; turn left on Lakeshore Drive. The amphitheater is located adjacent to TAPS Fish House & Brewery and Citrus City Grille.

California High-Speed Rail Proposal: Are you on-Board?

On November 4, 2008, the voters of California will decide on the “Safe, Reliable High Speed Passenger Train for the 21st Century Bond Act.” The act proposes that the state of California disburse $9.95 billion to the High-Speed Rail Authority for planning and construction of the initial segment of the rail system from Anaheim to San Francisco. For comparison, the High-Speed Rail Authority estimates the total cost of planning and construction of the complete 700 mile, 30 station system to be $33 billion. Under the referendum proposal, only planning and construction costs will be subsidized while operating and maintenance costs will be sustained from passenger fares. The act stipulates that the railway be in operation by 2020.

Largest Metropolitan Areas Ranking for Identity Theft Consumer Complaints January 1 – December 31, 2007

1 Napa, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 404 302.6
2 Madera, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 410 280.2
3 Greeley, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area 540 228.0
4 Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 876 225.9
5 McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,563 223.1
6 Vallejo-Fairfield, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 898 218.1
7 Hanford-Corcoran, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 314 214.8
8 Dunn, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 223 209.8
9 Flagstaff, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 261 208.9
10 Thomasville-Lexington, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 322 206.1
11 Yuba City, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 318 196.5
12 Laredo, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area 454 196.1
13 Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 360 186.5
14 Bakersfield, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,436 184.1
15 Yuma, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 336 179.1
16 Gainesville, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 307 177.2
17 Prescott, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 366 175.9
18 Monroe, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area 258 166.4
19 Albany-Lebanon, OR Micropolitan Statistical Area 183 164.1
20 Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ Micropolitan Statistical Area 209 163.6
21 Stockton, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,096 162.8
22 Merced, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 397 161.6
23 Salisbury, NC Micropolitan Statistical Area 218 160.0
24 Macon, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area 362 157.9
25 Las Cruces, NM Metropolitan Statistical Area 305 157.3
26 Punta Gorda, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 239 154.8
27 Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,231 153.9
28 Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 383 153.4
29 Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,165 152.6
30 Fresno, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 1,358 152.3
31 Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area 8,317 152.2
32 Montgomery, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area 547 151.2
33 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area 6,084 151.1

STATE ROUTE 91 CLOSES AT GREEN RIVER ROAD BRIDGE PROJECT

A FULL CLOSURE OF THE EAST AND WESTBOUND SR-91 (both directions at the same time) will occur on February 23rd at Green River Road to demolish the old bridge. The closure will occur at night to reduce the inconvenience to motorists. Every effort will be made to demolish the structure in one night. If needed, a second closure may occur on March 1st to continue demolition efforts. The chart below indicates dates and closure information.

Location: Eastbound and Westbound SR-91 at Green River Road

Date: Sat. Feb 23rd to Sun. Feb. 24th Sat. Mar. 1st to Sun., Mar. 2nd (only if needed)

Time: 11:30 PM to 11 AM

Closure: Full Closure – both directions.

Drivers are advised to use Interstate 10 (I-10) and State Route 60 (SR-60) as east/west routes into and out of the Inland Empire (Riverside and San Bernardino counties); SR-57 to reach I-10 and SR-60; and Interstate 15, State Route 71 or Interstate 215 to travel north or south within Inland Counties. Fixed message signs will be activated and changeable message signs will be posted advising drivers to take an alternate route.

Thank you for your patience as Caltrans works to improve your roads. Allow extra time for your commute and plan an alternate route. Caltrans asks that all advisory signs be obeyed and that you SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE.

Man in Black Birthday Party

Johnny Cash's children John Carter Cash and Cindy Cash will join the late singer's associates, friends and fans at a birthday celebration to be held at the Fender Center in Corona, CA on Feb. 22-24.

The event is being held at the Fender Center which is the home of the museum exhibit Cash An American Icon which features the singer's stage worn costumes, instruments, handwritten song lyrics, awards and memorabilia from his career including his handwritten lyrics to the last song Cash ever wrote.

The celebration will feature seminars, Q & A sessions with John Carter and Cindy Cash, Cash's longtime manager Lou Robin and presentations on the Johnny Cash ABC TV series.

Margie Perkins, the widow of the late Luther Perkins, the man credited with creating Cash's unique guitar backing, will unveil one of Perkins' guitars for display at the museum.

A complete collection of gold and platinum awards representing the sales Cash achieved during his career will be unveiled during the celebration.

Cash has sold over 90,000,000 records.

Fans will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with celebrities and special guests and even bring their own guitars to sing and play for one another during a guitar pull.

Event organizer, Bill Miller, a longtime friend of Cash's and operator of Johnny Cash Radio and JohnnyCash.Com, the Official Johnny Cash Site said, "This is an unprecedented opportunity for Johnny's fans to get together and hang out with Johnny's family, friends and intimates. It's a time to celebrate one of the largest musical icons in the world at an event the entire family can enjoy."

The event will culminate with a musical performance by the Johnny Cash Tribute band Cashd Out of San Diego.

Cash was born February 26, 1932 and passed away on September 12, 2003.

Local Youth Take the Stage On Green Issues

Skits sponsored by The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos , GIVE and City of Corona

What:
Christian Arts & Theater of Corona (CAT) will perform a series of environmentally themed skits from January through April at Dos Lagos. Free and open to the public, the 40-minute skits are part of a bi-monthly program to educate the community on important environmental topics. Featured performances include “Stompin’ Out the Trash,” “Splish Splash” and “Wonderful World.”

The first performance, Stompin’ Out the Trash, begins on Jan. 26, 2008 . It is a musical comedy performed by area children and teens. The theatrical performance will educate people on the important principles of “reduce, reuse and recycle” to help our planet.

Who:
Green Institute for Village Empowerment, the City of Corona and The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos are partnering to sponsor a series of environmentally-themed performances put on by the children and teens from the Christian Arts & Theater of Corona (CAT). The youth infuse creativity through musical comedy to educate and enrich the lives of the community about environmental issues that affect everyday lives.

When:
40 minute performances will be held at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
February 23 Splish Splash
March 8 Stompin’ Out the Trash
March 22 Splish Splash
April 12 Wonderful World

Where:
Dos Lagos Outdoor Amphitheatre
2780 Cabot Drive, Corona
Free admission. Open to the public.
For more information call (951) 277-7601

Gandhi's Grandson to Lecture on Nonviolence

Rajmohan Gandhi, a grandson of Mohandas Gandhi, will give a public lecture at UC Riverside on Friday, Feb. 22, at 5:30 p.m. in University Lecture Hall 1000. His topic will be "Gandhi's Legacy Today." After the lecture he will sign copies of his new book (which is available for sale in the campus bookstore) from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. At 10 a.m. Feb. 23, he will lead a two-hour workshop for faculty and students in Humanities 2212 titled, "Are There Visible or Hidden Gandhis Today?"

Burfict is Perfect! Five Star Academy: Vontaze Burfict

Watch Vontaze Burfict of Corona, CA Centennial High School in action, as he prepares to attend USC!

BlackRock Pays Nearly $77M for CA Apt. Complex

Invesco Sells 440-Unit Property in Chino Hills

BlackRock Realty Advisors Inc. sold an apartment complex at 4200 Village Drive in Chino Hills, CA, to Invesco Real Estate for $76.72 million, or approximately $174,364 per unit, with a seller's cap rate of 4.5%

The Woodview Apartments is a 32-building, 440-unit complex totaling 300,904 square feet. Built in 1989, the Woodview Apartments includes units ranging from 501 to 1,375 square feet and 443 parking spaces.

Valentine's Day Chocolate and Port tasting at Packing House Wine Merchants

Date: Feb 14, 2008 (Thu)
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $15
Place: Packing House Wine Merchants 540 W. First Street Claremont, CA 91711 View Map

Phone: 909-445-9463
Email: Email Event Organizer

BlackWood American Grill opens in Corona

Restaurant raises the caliber of fine dining in the Inland Empire

BlackWood American Grill, an upscale approach to contemporary American cuisine, opened in Corona . Located at 980 Montecito Drive in the Corona Pointe Center , BlackWood American Grill joins the city’s rich landscape of premium dining experiences and raises the bar for eating well in the Inland Empire . This is the restaurant’s first location.

Rich in its décor, BlackWood American Grill offers a sophisticated, yet sultry atmosphere of dark woods, merlot-colored and polished-steel accents, soft lighting and smooth jazz music. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant provides the intimacy and comfort for entertaining business professionals or friends.

Based on the concept of serving high-quality steaks and wines at exceptional prices, BlackWood American Grill offers a dynamic menu of signature USDA prime steak, organic rotisserie chicken and market-fresh seafood dishes that will exceed the guest’s expectations. Each dish is accompanied by a unique side dish to offer the perfect balance and the presentation is artistically designed to enhance what is already a high quality experience.

The restaurant offers a hand-selected wine list of American favorites, international imports and local blue ribbon winners for the wine connoisseur. The wine is stored in one of the largest temperature-controlled wine cases in the Inland Empire , which is displayed at the center of the facility and has a capacity of 1,600 bottles. A full bar and a great selection of signature martinis and cocktails is also offered.

BlackWood America Grill further boosts the standard for dining options in Corona as it joins Corona ’s line-up of elegant restaurants, which includes TAPS Fish House & Brewery, Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill and Napa 29. First of its kind in the area, BlackWood America Grill showcases refined and contemporary entertainment that Corona residents have long-demanded.

BlackWood American Grill serves dinner seven nights a week from 5 to 10:30 p.m. and is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2p.m. The restaurant will soon feature live jazz music during weekends. For more information about BlackWood American Grill visit www.BlackWoodAmericanGrill.com or call 951.549.7998.

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 metropolis, offering a vibrant and thriving economy for businesses and residents.

Gathering 03/09/08 at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona, CA

Gathering 03/09/08 at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona, CA

The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos would like to invite us to spend a few hours each month to show our cars and enjoy the Shops. They have set aside room for around 50 Cars and will give us more room as we grow. They will have a closed section for parking right on Main Street for Cool and Classic Cars. In time this could be the next “Cars and Coffee/ Million Dollar Breakfast Cruise” type Gathering in the Inland Empire. This is not a show just a group spending some time together. Come and go as you please.(Starbucks is open at 7:00am)

To get this started I am organizing a gathering on:Date: Sunday March 9th Admission is FREETime: 9:00 am till 12:00pm (The Shops are open at 11:00am.) Location: The Promenade Shops at Dos LagosCorona, CA 92883

Directions to The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos I-91, I-10 or I-60South I-15 Exit Dos Lagos Dr./Weirick Road and go east Make a left on Temescal Canyon Road The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos can also be accessed from Temescal Canyon Road, and Cajalco Rd. off I-15.

http://www.promenadeshopsatdoslagos.com/

Take a look at the link below. We will be parking in front of Starbucks.

http://www.promenadeshopsatdoslagos....ap_3-24-06.pdf

DEFROCKED CA JUDGE SEEKS ELECTION BACK INTO SAME BENCH

You have to admire the guy for his persistence.

Defrocked Riverside, California judge Robert G. Spitzer, removed from his Riverside County judicial bench last October by a state commission that cited him for willful misconduct and dishonesty, filed a declaration with the county registrar Tuesday to run for that same office.

Personally, we have not seen an act of such self delusional futility since suspended Las Vegas Judge Elizabeth Halverson filed for reelection earlier this year in the face of multiple formal charges of misconduct by Nevada’s judicial watchdog commission.

To those of you who wonder aloud “can he do that?”, the (former) judge thinks so.

While Spitzer's removal from the bench by the California Commission on Judicial Performance prevents him from acting as a judge and automatically suspends him from practicing law in California, his case is not final, and will not be so until the California Supreme Court makes it official by denying Spitzer's appeal.

And it gets better: If there is no Supreme Court decision by the March deadlines for candidates to withdraw statements, Spitzer might be able to list himself as a superior court judge on the June ballot!

While “Judge” Spitzer’s determination to return to the bench seems to match that of his Las Vegas counterpart Judge Halverson, at least the 500 pound Sin City judge can be counted on for continuous comedic relief. Which makes her way better than Spitzer in our view.

Stay tuned!

San Manuel Brings Guinness World Records(TM) to the Inland Empire

Two of the biggest names in their respective industries are collaborating this month to bring the Guinness World Records(TM) to the Inland Empire. San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, and the California Speedway, home of NASCAR racing, will be bringing the game of bingo to over 100,000 screaming motor sports enthusiasts on February 24, when San Manuel attempts to reclaim their world title for the "Largest Bingo House".

San Manuel first gained the title of "Largest Bingo House" in July 2006, when they broke the Guinness World Record(TM) with more than 53,000 bingo participants at Dodger Stadium. The following year, a group in Columbia beat San Manuel's record, but now San Manuel is determined to win it back with nearly double the number of people participating in the event -- bringing world recognition to the Inland Empire.

"At San Manuel, we are always thinking outside the box. We knew combining one of the largest Bingo houses in the country with motor sports biggest racing organization would mean big things," said Steve Lengel, executive director of operations for San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. "We are all fired up about our upcoming record breaking and we are ready to put the pedal to the metal!"

More than 100,000 people are expected to be in attendance at the highly anticipated Auto Club 500 at the California Speedway to take part in the Bingo 500, Race to the Record attempt. San Manuel will turn the Speedway into a temporary open-air bingo hall, where everyone in attendance will receive a bingo card to play. The bingo game will be called between races and cash prizes will be awarded to winning participants. All winning cards will be entered into a random drawing, where three lucky winners will receive cash prizes for $10,000, $6,000 and $4,000. A representative from Guinness World Records(TM) will be on hand to officially recognize San Manuel's new world record.

San Manuel has long been considered a leader in the bingo world; known for their high payouts and expansive, modern bingo hall. The popularity of Guinness World Records(TM) is hot right now, as evident by their recently televised show, Guinness World Records Live: Top 100, on network TV. San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino is proud to bring the Inland Empire into the spotlight in this record-breaking phenomenon with their upcoming record attempt.

Press credentials for the event are available on a limited basis. Members of the press wishing to attend the Guinness World Records(TM) attempt should RSVP to Gwen Kleist at (909) 382-2222 x222 by Wednesday, February 20.

About San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino

San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino is Southern California's one-stop destination for entertainment and fun. The casino is just 70 minutes from downtown Los Angeles and a short drive from the LA-Ontario International Airport. Guests enjoy 2,000 of the latest slots, live poker and Vegas-style blackjack, high-limit gaming, high-stakes bingo, incredible entertainment, sumptuous dining and a generous player's reward program. Owned and operated by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the casino has been providing fun and excitement since 1986. Since that time, players have received over $2 billion in cash, prizes and giveaways, making any visit to San Manuel an exciting and memorable experience. For more information on San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, please visit their Web site at http://www.sanmanuel.com/ or call 800-359-2464.

Parts of Highway 91 to close Friday, Saturday in Corona

Pesky on the best of days, Highway 91 promises to be downright unbearable this weekend thanks to a series of closures.

Caltrans has scheduled 11-hour freeway closures in Corona overnight Friday and Saturday. The closures are part of the Green River Road bridge replacement project. They were slated to happen in January, but rain interfered.

Friday's closure of the westbound lanes at Green River Road is expected to begin at 10 p.m. and will last until 9 a.m. Saturday. The eastbound side won't be much better as the highway will be reduced to two lanes from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday. In the evening, all eastbound lanes will be closed at 11 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday.

That portion of Highway 91 snakes through Santa Ana River Canyon and there are no viable side streets around the construction, Caltrans spokesman Darin Cooke warned.

Motorists driving eastbound from Orange and Los Angeles counties on Highway 91 Saturday night can expect major delays, only to be turned around at Gypsum Canyon Road.

Drivers heading westbound on Highway 91 Friday will be diverted to Highway 71, backing it up for several hours as well. Caltrans is pleading with drivers to use alternate routes, including Interstate 10 and Highway 60 for drivers going to and from the Inland Empire and Los Angeles and Orange counties.

The closure is part of the $21 million Green River Road Bridge project by Caltrans, Corona, the Riverside County Transportation Commission and the Federal Highway Commission. The Green River Road freeway overpass is the last old bridge that needs to be rebuilt to pave the way for improvements to Highway 91.

Caltrans officials plan to close Highway 91 entirely one weekend in the upcoming months to demolish the old Green River Bridge.

Fleetwood Acquires New HQ for $22M in Corona, CA.

Fleetwood Aluminum Products Inc., one of the country's largest manufacturers of aluminum windows, has acquired a 207,000-sf industrial building here for $21.5 million to serve as its new headquarters. The building consolidates Fleetwood operations from four buildings elsewhere in Corona into one central location at 395 Smitty Way, according to Walter Frome, a Voit Commercial Brokerage senior vice president who represented the buyer.

Fleetwood will use the building, which was built in 1997, for manufacturing in addition to its use as the company's corporate headquarters. Frome and Bill Livesay of Voit Commercial's Irvine office represented Fleetwood. The seller, Cusumano Smitty Way LLC, was represented by Team Earnhardt members Paul Earnhart, Doug Earnhart and Erik Hernandez of Lee & Associates' Ontario office, together with Larry Null in Lee's Riverside office.

According to Null, the buyer was looking for a 200,000-sf facility in Corona that was suitable for manufacturing. “It is rare to find buildings this size located in Corona, which is considered one of the strongest industrial markets in Southern California,” Null says.

Since the previous owner/tenant was a manufacturing company called Smittybilt, “This particular building was a perfect match for Fleetwood since it needed ground-level loading for forklifts, high electrical service, 10,000-sf of office space and an outside storage area,” Null explains.

RA Sushi restaurant coming to Chino Hills, CA.

The Company signed a definitive lease agreement for a new RA Sushi restaurant in Chino Hills, CA. The restaurant will be located in the Shoppes at Chino Hills, a mixed-use 360,000-square-foot lifestyle retail center encompassing upscale specialty retail, restaurants and eateries, as well as a luxury multifamily community.

The IE is rated Category-5

There’s a hurricane heading for the IE and Countrywide Financial has rated it a Cat-5! Countrywide has rated it’s market areas from Cat-1 to Cat-5 and the full report is posted here. Of course, Riverside/San Berdu is rated a Category 5. What does this mean? It means they expect the market in this area to be the most “challenging” as far as housing goes. Their lending standards ( I know, what standards…) are different for each area. The worse the rating the more difficult financing will be to acquire. Being a Cat-5 area they are requiring a lower loan to value percentage. 90% is the max they will go, so you either need 10% down or a high appraisal. I’ve also read in some realtor blogs that they also bumping up the paperwork, income and FICO requirements on these Cat-5 loans. Bottom line, it just got even harder to get a loan.

http://blownmortgage.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/softmarkets.pdf

Soft Market Category 4-5 loans

Maximum financing will be reduced by 5% Example: Maximum financing per Countrywide's Loan Program Guide allows for 95% LTV. Loans in Category 4-5 will be limited to a new max LTV of 90%.

Soft Market Category 1-3 loans

Maximum financing will be reduced by 5%, only if the appraisal or appraisal review indicates any of the following:* Declining Market* Oversupply* Marketing time over 6 months

It’s Give-Me, Give-Me Time As Agencies Vie For Funding

It should come as no surprise that the amount of Prop. 1B bond money being requested for California goods movement infrastructure projects - $4.1 billion - is more than twice the $2 billion available for those projects. The region seeking the largest amount is the Los Angeles-Inland Empire corridor - which alone is asking for more than $2.2 billion. The region is seeking the funding to help pay for 54 projects whose costs exceed $6.6 billion.

The California Transportation Commission will conduct more hearings later this month before preparing its final plan for how to allocate the money for trade corridor improvement projects. The CTC expects to finalize the list of projects at its April 9-10 meeting in Sacramento. When the list is complete, it will go to the state Legislature and governor.

The hearings come on the heels of last month's deadline for regions to submit their wish lists of projects they want to see funded. That list, known as the Trade Corridors Improvement Fund Project Nominations, is posted on the CTC's web site.

The $2 billion earmarked for goods movement is part of the $19.925 billion Proposition 1B transportation bond package approved by voters in 2006. Since then, local and regional agencies have been getting ready to fight for their share - a battle that has mainly pitted north against south. That process has resulted in the CTC pushing for an additional $1 billion for the program - which seems unlikely at a time when the state is facing a $14.5 billion deficit.