Corona, CA: 2 killed, 2 injured in Calif. bus bench crash

Two people were killed and two others were severely injured Friday after a car plowed into a bus bench in the Southern California city of Riverside, according to police.

The four-door Kia sedan crashed into a light pole before smashing into the bus stop bench, hitting four people who were waiting for a bus, said Officer Bryan Galbreath.

Witnessed told investigators the sedan stopped at a red light, proceeded when the light turned green, and veered sharply to the right, said Lieutenant Eric Charrette. It's unclear what caused the change in direction.

A 28-year-old woman and a 7-year-old girl, both of Corona, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A 31-year-old Riverside man and a 30-year-old Corona woman were taken to Riverside Community Hospital with severe injuries. No names have been released pending family identification.

Galbreath said the 45-year-old driver has been detained.

He told the Riverside Press-Enterprise there were no skid marks leading to the bus stop and neither speed nor intoxication immediately appeared to be a factor in the crash. Galbreath said police are investigating whether the driver was intoxicated.

Riverside is about 55 miles east of Los Angeles.

The Associated Press

Corona, CA: Fatal Traffic Collision

On December 24, 2012, at 5:30 pm., Corona Police Officers responded to an injury traffic collision on Green River Rd., east of Palisades Dr. Upon arrival, officers observed a 2003 Honda S2000 coupe that had collided with a tree, occupied by two people.

The driver and passenger, both from the Chino Hills area, were transported to local hospitals with traumatic injuries. The driver, identified as Elbert Chen, 19 years, remains hospitalized, but expected to recover. The passenger, identified as Ethan Gray, 22 years, died of his injuries.

The cause of the collision is unknown at this time and still under investigation by the Corona Police Department’s Collision Response Team. Anyone with information about this collision is requested to contact the Corona Police Department at (951) 736-2335.

Corona, CA: Citizen’s Reports Lead to Arrest of Probationer for Residential Burglary and Car Theft

On Sunday, December 9, 2012, just after 12:30 p.m., Irvine Officers arrested Tony Angulo Jr. (5-9-80) of Riverside County for auto theft, multiple thefts from vehicles and residential burglary after a foot pursuit in the Turtle Ridge area of Irvine.

The first call of a suspicious subject came from a community member at about 9:30 a.m., who noticed Angulo walking in and around vehicles parked in a church parking lot. In addition to calling the police, she started her car and made eye contact with the subject, prompting him to walk away from the area. Just over an hour later, officers responded to the Turtle Ridge Apartments where a small amount of cash had been stolen from an unlocked vehicle. While taking that report, a second victim approached the officer and explained that he too had been a victim of theft from his vehicle. His phone was stolen and he had just tracked it using the “Find My Droid” application. As the man was giving the officer Angulo’s description, they spotted him. Angulo fled into a nearby marsh, but ultimately was caught by officers and taken into custody without incident.

Corona, CA: Superheros get a new set of Kia rides

Batman drives a hot little Kia Optima sedan with a flashy paint job, a mix of matte and shiny black with yellow pinstriping.

The Green Lantern prefers a Kia Soul crossover with deeply tinted green windows. And Aquaman's Rio five-door has fish scales and a hint of a running board that evokes fins.

To show how it can customize its vehicles, Kia Motors chose to create a special vehicle for each of the characters in DC Entertainment's Justice League. They were unveiled this week at the SEMA trade show in Las Vegas, the industry's big aftermarket parts show.

Corona, CA: 17-Year-Old Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Car In Menifee

Authorities say a 17-year-old pedestrian suffered fatal injuries following a collision in Menifee.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Sgt. Sergio Rodriguez reported in a department statement that the fatal crash took place in the area of Domenigoni Parkway and Laguna Vista Drive about 11:10 p.m. Friday.

The statement said the victim, identified by the coroner’s office as Steven Nunez of Corona, was struck by a sedan while walking east on the westbound side of Domenigoni Parkway.

Corona, CA: Blogger takes on 'Quality' Toyota

"Well, it's been 6 months now since I bought a leftover 2011 Prius GenIII in early February 2012 from Quality Toyota in Corona CA, right on 6th St. My buying experience with them would've been a distance, unpleasant memory now, that is until I got a email from J.D. Power soliciting a survey of my buying experience with them. Well, Bud Gordon (dealership owner), you're not going to like what you're about to read, or actually be shared. Sorry.

Car dealerships generally are muttered as a four letter word, with a bad name and reputation as how consumers view them. Quality Toyota surely lives up to those negative reputations in full. Most car shoppers just "strolling on in for a look" without doing their homework first will definitely be taken advantage of by the sales folks here. No mercy, be it teenagers, seniors, grandmas or babies:

Corona, CA: Saleen Open House & Car Show Sept 15th

If you live in southern California or neighboring states you already know the annual Saleen Open House and Car Show is one of the main events of the year. The show is held at Saleen Headquarters in Corona, CA on Saturday, September 15th.

Being billed as the largest gathering of Saleens in the world, the show is open to not only Saleen vehicles but includes classes for other Mustangs, Fords as well as Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge and Challenger models to boot.

The show will have more than thirty separate judged classes for Saleen and SMS vehicles however, including this year expanded classes for the 2005-2009 S-Series Mustangs. And for those who aren’t looking for their cars to be judged, there will be a special display only class, encouraging people to bring their daily drivers and fixer-uppers.

Corona, CA: Mazda Rolling Into Corona

The Cardinale Automotive Group could soon own a third dealership in the Corona Auto Center if the California city approves plans for a new Mazda facility.

The Seaside-based company, which already operates Volkswagen and Hyundai dealerships in the Corona center, plans to construct an 18,000-square-foot Mazda-branded dealership on vacant land between Volkswagen and a Nissan dealership.

Joe Cardinale, president and majority owner of the Cardinale Auto Group, said he hopes to break ground sometime in the next month, pending approval from city officials.

Corona, CA: Steve Saleen Is Reunited With The Saleen Brand Launching Several New Saleen Models

Famed racecar driver and automotive icon, Steve Saleen, announced today that the Saleen brand has been returned to its rightful place, himself. After several years of litigation, Steve Saleen has successfully regained control of the Saleen brand name and products that he created and built since 1984.

"In 2007, it was a difficult decision to resign from Saleen, Inc.", said Steve Saleen. "But I knew it had to be done in order to preserve the Saleen brand and to ensure the authenticity and high performance that our customers had come to expect."

Corona, CA: Don't Rent a Car With Existing Damage

Chances are, you'll get stuck with the repair bill

Some rental car customers call it the “ding-and-dent scam.” They rent a car and when they return it, the agency goes over it with a fine-tooth comb, locating small dings and scratches that result in an additional bill.

Maybe the blemishes were there before and maybe they weren't. If the consumer didn't notice, she will be on the hook.

Mark, of Corona, Calif., thought he was prepared for that when he rented a car from Enterprise in his home town. He and an Enterprise employee conducted an inspection and Mark pointed out some minor damage to the car's front and rear bumpers.

 

Corona, CA: West Coast Customs turns Bounder motorhome into mobile blending unit

Corona, California-based West Coast Customs (WCC) embark on a sick customization of a venerable Fleetwood Bounder motorhome on a 1-hour episode of the Inside West Coast Customs reality show that airs on Discovery’s Velocity HD Channel today, Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 5:00 PM PST. The episode features Ryan Friedlinghaus - owner and CEO of West Coast Customs – and his team of dedicated vehicle restylers who are given just 30 days to turn a dated 28-foot Fleetwood Enterprises Class A motorhome into a mobile smoothie blending unit.

Sourced through California-based Giant RV (Colton, Corona, Murietta and Montclair) the Bounder-based smoothie food truck was originally conceived by Adam Ogden, CEO of the Florida-based Juiceblendz franchise, as a mobile alternative to a conventional bricks and mortar juice bar. The lackluster looking RV received a complete makeover including; a full built in stainless steel kitchen with sinks, icemaker, and freezers; a multiple blending station with custom serving window; two external TV’s working as digital menus, and a custom lounge with two televisions coupled to a satellite system. The end result is a chic smoothie mobile that would be equally at home at the Daytona 500 or a food truck festival.

Corona, CA: 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT - Sikk Ext

To kick off our new “Roll Playerz” Series we thought that we would bring in Alex Ortega’s ‘07 Cadillac Escalade Ext. We first saw Alex’s Escalade at a show that took place at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The trucks beautifully laid Kandy Wild Cherry paintjob demonstrated that you could catch attention while still keeping an elegant look. Speed Tech out of Garden Grove, CA., is responsible for spraying the truck. In order to have his truck lay on the floor, Alex enlisted the help of Kevin at Sik Fabrications in Corona, CA.

 

Corona, CA: 'Swoopy' by Extreme Automotive of Corona Ca.

Swoopy by Extreme Automotive in Corona, CA.

Corona, CA: 1979 Chevrolet El Camino - Forever Unique...One of a kind Silver ‘79 El Camino

Lowriding is a passion that often consumes us from a young age, and Danny Martinez of Corona, California, is no different. He was not yet a teen when he first got into Lowriding in the year 2000, but the Lowriding bug bit him anyway, and he began customizing bicycles and showing them at the local car and bike shows. When Danny would walk around the events, he would look at all the cars and dream of one day having a customized low-low of his own. The one ride that always fascinated him was the Chevy El Camino. Coincidently, Danny’s father had purchased an El Camino and when Danny was old enough to get his driver’s license, his father graciously gave him the car. From there, Danny quickly started putting together his plans to customize it.

Danny and his father began sanding down the car’s body, preparing it for paint. Once the body was ready, they took it over to their good friend, Gustavo, over at the Utility Body Shop. Gustavo painted the ride with a beautiful Silver finish. Danny ended up adding chrome accessories to the engine before paying a trip over to Victor, of Best Polishing in Pomona, to have him chrome-plate the steering linkage and the A-arms. The chrome-plating shop, Taps, in Riverside re-chromed the front and back bumpers. Danny eventually added a custom hydraulic suspension, allowing him to lay the El-Co low or lock it up high. The front clip was upgraded to that of an ’82 El Camino and Danny had airbrushed murals and pinstripes round out the exterior appearance of his custom Silver ride.

Corona, CA: California poised to vote on new 'clean car' regulations

The head of California's air quality board on Thursday called proposed rules that would require automakers to build less-polluting cars and trucks by 2025 a historic move for a cleaner environment.

California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary Nichols said she hopes the rules to require that vehicles emit about 75 percent less smog-producing pollutants will "lead the nation and the world."

Corona, CA: 91 toll lanes could be extended to Corona

The 8-mile extension of the 91 Express Lanes -- designed to ease gridlock between Orange and Riverside counties -- is moving forward with added funding and a new deal to jointly manage the toll lanes.

Riverside County plans to extend the Express Lanes from the Orange County line to the I-15 and will add a new lane in each direction of the 91. Several interchanges will be improved, as well as streets in the city of Corona.

Corona, CA: Mario Kart comes to life

The vehicles in the Mario Kart video games have always been way too fantastic for the real world -- until now.

For the launch of Mario Kart 7, Nintendo commissioned the company West Coast Customs to build two life-size Mario Karts. The company had 30 days to create them in time for the LA Auto Show.

Corona, CA: Corona Nissan and The Shops at Dos Lagos Announce Program

The Shops at Dos Lagos now offers its shoppers an exclusive display of Corona Nissan vehicles through a new program with the dealership. The newest Nissan vehicles will be displayed throughout the shopping center, located at 2780 Cabot Drive in Corona, as the visual focus of the new program which will feature free community activities co-hosted by the center and the dealership in 2012, including a Teen Safe Driving event.

“We are proud to launch this program with Corona Nissan that will extend our community outreach,” said Giovanna Calambrogio, property manager for The Shops at Dos Lagos. “Our shoppers will have the opportunity to view the newest vehicles from Corona Nissan as they stroll through our center, with our new palm trees, shaded walkways, Central Plaza with children’s play area and Amphitheater Plaza with a view of our two signature lakes. This new relationship with Corona Nissan will allow us to increase our community marketing programs.”

Corona, CA: On display at SEMA Show: two tricked-out Kias

On display at the SEMA show, which ran from November 1 through November 4, were two tricked-out vehicles, which were inspired by sports ambassadors Blake Griffin and Michelle Wie. The two outrageous vehicles were a product of West Coast Customs (WCC), based in Corona, CA. The basketball-themed Optima Hybrid, inspired by basketball all-star Blake Griffin, features hardwood floors and a pop-up basketball hoop. The golf-themed Kia Soul, inspired by Michelle Wie of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), features Michelle’s personal artwork.

Kia's first-ever hybrid in the U.S. delivers up to 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Inside, hoop fans will find basketball court flooring in the front and rear wells and custom Roadwire Kings Ranch leather seats with suede inserts, white contrast stitching and Blake Griffin's autograph embroidered in the front headrests. The combination of leather and suede continues on the door panel inserts, headliner and sun visors.

Corona, CA: Renowned Custom Car Builders West Coast Customs End Season Two of Their Hit Show Inside West Coast Customs with Special Guest Justin Bieber in "Bieber's Caddy"

Inside West Coast Customs Season Finale Airs on VELOCITY on Sunday, November 6 at 8PM ET/CT

West Coast Customs (WCC) ends season two of their hit show with a bang on VELOCITY. Inside West Coast Customs, where audiences get a front row seat to outrageous car builds, will feature music and pop sensation Justin Bieber and his extreme car request in the episode called "Bieber's Caddy." On November 6th, 2011 at 8:00 PM ET/CT Inside West Coast Customs works with Justin Bieber and GM to create the sleekest CTS-V on Earth. Watch as the crew takes a 2011 Cadillac CTS-V and turns it into the world's ONLY blacked out suicide CTS-V.

"It's not every day the world's most influential and powerful teen sensation comes into my shop. But when he came in with so much positivity, creativeness, talent and direction, I knew this would be a great build. Together, we created something that Justin didn't have.... the sickest CTS-V on Earth, that even exceeded Justin's expectations," said Ryan Friedlinghaus, CEO of West Coast Customs.