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Redlands, CA - Does it seem as though the options these for buying a new home have been rather limited? On one end of the spectrum there are tract builders, on the other end there are custom builders. Tract homes are generally of moderate quality, located in a tract neighborhood with lots of other similar looking homes, and surrounded by sparse, immature landscaping. On the positive side, however, they are generally completed in a timely manner, their price is, for the most part, a known quantity, most construction issues from start to finish are handled by the builder, and financing the finished product is a straight-forward process. Custom homes are generally of high quality, located on individually selected lots, and uniquely designed and landscaped. On the down side, the building process can be very lengthy and drawn out, cost overruns are commonplace, construction issues and decisions can become all-consuming, and financing a new construction project is not straight-forward. Is there some in-between option for buying a new home that offers the positives and minimizes the negatives of the two extremes? There is an emerging market in new home building that appears to be filling the gap. "Boutique Builders" are popping up around the country, giving home buyers attractive new options for buying new homes. Boutique Builders are small companies that build only a few high quality uniquely designed homes at a time. Most Boutique Builders build in or near the communities in which they live, and therefore have a vested interest in producing a quality product. Individually selected lots are matched to distinctive house designs so that the best features of both are optimized. Generally, local trades-people and artisans are used, ensuring that attention is paid to details of style and quality. Additionally, homes built by Boutique Builders include high end products and features that would otherwise be considered an upgrade in tract or semi-custom situations. For example, features such as energy efficient HVAC systems and appliances, environmentally appropriate landscaping and irrigation, high quality energy efficient windows and doors and insulation that exceeds minimum standards, are all included to maximize long-term enjoyment and minimize long-term financial burdens. Boutique Builders assume the burden of purchasing land, obtaining permits, grading and preparing the lot, funding and managing the construction, and providing a completely finished turnkey product that is ready for purchase and occupancy. They may also assist with lining up mortgage financing for the new home owner. Boutique Builders are building new homes that are of high quality, of unique design, located on desirable lots in established locations, surrounded by mature landscaping, and offered as a finished product at a quantifiable price. While on the surface prices may seem somewhat higher than tract homes of the same size, Boutique homes already include the high end finish products, appliances, fixtures, design details, and landscaping that are either not available or added to the base price as upgrades in tract homes. When comparing apples to apples, Boutique Builders are offering an unbeatable value, superior homes for a reasonable price. Cheryl Youngwerth Owner Del Soul Homes, LLCDel Soul Homes is a Boutique Builder in Redlands, CA. For information about Del Soul Homes' projects please visit http://www.delsoulhomes.com/.
Banning CA - John Steinbacher, author and renowned television and radio personality in the United States and Canada, has touched the hearts of many with his novel Wayfarers of Fate. First published in 1956, this Spanish Civil War epic will be reissued in March 2006. The aftermath of World War I and the Great Depression created tension between those gravely affected by these events, and those who retained the social prestige of the "higher" class, remaining almost untouched. The tension in Spain between these two socio-economic groups led to a military coup de tat, resulting in the death of over one million people. Known as the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), this uprising marked the first modern, unconstrained war, a prelude to World War II. The story begins in Spain, in 1934, as brothers Juan and Pedro Avila deal with the pending war. The two brothers are torn apart as Juan chooses to fight for the cause of Communism. Juan then meets and falls in love with communist agent Hilda Krantz. He continues to fight for Communism even as Hilda betrays him. The error of his ways is seen only after the death of his brother. To add to his accomplishments in writing, television, and radio, he is also the founder of the Cancer Federation. Steinbacher currently resides in Banning, California, where he remains CEO of the Cancer Federation and editor of the magazine The Challenge. Other links
FOOTLOOSE Auditions Auditions: Monday, January 30, 2006 3-6 pm
Performances: May 11-21, 2006
Location: Fellowship Baptist Church, Back Building, 3624 Arlington Ave, Riverside
Casting: Ages 10-20 up to 40 students. The adult roles in Footloose will be played by adults. Some adult roles may be precast.
Expectations: Be prepared to sing 16 measures of a Broadway song for your audition. You are responsible to bring your own sheet music or Karaoke background to audition. No a cappella singing. A pianist and CD player will be provided. For additional questions, contact Debbie Wolgemuth, Artistic Director at (951) 756-4240 or http://www.riversideyouththeatre.org/. Submitted by Debbie Wolgemuth - 12/19/05
Experience more than a break at Stell's Coffee and Tea Co.
Stell Coffee and Tea Co. (909) 748-0009 22 East State Street Redlands, CA 92373 The small, inviting patio's tables and chairs and chalk-decorated sign, featuring Stell Coffee and Tea Co.'s specials of the day, beckons for me to enter. From the moment I step through the large wooden doors, I feel as though I have entered a different world. Friendly employees smile at me from behind the large wooden counter, as I scan the menu with a large selection of coffee and tea, plus enticingly delicious-sounding salads, sandwiches, and side dishes. Sodas, juices, and pastries are displayed through the window carved out of the middle of the counter. After ordering a Chai tea latte, I browse through the long bulletin board, decorated with local fliers, announcements, and postings for Stell's live music events featuring local musicians. Even in the middle of a Monday afternoon, each of the eight cozy wooden booths (some entirely secluded, some open on one side) is occupied. Beyond the booths, at the back of the room, lies an open area with a couch and a coffee table across from another little round table placed upon a huge, decorative rug, where I settle down to enjoy my hot latte's soothing aroma and flavor. The subtle sounds of coffee grinders, milk steamers, sizzling grills, quiet chatter, and laptop keyboards hum over casual background music, creating a unique and soothing harmony. The spacious room and decorative hanging chandeliers enhance the dim and cozy atmosphere, perfect for cracking open the books scattered across almost every table. Students from the local university pour over their notes, finding this the perfect place to prepare for next week's exams. The "homey" comfort makes me want to sit and relax a little longer than I should. When I ask Amy, who has worked for the coffee house for over a year, about the history of Stell she replies, "Robbie Stell and Amy Bates, established their first shop on Barton Road. This State Street location was opened up about a year ago. I really enjoy the atmosphere here - many of our customers are regulars. We enjoy getting acquainted with them. The personal touch we offer is why people enjoy coming here." Aside from the fact that the food and drinks are delicious, what really makes Stell Coffee and Tea Co. stand out is that the staff believes in the products they offer. Stell's roasts their own coffee beans and serves only the freshest, most natural food they can find. Every employee is well versed in the products, processes, and policies, and puts a lot of care into making Stell Coffee and Tea Co. not just a fabulous dining experience for all who enter, but a fabulous life-experience as well. by Victoria McCoy - RedFusion Media 12/16/05
Wrap-up Your Redlands Holiday Giving on the Web It's that most wonderful time of the year! The halls are decked, the turkey is trimmed, children are nestled snugly in their beds, while chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, and . . . Your holiday shopping isn't done! Fearing standing in long lines, after hours of enduring elbow jabbing at the bargain table, is nothing compared to the biggest problems of all: What to give? Will they like it? Will it fit? Do they have it? Not to mention, "Will they have to fight those elbows and long lines to return it?" It's the same story every year. Resolutions to be organized "this year" fall flat-when busy schedules crowd acts of joy into last minute hassles. Simplify your life this year by shopping Redlands online. Join us at RedlandsWeb.com in our commitment to "All Things Redlands" by making your purchases in support of our local community. It's easy to shop Redlands by using many of the great web-links to charitable organizations and local businesses. Still perplexed about what to get for your dear Auntie M? Here is the solution for you. Visit the homepage of http://www.redlandsweb.com/ and click on Redlandsweb Charitable Present. It's easy to send a donation to the Redlands Bowl, Family Services, Boys'& Girls' Club, C.S. Lewis Foundation, Quarters for Kenya, or one and all of the many great organizations located right here in town. Take care of Auntie's gift and your end-of-year charitable giving at the same time! It's easy to print out a gift card and send it to Auntie M, letting her know you have sent a donation in her name. What could be easier? No elbows, no crowded lines, and community support. It's been rumored that Santa is thinking about doing his holiday shopping in Redlands! On Dasher! By Margaret Rippetue 12/14/05 RedFusion Media
Redlands, CA - The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe will be featured Tuesday, December 13th at 8AM on The Food Network's Top 5 program. At number 5, The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe was chosen from restaurants across the nation. It originally aired quietly one time in August without notifying the shoppe, but many friends reported that they had seen it. This time, more local customers will have a chance to see the show, said Bill Craw, owner. Last May, owner Bill Craw received a call from network officials announcing the selection and scheduling a date to shoot film footage for the show. The episode features several of the restaurant's unique and favorite pizzas including the Crabby Bill's seafood selection and the Cattleman's barbeque selection. An interview with Craw is shown as well as shots of co-owners Don Craw, building the pizzas and Brian Ullon, serving. Local patrons Ryan Bailey and Al Hernandez, owners of Citrograph Printing Company in Redlands, are shown dining with Teri Ullon and Sue Ferris. Chosen for the large variety of unique pizzas as well as for the excellent quality, the entire segment lasts only 4 to 5 minutes, but has gained positive reviews from the huge country-wide audience. In addition, The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe has, for the second consecutive year, been named the "Best pizza in the Inland Empire" by the Inland Empire magazine’s readers. This is the eighth year of operation for The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe which features over seventy pizzas, including traditional, southwestern, seafood, and vegetarian; a variety of salads and sandwiches, pastas, micro-brewed beers and gourmet bottles sodas. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the restaurant is located on State street in historic downtown Redlands. Submitted by Bill Craw - The Gourmet Pizza Shoppe
Redlands - Community Homes, Inc. announced today the formation of a partnership with the Barstow Church of God in Christ to build a low-income senior housing project in Barstow on property adjacent to the church building. Pastor David Norman is the minister. The project will be a 67-unit apartment complex set below the prominent hill in east Barstow where the church was built. Community Homes, Inc. will develop and build the project on land owned by the church, a project that the church has hoped it could build for many years. However, financing and development expertise is difficult for most churches that must often rely on volunteers and parishioners. Community Homes, Inc. is a non-profit housing corporation with the mission to assist other non-profits with the desire to build housing for low-income people. "Navigating the complex financing options and government grants is a specialized, full-time job," says Bob Lemley, of Community Homes, "few churches or non-profits outside of the industry can get these kinds of projects off the ground." Bob Lemley is president of Community Homes. "We are pleased to be able to offer these services and build the project." The project will be owned by the partnership; both non-profits will share 50-50 in the ownership and management. Compensation for the development and building fees are normally dictated by the financing and grant agencies, as well as the tenant mix and mandate for continual long-term use of the project for low income. This is an ideal circumstance for non-profits with the mission for providing housing to low income people. Contact: Bob Botts Phone: 951-845-2228 bbotts@dc.rr.com
A very small piece of the ocean has been visiting the high desert. Traveling with the San Bernardino County Museum's "Museum on the Road" program are museum specimens of fish, mollusks, bivalves and other marine critters. These specimens represent the diversity of ocean life, and students and families in our communities are being wowed. The programs are coming to the high desert thanks to a grant received by the museum from the Community Foundation Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties - The Wilmas Charitable Trust Foundation. Educators at the museum have wanted to bring their popular, award-winning outreach programs to residents of the high desert, and the grant has made it possible. "With our large county, it's hard for many people to get to the museum in Redlands," said Jolene Redvale, education curator at the museum. "We're always looking for ways to get our programs into areas that have a hard time accessing them. This is a chance for our neighbors in the high desert to see some of the objects in our collections that represent the wonders of our region." In addition to presenting programs in schools, the museum has lined up a series of programs at libraries and other community centers for the public to enjoy. "Learning isn't just for kids," said Redvale, adding that she is excited that the museum received funding to serve families as well as school kids. Schools are often open to having parents and younger siblings attend the programs as the schools, as well. "Anytime people get to be in contact with real objects - specimens and artifacts - interest is high and they remember more about the experience," said Redvale. "We also promote a sense of place, building understanding about the world and our place in it." Throughout the fall and winter, museum programs will be going on every week in schools and community places in Hesperia, Barstow, Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Victorville. Elementary schools received letters informing them they qualify to receive the programs. Libraries and other community centers are being invited to host a program for their regular audiences. Many programs still need to be scheduled, Redvale said. "We're still open for places to host programs for the community. We can come on a weekday afternoon or even on a Saturday. We're looking at serving over 7,000 residents and we want to make programs easy to find." Community centers, youth and senior centers, and others are invited to contact the museum to inquire about hosting a public program. Staff can be reached at (909) 307-2669 x 256 Tuesday through Friday. Among the programs offered through this project are the intriguing "All About Insects," which includes oversized models and live insects, and "Journey Into Serrano Culture," in which participants get to handle and try out some of the tools and games used in the past by the Serrano people. In addition, the grant has provided for all the schools that receive the "Museum on the Road" programs to have a year-long membership to the museum's Loan Program, giving teachers access to hundreds of museum specimens and artifacts in sets with curriculum materials. "All programs meet curriculum standards, but more importantly, are plain fun. The children were ecstatic when they were allowed to handle the walking sticks and the leaf insects!" one program host indicated after the museum presentation of "All About Insects." Coming up, programs open to the public are scheduled at the Apple Valley Library on December 1 at 4:00 p.m. and on December 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Those interested in attending can call the library staff at (760) 247-2022 for more details. "It's fun giving presentations to kids and families in the High Desert," said Museum Educator Karen Saffle, who lives in the area. "It's important for them to be able to see and touch many of the objects we bring out. This is a unique opportunity for students and families in the High Desert." The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669.
By Victoria McCoy - On Wednesday, November 30th, the University of Redlands' Orton Center was filled with students awaiting the presentation of the film documentary Invisible Children. This documentary, which premiered last year, was filmed by three college students from Southern California who traveled to Northern Uganda in 2003. They found themselves in the midst of a devastating war between the government of Uganda and the rebellious Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Invisible Children is now a non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the conditions in northern Uganda and helping the children there receive an education as well as providing essentials. One of the three filmmakers of the documentary appeared at the presentation at the University, and spoke to his peers about this life-changing experience in Uganda and about the measures that are currently being taken both here and in Africa to better the Ugandan situation. In the month prior to this event, through its promotion and the launch of the fundraising campaign "Let Compassion Be the Fashion," the University of Redlands students helped raise over one thousand dollars. "Let Compassion be the Fashion" is the motto of a line of shirts, bags, and hats that are sewn by students and volunteers to help raise money for Uganda. At the presentation, there were almost a dozen booths set up to give these students the opportunity to get involved. Along with selling the bags, shirts, and hats, there were also tables selling the documentary on DVD, sign-ups for sewing parties to help make more clothing items, and addresses to write letters to United States government officials, among others. Students were also given a list of other organizations working to help the children of Africa, such as World Vision and Quarters for Kenya. One of the most popular booths was that promoting Invisible Children's new Bracelet Campaign. There were prototypes of the soon-to-be-sold bracelets, which are made from ebony root and recycled wire to help create jobs for refugees in the Internally Displaced People camps in Northern Uganda. This money also helps them send their kids to school. The rest of the money from the bracelets goes to the school programs set up by Invisible Children, complete with scholarships and mentors. Invisible Children is also talking with the United States government to try and send a peace envoy to Uganda and looking for non-military-related ways to end the war peacefully. Invisible Children shirts and DVDs are being sold online to raise even more money. A second documentary is also in the process of being made. This one will be longer and more extensive, and is to be released in theaters nationwide in December of 2006. To purchase the documentary or for more information on Invisible Children and how you can help, visit http://www.invisiblechildren.com/ or call (619) 565-2799.
SACRAMENTO - When it comes to opposing tax increases, Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) has received a perfect score from a watchdog tax organization that tracks the voting record of legislators. The California Taxpayers' Association has defended taxpayers for 79 years against tax and fee increases. The group recently released its report card which confirmed Senator Dutton voted on the side of taxpayers and businesses 14 out of 14 times. "The cost of doing business in California, the level of taxation, and the amount of regulation are highly quantifiable measures that businesses evaluate in making decisions on locating operations," said Larry McCarthy, president of the California Taxpayers Association. In his three years as a State Legislator (two years in the Assembly and one in the Senate), Senator Dutton has remained steadfast against any legislation that will raise taxes and/or impose unneeded regulation that will limit and curtail job growth in California. "This state has never had a revenue problem. Some believe that raising taxes and imposing burdens on businesses are the answers," Senator Dutton said. "It wasn't until we (Republicans) held the line on tax increases and fought hard to eliminate some of the needless burdens on business that we have seen the state begin an economic recovery." Senator Dutton points to the last three state budgets that included no general fund tax increases. During that time the deficit shrank from $38 billion to an estimated $4 to $5 billion for the upcoming fiscal years. He also points to the workers' compensation reforms enacted just over a year ago that have resulted in premium rates decreasing by more than 25 percent. These rates increased by triple digit prior to the reforms. Workers' compensation officials anticipate rates dropping another 10 to 15 percent in 2006 thanks to the reforms supported by Senator Dutton. "When you get out of the way of business, they are going to be the economic engine of this state," Senator Dutton said. "Since we held the line on tax increases and eliminated burdensome regulations, we have seen a marked improvement in the business climate of California. "I'm proud of my voting record. Taxpayers entrust us to spend their hard-earned dollars properly as we pass legislation," Senator Dutton continued. "I'd like to thank the California Taxpayers' Association for recognizing my commitment to protecting every tax dollar that comes into this state and voting against any legislation that will raise taxes of any individual or business." Submitted by Larry Venus - December 5, 2005 (916) 651-4384
Paintings and sculptures from the San Bernardino County Museum collections will be exhibited in " 2D/3D: Art from the Museum Collections" from December 10 through January 22. Works by Jeff Owens, Rex Brandt, Phil Dike, Keith Calvert, Boris Deutsch, Mary Fabrin Johnson, Donald Gordon McCauley, James H. Dobbs, Karen Campbell Wilmot, Joyce Lewis, Janet Edwards, Sharon Yatsko, Myra Gantman, Brad Diddams, Charles Russell, Anthony R. Paterson, Ernie Caviness, Dave Chapple, Yoshikawa, and Mark Abrahamson demonstrate the variety and depth of the museum's fine arts collections. 2D/3D includes a variety of media, including cibrachrome photographs; terra cotta, bronze and stainless steel sculpture; watercolor and oil paintings; lithography; etchings; prints; and pencil and pen-and-ink drawings. Betsy Slemmer and Andrea Morics, the museum's retired and current registrars, selected the art works from the museum collections for " 2D/3D: Art from the Museum Collections."
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit http://www.sbcountymuseum.org/.
The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services' telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA - This Christmas season Senator Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) hopes to help generate thousands of toys, CDs and DVDs for the California military members currently deployed overseas and their families. Dubbed "Operation Christmas For Our Troops II," this program aims at gathering toys for the children of the soldiers, and DVDs and CDs for troops serving overseas. Senator Dutton will kick off the campaign locally at a Progressive Holiday Open House and Toy Drive on Wednesday, December 7 th, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and will continue through Dec. 21 st. The Progressive Open House and Toy Drive is held in conjunction with the district offices Assemblymember Bill Emmerson and San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane. Guests are invited to visit all three locations which will be simultaneously hosting an open house for constituents. All three offices are a short drive apart. During that time residents are asked to drop off a new or used DVD or CD or a new unwrapped toy at Senator Dutton's District Office, 8577 Haven Ave., Suite 210, Rancho Cucamonga. The toys, DVDs and CDs will then be turned over to the military who, in turn, will distribute the merchandise to the troops and their family members. "Not all Miracles Happen on 34 th Street," said Brad White, a member of the National Guard Association of California, and the military point person for the "Operation Christmas For Our Troops II" campaign. "These members of the California National Guard and Reserves have put their civilian jobs on hold to serve their country," White explained "As a result, most of these brave men and women have taken a significant pay cut in order to serve. This drive will not only help lift the spirit of these military members who are putting their lives on the line each and every day, but will make sure their immediate families will have a Merry Christmas as well." "There obviously are many charitable toy drives and opportunities to give to the less fortunate of our community. However, my heart goes out to our neighbors and friends who are not here this season because they are serving our country abroad," said Senator Dutton. "These brave men and women need to know that we support their efforts, and donating a toy, CD or DVD is an excellent way for all of us to say 'thank you' for their sacrifices." For more information or for a photo opportunity, call Senator Dutton's District Office at (909) 466-4180. Information on the Open House is as follows: WHO: Senator Bob Dutton, Assemblymember Bill Emmerson, Supervisor Paul Biane WHAT: Progressive Open House and Toy Drive. Food and beverages will be served at each district office location. There is no charge to attend. WHEN: Wednesday, December 7, 2005. 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. WHERE: Office of Senator Bob Dutton
8577 Haven Avenue, Suite 210
Rancho Cucamonga, CA Office of Assemblymember Bill Emmerson
10681 Foothill Blvd., Suite 325
Rancho Cucamonga, CA Office of Supervisor Paul Biane
8303 Haven Avenue
Rancho Cucamonga, CA NOTE: Guests are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy for collection at each office. Submitted by Christian Nelson - December 2, 2005 (909) 466-4180
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