This was sent to me via an Electronic Email. I don't know if it was Published or not, however it is Interesting!!!

This is an interesting piece that was Sent to me via an Electronic Mail Message, the message I clear, it deals with the immigration in our country, and how we are not enforcing the national language that the government had adopted so many years ago that English was the Spoken recognized Language by the constitution, therefore everything legal was written in English and not mixed up with all the other language, I don't know why Spanish language is being cowritten in all the forms since the supreme Court must have went against their previous decision and stated that Spanish forms will be provided. Sick sick sick. Just another way we are bending over for the revolution!!!

BSRanch...
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Subject: THIS WAS IN A TAMPA NEWSPAPER

Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice??????

Think about it! All we have to say is, when will they do something about MY RIGHTS?

I celebrate Christmas...........but because it isn't celebrated by everyone..............we can no longer say Merry Christmas. Now it has to be Season's Greetings.

It's not Christmas vacation, it's Winter Break. Isn't it amazing how this winter break ALWAYS occurs over the Christmas holiday?

We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards to not offend anyone, that I am now being offended But it seems that no one has a problem with that. This says it all!

This is an editorial written by an
American citizen, published in a
Tampa, FL Newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!

IMMIGRANTS,
NOT AMERICANS,
MUST ADAPT.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge
in patriotism by the majority
of Americans. However..... the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct! " crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to ! America
Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants.
However, there are a few things that those
who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a
multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans...... we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language.
Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!

"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan.. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women.......on Christian principles............
founded this nation..... and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as
your new home.........because
God is part of our culture.

If Stars and Stripes offend you, or
you don't like Uncle Sam, then you
should seriously consider a move
to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have
no desire to change, and we really
don't care how you did things where
you came from.
This is OUR COUNTRY,
our land, and our lifestyle
Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we
will allow you every opportunity to do so!
But once you are done complaining....... whining...... and griping....... about our flag....... our pledge...... our national motto........or our way of life....I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other Great American Freedom.......

THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.


It is Time for America to Speak up
If you agree -- pass this along;
if you don't agree -- delete it - You are in the WRONG Country!

AMEN

I figure if we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later
get back to the complainers, lets all try,
please

FOURTH OF JULY ALERT, Fireworks Stir brush fire, safety worries.

The 4th of July is the day of celebration!! Not the day that we are supposed to blow our fingers off our hands, or Start Brush fires and burn our houses down or our neighbor's house down! Not only do we lay some fear in this respect around the neighborhood, but The Animals and pets in the neighborhoods are walking Time Bombs. My Dog for Example, is a German shepherd and very protective of the house, however when someone sets off one of those firecrackers that shoots up into the air, and blows up. I think it is called a mortar. Completely Illegal and the person that shoots it off should be arrested and convicted to the fullest extent of the law. In other words they should be in Prison or jail for a year or two years or what ever it is!!

The other thing that is Illegal that gets set up all the time is not so much the spinning flowers that people throw in the air and they fly what ever direction that they want to, sometimes right back at the person that just lit the fuse, gets hit. NOT a good plan there I have to say!!!

Even the Safe and Sane Fireworks are boring, and I guess that is why people have resorted to throwing them instead of watching them. Because the flower is pretty if you let it go and it does hits thing. It spins around and around giving the illusion of a flower, then the flam changes colors it is rather pretty. When it fizzles out it still spins however the flame just quits. And goes away. They throw these because when it is lit on the ground like it is supposed to be it works fine. Thrown then it flies in a different direction and hits things and burns in different colors and starts what ever it happens to land on catches on fire. Quickly I might add since this is a sulfur excellerant.

If Fireworks are Illegal in the County then they should also be Illegal in the Cities within the said County, it doesn't make sense that the County Law doesn't trump the City's Municipal Code!!

BSRanch
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FOURTH OF JULY ALERT
Fireworks stir brush fire, safety worries
Punishment for possession of illegal fireworks can cost up to $5000 or a year in prison
By Nicky Buchanan, Staff Writer


"We're gonna have some fun tomorrow," says Ferdinand Angeles of Fontana after purchasing a packet of fireworks from a stand at the Water of Life Church Monday afternoon in Fontana. The church is located on East Avenue which borders City of Rancho Cucamonga where all fireworks are illegal and violations punishable by $1,000 fine. (Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino/Staff Photographer)
A picturesque irony and an explosion of confusion await fireworks seekers on East Avenue, the north-south border between Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga.

On the west side of the street, a large sign reads, "All fireworks are illegal in Rancho Cucamonga, $1,000 fine." Directly across the street, in Fontana -- where fireworks are legal -- sits the colorful Phantom Fireworks stand run by Water of Life Community Church volunteers who use their profits to support church ministries, said booth manager Dena Gutierrez.

The mixed message highlights the Fourth of July quandary faced by fire departments everywhere as they fight to enforce and clarify the boundaries between fun and public safety.

On Friday night at 9:28 p.m., several 911 calls came in to the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department from residents who spotted high flames in a remote, grassy hillside above Hermosa Avenue.

Firefighters arrived and requested additional Rancho Cucamonga police and fire units to help put out what started as about a one-acre brush fire, said Rancho Cucamonga Fire Battalion Chief James Curatalo.

As the fire spread uphill, encompassing nearly two acres of brush, a plan to evacuate residents above Snowdrop Street was created but never put into effect.

"Due to difficult access and its potential to spread, structural protection became a concern for some hillside homes," Curatalo said. "But the quick, coordinated response by multiple agencies and not having to deal with wind factors allowed us to encircle and extinguish it within a few hours."

Though the cause of the fire has not been formally determined, Curatalo said all indications point to illegal fireworks.

"It's predictable that less than good judgment is often used," he said. "We understand that people want to have fun and celebrate the Fourth, but there are a number of safe, local shows.

"People shooting off illegal fireworks up into the hills is unimaginable to me."

Those caught in possession of illegal fireworks can receive punishments anywhere from a misdemeanor to a felony, which translates to a fine up to $5,000 or up to a year in prison, said Capt. Mike Huddleston of the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

The felony charge can be issued to anyone caught with one pound of black powder, which is equal to 119 large bottle rockets, 3,400 firecrackers or 50 Roman candles, Huddleston said.

In Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Montclair and Upland, fireworks are banned, and this year Rancho Cucamonga started a new push for enforcement.

Rancho Cucamonga police and fire departments have posted multiple large signs, like the one on East Avenue, warning residents that those caught in possession of fireworks within the city boundary can be issued a $1,000 fine on the spot, said Rancho Cucamonga Fire Deputy Chief Mike Bell.

On the other hand, seven nearby cities authorize the sales and usage of "safe and sane" fireworks, including San Bernardino, Rialto, Colton, Chino, Grand Terrace, Fontana and Adelanto.

"Many people don't like the sale of fireworks, but our policy is that we support those cities that do or don't allow it as long as they fulfill all the safety requirements," he said. "Many of these groups are churches and other organizations who put money right back into the community."

Every year those who wish to operate a fireworks stand must reapply for a permit approved by the state fire marshal and their city. If approved, they are then permitted to sell starting noon, June 28, through noon, July 6, though details might differ in each city, Huddleston said.

The state requires vendors to visibly post their licenses and distinguishes between legal and illegal fireworks, which are not allowed to be sold or stored. Regulations also call for a fire extinguisher and guard to be present at all times and restrict the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age.

Huddleston said that inspectors are then assigned specific booths and sent out at least once daily at different times to make sure all of the regulations are being met.

"You would be surprised at a lot of things that go on (near the Fourth)," Huddleston added. "The later in the evening, and the more alcohol consumed, the more that happens."

Inspector Ron Haralson of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Ontario Fire Chief Rick Rogers explained how their departments are taking measures specifically for these reasons by increasing on-call units, water tenders, engines, helicopters and even bike medics at fireworks events. At Phantom Fireworks, more than a dozen people Tuesday evening bought fireworks, and several said they were aware of Rancho Cucamonga's stance. Most were also glad they live in Fontana.

"Honestly, I think it's stupid for them to ban fireworks," said Fontana resident Charles Hoffman, accompanied by his wife, Daneth, and his 10-year-old son, Alex. "Fontana is never going to do that. Most people are safe. You're always going to have idiots, but you can't stop stupid."

Michael Walling, who attends Water of Life Church, said the fundraiser is an important event. Tuesday, he brought his 5-year-old son, John, to buy some fireworks. Something he said he couldn't do as a child living in San Diego County because it was banned.

"Obviously, safety is important," the Fontana resident said. "But these are a safe way for everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July."

Another Fontana resident, Phillip Torrez, said he didn't oppose a fireworks ban, though he also was buying fireworks.

"I think Rancho (Cucamonga) is doing a good thing," Torrez said. "You have to keep a close eye on the kids. I'm not worried about myself as much as I am about the people around us."

Staff Writer Edward Barrera contributed to this report.

Fireworks, Fire Season Make For Dangerous Mix (Daily Bulletin 07032006) Illegal fireworks cause more fires nationwide then all other cases combined!!

Fireworks, fire season make for dangerous mix

For many Americans, the Fourth of July presents itself as the perfect excuse for choreographing their very own dazzling pyrotechnics extravaganza. And while we can hardly fault these individuals for wanting to fill the skies over their neighborhoods with colorful displays of patriotism – manifesting itself in sparkles, smoke, deafening bangs and incessant woo-ing – it is important to remember how dangerous the use of fireworks can be, in terms of both personal safety and the potential for wildfires. Each year, illegal and improperly used fireworks cause more fires nationwide than all other causes combined. Last year there were more than 500 reports of illegal or mishandled fireworks in San Bernardino County in the two-week period surrounding July 4. Seventy-five of those incidents resulted in some kind of fire. Nationwide in 2003, four people died as a result of fireworks mishaps, and another 9,300 ended their Independence Day celebrations in a hospital emergency room. Many of those hurt are children – 45 percent of those injured by fireworks were age 14 and younger. Unfortunately, fireworks season happens to coincide with fire season. The use of illegal fireworks was blamed for the 3,750-acre forest fire in tinder-dry Little Sand Canyon in July 1997. A veteran helicopter pilot was killed fighting the blaze. Many communities, noting the risks, have made it illegal to use any fireworks. Others in this fire-prone region should do the same. Nonetheless, communities in San Bernardino County that still allow the sale and discharge of state-approved fireworks include Chino, Colton, Fontana and Rialto. None of the Inland Valley’s Los Angeles County cities allow fireworks. To head off the potential danger, fire agencies are cracking down on the illegal, or sometimes just plain irresponsible, use of fireworks. Those who violate the law face fines up to $1,000. And even if you’re in a city like Chino, for example, that allows safe and sane fireworks, you’d better know exactly where you are in Chino. You can be fined $500 for using approved fireworks in prohibited locations – the Preserve, south of Kimball Avenue and west of Euclid Avenue, south of Merrill Avenue and east of Euclid, and any public property such as parks or parking lots. And, of course, use of illegal fireworks anywhere in town will get you that $1,000 fine. Fireworks enthusiasts who want their celebrations to end in exhilaration, rather than injuries or fines, need to be responsible, safe and follow the rules. Better yet, take your family to one of the many professional fireworks displays put on in cities across the Inland Valley for that holiday dose of controlled and colorful bursts of fire. Disagree? We’d like to hear from you. Write us at letters@dailybulletin.com

N. Fontana, long an enclave of low-income African Americans, is now being proposed as the site for Fontana's most expensive housing

Fontana is growing faster then they can keep up!! In this report by the LA Times, from Feb 19, 2006 they state that they need to widen streets which means that they need to move a historical church, that services the Local Black community.

They are offering their Police New Hires a $60K incentive for being hired and completing their Probationary Period. Also, you get the 3% @50 Retirement that is offered by all departments with the exception of Rialto Police and San Bernardino Police Department. San Bernardino is in such a hiring slump that they recently opened their hiring up with no closing date, and they also have an incentive to finish probation. However they offer a different retirement which is a 3% @ 55 it is still better then what they are offering at Rialto Police Department.

You would think that I don't like Rialto Police, but it is the Opposite really, I just think that the City Council, City Administrator is running the city wrong, they need to compete with the other city's and make these changes and Offer these retirement plans and Opportunities. If not for the Employee's for their well being as a city!!

BSRancher

PS here is that story on Fontana's rapid growing from LA Times Feb, 19, 2006.

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http://www.latimes.com/news/local/inland/la-re-guide19feb19,1,250952,full.story?coll=la-editions-inland-news

From the Los Angeles Times

NEIGHBORLY ADVICE

Makeover for old steel town

By Barbara E. Hernandez
Special to The Times

February 19, 2006

North Fontana, long an enclave of low-income African Americans, is now being proposed as the site for Fontana's most expensive housing and commercial developments. Some see this as progress, others as an attempt to erase this part of San Bernardino County's cultural history.

Beginnings

Look at the seal of Fontana and you can divine the entire history of the city: grapes for what was once booming vineyards; citrus groves and chicken ranches; and a prominent steel mill for the industry that defined the community from 1942 to 1984.

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FOR THE RECORD:
Neighborly Advice —An article about north Fontana in Sunday's Real Estate section referred to a 210 Freeway extension as having opened in 2004. The freeway segment opened in November 2002.

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Many African Americans settled in north Fontana — an area north of Baseline Avenue that remained unincorporated until 1985, when it was annexed into the city of Fontana — and worked at the Kaiser Steel mill. Even after the mill closed, the population remained. Now this 8,900-acre area is experiencing a painful growth spurt, and large new homes dwarf modest single-family dwellings.

For years, the community has been underserved and overlooked by the rest of the city, says Ellen Turner, president of the Rialto/Fontana chapter of the NAACP, who has lived here since 1968. "Most of the community still has no streetlights, no sidewalks and no gutters."

It's a claim not in dispute but something City Manager Ken Hunt said would change with $100 million in future capital improvements.

The city has admitted that the area lacks improvements. It formed the North Fontana Redevelopment Project in 1982. But not much changed until master-planned communities such as Hunter's Ridge and Heritage Village sprang up. Some fear developments like these will displace this longtime community.

When the 210 Freeway extension came in 2004, it changed the landscape in north Fontana. Suddenly, people saw it as a viable place to live and from which to commute to various parts of Los Angeles County. And with that change came much more interest from developers who saw raw land ready for thousands of new homes and businesses.

The conflict

When you tear down the old, you tear down history, is the view of some residents.

In August, the Jessie Turner Community Center was demolished to make way for commercial development. The center, a landmark and gathering place for the African American community, was named after local activist Jessie Turner, Ellen Turner's mother.

There are plans to rebuild it as the Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center on 40 acres, but the new center is at least five years from completion and located farther away. Some fear that it will no longer serve the community.

And now, the black community's Bethel AME Church is facing a possible disruption too. The city wants to widen the two-lane street it sits on and take a 30-foot right-of-way, which could mean demolishing part of the church. "I understand and recognize that Fontana has to grow up economically and in terms of the basic services provided," said Pastor John Edward Cager III. "But you want to make sure that … you don't pay a human and cultural cost."

The church, which has a congregation of about 400, was built on 2 acres in the 1940s and is one of the few old buildings left on Baseline Avenue. The rest of the area has been leveled. Bulldozers are parked on most corners, poised to raze whatever is left and put in housing and commercial enterprises.

"It's like they're trying to eradicate any history of north Fontana," said Turner, 53. "If the church leaves, it's all gone."


Mayor Mark Nuaimi said the city is still in negotiations over what to do about the church.

A street-widening project threatens the Bethel AME Church, a local cultural landmark built in the 1940s.

(Karen Tapia-Andersen / LAT)

Housing stock

The comparison between the older homes of north Fontana and the new suburban developments is startling. Large and elaborate tract homes sit behind tall walls and a single road often separates them from two-bedroom, one-bathroom homes with sometimes-muddy yards attesting to the lack of roof gutters.

The population of Fontana has 151,965 residents, with about half of that population already living in master-planned communities in north Fontana, according to the city. The entire area of north Fontana is included in the North Economic Zone, where developers such as Lennar Homes and KB Homes are expected to build more than 10,000 single-family houses and condos in the next year.

Could the Briggs Mine Be Reopening Soon? (The Daily Independant 070206)

With the price of Gold continuing to clime upward, it really would not surprise this reader if it is not open already by some small hands at work pulling out small amounts of gold and putting that into the market. Last I looked gold was Over $566. an Oz. So that does not surprise me that it is opening!! Gold Prices are expected to go up another 20% by the end of next year!!

BSRancher!!

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Could Briggs Mine be reopening soon?

By Niche Publications Executive Editor
Published: Sunday, July 2, 2006 2:10 AM CDT
E-mail this story Print this page

Laura Dobbins/ldobbins@ridgecrestca.com

There may be enough recoverable gold around the Panamint Valley to reopen Briggs Mine pits, idled in 2004, before the end of the year.

A new series of tests suggest a significant quantity of gold and some ore is present at Cecil R. - a deposit located in the Panamint Mountains of southern Inyo County, said Canyon Resources Corporation, Briggs' sole owner.

“We are looking to reopen the Briggs Mine by November and could start looking for employees this fall,” Valerie Kimball, Canyon Resources investor relations said.

This statement might be premature, however, as local authorities point out there is still a lot to be done prior to reopening the mines and nothing has been set in stone.

Briggs General Manager Ken Mann said there was still a lot to accomplish before the mines could start operating again.

“We have had some good, positive drilling but the ore we found was pretty deep,” Mann said. “We have a lot to consider and we must first determine if it would be economically feesible to start mining again.”

Mann, while cautious, did say the recent tests were good news.

But with record high values on gold, Briggs' owners may want to capatilize sooner than later.

The price of gold soared to a 26-year high of around $730 an ounce in May. It has since fallen about 20 percent but has still doubled in value over last year.

“Restarting the Briggs Mine in light of today's gold market is a top priority,” Kimball said.

Canyon Resources would like to start hiring people as early as October and announced during a phone interview last week that it would post information on its Web site soon.

If officials should decide to reopen the mines, this would be good news for locals as the company provided jobs and a significant amount of revenue from property taxes. For nearly 15 years Briggs had been an employer for some living in San Bernardino and Kern counties - at one time it was a 125-employee operation.

The company was forced to scale back to the current 25 employees because the pits were nearly depleted of gold. Last year the workforce was reduced to 14 and currently there is a 10-person crew working on the mine closure process.

Meanwhile, Canyon Resources Corporation, plan to conduct further drilling, “to define the extent and grade of this mineralized material,” James, Hesketh, president and CEO said through a released statement.

The testing zone is located along the eastern flank of the Panamint Valley beneath weakly consolidated pediment gravel. Gold mineralization is hosted by a low-angle Tertiary-Age detachment fault located at the unconformable contact between the gravel and basement rocks of Precambrian gneiss.

Canyon Resources Corporation said that drilling has been conducted from 0 to 260 feet at the western edge of the zone are where gold has been found. A total of 41 holes had been previously drilled in the core of this deposit, from which a mineralized material of 4.1 million tons at an average grade of 0.029 ounces of gold per ton has been estimated utilizing a cutoff grade of 0.01 ounces per ton.

These current results are consistent with past results on this property, say authorities

Briggs Mine is already fully permitted with existing plants and infrastructure. Mining equipment at the site includes a 600 ton per hour three stage crushing plant, a carbon tower gold recovery plant, shops and offices.

Briggs Mine was built in 1996 and began full-scale operations in 1997. To date, the company has mined 535,000 ounces of gold and a total of 23.6 million tons of ore.

For more information on Briggs and Canyon Resources, please visit the company's Web site: www.canyonresources.com .

Morris Joins Baca At U.S. Citizenship Event in San Berdo (SB Sun 07006)

Morris seems like he is really dedicated to cleaning up the problems in San Bernardino from the Gangs to the Illegal Immigration problems that Both the City of San Bernardino has and the County of San Bernardino has. It might be a good Idea if all the city's and maybe the County join this Operation Phoenix. This is a good plan to clean up a great deal of the problems in the city of San Bernardino, but rather allow them to be just pushed into Rialto or Fontana, lets all join Operation Phoenix, and Push it out of the whole County

this has been BSRancher thought and Idea!!<

Morris joins Baca at U.S. citizenship event in SB Kelly Rayburn, Staff Writer SAN BERNARDINO - Everyone from the California Highway Patrol to the nonprofit gang-intervention group Los Padrinos came on board for the second phase of Mayor Pat Morris' Operation Phoenix anti-crime plan. So how about Congress? The answer from Morris: We'll see. Morris appeared Saturday with Rep. Joe Baca, D-Rialto, for a National Day of Citizenship event at the National Orange Show Events Center. They appeared just days after the mayor unveiled the second phase of his Phoenix program. When he made that announcement, Morris said he had put some feelers out to the area's representatives in Washington. But he did not, at the time, have any new federal efforts to announce. Did he get the chance to catch Baca's ear Saturday? "I'll be visiting with him this week," Morris said. The mayor said THAT during his talk talk with Baca he would ask about federal help for both phases of his Phoenix program. The first phase, a year-long program to clean up a 20-block area northeast of downtown, was launched June 10. Morris has also been in contact with the offices of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands. A spokesman for Lewis said that staffers in the congressman's office are working to see if Operation Phoenix would be eligible for U.S. Justice Department grants. Lewis is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "Chairman Lewis and Mayor Morris talk pretty regularly," said Lewis spokesman Jim Specht. "They're old friends and (Morris) has an open line to our office." For his part, Baca said he's doing what he can to fight crime in San Bernardino and surrounding cities. On June 20, he sent out a news release announcing federal funding for a number of programs for at-risk youth. The appropriations included $325,000 for an urban youth at-risk development program to be established at Cal State San Bernardino; $125,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino to develop after-school programs; and $80,000 more for the renovation of the Boys and Girls Club's Delmann Heights facility. And that's only what's already been achieved, Baca said Saturday. Baca said he scheduled what he described as a town hall-style meeting for Friday at the Boys and Girls Club. He plans to meet with a number of religious and service organizations to work on building a safer community. And he said he was familiar with Operation Phoenix. "I think it's got some good ideas," he said. "But we need to look at more." He said he liked the idea of expanding recreational programs at schools, as the second phase of Operation Phoenix does. But he questioned whether security would be adequate and said he'd be looking for federal funding opportunities to help provide such security. He also asked, "How do we bring in the county? Can the county come in and provide the services they provide?" Seven county agencies are already involved in the Operation Phoenix. A few days before his Thursday announcement, Morris was asked about possible federal assistance. "I'm aware that there may be some modest short-term help available from those sources," he said, "but it's clear to me that any long-term solution resides in our being willing to sacrifice as a community and pony up the required resources to do this." Morris has criticized the federal government - though not specific representatives - for failing to pay attention to urban crime while investing itself in foreign wars. A city with one of the nation's highest crime rates could use, it would seem, any help it can get. "There's an old phrase," Morris said, ' "If it is to be, it's up to me.' This is up to us." Staff Writer Andrew Edwards contributed to this report. Lewis Support Remains High (070206 Daily Bulletin) Lewis support Remains high because he has done so much for the County and the people that he represnets. That is why they count on the leadership that he has build over the years and it should not be ignored that he knows how to get things done. I like many others pray that the Lobbyest Investigation underway will make him either clean or dirty, but it proved that he was willing to do what it took to get the job done for the county and the people that he Representes!! BSRancher... Lewis support remains high By Guy McCarthy, Staff Writer Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA), 41st District. A color photograph of Lake Arrowhead hangs in the entry to Rep. Jerry Lewis' offices in the nation's capital. It shows a brimming, steely blue man-made reservoir surrounded by pines in a greener, healthier time -- before drought and infestation set in, and before the catastrophic wildfires of 2003. It's a photo that makes Lewis proud. Related Articles: • Investigating Congressman Jerry Lewis Related Articles: • Lobbying firm with ties to Lewis splits in two • Lewis hires high-profile legal team from L.A. • Feds eye Calvert ties • FBI widens Lewis probe • Lewis accused of offering illicit influence • Investigation isn't fazing Lewis At 71, the Redlands Republican has spent years portraying himself as a defender of the nation's most urbanized mountain forest and its 100,000 residents. His congressional district, California's 41st, today comprises roughly 10,000 square miles of valleys, mountains and desert in the largest county in the contiguous United States. Home to 640,000 people in several fast-growing cities and sprawling rural communities, the region has reaped hundreds of millions in federal dollars thanks in part to Lewis' leadership. No wonder hometown support for Lewis remains high even as federal investigators probe ties between the powerful congressman, Washington lobbyists and local businesses and public agencies. Daniel Cozad, general manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority, described Lewis as "stalwart'' in his efforts to protect residents in the river's floodplain and to preserve the mountains that feed the river itself. "His support for (Santa Ana River) flood-control projects and for tree removal in the forests before and after the fires has been fundamental in protecting one of our region's most precious resources,'' Cozad said Thursday. "Jerry Lewis has clearly represented his district well, but he's also represented the region and the people who live downstream in Orange County.'' The watershed authority is one of more than two dozen government agencies and private businesses in San Bernardino and Riverside counties that have contracted in recent years with a lobbyisng firm that along with Lewis are at the center of a continuing federal probe. Lewis' earmarks Federal prosecutors are investigating Lewis' ties to the former firm of Copeland Lowery Jacquez Denton & White, led by Lewis' friend, former Rep. Bill Lowery, R-San Diego. The firm split up last month after several public agencies in San Bernardino County confirmed receiving subpoenas in connection with the federal investigation into its ties with Lewis. The probe stems in part from the bribery conviction of Lowery's successor, former Rep. Randy "Duke'' Cunningham, R-Escondido, who admitted taking $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors. Cunningham began serving an eight-year, four-month sentence in federal prison earlier this year. Lewis has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Neither he, nor any members of his staff, nor anyone with Copeland Lowery has been formally accused of any crimes. Lewis chairs the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees $900 billion in federal spending. Copeland Lowery lobbies on behalf of San Bernardino and Riverside county agencies and businesses that seek funding from the committee. Lewis' staff could not provide an overall estimate of how much federal money the congressman has helped steer to his district and surrounding areas. A spokesman, however, provided statements on major projects Lewis helped fund. Some of Lewis' largest earmarks have gone toward public safety, according to 41st District staff. Between 2001 and 2005, the congressman earmarked more than $100 million for fuel reduction and rehabilitation in the drought-stricken mountain forests, more than $100 million in flood-control projects and $10 million for a new aviation firefighting-training center in San Bernardino, dedicated in Lewis' name on the same day San Bernardino County confirmed being subpoenaed. Among longtime area leaders who are grateful for Lewis' influence in Washington is Don Rogers, 66, interim director of the Inland Valley Development Agency. The IVDA oversees re-use of the former Norton Air Force Base, now San Bernardino International Airport. "When the base closed in 1994 it cost us 10,000 jobs, and it was a serious blow to the local economy,'' Rogers said. "Since then, Jerry Lewis has taken a serious role in restructuring the airport to bring jobs back to the area. To date, we have replaced 2,000 jobs. "It's a sign of a strong leader that he can take the national perspective and keep his local district's priorities in mind. He supported the closing of Norton because it was the right thing to do for the nation. But he's kept the local interest in what happens at the airport now.'' Other Lewis earmarks were intended to benefit military veterans' health. Between 2001 and 2005, he earmarked $29 million for musculoskeletal research at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center in Loma Linda. Profitable reserves Comparisons of Lewis' earmarks in and around the 41st District over the past five years with lobbying fees paid by Copeland Lowery clients in the region show that doing business with the lobbyists has paid off handsomely for some. From 2001 to 2005, Lewis earmarked more than $60 million for projects at San Bernardino International Airport. The earmarks included $28 million for jet and rocket-engine research, $12.9 million for surveillance research, $8.5 million for converting Cessna planes to unmanned aircraft, $12 million for hangar and runway upgrades and other maintenance. The IVDA paid Copeland Lowery $60,000 in 2004 and 2005. Factor in campaign contributions, and the web of relationships between donors and benefactors like Lewis is more apparent -- and complex. • Since 1994, Jack and Laura Dangermond of mapping-software giant ESRI in Redlands gave at least $20,900 in campaign contributions to Lewis, according to federal records. Between 2000 and 2005, ESRI paid Copeland Lowery $360,000 in lobbying fees. At the same time, Lewis earmarked more than $90 million for ESRI projects that included defense-intelligence systems and a mapping database to assist in rebuilding war-torn Iraq. ESRI last week was the first private company to confirm being subpoenaed in the ongoing federal probe. • From 1993 to 2006, defense contractor General Atomics in San Diego gave at least $73,000 in campaign contributions to Lewis. From 2003 to 2005, General Atomics paid Copeland Lowery $330,000 in lobbying fees. Between 2001 and 2004, Lewis earmarked more than $58 million for General Atomics to develop and test unmanned aircraft at El Mirage Dry Lake, outside Adelanto in San Bernardino County's High Desert. General Atomics, builders of unmanned Predator B spy planes used in Iraq and Afghanistan, was identified last month by the Center for Public Integrity in Washington as the leading corporate sponsor of congressional travel for more than five years. The firm spent about $660,000 on 86 trips for lawmakers, aides and their spouses from 2000 to mid-2005, including trips to Australia and Turkey costing up to $28,000 apiece, the center found in conjunction with American Public Media and Northwestern University's Medill News Service. • From 2002 to 2004, Advatech Pacific Inc. CEO Jay Ebersohl and his wife gave Lewis $4,250 in campaign contributions. In April, Ebersohl gave $3,500 to a political-action committee called Small Biz Tech PAC, which is run by Lewis' stepdaughter, Julia Willis-Leon, in Las Vegas. From May 2005 to last April, other Advatech executives gave Small Biz Tech PAC $3,000. Between 2003 and 2005, Redlands-based Advatech Pacific paid Copeland Lowery $200,000 in lobbying fees. From 2001 to 2005, Lewis earmarked more than $28 million for Advatech to develop technology integration at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, and to create software to help design, analyze and produce weaponry capable of traveling four to eight times the speed of sound. • As director of Small Biz Tech PAC, Lewis' stepdaughter has received more than $40,000 in fees, retainers, commissions and expenses from about $115,000 the PAC has taken in since its formation in February 2005. The largest single donor to the PAC is Letitia White, a Copeland Lowery lobbyist and former longtime Lewis staffer. Another donor to the PAC is Nicholas Karangelen, president of Copeland Lowery client Trident Data Systems in San Diego. White and Karangelen co-own a $1 million town home in Washington that first served as the PAC's headquarters. White's signature appears on documents released by some local agencies since they were subpoenaed. • In the early 1990s, Audre Recognition Systems Inc. in San Diego gave Lewis $5,000 in campaign contributions. Former Audre CEO Tom Casey told NBC News last month that Lewis tried to steer him to hire Lowery as a lobbyist, and that Lewis sought Canadian stock options for Lowery in someone else's name. Casey said he refused and that he did not get the Pentagon contract he sought. The day NBC broadcast its interview with Casey, Lewis issued a news release before the NBC report aired in Southern California flatly denying trading his influence for stock options or any other incentive. A revered lobbyist From fire-and-flood vulnerable canyon enclaves like Lytle Creek and Forest Falls to booming ex-urban towns like Yucaipa and Yucca Valley, from the San Bernardino Valley's sprawl to the fast-growing cities of the High Desert, many people who live around here say the controversy surrounding Lewis is just another inside-the-Beltway, Washington story. "The money he got for removing dead trees in the forest, this is one of the best examples that Jerry Lewis is acting on behalf of his constituents,'' said Gerry Newcombe, 72, president of the Arrowhead Communities Fire Safe Council and former San Bernardino fire chief. "Tree companies made money on it, but Jerry didn't profit from it,'' said Newcombe, who said he's known Lewis since the 1950s. "I'd bet my life on it.'' San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris, 68, has known Lewis nearly as long as Newcombe. "Those of us who know the character of the man believe in him.'' Morris said. "I've known him 40 years, and he's genuine.'' Lee Pearl, general manager of the Yucca Valley-based Hi-Desert Water District, said that although his agency is a Copeland Lowery client, it has not been subpoenaed. "People here are very grateful for all the funding he's brought in,'' Pearl said. "Here we have one of the most senior, bullet-proof Republican leaders in the country, and, for some reason, now he's under intense scrutiny. There's more to this story than a lobbyist. People in this area love Jerry Lewis.'' Regardless of continuing news reports about Washington lobbyists' profits in Lewis' district and their influence in the nation's capital, local agency managers like Kirby Brill say they have full confidence in Lewis. "Sometimes it's hard to judge a book by its cover,'' said Brill, general manager of the nearly 5,000-square-mile, Apple Valley-based Mojave Water Agency, which also serves Hesperia, Victorville, Adelanto, Barstow and Yucca Valley. The agency is also a Copeland Lowery client. "But when it comes to Jerry Lewis, what you see is what you get,'' Brill said. "He's inauspicious, down to earth. He brings his dog to work. He looks you in the eye when he talks to you. He asks questions. Either he's a really good actor or he genuinely cares.'' Lewis helped bring $30 million to $40 million to the High Desert for a 70-mile Mojave River pipeline that was vital for water-supply plans in a region with close to half a million residents, Brill said. Copeland Lowery has done a fair job so far, Brill said. "Our perspective on anyone we hire is, ‘Do they understand what we do and what we need?' '' Brill said. "We don't use them to simply go get money. They do research for us and help us work with other representatives, not just Jerry Lewis.'' Brill and other area leaders who support Lewis said they are waiting for investigators' conclusions before drawing any of their own. "I'm not at all clear what's behind the investigation,'' Brill said. "If there's something that's not right, it needs to be looked at. In the meantime, we're withholding judgment until it's completed.'' Contact writer Guy McCarthy at (909) 386-3872 or via e-mail at guy.mccarthy@sbsun.com. Saturday, July 01, 2006 City Manager Says Budget Reflects Top Priorities... Fontana is doing a great job, they have a Police Department that is offering their Officer's a $60K incentive to start, Plus they have a Retirement system that is the 3%@ 50 years of age, which is what more then 90% of all the departments in the US are giving to their Police officers these days. It seems that the Police Officers of the past are no longer a Glorified security Job as it was when I started. When I started in Law Enforcement the top pay that I was getting was $7.70 an hour. When I forced to Retire I was getting almost $26.00 an hour. Now it is not uncommon for an officer to collect a paycheck for an hourly rate of almost $30.00 an hour. Plus all the benefits that they deserve. I would not survive without my benefits that I have with my retirement, so I am grateful for them. I was sure afraid that I was going to loose them when the City was Trying to Contract with the County Sheriff's Dept. For Law Enforcement, because then I would not have the great Law enforcement people that are helping me today. I know that Rialto will have nothing But trouble recruiting people when they don't offer a Retirement Schedule of 3% @ 50 yrs of age. This by far is what a lot of Officers are looking for. Fontana is doing this right by offering their officers the 3% @50 retirement and a great pay package along with a referral incentive, and hiring incentive. Good Job Fontana Keep it up!! Please Advise Rialto on what and how to do things!!! BSRancher... Opinion City manager says budget reflects top priorities By KEN HUNT The City of Fontana has met or exceeded all expectations during the past several years and has successfully positioned itself to continue this trend for many years to come. The proposed operating budget for the City of Fontana, the Fontana Redevelopment Agency, and the Fontana Housing Authority for fiscal year 2006-2007 reflects an organization whose top priorities continue to be: -- Economic development -- Investment in infrastructure -- Public safety -- Community based recreational and cultural services -- Innovation with productivity enhancing equipment -- Legislative advocacy -- Long-term fiscal stability Here are highlights and goals for 2006-2007: UPCOMING PARK PROJECTS: -- Fontana Park - Began construction which includes a 45,723 square foot community center, an aquatics center building, a 42'x30' competition pool, a slide tower and pool, a wet play area, a small swimming pool, a 6.85 acre formal park area, a small amphitheater and three covered corporate picnic areas. -- Complete park expansion projects - Village Park restroom and snack bar, Northgate Park expansion, Veterans parking lot expansion, Ben Fernandez Park land purchase. OTHER PLANNED PROJECTS: -- With right of way dedication being completed, the Engineering Department will start construction on the following major corridor projects: Baseline Avenue, Citrus to Mango; Sierra Avenue, Baseline to Walnut; Citrus Avenue, Baseline to South Highland. -- Complete Sierra Avenue and Interstate 10 overpass landscape project. -- Village of Heritage Community Center re-design and construction. -- Complete second year ADA improvements of city buildings in compliance with the Department of Justice agreement. -- Begin construction of San Bernardino Avenue sewer collection trunk line. -- Begin construction of the sewer collection system expansion project (Presley Estates). -- Rehabilitate 10 miles of pavement. -- Begin construction on Foothill Boulevard, East to Cherry; Cherry Avenue, Jurupa to Slover; and Jurupa Avenue (Phase 1) Poplar to Sierra. -- Begin constriction on Fire Station 79 at Coyote Canyon. -- Two industrial areas, one at Baseline and Cherry, and the other at Jurupa and Beech, comprised of three warehouse buildings each, are currently in the planning stage, expected to be completed early fiscal year 2007-2008. -- Rotolo Chevrolet is planning is grand opening in the fall of 2006. -- Ralphs in Sierra Lakes Village on Citrus at the 210 Freeway will be opening in fiscal year 2007-2008. -- Costco will open for business in Sierra Lakes Marketplace, with the grand opening planned for October 2006, followed by a new Applebee's Restaurant. -- The Police and Public Works Departments will begin work on expansion of off-site facilities for both departments. The Police Department will explore opportunities to construct a training facility and range with a potential helicopter hangar and landing pad. The training facility will have a multi-use purpose for all city departments and serve as a center for emergency operations south of I-10. PROGRESS TOWARD PUBLIC SAFETY: The City Council has put public safety as a top priority and is committed to maintaining the City of Fontana as one of the safest cities in the Inland Empire. Safe streets and low crime rates are necessary for both residential and business growth. The adopted fiscal year 2006-2007 operating budget recommends the hiring of seven police officers, one sergeant, one corporal, two community service officers, one computer forensic technician, one records clerk, one dispatcher, and the reclassification of a lead property control clerk to a supervising property control clerk. This will bring staffing levels for sworn personnel to 194 and non-sworn to 82. The total budgeted full-time positions in the Police Department, effective July 1, will be 276 based on the proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 budget. EXPANDING RECREATION PROGRAMS: Our city is a diverse community of seniors, students, young families, established professionals, business owners, teachers, retired persons, and more. Our City Council has expanded city services to provide for a healthy, livable and active community. The proposed budget for the Community Services Department for fiscal year 2006-2007 contains funding for several enhancements: -- Expansion of the youth Achievement, Writing, Arts, Recreation and Education (AWARE) Program by adding six new elementary school sites and expanding enrollment at six existing sites. -- Expansion of both youth and adult sports programs. Due to the increase in population in the northern portion of the city, these programs will soon be available at Coyote Canyon Sports Park and Summit High School. -- Kick off of fiscal year 2006-2007 with the Healthy Fontana Program. With direction from the City Council, the Community Services Department will implement a healthy community program that will assist, enhance and educate residents on a livable, healthy, and active lifestyle. -- Enhanced special events - The Community Services Department will implement new cultural arts programming that includes artist showcases, Art in the Park, Music under the Stars, Art Depot, and classes. CAPITAL REINVESTMENT: Staff is recommending that the capital reinvestment budget for fiscal year 2006-2007 invest $9 million or 17.2 percent of its annual recurring appropriations. This amount exceeds the City Council's goal of 10 percent of recurring appropriations. The $9 million include the following: -- Pavement rehabilitation of city streets (city-wide), $3.25 million -- Complete funding for Village of Heritage Community Center, $2.6 million -- Slurry seal, $600,000 -- Sidewalk/concrete repairs, $500,000 -- Saw tooth projects, $500,000 -- Expansion of the Police facility, $500,000 -- Island annexation road improvements, $500,000 -- Ben Fernandez Park land purchase, $400,000 -- Design for City Hall remodel, $100,000 -- ADA improvements, $70,000 FINANCIAL POSITION: The continued success of the community is enhanced by the City Council's ongoing commitment to its vision that has framed the proposed operating budget. In summary, the proposed fiscal year 2006-2007 operating budget: -- Is financially balanced, providing for the maintenance of the general fund's undesignated fund balance of 15 percent. -- Allocates $9 million or 17.2 percent of the annual proposed recurring general fund appropriations under the Capital Reinvestment Program to address investment in infrastructure exceeding the City Council's goal of 10 percent. -- Adds 14 new positions within the Police Department to be funded by the general fund. -- Provides funding for ADA facility and park improvements. -- Converts some contractual service jobs to full-time staff to improve operational efficiency. -- Investment of infrastructure. -- Funds additional sidewalks. -- Funds the completion of the Village of Heritage Community Center. -- Expands six current AWARE sites and adds six new AWARE sites. -- Funds the Healthy Fontana and CAP Programs. -- Three-mile radius service goal. -- Earmarks $500,000 for island annexation road improvements. -- Implements the intra-marketing plan. -- Provides new cultural programming. -- Completes staffing necessary to implement island annexation. -- Provides $4.35 million for city-wide street and sidewalk projects. The City of Fontana is a dynamic thriving community, due to its committed elected leadership and the talents and ingenuity of the individuals in this community and organization. The key to Fontana's success is through a well-planned, long-term financial plan based upon economic development that will continue to generate high paying long-term employment opportunities and bring in new and stable sales tax revenue sources. The City of Fontana is firmly committed to meeting each and every challenge that comes our way. (Ken Hunt is Fontana's city manager. The above information was adapted from the city's proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2006-2007.) Print this story Email this story Copyright © 2006 Fontana Herald News Riverside County Cutting Ties With Lobbyist to Rep. Lewis If Riverside County is cutting ties to the Rep. Jerry Lewis then there is some problems and Mr Lewis might be in some trouble. I hope that he has some really good lawyers that can help him, better then the one that the City of Rialto has representing them. Every Time he went to court in the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department Contract Case he lost. Every time it was over Simple Voter Law!! The city of Rialto's Attorney Lost, but I am getting off track here, because this is all about the Rep. Lewis and the County of Riverside. Well, if Riverside is cut and running Jerry is in trouble!! DEEP TROUBLE!! BSRancher... Riverside County cutting ties with lobbyist tied to Rep. Lewis Associated Press RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Riverside County is ending its contract with a Washington, D.C. lobbying firm whose ties to local Republican Rep. Jerry Lewis are under federal investigation. The county will let its month-to-month contract with Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & White expire without renewal at the end of July, according to a letter sent Thursday. The letter was reported Saturday by The Press-Enterprise of Riverside. "I don't think they're going to be effective while this investigation is going on," said Bob Buster, chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Two weeks ago, the firm split in two because of media scrutiny over the investigation by the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles. Investigators are looking at congressional "earmarking," where lawmakers insert spending for specific projects into legislation. Lewis, who became chairman of the powerful House panel last year, has denied any wrongdoing and says he's proud of his efforts to win money for projects in his district. Copeland Lowery has helped Riverside County and other clients - including other municipalities in Lewis' inland Southern California district - obtain earmarks in spending bills approved by the House Appropriations Committee, which Lewis chairs. Top Lewis aides have worked at Copeland Lowery, and the firm employs one of his close friends,%2 Son's Slaying Clouds Future for Mother (SB Sun 06302006) She wants to leave Rialto Home for Good!! They got the girl friend for the slaying of her Ex-boyfriend, I guess His Mother Lived in the house with him, or it was her house and he was staying there after the break off with the girl. she stormed up and thought that she could not have him then no one could, and blasted him in the tummy with a shot gun. The blood bath was, as you could Imagine Terrible, and his mother cannot live there any more. There is to many memories of her son, of the home and just to many good times to have to cloud the bad memory that he will be gone for ever because of a split decision that was made by the suspect to just come out and blast him. I know and you know hat there is always a better way to Resolve the ending of a relationship. There is just to much of a cleaning for the Police Department and the city to have to clean the Crime Scene of all Murder's. Besides there might be some critical murders where they need to gain access to the scene with the Judge, and Juror's . I am not saying this case that it will happen with this case, but wow. You can wonder. This case seems pretty open and cut, she wanted to be added to his checking account, and he didn't want to be added to the account. I am happy that they caught this girl and she is behind the crowbar hotel, she needs to be!! to just kill a man like that in front of his elderly mother is not right!! I might have an elderly mother like that and to have your woman come over and Kill you just talkie that..sucks you know.. I feel for the Mother, and My prayers go out to her, and the rest of the Victims Family!! BS Ranch Son's slaying clouds future for mother She wants to leave Rialto home for good Robert Rogers, Staff Writer RIALTO - Beverly Ribaudo is not only mourning the moment - she is dreading the future. The 60-year-old Rialto resident and mother can't stay another day in her quaint, well-decorated home, where her son was killed less than a week ago. The doors, floors and walls are smeared with the black stains investigators left when they lifted fingerprints. A throw rug covers the bloodstains on the carpet where 38-year-old Michael Ribaudo lay Saturday after being shot once in the torso and once in the back of the head. Rialto police on Tuesday arrested Ribaudo's former girlfriend, Jennifer Stull, 23, of Fontana, in connection with Ribaudo's death. His bedroom and computer room both remain cluttered with his pictures, Elvis figurines and his electronics. The stale smell of cigarettes lingers. For his mother, who has been staying with her boyfriend, reminders of the tragedy are always present. "I always loved living there, but I can't come back," she said. "I'll be able to pack up my belongings, but going through my son's possessions is going to be tough. I don't know how I'll be able to do it." Michael Ribaudo was found dead just inside the front door of his mother's house on Driftwood Avenue about 11:30 p.m. Saturday by his current girlfriend. He had been shot with a .22-caliber handgun, police said. Police tracked Stull to a mobile home in Fontana on Tuesday. Stull told police Michael Ribaudo had harassed her and attempted to detain her, allegations Ribaudo's family challenge because they say Stull was the one pursuing Ribaudo. But the arrest is of little comfort to Beverly Ribaudo. She said her son wasn't perfect, but he was her only son and intermittent roommate over the past six years. Friends and family describe Michael Ribaudo as a "big kid" with a biting sense of humor. He had snarky nicknames for nieces and nephews and could be "a pain in the you-know-what," his mother said. He also had a drug problem most of his adult life and was arrested numerous times, his mother said. Methamphetamine abuse had badly corroded his teeth. But there were inklings of a turnaround. He had been clean for about six months and had taken on a leadership role in his Narcotics Anonymous meetings, his mother said. His newfound maturity and sobriety convinced family friend Jennifer Reynolds to trust him on baby-sitting assignments with her kids, which he performed admirably, Reynolds said. He also had begun to re-establish contact with his eldest son, who lives with his mother in Idaho. He wanted to become a better father to his three estranged sons, Beverly Ribaudo said. His memorial service begins at 9 a.m. today at Mountain View Community Church, 8833 Palmetto Ave., Fontana, after which he will be buried at Desert View Memorial Park in Victorville. Beverly Ribaudo will soon gather up the mementos she placed on a porch-side memorial for her son at her home. She'll be gone, too. "I can never come back to live here after what happened," she said. Renaissance Rialto receives green light (Press Enterprise 06292006) REDEVELOPMENT: The new community is proposed on the City Airport Property!! Renaissance Rialto receives green light REDEVELOPMENT: The new community is proposed on the city airport property. 10:00 PM PDT on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 By MASSIEL LADRÓN DE GUEVARA The Press-Enterprise RIALTO - Plans to create a community called Renaissance Rialto by redeveloping the Municipal Airport were approved by the City Council on Tuesday during a special meeting. A commercial center with shops and restaurants and a corporate area that would create jobs and provide parks, schools and a pedestrian environment are included in the plans submitted by Lewis Investment Company LLC. The plans reviewed Tuesday are similar to a conceptual master plan that was approved in 2005, said Robb Steel, economic development director. Changes made between then and now include some shifts in the locations of public features such as schools and parks. "But nothing significant," Steel said. It was suggested that schools not be placed along primary roads with high traffic volume. They also should be designed to ease the dropping off and picking up of students. Steel said about 350 acres will be allocated to residential use, 500 acres to industrial and 800 to commercial and public uses, including parks and schools. Because it is the first time the city's staff has seen the changes, it will take about a week to review them fully, he said. The city staff will receive the revisions this week, Steel said. A letter will be sent to surrounding cities and environmental agencies advising them of the scope of the project being considered and asking them to express any concerns they may have about it, Steel said. In 2003, the Rialto Redevelopment Agency contracted Lewis Investment to explore options related to redeveloping Rialto's airport. The following year the Rialto City Council hired Michael Brandman Associates to prepare an environmental impact report for the project and circulated the project description to all city departments for review. Reach Massiel Ladrón De Guevara at 909-806-3054 or mdeguevara@PE.com I have to say that they have been planning this possibility for a while. However it will be weird to be all closed in and have all that building around us. All that claustrophobic feeling that people used to run to the High Desert to get away from, but now cannot since they have developed so much up there. we are so closed in now that people are going to go nuts. I tell you when I started to look for a house, I wanted a little bit of a yard. I even didn't get as much as I wanted, I wish I had more, like a half acre or a full acre, so I know that people cannot build so close to me like they are building in San Bernardino and Fontana. those Shacks are so close that when your neighbor turns on their hair dryer or their Bathroom heater, your lights dim!! Why at night the neighbor Farts in bed and you can tell what they had for dinner!! That is just to close for me, ladies and gentlemen, way to close!!! They need to be on at least a 1/4 acre and that is big enough, and then they can build a nice house and have some yard for their children to play on. The houses can be at least 3000 Sq Ft. or smaller with a larger yard. it is great, because you are not on top of each other with the 1/8 of an acre. the 1/8 of an acre is just a guy that is trying to make two million an acre. When you have twenty acres it makes sense. to make that much. But wow, you have but a postage stamp to have a BBQ, and that is just no way to live. BSRanch Fontana Officer Shoots Armed Suspect At Park (Fontana Herald July 1, 2006) Officer shoots armed suspect at park By FONTANA HERALD NEWS A Fontana Police Department officer shot and injured a man who was pointing a gun at him at McDermott Park on June 24 just after 1:30 a.m., police officials said. The officer was patrolling the park at 7350 W. Liberty Parkway, where several fights had reportedly taken place recently, when he came across the suspect who was shooting a handgun, police officials said. The suspect then turned, pointing the gun in the direction of the officer. The suspect was shot by the officer, dropped the handgun, and was immediately taken into custody. The suspect was transported to an unnamed hospital where he was treated, police officials said. The suspect's injuries were not considered life threatening and his condition was reported as stable, police officials said. The officer, whose name was withheld, was not injured during the confrontation, police officials said. * As per department policy, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Unit will be conducting an independent investigation into the shooting, police officials said. Congratulations on Saving your life or the lives of others. There is no telling what this guy was going to do with that gun that was raised in a direction that could have been lethal to you. It is not easy to do what you did, but it was either you or them, and it has to be them. Your sworn to do what you did, so take the time that you need to work thought the shooting and see if you can get back to the job. It will not be easy. I have seen some wild stuff in my career. I cannot give that super advice I had not walked in your shoes. I have come so close to pulling that trigger, and I mean close. So close that when I released my hand I could feel the trigger go back the spring free position, I mean I was squeezing it. I don't know if I would have been justified, but at the time that I was squeezing that trigger the way that I was had that gun gone Off I felt that I would have been justified, I don't know if the court would see it my way!! Take care sounds like you did everything good, and it was a good shoot. we will see you back on the job. Grow from the experience and don't be some hero type like my friend did and ruin your career. BSRanch Fontana Feels SB Plight (SB Sun June 29, 2006) Neighborhood Watch Signs-Ups are Planned!! this really is a great Idea on the part of Fontana City Council and the Fontana Police Department. they need to do soemthing like this to make sure that the city of Fontana doesn't turn out like the City of San Bernardino with all the shootings every night. 38 Killed so far this year, and there have been over 10 children!! I don't know what the statistic is for Fontana regarding their Homicide however I feel that they are off to the right track by what they are doing, but they also need to go into the well established neighborhoods as well as the new ones in Hunters Ridge. The ones that are established South of Down Town and also South Ridge wich for a time was lost and might still be today. But anyway, I thought I would post this becuase it was the right Idea to reduce crime. BSRanch Fontana feels SB plight Neighborhood Watch sign-ups are planned Leonor Vivanco, Staff Writer FONTANA - They see what's happening to their neighbors and don't want it to happen to them. Fontana officials have been watching San Bernardino suffer with the killings and shootings day after day. "We do need to keep our neighbors to the east in prayer," said Mayor Mark Nuaimi at Tuesday night's City Council meeting. City officials warned violent crime could creep into Fontana if residents are not vigilant and encouraged residents to do their part. Councilwoman Acquanetta Warren went further: "I'm asking for the community to pray for the city of San Bernardino, pray for the children and families there, pray for the leadership, pray for our community also - but not only to pray but to get involved." Next week, residents and business owners will be encouraged to sign up for the Neighborhood Watch program at Fontana's monthly downtown car cruise, said Joan Geist, community relations representative of the Fontana Downtown Revitalization Task Force. "I think with all the problems going on in San Bernardino and the area, and the influx of new citizens here, we need to protect ourselves from that element coming into Fontana," she said. "It seems to me the problem is growing, and we just don't want it to grow in this direction." San Bernardino, with about 200,000 population, ended the 2005 year with 58 homicides. Fontana, with roughly 165,000 residents, recorded nine. "What we are seeing going on in the city of San Bernardino is a crisis with all the murders of our young people," Warren said. "That whole issue is just tearing that city apart." In addition to Neighborhood Watch, Fontana in its recently approved budget beefed up the Police Department with nine new sworn positions and added more recreation and cultural programs for both youths and adults. "Everything we're doing is an effort to ensure we don't end up with some of the significant problems and challenges San Bernardino is facing right now," said Police Chief Larry Clark. Clark said he regularly evaluates programs to see if they need to be tweaked and makes sure successful programs are maintained. "What we don't want as a community is for San Bernardino's problems to become our problems," he said. Neighborhood Watch What: Sign up to be involved When: Fontana Cruise Night, 5 p.m. July 7 Where: Spring Street near Sierra Avenue Friday, June 30, 2006 Fw: Gas prices This is pretty nifty and worth saving the site. Just enter your zip code in the site below, and it tells you which gas stations have the cheapest prices (and the highest) on gasoline in your zip code area. It's updated every evening. http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx Be a good neighbor and pass this along. Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) BS.Ranch "Sign Here Press Hard Three Copies!" 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