Honoring Rancho Cucamonga's founders

No one could escape the synthesizer sounds and the flashy colors of the 1980s at Victoria Gardens on Saturday.

[RC Ray]

While many appeared to enjoy the festival, one man was disappointed with the parade's racial makeup. Trucking company owner Frank Howard, 69, of Alta Loma, pointed out several parade ensembles with "no black kids" except various dance groups and school bands.
"We do more than that," Howard said.

What in the world is he talking about ?

[Stephen]

It's an interesting observation, to be sure, to note that there were very few non-whites.

But I can't say that it's the fault of the various groups and organizations. For example, I was in the Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail entry. Of the members that participated, I was the sole non-Caucasian. It's a purely volunteer advocacy organization for the multi-use path.

It's difficult enough attracting people to join us, let alone anyone specifically of color.

So does Frank Howard have any suggestions on how to get people to step up and volunteer?

[Matt West]

The founders of Rancho Cucamonga would be very proud of what a magnificent city it has turned out to be. What was once just three small towns: Alta Loma, Cucamonga, and Etiwanda is now the 9th fastest growing city in the nation, the 11th safest city in the nation, and has been selected as the premier city of the Inland Empire for corporate destinations.

Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment are the newest additions to the city and are a total success. The city tax revenues in the first year of the mall opening jumped 44 percent. The mall design won two silver star awards which was a first, and the mall also made headlines around the world as one of the most successful retail projects in the nation. Downtown Cucamonga is not yet finished. The office/condo element will replace the surrounding parking with highrise towers and parking structures.

The Terra Vista Town Power Center is still booming even though the mall opened two blocks away. The city did not want to hurt business along the Foothill Corridor and it did a great job with the downtown transition.

Our founders expected the best. Growing from a bedroom community to an executive corporate destination in a decade is the dream of any city. This dream will become reality because this is Rancho Cucamonga and we get things done.

[gag reflex]

Matt West wrote:

The founders of Rancho Cucamonga would be very proud of what a magnificent city it has turned out to be. What was once just three small towns: Alta Loma, Cucamonga, and Etiwanda is now the 9th fastest growing city in the nation, the 11th safest city in the nation, and has been selected as the premier city of the Inland Empire for corporate destinations.
Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment are the newest additions to the city and are a total success. The city tax revenues in the first year of the mall opening jumped 44 percent. The mall design won two silver star awards which was a first, and the mall also made headlines around the world as one of the most successful retail projects in the nation. Downtown Cucamonga is not yet finished. The office/condo element will replace the surrounding parking with highrise towers and parking structures.
The Terra Vista Town Power Center is still booming even though the mall opened two blocks away. The city did not want to hurt business along the Foothill Corridor and it did a great job with the downtown transition.
Our founders expected the best. Growing from a bedroom community to an executive corporate destination in a decade is the dream of any city. This dream will become reality because this is Rancho Cucamonga and we get things done.

Gag!

[Matt West]

gag reflex wrote:

<quoted text>
Gag!

Montclair...Gag! This little town used to be seen as a very upscale and desirable place to live. Today the town has decayed into a shattered mess. Home ownership is a distant memory here, where the renting of entire neighborhoods has plunged the city into mass disrepair and blight. Multiple families living in single family properties seems to be a major reason for Montclair's civic downfall. Can't wait until Nordstrom moves from Montclair Plaza to Victoria Gardens. Seems the Montclair Plaza does not attract the high end customers it used to. That's what happens when your city turns to $#!%. Too bad. Oh well, Nordstrom will do better in Downtown Cucamonga anyway.