Celebrate Easter While Supporting RiderDown

Hippity, hoppity – Easter’s on its way. The RiderDown Foundation Easter Sunday Family Ride Day Fundraiser, sponsored by the Valley News, the Village News and ThrottleJunkie.com, will take place at Lake Elsinore MX Park.

For many families across the country it’s a tradition to go off-roading for the entire Easter holiday weekend. Our family packs up and spends the weekend in “God’s Country” with a little Easter Sunday service followed by an egg hunt under the blue skies, cool spring breezes and then a casual family day ride at any one of several (legal) off-highway vehicle public parks.

We fill up all the gas tanks (cha-ching) and drive more than 100 miles to either Ocotillo Wells or Johnson Valley.

We never quite know who or what will be camping next to our family group. Sometimes we are thoroughly convinced that the party next to us on public land had family happy that “these family members are not with them for the holiday.”

Well, you know what my aunt taught me? That life is full of “marvelous options.”

Hey, if we don’t know who is camping next to us, we can go to a private facility with friendly staff. If we don’t want to participate with the outrageous fuel prices, we won’t drive so far and we’ll keep the business local.

So, here is what is going on.

Sunday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the forming Race Plate Auxiliary will be volunteering our efforts to coordinate a game and family ride day that is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family at Lake Elsinore MX Park.

Kind of like Highland Games meets dirt bikes, trophykarts, and side-by-sides. Be ready to play “Simon Says” – dirt-style. Compete in a hilarious scavenger hunt and struggle not to put your feet down in the slow race.

There are other games planned, but we are not going to let those entertaining plans out of the bag ’til you show up (hint: fun stuff you haven’t seen on YouTube yet).

Our grand marshal will be none other than Lake Elsinore City Councilman Bob Magee.

Magee will be present at the 12 p.m. Easter Sunday service presented by New Song Calvary Chapel’s Black Sheep Chaplin, Jack Sloan.

Easter egg hunt

We are going to keep it simple for this inaugural fundraising event. Bring your own eggs and candy for each of your kids.

All kids wishing to be included in the Easter egg hunt must sign up at the Valley News media booth and drop off your eggs for the MX Easter Bunny to hide.

The hunt will follow the Grand Marshal’s Memorial Parade lap after the Sunday service.

Is it a boot or a bonnet?

There will be an Easter helmet decoration contest sponsored by the Valley News. Remember to decorate the kids’ gear in good, old-fashioned Grand Prix-style.

Esprit de Corps!!

Contact the Valley News at (951) 676-1839 or (760) 723-7319. We’ll help you out.

If you’re a vendor who wishes to participate with the RiderDown Foundation fundraiser, we’d love to support your business. Contact the Lake Elsinore MX Park at (951) 515-4518.

This should be a great day, I'm hoping for a big turnout!

Temecula, CA and Nature's Artistry...A Blogger's Tale.

Our outing today was a drive to Temecula, CA. The area known best for the lush wineries has some hidden jewels which we discovered. One of them was a state park named Lake Skinner. We drove through the roads of the park viewing the snow capped San Jacinto Mountains to the northeast. Adding to the beautiful view were the patches of orange which was the show of the California poppies. We enjoyed a leisure lunch at Ponte Winery which has become an annual outing with Paul and Beverly.

SoCal district OKs 14.3% water hike

A Colorado River aqueduct clogged with invasive quagga mussels and a federal judge's ruling restricting the water flowing from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have caused the largest water supplier in the region to bump up its water rates.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board voted Tuesday for an overall rate increase of 14.3percent. The cost is expected to trickle down to smaller local water suppliers.
"We've been talking about this for six months or so," said Brian Thomas, assistant general manager and chief financial officer for the MWD. "As we saw the impacts of the federal court decision, it just became clear we were going to have to make this increase."

The agency has been forced to branch out from its standard water supply to make up for the shortfall, Thomas said.

The federal ruling to protect the threatened Delta smelt cut the supply of water to Southern California by two-thirds.

In addition, the MWD has been affected by a long-term regional drought and has been grappling with controlling the infestation of quagga mussels in the Colorado River aqueduct, a main supply line.
All of which contributed to the rate increase, Thomas said.

On average, the rate increase, which takes effect Jan. 1, translates to residents paying $1.50 more per month on their water bills, he said.

The rate hike comes on the heels of another measure expected to affect water prices in the future.

A month ago, the MWD adopted a plan that would penalize client water agencies exceeding their allocation.

The Inland Empire Utilities Agency purchases roughly one-third of its water from the MWD.
The agency, in turn, sells water to six San Bernardino County cities, including Chino, Montclair, Ontario and Upland.

The MWD rate increase will be passed down to the cities' municipal water agencies, said Wyatt Troxel, president of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency board.

"Most likely, those agencies if they don't have enough buffer in their rate structure - and most of them do not - then they would have to be looking at a rate increase in the near future," Troxel said.
The cost impact is expected to be less in the areas served by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency because it does not purchase treated water from the MWD, Thomas said.

The Cucamonga Water District, which serves Rancho Cucamonga and a portion of Fontana, derives about 50percent of its water from the MWD.

"This isn't unexpected. We heard this was coming," said Robert DeLoach, general manager and CEO. "I don't know exactly how much the impact is going to be for us."

The district will hold off adopting higher rates until next year, a process that will involve a public hearing, he said.

The district, however, has been separately planning to implement a tiered-rate system in April that will penalize customers using excessive amounts of water.

The San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, another major water supplier that also relies on water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley, does not expect its rates to be affected, said Douglas Headrick, deputy general manager.

The district, which purchases the delta water directly from the state, serves an area stretching from Fontana to Yucaipa.

Corona Furniture Store Acting Illegally? Mobile Mexican Consulate Observed!

Editors Note: We are merely reporting this story, we are not taking sides.

The Mobile Mexican Consulate showed up in Corona, California to hand out their Matricula Consular ID cards and other unsavory infiltration measures. The Minutemen went to observe this event and as usual they were flipped off and their freedom of speech and organization was attempted to be restricted by those of a foreign government.

The line for the mobile Mexican government center stretched from inside of the FAMSA furniture store to outside of the furniture store

San Bernardino MOBILE MEXICAN CONSULATEFAMSA FURNITURE STORE - Corona, CAMarch 8, 2008

The line stretched from inside the FAMSA furniture store - line outside

The mobile Mexican government center was publicized on the San Bernardino Mexican Consulate website and was staged daily from Thursday March 6 to Sunday March 9.

On Thursday, March 6 - the day the mobile centers started - Minutemen met with the San Bernardino Mexican Consul Geralt Cabrales and expressed opposition to mobile Mexican government centers.

Minutemen observed at the March 8th Corona mobile Mexican government event. The line inside of the store.

Inside the FAMSA furniture store - Mexican government staff transacting business
The mobile station above - the Mexican government used laptop computers.

At this point, we were asked to stop filming and exited the store.

Above - photograph of the consul vehicle As soon as the consul vehicle was photographed - from a public American sidewalk - the uniformed and apparently armed man working for the Mexican government, above, came toward us. We were photographing on an American sidewalk - so he had no jurisdiction.

A Corona police officer, who we had met with, parked across the street, drove his vehicle nearby and hollered out to the crowd - THEY HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH. That calmed everybody down.
We stood with signs near the driveway entrance to observe the Mexican government and to greet the arriving vehicles - MEXICAN CONSULATE GO HOME our sign read - people would cluster around us - yell and so forth.

We explained we were there to protest the Mexican government.

As we stood on the sidewalk with signs - this man repeatedly flipped us off and hollered.

Eventually, a group of three gang-type men suddenly approached us. MMP National Rally Spokesman Raymond Herrera immediately telephoned the police officer and the three men walked away, upon hearing Herrera's conversation with police.

However, the police officer told us later, that after Herrera's phone call, the three men were spotted, and we were told that an officer was interviewing them.

The adult driving the above vehicle flipped us off as the minor child in the back seat followed her example The officer who we originally met with us, spoke with us for quite some time - he knew nothing about Mexican Consulates or the Matricula Consular ID, so we spoke to him at length on the topics.

While the officer was onsite, all was peaceful. In fact, the line outside of the FAMSA furniture store disappeared.

In the above photo the police officer is at far right - the store doors now closed (the man in foreground in the red plaid shirt had been yelling and flipping us off before the police officer arrived)
The officer who had been talking with us, said he would speak with those in charge of the mobile Mexican government center and walked toward the furniture store.

As the police officer approached the furniture store, the man in a uniform, who was working for the Mexican government, shut the doors to the furniture store and the police officer did not enter the store, but, rather waited outside of the closed doors, on the sidewalk.

Soon, a woman came out and spoke with the police officer for about 5 minutes, in front of the closed doors, on the sidewalk. We left shortly thereafter.

The photos of the mobile Mexican government center will be presented to various government agencies and elected officials in our quest to stop mobile Mexican Consulate centers in our communities.

Mira Loma: Payless Shoes Grand Opening!

Payless Shoe Store: Grand Opening
6349 Pat's Ranch, Suite B
Mira Loma, CA 91752
951-808-4964

March 14, 2008
1:00 PM

California's Rough Pavements Put State at Top of Worst Roads List . . . Again, Transportation California Says; Inland Empire

Drivers in all California's major cities are feeling the pinch of heavy traffic ' on the road and in their wallets. The state's rough pavements cost some Californians as much as $778 a year in additional wear and tear.

In a report released today, TRIP, a national transportation research group, found that California ' despite some progress ' still rules the bumpy roads. Los Angeles, San Francisco-Oakland, San Jose, San Diego and Sacramento made the top 10.

Riverside-San Bernardino, Oxnard-Ventura, and Fresno made the top 20 list of large urban regions (500,000+ population).

The big change this year in the Top 10 list is that San Jose fell from the top slot, for good reason. San Jose reduced its percentage of poorly rated roads from 66 to 60 percent in the last two years. Other California cities saw slight reductions, or held the line on deterioration.

Nonetheless, rough roads are still the norm in California urban areas. TRIP found that while a quarter of the nation's major metropolitan roads ' interstates, freeways and other critical local routes ' have pavements in poor condition, California cities on the top 10 list have 46 to 65 percent of pavements rated in poor condition.

These poor roads create additional vehicle operating costs (accelerated vehicle deterioration, additional maintenance needs and increased fuel consumption). In California's biggest urban areas, poor roads cost the average motorist more than $650 a year, and approximately $750 a year in the Los Angeles and the Bay Area. That compares with a $413 national average.
Four California urban areas ranked in the top five costliest: Los Angeles, San Francisco-Oakland, San Jose and San Diego. Sacramento ranked eighth.

'The good news is California is making progress in improving freeways and urban roads, thanks to a serious commitment at all levels of government to address the problem,' said Mark Watts, executive director of Transportation California, the state's leading education and advocacy group for transportation.

'The bad news is now that we've made a down payment on our infrastructure future, our funding again is threatened. The state budget crisis, a possible reduction in federal funding plus escalating construction costs will put a crimp in the buying power of California's imperiled transportation dollars,' Watts said.

Roadway maintenance and rehabilitation typically are funded through motor fuel tax revenues. 'Gas taxes -- state and federal -- are not keeping up with basic maintenance requirements,' Watts said. 'There is a real danger of lagging further behind.'

TRIP notes that a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) report to Congress indicates that through 2025 the nation will fall short of the cost of maintaining current urban pavement conditions by $119 billion and will fall short of making significant repairs by $270 billion.

Federal funding for highway repairs and improvements in the fiscal year 2009, starting on October 1, 2008, may be reduced as a result of a forecast deficit of $3.2 billion in the Highway Account of the Federal Highway Trust Fund. Congress is currently considering providing additional highway funding to avoid steep cuts in federal highway funding.

According to the TRIP report, the continuing increase in urban traffic is putting significant wear and tear on urban roads all over the country. Travel on urban roads is increasing and travel by large commercial trucks is growing even faster than travel by cars. Vehicle travel in California increased by 27 percent from 1990 to 2005 and is anticipated to increase by another 25 percent by 2020.
In addition, 18 states expect to face budget shortfalls totaling more than $14 billion during the current 2008 fiscal year. Twenty-five states expect to face budget shortfalls of at least $36 billion during fiscal year 2009, largely as a result of shrinking tax revenues. Because most states are not allowed to run a deficit or borrow to cover their expenditures, it is likely that states will have to consider drawing down reserves, cutting expenditures or raising taxes.

'It is critical to keep the momentum we've created over the past two years,' Watts said. 'If we take our foot off the pedal now, it will be even more costly to fix our roads.'

Tables: Poor roads and additional vehicle operating costs.

Nationally, 23 percent of major metropolitan roads have pavements that are in substandard condition. This is an improvement over 2002 when 25 percent of these roadways were in substandard or poor condition.

The average urban motorist in the U.S. is paying $413 annually in additional vehicle operating costs as a result of driving on roads in need of repair.

Monster Energy-Backed Johnny Campbell Is The Favorite Heading Into This Weekend’s SCORE Tecate 250

The “King of Baja “will be rockin’ the Monster M-claw logo this weekend in San Filipe, Mexico, for Round Two of the ’08 SCORE International Series

Monster Energy-backed Johnny Campbell, known widely as the most successful Baja motorcycle racer of all time, will boot up this weekend to contest the SCORE Tecate 250 in San Filipe, Mexico, Round Two of the 2008 SCORE International off road racing series.

Campbell, the current Baja champion and Team JCR/Honda owner, is gunning for his 9th SCORE Tecate 250 win (in 15 tries) on what’s considered to be the most dangerous of all the SCORE series races due to its hidden sand-covered boulders and ultra long whoop stretches.

“I will do whatever it takes to put my team on top,” said Campbell. “It’s all on the line when the dust settles and the checkers have dropped – it needs to be Robby Bell and I standing there. I have the best bike, best pit program, best racers and, of course, the best sponsor in off road-racing Monster Energy Drink.

“But Baja is Baja so I’m not going to claim anything. As I’ve stated before: ‘You just expect to win.’”
“I’m stoked to have Johnny and his whole team down in Baja representing Monster Energy. Johnny is an Icon down in Baja and we are honored to have him on the team.” Said Joe Parsons Sr MotorSports Marketing Manager for Monster Energy Drink.

For more information on the motorcycle division of the 2007 SCORE-International Tecate 250, link to: www.score-international.com For more info on Monster Energy’s Johnny Campbell, link to: www.JohnnyCampbellRacing.com.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it Trophy Trucks, road racing, MX, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rocking’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Johnny Campbell and digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

7 deadly sins in the I.E.

There already was plenty of sin in the world. Now, there's more.

A Vatican official this week issued a list of new sins, including drug use, pollution, genetic manipulation and economic injustice.

In times past, the Catholic Church has defined sin mostly in the context of individual behavior, but as the modern world becomes more globalized and interconnected, new definitions are needed, said Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti.

The traditional list of sinful behaviors must be updated to include "new forms of social sin," he said.
In my opinion, the monsignor is absolutely correct. Social sins definitely are becoming a problem.
This is especially true in the Inland Empire, which is expanding and changing more rapidly than most other areas of the country, if not the world.

As our region grows, we will become more crowded, and as we become more crowded, we will need to discover new, better ways of getting along with one another.

New standards of conduct will be necessary. Things that may have been seen as minor transgressions in the past will come to be considered mortal sins as our multitudes increase.

What kind of sins are we talking about? As future Emperor of the Inland Empire, I am issuing the following list:

Littering, for one. Our roadsides and sidewalks and fields already look bad enough. Just imagine what it will be like when there are 10 times as many of us. Please, people, if you ruin the view
for all of us, it's a public crime. It's sociopathic. It's sinful.

Road rage is now out, too. Our highways will become more and more congested. We don't have time for temper tantrums. If you fuss and fight while you drive, may heaven have mercy on your soul, for you have sinned.

Don't foul your nest. Keep your house or condo or apartment looking tidy and neat. Keep your yard up. Brighten the corner where you are. Blight is a growing problem in the Inland Empire. Being a part of the problem is a sin.

Don't take shopping carts off store property. It's a crime. Leaving a cart abandoned on the street or sidewalk is more than a crime. It's a sin.

As our region becomes more and more populated, the lines we stand in will grow longer and longer. Let's practice a little etiquette, please. No taking cuts. No monopolizing the front of the line. No taking 16 items through the 15-items-only aisle. It's not just about common courtesy anymore. It's about sin.

Stop making so much noise, with your stereo, your unattended dogs, your motorcycle and car engines, and your leafblowers at 7 a.m. Stop yelling at your children in public. Stop cursing in public. Pipe down. You're not just a public nuisance anymore. You're a sinner.

As our region grows and multiplies, we must place more and more trust in our elected public officials to look after our best interests. We cannot tolerate shenanigans and scandals the way we used to. Betraying the public trust is now more than an insult, an offense, an affront. It's a mortal sin.

The best advice for politicians, and for all of us, really, as we go forward together into the future, is this:

Go and sin no more.

California Voter Wants Court to Declare McCain Ineligible

On March 6, a California voter filed a lawsuit, asking that a federal judge declare that Senator John McCain cannot hold the office of president. Inland Empire Voters and Andrew Aames v USA, 5:2008-cv-304. It was assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Stephen G. Larson in Riverside.

The defendants include the Office of the Federal Register and the Inaugural Committee.

In the opinion of Ballot Access News, no court would be able to entertain such a lawsuit, even if John McCain won a majority in the electoral college. Article II gives Congress the power to count the electoral votes that are cast in December. Electoral votes for John McCain could be challenged by any U.S. Senator, just as U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer challenged the Ohio electoral votes in January 2005. Congress, not any court, would then decide whether to count electoral votes for McCain. Similarly, Congress, not any court, decides who has been validly elected to Congress.

Fairway Commercial Plans $35M Business Park in Lake Elsinore

Fairway Commercial Partners of Manhattan Beach, CA plans to develop a 20-building, $35 million project called Fairway Business Park that will comprise 280,000 sf of warehouse, light industrial and office space at an 18-acre site on Pasadena Street between Third and Chaney streets along the Interstate 15 corridor. Rod K. Oshita, a principal of Fairway Commercial, tells GlobeSt.com that the company is securing final entitlements for the project, which has already been approved by the Lake Elsinore City Council, and hopes to begin construction within the next 60 days.

Fairway is developing the project in partnership with Adler Realty Investments of Woodland Hills, CA. Phase one of the business park will comprise nine buildings: three dock-high structures from 20,000 sf to 31,000 sf, four buildings from 8,000 sf to 10,000 sf with approved outdoor storage and two multi-tenant buildings divisible down to 1,500 sf.

“What we’ve really seen in this burgeoning I-15/Highway Route 74 area is a void in both larger buildings and smaller multi-tenant facilities," Oshita says. "This has created a dearth of options for business people, so we’re providing a blend of product types to fill that void--plus the opportunity for office uses in the park’s second phase.” Oshita notes that the rapid growth of Çorona on the north and Temecula to the south has dried up much of the available land for new business park development, with Lake Elsinore emerging as a strong option.

Designed by Andy Kjelberg of McArdle & Associates of Carlsbad, CA, Fairway Business Park will feature concrete tilt-up construction and will be generously landscaped, with on-site parking for 650 cars. Fairway Commercial will provide management for the construction and sales of the business park, which will be less than one mile from a new commercial hub at Central Avenue that includes more than one million sf of new retail space in stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Staples, Pet Smart, PetCo, Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Fairway acquires, develops, and invests in office, industrial, and retail properties throughout Southern California. Over the past five years the company has developed or sold more than 6.5 million sf of land. Adler Realty Investments Inc. is a real estate investment and development firm with more than $300 million in assets currently under ownership and management. Its real estate portfolio consists of more than two million sf of office, retail, industrial and multifamily residential properties in California, Arizona, Colorado and Texas.

Have you ever been mistreated by Corona police; one has...

"The Corona Police Department is corrupt to the core. Corona cops are infamous for civil rights violations, evidence suppression, obstruction, and perjury. The "zones" are run by ignorant, bigoted, ill qualified, thick headed, megalomaniac lieutenants who have virtually no oversight from the union-fearing brass knuckel heads."

Really?

Jason Scott for Corona City Council Campaign Kick-off.

Jason Scott for Corona City Council Campaign Kick-off.

Sunday, March 16th 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

HERITAGE PARK 510 W. Foothill Parkway , Corona

For information: 951.341.9225

Starbucks Hosts First-Ever ''Starbucks Coffee Break''

Company to Pour Complimentary Cups of Coffee for Customers Coast to Coast

WHAT: Starbucks will host its first-ever Starbucks Coffee Break, inviting customers across the country to enjoy a complimentary cup of freshly brewed coffee. In stores and on street corners, from insulated brewing equipment and giant coffee backpacks, partners (employees) will pour tall (12-ounce) cups of coffee to surprise customers and delight commuters.

WHEN: March 15, 2006, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE: More than 7,500 Starbucks U.S. Company-operated and licensed locations.

Starbucks believes in the high quality and exceptional taste of its brewed coffee, and wants to introduce this flavor to new customers. The Company also wants to thank loyal brewed-coffee customers with a surprising, complimentary cup of coffee.

Don’t zip up that bodybag; the art scene in Riverside is alive and well.

It wasn’t too long ago when one would conjure up images of cottage paintings and drawings of a White Wolf howling at the moon when someone would mention The Riverside Arts Walk (which occurs on the first Thursday night of each month). Not that there‘s anything wrong with cottages or wolves since the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder, but you know. . .

With that said, the Arts walk has evolved into a haven for surreal, post-mod, eclectic artists. From abstract imagery painted on a mannequin’s torso to photographs of local indie bands, The Walk has new blood running through its veins. The locations where the artist displayed their work varied: from the sidewalk to the second floor of the Back to the Grind Coffee shop to the UCR Sweeney Art Gallery. This stuff was everywhere! I lit my first clove for the evening, took a drag, and began taking a walk.

While traveling down the street La Calavera came upon two up-and-coming I.E artists worthy of much notice: Zakary Rodgers and Travis Duran.

Artist: Zakary Rodgers

Form of art: mixed media, painting, drawing, writing

Home Town: CoronaAge: 17

Trademark characteristic: “I have a long list of mental problems”Link: www.myspace.com/ZakaryRodgers

Defamation on the Internet: Roy Holmgren Sues Murrieta Blog & Anonymous Posters

Illegal Vote Counts in Riverside County now on Video - testimony before CA legislature

There was a very important informational hearing in Los Angeles on Friday, 3/7/08 before the chairs of three (3) CA State Senate and Assembly committees and Secretary of State Debra Bowen reviewing problems with the 2/5/08 Presidential Primary election. Examples shown specific to Riverside County include illegal counting out of view of the public, unsecured voting machines, a "yellow button" that allows voters to vote repeatedly, and vote memory cards tossed into the back of an open bed pickup truck in Riverside County.

'Idol' hopefuls coming to region

Hundreds of young "American Idol" hopefuls will head to the hills beginning June 15 to train at Idol Camp at Pali Mountain Retreat and Conference Center.

"This association with `American Idol' will benefit the Inland Empire. It will bring fame to the area and will raise awareness about our beautiful mountain community not only to the Inland Empire and Southern California but nationally and internationally," Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce President Lewis Murray said at a town hall meeting Monday night at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.

Monday's meeting was held to raise community awareness and solicit support for the exclusive agreement between Pali Entertainment, `American Idol' officials from FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment and the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce. The agreement will be signed later this week.

Chatting over coffee before the meeting, Lake Arrowhead resident John Lorenz said, "It is nice to have a community meeting that isn't about road closures, fires or the bark beetle."

Patsy Baily, also of Lake Arrowhead, added, "This is exciting. I hope we can get (former `Idol' contestant) Melinda Doolittle to do a concert up here. She is my favorite."

For $2,995, campers between 10 and 15 years old will attend two-week sessions, which will run from June through August each year and will feature audition tips, vocal training and "open mic" nights as well as more traditional summer camp events such as swimming, hiking and roasting marshmallows over an open fire.

Idol Camp Director Ian Brassett said that 150 campers per session will specialize in singing, acting, dancing or production.

"Pali Mountain will provide campers a fun, safe environment to learn from industry professionals about performance, makeup, hair design and fashion. This isn't just about auditioning for `American Idol,' " Brassett said. "We will teach song writing, singing, dancing, audition, performance techniques, video production and set design as well as vocal performance."

Brassett said that although last year's pilot program in Northfield, Mass., was successful, organizers thought it would be better to hold the camp closer to the "American Idol" stage near Los Angeles, the hub of the entertainment industry.

Former "American Idol" contestants Ace Young, Kimberly Locke, Bucky Covington, Jon Peter Lewis, Carmen Rasmusen and Vonzell Solomon worked with campers at the 2007 camp. The 2008 lineup has yet to be released.

Although fans will not be allowed to tour the camp at random in search of their favorite "American Idol" celebrities, they will be able to attend the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce Concert Series, which will feature at least 15 concerts headlined by Top 12 finalists from the television program's past six seasons. For general seating, the concerts will be free. Priority seating will be available for a nominal fee. The concert schedule is being finalized.

"The first official announcement about the new location for Idol Camp will be made by Ryan Seacrest on Tuesday or Wednesday on his morning show on KIIS FM," according to Leslie McLellan, director of marketing and tourism for the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce.

Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson may not make the two-hour drive from Los Angeles to Lake Arrowhead. But the director of marketing for Pali Entertainment, Traci Hainsworth, hinted to prospective campers, "Idol Mania has officially hit the Inland Empire. I can't guarantee who will show up from `American Idol.' But, you never know ... "

To enroll in the camp or apply for a scholarship, visit www.AmericanIdol.com, www.IdolCamp.com or call Pali Mountain at (909) 867-5743. For information about the summer concert series, visit www.LakeArrowhead.net or call the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce at (909) 337-3715.

KOLA 99.9 FM Named a Presenting Sponsor of Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center’s 16th Annual Walk with the Animals, March 22 in Riverside, CA

Brian Casey, Patti Banner and Intern Ian of "Brian Casey and the Wake-Up Bunch" morning show on classic hits station KOLA 99.9 FM and the KOLA Prize Caravan will be at the Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center’s 16th Annual Walk With The Animals fundraiser, March 22 at Fairmount Park, Riverside, CA.

Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center (RHSPAC) today announced that KOLA 99.9 FM, Inland Empire’s top classic hits station, is the newest presenting sponsor of its 16th Annual Walk With The Animals to be held March 22 at Fairmount Park, Riverside.

The KOLA Prize Caravan will be parked next to the main stage throughout the 8:00 a.m. to noon fundraiser. Brian Casey and Patti Banner from KOLA 99.9’s “Brian Casey and the Wake-up Bunch” morning show will be live at the event and Intern Ian will be on hand to greet people as they enjoy the food, entertainment, and varied activities of the Walk With The Animals.

“Brian and I are really looking forward to the Walk With The Animals, ”Banner said. “Both of us are pet lovers and plan on not only enjoying the delicious pancake breakfast….but walk, too! We’re grateful to be partnered with the Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center. Together, we can accomplish a great deal! Thank you for the opportunity!”

“Humane work requires great dedication and much support from friends,” Katie Wider, volunteer chairperson of Walk With the Animals, stressed. “The Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center succeeds because sponsors enable us. We’re very thankful to KOLA and to all our Walk sponsors for their generous support.”

“Last year was our best year to date. More than 700 people attended the event and we netted $34,159,” Wider noted. “We also had hundreds of dogs and a few cats and pigs completing the two-mile pledge walk. The event grows a bit more each year, so this year and with KOLA’s participation, we look forward to an even bigger event that’s more rewarding for everyone involved!

”Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge and his adopted dog Sundance will serve as Grand Marshals for this year’s two-mile walk around Lake Evans. Registration/pledge forms for walkers are available online at http://www.petsadoption.com/events.htm, or may be picked up at RHSPAC, 6165 Industrial Ave., Riverside, or by calling RHSPAC at 951-688-4340, ext. 312.

Walk With The Animals is free and open to the public. Participating in the pledge walk is not required to attend the event.

Walk With The Animals has something for everyone: a hearty pancake breakfast for a nominal charge, demonstrations by Muttley Crew K-9 Entertainment and Riverside Police Department’s K-9 unit, Owner-Pet Look-Alike and Most Talented/Clever Pet contests, bake sale and boutique for people and pets, and raffle for numerous prizes. Animal-related exhibits and rescue groups will offer information, products and services, as well as animals available for adoption. Spay/neuter vouchers and free water and pet cleanup bags will be available.

Riverside County Dept. of Animal Services will provide rabies vaccinations, microchipping, and first aid for pets. The Center for Healthcare Education will provide first aid for humans.

The Riverside Humane Society Pet Adoption Center is a non-profit public benefit charitable organization. The center accepts owner turn-ins of cats and dogs and transfers from area animal-control shelters. No healthy, adoptable animal is ever put to sleep. Prior to adoption, each animal is either spayed or neutered and microchipped, receives all necessary vaccinations and medical care, is monitored for physical, emotional and mental health, and is socialized. For more information, visit www.petsadoption.com.

Former Condos Sell for $37M as Apartments

An Orange County buyer has acquired the 180-unit Temecula Creek Villas multifamily complex, which was originally built and marketed as condos, for $36.9 million and is operating it as an apartment project, according to Hendricks & Partners. The complex, which fronts State Route 79 at 31220 Samantha Lane in Temecula, is the only rental community in Southern Temecula and the closest rental property to the growing Pechanga Resort and Casino, notes Paul Runkle of the Inland Empire office of Hendricks & Partners.

Runkle, who represented seller A&M Properties West Inc. of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, points out that the complex is also the closest rental property to the soon-to-be-built Temecula Hospital. Constructed in 2007, the property consists of nine three-story buildings housing a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units averaging 1,073 sf and situated on 9.3 acres of land. Community amenities include detached garages with gated and controlled access, a fitness center, an indoor racquetball court, saunas, a swimming pool and a spa. The units feature full-size washer/dryers, nine-foot ceilings, walk-in closets, built-in microwaves, tile flooring and oversized patios and balconies.

Temecula Creek Villas was originally marketed as for sale condominiums during the second quarter of 2007, but transitioned to condominium rentals in August 2007, before any individual units closed escrow. Gables Residential Services is handling lease-up and has been retained by the buyer, a Newport Beach, CA-based investor who was represented by William Battaglia of WB Holdings Inc.
Runkle notes that the sale closed escrow within 65 days after it was initially placed on the market. Occupancy was 27% as of the close of escrow.

Photos with the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is hopping into Galleria at Tyler for visits and photos from Saturday, March 1 through Saturday, March 22.

Click here for photo pricing information.

Industry Breakfast Seminar Next Tuesday 11th at 7:00 am; Corona, CA

Next Tuesday is the second semimar in our series.

"When the Generations Collide in the Workplace"

Register on-line at http://www.premierservicebank.com/links.htm

Location & Times
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7:00 am Networking Breakfast
7:30 - 9:00 am
Presentation Corona Public Library
650 S. Main St.Corona CA 92882

Don't miss the powerful and informative seminar entitled "When the Generations Collide in the Workplace" Presented by Sophia Brooks / CEO Global Learning Partners

Seminar # 3
When the Generations Collide in the Workplace
Guest Speaker: Sophia Brooks
CEO Global Learning Partners

For the first time in American History, there are four Generations in the Workplace. Who are they? The Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, GenXers, and the Millennials. Do you know what the generations need and value? Who says? I need ME time, You Need to Pay Your Dues, Tell Me How I’m Doing and Oh Yes It’s ME. This session is packed with solutions on how to lead and manage the generations inthe workplace. As an example, you have a 29 year old who supervises a 50-year-old employee.What can you do to help this work relationship succeed?

Location & Times
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7:00 am Networking Breakfast
7:30 - 9:00 am Presentation Corona Public Library
650 S. Main St.Corona CA 92882

The City of Corona Economic Development Department and Premier Service Bank are once again bringing local business owners a powerful series of Business Seminars. As a participant of past Industry Breakfast Series seminars, you know the quality and value of these programs - not to mention the networking opportunities. Additional Industry Breakfast Series partners include the Riverside Community College , Cal State San Bernardino and The Altek Media Group.

For More Information go to http://www.fullservice.com/IBSite/Semiars.htm.

Or to register, call Linda or Norma at 951-781-8624 Or register on-line at http://www.premierservicebank.com/links.html

March Symposium: Water is Power

March Symposium: Water is Power
Keynote Speaker: Timothy F. Brick, Metropolitan Board of Directors

Who:
Mr. Timothy Brick, board member of the Metropolitan Water District will discuss the power of water and the current challenges in creating a sustainable future in the Inland Empire.

Mr. Brick will address the following issues:
Challenges in planning for the future in the era of climate change
How Metropolitan Water District will provide leadership in charting the course for a new green mega polis
Diamond Valley Lake as a future water and power center for a sustainable future

Following the presentation will be a panel discussion, tour of Dos Lagos and lunch, hosted by Ali Sahabi, founding Chairman of GIVE and master developer of the sustainable community of Dos Lagos.

What:
The March symposium, hosted by the Green Institute for Village Empowerment (GIVE), is part of a monthly program to help educate the general public about the issue of sustainability and to empower people to improve the quality of life for themselves and their communities.

Each month, GIVE offers a $500 scholarship to those who enter the Green Idea Water Challenge and participate in a monthly symposium. Individuals who are interested in this month’s scholarship opportunity must write a 500-word max essay or poem, create a video (3-minute max) or use photography on the “Solutions to our Waterless Future.” Participants can view the symposium in-person or via webcast. The GIVE $500 scholarship is open to the public and will be offered on a monthly basis, based on the themes of subsequent symposia. For details and rules, log on to www.giveforthefuture.org.

When: 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Where: Krikorian Theatres 15 at Dos Lagos, 2710 Lakeshore Drive, Corona
Free admission. Open to the public.
Reservations required: (951) 667-6200 or info@giveforthefuture.org
Live webcast: www.giveforthefuture.org.

Kevin Russell Fund Raiser

Former President of Norco Chamber of Commerce and Corona-Norco Unified School District PTA Council member has recently been hospitalized with a very serious heart-attack. To help his wife and 12 year old son at this crucial time, we invite the community to open their hearts and their wallets by attending a Fund Raiser in his honor.

SATURDAY MARCH 29TH 10:00 am to 4:00
BEACON HILL GALLERY 1762 FOURTH ST. NORCO, CA
(Behind Carl’s Jr. on Hamner Ave. In the VanderMolen Center)

* Vendors Include but not limited to: Avon Premier Design Jewelry Princess House Londenberger Baskets Piggies & Paws. SILENT AUCTION Includes A Massage Certificate Photo Art Light Boxes And Much Much More. WIN!!!!!! A Glen Ivy HotSprings SpaPackage!!

This Fund Raiser is in cooperation with Norco Chamber of Commerce. A TRUST FUND has been opened
at Bank of America, Norco. All donations can be made out to Paula Grumling I.T.F. Kevin Russell OR
a direct deposit into the Trust Account # 07349-67583.

Ken Calvert Delivers His End in Dirty Land Deal

A quick, throwaway article crossed my path last night that two Jurupa Community Services District board members (from Calvert's 44th District) are bullish about receiving federal funding for water projects after visiting DC last week. The article promptly disappeared and doesn't show up in searches of the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin or San Bernardino Sun websites, but the google cached version remains [Read More].

Forget the flat-screens, builders are slashing prices

Remember back in the day, when builders were refusing to lower prices and were instead offering "incentives"? The flat-screen TVs, the granite counter upgrades? Those days are over, Peter Hong reports in the L.A. Times, and builders in the Inland Empire are resorting to old-fashioned price cuts:

"Stuck with excess inventory, builders throughout California are beginning to offer steep discounts on new homes, sometimes at a loss. Centex Corp. is touting the 'greatest prices in years' in its ads. In San Bernardino County, builder Van Daele Homes is advertising 35% discounts.Until recently, most builders resisted outright price cuts in California so as not to undermine the value of their holdings. Instead, many offered incentives such as big-screen televisions or interior upgrades."

"'Builders don't have the luxury of waiting another year for the market to turn -- they need the cash flow now,' said Patrick S. Duffy, principal of Metrointelligence Real Estate Advisors, a consultant to home builders. 'It's better for them to take 90 cents on the dollar today than to risk no cash flow at all because they're not selling any houses,' he added."

The price cuts on new homes are squeezing sellers of existing homes: "Jack Lloyd, 51, has been trying to sell his Palmdale house for nearly a year. He's cut the asking price several times, and he's now seeking $285,000 -- down from $425,000 originally. But Lloyd isn't hopeful, noting that new houses in nearby developments are $240,000.

'Who's going to buy mine?' he asked.

Good question, Jack.

CA Firefighter Sentenced in Child Sex Sting; your a BAD, BAD Man!

A firefighter from Los Angeles has been sentenced to 12½ years in prison for flying to Detroit to have sex with a 5-year-old girl.

Brian Flaherty of Chino Hills, was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Detroit. The 38-year-old pleaded guilty in October to enticing a minor for sex and transporting child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Stephen Murphy says Flaherty had several online and phone conversations with a woman he thought was a single mother with two young children. He also e-mailed child pornography to the woman, who turned out to be an undercover detective.

Flaherty was arrested in February of 2007 when he arrived in Detroit to meet the girl.

Study: Daylight Saving Time actually raises utility bills

It's official: Daylight Saving Time is a bust. Designed (and recently extended) as a measure to save energy in a period of inflated electricity prices, an in-depth University of California study has now shown that DST doesn't save anyone any money at all. In fact, it's costing consumers extra, to the tune of $3.19 in extra utility bills per year.

The study was made possible because of the peculiarities of the state of Indiana, which was only partially on DST until 2006. When the whole state finally went DST (to sync with the national business day), some comparisons vs. the prior method were made apparent. The study calculated that the shift costs Indiana residents an extra $8.6 million in electricity bills in total.

Why? Shouldn't they be, well, saving daylight -- and burning fewer light bulbs?

They are, said the study. But while lighting bills were reduced, air-conditioning units had to run more often, because people were home on hot afternoons when they'd otherwise be still at the office. Heaters had to be run on cool mornings, too, when people got up and it was still dark outside.
Professor Matthew Kotchen, who pioneered the study, noted, "I've never had a paper with such a clear and unambiguous finding as this."

This isn't the first time the energy-saving rationale of Daylight Saving Time has been attacked. The first was in 1976, when the National Bureau of Standards found that there was no significant energy savings after the switch. The recent expansion of DST to a few extra weeks was also revealed to have saved no energy during its run. And yet here we are...

In related news, it was also revealed that Daylight Saving Time actually creates no additional daylight.

California Lottery Wants to Meet Riverside County Winner; Corona, CA

California Lottery officials are eager to meet the person holding a winning Lottery ticket purchased in Corona one month ago.

The ticket was sold at the 7-Eleven at 702 West 6th Street in Corona and is worth $174,574. California Lottery players always have 180 days to claim a prize.

This ticket comes from the MEGA Millions game. It holds five of six winning numbers selected the night of January 29. The winning numbers selected were 8, 23, 39, 40, 42 and the Mega Ball number was 24. The Corona ticket had the first five numbers and not the Mega Ball number.

Lottery officials always encourage players to sign the back of their tickets, keep tickets in a safe place and contact Lottery officials or visit your local Lottery District Office (http://www.calottery.com/AboutUs/Locations) as soon as possible.

Every penny of unclaimed prizes is added to the contribution the Lottery delivers to California schools. Last fiscal year, more than $29 million in unclaimed prizes was forwarded to public education.

More than 95 cents of every Lottery dollar is returned to the community in the form of contributions to education, prizes and retail commissions. The California Lottery contributes at least 34 cents of every dollar that players spend on Lottery products to public education and returns more than 50 percent of sales to players in the form of prizes. Since its inception in 1985, the Lottery has contributed more than $20 billion to California schools out of total sales of nearly $55 billion. Retailers benefit too, earning $3.5 billion in compensation since 1985.

Coming again . . . Corona Antiques and Collectibles Faire

Success has been sweet for the Antiques Faire, now in planning for its seventh time around. Each year it has grown so much that a lot of forethought has to be had to make it fit on this little five acres. One of the nicest things you can expect as an attendee is that there is only room for quality stuff. Or, No Garage Sale Rubbish, as we say. We expect many of the dealers we've had in the past, which have first dibs of course, as well as more new things than will be accepted. It's a nice position to be in, to be able to pick and choose and make the best out of it.

Mark your calendar now for the first Saturday in June, the 7th this year, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's free, it's fun, and the weather is always nice. You can expect parking to be less than adequate, and some walking is usually involved, but most people find it worthwhile attending Corona's best antiquing adventure.

If you are a real antiques or collectibles dealer and would like to get in, spaces are already going fast and now is the time. Call Shelly Norland at 951-737-3020.

Blood Bank Drive April 10th 2008; Norco, CA

On Wednesday, April 10, 2008, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm we will be bringing our Bloodmobile to the Norco Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 2816 Hamner Ave, Norco, Ca. We are asking that Chamber Members and others from your great community to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life. With more than 42 hospitals to serve throughout Southern California we must collect more than 400 pints of blood each and every day in order to keep up with the growing demand for blood and blood products. Without the support of donor organizations like your Chamber of Commerce, we could not possibly meet this demand.

That support not only includes blood donations from wonderful people from the communities we serve, it also often includes coupons donated by local retailers, providing an incentive that attracts more people to come and participate. We join the Norco Chamber of Commerce in asking you to consider offering a coupon, such as a pint of ice cream for donating a pint of blood…in essence, “A Pint-For-A-Pint.”

But that is just one example. Our donors often receive coupons for complimentary pizza, submarine sandwiches, ice cream, smoothies, chicken wings, hamburgers, taco meals and more. Instant gratification is a wonderful thing for many people. Although we certainly don’t require them at a blood drive, it has been our experience that more donors participate when coupons are offered. Your donation will be a great show of support for our community donors and an excellent opportunity to advertise your product or business.

So, no horsing around. Kick up your heels and get ready for a wildly successful blood drive at your Norco Chamber of Commerce! For more information about this event, or to arrange for support donations, please contact the Manager of the Norco Chamber of Commerce, Tara Selheim at 951-737-2531.

Cool Cars & Classic Rides Sunday, March 9 9:00a to 12:00p

Join us on Sunday, March 9, 9AM - 12PM at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos. Show off your classic, custom, exotic, luxury, and muscle cars... from the cool to the classics. Info: 951-277-7601 or PromenadeShopsAtDosLagos.com

More Bad News: 7,300 Jobs Lost In Inland Empire

The struggling housing and construction industry has helped kill thousands of jobs throughout the Inland Empire, according to a published report.

About 7,300 jobs have been lost in Riverside, San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles counties in 2007, according to state figures published by the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

The job loss contradicts previous predictions of a gain in jobs. Government officials will now have to make difficult financial decisions based on a workforce that is much smaller than originally estimated.

In December, the state had estimated the Inland Empire would gain 32,400 jobs. New figures say, instead, 7,300 jobs were lost.

The higher-than-expected job loss rate compounds the economic situation in the Inland Empire, which has one of the largest foreclosure rates in the nation, up 240 percent in the past year.

Unemployment in the Inland region is 6.7 percent and climbing, up 1.3 percent from last year.

County seeks new grand jurors

Panel serves as watchdog over how taxpayer dollars are spent

John Todd likes being on the Riverside County grand jury so much that he's on his second term and serving his fourth year.

"It's been a great experience," said Todd, 77, the foreman of the current grand jury. "You learn an awful lot of things, including some things you might not want to learn."

The Superior Court is now seeking Riverside County residents who wish to serve on the 2008-09 civil grand jury, which begins its new, one-year session July 1.

"We are a watchdog organization over county government and county agencies," Todd said. "We see how well taxpayer money is being spent.

"While investigating specific complaints that come from the public, "we can also pick anything where county dollars are being spent," regardless of whether a complaint has been filed, Todd said.

The grand jury also has committees such as a justice committee that can look into law enforcement agencies, the county counsel or district attorney's office. Other committees can address issues including city government, the county office of education or libraries, Todd said.

Serving on the grand jury "lets people give something back to the community," he said. "We try to cover every area of the county that we can.

"In the past, the grand jury has investigated issues within county animal control, the Riverside County sheriff's corrections division and treatment services at Riverside County Regional Medical Center.

The 19 grand jurors meet three to five days per week from about 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., court officials said.

While the grand jury term is for one year, the presiding judge typically holds over several willing jurors so there is some continuity from one session to the next, Todd said.

However, Todd said that, as he has done, jurors can only serve two years in a row before having to take a year off and reapply.

Generally, because of the days and time needed to meet, grand jurors are retired, Todd said, adding that members of the current panel have an average age in the 60s.

Those wishing to serve on the future panel must start by filling out an application form, which must be received by the grand jury secretary by April 16. Applications are available online at www.riverside.courts.ca.gov or by sending a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to Grand Jury Secretary, P.O. Box 829, Riverside, CA 92502.

A per diem rate of $15 to $25 per day, plus mileage, is paid to jurors to help defray expenses.

For more information about the grand jury or to obtain citizen complaint forms, go to www.riverside.courts.ca.gov

Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.

Grand jurors sought

Riverside County is seeking grand jurors for its 2008-09 session.

Applicants must be:
a U.S. citizen
18 years or older
Riverside County residents for at least one year
in good health
able to speak and understand English
able to attend hearings three to five days per week for a year

Applicants cannot be:
serving as a trial juror anywhere in the state
an elected public official
convicted of malfeasance, any felony or high crime

To apply:
return juror application to Grand Jury Secretary, P.O. Box 829, Riverside, CA 92502, by April 16
applications can be obtained at www.riverside.courts.ca.gov or by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to the grand jury secretary

For information, go to www.riverside.courts.ca.gov

Paris Hilton Unveils Latest Hollywood Celebrity Accessory

Paris Hilton has finally found her spiritual self and has vowed to discard the porn films, drugs, partying and jail stints once and for all.

Paris has unveiled her latest accessory.

No, we are not talking about her new fat hunchback midget of a boyfriend but a "real Buddhist monk" or what seems to look like one.While a spiritual awakening may take Buddhist practitioners and monks whole lifetimes to acquire, Paris has done so in just one afternoon.

Paris and her Monk

The bizarre duo were spotted wandering around Rodeo Drive, taking time to pop into a luxury shoe shop and a five star hotel for some enlightenment therapy.

The walkabout event was witnessed by approximately 350 agency paparazzi photographers and 28 news crews.

The former porn model and ex-heiress who has slept with a reputed 12,000 people so far seems to be finally reaching enlightenment and celebrated her spiritual journey by splashing out on a pair of $8,000 shoes at the Rodeo Drive shop.

Later on Paris and her "guru" sat down to read a book called "The Path to True Enlightenment" and the Hollwood celebrity appeared to be listening intently to what he had to say.

She was then told to reach "enlightenment" by handing the monk some spiritual sustenance -- his huge fee.

The Daily Squib has researched what the 'monks' name is and has found him registered in a Hollywood classified magazine as: "Bodhidharma Buddhist Monk for Hire from Tibet."

His real name, however, is Brad Tooley from Lake Elsinore, Texas, a former chicken farm worker and convicted felon.

Looks like Paris and her "guru" have more in common than previously thought.

California might be in recession already

Mounting job losses and a rising unemployment rate in California have raised fears that some regions of the state have slipped into recession and the rest of the state is on the edge. In January, California lost more than 20,000 jobs, keeping the unemployment rate at nearly 6 percent, according to data released yesterday by the state Employment Development Department.

The data show that Orange County and the Inland Empire have been losing jobs for the past two quarters – fitting a commonly used definition of a regional recession.

Spring Fling All Breeds Horse Show; Chino Hills

Title: Spring Fling All Breeds Horse Show
Date: March 16, 2008
Description: The Spring Fling Horse Show offers a wide variety of classes including halter, English and Western style riding competitions.
Address: 14280 Peyton DriveChino Hills, CA 91709
Location: McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center
Hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Contact: (909) 548-0868
Cost: Free for spectators, call for horse show entry information.