Computer Funnies...

Drifter... Pale Ale

My favorite type of beer style is the Pale Ale style. I saw a 6-pack of Drifter Pale Ale this weekend and decided to pick it up and give it a taste. I love the label design of the beach/wood/sign paint combo, very nicely done. Now the maker, Widmer Brothers of Oregon, is most popular for their Hefeweizen beer. You can find it almost at any market in California. The famous yellow and black label is commonplace in store refrigerators.

Anyways, picked it up and chilled it overnight. After a long morning/afternoon, headed back to my freshly manicured backyard, took my hat off, and sat in my lounge chair. As I take a sip, I can't help but notice a sort of Guava taste instantly, followed by a light common taste of your average pale ale. The finish is almost Newcastle-like, meaning it doesn't have much bite at the end. It's certainly not a serious pale ale, but the drinkability is definitely smooth and easier than an IPA. At 5.7% alcohol content, it's pretty decent. I give it a 4 out of 5, which is still good no question. Definitely a good beer for a hot summer day with some taste in it.

Greetings From La Verne, CA

Here's a local postcard I've whipped up for you from beautiful Old Town La Verne! I love the shade of the sycamores (not the mess). I've spent pretty much ALL of August here for 'Hell Month' of Pop Warner football. Luckily, I wasn't the one doing the drills... I was the one in the foldout chair with an iPod touch and a cool drink. Enjoy.

(click to enlarge)

Tree Eats Sign

I guess it's been closed a long time, dontcha think?

Ah, Claremont, the City of Trees!
(It's not really in Claremont, but it came to mind)

L.A. Smoke

This is how the skies are looking this week, now that the smoke is settling:
And this was a shot of that huge cloud over the Angeles Forest last week that we all saw everywhere while the fire raged. This shot taken from the Boyle Heights area looking north:


(Photo Credit: Eddie Ruvalcaba)

Plastic Pink Flamingo: Official Madison WI Bird!

I thought this was a joke, but seriously? The city of Madison, Wisconsin has named its official bird the Plastic Pink Flamingo. That is so 60's cheesy and somewhat WalMart-cheap like. Oh well, I guess it goes with the economy and forthcoming extinction of so many birds. As long as we've got China, we'll be seeing these Pink Flamingos manufactured oh so cheaply for generations to come.

"The new mascot was debated for five minutes, and then the Common Council voted 15-4 to make the plastic pink flamingo the official city bird."

Others weren't too happy with this:

""I respectfully ask for this City Council to devote more time to more serious business at hand," said Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele, of District 20."

Don't believe me? Click here for the news article

Deer Looking For Food In La Crescenta

I think I'll call this bloggin' week the Tujunga/La Crescenta Fire week... so much going on with these miserable fires. Apparently now the deer from the hills are coming down into the city looking for food. These images were captured just above Lowell Ave in La Crescenta:





(Photo Credit: Heather Westerman)

Video From Tujunga Fire

I just received this video link at USA Today from Heather Westerman, who is there helping in this Seven Hills area of Tujunga. Her friend, Susan Jacobs, can be seen watering down her house. If you can't see the video above, you can view it by Clicking Here.

More Fire Pics: Tujunga / La Crescenta

I got an update of pictures from my brave friend Heather once again. She's a native of these 2 cities and is out there helping friends closest to the fire to pack and move on. This time it's Monday afternoon/evening shots:




(Photo Credit: Heather Westerman)

La Crescenta / Tujunga Fire Pics

I would like to share some photos of the fire in the La Crescenta/ Tujunga area recently taken by a friend of mine. One of the downsides of living too close to the hills and mountains. Scary stuff...





(Photo Credit: Heather Westerman)

Slim Chance & Long Hammer Beer

I don't do beer reviews normally, and although I love brews, I am no beer connoisseur either. I do read beer blogs, such as the local and personal favorite, Summer of Beers and also my good buddy Tibbi's Blurry Memoirs. Again, I am not even close to their beer knowledge.

But I do LOVE beers, I love to taste them and enjoy them, as I do fine wines. I also don't discriminate against the generic domestic brands, because I do not like to be one of those 'snotty' people who will criticize you holding your Bud Light. There's always many times and places, situations rather, that you are presented with simple domestics on ice. I will drink it and enjoy whatever the host gives, especially on a hot day and a good BBQ.

Heck, I fill my fridge with an 18 pack of Coors light, just cause it's light and it's cold and I can lug one around as I work around the house. Next thing you know I've downed 8 of them and I feel fine (REM song comes to mind, you know, "it's the end of the world as...").

But then there comes a time when I must TASTE a brew, a good flavorful hoppy tasty brew. Actually, a part of the reason why I frequent the DBA 256 bar.

Let's get to why I am posting today. I have always loved Red Hook ESB, one of my first real beers ever. I decided I needed to fill my fridge with good tasting brews, since I've grown tired of stocking Tecate Light, Coors Light, Ultra, Corona Light, Bud Light and all the basic domestic lights , I am due for taste. Well, I happened upon Alberston's in San Dimas on Bonita Ave. yesterday and behold! I saw six packs of SLIM CHANCE and LONG HAMMER. I asked, what is this stuff? I then see the RED HOOK logo below the pack. At $6.99 sale price, I couldn't say no! I bought a case and filled the fridge.


Oh my, SLIM CHANCE, a Light Ale, is one very good tasting beer, yet it is light enough to enjoy during a hot day. I don't have the proper words or terminology as far as palates, blah blah, but I do STRONGLY recommend this one. I love Pale Ales, in fact, they are my favorites, and this reminds me of a Pomona Queen, but in a Light version. Tasty, clean and refreshing. I have no rating scale but it gets a 4 out of 5! Smooth..

The next, LONG HAMMER, is a very tasty IPA. I'm drinking one as I type and it's hitting me. It's a deep tasting brew but much more kick and hoppiness. Sit down, sip slowly, and taste it all around your mouth. Wow, what flavor! Reminds me a little of Red Nectar Ale, but this one has more flavor and taste. I give this a 5 out of 5 for an IPA. Yummy! This would go great with a nice steak!

So there you have it, get your butts over to San Dimas's Albertsons and hope there is still some left! Or check around your local markets and liquor stores!

And YES YOU CAN, enjoy a GOOD BEER as you would a FINE WINE!

Claremont / N.E. Pomona's Indian Hill Exit

Here's something I have wondered about, as perhaps some of you may also wonder (who live around here obviously). When you're on the 10 freeway eastbound and you exit on Indian Hill, the exit becomes 3 lanes. The first lane is to turn left, the second is to go straight, turn left or turn right, and the third lane is for a right turn. Have you been in the middle lane and wondered, can I turn right from this lane on a red? I know you can from the right lane, but this lane kind of leaves you puzzled. Oh yeah, some of those who turn right on that 3rd lane sometimes move into your lane when turning right... but thats another topic.



This question was answered by a CHP officer in the Whittier area where the same situation occurs, I have edited the street names to match our situation:

The motorist can legally make the right turn from the middle lane as long as traffic on Indian Hill is not affected by the right turn. However, the driver must make the right turn into the lane closest to the center median of Indian Hill.

A motorist in the No. 3 lane making the right turn must turn right into the lane closest to the curb on Indian Hill.

The right turn is legal because there are no posted signs prohibiting the right turn on a red signal light. I know there are other intersections that prohibit making a right turn on a red signal light. These signs are usually mounted on a post directly across the street and should be clearly visible to the motoring public. Please remember to drive safely, pay attention to traffic and, when approaching controlled intersections, look for other signs such as "No Turn on Red" or "Right Lane Must Turn Right."

Opera Is In Town @ Fox Pomona!

(click to enlarge)
Straight from Metro Pomona's Blog:

Gaetano Donizetti's "Elixir of Love" (L'elisir d'amor) musical joyous journey through unrequited love, love potions and the battle of the sexes. it is one of the most frequently performed of all Donizetti's operas and there are a number of recordings. It appears as number twenty on Opera America's list of the 20 most-performed operas in North America. It is now coming to the Fox Theater in Pomona on Saturday August 30th at 2pm. You don't want to miss this!

Get your tickets and more info here:
Repertory Opera Company's Website
or call (909) 230-4949
General Admission Seating is $30.
Orchestra Level Seating is $60.

Welcome To My Forest...

Cool Transformer Costume

Actually tranforms into a car! Not alot of info available regarding this clip, but this would be one killer Halloween costume!

Barney Frank Rocks!

Just caught a glimpse of the town hall style meeting with Rep. Barney Frank speaking about Healthcare. All I must say is FINALLY! Someone speaks to these morons straight up.

I hate to say most of America is stupid, I'd rather put it as they are 'easily led' by corporate media. Seeing as to we don't have time for much nowadays, our only so called 'news' for most is corporate run news. Until we understand how these so called 'news bits' are given or produced for the 'News', in addition to heavy corporate influence, leaning & lobbying, we'll always remained confused. So for now, we'll stay tuned for American Idol and things to distract us. Is Desperate Housewives on yet?

The other thing that gets me is that as Americans, we are so used to 2 sides only. What I mean is Us vs Them, Good guys & Bad Guys, Black & White, you get my drift. We tend to apply this to political thought. Nothing could be more wrong. I'm a middle of the roader, a moderate, and it drives me nuts how it is all linked into us or them. Insane... I'd get more into detail, but this is just a thought/rant I had after seeing this on TV right now.

Anyways, Barney Frank made my day!

UPDATE: Here's a small clip...

Ah Pillagin' & Wreckin' Through Claremont We Go! Hiccup! Aargh!

A drunken pirate was seen lost on land through the streets of Ye Old Claremont in the wee hours this morning. Apparently angry that he was away fom his ship, the 'Chino Hills Swashbuckler'. The towns Guardia managed to capture him after he went all around the town on College Ave, Indian Hill, First St, and many places breaking windows and breaking into homes looking for his parrot. He apparently was not interested in treasure this time, as his parrot would lead him back to his ship. He was also angered that the village's local pubs were shut down. He took it personal!

On a serious note, it's pretty much like that except without the parrot and pirate references. The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reports:

"An intoxicated Chino Hills man went on a crime spree in Claremont this morning, smashing windows and entering homes before police captured him.

Claremont police arrested Christopher Marinko, 21, on suspicion of burglary, vandalism and public intoxication, said Lt. Jon Traber.

Police received a call around 3 a.m. about a man who walked through an open door into a home in the 600 block of South College Avenue. Residents confronted Marinko and escorted him out of the house before calling the police.

The man then broke into Hibbard Chevrolet at 191 S. Indian Hill Blvd. at 3:15 a.m., rummaged through some offices and left the business. Police say it didn't appear he took anything.

Marinko smashed windows of some homes across the street and 10 minutes later walked into the back yard of a home in the 100 block of El Camino Way. Traber said the man tried to open the back door but was scared off when someone inside the home awakened.

He walked to the Village Attic at 211 W. First St., where he smashed more windows. While officers were investigating the attempted break-in on El Camino, they heard glass breaking at the Village Attic.

Officers found Marinko walking away from the business and arrested him about 3:45 a.m."

Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Article

Logo Graphic Fun!

I've decided to post some of these crazy logos I come up with when I'm bored (or stressed) instead of just using them as the title of this blog to show them off once in a while. In fact, I think this will be a regular series. The whole point is to create a logo using "ORIGINAL SKRIP" somewhere in it. Hmm, in fact, if you'd like, you can submit one too! email me at originalskrip at yahoo dot com.

Anyways, here's one I did today:


(Click to enlarge)

Pop Warner & Saturday Chillin'

Just relaxing at home for a while this afternoon. My son had an early football scrimmage game this morning and I slept about 3 hours last night (Thank God for coffee!). Then the other had an ortho appointment for his braces as well this afternoon. Then we have a bday party for one of their friends in Baldwin Park. And tonight my friends Grand Opening of a Club in Downtown L.A., called the FLAT LOUNGE, that I have to attend. So that's why I'm just sitting here drinking cranberry juice and on the computer. Oh, and I designed another Logo as you can see up there. I forget how fun manipulating pictures and whipping out a cool logo once in a while can be.

Not much else going on around here except Pop Warner Football, that is, for the Cities of La Verne/San Dimas which has been an almost daily activity for me the last 2 weeks!
I got to meet this morning some of the kids and staff for Pasadena's Trojans, Montebello's Sharks and Temecula's team. I also hear that Pomona will finally have a Pop Warner team this years after 33 years! That's just insane that a city this size went that long without a team! Hopefully we will play Pomona this year, which should also be a member of the Mt. Baldy League. From what I gather there are 15 cities/groups in the league which consist of: Chino, Corona Valley, Diamond Bar, Fontana, Inland Valley, La Verne/San Dimas, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, Riverside, San Bernardino, Upland, and Victor Valley.

Around The Garden

Ok, I apologize for not posting much 'Garden' related pictures lately. In fact, I am in the garden so much nowadays relaxing with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of wine with the wife. There's nothing like sitting out on a cool evening around 7pm and opening a bottle of Hogue's Late Harvest Riesling and sipping away while watching the hummingbirds flutter around all the flowers. Anyways, sorry, getting carried away there, but darn it, there's no question that a nice garden is definitely food for the soul!

So here I am sitting with my coffee and I recalled that I haven't shared any pics of the garden. Well, the good camera is nowhere to be found, so I grabbed my crappy old Nikon coolpix and snapped away.

Click to enlarge any picture.

Here's a fairly new 'Begonia' that I've planted and is doing extremely well, it is in mostly shade, but as you can see it's getting it's share of afternoon sun:



The 'Impatiens' are definitely loving their share of sun & water. I love these plants, I planted them 2 years ago and they come back every year even bigger!



I planted this as an experiment is a bad area a few years ago. It was alive but dormant for most of the time. Now it has put on one incredible bloom. I introduce to you the 'Red Mexican Bird of Paradise':



This next little fellow is an interesting specimen. It is a fairly new introduction to the USA. Hailing from Australia, this is their 'F.C. Payne' plant. Althought the blooms are white, they start off in red and look like the little Nerds candies. Then they go lighter and turn into light blooms. Is that a giant dragonfly in the back? Actually, it's a Mother's Day gift from the kids to the wife:



I love the beautiful purple bloom of the 'Princess Flower'. I bought this plant 2 years ago in the clearance section at Home Depot for $1. It was dying and I figured I'l take my chances. I had tried planting this one before in my early gardening days, only to fail. My thumb is definitely very green nowadays and it shows. I love the look of this picture with the princess flower hovering over the bird bath:



And last but not least, a 'Queen Palm'. Yes, these are everywhere and heavily overused, I know. This one has a special personal meaning to me. I planted this perhaps in 5 locations, over and over, until I just left it where it is. It has grown wonderfully and I now hang this sign that will definitely take you there!

Wednesday... Trash Day.

Took the cans of crap (crap, recycle and green waste) out for their pickup in the early A.M.s since I'm not sleepy at all. Actually, stood up to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower. Yes, from bright ass L.A. County (Pomona). We caught quite a few streakin' stars in our backyard! It averaged around 2-3 every 5 minutes. The moon got a little too bright but it was still nice and cold outside to enjoy this laying back and staring at the sky.

I need to grout some tile work on a step in my house tomorrow morning, other than that, just another frickin' Wednesday. Do I miss my job? No, not really. Do I miss the people? No, not really. Hmm, I guess I'm good for a couple more weeks here at home.

Well, since it's almost 2:30am on Wednesday and I can't sleep a wink. I'll play with a picture in photoshop. Hmm, let's see what I can screw up in less than 5 minutes.

Okay, here it is... A white bird of paradise plant shot in Downtown Los Angeles a few months back:


There you go... a totally insignificant post. In fact, when the hell have they ever been significant? I want to move to Canada... Goodnight.

Bikinis & The Big Lebowski

I loved the movie "The Big Lebowski" and I love bikinis. What happens when the 2 combine? Well, not much in the acting department, but I certainly enjoyed watching this... And I'm sure most guys out there will enjoy it as well.
(Warning: Foul Language)

Chino Prison Blues...

While at the ArtWalk this past Saturday, I had asked why there were so many Pomona Patrol Cars around the area. They told me that there was a riot happening as we spoke, and Pomona PD was oncall waiting for the okay to go help at the prison. But it looks like the authorities at the prison were able to get a hold of the situation. There were still injuries, but it certainly could of been worse.

"Authorities believe the riot was prompted by tensions between black and Hispanic prisoners.

About 80 officers responded to the riot with batons, pepper spray and other measures, including "lethal options," Hargrove said. The housing units were secured by 7 a.m. Sunday.

More than 200 inmates were treated by prison physicians for minor injuries, and 55 were taken to hospitals. Injuries included stab wounds, slashes and head trauma."

You can read the whole article over at I.E. Daily Bulletin.

Sunday Blurts

The Pomona Artwalk was amazing last night! What a wonderful time we had. I finally sat down to eat at the new Aladdin Jr. while watching some belly dancing. Also found some new galleries I've never visited before. This time, there were hundreds of new faces at the ArtWalk, which confirms that the word is out. And as usual, partied until the morning hours with some cool people.

I've been away from the computer for quite some time lately. I'm unemployed for the summer and between home improvement projects, errands and my son's football hell month of daily practices, I'm beat at the end of the day. I've got to be a Mr. Mom during the week, so when the apron's off, I'm off.

Reason #1020984 Why Checkpoints Are A Good Thing:

Pomona police arrested an alleged drunken driver after a major traffic collision involving a woman who was seven months pregnant.

Joel V. Lopez, 40, of Chino was taken into custody at his home for allegedly driving under the influence, driving without a license and felony Hit and Run, according to Pomona police news release.

The police department received a call about the traffic collision about 6:50 a.m. Friday on Reservoir Street just south of the 60 Freeway.

Read more at The SB Sun by clicking here.

Northeast Pomona Power Outage On Thursday?

Did anyone elsewhere in the city go through this? Im going to say around 9pm or so, the power went out approximately 3 times. The last being off for almost 5 minutes. I walked out and as far as I could see, it was seriously dark. I looked towards American Ave, west to Indian Hill, and as far as I could see it was all dark. Towards Montclair it was also dark. Was it just our immediate neighborhood or did the rest of Pomona, Claremont or Montclair go through this? I tried searching the news and nothing.

Garden Painting Update

Went out this morning and snapped a quick shot of my Garden Wall painting. It's a little blurry but you get the idea. I hardly go out there to work on it. It is not as cool as in June, but I am just about done but can't seem to find the time to finish it. The bird details are pretty much complete, I just need to finish the flower detail which is almost done. Some green blending of the mountains in between the flowers is also needed, nothing that can't be done in a couple of hours. I added the blue for the water, although the actual beer label does not have blue for the water, just orange as in the sky.

I am debating whether to add the 'Red Nectar' logo above in the red space, or just leave it alone...

A Message From The Exec. Director of the D.P.O.A.

It's no secret, I am a big supporter of the good people of the DPOA (Downtown Pomona Owners Association). The good folks over at Ren's Images of Pomona have a small video of the DPOA's Executive Director, Mr. Larry Egan's thank you to all who supported and helped pass the re-certification of Downtown's Pomona P-Bid. You can always find Larry around the downtown's Artwalks or Fox shows, or heck many odd times. He's one of the coolest people to talk to in the area. Anyways, just wanted to spread the word of the great DPOA's next 10 years and thanks...

Vacation Vacation

I am now on my 2nd week off and have hardly done anything 'internet'. I'm hanging with the kids and doing fun stuff around town this week. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to wind down and blog a bit. Not much happening this week, except me trying to beat the game 'Little Big Planet' on the PlayStation 3. That is my highlight so far. I think I'll hit Malibu beach tomorrow morning and do some bodyboarding. Huntington & Newport are still having a huge riptide problem. I've been caught in those and it's no fun. I'll have to check beach reports for the Malibu area tonight.

Brewing Hope Tonight!

(Click to enlarge)

DPOA P-BID Renewal Succeeds!

Well, what can I say? WOOHOO!

Now that I am not currently working I decided to go to the Pomona Council Meeting and show my support for the Downtown P-Bid renewal last night. I was told to fill out a card and vote in favor of and that's pretty much it. I sat there with some acquaintances from the area (Brad, Diane, Natalie, Sally, Johnny, basically everyone who is always in the downtown area). I've never been to one of these council meetings for any city which I have lived in. Brad informed me that I can say whatever I'd like for 3 minutes. I thought, hmm, should I or shouldn't I? As they spoke about the renewal and votes, they came to calling the names on the cards. Most people just said 'In Favor' from their seats. As my name was called, I went up to the mic. When the mayor asked me to speak, I just said what was on my mind about the whole thing. As I finished, it was really nice to have everyone clapping for my 'short speech'. It was straight from the heart.

We all met at the DBA for drinks later that night, and it was nice of Larry & Carolyn of the DPOA to thank me for my words. They said my speech was the winner of the night. Again, thank you all involved with the DPOA, you have my made downtown Pomona so much fun, you can't get me out of there on the weekends now!

Tonight! Vote For Pomona's DPOA Renewal!

Show your support for the DPOA by coming out tonight at 7pm! Here's a letter from Mr. Egan, the Executive Director of the DPOA:

Hello All,

Once again we need your help. This Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM the Pomona City Council will hold a public hearing regarding renewal of the DPOA. After public hearing a tally of the returned ballots from downtown property owners will take place with the City Council instructing the City Manager to vote aye,nay, or abstain, regarding city owned properties in the downtown . After the ballots are counted the City Council will vote up or down to renew the DPOA. The City Council has the deciding vote and authority to renew, disband, or modify the DPOA.

A strong show of support for the DPOA by way of attending the meeting and submitting a speaker card requesting the council to instruct the City Manger to vote yes on the city's ballot will show the Council in a tangible way the community's desire for the DPOA to be renewed so that it can continue its work revitalizing downtown Pomona. With your help it will prevail. Your support in the past has been heartwarming to all of us at the DPOA, and has had a tremendous impact on the City Council. Monday night is the last step in the process, and the decisions made will be FINAL. There is no appeal process. So, please attend the meeting, show your support, email your Council member and urge them to instruct the City Manager to vote yes on the ballot, and allow us to continue to serve the interests and well being of downtown Pomona.


Why should you care what happens to the DPOA? If the DPOA were to go away here are some of the benefits and services that would no longer be available:


Farmers Markets
Metro Night Out and car show
Antique Collector's Fair
Fresh Air Flicks
Private Security
Dedicated Police Officers
Trash Pick Up
Parking Lot cleaning
Power Washing sidewalks and graffiti removal
Insurance to cover any downtown special event
Street Banners
Metro Minute
Metro Pomona Web Site and Blog
A voice and organization representing the downtown's interests at City Hall
Miss Pomona Pageant
Downtown Christmas Parade
Second Saturday Art Walk promotion

This is LAST CALL!
Thank You for Your Support


Larry Egan
Executive Director
Downtown Pomona Owner's Association
www.metropomona.com
t) 909.469.1121
f) 909.469.1120

Claremont Cool Zones

You know, Claremont has always been a 'cool' place, but this time they are 'cool' literally. If you need to get away from the hot temperatures we are facing, and even hotter ones in the next several weeks, you are in luck! Claremont's Human Services Department is setting up cooling centers immediately. Heck, they will even extend the service for a couple of hours longer if the temps exceed 100 for 2 days! How cool is that? yeah, cool like 'cool' and cool like "cool". Huh? anyways, too much Sam Adams Summer Ale this evening...

Here are the locations:

* Hughes Community Center 1700 Danbury Road
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 9:00 pm,
Fridays 7:30 am - 6:00 pm,
Saturdays 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

* Joslyn Center, 660 North Mountain Avenue
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

* Blaisdell Center, 440 South College Avenue
Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

* Claremont Library, 208 Harvard Avenue
Hours: Monday -Thursday 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Friday - Saturdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

* Youth Activity Center (YAC), 1717 North Indian Hill Blvd.
Hours: Monday - Friday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

* Tracks Activity Center (TAC), El Roble 665 North Mountain Avenue
Hours: Monday - Friday 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

* Wading Pools (Memorial Park, Wheeler Park, El Barrio Park)
Hours: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Call the Alexander Hughes Community Center at (909) 399-5490 for more information.

Thanks to Wes Woods of Claremont Now for the heads up!

The Garden Burns

I am deeply saddened, but very hopeful, that the place that inspired me into the Gardening world has burned down over the weekend. The Van Allens are one of the sweetest people, in fact, one of the first people who we met when we moved out to Pomona from Glendale several years ago. They had a beautiful historic craftsman on a HUGE lot on Garey and ran a gardening center/shop from their home.

We were one of those 'strangers' who frequented their home with our kids and they took us in like family while we looked at gardening curiousities and picked up some native plants for our gardens. While we didn't go on a regular basis, we will always remember their love for gardening and just being wonderful people to all.

Here's an excerpt from a Pomona Now:

"We'll be camping out for a while but then we'll just put one foot in front of the other," Dawn Van Allen said Monday. "We should be up and running by next week."

The Van Allens lost their home which has also been the site of their garden center business in a fire that started in a shed in the area of Kingsley Avenue and Gordon Street shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday.

The fire destroyed two homes, did heavy damage to two others and cause moderate damage to eight others including one unit at an apartment complex.

Inspector Fred Stowers of the Los Angeles County Fire Department said Monday the fire, which did about $2.5 million in damage to the turn-of-the-century house, is still under investigation.

Investigators have ruled out the fire was started by illegal fireworks or a methamphetamine lab, Stowers said, adding the blaze began in a utility shed behind an apartment complex on Gordon Street.

I wish their recovery fast and hopefully as smooth as possible. I know their love for these kind of homes, heck, I recall them having another craftsman hauled to the lot next door for their friends. Good luck to both of you!

How to help

Pomona First Baptist Church is collecting donations to benefit those most affected by a fire that destroyed two homes in Pomona.

Checks can be made out to First Baptist Church with word "fire" written on the check and mailed or dropped of at the church offices at 586 N. Main St. Pomona 91768.

Donors can also go to www.pfblive.tv and go to on-line giving and make a donation marking it with the word "fire."

READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE

Wednesday... So Much To Answer For

"Under slate grey Californian skies.
Here you'll find, my heart and I,
And still we say come back,
Come back to Cambria.

And I'll be good..."


yes, I've slightly modified the lyrics above, but...

My mind is still overlooking the ocean in Cambria, smelling the sea breeze as I sip on a glass of wine. Even though I've been back since Sunday evening.

But my body is exhausted.

In the last 2 days I've had so much to do back here around town that it's insane. I got a call for another job Monday, and had to do a phone interview that same day plus a physical one in Downtown L.A. on Tuesday at 10am, yes, the same 10am day of the Michael Jackson Staples event. Not to mention I had to try and get my son's physical done for his Pop-Warner football season coming up, plus registration etc in the city of San Dimas. Oh yeah, had to go pay some bills in person as well. Did I mention we were out of groceries? yup had to do that too. My yard/garden are looking like crap and had to handle that today. Though I knocked back a few Sam Adams Summer Ales to help out.

There is a light at the end of the week. No, not my other son's dental pre-braces thingy. But it is ARTWALK POMONA TIME. Y'all know how excited I get the week before it hits....And yes, I am SUPER excited and anxious to check out all the new art around the Arts Colony's Galleries. Hope to see you all there!

Greetings From Cambria

Simply loving it out here in Cambria. We're blessed with great friends to enjoy visiting such a wonderful place. We've hiked about 6 miles throughout the town and we're still ready for tonight's 4th of July show. You go from the beach through small forests and into the town filled with tons of little shops that sell everything you can think of!

Here's a few shots from today:

The Neptune Pool - Hearst Castle

Gone To Cambria For The Weekend

Have a great 4th everyone! I'm in Cambria for the weekend... Today I visited the Hearst Castle and I will hopefully have some pics up soon. We have wireless here but I'm off to PARTY!!!