Coming to Corona: Corona Cerritos Plaza (06/07/06) If you have driven Ontario Avenue or the 15 freeway you may have noticed construction taking place on the corner of Ontario and State Street; known officially as the Corona Cerritos Plaza. It’s a moderately sized project compared to Dos Lagos or The Crossings at Corona but still with reverence! I notice everything, which is inherently something that either works for you or drives you mad; I am somewhere in between. I have been watching the project for months and then forgot about it. With the advent of the Message Board, a ‘Danette’ asked if anyone knew about the project and why was it taking so long. So, being Mr. nosey-pants I am I decided to do some research and share it with you good folks! The project is a 2 phase project with its first phase due to arrive in the September time frame; great timing if you are a retailer and if you are hungry to satisfy a growing region. If I lived in the surrounding area, I would be doing back-flips! It offers everything that Ontario Avenue West offers with the exception of the hustle and bustle of traffic! Retailers/lessee’s, Retailer categories coming to the center are as follows: Pet Hospital, Cleaners, Nails, Barbers, Bakery & Café, Dentist, Trend Setters, Dance Academy, Avid Tile (lease negotiations), Day Care, Starbuck’s, Sombrero’s, Martial Arts, Hillside Pool, In 2 Fitness, Eatza Pizza (love the name), Wow Wingery (lease negotiations), Mint Wireless (lease negotiations), Granny’s Fish, Tanning and Corona Realty. Ok, I think I am officially out of breath! Hopefully, I do not write this article in vain. I am always curious about what is happening to our region and hopefully you share some of that curiosity. If you know about a development and/or want to know about a development taking place in the region please let us know; I would love to share it and would love to learn about it! You can find more information on other developments in our ‘Coming Soon’ webpage. COMMENT ON EDITORIAL WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? _____________________________________________________________ Inland Empire, the valley of ‘Smart’ people (05/31/06) I want to speak a little about the perception of East versus West. No, I am not speaking about The United States of America versus Russia, Tupoc versus Notorious BIG or the like. I am speaking about the Inland Empire versus the rest of Southern California (for the sake of argument, I have excluded Orange County because they have a movie and a television show named after them…they receive enough ‘air-time’). Several years ago, even before I moved into the Inland Empire, I had notions about what the Inland Empire was and was not; it tended to lean towards what the Inland Empire was not. Development was ramped with housing in a time when prices were only beginning to percolate. I discovered that this region was poised for greatness and the crowds would follow (where from, the OC…you guessed it). Now, that all sounds nice and dandy. There were some real tenacious times when retail development moved slower than my patience-meter would accommodate. Or times where I thought we were missing a real opportunity to snub our noses at the rest of Southern California. I can’t tell you how many bad remarks I have heard about the Inland Empire from friends (that’s a nice name for them), local KROQ DJ’s Kevin and Bean (still love the radio station), a moron who run a ‘valley of the dirt people’ website in the IE and the like. Perception is reality until you change it, right? We have moved mountains (or cleared ground for more housing) to change this perception of the Inland Empire. Leading the pack is Corona, Temecula, Chino Hills and Norco. Herb Higgins, a current Council Member and former Norco Mayor shared a point this week on the Mycitycorona.com message board that kind of shook me! He mentioned bringing in some restaurants and businesses to the area ranging from Louise’s (I love Louise’s) to Trader Joe’s (and I love Trader Joe’s). So what, you may ask. Well, it’s a mark of the change and progress this region has seen over the last 10 years or so. For Norco to make such a leap of faith and the businesses to come and build sends a signal. When I first arrived in Corona some 7 years ago, the first Starbuck’s (as I was told) had only been there for about 2-4 years before. Imagine, marking progress by your first Starbuck’s; anyway. Yesterday, I learn Wood Ranch is coming to Corona (who would have thunk). Here’s my point in all of this…the Inland Empire is the awaking sleeping giant. COMMENT ON EDITORIAL WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? ____________________________________________________ Post it, I dare you (05/24/06) This week I would like to discuss a little thing called the ‘Message Board’. When used properly, it can be a tremendous tool for sharing and shifting information across the World Wide Web. Some people love to spend hours and hours writing, bickering and interacting with fellow-boarders. Mycitycorona.com offers a Message Board that I am sure will become a useful and fun utility to gain, share and cross-channel information in one easy place. As a temporary remedy, I have set up the boards and topics to be universal enough that anyone can get involved and not feel too-terribly isolated. But, as the conversations become more diverse and personal, we will make an effort to personalize the boards as to make them more interesting. With topics like Editorials, Rumors/News, Events, Real Estate Center, City Talk and Feedback there are many topics that can ‘wet the palette’. Try out the Message Board today…please be kind, don’t waste time bagging on a fellow boarder and bring some substance to the table. Happy boarding! COMMENT ON EDITORIAL WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? ___________________________________________________ 6th Street costs a Grand in Irvine (05/17/06) Huh? Read on and let me explain the title. Exhibit 6th Street: Corona has a ‘Grand Vision’; I read this to be true in a Press Enterprise story this weekend. Corona wants to develop the interior circumference of the Grand Circle into “…professional/medical office, the creation of a sense of place, a mix of housing types, retail, mixed use, educational & cultural opportunities, restaurants, pedestrian orientation..” My reaction…BRAVO!!! Imagine the current blight wiped away with the newer, cleaner smell of paint, plants and coffee houses…concentration 6th street! 6th Streets exalt from the peril of lawnmower, Tire/Lube shops, Fast food and those great bi-lingual shops has been a long time coming. Corona is a Major League player whose been playing in the minors too long; it’ s time to step up to base and hit a home-run. Now is the time!!! Similar to the manner that Norco was forced to handle the Hamner development project, Corona should take the lead in recognizing what worked 15 years ago and what will work 15 years from now! Exhibit Grand Avenue: The first time I drove Grand Avenue I got lost; I was looking for the post office, Salvation Army, something. Needless to say, I found myself in unknown territory…scary territory (and it was day time). For good or bad, this area is part of the cities welcome mat when people visit City Hall…the surrounding areas are old and show its age. What’s my point here? The city has over-achieved when it came to the more rural areas like The Crossings, Dos Lagos, The Retreat and Sycamore Creek while just outside its doors lie the remnants of the ‘Grand Avenue’. Mix-use development is the wave of the future. Its very nature exists for the convenience and accommodation of a growing population. Meet the clash of Older Corona meeting mix-use development, being broad-sided by lower income residents living directly centered in its plan. Exhibit Irvine, California: Kathleen Dever of the Corona Historic Preservation Society was quoted as saying "We don't want it to look like Irvine, especially around the Circle”. I can appreciate the balance of old and new development but to vehemently exclaim we don’t want to be the big kid on the block is a tad near-sighted as I see it. Understanding and appreciating that a large portion of the high income, college graduate transplants traveling into Corona are those very residents who came from Orange County. They did not move here to eat at Hunny’s, shop at the costume shop or the like. They came here because they could cash out their equity and buy a huge house with a huge lot. And moreover, they are clamoring for the mix-use experience as it relates to the shopping, the restaurants and the ‘Junoesque’ of Orange County. Kathleen, I do understand your position. In the end, I think we can be the big kid on the block with some heritage about our past. COMMENT ON EDITORIAL WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? ___________________________________________________ Mycitycorona.com: A Web Odyssey (05/10/06) Happy 1-year birthday officially to Mycitycorona.com. We have been through the ups and the downs of cyberspace meeting, mingling and connecting so many people across the way. What was once an odd spark of imagination has definitely turned into a collage of something slightly more magical. The rants have been heartfelt, the posts have been for the benefit of the masses and I can say confidently that everything is done for you the visitor. My enjoyment comes from your good comments, feedback and suggestions! Thank you! So, before I sound like a babbling-sniveling fool let me share some tidbits with you. While our visitor numbers have been increasing month after month March 2006 marked the highest numbers we have ever recorded, blowing the previous months away! The ‘usuals’ do a great good of visiting Mycitycorona.com on a daily, weekly basis…you know who you are! The pages that are visited vary but the usuals make a point to scour their favorites. So for that I say thank you, welcome back and see you soon! For the faithful that actually read the editorials and give up 3-5 minutes of your day for Mycitycorona.com we would like to thank you for your patronage! Lastly, the future holds all sorts of interesting projects; some will come to the surface in the short-term and some in the long-term. Hold tight and ready yourself for the ride! COMMENT ON EDITORIAL WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? ___________________________________________________ Light Notes (05/03/05) Dos Lagos Images: What follows is a collection of new images that help build the picture of what Dos Lagos will look like and the different perspectives of the lake. Dos Lagos 1 Dos Lagos 2 Dos Lagos 3 Monday’s Protest: To all of the protester's who took the day off, I would like to thank you! The roads have not been that clear since, gosh who knows? So, to all that protested Viva La Protest! New Corona Project: “With its long, linear statement, this project acts as a linkage between the historic circular center of the City of Corona and the presence of the 91 freeway, pointing visitors and residents alike along a dynamic arrow toward the civic center. Small retail spaces along 6th Street create a village ambience and act as a mediator between the more traditional development in existence on 6th street and the modernist statement created by the proposed long office building and integrated parking garage. A sequence of open spaces and roof gardens on top of the two levels of garage provides a continuous pedestrian experience designed to encourage shoppers and office users to interact throughout the site. Surface parking for the retail area is conveniently located to stimulate walk-in business. Parking for office users is tucked away from view in a garage which makes the most of a natural grade differential.” Corona 1 Corona 2 Corona 3 COMMENT ON EDITORIAL WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND? ___________________________________________________ Announcement (04/26/06) Bob J. Talbert (July 23, 1929 - April 22, 2006) MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, April 27th, 10:00 am at Crossroads Church, 2331 Kellogg Avenue Corona, California, 92881- 3535. Telephone: (951) 737-4664 PUBLIC VIEWING: Wednesday, April 26th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Thomas Miller Mortuary, 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, California, 92879. Telephone: (951) 737-3244 Bob J. Talbert: Age 76, passed away April 22, 2006 at Life Care Center of Corona. Born July 23, 1929 in Albemarle, North Carolina to James (Paul) Talbert and Mabel O. Harwood Talbert, known as Dixie. He Lived in Corona for 62 years arriving in 1944 with mother and step father Hugh Underhill. Corona was the perfect setting to raise a family with its great schools and an attractive High School located on 6th Street. Talbert graduated from Corona High School in 1947 and entered the National Guard. His unit was federalized during the Korean War and was sent to Japan where he was assigned to an Infantry Heavy Weapons platoon in the U.S. Army. He was discharged in 1954 and returned to Pasadena, California. His stepfather Hugh Underhill was elected to the office of the constable in 1948 and again in 1952 but had resigned in 1953 to move to Lancaster-Palmdale area where he hoped the climate would improve his wife’s arthritis. Talbert lived in Pasadena only briefly before he moved back to Corona “because that was where all my friends were.” He immediately joined the Corona Police Department reserves in 1957 were he began what was then a struggle against department height requirements. “It seemed that only big guys were policemen”, said Talbert. Bob Talbert stood 5 feet 8 and half inches. He started full-time in the Police Department on May 16, 1958. Three Years later he moved to the motorcycle unit. Talbert was named Chief in March 16, 1979 and retired in 1985. Bob J. Talbert was appointed to the Planning Commission on September, 21, 1994. He was re-appointed on March 15, 1995 and served until December 3, 2002. He served a total of 8 year. Survived by wife Ola Jones Talbert, whom he was married to for 43 years. Also survived by three children, Darrell Talbert of Corona, CA; Gayle Allison of Bend, OR and Bobby James Talbert Jr. of Bend OR. Other family members include brother Everette (Pat) Talbert of Menifee, CA; Sister Kathy Whittle of Glendora, CA; Niece Debbie Stuckert of Corona, CA; and Nephews Daniel Talbert of Thousand Oaks, CA and Dale Talbert of Idaho. Bob also has 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Bob Talbert was always a prankster. He was a kind and loving man who never failed to tell his family how much he loved them. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Memorial Services are on Thursday, April 27th at 10 am at Crossroads Church. Burial is at Riverside National Cemetery. Public viewing is this Wednesday evening 5 pm to 7pm at Thomas Miller Mortuary. The family requests that a contribution in lieu of flowers be made to: American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org), Inland Empire Unit 1240 Palmyrita Ave, Suite A Riverside, CA 92507 or Christian Arts Theater of Corona (http://www.catcorona.org), 850 E. Parkridge Ave., Suite #104, Corona, CA 92879. ___________________________________________________ Light Notes (04/19/06) Home Sweet Home: Just when you thought the homes in Dos Lagos were 'Sold Out', it seems there are negotiations taking place to purchase more land for more homes. Time will tell if the terms are set and eventually fulfilled to bring more home to a home saturated Corona. Dos Lagos: Take a look at the following link for an interesting video presentation of the history of Dos Lagos and what it will look like: Dos Lagos Video Corona goes high-tech: I read in The Press Enterprise that Corona is in negotiations to be a FREE WI-FI city...and in an interesting twist, our April Poll ask visitors if FREE WI-FI would be best for Corona and Norco. Visitors have been so-so on the WI-FI issue but they love the subsidized toll reimbursement. Personally, I love the FREE WI-FI initiative and thank the city for having the guts (that's not the word I wanted to use) to go after it; congratulations Corona! What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ___________________________________________________________ Easter in the park or in church (04/12/06) Mother's coloring eggs, Father's hiding eggs and children wishing they could meet Peter Rabbit after a morning of Easter egg hunting. As I sit here writing this, there are community organizations preparing their parks and their churches for the Easter Sunday rush...and you don't find a shortage of it in Corona and Norco. From the door flyers to the mailers to the banners inviting all residents to a 'Giant Egg Hunt', residents should have plenty to do...don't believe me, check out our Calendar webpage. Happy Easter this Sunday...What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ____________________________________________________________ SPRING FLING ART SHOW (04/05/06) The Corona Art Association is hosting their annual Spring Fling Art Show, at Heritage Park Museum & Fine Art Gallery, 510 W. Foothill Parkway, Corona. (One block West of Main Street) Show opens April 22 & runs through May 20, 2006. We invite artists 18 years and older to exhibit their work and be judged by renowned Riverside artist, Joanna Mersereau. Fees are $5 for members, $10 for non-members, per picture and $24 for a yearly membership. All work must be properly framed and hung with screw eyes and wire, with a maximum 3 pictures per artist. Public invited opening day, Saturday April 22, noon-2pm, to view the show. A reception and awards presentation for artists is scheduled from 3-5pm. Show hours throughout the week are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-2pm in the Fine Art Gallery. For more information regarding entry to this show call: Shirley, 951- 737-0462. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ____________________________________________________________ More Light Notes (03/29/06) Made in Corona? Surfing the channels last evening, I caught a program that I thought you may like to catch as a re-run; John Ratzenberger’s ‘Made in America’. In each episode, the show profiles three different companies (and products) made in America. As it happens, last night’s episode profiled a Corona company, Silvercrest Home builders. Corona protests? Today, a group of Corona residents (Parents) put a twist on the immigration protests. Corona residents took it upon themselves to protest the kids who are doing the protests, with messages like ‘Protest after school’. If I had the energy, I would find a cause to protest, how about food/beverage prices at the Theaters? Now, there’s a cause! Panda’s are not only found in China! Panda Express is coming to Corona! Panda Express has a huge following, including my Wife. The center at the corner of Ontario and Magnolia will host the new Panda Express; the same center hosts Mi Tortilla, The Cowboy Surfer and Vons. The Panda Express will operate as a duel restaurant and drive-through. Now, if they could only add a Hong Kong Chow Fun dish…not to be missed! What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ____________________________________________________________ Spring forward (03/22/06) Hose down the Bar-B-Q, fill the propane tank, restock the ant spray, open the blinds and look outside because we are heading straight into spring. Next week marks the time when the clocks are moved forward (my apologies on behalf of Mother Nature for the sleep deprived). Look around, the trees are blooming, birds are building nests, if you listen hard you can almost hear the crack of the bat from spring training. Can you tell this is my favorite time of the year? Don’t get me wrong, I love summer but it is just so hot! Spring offers all of the benefits of summer without having to slap on SPF 85 and move to shadier ground. Without getting all of the summer people mad, I will state for the record…pool parties, the Lake, the River, leaving windows open, the Ice Cream Man (daily), and more does have its advantages. So, when you are waking up an hour earlier in the coming weeks and it’s the weekend go outside to smell the roses and listen to the birds! Not much of a flowers and birds person? Go outside with a coffee and appreciate Corona and Norco’s perfect spring weather! What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ___________________________________________________________ Light Notes (03/15/06) Confirmed! Miguel's Jr. has signed a lease to be the premiere Mexican full-service Restaurant in Dos Lagos on the west-end of the lake (near the big hill that goes up to the 15 freeway). The restaurant will be designed by the same Architects that designed The Crossroads Church in Corona; how's that for inspiring! Corona Toyota "Oh, what a BAD feeling!" Is it me or has Corona Toyota gone a little too far with their promotions? It's bad enough that 6th Street looks the way it does but to add insult to injury Corona Toyota ran a promotion this past week that stunk up the joint even more! Come on Bud, what are you thinking? Corona Toyota had chain-linked fencing brought in to border the frontal of their dealership...only to stick gaudy promotional signs on the fencing to promote their 'Big Sale'! In my impression, it was a black eye to the City of Corona and there should be ordinances in place to shield such gaudiness! Snow in Corona? Well, maybe not snow but lots of hail! For anyone lucky enough to be apart of the hail storm Saturday night, you experienced quite a rarity for the region if not for Southern California. Where we live, it was thick, slushy, and quite powerful! What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________________ A new business profile (03/08/06): THE LITTLE GYM® TUMBLES INTO CORONA Curriculum-Based Program Helps Children Build Motor Skills, Self-Esteem Corona, Ca. (March 8, 2006) – Bouncing, giggling, rolling and swinging upside down – it’s all in a day’s fun for students at The Little Gym of Corona. The new gym, which has already received a significant positive response from local residents, helps children between the ages of 10 months and 12 years lay the foundation for a lifetime of success. A franchise company headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., The Little Gym is considered the premier developer of motor skills in children worldwide. The company uses curriculum-based gymnastics, movement and other programs to promote coordination, balance, rhythm and flexibility. In addition, The Little Gym’s programs have a proven track record of enhancing children’s listening, social and intellectual skills. “Our philosophy is to introduce kids to the world of fitness in a caring and non-competitive way,” said Susan Engwall, co-owner of the new gym. “Our students progress at their own pace, and rather than be the best, they are encouraged to try their best.” Susan Engwall owns the new gym with long-time friend Jennifer Marcoly. Both left successful careers in business to embark on the rewarding experience of owning The Little Gym. They were inspired to do so after inquiring about the program for their children 3 years ago. “Programs at The Little Gym are curriculum-based and make skill building fun for students and parents alike. Individualized attention builds the students’ confidence that lays the foundation for success in other arenas of life,” said Marcoly. The Little Gym of Corona offers a variety of classes. One such course enables parents to join their children in the exploration of basic motor and social-skill development, while another teaches students basic tumbling and apparatus techniques using positive motivation as a learning tool. Classes are taught from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, The Little Gym reserves Saturday and Sunday afternoons for birthday parties. For more information about the program, call (951) 277-7605. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________________ Are the Lakes a mistake? (03/01/06) Happy March to you, where does time go? Many of the visitors of MyCityCorona.com, I imagine, are home-owners? I myself am a home-owner! Some 5-7 years ago, housing prices in Corona, Norco and its neighboring Cities (let’s say almost everywhere) were affordable enough to buy a large home with a large lot; in most cases. Nowadays, good luck for you first time buyers! But wait, there’s a large movement away from the big housing developers (that was so 1999) and towards what I like to call ‘Apartment Reclaiming’ or Condo Conversions. It’s ultimately something that happens when the pendulum moves away from a hot Real Estate market to a softer market that attempts to accommodate the lower sector of home buyer. If you doubt this point, take notice to all of the big housing developers ‘Deals’, ‘Sales’ and ‘Incentives’…if you can afford it, maybe a good time to buy big? But, that’s not the subject today! Condo Conversions: When an apartment’s owner or it’s new owner decides to move away from the Apartment ‘Renting’ or ‘Leasing’ and sells the units as a deeded condominium; hence the conversion of apartments to condominiums. ‘The Lakes’ are one of a handful of condo conversions in the Corona/Norco area that offer such a purchase. For the money, $199,000 and up, a new home buyer finds themselves in a unique position of affordability. With amenities like a common pool, tennis court, walking paths and as the name exclaims ‘The Lakes’ there is a lake that residents can enjoy. But, with conversion come some questions; what happened to all of those people who lived there before? Odds are they were given options to buy there units, and if they left they under amicable conditions (versus trashing the place). What about the condition of the property as it relates to structural improvements including cosmetic, plumbing, etc. These are all good questions to ask when considering such a purchase. I am simply pointing out there are alternatives to renting. Properties like ‘The Lakes’ are worth visiting for yourself. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ____________________________________________________ I can’t ‘Shut Up’ about Dos Lagos...business owners take heed! (02/22/06) Some fast-fun facts about the new the live-work homes at Dos Lagos, as follows: • 93 attached units of for-sale homes with storefronts. • Businesses that will be allowed in the Dos Lagos live-work units include boutiques that sell apparel and other products sewn on the premises; artist sales galleries; photography studios; and offices of professionals such as accountants, lawyers and business consultants. • Nail and hair salons also can set up shop in the neighborhood, but only with approval from the neighborhood's homeowners association. • The live-work units at Dos Lagos will have three stories. The ground floor will have a two-car garage and between 450 and 700 square feet of space dedicated to businesses. • A downstairs storefront window will face a walkway. The business owner's family will live in the top two floors where there will be three bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, balcony patios and, in some plans, a family room. • To accommodate customers, 40 parking spaces will serve the neighborhood. Also delivery zones are to be designated for delivery trucks such as UPS and FedEx. • Prices have not been set but are estimated to start in the $ 400,000 range. The first units are expected to be ready in early 2007. • At least 20 percent of each live-work unit must be reserved for business, and the business area cannot be converted to residential use or subleased. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________________ Light Note: Traffic Rankings, are you surprised? (02/15/06) By the Texas Transportation Institutes reckoning, the cities having the worst traffic problems are: 1. Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Calif. 2. San Francisco, Oakland, Calif. 3. Washington, D.C. 4. Atlanta 5. Houston 6. Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Tex. 7. Chicago. 8. Detroit 9. Riverside, San Bernardino, Calif. 9. Orlando, Fla. 11. San Jose, Calif. 12. San Diego Need I say anything else? What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ____________________________________________________________ I want my money back, Pizza-Man! (02/08/06) There are very little things I get excited about more than food! I love good food, I love sampling new kinds of foods at Indian, Sushi, Fast Food, Thai, Southern, BBQ and other restaurants. Before I go on, please don’t get the impression that I am a portly gentleman; I am in good shape for my age and I attempt to balance what I eat. No caffeine or colas but I love my coffee! Anyway, I digress! We are pizza-people who have been bound by the same pizza restaurant since we arrived in Corona. Last Friday night, on a whim we deferred from our old friend to try a new ‘flyer’ pizza (meaning, I received a flyer in the mail and the pizza restaurant on the flyer looked good). We ordered a small pizza and an appetizer. I might as well have gone to Taco Bell and ordered a pizza there; do you get my point? The pizza was dinky! I wasn’t expecting a mammoth pizza but hopefully a smidge larger than a 45-record size (for the younger crowd reading this a 45-record was our form of entertainment before CD’s). And it tasted extra ordinary…from an establishment that actually sounded Italian too! Needless to say, we both looked at each other with disappointment. You know what happens, you build up this image of something and the fantasy takes over; sounds like my College days…that’s a whole different editorial. Anyway, I guess my point with today’s editorial is watch out when you differ from a friendly restaurant; danger lurks out there. Want-to-be pizza makers cost you time, money and Tums. Note: I would mention the name of the pizza restaurant but I will leave that up for guess. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? ____________________________________________________ Traffic or Tra-thick? (02/01/06) Has anyone noticed traffic patterns have improved over the last 12 months as it relates to heading into Orange County? Maybe, it's just me. I notice the time it takes to get on the freeway has improved considerably; once horrid and completely unacceptable it is now better than tolerable! That's the good news...and for those behind that 'fix', thank you! Now, for the vast amount of commuters heading back into the Inland Empire region there has been little relief (including myself); that dilemma has me thinking. There is great incentive for the Orange County Leaders to champion those projects that bring revenue (and people) into their cities; Inland commuters buying lunch, gas, shopping and generating tremendous tax revenue for their cities. The OCTA purchase of the Toll Lanes was (in my little mind) a great chess play for the revenue and power that comes from owning a main toll-road into a growing region like the Inland Empire. They can and will dictate general use policy/projects for many years to come! As I see it the Inland Empire Leaders, Business Owners and Residents have a large stake in how the future of commuting and Orange County (for that matter) either prospers or fails; let's hope the latter! Getting the Inland Empire commuters to work, live, play and spend in it's Region over the next 5-10 years will send a huge message to Orange County and their tax board. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________________ What a week, learning to be a Father in Corona (01/25/06) With the birth of my son last week, I have had lots of time to think about 'being a Father' in Corona; Between the diaper changes, the feedings, and the 'comforting'! Where he will go to school, the bike paths he might ultimately take to that school, the park(s) he will play in, Corona/Norco Little League...so many thoughts! But, having made the decision to move here many years back there was a game-plan in place to 1) buy a home, 2) start a family and 3) if all goes correctly retire as an empty-nester in the city I know as Corona, California. I have long admired the importance this city places on its Parks and Recreation programs. I have long admired the number of parks and future parks Corona has in development; always better than Gun and Liquor stores (please disregard 6th Street for a second). We can ride our bikes, fly our kites and do whatever it is park people do! What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _______________________________________________________________ It's a boy...and he's early! (01/18/06) For the editorial faithful, I apologize for not posting at the usual time I do...it seems my son could not wait to be born today and it delayed things abit...so, I am stealing a minute to write this message and I will resume next week! Thanks for understanding... Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful...beautiful boy! ______________________________________________________ A Light Note (01/11/06) I hope everyone had a fun and safe New Year Last week...if your reading this "Congratulations, you made it!" I wanted to thank the visitors of MyCityCorona.com for making December 2005 the highest visited month to date! We managed to increase our traffic to the website by 115% from November and 2690% from our humble beginnings in April 2005; all because of you. In that time, we have managed to keep our editorials fresh (fresh, perhaps not interesting but fresh), make improvements to the site and add useful content for the visitors of Corona, Norco and its neighboring cities. Please take the time to visit the affiliates and advertisers MyCityCorona.com sponsors. _____________________________________________________ A Q & A with Dos Lagos (01/04/06) • What restaurants will be coming to Dos Lagos? Camille's Sidewalk Cafe, Marble Slab Creamery; Salsa Mar; TGI Friday's. Note: The ‘real’ restaurants will be announced soon! One speculated restaurant on my part is Benihana’s.
The golf course at Dos Lagos will be public. No memberships will be required. It is scheduled to open in late Spring 2006.
condominiums as it relates to the shops; i.e. above, near or set away from the shops. Dos Lagos homes are selling quickly, many before they are even built. Construction is now underway for the Shady Grove and Market Street neighborhoods. Shady Grove is an active adult neighborhood of 118 residences with Spanish Colonial, Spanish Monterey and Santa Barbara architecture. Four floor plans will range from 915 to 1,668 square feet. Market street is designed for growing and mature families. It is a collection of 124 stylish townhomes with floor plans ranging form 1,638 to 1,825 square feet. Home shoppers can get more information at www.taylorwoodrowhomes.com or at 1-800-474-3222.
We feel that Dos Lagos and The Crossings complement each other. The Crossings, with Old Navy and Chick-Fil-A seems to be tailored more for younger families and teen-agers. Dos Lagos is being marketed at a slightly older demographic with an interest in a more upscale shopping, dining and entertainment experience. I can see moms and dads dropping their kids off at The Crossings, then heading over to Dos Lagos for some quality time together on the golf course, at the spa or shopping and dining beside the lakes. Both projects enable area residents to enjoy themselves close to home.
The amphitheater at the lakes will host a variety of entertainment events, many of which will be put on by and for the community at large. Professional musicians, fashion designers, actors and local community groups will be using the venue to bring a cultural ambience to the heart of the project.
Dos Lagos will continue to open in phases, but perhaps the most significant opening will be that of the Lifestyle Center, which opens in August 2006. • Are you seeing a large Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino County interest in the project? The Dos Lagos project has drawn attention from throughout the Southern California region and beyond. It's of interest to the general public for the amenities it brings to the area. It's also got the attention of a broader geographic scope of developers, investors and economists, who see Dos Lagos as a beacon for other upscale mixed-use development coming into Western Riverside County. What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________ What a Year…What a year 2006 will be (12/28/05) As I reflect upon 2005, I have to stop and thank all of the good people of Corona and Norco for visiting MyCityCorona.com. You have truly made 2005 special, at times odd and mostly rewarding for me! From the feedback and comments, to the tidbits of information you share, to the odd e-mails that make me laugh/smile and wonder “Are they reading my mind?”, to the time you take to answer a poll, to the small Mom and Pop businesses that want to be apart of ‘our’ world…each and everyone of you have made 2005 a winner; for that I say thanks! And if you believe 2005 was interesting, MyCityCorona.com will be turning up the volume in 2006! We have many things planned, in production and other things about to hit the public soon. If you are reading this and you have suggestions please let me know. So, here’s to closing out 2005 and to opening the door to 2006 with a bang! From my family to yours, please have a fun and safe New Years (go USC) and we look forward to seeing you in 2006. Happy Holidays! MyCityCorona.com _____________________________________________________ Merry (insert politically correct term here) to you (12/21/05) To think, we are just days away from Christmas...where does time go? Sunday, we will awaken to kids riding on new bikes, playing with new remote control cars, dressing new dolls and maybe even fido will get a new raw-hide bone. For myself, I really don't require too much...maybe a gift card to Home Depot or some shorts; I am easy that way! Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to spend time with those you love (and those you put up with) and will receive all of the things you asked Santa for. I would have to say anyone who has had to sit on the 91 freeway for over an hour this year deserves something nice; just my opinion! From MyCityCorona.com, its affiliates and advertisers we wish you a truly safe and Merry Christmas! What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________ Fast food, watch out...the big restaurants are coming to Corona (12/14/05) In a move I thought I would never be able to share with you, I can now claim there are some real restaurants coming to Corona! Not your typical deep fried, mayonnaise spread salt-bomb restaurant either! No, I am talking about the real McCoy...Benihana's! Yes, I said it...Benihana's!!! This is the iron the shirt, press the pants and make room on the credit card kind of establishment; not to be confused with the tank top, shorts and flip-flops cafes that run amuck! If you are not familiar with Benihana's, I suggest you do a little homework and read up on them! Though its final resting spot has not been confirmed (I have a call in), my guess on the matter has it falling directly on Dos Lagos; a second guess is The Retreat...but, I hedge on that guess. Can you picture it...the sun is setting, you are looking over the twin lakes of Dos Lagos (presumably) after a long day of shopping and the smell of Benihana creations are filling your nasal senses (I am drooling as I write this). Congratulations Corona, fine job Council! The announcement follows: Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ:BNHNA) and (NASDAQ:BNHN) announced today that it has signed definitive leases for new RA Sushi restaurants in Corona and Torrance, California. The two new units increase to 16 the number of RA Sushi restaurants operating or under development nationwide, five of which are in the State of California. The new RA Sushi restaurants announced today will each measure approximately 4,500 square feet plus additional outdoor seating, and are expected to be open in late calendar 2006. "RA Sushi has shown itself to be a dynamic restaurant concept with a sushi and Japanese fusion menu, and an exciting dining environment that is proving increasingly popular with its targeted market," said Joel A. Schwartz, CEO and President of Benihana. "Moreover, our experience has shown that by clustering our RA Sushi restaurants geographically, we can achieve scale in marketing as well as faster development and realizations among newer units." What's on your mind, Corona/Norco? _____________________________________________________ Light Notes (11/30/05) Thanksgiving: First and foremost, I hope everyone's Thanksgiving Holiday was relaxing and well spent. We enjoyed our Thanksgiving watching movies, spending the day with friends and relatives eating entirely too much! Corona and Norco shared some perfect weather...what a place to live! Changing of the Guard: 2006 will usher in a new Corona Mayor (Karen Spiegel), a new Pro Tem Mayor (Eugene Montanez) and will usher out Corona's current Mayor and favorite whipping-boy (Darrell Talbert) who has served 3 terms in the past 11 years. Karen's Husband Bobby Spiegel happens to be the President of the Chamber of Commerce. 2 powerful people, 1 family...will Karen make www.mycitycorona.com's 2006 most influential people? Dos Lagos: Look for our insight to the Dos Lagos project in the next week's editorials. Adopt a Street: The City of Corona has put together a really smart and necessary program called 'Adopt a Street'. Business and Non-Business entities can participate in this program, for more information click here. Street Improvements: Driving the streets of Corona over the last 6 months has been haphazard at best; rain, water-flow pipe installation, road improvements have not helped the plight. In the last few weeks I have noticed repaving improvements, making for a smoother drive and less stress on my car. Just in time for the rains! Corona/Norco, what's on your mind? |
| | The EDITORIAL | |
