Corona, CA: AVT Rolls Out Ironclad Work Glove Venders

CORONA, CA: AVT Inc. has partnered with Ironclad Performance Wear to supply vending machines that allow workers to purchase task-specific gloves and apparel at their job or worksite.

Los Angeles-based Ironclad will supply its performance gloves and apparel -- designed to meet the occupational rigors of contractors, plumbers, police officers and mechanics -- to an unnamed AVT partner that will maintain, supply and manage the machines nationwide.

AVT will manufacture the machines, which include a touchscreen interface and realtime access to sales and inventory data.

Corona, CA: Answer's James Stewart Survives Muddy San Diego!

Corona, CA: Round 7 of the AMA Supercross series brought with it the first mudder of the year and a whole host of interesting racing throughout the night. Yet, at the end of the 20 lap main event, Answer's James Stewart was able to ride through the chaos to capture 3rd and gain ground in the 2011 series points race.

In what has been a typically dry West coast swing of the AMA Supercross series, the San Diego Supercross round started out raining off and on throughout the day making the track more difficult as the night progressed. With an abbreviated practice schedule, Answer's Stewart was still able to pull the fastest qualifying lap time of the day and put himself in the drivers seat for the night's events. In Heat 2, James got the holeshot and easily led the way throughout the race, finishing in first.

As the Main Event began, track conditions started to worsen. To make things more difficult James had a disappointing start, where he rounded the first corner just inside of the top ten. For the 15 laps of the race, Stewart pushed on and worked his way through the mud up to second place. Everything looked to be in place for James to come away from San Diego with a 2nd place when an unfortunate stall in Lap 16 pushed him back two spots to fourth place. Shortly after, James was able to take advantage of another rider's mistake and capture the final spot on the podium as well as gaining valuable points in the Series point's race. "The track was gnarly and I didn't have it tonight," Stewart said. "I gave it my best, but my best just wasn't good enough."

As the AMA Supercross heads into it Eastern swing, James looks to capture back the series points lead and his 4th win of the season. As well as find us on our social sites: Facebook.com/Answerracing or twitter.com/Answerracing to have a chance at winning some cool swag!

Corona, CA: Husky Rolls Out $12 Million 2011 Contingency Program

Corona, CA: Husqvarna is back to racing in a big way for 2011! More than $12 million in contingency awards is available at racing events throughout the country this season. “Husqvarna is committed to those who choose to ride Husky’s,” says National Marketing Manager Corey Eastman. “The “Ride More” concept creates an overall racing program that supports both top Pros and average Joes, which was our main goal for 2011!”

Ride More offers $12 million in contingency spread across 146 different events, ranging from off-road to motocross and flat track to Supermoto. The program extends from grassroots amateurs at a GNCC to top pros at Endurocross… and everything in between! In addition to the GNCC Grand National Cross Country Series, Husqvarna NA has contingency posted for Best In The Desert, Big 6 Grand Prix Series, Endurocross, Glen Helen Endurance Series, National Hare & Hound, Western Hare Scrambles and more.

“We are also proud to announce our pro racing plans for 2011,” explains Eastman. “Teaming with a couple of the most successful names in off-road racing.” Team Husqvarna’s factory efforts will include Fred Andrews Racing for the Eastern events. Already a well known force in GNCC off-road racing, FAR is beefing up to three riders this season, led by flying Finn Simo Kirssi in XC1 and Jason Thomas (who just missed the class championship by one point last season) and Morgan Moss. “We’re exited to have Simo on board with us this year,” says FAR team boss and 1993 GNCC champ Fred Andrews. “With Jason and Morgan running in the XC2 class as well, I think we will have a successful season.”

Out West Zip-Ty Husqvarna Racing returns, bigger and better than ever. Bobby Bonds (2008 WORCS champ), Nick Burson (defending USDR #1 plate holder), Cory Graffunder (Endurocross/Extreme Enduro star), David Kamo (2010 Hare & Hound Vice Champion) and Jamie Lanza (ISDE medalist) will all be riding for Ty Davis this season. “New bikes, new attitude and our same old winning ways,” says Davis.

For 2011 the Husqvarna contingency program will continue to take advantage of XTRM.com, a powerful software platform providing real time distribution and management of cash and electronic coupon payouts, results tracking and social marketing. See your local Husqvarna dealer to become part of Team Husky this season. Log onto XTRM.com to cash in as part of the winning team. “It pays to Ride More in 2011,” concludes Corey Eastman.

Riverside, CA: Casey’s Cupcakes Wins Cupcake Wars on Food Network

Confection Boutique Earns National Recognition One Week After Opening Second Location

And the winner is…Casey’s Cupcakes! Last night, the Southern California confection boutique was chosen as the winner on the wildly popular and highly competitive Cupcake Wars on the Food Network.

The national recognition on Cupcake Wars caps off a busy and hugely successful month for Casey’s Cupcakes. On February 14, Valentine’s Day, Casey’s Cupcakes opened its second location in Laguna Beach, Calif. The original Casey’s Cupcakes is located at The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, Calif.

Casey Reinhardt, the daughter of Kelly and Duane Roberts, owners of The Historic Mission Inn, was inspired by her great-grandmother’s homemade cupcakes and now brings the delicious flavors of her childhood to two communities, which she holds dearly. She grew up in Laguna Beach and spent many memorable days and nights at The Historic Mission Inn with her parents.

Each week on Cupcake Wars, four of the country’s top cupcake bakers face off in three elimination challenges until only one remains. Casey’s Cupcakes was named the winner over shops from Philadelphia, New York and Los Angeles. The sweet prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase Casey’s Cupcakes at a special event — in this case, the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a theme well suited for Reinhardt and her background in television, film and modeling.

“This month has been amazing,” said Reinhardt. “We continue to receive so much support at the cupcake boutique at The Historic Mission Inn, and we’ve been welcomed with open arms in our new location in our hometown of Laguna Beach. This success has gone well beyond my expectations and I could not be happier.”

To celebrate winning Cupcake Wars, Reinhardt will make appearances at both Casey’s Cupcakes locations this Saturday, February 26. She will be at the Laguna Beach cupcake boutique from noon until 1 p.m. and at The Historic Mission Inn location from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests will be treated to live entertainment. As part of the celebration, Casey’s Cupcakes will make available Cupcake Wars Four Packs featuring the winning flavors on the show. The Four Packs will be available for $15 from Friday, February 25 through Sunday, February 27 and include:

White Chocolate Cherry: Cherry cake with white chocolate chips and pieces of cherry, vanilla buttercream frosting, glitter, pearls and a maraschino cherry on top.

White Russian: Kahlua coffee cake, Baileys Irish and Kahlua cream filling, Baileys Irish buttercream, chocolate striped cigars, chocolate crunch balls, 24 karat gold (mixed with vodka) on the chocolate crunch balls and tips of chocolate cigars.

Chili Chocolate: Dark chocolate cake with chili powder and cayenne powder, gnashe frosting, 24-karat gold brushed on with vodka, glitter, and sugar diamonds.

Lavender: Lavender cake, lavender buttercream, rice paper as the feathers (the purple stripe on the feathers is frosting), candied lavender, glitter and a pearl.

Casey’s Cupcakes takes design inspiration from a classic Parisian cafe with a glamorous Hollywood twist. Incorporating bright splashes of pink with classy black accents and whimsical accessories, Casey’s has become a preferred spot to relax and enjoy a delightful cupcake, and the perfect place to pick up treats for the next birthday or office party, bridal and baby showers, meetings, celebrations and other quaint gatherings.

Casey’s Cupcakes come in 12 delicious flavors from the popular Rockin’ Red Velvet and Sassy Strawberry to Decadent Dark Chocolate and Luscious Lemon. Each month a different “Cupcake of the Month” is featured, inspired by seasonal holidays. In addition to cupcakes baked fresh daily, the shops offer fun and flirty cupcake-themed merchandise. Casey’s Cupcakes also offers signature “cupcake wedding cakes” at both locations, which are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Casey has always been passionate about business, charitable causes, and her modeling and acting career. In 2002 Casey founded The C.A.S.E.Y Foundation, Children’s Alliance for the Success and Education of Youth in need. She has also made significant accomplishments in her acting career, starring on one of MTV’s highest rated shows, “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.”

Casey’s Cupcakes Laguna Beach is located at 303 Broadway Street on Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 and the phone number is 949-715-8245. The address for Casey’s Cupcakes at The Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501 and the phone number is 951-328-6908.

Riverside, CA: Medical exam ordered for ailing singer Etta James

A California judge has ordered an independent medical evaluation of ailing Etta James because her son says the "At Last" blues singer may be in serious danger under the care of a $20,000-a-month live-in doctor.

The Riverside County Superior Court judge, who is presiding over control of the 72-year-old singer's $1 million-plus in assets, made the ruling Thursday. She suffers from dementia, leukemia and kidney problems and is under the in-home care of Dr. Elaine James, who is no relation.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise says probate attorney Joseph Deering, who represents the singer's son Donto James, told the judge there are serious concerns about the singer's medical care.

Deering suggested a restraining order against the doctor to halt treatment. The judge instead ordered an immediate independent medical exam.

Corona, CA: Federal loan sought to fund Highway 91 project

The final piece of funding for a $1.3 billion project to add lanes to Highway 91 in Corona will come from a highly competitive federal loan program, Riverside County transportation officials hope.

Transportation planners, elected officials and local business leaders are banding together to encourage U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein to support their plans for $400 million from a loan program created by the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. The federal loan program is meant to give agencies a low-interest way to pay for major construction projects.

Up to 33 percent of a project's funding can be borrowed, though the terms of the loan program can vary. Less federal money could be committed, but used to leverage private loans. In the case of the 91 project, $443 million would be the maximum local officials could borrow, said John Standiford, deputy director of the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

If approved, the federal loan gives the commission the final funding needed to extend two toll lanes from the Orange County line to Interstate 15, and a general use lane from the county line to Pierce Street in Riverside. Construction is scheduled to begin next year.

Securing the federal loan is critical to keeping that schedule, officials said. They are turning in a pre-application -- basically a request to get invited to submit an official application.

"We have to tell our story in 20 pages," said Anne Mayer, executive director of the transportation commission. "We have to sell our story."

The proposal is due to federal officials on March 1. Last year, about $1.2 billion in loans were available nationally. If the amount remains constant, there will be intense competition for the money, local officials said.

Part of making the pitch for the toll lanes, outlined in letters to Boxer, Feinstein and LaHood from the Monday Morning Group -- a cadre of local business leaders -- is the region's high unemployment rate and the job creating potential of the project. Officials estimate 800 permanent jobs will be created by the project, as businesses locate along the 91 corridor. Adding the lanes will also reduce congestion, officials believe.

The benefits make it a perfect choice for a federal loan, aimed at helping improve infrastructure, officials said.

The loan also demonstrates local officials believe the project will pay for itself, via the tolls collected from using the express lanes, similar to those already in Orange County.

The federal money is a loan, which means it must be repaid, but with very favorable terms, said Corey Boock, a lawyer helping manage the funding plan for the transportation commission. The TIFIA interest rate varies by day, but was 4.7 percent on Friday, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

The remainder of the project will be funded through the sale of bonds, backed by the toll revenues. County sales tax money can also be used to add the general purpose lane to the 91.

Corona, CA: Hootan Melamed Opens New Sleep Clinic in Corona CA

Hootan Melamed opens Sleep Clinic in Corona. The Sleep Clinic is located in the center of Downtown Corona

Corona, CA: Corona Sleep and Wellness Center announces the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art sleep study center inCorona, California. The center which held a soft-grand opening in early October, celebrated its full grand opening

Hootan Melamed, PharmD, says, “Patients come to the center to get help with sleep disorders and their side effects. Once they are evaluated and diagnosed, they take the results to their personal physicians to create an effective treatment plan.”

There are more than 80 known sleep disorders and sleep deprivation causes up to 100,000 automobile accidents a year. 1500 of those result in traffic deaths. Sleep disorders can plague anyone during any phase of life. Common symptoms include daytime tiredness, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, Poor attention span & difficulty staying on task, Insomnia, obesity & Sleep, Restless Legs Syndrome, apnea, sleep walking and snoring. “A good night's sleep is important for optimal health and daytime functioning,” added Melamed.

To help patients feel more at ease, patients find luxury resort spa amenities at the center, including queen-size beds, luxury linens, private baths and plasma TVs. “Making our patients comfortable so they can sleep helps us make a better diagnosis, and get their issues treated so they can a good night’s rest,” emphasized Melamed.

A sleep study, or polysomnography is a comprehensive recording of the biophysiological changes that occur during sleep. The test is usually performed at night, when most people sleep, though our labs can accommodate shift workers and people with circadian rhythm sleep disorders and do the test at other times of day. The PSG monitors many body functions including brain (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle activity or skeletal muscle activation (EMG) and heart rhythm (ECG) during sleep.

In addition to being the center’s physician, Dr. Hootan Melamed is a licensed pharmacist and the founder of New Age Pharmacy, a and Skyyler Holdings, a business solutions firm for neighborhood boutique pharmacies. He also holds several medical patents.

The center is located at 2815 S. Main Street, Suite 115, Corona, CA 92882. Info 951-272-2292, Main 951-272-2052, Fax 951-272-2054.

Riverside, CA: Meet Paris At Macy's In Riverside, CA This Saturday At Her Passport Fragrance Launch!

Get your chance to meet Paris this Saturday at 2pm PST, when she launches her new fragrance Passport in the Macys Riverside Galleria in Southern California! The first 300 customers who purchase the “World of Paris Hilton Package” for $135, will meet Paris and receive a complimentary photograph with her.  The package includes a 3.4 oz EDT Spray of each Passport locale: South Beach, Paris and Tokyo, plus a Paris Hilton Body Glistening Lotion 6.7 oz., a Paris Hilton Tease Eau de Parfum Spray .25 oz. and a glamorous gold tote. Purchases must be made at Macy’s Riverside store. Limit one photograph per person, as time permits

Riverside, CA: Oscar's Winning Experts

UC Riverside scholars available to discuss films, fans and the Academy Awards.

As Hollywood prepares for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards – a celebration of film that draws a global audience – on Sunday, Feb. 27, scholars at the University of California, Riverside are available to discuss movie-making, film fans and Oscar fantasy leagues.

Derek Burrill, associate professor of media and cultural studies

(951) 827-1261

derek.burrill@ucr.edu

Professor Burrill has studied the Academy Awards for years, and this year created an Oscars fantasy league for friends. He also has been following odds on potential Academy Award winners posted at betting centers in Las Vegas. "It’s big business, just like sports betting," he says. Burrill's scholarly research includes cinema, digital media and video games.

Charles Evered, associate professor of playwriting and screenwriting

(951) 827-7803

charles.evered@ucr.edu

Professor Evered has written screenplays for Paramount Pictures, Dreamworks and Universal Picture, and collaborated with Liev Schreiber on a screen adaptation of his play, "The Size of the World." He made his feature film directing debut with his adaptation of his play "Adopt a Sailor," starring Bebe Neuwirth, Peter Coyote and Ethan Peck, which was an award winner at several film festivals.

Stu Krieger, professor of filmwriting

(951) 827-1257

stuart.krieger@ucr.edu

Professor Krieger wrote the animated classic "The Land Before Time" and 10 original movies for the Disney Channel, co-wrote the Emmy award-winning mini-series "A Year in the Life" and been nominated for the Humanitas Prize for the Disney Channel original movie "Going to the Mat." He has been a story editor and writer on Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories and is the head writer and story editor of the animated preschool series "Toot & Puddle" on Nickelodeon.

Toby Miller, professor and chair of the Department of Media & Cultural Studies

(951) 827-5665

toby.miller@ucr.edu

Professor Miller is internationally known for his popular culture research, including the success of Hollywood overseas, media, sport, gender and race. He is the author and editor of more than 20 books, among them "The Contemporary Hollywood Reader" (Routledge, 2009), "Global Hollywood: No. 2" (co-author, British Film Institute, 2004), "Spyscreen: Espionage on Film and TV from the 1930s to the 1960s" (Oxford University Press, 2003), and the book series "Film Guidebooks" (Routledge).

Scott Silverman, coordinator, Orientation Programs

(951) 827-3469

scott.silverman@ucr.edu

Scott Silverman's research and expertise extends to the usage of social media as a phenomenon. He is available to discuss why "The Social Network" is so popular. "EVERYBODY knows about Facebook, and is either actively using it, or actively NOT using it," he says. "It is, by far, the most popular social network of its kind, and a dominant force in how people communicate. The fact that so many people flocked to the theaters to see it, and that there is much buzz about the movie, is unsurprising. People want to know the 'true' story behind the creation of a tool that they use on a regular basis."

Chino Hills, CA: Man admits ramming stopped car, causing death

A Chino Hills man pleaded guilty Tuesday to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for ramming a BMW into a car that was stopped at a red light in January 2010, causing the death of an 18-year-old woman was sitting in the passenger seat.

Robert Charles Serrano, 37, now faces a potential 33-year prison term at his sentencing April 14 by Superior Court Judge Craig E. Robison.

Robison will hand down his sentence after he reviews a probation report and listens to victim-impact statements from friends and relatives of victim Corbin White, a graduate of Villa Park High School.

About a dozen of those supporters, including White's mother and father, watched Serrano plead guilty Tuesday. They sat in the courtroom gallery wearing purple – White's favorite color – and lapel pins with her photo.

She died from massive injuries at Western Medical Center several hours after Serrano raced the 2006 BMW sedan into the intersection of Main Street and MacArthur Boulevard shortly about 2 a.m. Jan. 3, 2010, and rammed into a 2006 Toyota Scion that was stopped at the red light.

The collision knocked the Scion into the intersection, where it was struck by oncoming traffic in a chain-reaction crash.

White, who worked at the Corner Bakery in Anaheim, died several hours later at Western Medical Center.

Serrano, who has two drunken driving convictions and an alcohol-related reckless driving, fled after the collision, leaving a friend injured in the passenger seat of the BMW, according to prosecutors.

He was arrested about 10 hours later at his mother's home in Fountain Valley.

Serrano also pleaded guilty to penalty-enhancing allegations for causing injuries to three people, including White's boyfriend, who was driving the Scion, and for leaving the scene. He also has a strike prior for a previous felony conviction for robbery.

Corona, CA: Corona officer says she faced retaliation over expose

A Corona police lieutenant said in a claim against the city that she was denied a promotion, among other retaliatory measures, because she threatened to tell another law enforcement agency that her department was allowing an officer to associate with a gang member while off duty.

Kelly Anderson is seeking $750,000 in damages from the city. She said in the claim that she was also removed from command of a special-enforcement team, was punitively transferred ahead of schedule, denied special assignments and improperly reprimanded.

The officer she complained about was Lt. Brent Coleman, who was on paid administrative leave for 10 months in 2009-10 during what was believed to be an investigation into his association with a member of the Vagos. Coleman eventually left his job under unspecified circumstances after he rejected the city's offer of $25,000 to resign.

Anderson is on medical leave, Corona Sgt. Frank Barron said. The law office representing Anderson, Stone Busailah of Pasadena, would not say whether her leave is related to her claim. Anderson could not be reached for comment.

Claims are filed as a first step. Lawsuits usually follow if the claim is rejected.

"The city did receive a claim from Lt. Anderson, and while the claim has been formally denied, the city is continuing to work with its legal counsel," Barron said. "Unfortunately, due to the litigation and the confidentiality of a personnel matter, we are unable to further comment on this matter."

Anderson said in the claim that she became aware in January 2008 that Coleman was associating with members of the Vagos, who police consider a notorious motorcycle gang. Anderson said she believed that association was "unethical and a conflict of interest" because Coleman was in charge of the Police Department's gang unit and a regional gang task force, the claim said.

Anderson reported Coleman to her captain, Ray Cota. Later, Anderson said, she was told by Coleman's captain, Richard Madory, that Madory had told Coleman to discontinue his relationship with the Vagos and that there would not be an investigation. The police chief at the time, Richard Gonzales, told Anderson to "let it go," the claim said.

In September 2008, Anderson said, Coleman confronted her and told her to stay out of his way.

Coleman continued to associate with the Vagos, one of them being Carlos Padilla, the claim said.

In October 2009, after Anderson saw Padilla at two police-sponsored events, she told her captain that Coleman's continued association with Padilla was "adversely affecting good order, morale, discipline and confidence in the leadership of the Police Department."

Anderson, deciding that the department had failed to address the Coleman situation, then said she would report the case to an outside law enforcement agency. It was only then, the claim said, that Madory, now the police chief, asked the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to investigate Coleman.

Coleman was on paid administrative leave from Nov. 30, 2009, to his final day on the job, Oct. 6, 2010, during which time he was paid $193,000 in salary, benefits and longevity and marksmanship bonuses.

Corona, CA: ASU’s Hahn Suffers Neck Injury

Arizona State outfielder Cory Hahn suffered a serious neck injury in the first inning of Sunday’s game against New Mexico in Tempe. The ASU athletic department released a statement on Monday in which Hahn’s family confirmed he had undergone surgery.

Hahn was injured on a stolen base attempt in the first inning of Sunday’s game. The freshman from Corona, CA slid head first and collided with New Mexico second baseman Kyle Steiner on the play. He was carried off the field on a stretcher and taken to St. Joseph’s hospital in Phoenix after making his second collegiate start.

Here’s the Arizona State statement:

The university is working closely with the Hahn family regarding any official updates regarding the health of Cory Hahn, who sustained an injury in yesterday’s baseball game.

The family would like Sun Devil fans to know that Cory has sustained a neck injury, that he underwent surgery last night and that he is slowly recovering.

The family welcomes all wishes and positive thoughts from everyone at this time.

Corona, CA: Renowned TV Show Builders West Coast Customs Debuts New TV Show On HD Theater Inside West Coast Customs

CORONA, CA: West Coast Customs (WCC) premiers new show on Discovery's HD Theater, Inside West Coast Customs Feb 20, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST. Inside West Coast Customs is the next exciting show featuring WCC's outrageous builds. WCC is unveiling their latest creation the Virgin Gaming – Armored Lounge. This creation was the brain child of Ryan Friedlinghaus owner of West Coast Customs and Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Gaming. WCC has transformed an armored truck into a luxurious gamers escape from reality.

"The armored truck is the sickest gaming lounge on wheels," said Ryan Friedlinghaus, CEO, West Coast Customs. "The Virgin Gaming lounge is any gamer's ultimate dream. To create a mobile gaming experience, the truck features 4 exterior LED TV's with 8 gaming consoles. On the inside we have a luxurious 'VIP' lounge with a plush suede couch and a 32" LED TV with 2 gaming consoles and an insane sound system."

Owner Ryan Friedlinghaus and his shop have been doing exclusive custom builds for the MTV show Pimp my Ride, TLC's Street Customs, Street Customs Berlin and now on his new show on Discovery's HD Theater, Inside West Coast Customs. Ryan and his crew are world-renowned for their extreme vehicles, outrageous features and unique designs.

Check out Inside West Coast Customs, Sunday at 9:00 pm EST on Discovery Channel's HD Theater.

About West Coast Customs

Headquartered in Corona, Calif., West Coast Customs was founded in 1993 by Ryan Friedlinghaus. West Coast Customs is known by car enthusiasts as the premiere high-end modification shop that can transform any vehicle into a work of art. West Coast Customs is not only known for building cars but delivering dynamic television content to a wide range of viewers. West Coast Customs has been the exclusive shop featured in MTV show Pimp my Ride, TLC's Street Customs, Street Customs Berlin and now Discovery's HD Theater Inside West Coast Customs.

Corona, CA: MAKE A SPLASH AT THE DOGGONE FUN PET EXPO and Children’s Shoebox Float Contest & Parade

MAKE A SPLASH AT THE DOGGONE FUN PET EXPO

WHAT See dogs of all breeds, sizes and ability soar through the air at the Dog Jumping Competition at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos. All water loving dogs and their owners are invited to join in the high flying canine sport of dock jumping! Newcomers are always welcome and assistance for new dogs is available. To pre-register, visit www.socalanimalrescue.com.

West Coast Festivals and SoCal Animal Rescue have partnered with The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos to create the Doggone Fun Pet Expo at Dos Lagos – a weekend full of great entertainment and educational demonstrations by Sit Means Sit Pet Training.

The community’s favorite companions will enjoy the numerous products and services available at the Pet Expo including Got Buffalo Treats, Easy Turf, Purfect Wear, and Nutri Source Pet Foods.

Dogs are family at Dos Lagos and canines are welcome at more than 30 stores: Banana Republic, Express, Fossil, New York & Company, and more.

WHEN Dog Jumping Competition: Friday, March 4 – 6, 2011 begins 10 am

Pet Expo: Saturday, March 5 – 6, 2011 begins at 10 am

WHERE The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos, behind Trader Joe’s

2780 Cabot Drive, Corona 92883

Please visit www.PromenadeShopsatDosLagos.com for directions.

For more information on Doggone Fun Pet Expo at Dos Lagos, please call 951-277-7601.

______________________________________________

Children’s Shoebox Float Contest & Parade

The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos Children’s Shoebox Float Contest & Parade. Use a shoebox to create a miniature float. Free entry deadline is April 24, 2011. Carry your float to walk in the May Day Parade behind the Corona High School Panther Marching Band.

All entrants will receive ribbons. Elementary grade category winners get prizes.

Corona, CA: Boys' basketball: Gelaun Wheelwright doing his part for Corona Centennial

When it comes to three-point threats, Corona Centennial's Gelaun Wheelwright is one of the top perimeter marksmen in Southern California.

During the regular season, the Weber State-bound guard sank 67 three-pointers and shot 34% from beyond the arc while averaging 17.8 points per game. He also finished second in team rebounding, averaging 4.5 per game.

More important, Wheelwright has played a big role in the Huskies' first two playoff victories. He finished with 28 points during Corona Centennial's 97-65 victory over Great Oak on Wednesday before netting 15 points in a 59-55 victory over Los Alamitos in the second round Friday.

But Wheelwright will have to do more of the same Tuesday when the Huskies look to advance to the division semifinals for the first time since 2008 against a strong Upland team that knocked off Pasadena on Friday.

Check out this Wheelwright highlight reel to see his three-point shooting prowess:

Corona, CA: Corona, Norco, Eastvale mayors lobbying for bridge funds

The mayors of Corona, Norco and Eastvale said Tuesday that together they are lobbying federal officials for money to build a new Hamner Avenue bridge over the Santa Ana River.

Norco is widening Hamner from two lanes to six north and south of the river in anticipation of the opening of the Silverlakes equestrian and sports park, now expected in 2012. The property is just north of the river.

Hamner also is a key route for residents in and out of Eastvale, which is to Norco's north. Hamner extends south into Corona.

Though the road is being widened, the bridge will remain at two lanes until the money can be acquired to replace it. The mayors said they have discussed the bridge with Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona.

"By building a larger bridge, it not only will handle the traffic but also the excess amount of water we get every few years," Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna said. "If that bridge washes out, we're all kind of paralyzed."

Hanna, Corona Mayor Stan Skipworth and Eastvale Mayor Adam Rush spoke at a meeting of the Corona-Norco Republican Women's Federated. They took questions about issues that affect the cities individually and as a Riverside County region.

Skipworth said it is important to speak with one voice to state and regional boards about transportation and economic development.

"We can't act exclusively of one another," Skipworth said. "The streets and roads don't go to the city limits and stop."

Rush grew up in Corona and lived in Norco for four years before settling in Eastvale, which became a city in October.

"One of the reasons Eastvale became a city is because we wanted a seat at the table at the inner workings of county government ... and get our fair share," Rush said.

The mayors plan to meet with each other at least four times a year.

Rush said that dialogue is important "to make sure we are working in each others' common interest and for the residents."

The mayors all agreed that redevelopment agencies provide an important service to their cities and said they oppose Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to eliminate them and redirect the money.

Corona, CA: Zip-Ty Racing’s Graffunder Goes Big South Of The Border

Kamo & Lanza Have A Mixed Bag While Burson Is Battered In The Desert

Corona, CA - Valentine’s weekend was a sweetheart for Cory Graffunder, but a mixed bag for David Kamo and Jamie Lanza and no love at all for Nick Burson as the Zip-Ty Husqvarna team did battle on both sides of the border. Lanza and Kamo contested the Adelanto GP on Saturday, Kamo and Burson raced the National Hare & Hound on Sunday and Graffunder won the Tractor Hare Scrambles in Tecate, Mexico.

Canadian rider Cory Graffunder made it a truly international race weekend for Zip-Ty Husqvarna as he returned to Mexico for “The Race” as the 2011 Tractor Racing Hare Scrambles was billed. “It was a really fun race,” claims Cory. “After racing the Tecate Enduro a couple months ago, I was all over the opportunity to come back to race in the same area!” Back in December, Team Husqvarna made a clean sweep of the infamous Tecate Enduro… Must be something about Mexico, since Husky has done well down there ever since Malcolm Smith first won the Baja 1000!

“I was 4th off the line, but it was really hard to pass on the dusty single track trails,” says Graffunder. “By the time I finally made it into second, Ivan Ramirez had all but checked out, putting a minute on me. I just took it easy and learned the trails on my first lap, then on the second lap I pushed harder and was able to catch and pass Ivan.” By the end of the race, Graffunder had extended his lead by a couple minutes over Ramirez for a convincing victory.

“We were pretty busy for an off-weekend,” notes Team Zip-Ty Racing boss Ty Davis. In addition to Graffunder going big in Baja, the resurrection of the historic Adelanto Grand Prix brought out the Zip-Ty team to defend Ty’s status as the once and future “King Of Adelanto.” Although a knee injury kept him off the throne this time around, Kamo and Lanza stepped up in Ty’s place. Kamo came on strong with his TXC511, which was well-suited to the fast and sandy track. Both he and teammate Lanza got good jumps on the start and were running inside the top 10 right from the start. Kamo ran 9th until he had to pit for gas, at which point he let Lanza sneak by. From this point Lanza led Kamo to the finish line as they ultimately finished 6th and 7th overall.

“I raced the Adelanto GP in the Open Pro class on my TXC250 practice bike,” reveals Lanza. “Many of the top 10 WORCS riders were out, along with some local motocross talent and the course was very dusty as we had to play ‘follow the leader’ through most of the off-road section. But my TXC250 is very fast and helped me keep pace with the 450s to a sixth place finish on Saturday.”

Sunday marked the second round of the National Hare & Hound series at Red Mountain. Kamo pulled double-duty to race with Nick Burson on their TXC511 Zip-Ty Racing Husqvarnas. Both Burson and Kamo were running inside the top 10 at the start, but the oppressive dust made visibility a real issue. Around the mile 8 marker Burson was trying to stay out of the dust and crashed into a ravine at full speed, while Kamo also had some serious issues. At least he didn’t take the beating Burson did in the dust!

“I didn’t get the start I wanted when the banner dropped,” notes Nick. “I was in a lot of dust, but I think I was somewhere around top 10 before I hit a huge ditch. I tried to jump across… but didn’t make it and it sent me over the bars. With a beat up bike and bruised body, I stayed at the ditch for a while slowing other riders down so they wouldn’t crash, then rode back to the pits. My race was over as soon as it started. I was really hoping for a good showing and I’m disappointed with what happened because I let the team down. I feel healthy though, so that is a good thing. I’m going to the doctor to get my shoulder checked out just to be safe. Thanks to the whole Zip-Ty Husqvarna Team for supporting me.”

Mira Loma, CA: Man Faces Animal Cruelty Charges After Severely Injured Horse Discovered

Officials were forced to euthanize the horse because its injuries were so severe

MIRA LOMA, CA: A Riverside County man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of felony animal abuse after authorities discovered a severely injured horse and more than 100 illegal cockfighting roosters at his home.

The horse had ruptured tendons and its injuries were so severe, officials were forced to euthanize the animal.

40-year-old Francisco Javier Ponce is also suspected of running a cockfighting operation out of his Mira Loma home on the 6000 block of Marlatt Street.

The illegal cocks were also euthanized, according to officials at the Riverside Co. Dept. of Animal Services.

Inland Empire, CA: Borders to close half its Inland bookstores

Borders bookstores in Mira Loma, Chino and Montclair will close within the coming weeks as the Michigan-based bookseller heads into Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

Stores in Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga and Rancho Mirage will remain open, at least for now.

The Borders Group, which operates about 650 Borders and Waldenbooks locations around the country, announced today it has filed for bankruptcy after earlier rounds of store closures, layoffs and other belt-tightening failed to combat a downturn in business from a bad economy and increasing competition from Amazon and other sources.

As part of the reorganization, the company said it will close 200 stores nationwide. Thirty-five of them are slated for California.

Inland Borders bookstores scheduled to close are in the Chino Spectrum Town Center, Chino; Eastvale Gateway in Mira Loma; and Perimeter Plaza in Montclair. The stores will be shuttered by the end of April, the company said.

Stores in several high profile areas are scheduled to close, including Borders stores in Glendale near the Galleria, in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, and in San Francisco's Union Square.

Riverside, CA: Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California to Award $208,000 in College Scholarships to High School Seniors

In June 2010, Americans owed more than $825 billion in student loan debt -- more than what they owed on revolving debt balances such as credit cards(1). Scholarships are one way students can minimize their reliance on long-term loan debt and still be able to afford higher education. Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southern California (RMHCSC) will award more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to deserving high school seniors who reside in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

The organization will award 104 - $2,000 scholarships through its four scholarship programs: Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)/African American Future Achievers, RMHC/Asian Pacific American Students Increasing Achievement (ASIA), RMHC/Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources (HACER) and RMHC/Scholars. Scholarship funds can be applied toward tuition, fees and other appropriate educational expenses. The application deadline is Friday, March 11 for all four programs.

"During these tough economic times, students need more financial assistance for school than ever before," said Nicole Rubin, CEO, RMHCSC. "Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California is committed to supporting our local high school seniors as they reach their college and career goals and become leaders of tomorrow."

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be currently-enrolled high school seniors who are eligible to attend a two- or four-year postsecondary institution following graduation. They must be legal U.S. residents, be less than 21 years of age, have a minimum 2.7 grade point average and reside within the boundaries of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Applications are available for download at www.rmhcsc.org and www.mcdonaldssocal.com. Students can submit online applications at https://aim.applyists.net/RMHCSOCAL (program key: RMHCSOCAL).

Since 1990, RMHCSC has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarship funds to local students to help make their college education dreams a reality. Funding for the scholarships is made possible through the global and Southern California chapters of RMHC and the fundraising efforts of local McDonald's owner/operators and corporate staff. The McDonald's Operators' Association of Southern California (MOASC) pays for administrative costs of the scholarship programs including the production and distribution of applications and a recipient recognition event, which will be held at Pacific Palms Resort and Conference Center in City of Industry, Calif. on June 25.

For more than 30 years, RMHCSC has been committed to providing comfort, care and support to children and families in Southern California. RMHCSC is dedicated to creating a community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy by operating five Ronald McDonald Houses, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and a Community Grants Board.

MOASC is comprised of more than 600 franchised and company-owned McDonald's restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Follow us on Twitter: @McDonalds_SoCal.

Corona, CA: Goldstein Investigation - Are Police Tricking People Into Paying ‘Snitch’ Tickets?

Are police tricking people into snitching on someone who goes through a red light camera intersection? That’s what some people are claiming police are doing by sending out snitch tickets.

Erin Chavez got caught by a red light camera —

But then claims she got caught by police who tricked her into confessing.

“You in essence, snitched on yourself?” I asked.

“I did snitch on myself. Yes.”

Chavez got this violation notice in the mail from Corona Police because she’s the registered owner of the car. With pictures and a badge number, it looked like an official ticket.

“I thought it was real.”

But it’s not. It’s what people are calling a snitch ticket.

Because her driver’s license photo shows her with long blonde hair — and the pictures behind the wheel show a woman with short dark hair — police probably couldn’t identify her. That’s where the snitch ticket comes in. It says you must complete this information. Asking for the driver’s name and license number.

“There was some terminolgy in there where I felt like if I had not responded I would have gotten into serious trouble.”

And it looks legit.

It’s called Traffic Violation Notice. The real ticket says Notice Of Traffic Violation.

But legally, you don’t have to answer the snitch ticket.

Erin did.

“I felt swindled. I was extremely upset that I’d essentially turned myself in when I didn’t have to.”

According to California law, police must positively identify the picture taken by the red light camera with someone’s driver’s license photo. If they can’t, most departments just throw the tickets out. But some cities, like here in Corona, and Riverside, send these tickets hoping to snitch out the violator.

Matt Irving also received a snitch ticket from the Riverside police.

“I thought it was a ticket. I definitely thought it was a ticket.”

The cameras caught a woman behind the wheel of his car not making a full stop before making a right on red. He doesn’t want to say who it is — because he just ignored the notice.

“That’s definitely sneaky and underhanded. Trying to get you to tell on someone and make it look real official.”

“It’s unethical,” to hear traffic attorney Sherman Ellison tell it.

“Do police have the right to mandate that police snitch on another person and the answer is ‘no.’”

Legally, can anything happen to the person if they ignore it?

“Legally, no.”

Corona Police Sargeant John Marshall, who runs the red light program, admits the notices carry no weight.

He reviews the violations captured by the cameras —

“Some of this stuff is unbelievable.”

— And says the so called snitch tickets are a way to hold people accountable.

“If people don’t want to get these tickets, simply come to a complete stop at the red light and we won’t have this issue at all.”

But some do take issue. Like State Senator Joe Simitian of Palo Alto.

“My bill specifically prohibits so called snitch tickets.”

His legislation would let people know their options.

“If you’re going to ask someone to identify someone in the photograph you have to tell them they’re not obliged to do that and that they can’t be punished.”

Right now at least 40 cities in California use the snitch tickets. The way to tell the difference is a real ticket will have a notice to appear…a court date and a location. The snitch tickets don’t.

What’s the lesson to be learned here? Don’t snitch on yourself. Keep your mouth shut.

But if you want to avoid it all, just obey the law.

The following cities have snitch ticket programs.

Bakersfield

Corona

Daly City

Del Mar

El Cajon

Elk Grove

Emeryville

Encinitas

Escondido

Garden Grove

Gardena

Glendale

Hawthorne

Hayward

Inglewood

Laguna Woods

Loma Linda

Los Alamitos

Marysville

Menlo Park

Millbrae

Modesto

Newark

Oceanside

Poway

Redding

Riverside

Rocklin

San Jose

San Leandro

San Mateo

Santa Ana

Santa Clarita

Solana Beach

South Gate

South San Francisco

Stockton

Union City

Victorville

Vista