Checking In

Hey guys, I'm around, just haven't blogged much(obviously). Was in Cambria this past weekend and I got some shots for ya. So much going on, not enough time... the usual.

But for now, I am off to the...

The Evolution Of Dance

Pomona Trash Fight Contniues

UPDATE! the meeting has been postponed, more detail in the comments section of this post.


The fight against the Pomona Valley Waste Transfer Station continues...

This week, we will be submitting over 2500 letters to the City Council, asking them not to hear the appeal from the applicant of the project. If they choose not to hear the appeal, then the project cannot move forward.

However, if they decide to hear the appeal, we will once again need to present them with the facts that we have gathered, as well as our concerns about the project.

They will have a meeting on Monday, January 9th to decide whether or not to hear the appeal for the project (appealing the planning commission decision to deny a permit for the project).

Please join us on January 9th to voice our opposition to the project. We will meet in front of the council chambers at 6pm and the meeting will begin at 7pm. We want to have as many people as possible attend that meeting. Please tell your friends and friends!

Website: DontTrashPomona.com

Long Time And Hello 2012

I sat outside this morning with a nice cup of coffee and realized that I daydream more often than I should. I also realized that I do not care to share these thoughts on a blog as much (some of these thoughts are too much I think). But I also realize how frickin' busy I have been since Thanksgiving. Not only did we host Thanksgiving at our home without knowing until Thanksgiving afternoon, we also hosted Christmas Eve as well, with a 5 day notice! (We were supposed to spend the weekend in Montecito with relatives, but I didn't 'confirm').

I had planned a New Years shindig at my place earlier this year, but these non-planned double holiday parties have pooped me out physically and financially. Although New Years Eve will be here, we will have a smaller get-together than anticipated, just a handful of close people. It's alot easier that way, although all are welcome to come (just bring some drinks or food).

Also, all the kids are home for a couple of weeks, so Grocery shopping is a constant thing. The last minute Christmas shopping for the WHOLE family was a beating in itself, physically and financially once again. Actually, now that I think about it, it wasn't the parties that did it, it was the day before preparations!

So then, this small New Years thing doesn't sound so bad. Small, chilled and a relaxed atmosphere sounds really good now.

Hope everyone out there has a Happy New Years Eve and Day! 2012 is sure to be one strange year. With the monsters that be tinkering with Iran, and North Korea with a new kid leader, it should be interesting.

Here's a little something to ring in the New Year:

A View On 9-11

This man has a point, if not for the excessive profanity... viewer discretion is advised!

Seen Over @ Joey's BBQ Pomona

"Work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work. Hello boys. Have a good night's rest? I missed you."

Baldwin Park Bust

A few days old story but WOW! 80 kilos of Cocaine found in a Baldwin Park home. There's more to Baldwin Park than just the birthplace of In & Out Burger!

"Covina police received information of suspicious activity in area houses. Their investigation led them to a house in Baldwin Park, which they placed under surveillance, according to the report.

On Monday, investigators spotted Perez leaving and pulled him over on a traffic stop. They then searched his home and found the drugs and money, according to the report."

Full story at L.A. Times.com.

Time Management

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Claremont's Cough Syrup Cartel

Oh yeah, my fine friends over at Claremont Insider have an interesting write up on this story published by the Daily Bulletin, here's a quote from the Daily Bulletin:

"A Claremont woman and her son are among four defendants who have been charged with money laundering related to a pharmaceutical distribution ring.

Lucita Uy, 70, and her son Lemuel Libunao, 42, both of Claremont were allegedly part of a narcotics ring that sent the powerful cough syrup Promethazine from Southern California to Texas where it was often sold at a high markup, according to information from the United States Attorney's Office.
The cough syrup is referred to as "purple drank," "syrup," "purple liquid" and "lean.""

The Claremont Insider digs deeper and gives you the whole story, previous indictments, pictures and personal quotes. What's interesting is I'm always at my kid's soccer practice by the house at Padua Park. And in the end, this part had me laughing...

"All of which just goes to show that Claremonters lead very interesting lives, and we may just never be what we appear to be."

Pomona-Claremont Election Results

Congrats to the double winners of the School Board, with a particular WOOHOO! for newly elected Frank Guzman for Pomona Unified!

Pomona USD Winners:
JASON A ROTHMAN 28.68%
FRANK C GUZMAN 24.53%
R L Rodriguez 22.43%
Hank Mollet 20.65%
Anthony Granillo 3.72%

Claremont USD Winners:
HILARY D LACONTE 43.13%
SAMUEL L MOWBRAY 36.32%
Joseph D Farrell 20.55%

Get Out & Vote Today!

Yeah I know, for one little thing. And many other cities too. For Pomona, there are 5 candidates for 2 School Board positions. I say out of a population of over 150,000, perhaps 500 will vote, well, okay, less than 1,000. And it will probably mostly be out of Phillips Ranch & Diamond Bar.

I really hope Frank Guzman gets a slot on the board. This guy really does want to do the job, and doesn't seem to be trying to 'Norma Torres' himself for personal gain. He is a Diamond Bar resident, but we share our school district with half of that city. Plus he grew up and works in Pomona and wants to make it better.

The other person I have always liked is Jason Rothman. I voted for him in the past and I really like his stance on that nasty little measure they passed on us by fooling many voters, measure SS. He voted against it as Andrew Wong did too. I applaud Jason for that. Now that being said, everyone doesn't seem to like his father, our Mayor and I've heard all the gossip & rumors relating to him on this school board election. Regardless, I still think Jason does a great job on the board and hope he is his own person, which I believe he is.

The rest of the candidates I have no clue about. I will vote for these 2, since I personally have met them on several occasions.

Mustaches & Crime

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Corporate Whining

Dale Brother's Oktober Fiesta This Saturday!

Darn, darn! I have a stupid wedding I have to attend, so much going on too! (We will miss you Meg & K)

But for those of you who can attend, here's the info:
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Do Your Chores Or Else...

Chores would be done a lot quicker in my house if I were this Dad:

"Tired of his "lazy" son not performing his chores, a Ventura father allegedly attacked the teen with a four-foot-long sword, according to police."

I wonder what the punishment in this household would be for not doing homework? Or perhaps getting into a school fight. Anyways...

Read More At NBCLA:
Dad Allegedly Attacks Son With Sword for Not Doing Chores.

Proud Of Our Vets, Who Are Also 99%ers!

Costco Cost Mo'

Hello So Cal peeps... Costco has just announced that their regular membership fee will increase 10% from $50 to $55.

I've been a Costco member ever since the one on Los Feliz in Glendale opened in the 1990s when I had my first apartment. I believe it was like $35 for the membership. It then went to $45 last I remember. I realized that in the last 4 years or so, I really don't go to Costco anymore. I used to call it the $200 store because I would go for milk and a couple of other minor things, and would always spend $200 or more. I'm sure my membership is expired now. In 2009 I remember going and having to pay to renew it when I had spent about $70. Have not gone back since. I do like Costco, they have some cool stuff and do take care of their employees more than any other big box store. I figure I'll go with someone if I need something, save me some money...

Regardless, just passing the notice on to many of you... I'm sure it'll be in the news all week.

A Rant To The U.S. Gov't

This is great... and funny as heck. Warning, contains profanity.

Epic View Of The L.A. County Fair Today

One of the questions I am asked all the time is, 'Have you gone to the L.A. County Fair?". I always say no, never have and don't plan to. Something about it being very expensive, especially with a family and also large crowds that can frustrate you, kinda make me stay away.

Nevertheless, a friend pointed out this cool picture taken today at the fair and shared on Facebook. I was at the Bonita vs Diamond Ranch football game played at Ganesha High, and the sky was a little nuts with a small sprinkle of rain twice today. What a cool shot of the fair this is:

(if this post sounds awful and there are typos, pardon me, I am drinking down a couple of beers to mourn Bonita's loss to Diamond Ranch).

City Of MonteBELLo... Yeah Emphasis On -BELL-

No surprise, as MOST city officials become city officials because of the perks, NOT because they TRULY care about the city. Although during their campaign they will speak like they are fighting for all the people of the city.

Anyways, looks like Montebello is heading the City of Bell way, perhaps. According to this ARTICLE on a State Audit, Montebello misspent $31 million in redevelopment and gas funds.

Not to mention there is also an investigation of $1 Million in payouts of Montebello city money in 'off-the-books' accounts.

Yikes...