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Guitar Industry Executive Starts New Company in Temecula, CA
Guitar Industry Executive Starts New CompanyTemecula, CA: Guitar industry executive, Josh Vittek has hung his shingle out to create an independent marketing firm specializing in the MI industry. His decision to form this company came after years of inquiries and comments during trade shows and today’s current economical situation created the ultimate environment to make this happen. The goal of the company is to provide manufactures and retailers an independent, dedicated staff to helping them fulfill their marketing needs in a cost effective and efficient manner. The firm is situated to work with either the smallest of luthiers and amp builders or the largest of industry conglomerates.
Josh Vittek has now worked in the MI industry for 18 years. In 2006, industry magazine, Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) voted him one of the most influential leaders in the business under the age of 40. In 2008, National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) President and CEO, Joe Lamond selected him as a member of the Presidents Council. His experiences have taken him from the line production of amplifiers to general management and executive positions. In addition to his work in the industry, he has continually worked as a performing guitarist and teacher during those years.
“There is not a more important time than now to be marketing and promoting your company in the media. Our current clients are companies who continue to promote and believe in their products. They know that without a doubt, their product or services are better than the competition. They are confident in their work and their goals. They are the very same companies who will survive these tighter times and prevail in the end. Those are the companies we want to work with and those are the companies we want to help take to the next level,” says Josh Vittek.
Services offered vary but include press releases and media relations, artist relations, website design and management, advertising, marketing and sales, catalog design and brochures. “Whatever you need, we’ll make it happen,” Vittek added. “It’s just that simple.”
Industrial Condo in Riverside, CA Sells for $1M
Group Buys 7,000 SF at 7510 JurupaBridgeview Global LLC purchased an office condo in Empire Business Center in Riverside, CA, from Collins Commercial Corp. for $1 million, or approximately $143 per square foot. Huei Lan Chang and Yun Chien Liu manage Bridgeview Global.
Built this year, the entire building measures 14,868 square feet and unit no. 102 totals 7,002 square feet. The unit features a clear height of 18 feet with 400 amps of power. The Empire Business Center is at 7510 Jurupa Ave. on 4.17 acres on the corner of Jurupa Avenue and Van Buren Boulevard.
Economy experts say Inland Empire's economy could suffer until 2011
More job losses, mounting foreclosures and dwindling sales tax revenues keep smashing into the Inland Empire's economy.
How long will it last?
Think 2011 -- coupled with a slow, painstaking recovery that might gain full speed by 2013.
That's what was discussed during the 2008 Inland Empire Economic Forecast Conference held at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday.
Six months ago,several experts across Southern California forecasted grim scenarios into the end of 2009, but the financial monster gripping Wall Street is pushing those projections much further into the future.
The bursting real-estate bubble will continue feeding thousands of foreclosures into the Inland Empire's housing market for another two or three years, according to Christopher Thornberg, founder of San Rafael-based Beacon Economics.
"The wealth is disappearing," he said about inflated home prices. "That money was never there in the first place."
Never mind those plunging prices homeowners have suffered since 2006 -- Thornberg is predicting residential real-estate owners nationwide will collectively lose another $15 trillion over next year.
That's good for home shoppers sitting on the sidelines, says Johannes Moenius, business and economics professor at the University of Redlands.
"But the problem is, (those homes) are going to be in destabilized neighborhoods," he said.
Financially secure bargain hunters are picking up cheap deals on one side of the street, while cash-strapped mortgage borrowers on the other side barely hang on to their homes.
The biggest Inland Empire price drops are happening in lower-income neighborhoods and high-unemployment areas -- regions where home prices jumped four times their 1998 values, Moenius said.
He's forecasting home prices will drop through the end of 2008, then somewhat stabilize in 2009, then drop again in 2010.
Thornberg said the nation's largest banks will continue to feel the impact from their massive real-estate losses.
Experts say it's a key factor in why lenders are hoarding the liquidity injected into them from the Treasury Department's $700 billion bailout package. Thornberg says they have $65 billion in "excess reserves" right now.
Even if banks immediately put that money into play, the economy is starting its descent into a deep recession, Thornberg said.
"It's not a depression, but a rough ride," he said.
That means dire consequences for California's budget and tax revenue for local cities, according to Thornberg's sidekick, Brad Kemp, the director of regional research at Beacon.
At their peaks in 2006 and 2007, property tax revenue jumped 23 percent in Riverside County and 20 percent in San Bernardino County, according to the forecast report.
Nowadays, property tax revenue is expected to grow 5 percent in San Bernardino County and a mere 1.5 percent in Riverside County for the 2008-09 fiscal budget.
Taxable sales are falling, too, the report says. Don't expect them to bottom out until early 2010.
Kemp says he expects more stimulus initiatives by the Federal Reserve or Treasury Department that will ultimately trickle down to the Inland Empire's battered real-estate market.
As the federal government keeps propping up a financial system beleaguered by losses, it's trying to spread out the economic pain over a longer period of time so the entire economy doesn't get hit all at once, Kemp said.
"It's a matter of the fallout being long and shallow versus short and sharp," Kemp said.
It's also a matter of confidence. The federal government is waging a psychological war on consumer pessimism about the economy, which usually means less spending on goods and services.
Given that fact, coupled with the Inland Empire's gloomy economic forecast, the area's fundamentals for economic growth haven't totally disappeared.
"The fundamentals that helped (this area) grow 27 percent over seven years are still here," Kemp said. "This is the region of expansion for California."
University of Redlands President Stuart Dorsey, who is a former chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, said the government's intervention in the financial markets have a "limited ability" to prop up the system.
Recently, government and business leaders from San Bernardino and Riverside counties decided to keep pursuing a proposal that would open the door for Los Angeles-area investors and Inland Empire cities to buy thousands of troubled mortgages behind the region's economic problems.
They're proposing a public-private partnership between cities and investors, which would buy these distressed mortgages from the Treasury Department and shut out investors from outside the Los Angeles region.
Dorsey said he thinks the plan will help "certain areas" across the Inland Empire.
But no matter what, local housing prices will continue to fall, "and they should," he said.
"What's going to happen in the next few years is important," Dorsey said about the two-county region. "How we come out of this -- how we're steered and in what direction -- will determine how we go into the next couple of decades."
How long will it last?
Think 2011 -- coupled with a slow, painstaking recovery that might gain full speed by 2013.
That's what was discussed during the 2008 Inland Empire Economic Forecast Conference held at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday.
Six months ago,several experts across Southern California forecasted grim scenarios into the end of 2009, but the financial monster gripping Wall Street is pushing those projections much further into the future.
The bursting real-estate bubble will continue feeding thousands of foreclosures into the Inland Empire's housing market for another two or three years, according to Christopher Thornberg, founder of San Rafael-based Beacon Economics.
"The wealth is disappearing," he said about inflated home prices. "That money was never there in the first place."
Never mind those plunging prices homeowners have suffered since 2006 -- Thornberg is predicting residential real-estate owners nationwide will collectively lose another $15 trillion over next year.
That's good for home shoppers sitting on the sidelines, says Johannes Moenius, business and economics professor at the University of Redlands.
"But the problem is, (those homes) are going to be in destabilized neighborhoods," he said.
Financially secure bargain hunters are picking up cheap deals on one side of the street, while cash-strapped mortgage borrowers on the other side barely hang on to their homes.
The biggest Inland Empire price drops are happening in lower-income neighborhoods and high-unemployment areas -- regions where home prices jumped four times their 1998 values, Moenius said.
He's forecasting home prices will drop through the end of 2008, then somewhat stabilize in 2009, then drop again in 2010.
Thornberg said the nation's largest banks will continue to feel the impact from their massive real-estate losses.
Experts say it's a key factor in why lenders are hoarding the liquidity injected into them from the Treasury Department's $700 billion bailout package. Thornberg says they have $65 billion in "excess reserves" right now.
Even if banks immediately put that money into play, the economy is starting its descent into a deep recession, Thornberg said.
"It's not a depression, but a rough ride," he said.
That means dire consequences for California's budget and tax revenue for local cities, according to Thornberg's sidekick, Brad Kemp, the director of regional research at Beacon.
At their peaks in 2006 and 2007, property tax revenue jumped 23 percent in Riverside County and 20 percent in San Bernardino County, according to the forecast report.
Nowadays, property tax revenue is expected to grow 5 percent in San Bernardino County and a mere 1.5 percent in Riverside County for the 2008-09 fiscal budget.
Taxable sales are falling, too, the report says. Don't expect them to bottom out until early 2010.
Kemp says he expects more stimulus initiatives by the Federal Reserve or Treasury Department that will ultimately trickle down to the Inland Empire's battered real-estate market.
As the federal government keeps propping up a financial system beleaguered by losses, it's trying to spread out the economic pain over a longer period of time so the entire economy doesn't get hit all at once, Kemp said.
"It's a matter of the fallout being long and shallow versus short and sharp," Kemp said.
It's also a matter of confidence. The federal government is waging a psychological war on consumer pessimism about the economy, which usually means less spending on goods and services.
Given that fact, coupled with the Inland Empire's gloomy economic forecast, the area's fundamentals for economic growth haven't totally disappeared.
"The fundamentals that helped (this area) grow 27 percent over seven years are still here," Kemp said. "This is the region of expansion for California."
University of Redlands President Stuart Dorsey, who is a former chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, said the government's intervention in the financial markets have a "limited ability" to prop up the system.
Recently, government and business leaders from San Bernardino and Riverside counties decided to keep pursuing a proposal that would open the door for Los Angeles-area investors and Inland Empire cities to buy thousands of troubled mortgages behind the region's economic problems.
They're proposing a public-private partnership between cities and investors, which would buy these distressed mortgages from the Treasury Department and shut out investors from outside the Los Angeles region.
Dorsey said he thinks the plan will help "certain areas" across the Inland Empire.
But no matter what, local housing prices will continue to fall, "and they should," he said.
"What's going to happen in the next few years is important," Dorsey said about the two-county region. "How we come out of this -- how we're steered and in what direction -- will determine how we go into the next couple of decades."
The Propositions: Simply Stated, Pros and Cons...You decide!
Proposition 1A: High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote would mean that California could sell $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds to partially fund a high-speed passenger train system.
A NO vote would mean that California could not sell the bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
High-speed rail will be a convenient and affordable alternative to high gas costs, highway congestion, and expensive and declining airline service.
Prop. 1A will create nearly 160,000 construction-related jobs and 450,000 permanent jobs in tourism and related sectors.
High-speed rail will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and improve the environment by cutting greenhouse gases and using less energy.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 1A is a boondoggle that will cost taxpayers billions while adding to our bond debt at a time of budget crisis and cuts in services.
Californians’ most important traffic problems involve getting to work, not traveling between major cities.
There is no accountability as to how the bond proceeds will be spent, and no assurance that other funds will be available.
Proposition 2: Standards for Confining Farm Animals.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that farm enclosures for certain hens, calves and pigs must provide enough room for the animal to lie down, stand up, and move about.
A NO vote means that current laws relating to these animals will remain unchanged.
SUPPORTERS SAY
It will improve food safety by outlawing overcrowded conditions that foster the spread of diseases among farm animals.
This is a moderate, reasonable reform measure that gives the industry ample time to phase it in.
OPPONENTS SAY
This measure would drive many egg producers out of California, resulting in lost jobs and tax revenue.
Prop. 2 endangers public health by effectively forcing hens outdoors, where they may contact wild and migratory birds carrying diseases.
Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means the state could sell $980 million in bonds for capital improvements for children’s hospitals.
A NO vote means the state could not sell the bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Children’s hospitals provide essential treatment and need these funds to meet increasing demand for their services.
Children’s hospitals could buy the latest medical technology and equipment and provide more beds to care for sick children.
OPPONENTS SAY
In tough economic times, we can’t afford new spending and bond debt that will necessitate higher taxes or reduced spending on other programs.
Prop. 3 is unnecessary because unspent Prop. 61 funds are still available.
Proposition 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification before Termination of a Minor’s Pregnancy.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote would mean that California could sell $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds to partially fund a high-speed passenger train system.
A NO vote would mean that California could not sell the bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
High-speed rail will be a convenient and affordable alternative to high gas costs, highway congestion, and expensive and declining airline service.
Prop. 1A will create nearly 160,000 construction-related jobs and 450,000 permanent jobs in tourism and related sectors.
High-speed rail will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and improve the environment by cutting greenhouse gases and using less energy.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 1A is a boondoggle that will cost taxpayers billions while adding to our bond debt at a time of budget crisis and cuts in services.
Californians’ most important traffic problems involve getting to work, not traveling between major cities.
There is no accountability as to how the bond proceeds will be spent, and no assurance that other funds will be available.
Proposition 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means drug treatment diversion programs will be revised and expanded, and sentencing and parole changes would shorten some sentences and parole periods and increase others, reduce penalties for marijuana possession, and expand treatment and rehabilitation for inmates and parolees.
A NO vote means drug treatment diversion programs would remain the same, and current laws relating to parole, prison custody credits, marijuana possession penalties, and rehabilitation and treatment for inmates and parolees would not change.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Treatment and rehabilitation for minor drug offenses will reduce recidivism and pay for themselves by reducing incarceration and prison construction costs.
Treating violent and nonviolent offenders differently makes sense. Judges can send nonviolent offenders to treatment while maintaining accountability, building on the successful approach of Prop. 36.
Effective rehabilitation programs will better prepare the 85 to 90 percent of inmates who are returned to society to become law-abiding, productive citizens.
OPPONENTS SAY
Dumping 45,000 criminals out of prisons and into our communities will not “save” money on the prison system, but will increase crime.
It weakens drug treatment programs by reducing court authority to incarcerate offenders who violate probation, parole, or drug treatment program rules.
This measure isn’t about keeping minor first-time drug offenders out of prison, because in reality such offenders never go to prison. Meanwhile, it puts dangerous criminals back on the streets sooner.
Proposition 6: Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that changes to the criminal justice system proposed by this measure would go into effect, including increased spending on law enforcement and criminal justice programs, addition of new crimes and penalties, and changes to juvenile law.
A NO vote means that the changes proposed in this measure would not go into effect and the current law and procedures would remain the same.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 6 will prioritize 1 percent of the state’s budget for local law enforcement without raising taxes, keeping our children safe while fully funding education.
It will give local government the resources it needs to win the war on gangs and crime by increasing penalties, creating new felonies and misdemeanors, and giving law enforcement new legal powers.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 6 will spend $1 billion in one year on expanded programs without providing any new funding, taking money from education, health care, and proven public safety efforts.
Crime and gang problems need a coordinated balanced approach that includes community service workers, mental health, and drug and alcohol services along with tough enforcement of the law.
Proposition 7: Renewable Energy Generation.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means the state would require utility companies to increase the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources of energy to 20 percent by 2010 and 50 percent by 2025, and make other changes intended in increase renewable energy use.
A NO vote means the state’s requirements for renewable energy generation would remain the same.
SUPPORTERS SAY
This is a balanced solution, written and reviewed by energy and environmental experts, to cut the rising cost of energy and reduce global warming.
Prop. 7 will make California a world leader in clean power, creating over 370,000 new high-wage jobs and growing a strong market for solar and renewable energy businesses, as well as protecting the environment.
The measure will protect consumers by limiting rate increases to 3 percent and prohibiting utilities that fail to meet renewable energy standards from passing penalties on to consumers.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 7 would hurt progress in increasing use of renewable power by shutting out the small providers that currently represent nearly 60 percent of California’s renewable energy contracts.
It will increase costs to consumers by allowing power companies to charge 10 percent above the market price, while providing no mechanism for limiting cost increases to the 3 percent per year it specifies.
The measure adds no new renewable energy sources. Simply raising required percentages of renewable energy each year will not create new sources for that energy.
Proposition 8: Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that the California Constitution will specify that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California, eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry.
A NO vote means that same-sex marriages will continue to be valid and recognized in California.
SUPPORTERS SAY
This measure will restore the sanctity of traditional marriage, which can only be between a man and a woman, as affirmed by the sixty-one percent of California voters who supported Proposition 22.
While affirming traditional marriage, Prop. 8 does not eliminate any of the rights, privileges or benefits given to same-sex registered domestic partners.
Same-sex marriage should only be legalized through a vote of the people, and not by the flawed reasoning of four activist judges in San Francisco.
OPPONENTS SAY
Allowing same-sex couples to marry does not diminish the sanctity of traditional marriage, but extends the rights and responsibilities of marriage to more people.
Domestic partnerships are not afforded the same dignity and respect as marriage, and partners don’t have the same rights as spouses in many situations, including medical emergencies and when life-and-death decisions are made.
The California Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law to everyone, and should not be amended to single out one group for different treatment.
Proposition 9: Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Parole.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that the legal rights of crime victims, including the right to restitution, will be expanded, early release of inmates will be restricted, and changes will be made in the procedures for granting and revoking parole.
A NO vote means that the rights of crime victims will remain as they are now in the state Constitution and in state law, and parole.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 9 guarantees crime victims’ rights to justice and due process, putting those rights in the state Constitution.
It protects crime victims by requiring that the safety of victims and their families be considered in bail decisions and by mandating that victims be notified when offenders are released.
Prop. 9 ensures that criminals will serve their full sentences and pay restitution to their victims, and it eliminates unnecessary parole hearings for dangerous criminals who have virtually no chance of release.
OPPONENTS SAY
The state Constitution is not the appropriate place for a detailed listing of victims’ rights; they belong in state statutes.
Prop. 9 is misleading and duplicative. Many of its provisions are already the law, such as the victim’s right to be heard throughout the legal process.
California is already strict on parole—for the past 20 years, the annual parole rate for inmates convicted of second degree murder or manslaughter has been less than 1 percent of those eligible.
Proposition 10: Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means the state could issue $5 billion in bonds to provide incentives to purchase high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicles and to fund research on clean fuel alternatives.
A NO vote means the state could not issue $5 billion in bonds to provide incentives for purchase of high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicle and to fund research on clean fuel alternatives.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 10 will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, develop new clean energy industries in California, and create thousands of well-paying jobs.
This measure will give consumers alternatives to high priced gasoline by giving them the choice to buy vehicles that run on cleaner fuels or on electricity from renewable sources.
It will create cleaner air and a healthier future by replacing more than 28,000 diesel trucks with alternative fuel trucks and reducing greenhouse gases.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 10 will cost taxpayers nearly $10 billion that could be used for needed programs and services, while duplicating existing clean fuel and alternative energy programs.
The measure will primarily subsidize trucks and large vehicles using natural gas, benefiting natural gas producers and driving up prices.
It does not require air quality improvements or reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and only a small portion of the funds could be used to replace diesel vehicles, the only health benefit proponents claim.
Proposition 11: Redistricting.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that redistricting responsibility for state legislative and Board of Equalization seats would be transferred from the Legislature to a Citizens Redistricting Commission.
A NO vote means that the redistricting process will not be changed, and responsibility for redistricting will remain with the Legislature.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 11 will eliminate the current conflict of interest legislators have in drawing their own districts. Instead of politicians selecting their voters, voters will be empowered to select their elected officials and hold them accountable.
Redistricting reform will help reduce or eliminate the partisan gridlock that is keeping the Legislature from effectively dealing with the state budget, health care, the environment and other crucial issues.
The citizens’ redistricting commission ensures an open, balanced, inclusive process that will result in fair districts that protect our neighborhoods and communities.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 11 will leave power in the hands of politicians and bureaucrats, not the voters. Bureaucrats will select the redistricting commission and seats will be set aside for partisan members of the two biggest political parties.
This measure creates a powerful, unelected redistricting commission but does not ensure that its 14 members will reflect the gender, racial, or geographic diversity of the state’s 36 million people.
Prop. 11 gives redistricting power to a commission that is not answerable to the voters, with no audits or financial accountability to protect the taxpayers.
Proposition 12: Veterans’ Bond Act of 2008.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that state could sell $900 million in general obligation bonds to replenish funding for Cal-Vet home and farm mortgages for veterans.
A NO vote means that state could not sell these bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
The Cal-Vet loan program has helped hundreds of thousands of veterans invest in homes and farms in California at no expense to taxpayers.
This program is good for the economy, generating millions of dollars in housing-related jobs.
OPPONENTS SAY
With home prices declining, state taxpayers could be liable if home buyers cannot make payments or sell their homes.
This program has indirect costs to taxpayers, since the tax-deductible interest paid to bondholders reduces state tax revenue.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote would mean that California could sell $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds to partially fund a high-speed passenger train system.
A NO vote would mean that California could not sell the bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
High-speed rail will be a convenient and affordable alternative to high gas costs, highway congestion, and expensive and declining airline service.
Prop. 1A will create nearly 160,000 construction-related jobs and 450,000 permanent jobs in tourism and related sectors.
High-speed rail will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and improve the environment by cutting greenhouse gases and using less energy.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 1A is a boondoggle that will cost taxpayers billions while adding to our bond debt at a time of budget crisis and cuts in services.
Californians’ most important traffic problems involve getting to work, not traveling between major cities.
There is no accountability as to how the bond proceeds will be spent, and no assurance that other funds will be available.
Proposition 2: Standards for Confining Farm Animals.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that farm enclosures for certain hens, calves and pigs must provide enough room for the animal to lie down, stand up, and move about.
A NO vote means that current laws relating to these animals will remain unchanged.
SUPPORTERS SAY
It will improve food safety by outlawing overcrowded conditions that foster the spread of diseases among farm animals.
This is a moderate, reasonable reform measure that gives the industry ample time to phase it in.
OPPONENTS SAY
This measure would drive many egg producers out of California, resulting in lost jobs and tax revenue.
Prop. 2 endangers public health by effectively forcing hens outdoors, where they may contact wild and migratory birds carrying diseases.
Proposition 3: Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means the state could sell $980 million in bonds for capital improvements for children’s hospitals.
A NO vote means the state could not sell the bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Children’s hospitals provide essential treatment and need these funds to meet increasing demand for their services.
Children’s hospitals could buy the latest medical technology and equipment and provide more beds to care for sick children.
OPPONENTS SAY
In tough economic times, we can’t afford new spending and bond debt that will necessitate higher taxes or reduced spending on other programs.
Prop. 3 is unnecessary because unspent Prop. 61 funds are still available.
Proposition 4: Waiting Period and Parental Notification before Termination of a Minor’s Pregnancy.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote would mean that California could sell $9.95 billion of general obligation bonds to partially fund a high-speed passenger train system.
A NO vote would mean that California could not sell the bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
High-speed rail will be a convenient and affordable alternative to high gas costs, highway congestion, and expensive and declining airline service.
Prop. 1A will create nearly 160,000 construction-related jobs and 450,000 permanent jobs in tourism and related sectors.
High-speed rail will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and improve the environment by cutting greenhouse gases and using less energy.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 1A is a boondoggle that will cost taxpayers billions while adding to our bond debt at a time of budget crisis and cuts in services.
Californians’ most important traffic problems involve getting to work, not traveling between major cities.
There is no accountability as to how the bond proceeds will be spent, and no assurance that other funds will be available.
Proposition 5: Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means drug treatment diversion programs will be revised and expanded, and sentencing and parole changes would shorten some sentences and parole periods and increase others, reduce penalties for marijuana possession, and expand treatment and rehabilitation for inmates and parolees.
A NO vote means drug treatment diversion programs would remain the same, and current laws relating to parole, prison custody credits, marijuana possession penalties, and rehabilitation and treatment for inmates and parolees would not change.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Treatment and rehabilitation for minor drug offenses will reduce recidivism and pay for themselves by reducing incarceration and prison construction costs.
Treating violent and nonviolent offenders differently makes sense. Judges can send nonviolent offenders to treatment while maintaining accountability, building on the successful approach of Prop. 36.
Effective rehabilitation programs will better prepare the 85 to 90 percent of inmates who are returned to society to become law-abiding, productive citizens.
OPPONENTS SAY
Dumping 45,000 criminals out of prisons and into our communities will not “save” money on the prison system, but will increase crime.
It weakens drug treatment programs by reducing court authority to incarcerate offenders who violate probation, parole, or drug treatment program rules.
This measure isn’t about keeping minor first-time drug offenders out of prison, because in reality such offenders never go to prison. Meanwhile, it puts dangerous criminals back on the streets sooner.
Proposition 6: Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that changes to the criminal justice system proposed by this measure would go into effect, including increased spending on law enforcement and criminal justice programs, addition of new crimes and penalties, and changes to juvenile law.
A NO vote means that the changes proposed in this measure would not go into effect and the current law and procedures would remain the same.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 6 will prioritize 1 percent of the state’s budget for local law enforcement without raising taxes, keeping our children safe while fully funding education.
It will give local government the resources it needs to win the war on gangs and crime by increasing penalties, creating new felonies and misdemeanors, and giving law enforcement new legal powers.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 6 will spend $1 billion in one year on expanded programs without providing any new funding, taking money from education, health care, and proven public safety efforts.
Crime and gang problems need a coordinated balanced approach that includes community service workers, mental health, and drug and alcohol services along with tough enforcement of the law.
Proposition 7: Renewable Energy Generation.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means the state would require utility companies to increase the percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources of energy to 20 percent by 2010 and 50 percent by 2025, and make other changes intended in increase renewable energy use.
A NO vote means the state’s requirements for renewable energy generation would remain the same.
SUPPORTERS SAY
This is a balanced solution, written and reviewed by energy and environmental experts, to cut the rising cost of energy and reduce global warming.
Prop. 7 will make California a world leader in clean power, creating over 370,000 new high-wage jobs and growing a strong market for solar and renewable energy businesses, as well as protecting the environment.
The measure will protect consumers by limiting rate increases to 3 percent and prohibiting utilities that fail to meet renewable energy standards from passing penalties on to consumers.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 7 would hurt progress in increasing use of renewable power by shutting out the small providers that currently represent nearly 60 percent of California’s renewable energy contracts.
It will increase costs to consumers by allowing power companies to charge 10 percent above the market price, while providing no mechanism for limiting cost increases to the 3 percent per year it specifies.
The measure adds no new renewable energy sources. Simply raising required percentages of renewable energy each year will not create new sources for that energy.
Proposition 8: Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that the California Constitution will specify that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California, eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry.
A NO vote means that same-sex marriages will continue to be valid and recognized in California.
SUPPORTERS SAY
This measure will restore the sanctity of traditional marriage, which can only be between a man and a woman, as affirmed by the sixty-one percent of California voters who supported Proposition 22.
While affirming traditional marriage, Prop. 8 does not eliminate any of the rights, privileges or benefits given to same-sex registered domestic partners.
Same-sex marriage should only be legalized through a vote of the people, and not by the flawed reasoning of four activist judges in San Francisco.
OPPONENTS SAY
Allowing same-sex couples to marry does not diminish the sanctity of traditional marriage, but extends the rights and responsibilities of marriage to more people.
Domestic partnerships are not afforded the same dignity and respect as marriage, and partners don’t have the same rights as spouses in many situations, including medical emergencies and when life-and-death decisions are made.
The California Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law to everyone, and should not be amended to single out one group for different treatment.
Proposition 9: Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights. Parole.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that the legal rights of crime victims, including the right to restitution, will be expanded, early release of inmates will be restricted, and changes will be made in the procedures for granting and revoking parole.
A NO vote means that the rights of crime victims will remain as they are now in the state Constitution and in state law, and parole.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 9 guarantees crime victims’ rights to justice and due process, putting those rights in the state Constitution.
It protects crime victims by requiring that the safety of victims and their families be considered in bail decisions and by mandating that victims be notified when offenders are released.
Prop. 9 ensures that criminals will serve their full sentences and pay restitution to their victims, and it eliminates unnecessary parole hearings for dangerous criminals who have virtually no chance of release.
OPPONENTS SAY
The state Constitution is not the appropriate place for a detailed listing of victims’ rights; they belong in state statutes.
Prop. 9 is misleading and duplicative. Many of its provisions are already the law, such as the victim’s right to be heard throughout the legal process.
California is already strict on parole—for the past 20 years, the annual parole rate for inmates convicted of second degree murder or manslaughter has been less than 1 percent of those eligible.
Proposition 10: Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means the state could issue $5 billion in bonds to provide incentives to purchase high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicles and to fund research on clean fuel alternatives.
A NO vote means the state could not issue $5 billion in bonds to provide incentives for purchase of high fuel economy and alternative fuel vehicle and to fund research on clean fuel alternatives.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 10 will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, develop new clean energy industries in California, and create thousands of well-paying jobs.
This measure will give consumers alternatives to high priced gasoline by giving them the choice to buy vehicles that run on cleaner fuels or on electricity from renewable sources.
It will create cleaner air and a healthier future by replacing more than 28,000 diesel trucks with alternative fuel trucks and reducing greenhouse gases.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 10 will cost taxpayers nearly $10 billion that could be used for needed programs and services, while duplicating existing clean fuel and alternative energy programs.
The measure will primarily subsidize trucks and large vehicles using natural gas, benefiting natural gas producers and driving up prices.
It does not require air quality improvements or reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and only a small portion of the funds could be used to replace diesel vehicles, the only health benefit proponents claim.
Proposition 11: Redistricting.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that redistricting responsibility for state legislative and Board of Equalization seats would be transferred from the Legislature to a Citizens Redistricting Commission.
A NO vote means that the redistricting process will not be changed, and responsibility for redistricting will remain with the Legislature.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Prop. 11 will eliminate the current conflict of interest legislators have in drawing their own districts. Instead of politicians selecting their voters, voters will be empowered to select their elected officials and hold them accountable.
Redistricting reform will help reduce or eliminate the partisan gridlock that is keeping the Legislature from effectively dealing with the state budget, health care, the environment and other crucial issues.
The citizens’ redistricting commission ensures an open, balanced, inclusive process that will result in fair districts that protect our neighborhoods and communities.
OPPONENTS SAY
Prop. 11 will leave power in the hands of politicians and bureaucrats, not the voters. Bureaucrats will select the redistricting commission and seats will be set aside for partisan members of the two biggest political parties.
This measure creates a powerful, unelected redistricting commission but does not ensure that its 14 members will reflect the gender, racial, or geographic diversity of the state’s 36 million people.
Prop. 11 gives redistricting power to a commission that is not answerable to the voters, with no audits or financial accountability to protect the taxpayers.
Proposition 12: Veterans’ Bond Act of 2008.
WHAT A YES or No VOTE MEANS
A YES vote means that state could sell $900 million in general obligation bonds to replenish funding for Cal-Vet home and farm mortgages for veterans.
A NO vote means that state could not sell these bonds.
SUPPORTERS SAY
The Cal-Vet loan program has helped hundreds of thousands of veterans invest in homes and farms in California at no expense to taxpayers.
This program is good for the economy, generating millions of dollars in housing-related jobs.
OPPONENTS SAY
With home prices declining, state taxpayers could be liable if home buyers cannot make payments or sell their homes.
This program has indirect costs to taxpayers, since the tax-deductible interest paid to bondholders reduces state tax revenue.
ACTIVE WAREHOUSE SALE!!!! / MOUTNAIN HIGH
Come over to the Active Warehouse Sale in Mira Loma on November 1st. Everyone will recieve a 1 day free lift ticket with your $10 admission. There will be some of the best deals you have ever seen on boards, boots, bindings, outerwear, etc... from the best manufacturers: Burton, Forum, Lib Tech, Special Blend, ......Deals!!!!!
(Tales from the Koo Koo file): VIDEO: UFO FOOTAGE OVER CORONA, CALIFORNIA
UFO sighting Corona CA 10/24/2008 (Re-Printed)
The power went out in our house around 10pm. I looked outside to see if any other houses were out. It turned out the whole neighborhood was out and these strange lights were overhead. My wife and I video taped the lights for about 5 min before our battery in the camera went dead. All of our neighbors were out taking pics as well. Let me know what you all think...
The power went out in our house around 10pm. I looked outside to see if any other houses were out. It turned out the whole neighborhood was out and these strange lights were overhead. My wife and I video taped the lights for about 5 min before our battery in the camera went dead. All of our neighbors were out taking pics as well. Let me know what you all think...
Vans Presents Active Am - Nov. 22nd 2008!
Taking place at Active Headquarters - 12087 Landon Drive - Mira Loma, CA 91752Over 35 of the World’s Top Amateur skateboarders competing for cash, prizes, and top honors at the third Annual Active Am. Get your tickets to Active Am FREE at any Active Location! LIVE WEBCAST on ActiveRideShop.com!
Bring a can of food or frozen turkeys and be entered to win a $500 Active Shopping Spree! Active Am is presented by Vans and brought to you by: Red Bull, Real Skateboards, Thunder and Spitfire
Driving Directions:
From the San Diego Area: Take the 15 Fwy North, Exit on Cantu Galleano and make a Right, Right on Wineville, Right on Landon (Small Street) Active is the last building on the street
From OC: Take the 91 Fwy East to the 15 North, Exit on Cantu Galleano and make a Right, Right on Wineville, Right on Landon (Small Street) Active is the last building on the street
From LA: Take either the 210 East, the 60 East, or the 10 East to the 15 South, Exit Cantu Galleano and go Left, Right on Wineville, Right on Landon (Small Street) Active is the last building on the street
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos Upcoming Events
October 25
2:30 - 6:00 PM
The Riverside County Registrar or Voters - Early Voting
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
October 30
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Shelters Rock Launch Party
G by Guess
October 31
Dusk - 9:00 PM
Trick-or-Treating
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Movie by the Lake: Casper
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
October 31
9:00 PM - CLOSE
BOO Bash
RA Sushi
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 5
10:00 - 11:15 AM
Promenade Pals: Singing with Jamie Sheehan
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
November 6
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Girls Night Out: Banana Republic & Castles & Cottages
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 8
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Fender Center's Kids Rock Free Performance Groups
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
November 9
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cool Cars & Classic Rides
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 15
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:00 - 9:00 PM
FREE Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Visit with Santa & Mrs. Clause
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 16
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Dickens Carolers Quartet
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 22
12:30 PM & 5:00 PM
Curtain Call of Corona presents
"School House
Rock Live Jr."
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Dickens Carolers Quartet
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 23
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Dickens Carolers Quartet
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 28
9:00 - 11:00 AM $10,000 Gift Card Giveaway / KOLA Remote
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
*Events are subject to change without notice. Events are weather-permitting.
The Riverside County of Voters - Early Voting
Saturday, October 25 * 2:30 - 6:00 PM
The Riverside County Registrar of Voters will set up polling stations at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos for early voting opportunities. Avoid the crowds and lines at polling places on November 4 by voting at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos on Saturday, October 25!
2:30 - 6:00 PM
The Riverside County Registrar or Voters - Early Voting
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
October 30
4:00 - 8:00 PM
Shelters Rock Launch Party
G by Guess
October 31
Dusk - 9:00 PM
Trick-or-Treating
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Movie by the Lake: Casper
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
October 31
9:00 PM - CLOSE
BOO Bash
RA Sushi
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 5
10:00 - 11:15 AM
Promenade Pals: Singing with Jamie Sheehan
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
November 6
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Girls Night Out: Banana Republic & Castles & Cottages
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 8
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Fender Center's Kids Rock Free Performance Groups
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
November 9
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cool Cars & Classic Rides
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 15
5:00 - 9:00 PM
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:00 - 9:00 PM
FREE Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
7:30 - 9:00 PM
Visit with Santa & Mrs. Clause
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 16
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Dickens Carolers Quartet
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 22
12:30 PM & 5:00 PM
Curtain Call of Corona presents
"School House
Rock Live Jr."
Dos Lagos Amphitheater
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Dickens Carolers Quartet
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 23
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Dickens Carolers Quartet
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
November 28
9:00 - 11:00 AM $10,000 Gift Card Giveaway / KOLA Remote
The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
*Events are subject to change without notice. Events are weather-permitting.
The Riverside County of Voters - Early Voting
Saturday, October 25 * 2:30 - 6:00 PM
The Riverside County Registrar of Voters will set up polling stations at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos for early voting opportunities. Avoid the crowds and lines at polling places on November 4 by voting at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos on Saturday, October 25!
GIVE ADOPTS JFK MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL IN NORCO
The official partnership will encourage the exchange of ideas between the nonprofit
and the students, in an effort to promote sustainability.
NORCO, Calif. – The Green Institute for Village Empowerment has adopted its first school campus, John F. Kennedy Middle College High School, in an attempt to help spread the message of sustainability to today’s youth.
The adoption was formalized at a special assembly Thursday involving several Corona-Norco Unified School District officials, more than 600 students and GIVE founder, Ali Sahabi. This is the first school adoption for both GIVE and the JFK campus.
“This is a wonderful adoption and very applicable to JFK,” said Corona-Norco School Board President Cathy Sciortino. “It reflects the philosophies of John F. Kennedy, to ‘Dream of things that never were,’ and I believe that GIVE embodies that idea.”
Under the terms of the adoption, GIVE will educate JFK students about sustainability, and the students will spread the message through presentations they will make to elementary schools, said JFK Principal Don Ward.
“This adoption is meant to be a people-people thing,” Ward said. “It’s all about the positive exchange of ideas and collaboration.”
GIVE is a nonprofit organization established in 2006 to promote the concept of sustainability, a term used to define balance in the way people live, how their choices impact the environment and others in their community. Sahabi explained the concept at the assembly.
“We all make decisions every day that affect our future,” Sahabi told the students. “As we make these decisions, we need to be aware of how our actions impact the people around us, and our environment, our natural resources, animals and plants.”
Many students in the audience Thursday wore T-shirts they received as volunteers at GIVE’s Green Valley Earth Festival held in April at Dos Lagos in Corona. Several stood up and applauded when Sahabi finished speaking.
More than 300 JFK students have signed up as members of GIVE, and the campus is the first high school to establish a student chapter of GIVE, Ward said.
In addition to its educational outreach, GIVE is also the sponsor of the Green Valley Initiative, (GVI), an unprecedented regional economic development plan to promote green technologies, renewable energy, alternative transportation and sustainable lifestyles to the Inland Empire. Launched in 2007, GVI began with 100 stakeholders from the region, and now boasts the involvement of more than 500 people representing government, education, business, transportation, utilities, environmental groups and the community-at-large. For information on GIVE visit www.giveforthefuture.org. For information on GVI, visit www.greenvalleynow.org
John F. Kennedy Middle College High School is located on the Riverside Community College campus in Norco and is based on the Middle College Concept, first implemented at New York City’s La Guardia Community College Campus in 1971. Middle College High Schools provide students with an opportunity to successfully pursue and obtain a high school diploma while taking college level courses on a college campus. For information, visit www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/jfk/
and the students, in an effort to promote sustainability.
NORCO, Calif. – The Green Institute for Village Empowerment has adopted its first school campus, John F. Kennedy Middle College High School, in an attempt to help spread the message of sustainability to today’s youth.
The adoption was formalized at a special assembly Thursday involving several Corona-Norco Unified School District officials, more than 600 students and GIVE founder, Ali Sahabi. This is the first school adoption for both GIVE and the JFK campus.
“This is a wonderful adoption and very applicable to JFK,” said Corona-Norco School Board President Cathy Sciortino. “It reflects the philosophies of John F. Kennedy, to ‘Dream of things that never were,’ and I believe that GIVE embodies that idea.”
Under the terms of the adoption, GIVE will educate JFK students about sustainability, and the students will spread the message through presentations they will make to elementary schools, said JFK Principal Don Ward.
“This adoption is meant to be a people-people thing,” Ward said. “It’s all about the positive exchange of ideas and collaboration.”
GIVE is a nonprofit organization established in 2006 to promote the concept of sustainability, a term used to define balance in the way people live, how their choices impact the environment and others in their community. Sahabi explained the concept at the assembly.
“We all make decisions every day that affect our future,” Sahabi told the students. “As we make these decisions, we need to be aware of how our actions impact the people around us, and our environment, our natural resources, animals and plants.”
Many students in the audience Thursday wore T-shirts they received as volunteers at GIVE’s Green Valley Earth Festival held in April at Dos Lagos in Corona. Several stood up and applauded when Sahabi finished speaking.
More than 300 JFK students have signed up as members of GIVE, and the campus is the first high school to establish a student chapter of GIVE, Ward said.
In addition to its educational outreach, GIVE is also the sponsor of the Green Valley Initiative, (GVI), an unprecedented regional economic development plan to promote green technologies, renewable energy, alternative transportation and sustainable lifestyles to the Inland Empire. Launched in 2007, GVI began with 100 stakeholders from the region, and now boasts the involvement of more than 500 people representing government, education, business, transportation, utilities, environmental groups and the community-at-large. For information on GIVE visit www.giveforthefuture.org. For information on GVI, visit www.greenvalleynow.org
John F. Kennedy Middle College High School is located on the Riverside Community College campus in Norco and is based on the Middle College Concept, first implemented at New York City’s La Guardia Community College Campus in 1971. Middle College High Schools provide students with an opportunity to successfully pursue and obtain a high school diploma while taking college level courses on a college campus. For information, visit www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/jfk/
Detailed notes from testimony at Zendejas preliminary hearing
Jane Doe, the slim Latino woman, roughly 40 years old, who was allegedly raped by Tony Zendejas, said she had been visiting Zendejas Mexican Restaurant fairly regularly from September or October 2007 until the time of the incident.
She testified Thursday that she would go to the restaurant about three times a month, usually on Thursdays.
On Jan. 25, 2008, the night of the alleged rape, she said she met her friend Janette, Janette's boyfriend Marco, and Marco's sister. They were celebrating Marco's sister's birthday, she said.
She said she had met Tony Zendejas at the restaurant several times in the past. She said he was there every Thursday, and they would talk sometimes. "A friend? No. We were friendly," she said. She described their relationship as a patron/owner relationship.
She said that she drank half a 12-ounce bottle of Miller Lite after she arrived at 8:15 p.m., and at about 9:15 Zendejas walked over to her table and gave her a red drink.
She said Zendejas told her the shot-glass-sized drink contained cranberry juice and Southern Comfort liquor. She said she drank the drink, and Zendejas brought her another one at about 10 p.m., which she finished drinking by 10:30 p.m., she said.
She said when she would visit the restaurant Zendejas would often bring her glasses of the same drink. But on the night of the alleged rape, she said the drink had a different effect than usual.
She recalled dancing with her friend Janette and feeling uncoordinated. She asked her friend whether she was dancing strangely, and her friend told her she wasn't.
She also recalled being in the bathroom with Janette, the two of them laughing loudly for no apparent reason.
Later she sat at a table and tried to attach a strap on her purse that had become undone.
"I was in a zombie state, a paralyzed state, because I was fiddling with my purse," she said.
At one point in the night, her friend Janette told her that Zendejas had her car keys. Janette told her she didn't want her driving home.
She said she asked Zendejas for her keys, and he shook his head "no."
She said she danced for Zendejas for one song.
One time when she returned to the table from the dance floor, there was a third red drink at her seat. She said she didn't want to drink it because of the odd effect the previous drinks were having on her.
"I don't want that. I want water," she said she told Zendjas.
"Drink your drink," Zendejas said in response, she said.
She said her last memory at the bar, at some point around midnight, was sitting at Zendejas's table and fiddling with her purse strap. She remembered she dropped her purse and everything fell out, and she went to the ground to recover the spilled items.
After that memory, she said she had only three brief memories before she woke up the next morning.
The first memory, she said, was sitting in a car she believes was Zendejas's. She knew it wasn't her car, she said, because her car had a cream-colored interior, and this car had black-leather interior. She was sitting in the passenger seat, and in the driver's seat she said she saw Zendejas.
She said her next memory was standing in a hotel lobby -later identified as the Red Roof Inn in San Dimas - at the front counter standing beside Zendejas.
"I'm numb to speak and move, then I'm out again," she said.
She said her final memory of the evening was in a well-lit hotel room. She said she remembered Zendejas's face moving closer to her's.
At about 5 p.m. that morning, she said she awoke suddenly from what felt like a deep sleep. She said she opened her eyes and saw white sheets - different from her dark-colored sheets at home. She said she was lying face-down on the bed with her legs spread, and her head facing to one side on the pillow.
She said she immediately knew it was a hotel room. She said she realized she was completely naked, alone in the room, and saw her car keys on an end table beside the bed. She said her clothes were scattered around the room.
"My first feeling was shock, and to get out," she said.
She said she felt pain in her rectum, and slight pain in her vaginal area, though not as bad.
She said she got dressed, collected her valuables and left the hotel room as quickly as possible.
As she left the second-floor room, she said she turned and looked at the room number - 231.
She said she walked back to her car in the parking lot of Zendejas Mexican Restaurant. She said she called her friend Janette in a panic, and talked to her for about one minute.
She also said that as she sat in the car she tried to call Zendejas's cell phone, but no one picked up. She said she left a message for him - and a second message later that day - but neither were returned.
She said she drove home, arriving by about 5:15 a.m., and she changed clothes and slept in her bed until about 7 a.m.
That afternoon she called the San Dimas sheriff's station and was subjected to a physician examination at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center that afternoon as well.
All of the above information came out during direct examination from Deputy District Attorney Rouman Ebrahim, the prosecutor.
Under cross examination from defense attorney James Reiss, "Jane Doe" said she worked from home the day of the alleged attack until about 4:30 p.m. She said she didn't take any drugs, or any prescription drugs, or drink any alcohol all day before she drank at the restaurant.
She said her last meal before going to the restaurant was at about 6 p.m., and consisted of two taquitos and some homemade fideo soup.
At about 10:40 p.m. at the restaurant, as she was already feeling the effects of the drinks she believes included drugs, she said she exchanged text messages with a friend.
When she left at about midnight, she said she has no memory of saying goodbye to anyone. "I was not happy. I was a zombie," she said.
She said she was non-expressive, couldn't move, couldn't speak and couldn't hear normally.
"My hearing diminished and I faded away," she said.
The morning after the alleged rape, she said woke up and suspected she had been raped by Zendejas. "I was in denial that it was him," she said. "I just kept saying, 'No, no, no. He would not do this.'"
Under later questioning from Ebrahim, the woman said she returned to Zendejas Mexican Restaurant on April 17 with two undercover female sheriff's deputies. The women were secretly recording their conversations that night.
She said Zendejas was there on April 17, and she spoke to him in an attempt to get him to speak about the alleged rape.
"Tell me about that night, because I don't remember," she said she told Zendejas.
"I knocked you out," she said Zendejas told her. "I took that booty."
She said Zendejas said that several times.
The woman finished testifying at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, and the court took a recess until about 10:45. When the court was back in session, Zendejas's attorneys told Judge Charles Horan they had five witnesses waiting in the hallway who could speak about the night of the alleged incident.
James Reiss, the attorney, told the judge the witnesses could testify that Jane Doe appeared to be in a condition to consent to sex acts. He also said the witnesses could say that "she was pursuing Mr. Zendejas and has in the past."
"At no time was she in a zombie-like state," Weiss said.
The judge ruled that the witnesses could not testify at the preliminary hearing because they could provide only circumstantial evidence, not direct evidence about the alleged crimes that took place at the Red Roof Inn.
Horan called the information described by Weiss "perfect jury issues" to be used at a potential trial.
At 11:17 a.m., the medical examiner, Malinda Wheeler, was called to the witness stand by the prosecution.
She said she was the owner of Forensic Nurse Specialists, which performs forensic examinations of rape victims for local police agencies. She said she has been a registered nurse for 27 years, specializing in sexual assault examinations for the past 15 years.
She said she personally had performed about 500 examinations, and had assisted others on an additional 300 to 400 exams.
She said one of the tissue tears in the alleged victim's anal area was significant, and may have required surgery if a blood clot hadn't formed.
She said there was another minor tear in the alleged victim's anal area, and other small tears to the outside of her vaginal area.
She said the injuries appeared to have occurred within the past 48 hours of the examination. The examination was taken at about 4 or 5 p.m. on Jan. 26. She conceded under cross examination from the defense attorney that the injury could have been caused prior to her arrival at Zendejas Mexican Restaurant.
Wheeler also took notes during the examination about the alleged victim's alcohol consumption. Jane Doe told the examiner that she had two beers the night of the attack - not half a beer as she testified Thursday - and had also consumed a third red drink at about 12:30 a.m. Jan. 26, right before she left the restaurant.
After the examiner's testimony, the defense attorneys raised the issue of the toxicology tests performed on blood and urine samples that were drawn from the victim the evening after the alleged attack.
The tests came back negative for common date-rape drugs and illegal drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana and other drugs.
Judge Horan then considered the charges against Zendejas. He threw out the great-bodily-injury enhancements to the two felony charges related to the alleged vaginal rape, but kept the two enhancements for the sodomy charges.
"People don't usually tear during consensual sex, or else there would be little of it practiced," he said.
He also said he felt the drug test was "not determinative." He said he wasn't personally familiar with the amount of time it would take for typical date-rape drugs to leave a person's system.
He set a new arraignment in the case for Nov. 6 in Pomona Superior Court Dept. N, on the fifth floor.
After the hearing, Zendejas did not respond to a request for comment, but his defense attorneys were willing to comment.
Reiss said "the standard for the preliminary hearing is so low" that they didn't realistically expect the charges against his client to be dismissed.
He said things such as a misidentification of an accused criminal, or DNA evidence that excludes an accused criminal from involvement in a crime, can lead to a dismissal of criminal charges at the preliminary-hearing level.
He did say the testimony from the alleged victim would be helpful to the defense's case "because now she's pinned down" to a specific timeline for the events of the night in question.
He also said that if the alleged victim's drink had been spiked - either the 9:15 p.m. drink or the 10 p.m. drink - she would have been "out cold" long before her memory of the evening began fading at about 11:30 p.m.
He also said that Zendejas will testify if his case reaches trial, and will say the incident was "a night of consensual sex without complaint."
He also said the defense intends to call to the witness stand an expert on rape victims who will say the behavior of the alleged victim when she returned to the restaurant on April 17 was unusual for a rape victim.
The alleged victim voluntarily danced with Zendejas during the visit, and also spoke to him, apparently in an effort to get him to speak about the alleged crimes, Reiss said. The behavior is not consistent with a rape victim, Reiss said.
She testified Thursday that she would go to the restaurant about three times a month, usually on Thursdays.
On Jan. 25, 2008, the night of the alleged rape, she said she met her friend Janette, Janette's boyfriend Marco, and Marco's sister. They were celebrating Marco's sister's birthday, she said.
She said she had met Tony Zendejas at the restaurant several times in the past. She said he was there every Thursday, and they would talk sometimes. "A friend? No. We were friendly," she said. She described their relationship as a patron/owner relationship.
She said that she drank half a 12-ounce bottle of Miller Lite after she arrived at 8:15 p.m., and at about 9:15 Zendejas walked over to her table and gave her a red drink.
She said Zendejas told her the shot-glass-sized drink contained cranberry juice and Southern Comfort liquor. She said she drank the drink, and Zendejas brought her another one at about 10 p.m., which she finished drinking by 10:30 p.m., she said.
She said when she would visit the restaurant Zendejas would often bring her glasses of the same drink. But on the night of the alleged rape, she said the drink had a different effect than usual.
She recalled dancing with her friend Janette and feeling uncoordinated. She asked her friend whether she was dancing strangely, and her friend told her she wasn't.
She also recalled being in the bathroom with Janette, the two of them laughing loudly for no apparent reason.
Later she sat at a table and tried to attach a strap on her purse that had become undone.
"I was in a zombie state, a paralyzed state, because I was fiddling with my purse," she said.
At one point in the night, her friend Janette told her that Zendejas had her car keys. Janette told her she didn't want her driving home.
She said she asked Zendejas for her keys, and he shook his head "no."
She said she danced for Zendejas for one song.
One time when she returned to the table from the dance floor, there was a third red drink at her seat. She said she didn't want to drink it because of the odd effect the previous drinks were having on her.
"I don't want that. I want water," she said she told Zendjas.
"Drink your drink," Zendejas said in response, she said.
She said her last memory at the bar, at some point around midnight, was sitting at Zendejas's table and fiddling with her purse strap. She remembered she dropped her purse and everything fell out, and she went to the ground to recover the spilled items.
After that memory, she said she had only three brief memories before she woke up the next morning.
The first memory, she said, was sitting in a car she believes was Zendejas's. She knew it wasn't her car, she said, because her car had a cream-colored interior, and this car had black-leather interior. She was sitting in the passenger seat, and in the driver's seat she said she saw Zendejas.
She said her next memory was standing in a hotel lobby -later identified as the Red Roof Inn in San Dimas - at the front counter standing beside Zendejas.
"I'm numb to speak and move, then I'm out again," she said.
She said her final memory of the evening was in a well-lit hotel room. She said she remembered Zendejas's face moving closer to her's.
At about 5 p.m. that morning, she said she awoke suddenly from what felt like a deep sleep. She said she opened her eyes and saw white sheets - different from her dark-colored sheets at home. She said she was lying face-down on the bed with her legs spread, and her head facing to one side on the pillow.
She said she immediately knew it was a hotel room. She said she realized she was completely naked, alone in the room, and saw her car keys on an end table beside the bed. She said her clothes were scattered around the room.
"My first feeling was shock, and to get out," she said.
She said she felt pain in her rectum, and slight pain in her vaginal area, though not as bad.
She said she got dressed, collected her valuables and left the hotel room as quickly as possible.
As she left the second-floor room, she said she turned and looked at the room number - 231.
She said she walked back to her car in the parking lot of Zendejas Mexican Restaurant. She said she called her friend Janette in a panic, and talked to her for about one minute.
She also said that as she sat in the car she tried to call Zendejas's cell phone, but no one picked up. She said she left a message for him - and a second message later that day - but neither were returned.
She said she drove home, arriving by about 5:15 a.m., and she changed clothes and slept in her bed until about 7 a.m.
That afternoon she called the San Dimas sheriff's station and was subjected to a physician examination at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center that afternoon as well.
All of the above information came out during direct examination from Deputy District Attorney Rouman Ebrahim, the prosecutor.
Under cross examination from defense attorney James Reiss, "Jane Doe" said she worked from home the day of the alleged attack until about 4:30 p.m. She said she didn't take any drugs, or any prescription drugs, or drink any alcohol all day before she drank at the restaurant.
She said her last meal before going to the restaurant was at about 6 p.m., and consisted of two taquitos and some homemade fideo soup.
At about 10:40 p.m. at the restaurant, as she was already feeling the effects of the drinks she believes included drugs, she said she exchanged text messages with a friend.
When she left at about midnight, she said she has no memory of saying goodbye to anyone. "I was not happy. I was a zombie," she said.
She said she was non-expressive, couldn't move, couldn't speak and couldn't hear normally.
"My hearing diminished and I faded away," she said.
The morning after the alleged rape, she said woke up and suspected she had been raped by Zendejas. "I was in denial that it was him," she said. "I just kept saying, 'No, no, no. He would not do this.'"
Under later questioning from Ebrahim, the woman said she returned to Zendejas Mexican Restaurant on April 17 with two undercover female sheriff's deputies. The women were secretly recording their conversations that night.
She said Zendejas was there on April 17, and she spoke to him in an attempt to get him to speak about the alleged rape.
"Tell me about that night, because I don't remember," she said she told Zendejas.
"I knocked you out," she said Zendejas told her. "I took that booty."
She said Zendejas said that several times.
The woman finished testifying at about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, and the court took a recess until about 10:45. When the court was back in session, Zendejas's attorneys told Judge Charles Horan they had five witnesses waiting in the hallway who could speak about the night of the alleged incident.
James Reiss, the attorney, told the judge the witnesses could testify that Jane Doe appeared to be in a condition to consent to sex acts. He also said the witnesses could say that "she was pursuing Mr. Zendejas and has in the past."
"At no time was she in a zombie-like state," Weiss said.
The judge ruled that the witnesses could not testify at the preliminary hearing because they could provide only circumstantial evidence, not direct evidence about the alleged crimes that took place at the Red Roof Inn.
Horan called the information described by Weiss "perfect jury issues" to be used at a potential trial.
At 11:17 a.m., the medical examiner, Malinda Wheeler, was called to the witness stand by the prosecution.
She said she was the owner of Forensic Nurse Specialists, which performs forensic examinations of rape victims for local police agencies. She said she has been a registered nurse for 27 years, specializing in sexual assault examinations for the past 15 years.
She said she personally had performed about 500 examinations, and had assisted others on an additional 300 to 400 exams.
She said one of the tissue tears in the alleged victim's anal area was significant, and may have required surgery if a blood clot hadn't formed.
She said there was another minor tear in the alleged victim's anal area, and other small tears to the outside of her vaginal area.
She said the injuries appeared to have occurred within the past 48 hours of the examination. The examination was taken at about 4 or 5 p.m. on Jan. 26. She conceded under cross examination from the defense attorney that the injury could have been caused prior to her arrival at Zendejas Mexican Restaurant.
Wheeler also took notes during the examination about the alleged victim's alcohol consumption. Jane Doe told the examiner that she had two beers the night of the attack - not half a beer as she testified Thursday - and had also consumed a third red drink at about 12:30 a.m. Jan. 26, right before she left the restaurant.
After the examiner's testimony, the defense attorneys raised the issue of the toxicology tests performed on blood and urine samples that were drawn from the victim the evening after the alleged attack.
The tests came back negative for common date-rape drugs and illegal drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana and other drugs.
Judge Horan then considered the charges against Zendejas. He threw out the great-bodily-injury enhancements to the two felony charges related to the alleged vaginal rape, but kept the two enhancements for the sodomy charges.
"People don't usually tear during consensual sex, or else there would be little of it practiced," he said.
He also said he felt the drug test was "not determinative." He said he wasn't personally familiar with the amount of time it would take for typical date-rape drugs to leave a person's system.
He set a new arraignment in the case for Nov. 6 in Pomona Superior Court Dept. N, on the fifth floor.
After the hearing, Zendejas did not respond to a request for comment, but his defense attorneys were willing to comment.
Reiss said "the standard for the preliminary hearing is so low" that they didn't realistically expect the charges against his client to be dismissed.
He said things such as a misidentification of an accused criminal, or DNA evidence that excludes an accused criminal from involvement in a crime, can lead to a dismissal of criminal charges at the preliminary-hearing level.
He did say the testimony from the alleged victim would be helpful to the defense's case "because now she's pinned down" to a specific timeline for the events of the night in question.
He also said that if the alleged victim's drink had been spiked - either the 9:15 p.m. drink or the 10 p.m. drink - she would have been "out cold" long before her memory of the evening began fading at about 11:30 p.m.
He also said that Zendejas will testify if his case reaches trial, and will say the incident was "a night of consensual sex without complaint."
He also said the defense intends to call to the witness stand an expert on rape victims who will say the behavior of the alleged victim when she returned to the restaurant on April 17 was unusual for a rape victim.
The alleged victim voluntarily danced with Zendejas during the visit, and also spoke to him, apparently in an effort to get him to speak about the alleged crimes, Reiss said. The behavior is not consistent with a rape victim, Reiss said.
Dominick Frascella Art Show and Competition
Dominick Frascella Art Show and Competition
CAA hosts the opening of the Dominick Frascella Art Show and Competition. This is an annual show named after one of the original co-founders of the art organization. The show includes one hundred pieces of art on display at the Art House Gallery in Corona Heritage Park at 510 W. Foothill Parkway. We are especially pleased by the diversity and quality of the works and the inclusion of many of our newest members along with our long term members. Please come to the opening reception to hear the announcement of awards/cash prizes and to enjoy the show, food, fun and surprises.
No charge.
Saturday, October 25, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
CAA hosts the opening of the Dominick Frascella Art Show and Competition. This is an annual show named after one of the original co-founders of the art organization. The show includes one hundred pieces of art on display at the Art House Gallery in Corona Heritage Park at 510 W. Foothill Parkway. We are especially pleased by the diversity and quality of the works and the inclusion of many of our newest members along with our long term members. Please come to the opening reception to hear the announcement of awards/cash prizes and to enjoy the show, food, fun and surprises.
No charge.
Saturday, October 25, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Young Sisters Win Poetry Contest in Corona, CA
CORONA, CA - Sisters, Malika Kaur and Noor Kaur Nindra have won prizes in the recent Regional Poetry Contest conducted by the Corona Public Library. The contest was titled “LOVE YOUR LIBRARY.”Five year old Malika won the second prize, and eight year old Noor won the fourth prize in the competition. The library made posters with their poems and they were displayed in the children section.
Their poems were also featured in their school.
Downtown Riverside, CA Ghostwalk...Halloween in the Inland Empire!
Downtown Riverside GhostwalkReturning for its 17th year, Friday October 24th and Saturday October 25th from 5:40 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the California Riverside Ballet brings downtown Riverside alive with stories of horror, mystery and intrigue. Tours occur at 20 minute intervals with guests being led through the historic district, in the shadows of the Mission Inn, where they will hear spine-tingling to comic renditions of tales “from beyond”. In 2005, the Ghostwalk event received the recognition as “Best Event in Riverside” and continues to be a tradition gaining additional popularity every year.
The weekend before Halloween, the California Riverside Ballet (CRB) brings the downtown area alive and into its supernatural theme with stories of horror, mystery and intrigue along with the ever-anticipated performances of the CRB dancers adding to the theme of phantasm and illusion.
Beginning as the moon rises on both Friday and Saturday nights, guests are toured throughout the historic district. The first stop takes you to the Riverside Ballet Arts Studio where you will witness the CRB dancers beckon the undead to dance. Some of the tour locations that you may be brought to are: the Riverside Art Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, the Historic Aurea Vista Hotel, and the First Congregational Church.
The “Ghostly Meal Deal”
The California Riverside Ballet has created the “Ghostly Meal Deal” for your dining enjoyment during the Ghostwalk event. The meal includes two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza, a soda, juice bottle or small water, and a cookie for dessert for only $5.00. Be sure to add the “Ghostly Meal Deal” to your order to get this special price!
Bring the whole family and don’t miss the CRB BOO-TIQUE, additional activities, music, and dancing at the boardwalk during this annual event. Unfortunately, many tour location stops are not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
Ticket Information: Tickets will be available on the night of event for “cash only” at $10.00 each. Children 2 and under are FREE! $5.00 additional for the “Ghostly Meal Deal”.
Ghostwalk Writers: Have a story? Each year the CRB accepts stories from well-known and up-and-coming writers to be told to our visitors. If your story is about the Alive, the Dead or about Ghosts or Ghouls just hanging around or wandering the halls in Downtown Riverside, submit your story to be selected for next year’s Ghostwalk event. Your story needs to be 10 minutes in length and must engage the audience.
Coffin Creek: Halloween here in Corona, CA
Based on a legend of 14 days of rain in Southern California and its resulting flooding, Coffin Creek is located in Corona, CA and opens on October 17th.
Quote:
As the flood waters subside from 2 week of flooding, 13 coffins were discovered in the wooded area next to River Rd and Archibald Ave in the city of Corona. "The coffins are believed to from the abandoned Guasti Cemetery in the city Ontario" said Officer Willmans. Officer Willmans went on to say "The coffins were found by some locals floating in a small creek that runs through the woods. The authority's and locals started referring to this area as Coffin Creek. The authority's continue to search the woods for the remains of the 13 coffins. Only 2 coffins had the remains found nearby. The remains of 2 other empty coffins were found in the woods, some 30 yards to the west of what is now called Coffin Creek. As the sun rose, Officer Willmans said " We had to stop searching last night, those woods got really creepy after dark. I called off the search when I started seeing and hearings things, strange things......
Quote:
As the flood waters subside from 2 week of flooding, 13 coffins were discovered in the wooded area next to River Rd and Archibald Ave in the city of Corona. "The coffins are believed to from the abandoned Guasti Cemetery in the city Ontario" said Officer Willmans. Officer Willmans went on to say "The coffins were found by some locals floating in a small creek that runs through the woods. The authority's and locals started referring to this area as Coffin Creek. The authority's continue to search the woods for the remains of the 13 coffins. Only 2 coffins had the remains found nearby. The remains of 2 other empty coffins were found in the woods, some 30 yards to the west of what is now called Coffin Creek. As the sun rose, Officer Willmans said " We had to stop searching last night, those woods got really creepy after dark. I called off the search when I started seeing and hearings things, strange things......
INTERSTATE 15 MAGNOLIA AVENUE INTERCHANGE UPDATE
CORONA- Caltrans continues construction on this $14 million interchange improvement project. Crews will be constructing drainage along Magnolia Avenue next week. One lane will be available in each direction. See the schedule below.
Magnolia Ave. Within the project limits
10/27/08 thru 10/31/08
8 PM to 5 AM
Magnolia reduced to one lane in each direction.
Minor delays are expected. Add time to your commute.
Magnolia Ave. Within the project limits
10/27/08 thru 10/31/08
8 PM to 5 AM
Magnolia reduced to one lane in each direction.
Minor delays are expected. Add time to your commute.
Dos Lagos Tunnel in Corona, California (Picture)
Editors Note: From a fellow blogger.This picture was taken at Dos Lagos in Corona, California. Dos Lagos is a shopping center, and there are two man-made lakes in the area. Between the two lakes is this tunnel that looks like it's inside bamboo. You can walk inside this tunnel, and sit on the benches.
I took this picture because I like the curves and lines. It makes for an interesting picture!
I took this picture because I like the curves and lines. It makes for an interesting picture!
Mirrored Magic: The Art of the Kaleidoscope at The Corona Heritage Museum
The Corona Heritage Museum is proud to announce the opening of their exclusive new exhibit - the largest museum collection of kaleidoscopes in the United States - Mirrored Magic: The Art of the Kaleidoscope. These aren't cardboard tubes with plastic lenses. They are incredibly fine pieces of art that are delightful to view, inside and out. The exhibit will be open to the general public beginning Saturday, October 18th, 10am - 2pm. As are all of our exhibits, it's free admission.Museum open 10 am - 2 pm
Tuesdays through Saturdays
Press Enterprise...Trading trash for trash...in the process, not helping the I.E. image!
While much of the nation falls head over heels for Joe the Plumber, we in the Empire are tripping over our reputation as a sanctuary for Josephine the Redneck.
News of that local Republican newsletter, featuring a likeness of Barack Obama amid a smorgasbord of fried chicken, ribs and watermelon, has infected the so-called blogosphere. Turns out this particular sphere -- chaotic though it may seem -- is governed by a strict law of cyberphysics:
For every act of mindless stereotyping there is an equal and opposite reaction of mindless stereotyping.
In technical terms, we are getting hammered.
Scores of Web sites quickly glommed onto the P-E story about the offensive October surprise spewed by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated. Some of these sites posted the entire P-E story and invited reader comment -- an offer they couldn't refuse.
Wonkette, a popular political site, primed its readers thusly:
Meanwhile, a racist Republican gal in the "Inland Empire" -- the poor white trash part of exurbian Los Angeles -- sent out her little newsletter to the local GOP ladies . . .
Has Wonkette even set foot on our trash heap? Doesn't matter, does it? The rules of engagement had already been established by President Diane Fedele, the Chaffey "Republican gal" who thought she was only talking about food.
Wonkette readers took it from there:
As a former resident of the O.C. (I got out as soon as I could, thank you), I'd like to state for the record that the "Inland Empire" is often fondly referred to as "The Dirt People." And you can see why.
Inland Empire is not White Trash. It's Sunbleached Godforsaken.
The people from the Inland Empire are also derisively referred to as 909-ers (the area code). The 909 is redneck for Southern California.
She's probably got a little lawn jockey in the front of her trailer, in the Inland Empire.
A different site, washington monthly.com, served up more of the same:
As if anyone needed a reason to stay closer to the water and out of all that smog!
As a Californian, I can attest to the stark culatural differences between the coastal urban centers and the rural valleys and mountain regions. Like most states, we have more than our fair share of racist whackos. Fortunately, there are a lot more people living on the coast.
Small consolation that this refined coast dweller found it difficult to spell "cultural."
Last time the Empire received such unwanted attention (1998), a claque of ignorants argued against naming a new Riverside high school for Martin Luther King Jr. One reason: Colleges would reject MLK students, believing they had graduated from an all-black school. (Later that year, when RPD officers shot and killed Tyisha Miller, a young black woman, the national spotlight grew even harsher.)
The "Obama Bucks" newsletter may seem tame when measured against our recent history, but it certainly drives home the point that perpetuating stereotypes only begets more stereotypes.
One of the saddest elements of this latest drama -- judging from the blogoblurbs -- is few seemed surprised that this October "surprise" was sprung right here in the Empire.
News of that local Republican newsletter, featuring a likeness of Barack Obama amid a smorgasbord of fried chicken, ribs and watermelon, has infected the so-called blogosphere. Turns out this particular sphere -- chaotic though it may seem -- is governed by a strict law of cyberphysics:
For every act of mindless stereotyping there is an equal and opposite reaction of mindless stereotyping.
In technical terms, we are getting hammered.
Scores of Web sites quickly glommed onto the P-E story about the offensive October surprise spewed by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated. Some of these sites posted the entire P-E story and invited reader comment -- an offer they couldn't refuse.
Wonkette, a popular political site, primed its readers thusly:
Meanwhile, a racist Republican gal in the "Inland Empire" -- the poor white trash part of exurbian Los Angeles -- sent out her little newsletter to the local GOP ladies . . .
Has Wonkette even set foot on our trash heap? Doesn't matter, does it? The rules of engagement had already been established by President Diane Fedele, the Chaffey "Republican gal" who thought she was only talking about food.
Wonkette readers took it from there:
As a former resident of the O.C. (I got out as soon as I could, thank you), I'd like to state for the record that the "Inland Empire" is often fondly referred to as "The Dirt People." And you can see why.
Inland Empire is not White Trash. It's Sunbleached Godforsaken.
The people from the Inland Empire are also derisively referred to as 909-ers (the area code). The 909 is redneck for Southern California.
She's probably got a little lawn jockey in the front of her trailer, in the Inland Empire.
A different site, washington monthly.com, served up more of the same:
As if anyone needed a reason to stay closer to the water and out of all that smog!
As a Californian, I can attest to the stark culatural differences between the coastal urban centers and the rural valleys and mountain regions. Like most states, we have more than our fair share of racist whackos. Fortunately, there are a lot more people living on the coast.
Small consolation that this refined coast dweller found it difficult to spell "cultural."
Last time the Empire received such unwanted attention (1998), a claque of ignorants argued against naming a new Riverside high school for Martin Luther King Jr. One reason: Colleges would reject MLK students, believing they had graduated from an all-black school. (Later that year, when RPD officers shot and killed Tyisha Miller, a young black woman, the national spotlight grew even harsher.)
The "Obama Bucks" newsletter may seem tame when measured against our recent history, but it certainly drives home the point that perpetuating stereotypes only begets more stereotypes.
One of the saddest elements of this latest drama -- judging from the blogoblurbs -- is few seemed surprised that this October "surprise" was sprung right here in the Empire.
Chino Hills Woman Woman who lost leg awarded $4.3M
A Southern California jury said a woman that lost her leg in a boating accident on Lake Havasu is entitled to $4.3 million.
The decision was reached Thursday in a West Valley Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
The jury declared that Johnson Marine Supplies, Inc. was responsible for the Aug. 7, 2004 accident that cost Stacey Lowery of Chino Hills, Calif. her leg.
The accident occurred when Lowery’s husband attempted to put the boat in reverse but instead it went forward, crushing Lowery’s leg between the boat and a cement seawall. The leg had to be amputated.
The jury agreed with the Lowery’s contention that the boat had a retainer clip that was improperly installed.
The decision was reached Thursday in a West Valley Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
The jury declared that Johnson Marine Supplies, Inc. was responsible for the Aug. 7, 2004 accident that cost Stacey Lowery of Chino Hills, Calif. her leg.
The accident occurred when Lowery’s husband attempted to put the boat in reverse but instead it went forward, crushing Lowery’s leg between the boat and a cement seawall. The leg had to be amputated.
The jury agreed with the Lowery’s contention that the boat had a retainer clip that was improperly installed.
At My Place, Ribbon Cutting tonight.
Formally City Grille located in the Lowe’s shopping center our address is
1180 El Camino Road
Corona, CA 92879
951-270-5062
"We decided the change our name when we took on the additional space. LL Hawaiian BBQ and Mr. You’s went out of business so we took on the space and added a bar, dueling piano’s and a banquet room."
Stop by and take a look, we are having our ribbon cutting today from 5pm to 6pm. Hope to see you soon.
1180 El Camino Road
Corona, CA 92879
951-270-5062
"We decided the change our name when we took on the additional space. LL Hawaiian BBQ and Mr. You’s went out of business so we took on the space and added a bar, dueling piano’s and a banquet room."
Stop by and take a look, we are having our ribbon cutting today from 5pm to 6pm. Hope to see you soon.
Halloween Listings for Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange County!
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
AN EVENING OF SPOOKY MUSIC features Linda Corbitt and Chris Marsh, 8 p.m. Oct. 31, First Congregational Church of Riverside, 3504 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, 951-686-1756 .
PET PARADE SPOOKTACULA AND BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, presented by the Animal Friends of the Valleys, noon-4 p.m. Oct. 25, Bel Villagio Plaza, at the Promenade Mall, 41493 Margarita Road, Temecula, 951-805-7911, 951-471-8344.
CASTLE DARK MONSTER BASH features "The Facility of Screams," "Terror on the Track's," "Trick-or-Treat Trail" and more, 7 p.m.-close Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 31, Castle Park, 3500 Polk St., Riverside, for one attraction $6.99-$9.99, Terror Combo, $13.99, with ride wristband $22.99, 951-785-3000.
DOG-TOBER-FEST features K-9 costume contest, weiner dog fun run, chili cook-off, demonstrations, pet adoptions and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson & Buel Dealership, 7688 Indiana Ave., Riverside, 951-358-7334.
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE HAUNTED MUSEUM TOUR, approximately 10-15 minute tours between 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 29, Imagination Workshop, Temecula Children's Museum, 42081 Main St., Old Town Temecula, $5, recommended for children 10 and younger, 951-308-6376.
GHOSTWALK presented by the California Riverside Ballet, a ghostly walking tour every 20 minutes between 5:40-11 p.m. Oct. 24-25, starting at the Main Street Mall, downtown Riverside, $10, children younger than 5 free, 951-787-7850.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, Nichols Park, 5505 Dewey Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6130.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 24, Bobby Bonds Park, 2060 University Ave., Riverside, 951-826-2000.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 25, Hunt Park, 4015 Jackson St., Riverside, 951-351-6132.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 30, Villegas Park, 7240 Marguerita Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6142.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, La Sierra Park, 5215 La Sierra Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6131.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 4-9 p.m. Oct. 25, Reid Park, 701 N. Orange St., Riverside, 951-826-5654.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31, Bryant Park, 7950 Philbin Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6135.
HALLOWEEN FAMILY CARNIVAL featuring costume and screaming contests, carnival games, tattoo artist and more, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 24, Ronald Reagan Sports Park Roller Hockey Arena, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, $5 unlimited wristband, 951-694-6480.
HALLOWEEN SAFE TRICK-OR-TREAT, Halloween Party & Costume Contest, children 12 and younger, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31, Riverside Plaza , 3545 Central Ave., Riverside, 951-683-1066.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features haunted house, carnival games, trick-or-treat bags for all kids and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, Murrieta, free, 951-304-7275.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 3615 Riverside Plaza, Riverside, 951-222-0313.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 12423 Limonite, Mira Loma, 951-361-2650.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-779-1314.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features haunted house, carnival games, trick-or-treat bags for all kids and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, Murrieta, free, 951-304-7275.
HARVEST FESITVAL & CANDY CARNIVAL features obstacle course, climbing wall, costume parade and more, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Civic Center Gym & City Hall South Plaza, Corona, 951-736-2241.
HARVEST FESTIVAL, safe and healthy family life styles expo, features Halloween marionette show, costume contest, game booths entertainment and more, 4-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Perris Health Clinic parking lot, 308 E. San Jacinto Ave. and Perris Sheriff/Police Parking lot 137 N. Perris Blvd., Perris, 951-943-6603.
THE HAUNTED MUSEUM, recommended for teens and adults, 7-10 p.m. Thursday-Oct. 25, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Imagination Workshop, Temecula Children's Museum, 42081 Main St., Old Town Temecula, $8, 951-308-6376.
HAUNTED OLD TOWN features horrific mazes, demonic dancers, ghosts walks and more, 8 p.m. Thursday-Oct. 25, Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, four block of Old Town Temecula, $25, VIP $35, 951-694-6412.
HOWL-O-WEEN HARVEST HAPPENING featuring pumpkin patch, children's activities Howl-O-Ween Scavenger Hunt, entertainment and more, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, $12.50, children $7.50, 760-346-5694.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 7:30 p.m. today, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 26, 2 p.m. Nov. 1-2, Old Town Temecula Community Theatre, 42051 Main St., Temecula, $10-$20, 866-653-8696.
MAZE OF TERROR, 6 p.m. Oct. 28-31, Beaumont Civic Center, 550 E. Sixth St., Beaumont, free, 951-769-8524.
PUMPKIN TRAINS, ride the Pumpkin Train to the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin and then ride train back to museum, 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Orange Empire Railway Museum, 2201 S. A St., Perris, $20, children 5-11 $15, price includes pumpkin of your choice, reservations suggested, 951-943-3020.
TOXIC TERRORS HAUNTED STADIUM, 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, 7-10:30 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays through Nov. 2, not recommended for children younger than 10, $15, VIP $25, Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore, 951-253-4256.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL," 9 p.m. Oct. 31, Chaffey College Theatre, 5885 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. $12, seniors and students $10, 909-652-6067.
HAUNTED HILLS CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW features music, drawing, food and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25, Chino Hills High School, 16150 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino Hills, 909-393-2420
GHOST HAUNT features Maggie's Haunted Mine, costume contests, live music and magic shows, ghost walk and more, today-Sunday and Oct. 24-26, Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Calico Ghost Town road, Yermo, off Interstate 15 north of Barstow, $10, children 6-15 $5, children 5 and younger free, two day tickets $15, children 6-15 $8, 800-862-2542.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 3833 Grand Ave., Chino, 909-548-3604.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 5055 S. Plaza Lane, Montclair, 909-625-0424.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 12370 S. Main St., Rancho Cucamonga, 909-646-7322.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features entertainment, trick-or-treating, spooky games, haunted carnival and more, 3-8 p.m. Oct. 31, Chino Spectrum, Grand Avenue, 909-464-8369.
HAUNT & GLOW CAR SHOW featuring car show, children and adult costume contests and more, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, please bring donation for Second Harvest Food & Clothing Drive, Campus Crossroads Shopping Center, 5244 University Parkway, San Bernardino, 909-864-3143, 909-856-2621.
HAUNTED HIKE, guided hike on "haunted" trail, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 24, the McCoy Equestrian Center, 14280 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, $5, recommended for children six and older, 909-364-2700.
NIGHTMARE BEFORE HALLOWEEN BELLYDANCE BASH features 20 plus belly dance performances, henna tattoos and more, 2:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, $10, children younger than 12 $6, 909-537-5884.
TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE SHOPPES features trick-or-treating, craft projects, face painting and costume contest, 2-4:30 p.m. Oct. 31, the Shoppes, 13920 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, free, 909-364-2700.
ORANGE COUNTY
CAMP SPOOKY HALLOWEEN TREASURE HUNT, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Oct. 26,Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, $51.99, Southern California resident $41.99, seniors 62 and older and children 3-11 $22.99, discount tickets offered, visit www.knotts.com for information, 714-220-5200.
DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER presents "Spooky Science - Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats," 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, $12.95, children 3-17 $9.95, 714-542-2823.
DISNEYLAND features "Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party," 6:30-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays, today, Wednesday-Oct. 24, 28-31, $29, Halloween night $37; Halloween Time with "Haunted Mansion Holiday".
AN EVENING OF SPOOKY MUSIC features Linda Corbitt and Chris Marsh, 8 p.m. Oct. 31, First Congregational Church of Riverside, 3504 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, 951-686-1756 .
PET PARADE SPOOKTACULA AND BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS, presented by the Animal Friends of the Valleys, noon-4 p.m. Oct. 25, Bel Villagio Plaza, at the Promenade Mall, 41493 Margarita Road, Temecula, 951-805-7911, 951-471-8344.
CASTLE DARK MONSTER BASH features "The Facility of Screams," "Terror on the Track's," "Trick-or-Treat Trail" and more, 7 p.m.-close Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 31, Castle Park, 3500 Polk St., Riverside, for one attraction $6.99-$9.99, Terror Combo, $13.99, with ride wristband $22.99, 951-785-3000.
DOG-TOBER-FEST features K-9 costume contest, weiner dog fun run, chili cook-off, demonstrations, pet adoptions and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson & Buel Dealership, 7688 Indiana Ave., Riverside, 951-358-7334.
FAMILY NIGHT AT THE HAUNTED MUSEUM TOUR, approximately 10-15 minute tours between 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 29, Imagination Workshop, Temecula Children's Museum, 42081 Main St., Old Town Temecula, $5, recommended for children 10 and younger, 951-308-6376.
GHOSTWALK presented by the California Riverside Ballet, a ghostly walking tour every 20 minutes between 5:40-11 p.m. Oct. 24-25, starting at the Main Street Mall, downtown Riverside, $10, children younger than 5 free, 951-787-7850.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, Nichols Park, 5505 Dewey Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6130.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL. 5-8 p.m. Oct. 24, Bobby Bonds Park, 2060 University Ave., Riverside, 951-826-2000.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 25, Hunt Park, 4015 Jackson St., Riverside, 951-351-6132.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 30, Villegas Park, 7240 Marguerita Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6142.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 30, La Sierra Park, 5215 La Sierra Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6131.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 4-9 p.m. Oct. 25, Reid Park, 701 N. Orange St., Riverside, 951-826-5654.
HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31, Bryant Park, 7950 Philbin Ave., Riverside, 951-351-6135.
HALLOWEEN FAMILY CARNIVAL featuring costume and screaming contests, carnival games, tattoo artist and more, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 24, Ronald Reagan Sports Park Roller Hockey Arena, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, $5 unlimited wristband, 951-694-6480.
HALLOWEEN SAFE TRICK-OR-TREAT, Halloween Party & Costume Contest, children 12 and younger, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31, Riverside Plaza , 3545 Central Ave., Riverside, 951-683-1066.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features haunted house, carnival games, trick-or-treat bags for all kids and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, Murrieta, free, 951-304-7275.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 3615 Riverside Plaza, Riverside, 951-222-0313.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 12423 Limonite, Mira Loma, 951-361-2650.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 71-800 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-779-1314.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features haunted house, carnival games, trick-or-treat bags for all kids and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, California Oaks Sports Park, 40600 California Oaks Road, Murrieta, free, 951-304-7275.
HARVEST FESITVAL & CANDY CARNIVAL features obstacle course, climbing wall, costume parade and more, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Civic Center Gym & City Hall South Plaza, Corona, 951-736-2241.
HARVEST FESTIVAL, safe and healthy family life styles expo, features Halloween marionette show, costume contest, game booths entertainment and more, 4-8:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Perris Health Clinic parking lot, 308 E. San Jacinto Ave. and Perris Sheriff/Police Parking lot 137 N. Perris Blvd., Perris, 951-943-6603.
THE HAUNTED MUSEUM, recommended for teens and adults, 7-10 p.m. Thursday-Oct. 25, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, Imagination Workshop, Temecula Children's Museum, 42081 Main St., Old Town Temecula, $8, 951-308-6376.
HAUNTED OLD TOWN features horrific mazes, demonic dancers, ghosts walks and more, 8 p.m. Thursday-Oct. 25, Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, four block of Old Town Temecula, $25, VIP $35, 951-694-6412.
HOWL-O-WEEN HARVEST HAPPENING featuring pumpkin patch, children's activities Howl-O-Ween Scavenger Hunt, entertainment and more, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 25, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, $12.50, children $7.50, 760-346-5694.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 7:30 p.m. today, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 26, 2 p.m. Nov. 1-2, Old Town Temecula Community Theatre, 42051 Main St., Temecula, $10-$20, 866-653-8696.
MAZE OF TERROR, 6 p.m. Oct. 28-31, Beaumont Civic Center, 550 E. Sixth St., Beaumont, free, 951-769-8524.
PUMPKIN TRAINS, ride the Pumpkin Train to the pumpkin patch, pick your own pumpkin and then ride train back to museum, 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Orange Empire Railway Museum, 2201 S. A St., Perris, $20, children 5-11 $15, price includes pumpkin of your choice, reservations suggested, 951-943-3020.
TOXIC TERRORS HAUNTED STADIUM, 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays, 7-10:30 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays through Nov. 2, not recommended for children younger than 10, $15, VIP $25, Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore, 951-253-4256.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL," 9 p.m. Oct. 31, Chaffey College Theatre, 5885 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga. $12, seniors and students $10, 909-652-6067.
HAUNTED HILLS CAR AND MOTORCYCLE SHOW features music, drawing, food and more, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25, Chino Hills High School, 16150 Pomona Rincon Road, Chino Hills, 909-393-2420
GHOST HAUNT features Maggie's Haunted Mine, costume contests, live music and magic shows, ghost walk and more, today-Sunday and Oct. 24-26, Calico Ghost Town, 36600 Calico Ghost Town road, Yermo, off Interstate 15 north of Barstow, $10, children 6-15 $5, children 5 and younger free, two day tickets $15, children 6-15 $8, 800-862-2542.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 3833 Grand Ave., Chino, 909-548-3604.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 5055 S. Plaza Lane, Montclair, 909-625-0424.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features costume contest for kids, storytime and more, 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Borders, 12370 S. Main St., Rancho Cucamonga, 909-646-7322.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR features entertainment, trick-or-treating, spooky games, haunted carnival and more, 3-8 p.m. Oct. 31, Chino Spectrum, Grand Avenue, 909-464-8369.
HAUNT & GLOW CAR SHOW featuring car show, children and adult costume contests and more, 4-8 p.m. Saturday, please bring donation for Second Harvest Food & Clothing Drive, Campus Crossroads Shopping Center, 5244 University Parkway, San Bernardino, 909-864-3143, 909-856-2621.
HAUNTED HIKE, guided hike on "haunted" trail, 7-9 p.m. Oct. 24, the McCoy Equestrian Center, 14280 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, $5, recommended for children six and older, 909-364-2700.
NIGHTMARE BEFORE HALLOWEEN BELLYDANCE BASH features 20 plus belly dance performances, henna tattoos and more, 2:30-6 p.m. Sunday, Cal State San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, $10, children younger than 12 $6, 909-537-5884.
TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE SHOPPES features trick-or-treating, craft projects, face painting and costume contest, 2-4:30 p.m. Oct. 31, the Shoppes, 13920 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, free, 909-364-2700.
ORANGE COUNTY
CAMP SPOOKY HALLOWEEN TREASURE HUNT, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Oct. 26,Knott's Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, $51.99, Southern California resident $41.99, seniors 62 and older and children 3-11 $22.99, discount tickets offered, visit www.knotts.com for information, 714-220-5200.
DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER presents "Spooky Science - Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats," 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Nov. 2, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, $12.95, children 3-17 $9.95, 714-542-2823.
DISNEYLAND features "Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party," 6:30-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Fridays, today, Wednesday-Oct. 24, 28-31, $29, Halloween night $37; Halloween Time with "Haunted Mansion Holiday".
More pumpkins...PICK A PUMPKIN!
If you like picking a pumpkin from a farm rather than your neighborhood grocery store you might want to visit one of these three farms.
Riverside County
The Pumpkin Factory
1545 Circle City Drive, Corona, CA 92879
Phone: 805-689-4659
Riverside County, California
The Wickerd Farm
26852 Scott Road, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 909-672-3020
Riverside County, California
Big Horse Feed Corn Maze
33320 Hwy 79, Temecula, CA 92592
Phone: 909-676-2544
Riverside County, California
Riverside County
The Pumpkin Factory
1545 Circle City Drive, Corona, CA 92879
Phone: 805-689-4659
Riverside County, California
The Wickerd Farm
26852 Scott Road, Menifee, CA 92584
Phone: 909-672-3020
Riverside County, California
Big Horse Feed Corn Maze
33320 Hwy 79, Temecula, CA 92592
Phone: 909-676-2544
Riverside County, California
Local Corona, CA Craft Classes.
Card Buffet
Come and join Prima Endorsed educator, Donna Salazar, as she invites you to partake in her Card Buffet complete with a well stocked Embellishment Bar. This class is full of innovative techniques. Donna will have you ripping, tearing, painting, inking, stamping, etc… AND you are able to make an unlimited amount of cards in the two hour class period. Donna will also be showing you how to make her signature paper flowers from vintage dictionary pages. This is a student favorite… you don’t want to miss it! You will need: paper trimmer, liquid adhesive (glossy accents suggested), tape runner (scrapbook adhesives suggested)
Love Storybook
Come and join Prima Endorsed educator, Donna Salazar, as she shows you how to use the Prima Paintable papers in unique ways. This class is full of innovative techniques. Donna will have you ripping, tearing, painting and cutting and there is even an option for sewing your paintable papers. Donna will also be showing you how to make her signature paper flowers from vintage dictionary pages. Plus… you will have access to Donna’s famous embellishment bar. This class won’t be taught again so make sure that you don’t miss it! You will need – a paper trimmer, liquid adhesive & tape runner Optional – sewing machine, edge distresser
Donna Salazar
Scrappers Café
Corona, CA
http://scrapperscafe.blogspot.com
951-372-8214
Oct 25th
Come and join Prima Endorsed educator, Donna Salazar, as she invites you to partake in her Card Buffet complete with a well stocked Embellishment Bar. This class is full of innovative techniques. Donna will have you ripping, tearing, painting, inking, stamping, etc… AND you are able to make an unlimited amount of cards in the two hour class period. Donna will also be showing you how to make her signature paper flowers from vintage dictionary pages. This is a student favorite… you don’t want to miss it! You will need: paper trimmer, liquid adhesive (glossy accents suggested), tape runner (scrapbook adhesives suggested)
Love Storybook
Come and join Prima Endorsed educator, Donna Salazar, as she shows you how to use the Prima Paintable papers in unique ways. This class is full of innovative techniques. Donna will have you ripping, tearing, painting and cutting and there is even an option for sewing your paintable papers. Donna will also be showing you how to make her signature paper flowers from vintage dictionary pages. Plus… you will have access to Donna’s famous embellishment bar. This class won’t be taught again so make sure that you don’t miss it! You will need – a paper trimmer, liquid adhesive & tape runner Optional – sewing machine, edge distresser
Donna Salazar
Scrappers Café
Corona, CA
http://scrapperscafe.blogspot.com
951-372-8214
Oct 25th
Corona, CA based Villa De Corona Apts. Changes Hands for $3.5M
Newport Beach, CA-based WLA Investments acquired the Villa De Corona Apartments in Corona, CA, from a private investor for $3.5 million or $97,200 per unit.The 24,305-square-foot multi-family building at 1083-1087 Circle City Drive was built in 1988 and is comprised 36 units. The property was recently converted into condominiums, and offers 900-square-foot two-bedroom/two-bath units.
Eberle Winemaker Dinner at BlackWood American Grill in Corona, CA
Date: Oct 22, 2008 (Wed)
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $75 plus Tax and Gratuity
Place: BlackWood American Grill
980 Montecito Drive
Corona, CA 92879
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $75 plus Tax and Gratuity
Place: BlackWood American Grill
980 Montecito Drive
Corona, CA 92879
An exceptional dining experience that's one of our most popular offerings. You're invited to join us for yet another intimate evening with Winemaker Gary Eberle of Eberle Vineyards as we share the joys of our passion for great wine and quality times; while indulging in some spectacular new wine releases and familiar favorites. Delight your senses with an amazing wine and food journey that includes a five-course menu. Reservations required. Seating is limited. Reserve your table now. $75 per person (plus tax & gratuity).
Green Valley Initiative Receives $100,000 Grant
The Green Valley Initiative (GVI) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Southern California Edison (SCE) to help further the progress being made to promote clean and green technologies in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
GVI is a regional economic development plan launched in 2007 to promote renewable energy sources, alternative fuels, biotech, nanotech and other sustainable industries in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, a Southern California region referred to as the Inland Empire. To date, the boards of supervisors of both counties, the Western Riverside Council of Governments and more than 25 cities and public agencies have adopted resolutions in support of the initiative.
"Southern California Edison is excited to see the cities, counties, businesses, universities and community leaders of the Inland Empire working together to establish a better future for the region," said Les Starck, SCE Vice-President of Local Public Affairs. "The Inland Empire is ideally suited for these types of technologies for a variety of reasons, most notably its anticipated population growth, proximity to major transportation hubs and its boundless sunshine. We look forward to being a part of this important transformation for Inland Southern California."
Starck will present the grant to GVI Chairman Ali Sahabi Thursday at the U.S. Department of Commerce's National District Export Council Conference at the Wyndham Hotel in Palm Springs. The conference, "Travel & Trade, Redefining Exports," has dedicated a portion of its programming to clean and green industries, particularly those highlighted through the Green Valley Initiative.
Sahabi said the grant will help fund the necessary steps toward establishing an independent, regional entity that will assume operations of GVI in January.
"Southern California Edison is leading by example, showing the world that it makes good business sense to support the environment, support community and to support initiatives designed to benefit others," Sahabi said. "We are pleased to partner with them on this important effort."
GVI is a project of the Green Institute for Village Empowerment, (GIVE), a nonprofit organization established in 2005 to promote balance in the way people live, how their choices impact the environment and others in their community. GIVE hosts events and initiatives, and sponsors college campus chapters to educate the public on issues related to sustainability, a term used to describe this social, economic and environmental balance.
GVI is a regional economic development plan launched in 2007 to promote renewable energy sources, alternative fuels, biotech, nanotech and other sustainable industries in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, a Southern California region referred to as the Inland Empire. To date, the boards of supervisors of both counties, the Western Riverside Council of Governments and more than 25 cities and public agencies have adopted resolutions in support of the initiative.
"Southern California Edison is excited to see the cities, counties, businesses, universities and community leaders of the Inland Empire working together to establish a better future for the region," said Les Starck, SCE Vice-President of Local Public Affairs. "The Inland Empire is ideally suited for these types of technologies for a variety of reasons, most notably its anticipated population growth, proximity to major transportation hubs and its boundless sunshine. We look forward to being a part of this important transformation for Inland Southern California."
Starck will present the grant to GVI Chairman Ali Sahabi Thursday at the U.S. Department of Commerce's National District Export Council Conference at the Wyndham Hotel in Palm Springs. The conference, "Travel & Trade, Redefining Exports," has dedicated a portion of its programming to clean and green industries, particularly those highlighted through the Green Valley Initiative.
Sahabi said the grant will help fund the necessary steps toward establishing an independent, regional entity that will assume operations of GVI in January.
"Southern California Edison is leading by example, showing the world that it makes good business sense to support the environment, support community and to support initiatives designed to benefit others," Sahabi said. "We are pleased to partner with them on this important effort."
GVI is a project of the Green Institute for Village Empowerment, (GIVE), a nonprofit organization established in 2005 to promote balance in the way people live, how their choices impact the environment and others in their community. GIVE hosts events and initiatives, and sponsors college campus chapters to educate the public on issues related to sustainability, a term used to describe this social, economic and environmental balance.
Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread and pumpkin seeds...but pumpkin beer?
TAPS Fishouse & Brewery of Brea, CA and more recently also Corona, CA has put their Pumpkin Ale and Oktoberfest beers on. This multi award winning brewery has received very good feedback of these beers, especially the pumpkin ale, on Internet beer geek forums. I personally have not tried these beers yet but judging by the other beers I've had from them, I can only assume the chatter is pretty accurate. Hopefully by the time I get down there they haven't ran out. AVAILABLE TOMORROW! $6 A GLASS ($4 HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS).
Chino Hills 4th annual Fall Harvest Day (this weekend)
4th annual Fall Harvest Day Come to Chino Hills fall harvest event with arts & crafts, a hayride, carve a pumpkin and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
5:30p to 7:30p
McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center Chino Hills CA
5:30p to 7:30p
McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center Chino Hills CA
OH NO THEY DIDN'T...RIVERSIDE RUPUBLICANS...SHAME, SHAME!
A Republican group in California has distributed a newsletter picturing Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on a $10 bill adorned with a watermelon, ribs and a bucket of fried chicken.Various Republican officials have denounced the illustration for linking Obama to demeaning racist stereotypes.
The illustration appeared in the October newsletter of the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated.
The group's president says she had no racist intent.
The Obama campaign has declined comment, saying it does not address such attacks.
The newsletter was sent to about 200 club members and associates last week by mail and email.
The club is a volunteer group that is not directly responsible to the state party, said California Republican party press secretary Hector Barajas, who denounced the newsletter.
Diane Fedele, president of the San Bernardino County group, says she didn't connect the images to racist stereotypes.
"It was just food to me. It didn't mean anything else," she told the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
Fedele said she had received the illustration in emails and decided to reprint it to poke fun at a remark by Obama that he doesn't look like other presidents.
"It was strictly an attempt to point out the outrageousness of his statement. I really don't want to go into it any further," Fedele told the newspaper. "I absolutely apologize to anyone who was offended. That clearly wasn't my attempt."
Sheila Raines of San Bernardino, a black member of the club, complained about the image to Fedele.
"This is what keeps African-Americans from joining the Republican party," she said. "I'm really hurt. I cried for 45 minutes."
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