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Home My WebLink AboutReporter Winter 2007Showtime Victoria Gardens Cultural Center August 19, 2006 was showtune at the Victoria � i= � z� ��;; Gardens Cultural Center as the City of Rancho � �� -- ,,�, -•---�:�.. . � Cucamonga raised the curtain on 24 months of 13igh tech tools and resources are the � construction to the applause of thousands of resi- featurecl perfonners at the new Paul A. Biane dents. The new 536-seat Lewis Family Playhouse, LiUrary at Victoria Gardens. The Technology 4,500-square foot Celebration Hall conference cen- Center offers 21 computer stations with ter, and 90,000 volume Pat�l A. Biane Libraiy at access to the Internet and Microsoft Office, as well Victoria Gardens were the stars of the show and drew as a variety of technology classes. In addition, there rave reviews from the spectators who attended the are dozen of computers with access to the liUiary festivities. catalog and educational databases. Childreil <lelight Live performances in the Bank of America in the stoiybook lighthouse where storytime comes Imagination Courryard featured the steel drum complete with a stage and lighting.Youth can hang band Hot, Hot, Hot; family entertainers Razzle Bam out in their ownTeen Scene complete with restau- Boom; and Company B perforining Andrews Sisters rant-sryle booth seating and places for interactive favorites. study, research and socializuig. Adults can curl up Grammy-winner Sheena Easton headlined the with a great book next to the fueplace in a quiet inaugural season for the Lewis Fainily Playhouse read'uig room with a spectacular view of the San with a sold-otrt concert on September 8th, followed Bernardino Motmtains. The Biane Library provides by Rockapella and Capitol Steps in November. 2007 something for everyone. rings in ManhattanTransfer (ianuary llth) and the The 89,000-square-foot $34 million Cultural Sing-A-Long Sotmd of Music Qanuary 13th). Center is anticipated to draw more than 500,000 The MainStreet Theatre Company, a professional visitors per year to Victoria Gardens Regional production company catering to youth and families, Center and is the first time that tlus type of civic kicked off its season at the Cultural Center with "Miss use has been integrated into a retail/office project Nelson is Missing:' Upcomuig performances inchide in the U.S.The Cultural Center is a place for commu- "Seussical the Musical" (November 24th through �ty gatherings, cultural, recreational and literacy December 17th) and "Charlotte's Web" (March lOth programs, professional theater and library services. through March 25th). ,.��, � ...: '� � `��:�. „ �� ' � � '� A �1; � , � r� � � � � , � . � � \ .,� � �:. . e. - � ,,, r — - _ - - - - �! '�.u. �5�� ri � �� "� , ° � ��.. � y � a � , .� .� � �j ��1 �� . I � � d �, "' � �� _�� " �' � .. fi S . ��I .. . 7 9 N ,. ]4 y ' � � � µ � � �1�; � . �� ' � �-g� ' � j " ' ; � �� , r. ' � � r�(>, +r�: ,� �,_ � a 1 t . . � '.?_� � °'s�� ' . .,,l.'!`. �� , � C , . � �' �a,; �� - � �� .. °� �.� _ �' ' l.� � �.�� P �_ �. G �� '� �� ' ,��' ;�+, �� .�� :� ---� � - �� I Y r— ' v� . �`;; �� . � „_� �' City of RC Ani��l Cei�t� r p. 3 MainSii eet T�aeatre p• 6 �i:11P4DY' ��TVICCS i�. � — --' Victoria Gardens Lands First Inl ' �.� � Crate � Barrel's 145t1i store opened September 13, 2006 at Victoria Gardens u1 Randzo Cucamonga. The 35,000-square-foot fiuiuttue u1d housewares retailer is another first for the lifesryle and entertaui- ment center that brought several major national tenants uichiding Pottery Barn, PF Chang's ancl Williams , Sonoma to the region. , ! i , Tlie two-stor5� store is located oi1 the soutliwest corner of Monet Avenue and North Maulstxeet, adjaceiit to the Cheesecake Pactory and across from King's Pish House. Downstairs features kitchenware, glassware, �' table linens, aiid home accessories. Upstairs feanires fiiriiiture for offiee and holne; bed and batli accessories, '�" ��,�'` ; lighting and di�aperies; delivering the quality and sryle for whicli Crate & Barrel is known nationwide.Tlle », �� ."� Y : �� Rancho Gucamoiiga store also features u� outdoor area where patrons can fuid outdooi fuimture and ,�, �; • _ accessoi•ies. '" . �� The cliain, a coizcept de�reloped by Gordon and Carole Segal in 1'962, still focuses on the uiiique, elegant, and fitnctional:European designs they first discovered on their honeymoon in Europe.,Tl�eir r"; first store,an abaiicloned elevator f'actory in Cllicago, employed the crates and barrels usecl to pack the .�., merchanciise as display f�tiires, giving tlle com�any its name. . , "� � �, � '`I flew ovei`` this site in a helicopter three years ago," said Segal referring to tlie Victoria Gardens site. "And 3 wondered where the custoiners �vere going to come from. Now I look arotmd and there are houses everywhere. I'm.astotuided by the growth. Pve never seen anytl�ig like it:' �,_ '� `� The Victoria Gardens Crate � Bariel features a modern desigii tl�at uitegrates , - �,_ �. exterior and iiiterior arclutectur'al features and uses state-of-the-art =- �"` Rancho Cucamonga new l�uil�iing techiiiqtres. � Ci•ate � Bai•rel is als� joined by other �—°�- newly-openecl Victoria Gardens addiCions such �as West Elm - _. u�d TGIF Restaurant. x.. .. �� .�. . _ . ��.,�> � � �e _�� Receives "Best Place" Honor Rancho Cucamonga took its place as one of only siY California cities in the Top 50 in Money magazine's annual "Best Places to Live" survey. Money magazine editors considered more than 700 communities with populations over 50,000. Research and evaluations are based on a wide - variety of economic and quality of life indicators evaluated by magazine consultants. Finalists are visited by a team that interview residents, community leaders, and local officials before the final scoring. "This year we set out to find small livable cities that had the best possible blend of good jobs, low crime, quality schools, plenty of open space, rational home prices and lots to do," said Money executive Craig Matters. "These places reflect the qualities that most Americans want when it comes to a place to live or raise a family—the opportunity for themselves and their children to prosper and a qualiry of life that lets them enjoy the fruits of their work" Rancho Cucamonga ranked number 42 nationwide by meeting the standards for all major criteria. Good jobs: City job growth outpaced the aver- age for Money's Top 100 by more than 12%. Low crime: Personal crime incidents were 32.5% below the average for the rest of Money's list. Quality schools: more than twice the average of others on the list for reading scores and high marks for access to colleges and universities. Rational home prices: 2004-2005 home prices rose 17%, 8% more than other cities on the list but still more affordable than many cities in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Lots to do:Money cited more than 2,500 oppor- tunities to dine out in a 15-mile radius as well as recreational resources, golf courses, senior center, baseball stadium, and cultural facilities. .,, ,,, �. . � ' � � :, n� �--- - ; _ . ��.�`�[ r, ��r�Ct,l ..— z,. ., i` � . ,_ , � r. `,� �i � 1 LL. �. i,� r. ,�*"�,.-- . � J:, August 8th and August 15th were really the dog days of summer at the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Epicenter as the Quakes sponsored two special evenings to support the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center.A speciai section of the stadium was set aside and pet owners were encouraged to bring their dogs to the , � ,;, #y -0 t, ;: �" s ' , � � 8 �� Y<; � �� ,/ur ��'.,�,' " "� ! ' ' On October �,:�'�'` , 21 st, more than � Y- � , 1,000 residents a„ = �' .�- -��; �Y� were treated to a �' �� -- tour and celebra- � �� tion of the Ciry's � newly transformed Animal n�� , Care and Adoption Center. � The event focused on the � ��'" � �� , wonderful pets available , �, } �t1 ;��-� � for adoption at the Center. �; ` ��°;� } "The event was a cele- �� bration of all the great pets '�= at the Animal Care and �� r �. Adoption Center looking ^� ._ ��_� ��..�_ A-j "" for their forever home,° � �` � �� explained Center ��;� ��,� `� " Manager Jen Woodard. �� Guests laughed as f � �� t,,;< t,. Goldie and Raisin, the � `�' �` � � larger than life Animal i �. K � � Center mascots gave � �r ��' hugs and danced with �� * the smallest visitors. "'� .,�� Inside, many residents � fy -. ��; �� `, toured the Center and � �� found new pets to take - �:, �_ .. , home with them. Dogs wearing "Adopt Me" bandanas paraded through the grounds, showing off spe- cial grooming donated by PetSmart. Area police and fire K-9 units gave deinonstrations and the pets of many attendees entered the Doggie Olympics—wimiing medals for looking o - cess game with no admission for explained Center Manager Jen lap dogs and discounted $3 Woodarcl. tickets for pets requiring seats An Adoption Fair was held of their own.r� portion of the in the concourse with water proceeds were generously stations and pet treats offered donated to the Animal Center to dogs who brought their by the Quakes. owners to the game.The People came from as far results—more than half the away as San Diego to attend pets featured at the two ball- the ball games. "People really games were immediately like to have opportunities to adopted. go places with their pets," � � � most like their owner, beuzg the best kisser, and performing the best trick. The City of Rancho Cucamonga re-opened the Animal Care andAdoption Center in May after completely transformuig it. The changes go deeper than the new paint and decor that creates a more home-like setting. Today, the emphasis is on finding new homes for all adoptable aniinals as the Center moves toward a no-kill policy. Rescue groups, key helpers in this goal, were in evidence at the event where they explained their work. � �, � .�� ,- �� i�� 111111a.� � 8� � � `� , I � �� Center �Iere � �� to Se�e You ��F= -� �`�� Rancho Cucamonga's Animal Care and Adoption Center offers a variety of pet related services to the community such as pet adoptions, inicrochipping, vohinteer opportuni- ties, and low cost vaccination clinics. Photos of most adoptable pets are online at www.rcpets.info or stop by, meet the friendly staff, and meet your new best friend in person.TheAnunal Care andAdoption Center is located at 11780Arrow Route in Rancho Cucamonga and is open froin 1 pm to 8 pm weekdays and noon to 6 pm weelcends. _ � • • � Vicleo-conferencing, the internet, and email az•e illaking it possible for many workers to tr�� their hands at home-based businesses tod��5�. Whether your desu-e to work from home is motivacecl by wanting to be at home with your chilch�en or the goal of bein� your own boss, the option of working froin home is supporCed by the Cit}= of Rancho Cucamonga's Business � License Division, �vhere you can get both a Busnless License and a Home Occupation Permic. Business Licenses are required for all businesses in the Cit��. Home Occtlpation Per�nits are also reqiured whe�i your busuiess is located iu 5�our residence. �� The applications are simple uld only a few common sense rtiles app15�. Home Occupauon Permits ensure t11at an�� business acti��ieies are compaeible with Cl�e neighborhoods in which the5� are located.There are 1�� a-iteria '� based on wliether or not a houie-based business will be a nuisance to its ' neighbors. fTl�e business must be conducted inside the house aad cayiuot involve s��1es, or customers, or eiliployees coming to the home. Cominon uses include sn�all offices lllce consulting btisinesses or arts ai7c1 crafts ' operations:l3usiuesses that are uidustrial or _ ;.. ,` commercial in nature or that involve storage of " large amounes of materials or supplies, or repair shops are not allowed. For more information, call j =`? the Planiung Division � � at (909) 477- � �750. ' � �r ./y � Secome a Code Enforce�n.ent Volu�teer The Ciry of Rancho Cucainonga Code Enforcement Division is looking for part-time volunteers to assist in the field with tasks that include shopping cart, illegal sign, and graffiti removal.The program, developed to help keep Rancho Cucamonga a beautifiil city, is based in the philosophy that high standards for code enforcement con- tribute significantly to good public safery and an excellent quality of life. Volunteers supplement City staff and private contractors who perform core tasks and on-going programmed maintenance. If you are interested in contributing to keepulg Rancho Cucamonga clean and beautifiil, contact the Code Enforcement Division at �909) 477- 2700, extension 4255. � � ��... ,. f°� -" �i r�'"� Y>3 i'� i t � + M ---� < ��'s` ±� � � � �i�,�F, � �;i^ , ,�,;� � , , � .�� , -_ r , �. > �� , p r A,�� fi ��. � �� ;}� _ �y� �t�',:�_,—� ��" ' � `��,�`�+'a jI � t k ��y�t,��'�,�al.�,r�'�7 . . ... . .. . . Yl 4�.">;'\ � ��.ii.Vl '� . ��--_ - -- .. � � ..�_�� i Solar-Powered Project Targets S�eed.er�> EighC Ranclio Ctilcunonga streets have a new feature fl7at wi11 help promote safer traffic flows for both driveis uld pedestrians. The project, con7pleted in August 2006, is Clle installation of signs powered b5� solar panels that renund clrivers to slow dowi2 and obey the posted speeds. Each sign, equipped with an interior radar detector, tracks the spced of passing velucles and reports the speed on the sigi7 face, so drivers can compare their traveling speed to the speed limit.As well as displaying vehicle speed, the sign equipment records speed, day, and Ciille, allowing Rancho Cucanlonga Police to pinpoint problenl areas more accurately.The signs operate t�vent�r-four hours per day on solar energy, captured by the panels on the tops of Ci1e signs. . . 4.uc " ,r I � - �;f " �...: , � . �. _ �.. . �$ '� q H , ._ .,, �` ._� �? �+'" ,,: � �� ; �n � �� tq � �;� 4 �� . � �� .. , 2 s , � + ; � I ��. , : a ,�"�, , �. � .8'� :+� � � �� _ '�' � � �` HavenAvenue construction has required periodic u7termittent closures iu both directions for Che relocation oF utilities.The worli began u1 October and will continue througli Jt�ne 2007.The closures are the preliniina�-�� phases of a coi��prehensive construcuon project that will separate the street fioin the rail ]ines where Chey cross Haven belz�een 7th Sueet aucl Jersey I3oulevard. Nloeorists are advised to expect delays. � � Success Recy� Partners Permanent ` -,. p .�� ;. � n _ � : . � ___- ��__ � � Curbside recycling may seem like old Management of the Inland Einpire to implement a pilot program i hat to many Rancho Cucamonga families at nine of the Lewis Aparttnent Communities in the Terra Vista �, i' but for City residents that live in multi- area.The residents of these 2,938 multifamily units were provided family housing, it's a relatively new with convenient recycling that included valet trash and recycling program.The City of Rancho Cucamonga pickup at three of the nine complexes. Modeled on curbside I '� � implemented recycling at single-family programs, these "door`to door" programs give residents the i homes in response to the 1989 California opportuniry to have trash and recyclables picked up from their , ' �� i law that required all cities to reduce the front door steps onrdesignated days. amount of waste going to landfills by 50%. Now, afEer a little more than one year, the nine facilities in the 1 ! The City focused its first efforts on single pilof`program have achieved a 28.5% waste diversion rate.The � � � -family homes to achieve initial waste program'ssuccess and its promise of sustainability have led the � �' reduction targets. Multi-family homes, how- - Ciry and its parfners fo make the program permanent. Multifamily � ... � , .> __ : �" "'' ever, posed a set of challenges that complexes tluoughout the Ciry will now be able to follow the required a different approach. High turnover rates in both onsite ' model established by the Gity and Lewis Apartment Communities managers anci residents made it difficult to establish continuiry for , to create successfi�l programs of Ylieir own. the program.At 20.8% of total residences, however, multifamily homes constituted a significant portion of Rancho Cucamonga's waste stream. In 2005, the Ciry formed a partnerslup with Lewis Apartment Communities, PROgressive AMenities (Pro-Am), and Waste 0 �•.."-�--'�� `- � MainStreet Theatre Brin.gs Quality Entertainment to Cultural Center The MainStreetTheatre Company, created by the Ciry of Rancho Cucamonga is the newest professional theater company in the Inland Empire.The company presented its first major production of its first season in the Lewis Family Playhouse in the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in late September. The West Coast premiere of "Miss Nelson is Missing" starredAnn Marie Lee in the title role, was directed by Mark Ricker and featured stage sets by Michael C. Smith and costumes by Julie Keen. The comedy follows a group of snidents as they search for their favorite teacher, Miss Nelson, who has been mysteriously replaced by a surly substitute teacher. Other offerings this season include "Seussical the Musical" (through DecemUer 17, 2006) and Charlotte's Web (March 10 through 25> 2007). � The company is led by Lewis Family Playhouse Productions Coordinator Mireya Hepner, who recruits a team of award- winning professionals and auditions adult equiry and non-equity actors for each pro- duction. Each production is also accompa- nied by a study guide, avallable for online use by classroom teachers. Written in col- laboration with Rancho Cucamonga Library staff, the study guides offer background information, vocabulary words, suggested classrooms activities, and other resources that tie in with each production. "We're thrilled to take an active role in fostering a love of theatre among children throughout the Inland Empire," commented Productions Coordinator Hepner.°We aim to bring chIldren and fauiilies the highest quality of theatrical performances, with the hope of creating audiences for the future" General ticket prices are $18, seniors 60 and older are $16, and children ages three to 12 are $12. ��. 1 � ��h �� a,. ��,,�„^�.. .��'��" . �� i � � ' • � ' � . . . . . . � � � �; _ , , ,. +��` A glance at America's changing demographics tells the tale: the baby boomers who changed society as young adults in the 1960s are now entering their golden years.Today 10,000Americans turn 50 every day. In 2006, baby boomers continue to make up 30% of NorthAmerica's population and control 75% ofAmerica's fulancial assets Seniors ul the 21st Century are active, vibrant aduits, and are just as likely to be starting second careers as they are to be retiring. They are staying in the workforce longer and are more health conscious than ever before. Since the first senior center was founded in 1943 in NewYork City, offering seniors a piace to meet and receive services that wotdd help keep them independent and living in the commimity, average lifespans have jumped from the mid-60s for men and early 70s for women to 75.4 for men and 81.1 far women today. Appro�mately 15,000 seiuor centers serve more than 10 million adults annually in the U.S. The O1derAmericansAct of 1965 officially designated these centers as delivery points for senior services that focus primarily on nutrition and transportation, though opportuni- ties for recreation, education, volunteering, and travel are critical qualiry of life components of programs at most centers. At the James L. Brulte Senior Center at Central Park, the City of Rancho Cucamonga has created facIlities and programs to meet the varied needs of seniors, whether they are boomers, recently retired, or they've been enjoying their senior status for years. The Center's motto, "Stay Healthy, Live Longer!" is at the heart of both facilities and programs.The Wellness Pass exercise room breaks all stereotypes of what senior exercise is, offering a collection of weight traiiung and cardio fitness equipment that meets the doctor's prescription for good health including treadmills, elliptical bikes, weight training, and a universal gym. In addition, a personal trainer is available to assist those trying to develop an appropriate work-out schedule or meet a particular health goal. Welhiess Pass is complemented by Cardio Peak, a room where as many as 40 participants can be found pursuing yoga, aer- obics, Pilates,Tai Chi, Bailroom Dancing, and other dance-related fit- ness activities. The James L. Brulte Senior Center is aiso the location of choice for information about issues affecting the lives of seniors including Medicare, prescription drug plan changes, and Social Securiry as well as traditional Flu clinics, special events, and dances. A key component of the Center is its pro�mity to the Goldy S. Lewis Communiry Center.The neighboring facIlities allow seniors to integrate their own wellness and recreation regimes with those of other family members, allowing for blending of generations where children can participate in sports or arts activities while parents take cooking classes and grandparents attend lectures or work-out.This integration is particularly important in a world where grandparents are increasingly involved in raising grand- children, a situation present in more than 625>000 households in California in 2005 according to the US Census Bureau. As the population ages and the deinand for services for older adults increases, Rancho Cucamonga's Senior Center for the next generation will continue to transform to meet the needs of the Cit��'s unique and diverse senior population. �... ._ � ,; < �� LiinitedBrands,the parent company of retailers The �� 7+� Gap, Express, Victoria's Secret, and � Bath and Body Works recenfly presented a $1,500 check to the Rancho Cucamonga Police �` �� +9 ��'9 Department for its work at Victoria Gardens. a.� Limited Brands Regional Manager Brian Barsley, in the company of other Limited Brands representatives, made the pres- entation to Chief Pete Ortiz at a ceremony held September 18, 2006. The check was part of a grant Limited Brands received as a result of the hard work and dedication of the Victoria Gardens deputies worl�ing with loss preventi�n personnel at Victoria Gardens stores to reduce crime. Barsley commented."L'united Biands Corporation lias thousands of retail otrtlets - across the country, but the partnershi�� betweei� the Victoria Gardens ,cieputies and the loss �revention officers ai Victoria Garclens is the best in the nation:' Corporal Clu•is Mulligan, one of tlle original-cieputies in the Uictoria Gardens program was also honored as Linuted Brands "Law Enforcement Officer of theYear." �' f . ; ; . ---�,/ �F'a f �' _� __ C1� S��kS t0 �- '_ _ �� )= - Iteduce False A.larms ��`�� During one week earlier this year, fire alarms and smoke detectors brought home two examples of the benefits they promise.An early morning blaze in a Rancho Cucamonga manufacturing faciliry triggered the alarm and the building's sprinkler system contained the fire until the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department could arrive and extinguish it. Next, a sleeping family's smoke detector alerted them to a garage fire.They escaped and called the Fire Department, which was able to contain the fire before it reached the house. More often than not, however, the fire trucks are dispatched and arrive to an alarm n•iggered as a prank or as the result of improper installation or negligence. Wl�ile iYs a relief not to Ue needed, fire personnel can't help but shake their heads at the waste of resources. Rancho Cucamonga firefighters are dispatched to over 500 alarms in commercial buildings every year. More than half are false or unwarranted. �ach false alarm represents an incident where fire personnel put theinselves at risk by responding with lights and sirens. Every unit called out is one that is not available if a true emergency strikes. Repeated false alarms cause the public to lose confidence in the serious- ness of the warning the alarm is supposed to symbolize and firefighters worry that a real emergency may be shrugged off as a false alarm. The Rancho Cucamouga Fire Department has updated standards to address these issues. Clear plastic easy-lift covers are now required to help reduce incidences of malicious false alarms.A small commercial account fire alarm fee is being used to offset the cost of a Fire Prevention Specialist who will assist businesses with the inspection and proper maintenance of fire and life safery systems that will in turn reduce the number of false alarms.A false alarm fee will now be assessed for alarms resulting from lack of maintenance, negligence, or faulty installation. Finally, the Fire Department will not respond to commercial fire alarms with lights and sirens without additional information verifying that circumstances warrant such a response. The Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department is committed to ensuring that fire resources are available when true emergencies require them while working to reduce risks from fire in hoines and businesses in the coinmunity. I�ld.zwa.t�l� Academy Graduates Set �. .� � ,� � � d�, � � �� " �� ' t� `� �;� .., r ;. t i�i�� a`°:a, ��:: - �` �� Y � � 'r� � _ , _ . �� The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department completed its first seven-week Kidzwatch Academy, providing young resi- dents with training on a variery of topics from how to avoid abductions to bicycle safery. The initial orientation focused on personal safery and included fingerprinting, identifying good strangers versus bad strangers, and avoiding abduction. Subsequent weeks addressed a variety of topics including using the 9-1-1 system, search and rescue, water safery, bicycle safety, and fire safety. Program favorites included the bicycle safety obstacle course and the Search and Rescue workshop where kids met the search ancl rescue horses, riders, and K-9 search teanis. Future academies may be expanded to include earthquake safety, drug awareness, and gang education. For more information about the Kidzwatch Academy, call Emily Campbell, Crime Prevention Specialist, (909) 477-2800. www.ci.rancho-cucamonga.ca.us 10500 Civic Center Dr. • P.O. Box 807 • Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729 °(909) 477-2700 • Fax (909) 477-2846 William J. Alexander, Mayor • Diane Williams, Mayor Pro Tem • Rex Gutierrez, L. Dennis Michael, Sam Spagnolo, Council Members (As of pri�2Di�ag dectdli�ae, Novenabe�r 9, 2006)