Corona, CA: Future Corona Project (Coming Soon)


Projects moving forward in Corona include a 404-unit apartment complex at the location of a former Edwards Cinema on Rincon Street.

This, the first significant apartment project to be built in Corona in five years, is being developed by Watermarke Properties, a Corona real estate investment firm.

“I think it is still a risk to move forward. We are banking on things getting better,” said Greg Neville, Watermarke’s senior vice president of development. He noted that Inland Empire rents dropped about 20 percent from their peak in 2007 and only began to stabilize last year. “It will be a slow climb getting back up to those levels,” he said.

Still he said he is optimistic that Inland rents will continue to increase before leasing on the Corona apartments begins in July of 2012. He said the tenants also will pay a premium to live within a short walk of the Metro Station, so they can take the commuter train to jobs in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Also West Coast Development Inc. received approval from the city of Corona for a 459-unit apartment project on Foothill Parkway that is planned for three lifestyle options: family-style townhouses, walk-up apartments and a multilevel apartment building with elevators and subterranean parking. Amenities include a 10,000-square foot clubhouse, cyber cafe, swimming pools, tennis court, dog park and putting green. Leasing is expected to start at the end of 2013.

Corona, CA: Blaze burns 10 acres south of Corona


A brush fire that broke out Monday south of Corona scorched 10 acres and prompted authorities to close a roadway before it was fully contained.

The “Interstate” fire was reported shortly after 1 p.m. near Temescal Canyon and Lawson roads, just off southbound Interstate 15, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Twenty-two engine crews and two inmate hand crews — numbering around 100 personnel — with the support of Corona and U.S. Forest Service fire units completely encircled the brusher by 2:30 p.m.

Sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers shut down Temescal Canyon between Lawson and the freeway as a safety precaution.

No homes or other structures were damaged. Crews were expected to remain at the location, watching for possible flareups, until Monday evening.

Corona, CA: Two In A Row For Dungey And Pro Taper


Round eight of the twelve stop 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship went off Saturday in front of a stellar crowd at Washougal MX Park. Pro Taper's Ryan Dungey logged his second win in a row and continued his march towards defending his number one plate.

After a solid third place qualifying effort, Dungey once again posted 2-1 moto scores to beat out his championship rivals and take the overall victory on the day. Last week's hometown win in Millville launched Ryan to within seven of the points lead heading into Washougal. At the end of two 30-plus-two lap motos in Washington, Dungey now sits in second, a mere one point back as the series heads into a two-week break. Dungey had this to say after the race, "Now we've got a little bit of a break, we're going to take some time off this week and get ready to get at it for Unadilla. I like that track, it takes a lot of finesse and throttle control, it gets really rough and choppy, and I always look forward to going back there."

Not to be overshadowed, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Brett Metcalfe turned in his best ride of the year at Washougal. Brett's second moto pass on fellow Aussie Chad Reed not only secured him the last spot on the podium, but also handed teammate Dungey an additional two championship points. Metty has consistently ran up front all year and has a commanding hold on fourth place in the points. "In the second moto, I was able to get a much better start and I made a few moves and got in fourth, said Metcalfe. I had to close the gap up on third and I made a move, and finished that moto in third and that was good enough for third overall."

The series now takes a two-week break before moving east to Unadlilla for round nine in New Berlin, NY on Saturday, August 13th. Be sure to tune in to @ProTaper on Twitter for updates throughout the day at all of this season's outdoor nationals.

Corona, CA: Victoria Street Postcard


Corona, CA: Victoria Street Postcard

Black and white postcard depicting homes on the corner of Victoria Street and (Grand) Boulevard in the city of Corona, California. The back of the postcard is divided and was postmarked in 1909.

Corona, CA: Corona Plane Crash Sparks Fire


A plane crash Saturday morning caused a 1-acre fire in the Cleveland National Forest.

Corona Fire Department dispatchers received a report of the crash about 10:25 a.m. The crash sparked a fire that is now contained.

Authorities do not yet know the type of aircraft or how many victims were on board when it crashed. Corona Deputy Fire Chief John Medina said he does not expect that anyone survived the crash.

Residents living near where the plane crashed said they heard the plane have engine trouble. They also said they heard the plane explode after it crashed.

"The plane looked like an ultralight -- pretty much leveled," said Russ Hoch, 52, who ran up to the crash after seeing the smoke. "The dashboard and two wings, no fuselage, perse. the tail and wings were separated from the rest of it.

Hoch said he thought the aircraft was only built for one passenger, but he could not see that passenger near the wreckage.

"I could even see a body or anything like that," he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash. FAA spokesman Ian Gregor has not yet responded to an email seeking comment.

Corona, CA: Tattoo Cafe Hits The Sturgis Buffalo Chip


For 30 years some of the finest, most creative artwork at the Legendary Buffalo Chip® has been on the bodies of the campers themselves. This year, the Buffalo Chip® joins with Trusted Tattoo of Corona, Cal. to offer a world-class Buffalo Chip® Tattoo Cafe. It's a truly inspired idea.

The Tattoo Cafe is a can't-miss opportunity to get a commemorative tattoo, get custom work done by some of the top artists in the country and to make that fantasy tattoo pinging around in your head a permanent reality. The Legendary Buffalo Chip® has partnered with only the best tattoo artists in the business, chosen for their diversity, style and artistic abilities.

Shaun Kama is one of the superstar artists who helped conceive the idea of the Tattoo Cafe. Kama has been tattooing for over 10 years and his personal tastes lead him to the dark and macabre. Prebook a tattoo with Kama by emailing halloweentattoos@aol.com.

Dejah Garcia was one of the original crew at Hart and Huntington in 2004, during the first season of "Inked. She now owns Trusted Tattoo in Corona, Cal. Email to book an appointment at trustedtattoo@gmail.com

Lacy also garnered fame as a tattoo artist during her tenure at Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company in Las Vegas, Nev. while the A&E show "Inked" was being filmed. She currently works at Trusted Tattoo Company. Email to prebook at lacyloo666@hotmail.com.

Nikki Sin of Valor Tattoo Parlor in Reno, Nev., Rob Hill of High Class Tattoo of Ventura, Cal., AJ Kochel of Aasylum Tattoo, Billy of Modern Electric Tattoo Company of Bakersfield, Cal., Brett A Rosepiler of Pussykat Tattoo in Las Vegas, Nev., Kristin Jones of All American Tattoo in Fullerton, Cal. and Jimmy of Rogue Parlour Tattoo in Tucson, Ariz. are esteemed and talented artists who will be at the Buffalo Chip to tattoo campers with special, custom and commemorative designs.

Portfolios of every artist, as well as all pre-booking contact information can be found at BuffaloChip.com

For thirty years the Legendary Buffalo Chip has proven itself as the heart of Sturgis Rally Week. Poised and ready to once again offer their visitors the complete biker experience, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has rounded up an enormous selection of biker-centric fun and festivities in addition to offering the summer's biggest and most authentic music experience of Rally Week. Reservations for multi-day passes or daily admissions available online at BuffaloChip.com or by calling 605-347-9000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (MST) Monday through Friday.

Corona, CA: Ballet Barre program in Corona changing the way women workout


Embody Pole Fitness in Corona, CA a unique fitness studio that specializes in alternative fitness modalities for women is now offering the total body sculpting Embody Barre class. Embody Barre is a ballet inspired toning and resistance program which is a hybrid of isometric strength exercises, ballet dance, and Pilates.

Created by former a professional dancer and fitness expert, students train using methods similar to a professional dancer, designed to create toned abs, arms, legs and derriere. Continuous isometric movements are set to fantastic music, long stretches are periodically engaged throughout the class after muscle groups are fatigued to increase flexibility and elongate the appearance of the body.

An excellent fusion of ballet, yoga, pilates and aerobics, Embody has created a challenging and enjoyable workout. Also being a “no impact” workout Embody Barre is also one of the safest ways a woman can exercise because it does not involve any bouncing or jumping. This allows for a high energy training session while safeguarding joints from impact and overuse injuries. Students can see results in as little as 10 classes.

Women looking to build lean muscle without bulk should try this unique program and have a fun, intense, and effective workout. For more information please visit Embody Pole Fitness website (www.embodypolefitness.com) or call (951) 310-3344

Corona, CA: Concerts on the green in Corona, CA


Concerts on the green in Corona, CA

Corona, CA: Grace + Mario | Dos Lagos Engagement Photographer


Editors Note: Great Dos Lagos backdrop...wanted to share.

Yesterday we drove down and photographed Grace and Mario’s engagement session at Dos Lagos in Corona CA. From where we are to Corona was a 20 degree increase. After a little bit of time it did cool down some. Only some.

The cool thing about Dos Lagos is that they have a large man-made lake with a walkway through it. The walkway is lined with bamboo. The lines and shadows created by the bamboo add an interesting element to the photos. It was fun to work with Grace and Mario. Can’t wait to photograph their wedding in less than two weeks. Anyway, here are the photos we took from the session.

Corona, CA: Man charged after gas-soaked wife set ablaze

A woman jumped from a pickup truck traveling at high speed on a Southern California freeway after the driver, her husband, splashed her with gasoline and set her ablaze, authorities said Friday.

The 23-year-old woman, whose name has been withheld, has serious injuries from the fall from the pickup and remains hospitalized at Riverside County Regional Medical Center in Moreno Valley, California Highway Patrol Officer Sylvia said. The woman was expected to recover.

Constantino Monterrosas Gamez, 39, of Santa Ana was charged Tuesday with three felonies, including attempted murder with an allegation of domestic violence causing great bodily injury, false imprisonment and making criminal threats, district attorney's office spokesman John Hall said Friday.

Gamez remains jailed with bail set at $1 million pending arraignment July 28. There's no record that he has an attorney.

Gamez was driving a Chevrolet S-10 pickup on July 15 at speeds up to 70 mph southbound on Interstate 15 in Corona when the couple began arguing, the CHP said in a news release.

Gamez was behind the wheel when he threw gasoline on the woman and used a cigarette lighter set her on fire, the CHP said. The woman then jumped from the moving pickup and fell onto the roadway. She wasn't struck by any vehicles.

Gamez lost control of the pickup a short time later and crashed into a trash truck. The driver of the trash truck and Gamez weren't hurt.

Inland Empire, CA: Dodgers Beating Suspects -- Long Rap Sheets

Update: Alleged picture(s) of suspect Marvin Norwood (obtained HERE)...
we chose to remove them to adhere with the ongoing investigation.



The two suspects in the Dodger Stadium beating case have been identified, and it looks like they are both bad dudes.

The men currently in custody -- 29-year-old Louie Sanchez and 30-year-old Marvin Norwood.

Both men are being held on $500,000 bail for the beating of Bryan Stow (above) on opening day.

TMZ has learned ... Norwood has been arrested in San Bernardino County 5 times, including one for spousal abuse. He was convicted for spousal abuse and various DUI and drug charges.

Sanchez has been arrested 9 times in San Bernardino County, and he has an arrest for spousal abuse. Sanchez was convicted on spousal abuse and firearms violations, including carrying a LOADED gun in a public place.

All told, Sanchez has been arrested by THREE different police departments in THREE different cities.

Giovanni Ramirez -- the man whom the police chief said did the vicious deed -- has been exonerated. It is a big embarrassment for the LAPD.

Inland Empire, CA: Suspects in Stow Case Arrested in Rialto (Report)



Two of the suspects made incriminating statements that implicated them in the attack, according to the AP

The two men arrested Thursday in the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow were taken into custody during raids Thursday at two Inland Empire locations, according to an LA Times report.

The Times identified the men as Louie Sanchez, 29, and Marvin Norwood, 30. A third suspect, a woman identified as Dorene Sanchez, was taken into custody at the same Rialto residence as Louie Sanchez, according to Sheriff's Department arrest records.

Bail for Louie Sanchez Norwood was set at $500,000, according to arrest records. All of the suspects have addresses listed in Rialto.

Louie and Dorene Sanchez are siblings. Norwood and Dorene Sanchez live together on West Victoria in Rialto. Louie Sanchez also has an address on West Victoria.

Two Arrested in Stow Beating

Bryan Stow Roommate Daniel Simon Reacts

Neighbors told NBC4 that LAPD personnel were in the area Thursday.

Norwood was arrested by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in 2006 on spousal abuse charges when he lived in Hesperia.

A law enforcement official told the Associated Press that the two men made incriminating statements that implicated them in the attack. The official said there was no forensic evidence against the men.

Officials expect the case to be filed with prosecutors by Monday, the AP reported.

The LAPD has not commented on the reported arrests.

On Thursday night, NBC4 spoke to Chip Matthews, who represents family members of Giovanni Ramirez, and he confirmed the two new arrests. Ramirez was labelled the prime suspect in the case after his May 22 arrest.

"I did have a chance to speak with higher-ups tonight at the Los Angeles Police Department and confirmed that two other people have been arrested for the beating of Bryan Stow," Matthews said.

NBC4 also learned Thursday that LAPD has surveillance video of the Dodger Stadium parking lot attack before it occurred. Sources said the video shows Stow engaged in a verbal confrontation with two men.

Police said Ramirez fit the description of one of the suspects, but the Los Angeles District Attorney's office did not file charges. Instead, Ramirez was sent back to prison on a parole violation involving a weapons charge.

Corona, CA: Madison Whitten Wins 2011 Fontana Track Championship for 13 to 14 year-olds


"This all started when Madison was eight-years-old, and she saw top fuel run at Pomona, and she said 'that's what I want to do,'" explained her dad, Doug, who works in the race shop at K&N. Last weekend Madison Whitten went three rounds deep on Sunday and won the 2011 Fontana Dragway Track Championship for 13 to 14 year-olds.

From the get-go, the weekend started off on a sweet note as the Corona, California teenager qualified with two .004 RT passes for the number two spot.

"First round we had a better light and backed it in for the win, second round the other car went red, third round we got the bye with the .004," commented Doug. "It got a little tougher in the fourth round, we where second off the line but closer to the dial and took the win by .0001."

The number one qualifier had a perfect light to win their semi race, so the final set-up with the number one and two racers dueling for the Wally. Madison had a perfect light and RJ Karl went red by.007, and the Wally was Madison's. The win Madison also gave her the lock on track points, and the track championship.

"Madison didn't even know she won until I told her after the second round on Sunday," adds dad. "You have never seen a face like that - she was stoked. We started racing last year in April, so this is our first full year of racing, and we try to race every week if there's a race with-in 500 miles."

Even in an incomplete 2010 race season Madison still managed to notch five victories, and so far this year she already has four wins. "We are going to Arizona this weekend and try to win the Arizona State Championship, which is contested between Speedworld and Firebird Raceway," Doug continues, "We are in first by two-hundred points. We are also trying to win the Speedworld Track Championship and Division Seven Championship; we stand in the number two spot in both of those."

Madison's car runs 7.90 at 85 mph. She is also got licensed in Jr. Comp this year at 6.90 and 105 mph in the 1/8 mile. Madison hopes to do a lot more Jr. Comp runs this season too.

"It's all about the great racers and families we have met along the way," Doug says. "We still have a lot of racing to go this year, and we take it one round at a time. All this kid thinks about is running top fuel someday."

Corona, CA: New Series - Bar Rescue (Angel's in Corona)


Opening a business is hard. Sustaining it can be even harder and not everyone who opens a business will stay in business longer than a year. The bar industry is exceptionally tough. It takes more than shelves filled with liquor to keep the doors open. The cold hard fact is that five thousand bars went out of business across the nation last year. Thousands more are on the verge of closing their doors. And when that happens these bar owners turn to one man for help: Jon Taffer.

What Tabitha Coffey does for hair salons Jon Taffer does for bars. Only he'll be doing it Sunday nights at 10pm on Spike on a show called “Bar Rescue.” One bar a week in various cities, Taffer will use his 36 years of industry experience and apply a method which he calls “Bar Science.” From the height of the bar stools to where a customer's eyes fall first on the menu, Taffer restructures the place from bottom to top using an “in-your-face” style of management. He breaks down the problems and rebuilds from the ground up. Employees included.

In the series premiere of Bar Rescue, Taffer takes on a biker bar/strip club in Corona California. What was once a nearly $100,000 a month money maker has turned into a spiraling money pit. Lazy managers, scantily clad waitresses with attitude and an owner who has lost all control of her staff are only some of the issues Taffer has to deal with. Can he help turn this business around or is it too late ? Tune in Sunday night at 10pm on Spike.

Corona, CA: Family upset daughter's killer will get off easy


The Orland family of a young woman killed by a drunken driver in 2008 is trying to deal with the reality that their daughter's killer may serve less than 10 years in prison.

Rachel Elliott, just 19 when she was killed Feb. 21, 2008, in Corona, graduated from Orland High School only eight months earlier.

She ironically portrayed a teen involved in a fatal drunken driving accident at the school's observance of "Every 15 Minutes." Her father, Steve Elliott, said she was well aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Even though the woman who smashed head-on into Elliott's car was a former emergency medical technician and had driven an ambulance, Elliott contends she showed wanton disregard for the dangers of driving under the influence.

Jurors heard how Elva Diaz, 31, had been drinking with her boyfriend, a Placentia police officer, the night of the crash, and how he had warned her not to drive home.

Despite that testimony, the jury only convicted Diaz of involuntary manslaughter in June.

She'll be sentenced on Aug. 5, but may only draw an upward term of 10 years, with credit for time served.

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office was asking for a verdict based on a second-degree murder allegation.

"The prosecutor knew and advised us that it would be difficult to secure a conviction in this case, simply because Ms. Diaz has no prior DUI convictions," Elliott told this newspaper.

"We were willing to see it through, however, because we believed, as he did, that Ms. Diaz knew better than to drink and drive."

"I feel they (the jury) never got hear all of the evidence, or the whole truth."

Based on the verdict, Elliott fears prosecutors in Riverside County may not aggressively pursue the most serious charges in future drunken driving cases where victims are killed or injured.

"More innocent people will die as a result. That, to me, is the legacy of Aimee Vierra's success in the defense of her client, Elva Diaz," Elliott said.

Elliott and his wife, Jill, will travel to Southern California for the sentencing, and both will make victim impact statements to the court.

Other relatives may speak as well, but Elliott said a Victim-Witness adviser from the District Attorney's Office has counseled them to keep the statements to three or four.

"My statement, and Jill's, will be from the perspective of a father and mother whose daughter has been violently killed — a daughter whose good, beautiful, and promising life was senselessly cut short by a drunk driver," Elliott said.

"There is too much to say, but we will try to convey to the judge who Rachel was, what she meant to us, and the many ways in which her death has negatively affected our lives."

The statements may have a bearing in the sentencing, and will be reviewed at any future parole hearings.

As the Diaz case was wrapping up, Elliott said his family was following the Casey Anthony case in Florida.

"It was strange to see the similarities in the progress and execution of both cases," he said. "It was almost like the defense was following the same playbook."

"We were saddened by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial as well, but not surprised. Everyone I know has expressed outrage at both the Casey Anthony and Elva Diaz verdicts," he said.

Corona, CA: Santiago High assistant principal dies after cancer fight


John Sawaya, a beloved assistant principal in charge of activities at Santiago High School in Corona, died Friday night of complications from surgery intended to relieve fluid from a cancer diagnosed three years ago.

He was 47.

"John was a fighter," Santiago Principal Reggie Thompkins said. "He left this (world) a better place than when he came."

Incoming Associated Student Body President Rachel Songer and ASB alumna Krista Boice were setting up a memorial to Mr. Sawaya at the school Saturday afternoon. A Facebook page titled RIP John Sawaya had several pages of tributes from students, former students, other teachers and community members.

Mr. Sawaya joined the Santiago faculty as a history teacher in 1996, said Corona-Norco Deputy Superintendent Michael Lin.

Mr. Sawaya was diagnosed in the summer of 2008 with a form of cancer and was not a candidate for the one type of surgery to treat it. He sought alternative therapy focusing on mind, body and spirit. In the fall of 2008, he said he felt better than ever.

Boice said she and other ASB members would sometimes leave flowers and letters on the porch of his home. Teachers arranged fundraisers to cover costs of his alternative treatments.

Services are being planned for Crossroads Christian Church in Corona.

Survivors include his wife, Carol, and two daughters, Leslie and Brooke, both students at Orange Elementary School in Corona, and both of his parents.

Corona, CA: How-to session on business plans offered in Corona


The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a workshop on Wednesday, July 20, in Corona on what a business plan is and how to develop one for existing or prospective business owners.

The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center at Cal State San Bernardino will hold a workshop on Wednesday, July 20, in Corona on what a business plan is and how to develop one for existing or prospective business owners.

“Business Plan Review,” a free workshop, will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Corona City Hall, 400 South Vicentia Ave., in the Economic Development/Redevelopment Office on the third floor, in Corona.

Nicole Kinney, the director of the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, will facilitate this workshop.

Participants will learn how to do an industry analysis, conduct marketing research and build a cash flow projection to determine a project’s total cost. These concepts are expected to provide budding entrepreneurs with a better understanding of the feasibility of their project and much more.

The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center is a program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The center provides business counseling, training and mentoring designed for women business owners.

The program provides targeted services to Latina business owners (currently the fastest growing group of women-owned businesses in the country) by providing services in English and Spanish.

The Corona Women’s Business Partnership is organized by the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center collaboratively with the Corona Business Assistance Program. Corona business owners and residents have access to Corona Business Assistance as a resource partner in their pursuit of small business growth and success. The CBA program offers a monthly start-up workshop and provides business counseling appointments at no charge each Wednesday and Thursday at the Corona Public Library.

Corona, CA: Fliers want bag fees refunded if luggage delayed


Frequent business traveler Barry Maher says airlines have lost his checked bags so frequently that he's lost count.

Maher and many other frequent fliers say airlines should be required to refund checked-baggage fees when passengers arrive at their destinations without their bags.

"It's the least they could do," says Maher, a professional speaker in Corona, Calif. "I can lose my own bags for free. I don't need to pay someone else to do it."

Unfortunately for Maher and other fliers — including many who dislike the bag fees that annually bring in billions of dollars for airlines — new government passenger-protection measures that take effect next month come up short for most passengers whose bags are lost.

The measures are part of a set of rules that will expand to foreign airlines a ban on lengthy tarmac delays, provide greater compensation to passengers involuntarily bumped from flights and force airlines to disclose hidden fees.

In April, the Transportation Department announced that the new rule "will require airlines to reimburse passengers for baggage fees if their bags are lost."

A closer look at the 59-page rule, though, reveals that airlines must only refund checked-bag fees for bags that are lost and never returned to passengers.

That's a small percentage of mishandled bags.

The Air Transport Association of America, a trade group representing major U.S. airlines, says it doesn't know what percentage of mishandled bags are lost and never returned.

American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith says the number of bags mishandled and never returned by American is "considerably less than one-tenth of 1%" of total bags handled.

Globally, the world's airlines last year mishandled 12.07 bags for every 1,000 passengers and didn't recover 0.43 bags per 1,000 fliers, according to a 2011 report by SITA, a technology company owned by the world's airlines.

Unhappy fliers

The Transportation Department's new baggage-reimbursement rule — which applies to passengers arriving at their destinations on Aug. 23 or later — doesn't sit well with many fliers.

"With a rule like that, the traveling public gets to pay no matter how long it takes the airline to return their bags or what inconvenience it might put them through," Maher says. "Certainly, any airline that was at all concerned about customer service — and you'd think there would still be one or two — would return bag fees for any luggage that didn't arrive with the customer's flight."

The Transportation Department's baggage-reimbursement requirement is "absurd," says frequent flier Larry O'Neill of Collegeville, Pa.

"Why even have a policy with a time frame like that?" asks O'Neill, who works in the wholesale bakery industry. "To me, it's like paying $30 to park in a garage and still getting charged when the gate doesn't go up for a week."

The Transportation Department decided not to require airlines to refund the fees for late bags, "because once the bag is delivered, the carrier has performed the service," says department spokesman Bill Mosley.

Airlines expect "only a minimal impact" from the baggage-reimbursement requirement, says Steve Lott, vice president for communications at the Air Transport Association.

Most airlines already refund the fees and provide compensation when bags are lost, he says.

Under a Transportation Department rule that was amended in November 2008, a passenger on a domestic flight can make a claim up to $3,300 if bags disappear, are damaged or delayed.

Airlines, though, usually require receipts proving damage and rarely pay close to the maximum for delayed bags.

Under the Montreal Convention, an international agreement that sets liability limits for international air transport, airlines are liable for damages caused by delayed bags up to a limit of about $1,821 per passenger for international flights.

In June, the Transportation Department fined Germany's Lufthansa $50,000 for limiting reimbursements for delayed bags on flights to and from the U.S. to 50% of fliers' claimed expenses.

Kate Hanni, executive director of the consumer advocacy group FlyersRights.org, says the airlines seldom, if ever, reimburse passengers for bag-check fees unless the Transportation Department applies pressure.

"Most airlines are behaving like insurance companies and denying the claims 100% of the time until the complaint is (raised to the Transportation Department) and more pressure is on them," Hanni says. "Baggage fees don't represent a huge amount of money, so many people just get frustrated and quit asking once they are rebuffed."

The good news for travelers is that airlines are mishandling fewer of their bags.

U.S. airlines last year posted the lowest rate of mishandled bags — 3.57 bags per 1,000 customers — since the Transportation Department began tracking such data in 1987, Lott says. It was the third-consecutive year of improvement, he says.

Fees for checked bags last year brought in revenue of $3.4 billion for 20 U.S. airlines, according to the Bureau of Transportation statistics. That's a huge jump from 2007, when bag fees brought in $464 million for 22 carriers.

The fees, which airlines have increasingly raised since they first began appearing four years ago, remain a sore point with many travelers.

Frequent flier John Fitzgibbon of Manorville, N.Y., is one of them.

"I understood it when the fees first began, because the economy was tough, and the airlines were losing significant dollars," says Fitzgibbon, president of a health care information technology company. "It bothers me that they now continue this practice when the flights are mostly full, and they are making money."

Fitzgibbon says the new Transportation Department rule should be extended to include bags that arrive late to a destination.

"Why pay a bag fee if your bag does not arrive, or it arrives a day or so later than you?" he asks. "You have to then scramble to buy clothes and accessories until your bag arrives."

Ticket price impact

Airlines shouldn't be required to reimburse bag fees for late-arriving bags, because, among other reasons, "automatic" refunds would raise ticket prices for passengers who do not want to check bags, Lott of the Air Transport Association, says.

"Bag fees are a competitive issue," Lott says. "Whether a carrier chooses to refund a fee in all instances is a matter the marketplace should determine."

Besides requiring reimbursement for checked-bag fees when a lost bag is never returned, the new Transportation Department rule requires U.S. and foreign airlines to disclose changes in bag fees and allowances on their homepages for three months.

It requires airlines and ticket agents to include information on electronic-ticket confirmation information about free baggage allowance and fees for the first and second checked bags.

The rule also requires airlines and ticket agents to inform consumers on the first computer screen providing a fare quote that additional airline fees for baggage may apply and where the fees can be seen.

Hanni of FlyersRights.org says airlines didn't complain loudly about the refund rule because it doesn't require them to reimburse travelers for late-arriving bags.

"The Transportation Department only did a small fraction of what it was threatening to do, which was reimburse passengers for late baggage," she says. "That would have been more costly for the airlines than just lost baggage. They split the baby, so we have more to still fight for."

Lott, however, says the public should be aware of an important statistic: During the past two years, he says, "99.96% of domestic U.S. passengers do not have any mishandled or lost bags."

Corona, CA: Corona Then & Now Show

Corona Then and Now Show

Slide show presentation - Revisit Corona's past and see the same views today


Corona, CA: Sneak Peak – Pro Circuit Exhaust System


Pro Circuit continues to improve upon their championship-winning products and is excited to provide a special sneak peak of the all-new Ti-5 titanium exhaust system. Designed for optimum performance, riders will enjoy increased horsepower while still meeting both AMA and FIM sound requirements.

Equipped with the Pro Circuit standard RC-4 resonance chamber, the Ti-5 exhaust system is constructed from titanium throughout the muffler can, header, and mid pipe areas. Unlike other Pro Circuit exhaust systems, the Ti-5 offers consumers the choice between a titanium and carbon fiber end-cap. Additionally, the asymmetrical muffler configuration maximizes packing volume to ensure sustained performance.

Additional product specifications are included below. The all-new Ti-5 exhaust system comes complete with an additional silencer packing kit and will be coming soon to your local dealer as well as the Pro Circuit online store. For additional information on this and other Pro Circuit products, please visit www.procircuit.com

Ti-5 Complete Exhaust System

• Asymmetric muffler design

• Meets 2012 AMA/FIM 2-Meter max sound test

• Increased packing volume

• Aluminum muffler bracket

• TIG welded

• RC-4 resonance chamber

• Machined titanium mid-pipe to header joint

• Optional titanium or carbon fiber end cap

• Additional silencer packing kit

Riverside, CA: Rodney King Admits to Using Prescription Marijuana


Editors Note: Can't we all get a bong; I mean get along?

Rodney King, whose beating by members of the Los Angeles Police Department was videotaped and led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, has admitted that he was under the influence of a "medical marijuana prescription" when he was booked this week on suspicion of driving while impaired.

"I had marijuana in me that I take to deal with migraine headaches and pain in my lower extremities, although I should not have been driving," he told CNN Thursday.

Police pulled King's 1994 Mitsubishi over about 60 miles southeast of Los Angeles, in Moreno Valley, police said.

The police report states that a Moreno Valley traffic enforcement unit observed King commit "several traffic violations," though he was not cited for speeding, Riverside Sheriff spokeswoman Courtney Donowho told CNN. After questioning King, the patrol officer noticed that King was exhibiting "signs of behavior that might involve alcohol or drug consumption," she continued.

King was asked to step out of the car and submit to a voluntary field sobriety test, according to Donowho, who added that King was cooperative and compliant.

"A preliminary evaluation of the driver indicated he was possibly driving while impaired," continued Donowho.

Earlier this year, King was cited for driving without a license.

Riverside, CA: The Great Picture - The World’s Largest Photograph & The Legacy Project


UCR Sweeney Art Gallery & Culver Center of the Arts present The Great Picture: The World’s Largest Photograph & The Legacy Project, an exhibition in three parts that tells the tale of the successful campaign to make the world’s largest camera and photograph. The photo’s mammoth scale of 32 x 111 feet earned it a place in Guinness World Records, and made it a photo history landmark. “It is also an exploration of the 172-year-old conflict between painting and photography, and the more recent waning of traditional, analog, darkroom photography in the wake of digital dominance,” says Tyler Stallings, artistic director of the Culver Center of the Arts and director of the Sweeney Art Gallery.

When: July 16 - October 8, 2011, Reception, Saturday, July 16, 6-9 p.m., free admission

Where: Sweeney Art Gallery, 3834 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501

Admission: No Charge

Riverside, CA: 1000 animals being euthanized in Riverside, California need help


The shelter is working with qualified rescue groups to try and save these animals.

Updated numbers as of 7/15/2011: 470 dogs plus 253 cats current count is 730

The Riverside shelter outside Los Angeles is forced to euthanize 1000 animals. Starting yesterday, dogs and cats are being put to sleep.

Local rescue groups are reaching out and begging for help to save lives.

What is happening in the country that so many animals are senselessly being destroyed? This qualifies as a state of emergency. Something needs to happen. How any anyone look at the defenseless animals in the photo and not try to help?

Please call Sue Zucker (951-232-7727) at the Riverside Shelter if a rescue group can help by saving even one life.

Riverside Count Shelter located at 6851 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92504

Corona, CA: WINNIE THE POOH EVENTS


WINNIE THE POOH EVENTS
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What WINNIE THE POOH Activity Day!

When 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. is Saturday, July 16, 2011

Activities Include:

Story time with the Dos Lagos Teen Ambassadors: 12 p.m., 2 p.m. & 4 pm

Come enjoy favorite Winnie the Pooh stories read by the Dos Lagos Teen Ambassadors in the theatre lobby.

Comic Sketch Artist: 12 - 3 p.m.

The sketch artist will create a custom sketch of your favorite Disney character or comic book hero!

Balloon Animals and Pooh Characters! : 1 - 4 p.m.

The artist will transform your favorite Hundred Acre Wood character or another animal you like into a fantastic balloon character.

Arts and Crafts: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Enjoy variety of free arts and crafts including decorating Pooh, Piglet or Tigger ears!
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What Winnie the Pooh “My First Movie” Certificate

When Friday, July 15 through Thursday, July 21, 2011

FREE Winnie the Pooh is the perfect first movie for your child! Memorialize you child’s first movie with a unique certificate to remember this special day. See theatre management to get your child’s certificate!
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What FREE Popcorn with admission to Winnie the Pooh

When Friday, July 15 through Thursday, July 21, 2011

FREE Guests receive a free 46 oz. box of popcorn with any paid admission to see Winnie the Pooh at Dos Lagos Stadium 15 Theatre.
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What Enter to win a Huggable Plush Winnie the Pooh & other Prizes!

When Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17, 2011

Plush During opening weekend, enter for the chance to win a plush Pooh Bear, movie tickets and other great prizes from Pinkberry and RA Sushi. Winners will be contacted after the drawing on Monday, July 18, 2011.
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NOW through July 27 FREE SUMMER MOVIE SERIES every Tuesday AND Wednesday. Doors open at 9 a.m., films start at 10 a.m. Two films show each day, one G and one PG. July 12 & 13 : The Rugrats Movie (G) and Shrek Forever After (PG).
Every Tuesday is BARGAIN TUESDAY. General admission is $5 general and 3D films are $8.50 ALL DAY, ALL TIMES, including new releases.
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Upcoming Releases

Opening July 22, Friends with Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis.

Opening August 12, The Help starring Emma Stone and Bryce Dallas Howard.

Opening August 12, Final Destination 5 in Digital 3D.

Opening August 26, Columbiana starring Zoe Saldana.