Thursday, July 30, 2009

JAWS!! Friday July 31st


Fresh Air Flicks presents "JAWS" tomorrow night in Thomas Plaza, downtown Pomona. It's the original folks. Bring your own chair, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy the "jaw" dropping thriller.
JAWS - 1975
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw & Richard Dreyfuss

Plot: Amity Island had everything. Clear skies. Gentle surf. Warm water. People flocked there every summer. It was the perfect feeding ground. When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.


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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

FREE Summer Concert

Free Summer Concert with L.A. Bluescasters

Since 1968, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission has sponsored free concerts at community venues providing access to quality music programming for County residents. This year, LA County Arts Commission will sponsor special entertainment in Metro Pomona. The outdoor free concert featuring the L.A. Bluescasters will be held at the Thomas Plaza in downtown on August 8, 2009 from 6 PM to 9 PM. The L.A. Bluescasters, a rhythm and blues band from the San Gabriel Valley, was formed in the 1990's.

They have been described by reviewers alternately as “a band that knows what they were doing, one that could get me stomping my feet and slapping the table” who plays “some solid, old fashioned down and dirty blues.” Their music reflects each band member’s diverse influences of blues, rock, jazz and R&B. The L.A. Bluescasters have recorded two albums and have played numerous blues festivals, clubs and concert venues throughout the Southland, including House of Blues, the Glendale Blues Festival, B.B. King’s, the Troubador, the Baked Potato and soon in Downtown Pomona. This free concert event will also feature 25 vendors (food and arts/craft vendors at the Farmers Market) and coincide with the popular 2nd Saturday Artwalk. Come have a fun and fabulous time at Metro Pomona’s free concert on August 8th! For more information on L.A. Bluescasters go to their website: www.labluescasters.com.

THIS CONCERT IS SPONSORED BY LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERVISOR GLORIA MOLINA.

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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Good News for One of Downtown's Own

Downtown Pomona's California Bank and Trust sent us this letter from its president and asked us to share it with you.


July 24, 2009

Dear Valued Customer:

While the economy continued to struggle this past quarter in what’s proving to be a very difficult recession, California Bank & Trust (CB&T) remained profitable. Liquidity and capital ratios improved this quarter, and the net interest margin and efficiency ratio remained very strong. Higher Credit Costs Offset by Strong Operating Earnings CB&T realized net income of $35.8 million for the six months ending June 30, 2009, compared to $47.4 million for the same period of 2008. The decline was primarily due to higher provisions for credit losses and a one time industry-wide special FDIC insurance assessment. This was partially offset by higher net interest income and onetime gains on the acquisition of Alliance Bank and interest rate swap contracts.

Improved Capital Ratios
CB&T’s capital ratios increased significantly in the second quarter compared to March 31, 2009. The Tier 1 Risk-Based ratio increased from 8.08% at March 31, 2009 to 9.56% at June 30, 2009, while the Total Risk-Based capital ratio increased from 10.25% to 10.81%.

Higher Credit Costs
CB&T recorded a provision for loan losses of $92.4 million in the six months ending June 30, 2009, compared to $43.9 million for the same period of 2008. The increase is a reflection of continuing declines in real estate values and weak economic conditions as evidenced by the current unemployment rate and increase in corporate bankruptcy filings. CB&T experienced a modest increase in non-performing loans during the quarter. We’re still confident that our strong underwriting will mitigate losses and that our exposure remains manageable.

Vineyard Bank Acquisition
Last Friday, July 17, 2009, CB&T acquired most of the loans and deposits of Vineyard Bank from the FDIC. CB&T acquired approximately $1.4 billion of loans, $1.5 billion of deposits, and 16 branches, most of which are located in the Inland Empire. The transaction includes a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC on all loans and real estate owned. The acquisition will result in an estimated pre-tax gain of more than $100 million in the third quarter and will
increase regulatory capital ratios. This is the second FDIC assisted acquisition we have completed this year, having acquired the loans and deposits of Alliance Bank in February.

Zions Bancorporation Earnings Release
Our parent company, Zions Bancorporation, recently announced its quarterly results for the Second Quarter. Their complete earnings release may be found at w.zionsbancorporation.com. Their results reflect a strong balance sheet with improved capital levels, but also ongoing credit strain negatively impacting earnings as result of a weak credit environment throughout the Zions footprint. In summary, we’re pleased with our second quarter and year-to-date results. The strength of our bank is a direct reflection of the quality of our customer base. Thank you for your continued business. We look forward to meeting your banking needs as we plot a course toward California’s recovery together.

Sincerely,

David Blackford
President and CEO
www.calbanktrust.com MEMBER FDIC

Friday, July 24, 2009

Metro Night Out July 25th

Come one come all, you'll have a ball! Street Fair, Farmers Market, All Class car show, food, fun, and friends. It doesn't get any better than that. Thomas Plaza 6PM to 10PM, it's free. Live music also. Come on out, you'll be glad you did. See you tonight!

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Friday Night At The Movies


Come down to Thomas Plaza tonight and enjoy a fun, free evening under the stars. Watch that movie classic "American Graffiti",the perfect movie for a summer evening. Bring your own chair. Also there will be a brief dance performance prior to the movie by some of Pomona's most talented youngsters. Don't miss it.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Neighbor to Neighbor


This Wednesday evening the dba256 Wine Bar & Gallery will bring the community together to raise funds for the VanAllens and the Henrys whose homes were destroyed by fire on July 11. Starting a 6PM till midnight there will be raffles, door prizes, auctions, an ability to donate goods and services, and of course that always needed commodity, cash. So join your neighbors and friends and help get these fine people back on their feet.

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DPOA SURRIVES!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT, NOT JUST AT LAST NIGHT'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING, BUT ALL YEAR LONG! Your inspiring words and actions are appreciated more than you know.We will work hard for all of you to earn your continued support and trust.

Last night the City Council Chamber was packed to overflowing by supporters and well wishers as the DPOA prepared to offer up to the council all the reasons it should be renewed. Turns out the audience did our work for us. When it was our turn to speak, not much could be added that had not already been said. The vote was painstakingly slow, but there's no denying it was "thorough". The final vote of property owners was 72% for and 28% against. Impressive!

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

LAST CALL!



This Monday, July 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM the Pomona City Council will hold a public hearing regarding renewal of the DPOA. After public hearing a tally of the returned ballots from downtown property owners will take place with the City Council instructing the City Manager to vote aye,nay, or abstain, regarding city owned properties in the downtown . After the ballots are counted the City Council will vote up or down to renew the DPOA. The City Council has the deciding vote and authority to renew, disband, or modify the DPOA.

A strong show of support for the DPOA by way of attending the meeting and submitting a speaker card requesting the council to instruct the City Manger to vote yes on the city's ballot will show the Council in a tangible way the community's desire for the DPOA to be renewed so that it can continue its work revitalizing downtown Pomona. With your help it will prevail. Your support in the past has been heartwarming to all of us at the DPOA, and has had a tremendous impact on the City Council. Monday night is the last step in the process, and the decisions made will be FINAL. There is no appeal process. So, please attend the meeting, show your support, email your Council member and urge them to instruct the City Manager to vote yes on the ballot, and allow us to continue to serve the interests and well being of downtown Pomona.

Why should you care what happens to the DPOA? If the DPOA were to go away here are some of the benefits and services that would no longer be available:

  • Farmers Markets
  • Metro Night Out and car show
  • Antique Collector's Fair
  • Fresh Air Flicks
  • Private Security
  • Dedicated Police Officers
  • Trash Pick Up
  • Parking Lot cleaning
  • Power Washing sidewalks and graffiti removal
  • Insurance to cover any downtown special event
  • Street Banners
  • Metro Minute
  • Metro Pomona Web Site and Blog
  • A voice and organization representing the downtown's interests at City Hall
  • Miss Pomona Pageant
  • Downtown Christmas Parade
  • Second Saturday Art Walk promotion
  • This is LAST CALL!

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

MY LITTLE CHICKADEE - July 17th

Bring your own chair to Thomas Plaza (W. 2nd & Thomas, Downtown Pomona) this Friday evening and enjoy a classic comedy starring Mae West and W.C. Fields. This movie was filmed in 1931 and it's a riot! Do you suppose it was shown at the Fox ?


CORRECTION! CORRECTION! CORRECTION! CORRECTION! CORRECTION!
An astute viewer of this blog (Mr. J.C.) has noticed an error in the release date of this movie. It was 1940, not 1931. It is still a riot!
A Mae West blogger posted the following:

Mae West: Getting Fresh Free
Pomona, California does not have a moviehouse but that does not stop the metro area from saluting MAE WEST and W.C. Fields, who will be getting freshly aired on July 17th. • • Annually, the stars come out in Pomona — — as part of their wonderful Fresh Air Flick Summer Schedule.• • Each Friday evening, fondly regarded motion pictures are screened for free al fresco style.• • Movie-lovers will enjoy "My Little Chickadee" next Friday evening on a funky inflatable outdoor screen set up downtown at Thomas Street Plaza.• • Bring a chair, pack some popcorn, and head over to Thomas Plaza in downtown Pomona at the junction of West 2nd Street and Thomas Street. After you enjoy this 1940 cinema classic, pick up a schedule to see what else will be screened through July and August. The final flicker will be "Cool Hand Luke" on 4 September 2009.• • The genesis of "My Little Chickadee" was jump-started at the end of May 1939. Mae West had returned to Hollywood after touring with her play about Catherine the Great and began negotiating with Universal Studios to co-star with another comedian. Aware of the former vaudevillian's reputation for drinking, Mae hesitated. Universal upped the game by offering her $300,000 for the film, the script, and a promise that anytime Fields was intoxicated, he would be banned from the set. The first time Fields drunkenly stumbled into the studio, Mae shouted, "Pour him out of here!" Very quickly, everybody knew she meant business.• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/________Source:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

First Night at the Flicks..Ironman

Monday, July 13, 2009

American Museum of Ceramic Art awarded grant for $50,000

Daily Bulletin Article 7/12/09
by: Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
POMONA - Christy Johnson can't stop smiling.
That is except for the times she's breaking out in full-fledged laughter.
Johnson's giddiness started Thursday when she learned that the American Museum of Ceramic Art had been chosen to receive a $50,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
"We needed this badly," said Johnson, AMOCA director. "Our membership has remained the same, and we're grateful for that, and the donations have been coming, but the donation amounts have been smaller."
Nonprofit arts organizations are receiving grants to support the preservation of jobs that are threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn, according to the NEA Web site.
Johnson applied for the grant after Congress removed museums from the list of stimulus exclusions such as casinos, sports arenas and amusement parks. The grant is part of the $50 million federal economic stimulus recovery package.
In California, 99 nonprofit arts organizations are cumulatively receiving $4.45 million in funding, and $50,000 is the maximum a single organization can receive.
"We're young and stand-alone, being the only museum on the West Coast dedicated exclusively to ceramic art," Johnson said.
AMOCA will celebrate its fifth anniversary Sept. 11. Since its inception, the museum has received grants from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the James Irvine Foundation,

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Sunday, July 12, 2009

Support For DPOA Renewal

Successful Second Satrurday


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Friday, July 10, 2009

"Iron Man" at tonight's Fresh Air Flicks!

Tonight's FREE movie at Fresh Air Flicks is Iron Man.
Heroes Aren't Born, They're Built. When wealthy industrialist Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident, he ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against evil.
Since its on Fridays this year you can come out and make an evening of it with Dinner first or HotDogs and if the kids have other plans stay around for a drink after the movie at one of the great night spots.

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Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Promona at the dA (belated)


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Monday, July 6, 2009

Fresh Air Flick Summer Schedule!

The votes are in and tabulated. Here are the results and dates the movies are to be shown.

Every Friday from July 10th  - September 4th
July 10th - Iron man
July 17th -
My Little Chickadee
July 24th - 
American Graffiti
July 31st -
Jaws
Aug 7th -
Three Amigos
Aug 14th -
The Bourne Identity
Aug 21st -
Foot Loose
Aug 28th -
From Russia With Love
Sept 4th - Cool Hand Luke

Come to Thomas Plaza, downtown Pomona, West 2nd. St. and Thomas St. Bring a chair, a friend, and have a good time. It's FREE. See you at the movies.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Taco Night at the Eagles

Thursday July 9 is taco night at the Pomona Eagles Lodge. The cost is $5 and the proceeds go towards purchasing a flag pole for engine company 181 of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Engine Company 181 services downtown Pomona, they do a great job...and by golly, they deserve a flagpole!

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