Recent events out of Bell, California sound way too familiar and leave me hopeful that the corruption here in Pomona will finally be investigated by an outside agency.
And then there will be liberty and justice for all (and likely jail time for a few).
THE END
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Ethan's Growing Legacy for Pomona
Four years and much collective sadness ago, Ethan Esparza was killed in a driveby shooting the day before his 4th birthday, while attending his own birthday party in the front yard of his grandmother's Pomona home.
At the time that it happened, my Mr. Big had celebrated his own 4th birthday just weeks earlier, 8 blocks -and apparently worlds- away, in the front yard of our Lincoln Park home.
Ethan's death triggered lots of talk about enough being enough, and a banding together of local church and community leaders to find a solution. The most visible legacy of Ethan today is the Tri City Community Gardens at 2008 North Garey Avenue in Pomona. Tri City "Victory" Gardens is the lovechild of local cattle farmer Randy Bekendam, who was inspired by Ethan's story.
Garden photos courtesy of the Tri City blog site, unknown photographer. With what I am told was little support from the City of Pomona, Farmer Randy had trouble finding any where that would even allow him to build the gardens. How typical Pomona dysfunctional is that? As a result, the gardens are tucked away; if you blink as you drive up Garey, you will miss them. But if you stop and go inside, you will see an orchard,
a succulent labyrinth, various farm plots and sporadic gardeners growing hope amidst the vegetables there.
Truth be told, there has not been overwhelming participation in the gardens by local residents. Other than a few visits there myself, I have not been involved as I thought I would be. One family here in Lincoln Park has been deeply engaged in the gardens, and that is how I have kept informed about what is going on there.
Sadly, changes in staffing at the mental health facility have resulted in young patients not using the gardens for therapy as they once did when it first opened. Recently, however, a woman from nearby Berkeley Avenue laid claim to a plot, which she tends alongside neighborhood children from her violence-prone street.
Over the past couple of months, a group of children have been painting the north wall at the Tri City gardens (see today's photo). The wall painting is part of environmental art classes hosted by Otterspace Arts. Mr. Big attended a class last week. Otterspace Arts is run by two former school teachers, trying to make a difference by bringing the arts back to local children. Check out their class schedule and get on their mailing list here.
No arrests were ever made in Ethan's case, until yesterday, when one man was taken into custody for the murder. The arrest has brought Ethan's story to the forefront once again.
At the garden last week, a large sunflower stood tall and proud in the middle of the vegetable beds (you can see it in the above photo). The sunflower immediately made me think about Ethan. I have no idea if Ethan's family has been to the community gardens that Ethan inspired. I'd like to think that big, beautiful, and oh so hopeful looking sunflower could bring them some needed solace.
If you would like to get involved in Pomona's community garden, Tri City holds work days every first Saturday of the month. If you can't get there in person, you can always go there via youtube. Please note that this video was shot last year, before Pomona's most hopeful sunflower came to life.
THE END
At the time that it happened, my Mr. Big had celebrated his own 4th birthday just weeks earlier, 8 blocks -and apparently worlds- away, in the front yard of our Lincoln Park home.
Ethan's death triggered lots of talk about enough being enough, and a banding together of local church and community leaders to find a solution. The most visible legacy of Ethan today is the Tri City Community Gardens at 2008 North Garey Avenue in Pomona. Tri City "Victory" Gardens is the lovechild of local cattle farmer Randy Bekendam, who was inspired by Ethan's story.
Garden photos courtesy of the Tri City blog site, unknown photographer. With what I am told was little support from the City of Pomona, Farmer Randy had trouble finding any where that would even allow him to build the gardens. How typical Pomona dysfunctional is that? As a result, the gardens are tucked away; if you blink as you drive up Garey, you will miss them. But if you stop and go inside, you will see an orchard,
a succulent labyrinth, various farm plots and sporadic gardeners growing hope amidst the vegetables there. Truth be told, there has not been overwhelming participation in the gardens by local residents. Other than a few visits there myself, I have not been involved as I thought I would be. One family here in Lincoln Park has been deeply engaged in the gardens, and that is how I have kept informed about what is going on there.
Sadly, changes in staffing at the mental health facility have resulted in young patients not using the gardens for therapy as they once did when it first opened. Recently, however, a woman from nearby Berkeley Avenue laid claim to a plot, which she tends alongside neighborhood children from her violence-prone street.
Over the past couple of months, a group of children have been painting the north wall at the Tri City gardens (see today's photo). The wall painting is part of environmental art classes hosted by Otterspace Arts. Mr. Big attended a class last week. Otterspace Arts is run by two former school teachers, trying to make a difference by bringing the arts back to local children. Check out their class schedule and get on their mailing list here.
No arrests were ever made in Ethan's case, until yesterday, when one man was taken into custody for the murder. The arrest has brought Ethan's story to the forefront once again.
At the garden last week, a large sunflower stood tall and proud in the middle of the vegetable beds (you can see it in the above photo). The sunflower immediately made me think about Ethan. I have no idea if Ethan's family has been to the community gardens that Ethan inspired. I'd like to think that big, beautiful, and oh so hopeful looking sunflower could bring them some needed solace.
If you would like to get involved in Pomona's community garden, Tri City holds work days every first Saturday of the month. If you can't get there in person, you can always go there via youtube. Please note that this video was shot last year, before Pomona's most hopeful sunflower came to life.
THE END
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Keep the Police, Can the Council
Monday afternoon my friend called me to say that a bunch of people were going to show up at the city council meeting that night to support the police and would I like to attend? My first reaction to her was that I could think of no bigger waste of time, since the fix was already in. When I first read the discussions (again) on the blogs about the police being replaced by the sheriff's, and read people's earnest reactions, I thought how niave it was for people not to realize that this administration has wanted to do this for awhile (for strictly political reasons) and now they have the economic situation to justify it. Just try to stop that rolling boulder.
I also assured my friend that I have a habit of jinxing things in Pomona: the tree I spoke out to save at the Historical Commission was promptly chopped down with the City's rubber stamp of approval; the historic block of Second Street I blogged against being torn down was knocked to smithereens -- and let's not rewrite history, the newspaper headlines were already doom and gloom about the economy, and there was ample reason to believe the condo complex would not be built anytime soon. Oh and then there's that crosswalk/stop sign I've been trying to get put in on the west side of the park so that I stop seeing cars flying down Palomares and almost-accidents involving children trying to cross into Lincoln Park.
Somewhere along the way I got very jaded. The three council meetings I attended didn't help much either. I walked away not only suspecting the City government here was dirty, but knowing it beyond a doubt.
My poor friend got an earfull just for asking me to come out to the meeting. She probably thought it was an excuse for me to sit on my butt at home and watch Dancing with the Stars. But of course, after Mr. Big went to bed, now that we have cable, I could not resist finding the city station (#29) and watching the meeting on TV for the first time ever. But when I first turned it on, the sound on the station was not working, which seemed as suspicious as a Pomona election if you ask me. Around 11:30 p.m. I tuned in again, this time I saw the face and heard the voice of Greg Estel, my air conditioning guy, talking in support of the police. And then there was Virginia Madrigal (also in support of the police), and a neighborhood guy named Casey, who called the city council "unimpressive" and "evil" in the sense of their not being creative (Amen, I loved him!) and Kendra who has worked the front desk at the Library for years, who questioned a city who could pit their police dept. against their library. And I found myself loving my wonderful city and the wonderful people in it and thinking that this issue would be different, that the fix wasn't in, and the right thing would prevail.
And then councilmen Steve Atchley started to talk. (And I was back to being jaded and fed up.)
P.S. But I was not alone, the cable station decided to switch to other programming just as Steve launched into his "I have 8 children" bit to justify his predictable- if-you-know-even-a-rudimentary-history-of-Pomona-politics position of being "for" the first phase study (which is, of course, code for supporting the whole darn thing.)
All I can say is in Pomona, sometimes it really hurts to give a damn.
THE END
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
From The Fillmore to the Pomona Fox
Tonight, Owl City played The Fillmore in San Francisco. Tomorrow night, they play at our very own Pomona Fox. It will be Mr. Big's first rock concert. Mr. Big happened upon Adam Young and Owl City, and is completely smitten, so I couldn't resist buying tickets as a Spring Break treat. I have no idea if there will be other 7 year olds in attendance. And I wonder how many others from Pomona will be in the audience. I just know they'll be at least one goddess, one Mr. Big and a whole lot of fireflies filling up the night air tomorrow night at the Fox. I can't wait!
And here is the rest of it.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Goddesses in the Park, the Garden and All About Town
Just a last minute confirmation that yoga (at 10 a.m.), followed by hula hooping will take place at Lincoln Park tomorrow morning for all gods and goddesses who are interested. Suggested donation is $10, but come on out in any event on this or any Saturday in the future. The teacher plans to eventually expand the days and times, and I'll post an update when she does. I don't think even the hooping regulars from a year ago know about tomorrow, so it's your chance to get in on the ground floor.
Speaking of the ground floor, the photo above is the Goddess of Garey Avenue posing on the grounds of my new backyard garden. Okay, so we haven't planted any seeds yet, but doesn't it look like the real deal. My husband and I have been talking about starting a garden forever, read all the books, but it was still intimidating until I hired my very own gardening coach, The Goddess of Garey Avenue, to hold our hand through the process. Ultimately, I hope the fruits of our labor will help us to eat better, be more independent and save money. If you too are in need of a gardening coach to finally get the garden you crave, drop me a line and I can put you in touch with that other Goddess in Pomona. And yes, GOGA's rates are very reasonable.
I am also grateful to Marybeth (the green goddess above) and Todd (former Lincoln Park hoola hoopers) over at Claremont Food Not Lawns for holding their annual Seed Exchange a couple weeks ago. Goddess of Garey Avenue and I got lots of good stuff there and will be putting some seeds in the ground next weekend. Then, at long last, I will officially be living up to my namesake.
Other Pomona goings on this weekend where you might see a Goddess or two? Two Farmer's Markets downtown: one in the morning at Garey and Pearl; the other at night on Second Street as part of the Art WAlk. 
THE END
Friday, February 05, 2010
Things to Remember in February besides your red umbrella
Hope no one's getting too excited just because I've posted two times in as many days. Please don't announce my "comeback" Mr. Allen, for you might jinx it again. If I can only figure out how to post from my new upgraded phone, we're really in business (is anyone out there using mobile blogger yet, I keep sending posts but they never make their way to the blog.)
Just some goings on in February besides the rain.
Starting on the next non rainy day in February, there will be ongoing free yoga and hoola hooping by donation in Lincoln Park on Saturday mornings. Bring your hips, your excess weight, your kids, everyone is welcome. Last I heard things were going to start with the yoga at 10, followed by the hoola hooping. Don't worry about the hoop, she'll have amazing professional grade hoops there for you to try out. And as for today's photo, perhaps we should add knitting to the mix too.
Tomorrow will be the Laura Ingalls Wilder Sociable at the Pomona Public Library. We attended a couple times in the past --even met some prairie-house-diehards from South Orange County. That was weird. As is my usual goal, I am going to try to get down there tomorrow, with the motivation being that they will be serving gingerbread cookies from the Pomona Bakery. Which beats the store bought SUGAR cookies from two years ago any day of the week.
The Dickens Festival will be going on in downtown Riverside all weekend, another one of my favorite places, even though the new remodel of the outdoor mall is rather boring. Never gone to the Dickens Festival, but maybe this will be the year. Okay, well probably not. If you do go down there, be sure to check out the used bookstore on the Marriott end of Main Street. I love their funky collection of owls and the great sitting area for the kids. And if you like to look at cool gift stuff, Miss Tigglywinkles (I think I got that right) is worth a peek. Lunch at Simple Simon's is always good and kinda makes me feel like I'm in the Bay Area. (Hopefully Pomona Bakery will be this large one day.)
On Sunday, it's off to downtown to get my hair cut for Haiti for $20 at Savoie on 3rd Street.
And lastly, before I fall off the face of the earth and don't post for another 3 months, I wanted to announce that
there will be a Pirate Band at the Art Walk next weekend. My thanks to Larry Egan over at Metro Pomona for honoring (and remembering) his promise to let me know when the pirate band came back since we missed their last performance downtown. Mr. Big is psyched.
Other than that, see you around campus everyone.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Straight to Video
Last month, we were looking into signing Mr. Big up for Pomona little league. We debated because the rules turn out to be very strict in terms of where you live and where you play. Pomona has two options: a field at Indian Hill and San Bernardino; the other at Ted Greene Park on Orange Grove below Arrow. I geuss you can see where this is going if you read the Daily Bulletin. The problem is that Lincoln Park kids are only allowed to play at the Indian Hill location, and not the Ted Greene Park locale, which is much closer. Husband and I both agreed that the intersection of Indian Hill and San Berdo is like the sleaziest one in Pomona. And actually, that intersection is at the crossroads of Pomona, Montclair and Claremont, so the scene there is a tri-city production. Really, that particular area of town is the only part of Pomona that gives me the eebie geebies (besides Phillips Ranch, of course). So, in the end, we decided to forego baseball this year, since we couldn't play at Ted Greene Park.
So then last week I read about the double homicide shooting at Ted Greene Park last Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon.
Then this week, the Pomona City Council, rather than talking about THAT shooting, are talking about a film shooting instead. They have apparently decided to give $13,000 in community redevelopment funds to a film company -- all for the honor of gracing us with their presence to film for a few days. Sometimes it seems like the Council purposely does things to land themselves a spot in David Allen's column, which I suppose is better than the police blotter.
Even 7 year old Mr. Big knows that a friend you buy is not worth having. When some kid recently asked Mr. Big for his chocolate pudding in exchange for being his friend, Mr. Big refused. (Big would never make it in Pomona politics; he likes chocolate pudding too much.) I don't see why Pomona has to bend over backwards on this one. I can see if we are talking an entire film festival, but we are talking about one low budget film.
Even Big can do the math: Pomona's $13,000 would be better spent on hiring a part time recreation director at Ted Greene Park, or improving the sound system at the Fox Theater for next year's Smogdance.
THE END
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Chicken versus Pizza
Today's photo is of my favorite tree in all of Pomona (at the corner of Mission and Towne), with a backdrop of Pomona's newest (that I know of) restaurant: Capitan Pollo. This restaurant takes the place of the chinese restaurant that was there before, called "Bamboo" something or other. I haven't tried the place yet, but I have been admiring their posters depicting chicken wrestlers and a chicken bicyclist.
As for other Pomona "restaurants," I only have a short story to add to the discussion about Angelo's Pizzeria. Over the Summer, I attended a Saturday Night Art Walk with a girl friend. We ended up parking on 2nd Street, on the east side of Garey, right across the street from Angelo's Pizzeria. As we were loading our kids into the car to go home at about 8:30 p.m., our attention was drawn to a group of 5 or 6 boisterous men emerging from Angelo's holding up one incredibly drunk woman. She could barely walk, and she had a good 20 years on the guys around her, so I hoped she was one of the surrounding men's mother. Following closely after this group, was a group of fewer men, but also escorting out a lone woman who could barely stand up (this woman was much younger than the first one). I can not remember the last time I saw someone as incredibly out-of-it as these two women. My friend and I got in the car, looked at each other and asked the same question at the same time: "Rohypnal?"
In the midst of getting our little ones in the car, we didn't see what cars these people got into, so it would have been futile to call the police. But the whole scene was disturbing. Even the kids thought something very weird was going on!
So I'm thinking that the next time I want pizza, I'll pick up some of the Capitan's chicken instead.
and p.s. Just to be clear: The Art Walk is a very family friendly event, the incident at Angelo's was NOT in any way related to the Art Walk.
THE END
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Just wondering
I see quite a few For Sale signs around Lincoln Park all of a sudden. Some in front of the houses of people I know, but obviously not well enough to know why they are selling. Then I was looking on the MLS for what is for sale in Lincoln Park in general, and saw even more listings of houses (and people) I know here in "the L.P."
I just wonder if the market is turning back around, or whether it's that my neighbors' lives are changing.
As for me, I'll be staying put long enough to plant a real live working garden in our backyard this year, with the help of the Goddess of Garey Avenue of all people. Two goddesses that aren't moving out of the neighborhood quite yet.
THE END
I just wonder if the market is turning back around, or whether it's that my neighbors' lives are changing.
As for me, I'll be staying put long enough to plant a real live working garden in our backyard this year, with the help of the Goddess of Garey Avenue of all people. Two goddesses that aren't moving out of the neighborhood quite yet.
THE END
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Too much to do this weekend in Pomona
October is my hands down favorite month in Pomona. Always a reminder of why I live here, despite the somewhat hellish summers. October is birthday month around here, as well. Plus - Mr. Big was down with the gunk for a week. So it seems there is never enough time to fit in all-there-is-to-do-in-Pomona-in-October. Claremont should have such problems!
M-M-M-M-y Pomona posted about some of the events this weekend, here's the ones on my calender:
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 - Where the Wild Things Are is playing at the Mission Tiki Drive In.
Saturday and Sunday is the Pumpkin Patch at Cal Poly. Bring a wagon and get the full Harvest experience, plus large pumpkins for $5 a pop.
Sunday is the Historic Home Tour, which starts at the Ebell Theater and covers a handful of old homes throughout Pomona, as well as the Fox Theater.
I never get it together to contact whoever you are supposed to contact about being a docent at one of the tour houses. If anyone reading this knows if they still need help, please drop me a line at goddessofpomona@mail.com. There is usually a preparty to the main event for those in the know, but as I am among the clueless, I can't give you any details.
Enjoy!!
THE END
M-M-M-M-y Pomona posted about some of the events this weekend, here's the ones on my calender:
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 - Where the Wild Things Are is playing at the Mission Tiki Drive In.
Saturday and Sunday is the Pumpkin Patch at Cal Poly. Bring a wagon and get the full Harvest experience, plus large pumpkins for $5 a pop.
Sunday is the Historic Home Tour, which starts at the Ebell Theater and covers a handful of old homes throughout Pomona, as well as the Fox Theater.I never get it together to contact whoever you are supposed to contact about being a docent at one of the tour houses. If anyone reading this knows if they still need help, please drop me a line at goddessofpomona@mail.com. There is usually a preparty to the main event for those in the know, but as I am among the clueless, I can't give you any details.
Enjoy!!
THE END
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Planned Visibility
For the past couple of weeks there have been protesters outside Pomona Planned Parenthood. This is the first time I have seen protestors there since we've lived here. The Planned Parenthood building was the first thing we noticed as we descended into Pomona from the Garey offramp some six and a half years ago to look at Lincoln Park craftsman homes for sale. Expecting a "Welcome to Pomona" sign, we were greeted instead with... an abortion clinic.
I had the same two questions then as I do now: I wonder how the Planned Parenthood came to open up there of all places? And, whatever your views on abortion, who would feel comfortable going to obtain birth control supplies or procedures at a location so visible? For what it's worth, PPP received two positive reviews on Yelp.com.
To me, it just seems like a case of really poor planning!
My husband has been telling me forever to read about the history of Planned Parenthood, especially as it relates to why you tyically find their clinics in areas of color. I finally did and here's a link if anyone is interested. (Bear with me if the link it not up, as I may not have time to patch it right away. If you're eager, just google the founder of Planned Parenthood.)
I had the same two questions then as I do now: I wonder how the Planned Parenthood came to open up there of all places? And, whatever your views on abortion, who would feel comfortable going to obtain birth control supplies or procedures at a location so visible? For what it's worth, PPP received two positive reviews on Yelp.com.
To me, it just seems like a case of really poor planning!
My husband has been telling me forever to read about the history of Planned Parenthood, especially as it relates to why you tyically find their clinics in areas of color. I finally did and here's a link if anyone is interested. (Bear with me if the link it not up, as I may not have time to patch it right away. If you're eager, just google the founder of Planned Parenthood.)
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Herb Fest Pomona Saturday October 10, 2009
It is not every day that the Goddess of Pomona receives email from the Goddess of Garey Avenue. But it happened this week for the very first time. The ocassion? To request that I put the word out about Herb Fest to be held this Saturday at the recently burned-and-resurrected Garden nursery. This is the type of thing that is very important to goddesses in Pomona.
Here's the particulars in the words of the goddess who works Garey:
"Herb Fest
Sat. October 10th, 2009, 10am-4pm
Herb fest is cornucopia of information, seeds, and plants.
In the course of the day, underneath the old walnut tree that
survived the fire, there’s going to be an abundance of free
workshops on all things to do with herbs:
11am -- Growing and Using Herbs -- herbs 101, taught by Kathleen
noon -- Companion Planting -- of herbs and vegetables, who likes
who and what likes what, taught by Dawn
1pm -- Soils and Amending Your Soils, taught by Robert
2pm -- Medicinal Herb Preparation -- using herbs you grow,
taught by Olympia
3pm -- Regional Herbs -- of the Southwest & Mediterranean
Climates, taught by Martha
It should be a really great time and a lot of knowledge shared. Come
out for one or a couple or all of the workshops if you can. There’s
going to be a lot of great information.
The Garden already also has a lot of herbs in pots to choose from and will have a shipment of seeds in too for fall and winter planting,
etc., but also the Italian seed company Franchi is going to have a
booth of seeds, as well.
The Garden’s new website is also up and going now with info on the event.
Come out to Herb Fest and support our local business (instead of Home Depot of course), expand your home gardens, and increase your knowledge of herbs, how to grow them, and how to use them too!"
Back to the words of the usual Goddess around here: today's photo is of a child working in a Pomona garden in 1970 from Flickr.com. It seemed a fitting photo for encouraging everyone to continue the Pomona gardening tradition by coming out to Herb Fest. You are guaranteed to spot at least one goddess there (the one specifically assigned to Garey), as well as the one who'll be trying to get away from soccer and a birthday party to stop by.
THE END
Here's the particulars in the words of the goddess who works Garey:
"Herb Fest
Sat. October 10th, 2009, 10am-4pm
Herb fest is cornucopia of information, seeds, and plants.
In the course of the day, underneath the old walnut tree that
survived the fire, there’s going to be an abundance of free
workshops on all things to do with herbs:
11am -- Growing and Using Herbs -- herbs 101, taught by Kathleen
noon -- Companion Planting -- of herbs and vegetables, who likes
who and what likes what, taught by Dawn
1pm -- Soils and Amending Your Soils, taught by Robert
2pm -- Medicinal Herb Preparation -- using herbs you grow,
taught by Olympia
3pm -- Regional Herbs -- of the Southwest & Mediterranean
Climates, taught by Martha
It should be a really great time and a lot of knowledge shared. Come
out for one or a couple or all of the workshops if you can. There’s
going to be a lot of great information.
The Garden already also has a lot of herbs in pots to choose from and will have a shipment of seeds in too for fall and winter planting,
etc., but also the Italian seed company Franchi is going to have a
booth of seeds, as well.
The Garden’s new website is also up and going now with info on the event.
Come out to Herb Fest and support our local business (instead of Home Depot of course), expand your home gardens, and increase your knowledge of herbs, how to grow them, and how to use them too!"
Back to the words of the usual Goddess around here: today's photo is of a child working in a Pomona garden in 1970 from Flickr.com. It seemed a fitting photo for encouraging everyone to continue the Pomona gardening tradition by coming out to Herb Fest. You are guaranteed to spot at least one goddess there (the one specifically assigned to Garey), as well as the one who'll be trying to get away from soccer and a birthday party to stop by.
THE END
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Sorry They're Closed
I noticed that the Green Mini Market at Holt and Palomares has already closed. If you are not familiar with the place, don't be confused by the name, this was no produce market. Nor was it painted green. It was a cigarette and liquor store. I'll take this closure as a sign that things on Holt are improving to the point where there are not enough ne'er do wells to support another liquor store. But I'm not sure how I'd balance that with the fact that I've seen a lot more mentally ill folks walking around town of late.
Another pending closure is Ken Mart, located next door to the 99 Cents Only Store on Towne. If you've ever gone to that 99 cents store, I know you know this place: it's the place that blasts the music incredibly loud at all times of the day and night. I've never been inside - for fear of further damage to my hearing. From what I could see, they sold high fashion for all ages. High fashion that is now at closeout, bargain prices.
Also closed, Pomona's one and only shoe repair place: Jerry's Shoe Repair at 1092 W. Second. Seems it's been eaten up by the upholstery/ furniture place next door. Kinda sad that you can no longer cobble local.
As for the Stater Bros on South Garey, well it is still closed. The building and parking lot still stand empty, other than the motorhome with a large "W" on it that uses the parking lot as it's home. I like to affectionately call this motorhome "Dub-yah." There's another motor home that's been passing many an hour in front of the still-open Stater Bros. on Garey and Alvarado. I call that motorhome "The HMS Pinafore" because it has "HMC" on the side and is as big as a ship (but twice as ugly).
In reading the paper this past week about the upcoming openings of Fresh 'N Easy supermarkets in surrounding communities, I could not help but think Pomona once again missed the boat. Fresh 'N Easy makes a point of going into markets which other grocery stores have historically ignored. Kinda sounds like Pomona, doesn't it? That's why they recently built in Compton, etc.
I just don't get why Pomona's prince never seems to come, yet the dented motor homes never seem to leave.
THE END
Another pending closure is Ken Mart, located next door to the 99 Cents Only Store on Towne. If you've ever gone to that 99 cents store, I know you know this place: it's the place that blasts the music incredibly loud at all times of the day and night. I've never been inside - for fear of further damage to my hearing. From what I could see, they sold high fashion for all ages. High fashion that is now at closeout, bargain prices.
Also closed, Pomona's one and only shoe repair place: Jerry's Shoe Repair at 1092 W. Second. Seems it's been eaten up by the upholstery/ furniture place next door. Kinda sad that you can no longer cobble local.
As for the Stater Bros on South Garey, well it is still closed. The building and parking lot still stand empty, other than the motorhome with a large "W" on it that uses the parking lot as it's home. I like to affectionately call this motorhome "Dub-yah." There's another motor home that's been passing many an hour in front of the still-open Stater Bros. on Garey and Alvarado. I call that motorhome "The HMS Pinafore" because it has "HMC" on the side and is as big as a ship (but twice as ugly).
In reading the paper this past week about the upcoming openings of Fresh 'N Easy supermarkets in surrounding communities, I could not help but think Pomona once again missed the boat. Fresh 'N Easy makes a point of going into markets which other grocery stores have historically ignored. Kinda sounds like Pomona, doesn't it? That's why they recently built in Compton, etc.
I just don't get why Pomona's prince never seems to come, yet the dented motor homes never seem to leave.
THE END
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I'll Be a Son of a Gun
I put a John Avila for School Board blurb on the blog (see top right column). I am voting for him because I have seen his sign in the yards of some people here in Lincoln Park and on Garey Avenue. People who I know want the best for Pomona. I don't know anything about the man myself, other than being fairly confident he is not the son of a former or current mayor of Pomona.
I was told that we actually vote for *two* people for school board. That leaves me with one more choice.
I am actually thinking of voting for Jason Rothman. Which kind of suprised me. I read all the candidate statements that I could locate on the internet. Jason is the only one with an arts background and who says the arts will be a priority for him. He's a former music teacher. My dream has been to have one of the local elementary schools emphasize the arts and run a Sycamore-like program. Sycamore is a school in the Claremont Village which operates under a Waldorf-based philosophy, and Sycamore has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It is so popular, but small, that even Claremont intra (as opposed to inter, I hope I got that right) district transfers can not always get in. The majority of parents I know living in Lincoln Park would love for their children to be able to go to Sycamore, but know we don't stand a chance of getting in. Given the popularity of the Sycamore model, Pomona Unified would likely accomplish their goal of increasing enrollment by running a similar type of program. Two PUSD art teachers proposed such a thing to former Superintendent T for this school year, but, obviously, it never happened. I figure that Jason, of all the candidates, would be the most open to an alternative elementary school that could draw in many of the Lincoln Park transfers, as well as students from surrounding cities who can't get into Sycamore.
As for young Robert "Son of Torres" Torres, he's living in Never Neverland if he thinks he'll get my vote. 
The photo immediately above is courtesy of Robert's campaign website.
THE END
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Anthrax in the Hood
Was there anything about this in the local news? And if so, is there any follow up?
Speaking of criminal activity, I got caught up in the road closure at Towne and Lexington yesterday involving the police shooting. Man were there a lot of cop cars at that intersection. I drive up that street every day around that time and there is never anything going on, so it really was a freak event by an out-of-towner (from Riverside County, of course). I'm talking about the man who was killed by the police yesterday. I noticed today that part of the fencing is down around the empty lot just south of the Catholic Cemetery on Towne, so I am assuming that is where the car (or cars) crashed into. Yet another empty lot with a screwed up fence to look at, and another bad news day. Something we are seeing less and less of at least.
Tonight as I type the sky is wonderfully quiet and free of helicopter activity. If only some of the train conductors were breaking the rules and blowing their whistles as they drive through town, it would be a perfect sounding Pomona night.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Discovering Red Box
I have been eyeing the big red box at Stater Bros. for a while now. It stands on the other side of the doorway from the Coinstar and advertises $1 DVDs. I thought there might be a catch. Plus, I thought it only had the movies that are advertised on the side of it's shiny red box. When I did try to check it out, husband ushered me along with the assurance that the movies were all terrible anyway.
Finally without husband, Mr. Big and I decided to try it out. And now, I consider myself a Red Box convert. There are quite a few more movies available than are advertised on the side of the box. The system requires a credit or debit card. The system is paperless if you give them your email address.
The movies really are only $1....per day. If you keep the movie after 9 p.m. the next day, they charge you another dollar for each day. Still much cheaper than renting movies at Hollywood Video, plus you don't have to go out of your way (to another City) to make the return, but just do it the next time you need groceries. Actually, you can return the videos at any Red Box location (there is also a red box at Albertson's up on Foothill in terms of Pomona, and locations all over Southern California).
You won't get a pretty box for your video, but instead just a red and clear generic plastic container. And I'm not going to say that the movies they have are universally great. But they have a lot of the newest releases, with a few oldies thrown in (like I noticed they have the Karate Kid, for instance).
There is a whole internet undergound revolving around Red Box. The company puts out tons of promo codes that can be used for a free rental. I used promo code "DVDONME" yesterday and got it free, but of course we didn't return the movie today, so RedBox still got our one hundred cents. There are people who pride themselves on using a promo code every time they rent and never have to pay for a rental. It's just those darn late fees! But, I kinda respect a company that gives out free stuff, even if it's a trap because they know they'll get you in the end.
You can supposedly go online and reserve a video, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet (perhaps it doesn't actually work yet). I also have not been able to figure out if Red Box movies are the same in all their locations, or if Red Box "redlines" in any way by putting certain kinds of movies into what they perceive as certain kinds of neighborhoods.
For now, we are just enjoying our latest cost-saving discovery. Anyone else redboxing?
THE END
Friday, September 18, 2009
I've got mail
The only mail I seem to get these days is from Verizon, offfering me Fios cable, phone and internet for $79 for 6 months with a one year contract. I keep thinking that they could offer an even better rate if they were not spending so much money on these every other day mailings. I assume that homes all over Pomona are being bombarded with these offers in their mailbox. As if that was not enough, Verizon Fios just installed a billboard at the corner of Garey and Alvarado. Yesterday I was half way tempted to call them up and sign up, wondering if that would stop the mailbox harassment. But then I would be complaining about the El Super grocery store newspaper mailing, which has great prices but does not even bother to include their address.
As for email: the bulk of the email I get is from people who have joined me on Twitter. I have only "tweeted" two times, many months ago, so I assume that on Twitter people like the quiet type. The quiet thing would never fly on a blog. Trust me, I have seen my hits dwindle the longer my fingers remain otherwise occupied. The one very cool thing to come out of Twitter was having Sister Helen Prejean, who I greatly admire, add me as a friend. In that respect, silence is golden. I just wish Verizon would learn that and communicate with me a little less.
As for email: the bulk of the email I get is from people who have joined me on Twitter. I have only "tweeted" two times, many months ago, so I assume that on Twitter people like the quiet type. The quiet thing would never fly on a blog. Trust me, I have seen my hits dwindle the longer my fingers remain otherwise occupied. The one very cool thing to come out of Twitter was having Sister Helen Prejean, who I greatly admire, add me as a friend. In that respect, silence is golden. I just wish Verizon would learn that and communicate with me a little less.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Pomona Soccer Hooligans in Claremont
So with the Pomona AYSO now defunct (or at least in serious remission), Mr. Big had the choice of Claremont AYSO or Philips Ranch AYSO. This didn't seem like too much of a choice to me. Long story short Mr. Big is playing with Claremont AYSO this year. Already, the diffferences between Pomona AYSO and Claremont AYSO are readily apparent.
For one, they plan ahead in Claremont. We started practicing in mid August in Claremont, whereas in Pomona we started practices the week before our first game. Unfortunately with the fires, all that planning ahead in Claremont still resulted in only having two practices under our belt before the first game. Maybe Pomona was onto something with their "fly by the seat of your pants" philosophy?
In Claremont, I have already heard talk of a team banner. In Pomona, we went 3/4s of the searson before we even got the money together to buy one. And of course once we got it, there were some typos.
In Pomona, there were not enough teams for us to play within our own league. Therefore Phillips Ranch had to take mercy on us and agree to play our teams. The P.R. teams were usually about 12 deep, while our Pomona team was lucky if 6 kids showed up. This whole bit about worrying that each kid played enough was a moot point. Most games, we didn't have enough players for anyone to take a break. In Claremont, there are about 20 teams in each division, with about ten kids on each team. No need to outsource there.
Last weekend was our first game in Claremont. Almost reflexively I stood up and yelled at the team like we used to do in Pomona last year. I looked around and realized that I was the only parent doing this. I mean there were teams playing all around us, but it was really, really quiet. I asked the mother next to me if I was not supposed to yell, and she politely told me that they "discourage it."
Did I mention that I am really missing the Pomona AYSO? That, and wondering how many of our Claremont teammates are actually fellow Pomona hooligans.
For one, they plan ahead in Claremont. We started practicing in mid August in Claremont, whereas in Pomona we started practices the week before our first game. Unfortunately with the fires, all that planning ahead in Claremont still resulted in only having two practices under our belt before the first game. Maybe Pomona was onto something with their "fly by the seat of your pants" philosophy?
In Claremont, I have already heard talk of a team banner. In Pomona, we went 3/4s of the searson before we even got the money together to buy one. And of course once we got it, there were some typos.
In Pomona, there were not enough teams for us to play within our own league. Therefore Phillips Ranch had to take mercy on us and agree to play our teams. The P.R. teams were usually about 12 deep, while our Pomona team was lucky if 6 kids showed up. This whole bit about worrying that each kid played enough was a moot point. Most games, we didn't have enough players for anyone to take a break. In Claremont, there are about 20 teams in each division, with about ten kids on each team. No need to outsource there.
Last weekend was our first game in Claremont. Almost reflexively I stood up and yelled at the team like we used to do in Pomona last year. I looked around and realized that I was the only parent doing this. I mean there were teams playing all around us, but it was really, really quiet. I asked the mother next to me if I was not supposed to yell, and she politely told me that they "discourage it."
Did I mention that I am really missing the Pomona AYSO? That, and wondering how many of our Claremont teammates are actually fellow Pomona hooligans.
It was the Lab Tech
Anyone else been following the Annie Le/grad student from Yale murder going on in New Haven, Connecticut? All week, I have been running across the name of the New Haven Police Chief, one James Lewis. I kept wondering if it was the same Chief James Lewis who headed up the Pomona Police Department when I first moved to town. A google search revealed that it is. Just another former Pomonan, out there doing good in the world. Kudos to Chief Lewis, who appears to have run a methodical and successful investigation of the murder. And who is our current police chief again? Do we even have one?
THE END
You Can Speak Easy on Saturday
Pomona Heritage Speakeasy
Date: Saturday September 19, 2009
Where: dA Center for the Arts,
252 South Main St. Pomona Arts Colony
Time: 7 pm to 10 pm
Dress: '20s and '30s (but 80's through the 2000's is okay too)
Bring: 5 clams ($5.00) to get in. Donations for Booze
GOAL: Chance to buy Home Tour Tickets for $20.00 and to have a good time.
An event that promises yet more blending between the downtown folks and the historically hysterical. And with only a $5 cover, perhaps there will be a few students, regents and/or bloggers mixed in there too.
THE END
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
The Best Fair Ever
We went to the Fair on Sunday, and I have to say it was the best one ever in the 5 years that we have been attending. Perhaps it's because Mr. Big is a boy, and this year's fair boasts a new pirate show, a huge dinosaur exhibit, a Jedi Academy show, and a relocated and expanded Forestry area (with the exception of some surly forestry "volunteers" who acted more like the butchers at Stater Bros. ). Even free clay crafts for kids at the Sheets Gallery.
All for a $1 admission fee - which made the $15 parking charge and the $6.75 cheeseburger all the more easy to swallow.
And, like everyone else in Pomona, the Fair has a blog, where you can read all about free admission on Fridays if you bring 5 cans of food from Ralph's. Does anyone know what all is planned for Pomona Day on Friday, September 11?
THE END
All for a $1 admission fee - which made the $15 parking charge and the $6.75 cheeseburger all the more easy to swallow.
And, like everyone else in Pomona, the Fair has a blog, where you can read all about free admission on Fridays if you bring 5 cans of food from Ralph's. Does anyone know what all is planned for Pomona Day on Friday, September 11?
THE END
11 Days of Global Unity in (and around) Pomona
Sunday marked the start of 11 Days of Global Unity in Pomona, a peace celebration where visitors are encouraged to attend diverse places of faith in the name of peace and unification. The places of faith are mostly in Pomona, with a few in Montclair, and a couple in Claremont. They include Pomona's newest monastery on San Bernardino, a Vedic Temple, the Islamic Center and a Jewish Temple, just to name a few...
Here is a schedule and further description.
Here is a schedule and further description.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Fair and Not Fair
The L.A. County Fair Opened today. Unlike years previous, the Fair did not open on a Friday, which made me kind of sad. It has been our tradition since living in Pomona to go on opening Friday.
Looks like Big and I will go to the Fair tomorrow, where it is forecasted to be a cool 92 degrees. Which definitely beats the 100 degree plus, smokey weather of the past week. I'm excited!! And being able to breathe again has been nice too!
White Avenue looks gorgeous right now. Pomona should show off our best side this time of year, when so many visitors come to Pomona and form an impression of her. Several homes on White have been lushly relandscaped since last year. They add so much to the overall look of the street, but what is with the "Robert Torres for School Board" signs plastered all over the route to the Fair. One house at the corner of White and McKinley has no fewer than 3 Robert Torres signs around it. I wonder if his people would consider a cease fire until after the Fair is over. After which time, the Not Fair kicks into high gear for the election in November.
Robert Torres is the son of our former mayor Norma Torres. The above photo is from Robert's new website. A couple months ago, young Robert got an out-of-the-blue appointment to Pomona's parking commission, a gig he now uses as his occupation for his school board run. More about the Not Fair here. As for the kid in the red shirt in the photo above with Robert, he looks like he's thinking more about the Not Fair than the Fair.
I was told today that Pomona Day at the Fair will be on Friday, September 11. Which, I suppose, is better than Friday the 13th. As for the Not Fair, the school board "election" will be held November 3, 2009.
THE END
Looks like Big and I will go to the Fair tomorrow, where it is forecasted to be a cool 92 degrees. Which definitely beats the 100 degree plus, smokey weather of the past week. I'm excited!! And being able to breathe again has been nice too!
White Avenue looks gorgeous right now. Pomona should show off our best side this time of year, when so many visitors come to Pomona and form an impression of her. Several homes on White have been lushly relandscaped since last year. They add so much to the overall look of the street, but what is with the "Robert Torres for School Board" signs plastered all over the route to the Fair. One house at the corner of White and McKinley has no fewer than 3 Robert Torres signs around it. I wonder if his people would consider a cease fire until after the Fair is over. After which time, the Not Fair kicks into high gear for the election in November.
Robert Torres is the son of our former mayor Norma Torres. The above photo is from Robert's new website. A couple months ago, young Robert got an out-of-the-blue appointment to Pomona's parking commission, a gig he now uses as his occupation for his school board run. More about the Not Fair here. As for the kid in the red shirt in the photo above with Robert, he looks like he's thinking more about the Not Fair than the Fair.I was told today that Pomona Day at the Fair will be on Friday, September 11. Which, I suppose, is better than Friday the 13th. As for the Not Fair, the school board "election" will be held November 3, 2009.
THE END
Monday, August 31, 2009
Pomona Weed Lovers
Yesterday as we drove down Towne and took Riverside towards Chino Hills, past the back end of the now closed Hostess factory, we saw about 20 some sheep, happily munching and walking around the weeds in the 100 degree plus weather. I bet this is how the area looked before Hostess came to town to make Twinkies. Blog reader Robin has pointed out that she likes the vacant lots about town, and Isee her point. Hopefully we can fill more of them with livestock.
The nice thing about being deserted by corporate America, is that something better, and simpler, takes it's place, and makes you question why you wanted a Trader Joe's in the first place.
I called the Humane Society, but they knew nothing about Pomona's newest residents. Hopefully they are not just a temporary fix for that area's dry weed population.
P.S. I stand corrected. Mr. Big has just told me that they were goats, not sheep.
THE END
The nice thing about being deserted by corporate America, is that something better, and simpler, takes it's place, and makes you question why you wanted a Trader Joe's in the first place.
I called the Humane Society, but they knew nothing about Pomona's newest residents. Hopefully they are not just a temporary fix for that area's dry weed population.
P.S. I stand corrected. Mr. Big has just told me that they were goats, not sheep.
THE END
Friday, August 28, 2009
What do you think this means?
A guest leaving our home was told by a guest leaving our neighbors' house, "This neighborhood sure has changed a lot." There was no other explanation given for the comment. I'm kind of baffled by what they were referring to, or whether the change was good or bad. Any ideas?
THE END
THE END
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Just Me Thinking...
As I was driving down Garey to the 60 this morning, I thought about how nice it would be:
- If I had the time to post when I get home about all the things I think about posting while driving down Garey.
-What if The Garden nursery business expanded across the street to surround the Old Firehouse in greenery and life? (And maybe an outdoor cafe.)
-What if the deserted gas station at Garey and Alvarado could become the temporary home of "The Knitting Station" during the rebuilding of the Henry home?
-What if I just concentrated on fixing all the things that are broken at our house, rather than pondering possible fixes for Pomona?
For now, I'm off to sleep, until tomorrow when I will once again drive down Garey while writing posts in my head that I may never get around to posting on here.
THE END
- If I had the time to post when I get home about all the things I think about posting while driving down Garey.
-What if The Garden nursery business expanded across the street to surround the Old Firehouse in greenery and life? (And maybe an outdoor cafe.)
-What if the deserted gas station at Garey and Alvarado could become the temporary home of "The Knitting Station" during the rebuilding of the Henry home?
-What if I just concentrated on fixing all the things that are broken at our house, rather than pondering possible fixes for Pomona?
For now, I'm off to sleep, until tomorrow when I will once again drive down Garey while writing posts in my head that I may never get around to posting on here.
THE END
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Does Anyone Know What's Going on At the Park Right Now?
A car just squealed around the corner, the helicopter is there and there is lots of yelling. Anyone know what's going on? And now it's silent...
THE END And here is the rest of it.
THE END And here is the rest of it.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pomona Fire Victim Fundraiser on Wednesday Night
So by now you've read about this on every other blog in town, and maybe even in the newspaper. But here's yet another announcement of the fundraiser at DBA tonight. I'm pretty particular about my lungs, so I didn't make it out to any of the work parties for the fire victims. So I will at least try to make it out tomorrow.
By the way, the day after the fire, in the gutter across the street on Garey, I found a partial wood figurine of, I think, a gopher. I assume it came from one of the homes that burned, as it smelled like fire (not so much anymore). I am eager to return it to it's rightful owner on the chance it means something to someone.
My friend was a victim of the Oakland fire up North. When she went through the rubble, the only thing she could save was her favorite tube top and a gargoyle. She appreciated having even this. Of course for all I know, what I found was not a momento from the fire, but the top of a passerby's wooden cane.
THE END
And here is the rest of it.
Friday, July 17, 2009
It's A Family Affair
This just in from the Pomona Now "blog":
"Assemblywoman's son applies for parking board
The eldest son of Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Ontario, has applied to serve on the city Board of Parking Place Commissioners.
Robert Torres has submitted an application for the board, which oversees city- owned parking lots in the downtown area.
Torres' application is going to the City Council for approval. Should it be approved, Torres would fill the board seat representing City Council District 2.
Appointments to the board must go to the council for approval because, unlike other commissions, this one is regulated by state laws, according to a city staff report.
If approved, Torres would serve for four years, the report said, or until the nominating council member's term ends. In this case, Torres is being nominated for the board seat by Councilman Freddie Rodriguez who represents District 2."
And so it continues...
THE END
"Assemblywoman's son applies for parking board
The eldest son of Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Ontario, has applied to serve on the city Board of Parking Place Commissioners.
Robert Torres has submitted an application for the board, which oversees city- owned parking lots in the downtown area.
Torres' application is going to the City Council for approval. Should it be approved, Torres would fill the board seat representing City Council District 2.
Appointments to the board must go to the council for approval because, unlike other commissions, this one is regulated by state laws, according to a city staff report.
If approved, Torres would serve for four years, the report said, or until the nominating council member's term ends. In this case, Torres is being nominated for the board seat by Councilman Freddie Rodriguez who represents District 2."
And so it continues...
THE END
Are you in good hands?
As of last month, our homeowner's insurance went from $89 a month to $140. I'm not good at math, but that's a big hike. When I called Allstate, the agent said that they have raised their rates for older homes because they have found that older homes are much more expensive to replace. While this is assuring - in light of the recent fire -that we do in fact have replacement value coverage, I'm wondering if others experienced this same hike. What other insurance companies does anyone recommend for older homes, as a real estate person told me over the weekend that Allstate was one of the few that understand old homes. Ours is a 1910.
THE END
THE END
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Open Space Friday #7
It's been quite a week, but Friday is finally here. I don't know how many other LIncoln Parkers have seen the female peacock strutting around our streets for the last month or so. She is mostly on Columbia as far as I can tell, but I did see her on Lincoln last SAturday afternoon (before all heck broke lose over on Garey). I haven't seen her since.
NOt only does the peacock look beautiful, but she gives me a good reason to once again make an Open Space Friday post. These were a series of posts dedicated to the late Ted Pugh, known as the Pomona Poet. Ted was supposedly a regular visitor to The Garden back when he was alive, and I imagine he would have been quite pleased that the walnut tree survived.
THE END
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Fighting Fire with Fire
Wow, the story in the Daily Bulletin about the homeowners being unhappy about how the fire was fought has really hit a nerve.....with many people who hate Pomona. 99 comments and counting. I can't believe how prejudiced some people are against us.
Here's the link.
Work party at The Garden again tomorrow. If you can't do your part in person, at least make a comment on the DB site to defend our city.
Anyone else notice how high the dry weeds are in the school district's vacant lot on lower Garey?
I'm eager to learn the results of the investigation into the cause and handling of the fire. A third party investigation is certainly in order, given the City's extensive political ties to L.A. County fire.
THE END
Here's the link.
Work party at The Garden again tomorrow. If you can't do your part in person, at least make a comment on the DB site to defend our city.
Anyone else notice how high the dry weeds are in the school district's vacant lot on lower Garey?
I'm eager to learn the results of the investigation into the cause and handling of the fire. A third party investigation is certainly in order, given the City's extensive political ties to L.A. County fire.
THE END
Monday, July 13, 2009
Empathy in Pomona
On Saturday, Pomona was filled with smoke and confusion. But today is a new day and it is empathy that fills the air. We may not have handbaskets at our local Stater Brothers, but our little town is busting at the seams with pure, unadulterated empathy. This is, of course, nothing unusual here in Underdog Pomona. It is one of the characteristics of life in POmona that is hard to explain to outsiders (okay, Claremonters) when they wonder why the heck you live in Pomona. Tomorrow (Tuesday the 14th) there will be a community work day at The Garden all day. All are welcome to come out.
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune had some photographs which were taken at the time of the fire. This one really got me. It captures the fiance's empathy for his girlfriend's loss so strikingly. Look closely: he has the word "HOME" written on his hand.
Another story that has not been told much is how Olympia (known as the Goddess of Garey Avenue around here, saved Dawn's animals. It seems the Goddess of Garey Avenue (pictured above "sun gazing") has now been elevated to hero status. As for me, seems I'm back working graveyard on the blog.
THE END THE END
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune had some photographs which were taken at the time of the fire. This one really got me. It captures the fiance's empathy for his girlfriend's loss so strikingly. Look closely: he has the word "HOME" written on his hand.
Another story that has not been told much is how Olympia (known as the Goddess of Garey Avenue around here, saved Dawn's animals. It seems the Goddess of Garey Avenue (pictured above "sun gazing") has now been elevated to hero status. As for me, seems I'm back working graveyard on the blog.
THE END THE END
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fire in Pomona
Pardon my dust as I'm in the midst of reinventing the blog for a possible comeback, but I did want to open up the site in order to post this video taken by 15 year old Pomona resident Juan Cabrera, my newest contributor here on the blog. That's him sideways above.
According to some posts on the internet and an interview with the homeowner of the 2 Old Divas knitting shop/home on channel 4 last night, there is some controversy over how this fire was handled by the fire department. Mr. Henry complained that the firefighters refused to fight the fire when it was behind his house, which he was pleading for them to do. Mr. Hall said he had to helplessly watch as his home proceeded to catch on fire and burn. The other business affected (I'm still not sure how much) was The Garden, the first organic garden shop in L.A. County, but more importantly the Garden was part of the heart of Pomona. This is very sad.
Here' the link:
THE END
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
100 Concerned Citizens vs. One Wild and Crazy Guy
I'm just now reading about last night's City Council meeting, and it seems that it reflects the same highly questionable actions that I witnessed at the three City Council meetings that I have attended in the past (about completely different issues).
It's a good time for me to once again roll out the name, address and telephone number for the only government agency I know of capable of ridding us of unethical politicians:
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
Public Integrity Division
320 W. Temple Street, Room 766
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 974-6500
The Public Integrity Division was created based on the belief that politicians are supposed to act in a "lawful, ethical and professional manner."
I urge everyone - no matter what the outcome of the P-BID vote - to write, write, write and call, call, call, and urge the Integrity Unit to investigate our local government here.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that Eliott Rothman be prosecuted for his behavior and dress reminding me of Steve Martin's wild and crazy guy. But now that so many of us have smelt the foul odor than emanates from council chambers,
it's high time someone investigate. Unfortunately, I think it's niave to think that we can correct this all in the next election. We only just HAD an election. Special Kudos to my girls Christina and Paula, who seemed to have conducted themselves with their usual honesty. I would urge them to use their clout and submit a request with the D.A.'s Integrity Unit as well.
THE END
THE END
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