The Corona Department of Water & Power has completed its annual Consumer Confidence Report for 2009. The annual Consumer Confidence Report provides customers with the results of water quality tests for the past year, provides information on recent projects completed by the Department and lists the sources of Corona’s water supply. The report has been mailed to all customers. Click here to read up online and for past reports.

What takes an hour of your time, but can have life-altering effects for someone in need? Giving blood!

Everyday, over 400 pints of blood are needed for life saving procedures in our area and while over 60% of the population are eligible to donate, only 5% actually roll up their sleeves to give. 

The City of Corona and LifeStream are hosting a community blood drive on Tuesday, July 20th from 9 A.M. - 2 P.M. at Corona City Hall[Map It!]. In order to donate, you must weigh over 110 lbs, be in good health, and not have donated within the last 56 days.

The blood you donate will go towards saving lives in our community. Blood donation takes an hour, but gives someone a lifetime – sign up to donate today!

“What do you wanna do?”  “I don’t know….what do you wanna do?” Teens: avoid that tiresome conversation by heading to the Corona Public Library[Map It!] this summer! No money? No problem.  This stuff is all free.
First up: sign up for the summer reading incentive program. It runs from June 28 to August 7th.  That’s right…read books and earn prizes!  You already like to read, now get rewarded for it. Take a look at the flyer for all the details.

On Thursday, July 8 we’ll have a Paperback Book Exchange, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.  Turn your unwanted paperbacks into someone else’s treasures and get “new” books for yourself!  Now’s the time to unload those Twilight paperbacks and score something new.
 
Thursday, July 15 at 3:30 pm we’ve got a Magic Performance and Workshop with Justin Rivera.  Watch the illusions and sleight of hand tricks…then learn how to do them yourself! 
 
Thursday, July 22 at 3:30 pm we’re featuring a Balloon Art Workshop with Annie Banannie.   Learn how to make incredible balloon art and amaze your friends and family at your next party!  Between this and the magic workshop you may have a career ahead of you.
 
Thursday, July 29.  Feeling crafty?  At 3:30 pm attend our “Marble Magnet Workshop”. Don’t lose your marbles; come and have a great time.

Come together to rock out under the stars to the sounds of critically acclaimed Beatles tribute band Abbey Road for a fun night of pure entertainment on Thursday, July 15th. Be reminded of, or even introduced to the extraordinarily classic hits from the band that rocked the ‘70s with songs like “Come Together”, “Here Comes the Sun”, and “Octopus’s Garden”.

The classic crowd pleaser kicks off the Corona Parks and Community Services’ Concert on the Green series which includes music from a variety of bands like Hotel California, Cold Duck, Swing Cats, Suave and The Answer. The variety of genres featured is sure to please many musical tastes and will be a real treat for audience members of all ages.

Concerts are held on the City Hall South Lawn[Map It!] located on 400 S. Vicentia, Corona, CA 92882 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Admission is free and food and beverages are available for purchase. Bring your own chair and be sure to stake out a good spot to sit back and relax, or dance and sing along, to enjoy this rockin’ concert.

To learn more about upcoming performances from other exciting bands or for any additional information on the concert series please call (951) 736-2241. And to learn more about Abbey Road’s upcoming events like future performances or their exciting three day cruise to Baja, Mexico visit their website at www.TicketToRideMusical.com. Enjoy the show!

Many Tommy Tutone fans have called Jenny at 867-5309 and now they can experience the and’s vintage 1980s’ soundtrack all over again. Tommy Tutone will rock the Fender Center Museum’s Rhythm Lounge on Friday July 16th with their hot billboard hits “867-5309/Jenny” and “Angel Say No” along with some of their other ‘80s jams. Doors open at 7:30 for the cool over 21 event. Single tickets are $20 or bring a group of friends to boost the fun and purchase a table for ten for $250. To purchase tickets and for any additional information on performances visit the Fender Center’s website at www.FenderCenter.org. The Rhythm Lounge is located on 365 N. Main Street Corona, CA 92880.

Having grown each year, the ninth annual Corona Antiques & Collectibles Faire featured even more vendors and things to do.  Somehow, there were now 48 antiques dealers squeezed into the parking lot spaces packed with every type of item from "way back when."  You would  continually hear older shoppers exclaim, "I remember those!", and the younger ones amazed at archaic but clever contraptions that were once part of everyday life.

It's estimated that well over 3,000 visitors passed through the 7 hour event, many walking quite a distance with parking extending a 1/4 mile in each direction on Foothill Parkway.  Besides all the interesting old artifacts, the faire included the Corona Historic Preservation Society's rescued architectural and structural items, the Corona Model Railroad Society's 1949-era train layout and displays, the Corona Heritage Garden Society's annual plant sale, the Corona Art Association's fine art gallery and show, the Corona Heritage Museum's historic exhibits, and the Corona Heritage Artists-In-Residence's studios which were open for viewing.


For the first time this year, the antiques faire accepted outside sponsorships to help with the advertising costs.  Those generous donors that jumped in were ASJ Ind. Hose & Fittings, City of Corona, Louis Davis, Hemborg Ford, Midpoint Bearing, Norland Enterprises, Pacific Western Bank, Promotional Sportswear and Six-Pac Recycling.  Their assistance in getting the word out helped to make the faire a success by infusing the local economy.


If you missed this year's event, next year's is already planned as bigger and better.  It's held each year on the first Saturday in June, which next, will be June 4, 2011.  If you have any questions on participating, please call our great volunteer event coordinator, Shellie, at 951-302-0080.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

The Corona Certified Farmers’ Market has already been open for one year and has received wonderful support from the community. Every Saturday morning, rain or shine, loyal customers come out to Main Street Marketplace to do their weekly shopping for fruits and vegetables, food items, and crafts. Heading into the summer season, customers are sure to find their favorites down the certified farmer aisle:  watermelon, eggplant, corn, strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, blueberries and zucchini to name a few!

Corona residents choosing to eat healthy and support local agriculture & economy has allowed the Farmers’ Market to become a success within the community. Continue getting to know your farmers & where your food is coming from as they are continually growing for you!

We here at the Corona Certified Farmers’ Market are excited for the year ahead and look forward to seeing you every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm! Click Here for directions!

Visit www.MyFarmersMarkets.com for more information.

Nothing like some cool tunes on a warm summer night. Bring your family to our free concerts this summer at the Corona Public Library[Map It!].

Tuesday, July 6 at 7 pm. “Yesterday-Today” Chill out after 4th of July weekend with some Beatles music! Yesterday-Today is an acoustic quartet Beatles Tribute Band who will fill the air with the tuneful sounds of the Fab Four.

Tuesday, July 13th at 7 pm. We want the funk! Gotta have some funk! Check out “Sounds of Motown” presented by Love TKO All-Stars. Sway to the classic Motown beat and soak up the fun.

Bored kids on a hot day…what do you do? Here’s your answer! Bring them to a free movie at the Corona Public Library[Map It!] and relax in air-conditioned comfort. Sponsored by the Friends of the Corona Public Library, we will show a different movie every Wednesday during the month of July. Popcorn will be served! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

All movies begin at 1 pm.

July 7 – Sharkboy and Lavagirl
Description: Dreamer Max, ridiculed by his classmates, conjures up his perfect dreamworld...the Planet Drool. But his dream is more powerful than even he suspects, and his favorite dream super-heroes, Sharkboy and Lavagirl, materialize on Earth.

July 14 – The Spongebob Squarepants Movie
Description: SpongeBob SquarePants takes leave from the town of Bikini Bottom in order to track down King Neptune's stolen crown.

July 21 – The Little Mermaid
Description - Dreaming of life on the land as a human being, a young mermaid princess makes a bargain with a sea witch in order to win the heart of a prince.

July 28 – Finding Nemo

The Circle City Chorale, directed by Angela Rosser, proudly presents their inaugural concert! The concert will include an exciting selection of choral music including Patriotic, Broadway Favorites, Standards and so much more. There will be two chances to see the Circle City Chorale; Saturday, July 10th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 11th at 2:00 p.m. Both performances are being held at Corona United Methodist Church[Map It!] and doors will open 30 minutes before each concert. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 951-264-2878 or contact a member of the Chorale.

Out of a job or just looking for a new employer, the Corona Public Library [Map It!] is offering a FREE Employment Boot Camp Workshop just for you! This event will go over resume skills, interview do's and don'ts and what to wear to make a great first impression at your next interview!  We'll also look at where to look for jobs, how to make your application stand out, how to network and lots more.  Open to all serious job seekers of all ages. Get more information on upcoming Corona Public Library events, workshops, and seminars at their website at CoronaPublicLibrary.org.

Since the “Eagles’” retirement in 1982, the well established tribute band, “Hotel California” has been “faithfully and accurately” carrying on the band’s legacy; and this summer they’re bringing the “Eagles” hits to Corona. On Thursday, July 22nd, the City Hall South Lawn [Map It!] will be filled with the smooth sounds of “Hotel California” (a salute to the “Eagles) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Dicky-Lee, Wade, Phil, Scott and Steve bring their impressive industry experience together to create the ultimate medley of Rock, Country and R&B. Each member plays a major role in the band with vocals and a unique combination of instruments like the banjo, string guitars, electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, mandolin, pedal steel and the harmonica.

During their 150-200 high profile event performances throughout the year, the band showcases classic crowd favorites such as “Take it Easy”, “Heartache Tonight”, and “Hotel California”, along with the newer hits “Get Over It” and “Love Will Keep Us Alive”. At times, the band will also feature some solo pieces from Don Henley, Glen Frey and Joe Walsh. There is really no time to take it easy during their action packed show that is entertaining for all ages. 

Check out the band’s website at www.HotelCAL.com for upcoming events, bios, and contact information. As the band would say, “Relax… It’s time to check into the Hotel California”!

For about four decades, the Latin Rock beats of “Cold Duck” have been rattling up excited audiences around the Southland. The eight man band started their groovin’ rhythms in 1969 when founder and lead man Jose Cuadra assembled a rock band that was heavily influenced by Latin sounds. Initially, the band was met with success, they won the 1971 East Los Angeles College “Battle of the Bands”. After a short hiatus from 1973-1978, Cold Duck got back on track and since then has lived by the motto: “Give the people what they want to hear and have a good time delivering it!”.

The band’s love for performance and music is infectious and one of the main reasons why they are so popular among audiences of all ages. Jose Cuadra, Gene Chavez, Saul Chavez, Tony Mason, Ray Ortega, Gregory Smith, Jeff Way and Eddie Estrada bring trumpets, drums, percussion, guitars, sax, keyboards and exciting vocals together to create their successful dance music that can turn any occasion into a main event.

“Cold Duck” has gotten crowds dancing in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, the studios of ABC, NBC and MGM, and now to Corona’s City Hall South Lawn [Map It!] on Thursday July 29th from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

To plan more fun dance nights with Cold Duck, go to their website at www.ColdDuck.com for future events like their three day Baja Mexico “Sweetheart Cruise” to Ensenada (February 11-14, 2011). 

A music fest with food and games and special contests would catch anyone’s eye, but even more so when that fun time is benefiting a good cause. For four years, Woodie Johnson’s annual Summer Music Fests have been combining the fun of a carnival with the fun of giving and the next extravaganza is just around the corner.

On Saturday, July 31, the Fender Center [Map It!] will host Woodie’s event and be transformed into a carnival with food, rides, games, a magic show, a firework show, a decorated bicycle and wagon parade, and a chance to win a Fender guitar in a raffle. Admission is $2 and a wristband that allows unlimited carnival rides and games can be purchased for $5, all proceeds go to Kids Rock Free Music Education. With the support from music fans all over, music education is the only method in which to preserve the stability of the art form’s future and that is the main reason why the Woodie Johnson’s Music Fest is so important. The music fest day focuses on the children and introduces them to the fun of music through the variety of activities. A special appearance by the School of Rock from Seattle, Washington and other musical performances provide the perfect soundtrack for the day of fun.

Get more information on Fender Center Events at their website: http://www.fendermuseum.com

How do we give true heroes a real thank you? West Point graduates Dan, Joel and Pete have found the perfect way to show their heroes gratitude.

Since their graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, the trio has rigorously served their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. A few years ago the friends decided to plan a 4,000 mile bike ride to benefit their charity of choice, The Wounded Warrior Project. “We decided to attempt something so challenging out of respect for our country’s wounded warriors. We are going to complete the ride in order to raise as much money and awareness as possible for the Wounded Warriors Project, a truly amazing charity.”, said Dan. The daunting distance is lessened by their intense love and dedication to their goal to bringing appropriate aid to soldiers who have suffered intense war injuries, a charity very relevant and near and dear to their hearts.

On their ride across the country, the motivated men will stop by Portland (Maine), Boston, Hartford, West Point, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Cincinnati, Louisville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Boise just to name a few. To end their journey, Joel, Pete and Dan (a Corona native) will celebrate at Corona ’s very own Taps at Dos Lagos.

Corona was the team’s choice destination because of Dan’s hometown connection, the pleasant weather and the support from community members. Their amazing ride will end on August 1st at 3:00p.m. at the Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos [Map It!] , or call TAPS specifically at (951) 277-5800.

Come support these heroes who serve our country in love and commitment at the Taps celebration or to donate to the cause visit The Wounded Warrior Project at www.WoundedWarriorProject.org. To learn more about Joel, Pete and Dan’s journey and read their daily blogs visit their website at www.PedalinWithaPurpose.com. Thank you for spreading the love  for all our national heroes!

Art appreciation is now being spread city wide by the City of Corona Transit Service through the Poetry and Art on the Bus Program.  The Second Annual Poetry and Art on the Bus Program teams up with Centennial High School to bring poetry and visual art to the everyday Corona Cruiser passenger. The program has three objectives:

To provide an effective vehicle for students to display their art work publicly, to effectively market the Corona Cruiser to students, and to fill passenger’s rides with interesting art during their travels with the Corona Cruiser.  

This year, high school students submitted 64 pieces of impressive art, and of those, 24 winning pieces were chosen to be displayed on the buses. Each month, one poetry piece and one visual piece will be displayed for the enjoyment of bus passengers. All winners are presented a certificate and a 31 day pass to allow them to ride the Cruiser and enjoy the new art additions.

This year’s theme, “Refresh your Spirit”, was perfectly personified by the top two art pieces that will kick off the rotation cycle. Allison Richard’s top poem “Laughter” is sure to keep passengers positively motivated through its encouraging reminder to stay joyful through the bad times. Anastasiya Smith’s visual piece “Girl with Feathers and Flowers” is a strikingly beautiful photograph of a young girl in a flower garden. Being out with the enchanting elements of nature is definitely refreshing and strongly ties the piece to the theme.

Congratulations to all winners and wherever you are cruising to, remember to keep an eye out for some alluring art. Check out the winners' art gallery and poetry here.

On Sunday, July 25, 2010, the Corona Animal Shelter will hold a pet adoption event from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tom’s Farms [Map It!]. At the event, there will be some adorable dogs that could really use your help. These animals are looking for that special person or family to take them home and love them forever.

The summer season is a very busy time at the animal shelter. The non-profit/all volunteer group CCARE (Corona Companion Animal Rescue Effort) organizes off-site adoption events all year long, but most often during the summer because of the overcrowded conditions. Our goal is to try and find new homes for all of the animals that end up at the shelter. Unfortunately, sad situations occur that cause animals to lose their owners, including people that have lost their homes due to foreclosure, owners that have passed away, and pets that have wandered away from their current families, to name a few. These beautiful animals are not broken; they need love and attention. In turn, they will provide you with constant companionship, unconditional adoration and a forever best friend.

Now more than ever, please consider adopting a shelter pet. Stop by the Corona Animal Shelter [Map It!]. or visit the pets at one of our off-site adoption events. The animals available for adoption can also be viewed at PetFinder.com.

The Corona Public Library [Map It!] is offering 3 "Wet and Loose with Watercolor" art workshops this summer. Classes are free and open to the first 24 registrants each.
Open to adults and teens, 14 and up, for beginning or intermediate painters. Learn the basics or pick up a few tricks. Workshops are taught by Reema Zoumut. Register at the Library's Adult Information Desk.

Saturday, July 24 2 - 4 pm CREATING AN ABSTRACT WATERCOLOR
Get in touch with your abstract self and play with color.

Saturday, July 31 2-4 pm CREATING A MULTI-MEDIA FLORAL WATERCOLOR
Learn a new technique and take home something beautiful!

Saturday, August 7 2 - 4 pm
STUDIO DAY: HELP AND CRITIQUES

Now's your chance to get advice and keep going!

Paper and some supplies will be available. If you have your own brushes and paints you like to use, bring them along with you.
Get more information on upcoming Corona Public Library events, workshops, and seminars at their website at CoronaPublicLibrary.org.

There is a new management company at Dos Lagos! Cypress Equities / SRS Real Estate Partners Managed Services has been designated as property manager for The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos[Map It!], a 350,000-square-foot retail lifestyle center located in Corona, Calif. Managed Services, a comprehensive suite of services specifically designed to maximize retail value, will develop and execute a turn-around plan that focuses on improving the customer shopping and entertainment experience by:

• Creating user-friendly public spaces where the community can relax and gather with friends and family on a regular basis – spaces will include a place for children to play.
• Providing the community with a variety of everyday retailers, services, unique shops and restaurants to complement the current mix of national and regional fashion and entertainment chains in the center.
• Introducing a new movie theatre operator with top movie selections and state-of-the-art upgrades.
• Expanding on the new and aggressive community program of events including promotions, activities and everyday entertainment at the center.

“Market realities have changed the face of retail development, which means you have to be flexible enough to listen to the new market demands and make the necessary changes in order to provide the customers what they need,” said Scott Harrington, managing principal for Cypress Equities. “Building from our extensive experience in the retail, shopping center industry and working closing with the existing shops and restaurants, we believe Managed Services will help The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos reach its full potential.”

Part of the turn-around plan includes the introduction of a new movie theatre operator and state-of-the-art upgrades for the 15-screen theatre at Dos Lagos. The new operator is Phoenix Big Cinemas and the upgrades include Digital Projection, Digital 3D, Digital Surround Sound, expanded concessions, online ticketing, and more. Phoenix Big Cinemas Management currently manages 23 theatres with a total of 172 screens in 14 states throughout North America.

“Phoenix Big Cinemas brings a track record of high quality entertainment to The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos,” added Harrington. “The theatre upgrades and renovations will improve the overall cinema experience while offering the Corona community top Hollywood movie selections.”

Managed Services is founded on 25 years of retail expertise and combines the management, development and leasing experience of Cypress Equities companies* with the national, regional and local retailer relationships of SRS Real Estate Partners. Managed Services offers strategic solutions in asset valuations and management, disposition consulting, property management, development services, construction management, tenant coordination, marketing services, and leasing management.

Cypress Equities