Thursday Rose Bowl Movie: The Express

(click to enlarge)
High School students free with ID this Thursday! Come check it out... bring your foldout chairs and some blankies. When are you ever going to be able to sit in front of the historic Rose Bowl and watch movies? Now is the time, you also get a sneak peek at the field for pictures!

Random Strange Photo

Are You One Of These?

Still Alive

Yes, I'm still here. It's been a very busy month. Meetings, Birthdays, Events, etc. just hectic! So much going on everywhere it's ridiculous. I'll be back soon with useless blabber as usual.

As I watch some of these foreclosed homes around here being bought, I can't help but notice it's still the same crap of people buying who lost them initially. Oh boy, what to do? The only way to save a city is by CODE ENFORCEMENT. That means if you see families stacking themselves into a rented home, call on them. If you know they've converted their garage, call on them. Seriously, a 1000 square foot home, yet there are 8 cars. Hmmm... anyways, just ranting as I get home tonight.

Thursday Outdoor Movie Nights @ Rose Bowl!

Yes, this Thursday May 6th will be the first outdoor movie night at the Rose Bowl for families and all! Just bring out some folding chairs and blankets to make yourself comfortable for a nice relaxing movie outdoors.

Tickets are $5, and kids 7 & under are free. The movie featured for this day will by 'The Blindside'. There will be concession stands and no outside food will be allowed. The parking will be FREE, I recommend parking right outside of entrance A, which is Lot F (I think). This event will take place every Thursday for the whole summer!

Hope to see everyone there, here's an image for the event:
(click to enlarge)


You can also visit the official Rose Bowl Website for more detailed info.

Random Thought...

Crackdown On Cracks

Wish we could do this here in California... but we all know everyone cries about everything. I'm sure if we voted on it, it would pass!



I could just imagine these signs around town, it would be wonderful

Can't Sleep, Wife Gone.

The wife is on her business trip to China once again for another 8 days. Hopefully she can snap up some cool shots to share. Anyways, I can't sleep and I have to take the kids to school. This requires getting up before 6am to have them get ready for the 18 mile ride. I'm sure I'll adapt to their schedule by tomorrow night.

Until then, here's a funny:

New Belgium's 'Ranger IPA'

What a lovely day for Southern California! A good 80 or so degrees and the garden's gorgeous. And what better way to celebrate than a sip of the ol'brewski. This time, I am going to finally try the Ranger India Pale Ale, made by New Belgium, who makes the famous Fat Tire Ale. I've seen this beer advertised in some of my garden magazines, such as Sunset.

I will put this particular brew to you this way, if you just love the bitter hoppiness to the max, this baby will do it to ya! A very hoppy and bitter taste towards the end that seems to hang on a bit longer. It is clean and tasty and a fairly Decent IPA I would purchase again. Similar to Stone's IPA, but just a bit more bitter. I give this one a 4 out of 5, and strongly recommend it. I suggest you pick up a six pack and share ice cold with a friend. This Ranger IPA was purchased at Albertson's in North Pomona.

Putting The Coke Back In Coke

The country of Bolivia is producing it's own version of the original Coca-Cola, but this time it's called 'Coca-Colla'. Yeah, that's 'Colla' with a 'Y' sound. It's the name of their highland people. And with a new coca growing president, coca leaves are now being used to produce this drink.

Coca leaves have been used for medicine and cooking for centuries by many Andean cultures. I wonder if we're going to do anything about this? Or perhaps Coca Cola for copyright issues? Very interesting indeed. I HIGHLY doubt we will ever see it in North America. Talk about Red Bull having wings!

Here, have a couple of cases:

Widmer's Deadlift Imperial IPA

As a huge fan of Widmer's Pale Ale, I was bewildered to hear about this new IPA. I was taking a stroll on some business through downtown Pomona this late afternoon. I decided to pop my head in at my old favortie wine/beer bar, DBA256 Winebar Gallery. And who do I see behind the bar, good ol' Johnny Barr, one of the coolest dudes you can meet. Sat down to say hello and he asked what I would like. I said, I dunno, gimme a sip of that '7 Year Itch' by Dale Bros. He then told me, hey, have you tried 'Deadlift IPA'? I said no, what's that? Is it good? As he grabbed it and poured into a glass, he said, hell yeah.

I took a good look at he bottle, with a beautiful logo that can pass as a decent tattoo (I'm a logo freak btw). I also, noticed it was 8.6% alcohol. Wowserz!!!

I took my first sip and slowly let it go down. This is purely IPA heaven!! It has that great hoppiness that you come to expect, but it washes down oh so smooth and lightly citrusy. This thing is frickin' awesome. It's like Widmer's 'Drifter' done even better! I kept saying 'wow this is good' after every drink. I must say, as a fan of Stone Brewing, this one is up there. In fact, this could be my favorite IPA so far.

I STRONGLY recommend Widner's Deadlift Imperial IPA' if you want an IPA with good hoppiness that doesn't overwhelm your taste buds and you can't even taste the 8.6% alcohol either. I haven't done the research as to when it was released or where it's sold, but if you can find it, grab it! I give it a 5 out 5 stars, a perfect IPA!

Fox News Footage Of Last Night's Pomona PD Town Hall

Back From City Council Meeting... ZZZ

It's almost 1:00am believe it or not. I arrived to the council meeting at 6pm promptly. Only to realize the city council wasn't ready til about 2 hours later. I am tired... but I am having a big bowl of raisin bran while watching Craig Ferguson right now. The free coffee and cookies sounded great at the time (thank you PD) but now I realize I shouldn't have drank that much.

I'm saddened to say that the council allowed the phase 1 study to go ahead. To even think of doing that to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for the city of Pomona for 99 years! Not to mention already taking cuts as the city asked. I don't think the city can win this one. The crowd tripled from the ealier postponed meeting a few weeks ago. It was also nice to see Ex-Chief Joe Romero and listening to him speak.

I know the city council has a tough position to sit there and be grilled, that is one tough job. I also understand the things they deal with such as people's emotional reaction, as well as conspiracies and rumors. It must be hard when you are trying to be a good representative of your constituents, or trying to hide something, or whatever.

( I removed a paragraph I wrote here after a quick re-read, I guess I must've said too much. It wasn't anything bad, just a bit too personal)

I'm sure my fellow bloggers from Pomona will have some great write-ups about this tomorrow, or I mean today. My post was just a rant to kill the caffeine. I'm sure there are typos and perhaps some of it doesn't make sense, but I am tired now and I've just drank the last of the milk left in the bowl. Goodnight y'all.

Message From Pomona's Police Officer Association

Dear Neighbor,

The Pomona City Council is attempting to go behind our backs and shut down the Pomona Police Department. On April 1st the City Council unexpectedly proposed eliminating our local police force and bringing in the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department - even after telling the police department that no such plans were in the works.

Thankfully, when faced with an overwhelming crowd, the City Council chose to postpone their vote on the matter until April 19th.

Pomona’s Police Department is vital to the safety of our families and our businesses. We need our own police force -- not a sheriff’s department responsible for unincorporated areas, other contract cities, courthouses, and county jail facilities.

Before the next meeting this coming Monday, April 19th, please let the Pomona City Council and City Manager know that you won’t be blindsided by their dirty tricks.

Call City Hall at (909) 620-2311, or if busy call (909) 620-2042.
Please also email your City Council Members below.

Mayor Elliot Rothman: elliot_rothman@ci.pomona.ca.us
City Manager Linda Lowry: linda_lowry@ci.pomona.ca.us

Councilwoman Danielle Soto: danielle_soto@ci.pomona.ca.us
Councilman Freddie Rodriguez: freddie_rodriguez@ci.pomona.ca.us
Councilwoman Cristina Carrizosa: cristina_carrizosa@ci.pomona.ca.us
Councilwoman Paula Lantz: paula_lantz@ci.pomona.ca.us
Councilman Tim Saunders: tim_saunders@ci.pomona.ca.us
Councilman Stephen Atchley: stephen_atchley@ci.pomona.ca.us

Show your support for the Pomona Police Department and attend a rally prior to the City Council meeting on Monday, April 19th, 6:30 PM at the Pomona City Council Chambers (at City Hall). Call your own Pomona Police Officers' Association at (909) 392-8982 for more information and to make sure we keep you informed on this critical situation.

Your own Pomona Police thank you for your interest and support!

Paid for by the Pomona Police Officers’ Association
2822 Metropolitan Place
Pomona, CA 91767-1854

Join the fight to protect Pomona’s Police Department today!
Email pomonapoa@aol.com for more information.

Closing Or Closed Down In Your Area

With the horrible economy of the last several years, what has closed down in your area that you really miss? Here in the Northeast Side of Pomona, I am blown away by how many stores have closed on just one street, not even a full mile of length. That street is Indian Hill (between Holt and Arrow, Cities of Pomona & Claremont).

As far as I can remember, so far within the last 4 years it's been: Albertsons, Weinerschnitzel, CVS, Radio Shack, Hollywood Video, Baker's Square, Chili's and Food 4 Less for the big chains. Lots of other small stores have closed as well, such as the Pet Store.

The only good thing, if you want to call it that, is Norm's will be moving in (Right off the 10 @ Toyota Claremont). And also, a new Denny's and Starbucks were put in several years ago in front of Hotel Claremont. Further down, La Favorita Mexican Ranch Market shut down due to the further south El Super, which is like having a WalMart by a mom & pop store. La Favorita was finally bought by some Orange County folk and renamed Jimenez. Keeping the same Mexican Ranch Market theme, which is fine for those who want some quick Carne Asada and Pollo', or other south of the border goodies.

Not Much Computing These Days

I feel like the City of Pomona's website, who's been down for at least 2 weeks now. Not to mention as I was going to type this, my buddies over at M-M-M-My Pomona happen to be mentioning this as well.

I've had a virus/malware issue the last 2 weeks on my main computer and have neglected to fight this thing. Until last night and most of today. It looks like I've won! But not too quick, I said that last time and it came back in a few days. But heck, it gives me time to post something today.

It's the Dodgers big day here in L.A. and the Lakers, well, let's just wait until we get to the playoffs (Hopefully it's San Antonio not Portland).

Hopefully some of you made it to this weekend's ArtWalk, it was a bit cold but we saw ALOT of new people this time. I hung out with the cool folks of the DPOA mostly. I did manage to peek at a few things and the Art was awesome.

Claremont Hills Wilderness Park

The kids are on Spring Break so we decided to drive up 5 mins to Claremont's Wilderness Park. What a lovely day for a hike! The weather was nice and there was a breeze. It's so nice that stuff like this is nearby. We did the full 5 mile trail in 2 hours. Of course, we stopped to rest and have some water & snacks at the mid-point. And yes, we carry ALL OUR trash down with us. I applaud Claremont for taking care of nature and making such beautiful land like this available for all to enjoy. At certain points on this hike, you will encounter oaks and some creeks, but most of the trail is very exposed to the sun. In other words, I wouldn't hike here in the summer.

It is very well maintained and there isn't too much sign of riff-raff around here. Perhaps due to it being Wednesday, but still. What I mean is the ruining of nature such as graffiti on rocks and signs. That includes littering of bottles and trash. That really pisses me off whenever I see it, such as Eaton Canyon and other nearby forests/natural parks. Again, Claremont does well to maintain this area. You can still see some remains of the recent Claremont fire in the last picture below.

I recommend this trail for anyone who enjoys hiking and the outdoors, but needs to be nearby (just in case). A very family friendly area where you can take strollers with good wheels. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed and license is displayed. To get there go up Mills Ave (north) from Foothill Blvd. in Claremont. Again, I'd go now when the weather is 70-80 degrees.

View towards Baldy (East)

View towards San Dimas (West)

Some fire victims of recent

Support Pomona's Police Dept. Tonight!

Just got info on a council meeting in Pomona to discuss the possibility of contracting out police services to LASD. This has been a long standing rumor, and some say it's a done deal. Come out tonight to the council meeting at 6:45pm (City Hall) to support Pomona PD. I will definitely be there.

There's a more detailed write up over at M-M-M-My Pomona Blog.


Funny thing is, mysteriously the city of Pomona's website, has been down ALL weekend including Friday and today too. Maybe that way we can't pull the agenda for tonight's meeting? Hmm... smells fishy.

UPDATE!
The hearing was apparently postponed until April 19th. There were too many supporters and all had something to say. We'll make the 19th an even bigger showing of support for Pomona PD!

Happy Easter!

Yes, I've been away from the 'keys' for a while... Busy as a bee lately, but still. Just upgraded my DJ System to some wonderful Denon Products. Did about 2 weeks of solid research and got a GREAT deal from Sam Ash in Ontario on my MP3 Digital controllers system. Also, got 2 easter parties to go with the kids tomorrow, BIG family on both sides. Anyways, like you care... but the whole point is Happy Easter to all!!

And yes, I've consumed some delicious liquid party favors tonight. Still love all those who 'stumble upon' this blog. BTW, met Ron Artest of the L.A. Lakers earlier to day at the great WSS Shoe store in Inglewoooooooood!!! Maybe pictures later.

Family Fun Events In Claremont & Pomona Sunday

POMONA:

Friends of the Pomona Fox and Pomona Fox Theater present:

A Family Film Matinee Screening of
THE WIZARD OF OZ

Friends of the Pomona Fox, in association with the Pomona Fox Theater, is pleased to announce the first film program at the Pomona Fox Theater. We will be screening the classic 1939 film, It is a community event that creates a opportunity to visit the fully-restored theater. Come early and in addition to the screening, visitors will be able to take a tour of the theater lead by our own volunteer docents.

Doors open at 12:30 pm
Film screens at 2:00 pm
Price: Adults $2.00
Children 12 and under $1.00

Time: 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: Fox Theater
301 S. Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766

CLAREMONT:

2nd ANNUAL LATINO ROCKABILLY FESTIVAL
• MUSIC & CAR SHOW • FREE • 10AM TO 4PM •
Featuring: LOS BOOGIE BOYS CON PACHUCO JOSE • THE WISEGUYS • GAMBLERS MARK • HOT ROD TRIO • DJ’S • FOOD • CUSTOM CARS • VENDORS

All happening at:

PITZER COLLEGE
1050 N. MILLS AVE, CLAREMONT, California 91711
More Info at 909.607.0485

Around The Garden Again

More pictures from the ol'Garden for ya. Spring is awesome... Click on the pictures for a larger version, as always...

A Gorgeous 'Kaffir Lily' blossom:


'French Lavender' spikes in front of a Rockrose:


The ever so strange and cool 'F.C. Payne' from Australia with its red blooms that turn white in the summer:


'Begonias' blooming like mad in it's semi-shade area:

Russell Peters @ Bridges Auditorium (Claremont)

One of my favorite comedians of late, the crazy Russell Peters is coming to Claremont! This guy is hilarious, the Canadian-Indian comic is a riot. If you've never heard of him, he's been a sensation on youtube in years past, as well as TV. He has toured all over the world. In fact, when he toured Dubai, he sold tickets at the rate of one every 2 seconds.

This event will take place on:
Saturday April 17, 2010 / 8:00PM
at
Bridges Auditorium
450 N. College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 607-1139

Ticket Price is $40. You can also purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.com

Around The Garden

Spring is definitely in the air around here. I've finally had a chance to get some shots of blooms around the garden. Definitely coming alive no doubt. In another month or so, it will become even more spectacular!

Here are today's shots (click to enlarge):

A 'Cistus Rockrose' bloom, looks like a flower made of colored tracing paper in a school art project:

The Beautiful light blue/green/purple leaves of a 'Purpleleaf Acacia':

The ever so crazy 'Nasturtiums' that grow like weeds:

The very common around here 'Mexican Bush Sage', which for some reason after a year or two, reverts back to full purple from its half-white half-purple color:

More pictures to come later this week, or perhaps tomorrow morning. Enjoy your day!

Buckingham Burlesque At The Legion This Saturday!

Fun! Fun! Fun! I was able to attend the first show at the Legion and it was great! I also attended the bigger show at The Fox Theatre a few weeks back. This is a cool gig for all to enjoy and check out. Here's the information:

If you weren't able to celebrate Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras on that dreadful week day, then have another chance at it with us! Buckingham Burlesque Presents the "New Orleans" show at The American Legion Hall in Pomona. This historic building was built in the 20's with a beautiful ballroom on the 2nd floor.

SHOW: $11 begins at 8pm - Enjoy... a night of music, dancing girls, and comedy. Adults Only.

PARTY: After party in the members bar with the best karaoke in town.

DINNER: Come early between 5:30-7pm for The American Legion's once a month $10 steak/chicken/baked potato dinner. Feel free to come in your favorite Mardi Gras or New Orleans inspired attire.

ADDRESS: 239 E. Holt Ave. (corner of Gibbs) in Pomona.

2nd Annual SGV Blogger's Potluck

Straight from the Pasadena Daily Photo Blog:

"It's fun time for the San Gabriel Valley blog community. This means not just bloggers, but blog visitors, too--whether you comment or not. Just because you're reading this right now, you're invited to the SGV Blogger's Potluck on March 20th! Wasn't that easy?

It's a chance to meet your blog friends face-to-face. It's hosted by some of your favorite Altadena bloggers. Last year it was a blast (not like the picture, though).
Come!

There's one catch. You have to bring something to share. You know, like, food. It's a potluck."

PS, Hey David Allen, are you game for this event?

Claremont's 7-11 Drama

The wife and I have noticed the building on Mills & Foothill for a while now. She's always saying, I wish we could move our L.A. office into this cool building.

Well, it's been cool and empty for a while now (as many other new buildings are).

But there is someone interested in it for sometime now. A 7-11 store wants in and they were denied. They are appealing this and you can read it over at the City of Claremont's Website. I must say thanks to Claremont Insider, who first broke this story (at least to my eyes).

Now, there are 2 sides in my opinion.

First Side: This is Claremont, and we all know how it works. 7-11 is known for bums, panhandlers and crime, no matter what city it's in. It's a property value dropper for many too. Sales to nearby college students would also create a 'problem' as well. And heck, there's an AM/PM down the block on Foothill & Claremont Blvd (which I believe doesn't sell alcohol), but anyways.

Second Side: 7-11 is willing to adjust its hours dramatically and become non-24 hours. Alot of college students are over 21, and they have the right to buy alcohol if they choose. Most of the students go to the 'scary' 7-11 on Indian Hill in Pomona to buy alcohol, I see them and have been with them before (And we all do miss Albertsons that had a better beer selection, don't we guys?). It would be nice to have one closer and it would be safer (Walking distance).

All in all, I think this 7-11 would be allowed, but ONLY if it was Pomona Adjacent, like drive-thrus south of the 10 (which they're currently fighting for a WalGreens north of the 10).

Oh the problems in life...

A Little Shakin' Goin On

I was up late last night and went to bed about somewhere between 3-4am. I thought one of the kids had gotten up or fallen off the bed as I was falling asleep. But it had a strange sound to it. Not enough to make me get up but I knew I wasn't nuts.

Yep, sure enough, this morning, I hear we had a magnitude 4.4 quake, and this time right from the Greater Los Angeles region. It's been a while, and again I'm reminded that we get'em here too. With the recent devastation in Haiti, Chile and Turkey among other places, i think we were due. I'm glad it was small and at a time when most are asleep.

Weird City Name Quiz

"Here's a quiz for anyone who has ever traveled the country, seen a sign, and asked, "Is that really the town's name?"

I took this quick little quiz and got a 64% correct (7 out of 11). A fun little quiz with 11 Questions to test your weird US town knowledge. You can check it out here at ------>MentalFloss.com

DPOA Ribbon Cutting

The Downtown Pomona Owners Association will be having their Open House/Ribbon Cutting ceremony TONIGHT from 5 PM to 7PM at their new office. These are the guys that are helping to make things happen in Downtown Pomona, which I am a BIG supporter of.

If you'd like to attend, the address is: 119 W. Second Street, downtown Pomona (next door to Joeys BBQ)

Congrats To Sierra Vista High Girl's Soccer!

Congratulations to the City of Baldwin Park's Sierra Vista High School Girls Soccer for winning their 1st ever CIF Southern Section Division VII Championship. They defeated top-ranked California Academy of Math and Science 4-3 in penalty kicks this past Friday at Mission Viejo High. It is the 1st school championship ever since the school first opened in 1961. They also won this game with one of their best players not available due to injury.

The SGV Tribune has the WRITE UP on this amazing victory. Congrats Lady Dons!

Global Warming

Around The Garden

Still not truly Spring yet and not much going on in the garden. There is some stuff blooming around here though. I can't wait til everything goes nuts in the Spring. Time for backyard BBQs once more. Thank goodness for all the rain we've had, and yes, more to come!

(click pictures to enlarge)
An Apple blossom from my 2 year old 6-in-1 tree. Hopefully it will start putting out apples soon. I hear it takes about 3 years, but with our wacky weather you never know.

I love perennials, hate annuals and I've never cared for bulbs, but I figured I'll try. And boy am I glad I did! Check out this wonderful Dutch Iris bloom!

Quick View In DTLA

A friend took this picture from the US Bank building, 70th floor this morning. Ears popping anyone?

(click to enlarge)

Life

This picture says it all, well, a part of it. Just been busy as heck the last few days... but I just realized my blog is now officially 1 year old! Hooray! I started in Mid-February of 2009 and here I am, still unemployed. I did work 4 months last summer under contract though. Regardless, I'll be back to post this week soon. Hopefully I got some good pictures of Friday's Big Band/Burlesque show at the Fox Pomona. See ya soon.

Health Care Systems - 4 Basic Models

The United States is the only industrialized nation without cradle-to-the-grave, universal health care. In no other developed country would a child with cancer have to go without care because an insurance company decided it was not profitable enough to cover him.

I recently read this little interesting excerpt over at PBS.org's FRONTLINE:

There are about 200 countries on our planet, and each country devises its own set of arrangements for meeting the three basic goals of a health care system: keeping people healthy, treating the sick, and protecting families against financial ruin from medical bills.

But we don't have to study 200 different systems to get a picture of how other countries manage health care. For all the local variations, health care systems tend to follow general patterns.

Click here for the four basic systems

and also:

Five Capitalist Democracies & How They Do It.

How Pugs Are Made

Fox Follies Next Friday!

Oh yeah baby, Click your heels and go back in time at the Fox!

On Friday February 26th, the Fox Theater will be hosting an awesome show that ya gotta check out. They will be featuring Big band orchestra & beautiful burlesque stars! Come dance, drink, mingle, and marvel.



Music by The Eddie Reed Big Band and Eddie Nichols.

Burlesque dancing beauties are:

Eliza Bane
Charlotte Araignee
Le Meaux
Ava Garter
Flame Cynders
Lux LaCroix
Ruby Champagne
Jolee Blon

All happening at the
Fox Theatre Pomona
301 S Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91766-1723

Friday February 26, 2010
Show Starts: 9:00 PM
Doors open: 8:00 PM
Genre: Big Band Music
Room: Grand Hall
Ages: 18 & Over
Admission: $20 (General) $30 VIP Floor Seating

Tickets for Fox Follies are available now at:

Glasshouse Record Store
248 W 2nd St., Pomona, CA 91766
Hours:
Monday - Friday 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(909)865-3802

Online Tickets available by CLICKING HERE.

Printable Parking & Directions available by CLICKING HERE.

Goodbye Foothill Cities Blog

It is with deep regret that I must mention the Foothill Cities Blog, which I have been reading for a few years, has decided to call it quits. They had great blogging coverage of the San Gabriel Valley for a long time. The reason I believe is a combination of financial, technical and real life craziness, which I can totally understand. Perhaps someone would like to purchase it and host it themselves?

Click here and read their final farewell.

Valentine Hiatus

A very long 4 day weekend just passed me and no time for blogging. I am the blogger's anti-blogger, truly. I had a conversation recently with a fellow blogger at the kick ass Pomona ArtWalk on Saturday and I had mentioned that I am not the typical blogger stereotype. I am social and always out and about with friends, doing things and partying. I've always considered most bloggers the nerdy hermit stay-in-my-room type. This used to be somewhat true many years back, but not necessarily nowadays. Regular Joes do blog, and regular Janes as well. Not to mention tons of unemployed intellects and those who are frustrated by the lack of jobs. The blogosphere is too huge to give it that stereotype now. I think I lost my point to the post, but probably something along the lines of 'I do lots of other things that make me too lazy to turn the computer on and rant/post' on my blog.

Anyways, all 2 of you, thanks for checking in... you didn't have to. Really. There are more important things to do, like making sure the toilet paper isn't down to cardboard in the bathroom.

Happy Friday, Burp!

This cartoon says it all...



on another note, don't forget the ARTWALK is this Saturday (Feb.13th) in Downtown Pomona, go to MetroPomona.com for more info!

Looong Weekend Just Past

Celebrating the SuperBowl and Birthday combined in the City of Montebello... what a great party! I think I've finally recovered today.

I'm still here, just not on the internet as much this week. It looks like rain again once more, so I am very happy! Not much to say as I'm heading out the door, but here's a funny picture I found on the net:

All Ages Dance Factory @ Glass House

Have that kid who isn't even 18 yet but wants to get out and hit a dance club with friends? Heck, parents can go as well, in fact, there's a bar for you to hang at 2 doors down.

This Saturday is the Dance Factory for all ages at the Glass House in Pomona. I will be taking 2 teens there to check it out! This is the 1st event of what is to be perhaps a regular thing... anyways, won't hurt to check it out. Here's the flyer:

New Stores For N.E. Pomonans & So. Claremonters?

I just heard news from my neighbors at Claremont Insider about some new stores coming our way (at least sources told them).

Yes, those of us here in Northeast Pomona along with the folks in Claremont south of Arrow, know what it's like to go shopping. We have to take a drive down Foothill somewhere or perhaps go to Montclair or Upland to get what we need. Sure, there are some cute specialty shops in the area, but for the major things we all need, we have nothing nearby like others.

Well, the little corner of Indian Hill & Arrow, where it is famously known for it's Veteran anti-war protests on Friday afternoon, is gonna get some new name brand stores. The Peppertree Center currently does have CVS, but it is also lacks appeal for anything. The little market there has been closed forever. The other shops, I could care less for, unless you like hookahs (LOL).

I am extremely excited that Fresh & Easy will be making it's way there! Woohoo! You got a customer for life here, I love that place. And also, a Walgreens, which to me isn't that big a deal, there's already a CVS. Did Walgreen's buy CVS? Or maybe CVS sold, whatever, doesn't matter, it's still good news.

They also mention another possibility for something called 'Cheese Cave'. I have no clue what this is. Perhaps a Wine/Cheese place? Or maybe an Italian restaurant? The location for this 'Cheese Cave' is not known, perhaps the Village as Claremont Insider suggests.

Corporations Are People Too

Not...

(click to enlarge image)

Fire Rock Pale Ale

Straight from the land of volcanoes and waves, comes the Kona Brewing Company. Another great American Brewery to support! Every time I taste and enjoy a well-crafted brew, I feel nothing but pride to know that my purchase is helping our country and people. Although this brew is mainly made in Hawaii, it is also produced on the mainland in Oregon and New Hampshire (under strict guidelines of course).

When I poured this into a glass, the colors were beautiful. Not too light and not too dark, but a nice golden light reddish brown. The taste is smooth and this one seems to balance quite well. It doesn't overdo the hoppiness, sweetness or nuttiness, but you can taste them all. This is a very drinkable Pale Ale, in fact, I am very impressed. I would definitely have these for a whole night at a party, no prob! Sip, sit back and think of a nice breezy hawaiian evening as the sun sets.

This baby gets a 4.2 out of 5 stars and now sits as one of my top 5 American Pale Ales!