Things to Do: March 2010 Archives

With the support of HomeAid Inland Empire, Veronica's Home of Mercy in San Bernardino will host the first Full Bellies/Warm Hearts spring event on Saturday, April 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event's theme is "food, fun and love."

Veronica's Home of Mercy I and II are part of Mary's Mercy Center, a nonprofit home for women and children who find themselves temporarily homeless. The center provides housing, as well as education and counseling to transition families into self sufficiency.

Activities will include a barbeque cook-out, music, carnival activities, crafts, face painting, bounce houses and a family portrait station.

"We are hoping to create an atmosphere that allows the volunteers, women and children of Veronica's Home to celebrate the season and experience the love and support of their new-found community," said Terry Kent, president of HomeAid Empire Board of Directors. "We want to help create positive, lasting memories for the current residents of Veronica's Home of Mercy as they transition towards self-sufficiency."

The event is being organized by Paul ck & Associates, a Riverside-based civil engineering firm, the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) division of the BIA, and HomeAid Inland Empire, which is coordinating the activities and soliciting donations.

Sponsorships and donations for the event can be coordinated by contacting Paul Peck at 951-780-5404.

"It's going to be a fun-filled day sure to put smiles on the faces of the residents of Mary's Mercy Center," said Scott Slater, project engineer at Paul A. Peck & Associates.

For more information on HomeAid Inland Empire call 951-686-0628 or visit www.homeaidie.org. For more information on Mary's Mercy Center or Veronica's Home of Mercy call 909-889-2558 or visit www.marysmercycenter.org.

Veronica's Home of Mercy is located at 1476 West 6th Street in San Bernardino.

Saturday's 18th annual Riverside Airshow will go out with a big bang.

Wrapping up the day's activities will be a flight demonstration by the U.S. Air Force/Boeing C-17 "Globemaster III" -- a large military transport aircraft used to carry cargo and troops into remote locations.

I took a one-hour flight Friday in a C-17 piloted by Lt. Col. Timothy Harris and Cpt. Stephanie Soltis of March Air Reserve Base. I arrived at the Riverside Airport around noon to watch Harris and Soltis showed off some of the C-17s maneuverability while a crowd on onlookers watched from the ground.

After a sharp landing -- the C-17 can land on a runway as short as about 3,500 feet -- I boarded the plane and strapped in for take-off.

The C-17 was made to carry cargo, so the utilitarian interior is -- no surprise here -- large and open. I sat along one wall facing several other passengers along for the ride. A few porthole style windows could be seen, although nothing but wing was visible out the window from a seated position.

So we flew blindly -- which is a strange experience in a vehicle of that size, speed and turning ability.

The trip took us over Catalina Island, which we circled before returning back to Riverside.

William Willson Lewis III/The Press-Enterprise

Two C-17 Globemaster IIIs recently participated in the humanitarian aid efforts in Haiti after the January earthquake transporting supplies and airlifting refugees back to the United States.

"These birds went into Haiti a lot," said Lt. Col. Harris from one of the pilot seats during the flight. "We routinely go into the Middle East, Germany, the AOR, into Iraq and Afghanistan ... all over."

In addition to appreciating the plane's maneuverability and landing capabilities in humanitarian and support efforts, both pilots simply enjoy flying the plane.

"It's really a blessing to take it out and try and do some good work on the road in a jet that really keeps us safe and gets the job done," Soltis said. "And, it's fun to fly on top of all that."

RIVERSIDE AIRSHOW
See flight demonstrations, wing walking, skydiving, car shows, vendors and more at the 18th annual Riverside Airshow.
Where: Riverside Airport, 6951 Flight Rd., Riverside
When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 27, $5 breakfast for early birds at 7 a.m.
Cost: Free admission, $10 parking
Information: 909-351-6113, www.riversideca.gov/airshow

Redlands Conservancy's Trails at 10 Spring Series of Trail Excursions, sponsored in part by Beaver Medical Group, will open for three Saturdays in a row starting April 3.

"We've been holding these events for seven seasons now, and believe it or not, we have yet to hike all of Redlands' public trails," said Sherli Leonard, Redlands Conservancy Executive. "This spring season will show off two more of Redlands' trails and one in the Crafton Hills."

On April 3, Trails at 10 participants will stage at Panorama Point on the high point of Sunset Drive, overlooking the entire San Bernardino Valley.

"We will guide hikers along the short developed portions," Leonard said. "Then show them the Gold Hill Portion, which utilizes an historic trail easement in the arroyo east of Sunset Drive."

For April 10, participants will meet at Lot I on the Crafton Hills College Campus where they will join the Crafton Hills Open Space Conservancy for a hike or a bicycle ride on their trails. Bicyclists will stage at 9 a.m. and hikers will stage at m. All bicyclists are required to wear helmets.

The April 17 Trails at 10 event will stage on San Timoteo Canyon Road at the railroad and creek crossing, and will follow the trail along the San Bernardino County Flood Control access road to the Carriage Trail along the foothills of Smiley Heights.

After each hike, the first 50 participants to register will receive a free lunch at 11:30 a.m. For more information call 909-792-1800 or visit www.redlandsconservancy.org.

Friends and family of nervous art students packed the Art Alliance Gallery on Thursday night for the 48th annual Press-Enterprise Riverside County High School Art Show at the Riverside Art Museum.

See the exhibit online at PE.com/artshow.

The art competition, sponsored by the museum, The Press-Enterprise and Bank of America, had more than 300 submissions this year from 65 schools in Riverside County.

The Howard H Hays Sr. Best of Show award went to Ryan Crider, a senior at La Sierra High School in Riverside. His piece was a large ceramic vessel titled "Raw Power."

"I'm a wrestler and did a little research on wrestling and Greco-Roman history," Crider said. "The boar was the most dominant animal ... on the cap stone I pitted two dominant figures against one another."

The Best of Show award came with a $200 prize from Bank of America. Another 45 submissions received cash prizes of $75, $50 and $25 for first, second and third places in each of the nine art categories. Honorable mention certificates were also given out in each category.

Riverside Youth Theatre is celebrating its 10th season of family-friendly theater performances, including its upcoming May musicals "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling."

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" is the biblical story of Joseph, who is betrayed by his jealous brothers, sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. He perseveres through wit and faith to become the governor of Egypt. Riverside Youth Theatre's production features 70 students and combines song, dance and color.

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" will be an Inland youth premiere of the Broadway musical. "Spelling Bee" chronicles the experience of six adolescents vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. They learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser.

Performances will be held at the Wallace Theatre, on the campus of California Baptist University at 8432 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside. Parking is free. Tickets are $12 for all ages and can be purchased online at www.RiversideYouthTheatre.org. There is also a 10 a.m. Outreach Performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" with discounted tickets at $6.

Performance dates for "Joseph" are 10 a.m. May 7 and 3 p.m. May 8, 15 and 16.
Performance dates for "Spelling Bee" are 7:30 p.m. May 78, 14 and 15.

For more information visit www.RiversideYouthTheatre.org.

The 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt for children who have cancer or are in remission and their families will be at Sylvan Park in Redlands Saturday, March 27. The Easter Bunny will attend with more than 4,000 stuffed plastic eggs and baskets for the children.

The Redlands Heritage Optimists will sponsor the event's activities, which will include carnival-type games, as well as food and refreshments. The Easter Bunny will also lead children in a variety of group games.

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27
Where: Sylvan Park, Redlands
Egg Hunt: Begins at 3 p.m.

Circus Vargas is bringing its brand of big top fun to the Inland region not once, not twice, but three times starting tonight. The all-new show will be at the Temecula Promenade March 25-29, then San Bernardino April 1-5 and then in Ontario April 8-19.

Circus Vargas

The big top tent will house new acts combined with favorites from past years. To help those families affected by current unemployment rates, the circus is offering free tickets to those who are unemployed, including family members, from April 1-19.

"The economy has hurt so many people lately and has affected our business as well," said Nelson Quiroga, president of Tabares Entertainment, which operates Circus Vargas. "We know that many people can't afford to take their families for entertainment like Circus Vargas so we want to help them when they need help the most."

Tickets can be picked up at the Circus Vargas box office by presenting a layoff notice or an unemployment check stub. Each person can receive up to four general admission tickets.

Hosted by Ringmaster Ted McRae, the show will include a hula-hoop production, aerial bungee-ballet, a motorcycle performance, clowns and more.

Jon Weiss, of CBS's "The Amazing Race" will host a pre-show peek into the world of Circus Vargas thirty minutes before show time. Children can check out the stage and follow Weiss as he walks the crowd through some details about how the circus works.

The show arrives in San Bernardino March 30 and will present a free 20-minute preview show at the San Bernardino Public Library Norman F. Feldheym Branch from 5:30-7 p.m.

Temecula Show: At Winchester Rd and Inez Rd.
Show Times: 7:30 March 25; 4:30, 7:30 March 26; 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. March 27-28; 7 p.m. March 29

San Bernardino Show: Off the I-10 at Waterman Ave.
Show Times: 7:30 p.m. April 1; 4:30, 7:30 p.m. April 2; 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 April 3-4; 7:00 p.m. April 5.

Ontario Show: On Ontario Mills Parkway east of Milliken. Ontario: 7:30 p.m. April 8; 4:30, 7:30 p.m. April 9; 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 April 10-11; 7 p.m. April 12, 14-16; 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 April 17-18; 7 p.m. April 19.

Tickets: 877-468-3861, www.circusvargas.org

Riverside City and County YMCA will host its 26th annual Good Friday Prayer Breakfast on Friday, April 2 at the Riverside Convention Center from 7-8:30 a.m. The event brings together hundreds of community members, as well as church and community leaders.

This year's keynote speaker is Renee Bondi, who was involved in a tragic accident that left her quadriplegic and unable to sing. She is now able to sing again and will perform at the event.

Following the event, the YMCA will host a small reception for Bondi at the agency's Jefferson Street location. The reception, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., is open to the public.

Breakfast tickets cost $20 per person or $200 for a table. To order, call Carol Herbertson at 951-689-9622.

The convention center is located at 3443 Orange Street in Riverside. The reception will take place at 4020 Jefferson Street in Riverside.

No, it's not just a "Midsummer Night's Dream," the sixth annual Redlands Shakespeare Festival is coming up! And to support this year's activities, the Redlands Barnes and Noble Booksellers will hold a book fair Sunday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a portion of the proceeds going to the festival, which begins May 13.

Located in the Citrus Plaza Shopping Center, book fair activities will include re-enacted scenes from this year's season of shows, including "Romeo and Juliet," a Midsummer Night's Dream," and "Hamlet."

Activities will also include Midsummer Fair Story times for kids, a stage combat presentation, a Shakespearean insult contest and picture times with costumed characters.

"This is such a great addition to our season offerings," said Steven Sabel, founding artistic director of the Redlands Shakespeare Festival. "It is going to be a fun day for families, with activities and attractions for people of all ages."

The book fair will also feature special book displays that include Shakespearean works and collections, books about Elizabethan history, Shakespearean authorship theories and the art of theater.

"This is a great way for book lovers to add to their libraries while helping the festival at the same time," Sabel said.

To be sure a portion of your purchase will be donated to the festival, print out the voucher located here.

Barnes & Noble is located at 27460 Lugonia Ave. in Redlands. Learn more about the Redlands Shakespeare Festival at www.redlandsshakespearefestival.com.

There seems to be a science theme going on lately. Must be the Spring weather. The San Bernardino County Museum will celebrate Chemistry Appreciation Day Saturday, April 10 from noon to 5 p.m.

With some guidance from Chemistry Club students at California State University, San Bernardino, visitors can participate in activities and demonstrations like freezing flowers and fruits using liquid nitrogen, density toys with liquids, making silly putty, experiments that deal with polarity and learning how the solutions of the same characteristics dissolve each other with the use of Styrofoam.

"Our visitors have really enjoyed this event in the past," said Jolene Redvale, curator of education. "It is exciting and definitely educational. Club members will show museum visitors how chemistry relates to everyday objects and events. Chemistry explains how things work."

The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane in Redlands. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, $5 for students and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum association members and children under age five get in free.

For more information call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The Highland Sam J. Racadio Library & Environmental Learning Center will host the Family Science Exploration day, "Cellular."

On Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m. families are invited to the ELC Science Lab to learn about plants and animals through models and microscopes. Visitors will explore samples of plants from the rooftop gardens, as well as some animals in their habitats. Participants will make slides and look at life-size and cell models to discover what plants and animals are really made of.

The program is free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The center is located at 7863 Central Ave. in Highland. For more information call 909-425-4705.

The Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California and the Rose of Sharon Salon in Redlands will host a Hair Cut-A-Thon fundraiser Sunday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Paris Alvino

For a minimum donation of $20 children with cancer will shave the heads of firefighters and anyone else wishing to have their heads shaved. There will also be professional stylists available to cut and style those who don't want to have the shaved head look, but would still like to show support.

In addition the group will also be collecting 12" hair donations to send to Wigs for Kids, an organization dedicated to providing wigs for children with cancer.

Holly Tomlin

The Redlands Professional Firefighters Union will be providing a BBQ. There will also be a DJ and raffle prizes.

The young stylists will be Paris Avino and Holly Tomlin.

Paris is 7 years old. Her favorite color is pink. She was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma in 2006. Her father, who is the owner of the Rose of Sharon Salon. She is now in remission and doing very well.

Holly was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Thanksgiving Day in 2006 at the age of 9. She has endured several rounds of cranial radiation and 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy. She is now 14 years old and the cancer is in remission. She recently won 2nd place at her school's science fair and 3rd place at the district science fair for her project, "How does exercise affect blood pressure" (something she learned about while getting treatments at Loma Linda Children's Hospital).

What: 5th Annual Hair Cut-A-Thon
Where: The Rose of Sharon Salon, 101 East Redlands Blvd. Ste. 130, Redlands
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 21
Donations: Minimum of $20
Information: www.ccfsocal.org
Appointment: Call Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Calif. at 909-558-3419

Here comes the spelling bee!

Visit PE.com or Inlandsocal.com Wednesday morning starting at 9 a.m. and you can experience the drama and suspense of the annual Riverside Spelling Bee in a live simulcast.

I'll host the video alongside colleague David Zink. And yes, we're both brushing up on our spelling. We can't have the journalists looking bad in case we're put on the spot to spell something while there.

It's spring break time, and area theme parks are ready for the crowds.

Most parks have specials, events or shows already open or coming soon, including a polar bear exhibit, a food and wine festival, a butterfly jungle and fireworks shows.

Here's the low-down on some spring activities at area theme parks:

San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
San Diego Zoo: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through March 26; 9 a.m.-7p.m. March 27-April 11
Admission: $37, ages 12 and older; $27, ages 3-11
Wild Animal Park: 1550 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido
9 a.m.-5 p.m. through March 26; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. March 27-April 11
Admission: same as zoo; multiday and multipark tickets are $70, ages 12 and older; $50, ages 3-11.
Information: www.sandiegozoo.org

In addition to all the cute springtime babies in many zoo exhibits -- definitely check out the baby koala bears -- the zoo will reopen the new and improved Polar Bear Plunge exhibit March 26.

Home to Kalluk, Chinook and Tatqiq, three rescued polar bears, the exhibit will allow visitors to experience what a polar bear's life might be like in the Arctic.

It's Spring (or will be as of Saturday) and just as the polar bears are emerging from their snow dens in the Arctic, some will also emerge in San Diego Zoo's updated Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge exhibit at its reopening Friday, March 26. There is a reopening ceremony at noon.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

The exhibit will show how polar bears live in the Arctic. Guests will be able to walk in the paw prints of the largest bears on Earth and learn how they survive in the harsh Arctic climate, what - and how much - they eat and how humans can improve the species' chances of survival.

At various times throughout the day, zookeepers will open large, glass panels and interact with the bears through wire mesh, allowing guests the chance to come within a few feet of the zoo's three polar bears - Kalluk, Tatqiq and Chinook.

"The San Diego Zoo wants our guests to experience the beauty and playfulness of our three polar bears while learning about the lifestyle of bears in the Arctic, why they are threatened and what humans can do to ensure their survival," said John Dunlap, director of the zoo.

Another new element in the exhibit is the 300-square-foot den, which will allow kids to explore the living area of a female polar bear and her cubs.

Here are the bios on all three bears:
Kalluk "The Athlete"
Male, born Jan., 2001, orphaned two months later. Now weighs 950 lbs.
He's the largest of the bears, likes to belly flop into the pool and likes wearing items like burlap sacks and palm fronds on his head. He arrived at the zoo in March of 2001.

Tatqiq "The Princess"
Female, sibling of Kalluk, born January, 2001, orphaned two months later. Now weighs 560 lbs.
Tatqiq dives into the pool with her back paws pointed, is graceful underwater and likes bird watching. She may be smaller, but she's the boss of her brother, Kalluk. Her favorite color is pink. She came to the zoo in March of 2001.

Chinook "The Stalker"
Female, born February, 1995, orphaned a few months later, now weighs 539 lbs.
Her favorite pastimes are napping and rolling in the dirt. She likes putting her keepers on their toes by pretending to rest in her bedroom and then pouncing with glee as a keeper walks by. Her favorite color is green. She came to the zoo in May of 1996.

For more information on the exhibit visit www.sandiegozoo.org.

Attention all itty bitty artists: First 5 San Bernardino is looking for your artwork for its 2011 calendar. Kids ages 5 and under can participate. One submission per child. A minimum of 12 artwork pieces will be selected for the calendar.

The child's first name, school/program and age should be on the back of the artwork. The deadline is May 15. Do not laminate, fold or alter the artwork. All pieces should be 2-dimentional on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper.

Art topics include oral health, nutritious foods, emergency preparedness, physical activity, summer safety, back to school, healthy kids, family, babies, love to read, smoke free families, happy kids, holidays and having fun.

Submit artwork to:
Bonnie Woodrome
First 5 San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA 92415
or e-mail to bwoodrome@cfc.sbcounty.gov

Voters have spoken and tonight the first competitor of "American Idol's" top 12 was sent home. After a week of Rolling Stones songs, the bottom three included Paige Miles, Tim Urban and Lacey Brown.

Inland contestant, Andrew Garcia of Moreno Valley, made it through another results night after singing Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" to mixed reviews from the judges Tuesday night.

Over the past three weeks, results shows have slimmed down the number of contestants from 24 to 12 by sending home four performers each week.

Urban, who sang an unusual version of "Under My Thumb," got the "sit down" from host Ryan Seacrest, leaving Miles and Brown waiting to find out which of them didn't get the votes.

Last night Miles sang "Honky Tonk Woman" and Brown sang "Ruby Tuesday."

After much drama and suspense it was announced that Brown would be going home.

Guest performers on the show included Season 7 winner David Cook, Orianthi and Ke$ha.

Remaining competitors include Lee Dewyze, Aaron Kelly, Casey James, Tim Urban, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens, Paige Miles, Crystal Bowersox and Didi Banami.

While music writer Vanessa Franko is walking the streets of Austin for South by Southwest, I filled in for this afternoon's "This Week in Idol" recap of the performance show.

Get the low down on the best and worst of the night - and who we think might be in danger - on the show here.

Free live streaming by Ustream

So yesterday I got to spend a couple hours with Harry Hamlin (you know, L.A. Law, "People" magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive." Amazing! Very down to earth, friendly. Strangely enough, I watched him train and then jump out of a perfectly good plane - other people call this skydiving.

Stan Lim/The Press-Enterprise

Actor Harry Hamlin is filmed as he is suited up to tandem sky dive at Perris Valley Skydiving on Tuesday, March 16 for a reality TV show.

He was filming an upcoming docu-drama called "Harry Loves Lisa" about the daily happenings in his life married to Lisa Rinna raising their two daughters ages 8 and 11. He seemed like a doting father, talking how both he and Lisa work hard to provide good role models.

On the show, and over the past several years, he has been trying to overcome some personal fears, including skydiving, doing stand-up comedy and that whole "Dancing With the Stars Thing."

Apparently dancing on stage was much worse than skydiving. He talked about how he worried he would "throw up on stage" but after the jump he said, "It was fine the whole time."

The show is currently in production and will air on TV Land Prime in the fall.

Here are the details of my day with Harry:

www.inlandsocal.com/iguide/family/content/news/stories/PE_News_Local_W_hamlin17.48b99dd.html

Kurt Miller/The Press-Enterprise

On Tuesday, about 100 of "Team Andrew" friends and family watched Inland Idol Andrew Garcia perform on Fox's "American Idol."

Fellow reporter - and "Idol" fan Joe Ardent spent last night with local Idol Andrew Garcia's family and friends at an Inland Shakey's Pizza watching performance night on "American Idol."

They cheered, they cried and most of all, they whipped out those phones to vote at the end. The group wore "Team Andrew" shirts, had faces painted, and celebrated the second birthday of Garcia's son Caeland.

The group of 50-100 have been meeting at the Shakey's each week to watch Garcia's performances.

See the full story here: www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_W_andrew17.454ab1c.html

I'm signing off. Good night of "American Idol." Ellen was ON tonight. Funny stuff. Seacrest seemed off. Tune in to inlandsocal.com or PE.com for a live video "Idol" recap.

Crystal Bowersox - can't wait to hear this one. We learn about Crystal's supportive dad, who has always driven her to gigs.

She sang "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Sounded solid as usual, but maybe a little too much like other performances.

Randy: "I don't think it was your best performances but ... I love you."
Ellen: "Here's the think, you sing with such ease. It's so effortless. What I've been missing from you that I saw tonight was personality."
Kara: "I agree. You're so comfortable up there ... but tonight you loosened up a bit more."
Simon: "You came out here tonight 100 percent the clear favorite. You chose a song that didn't have what you needed. This is the first time I think you were beaten by somebody ... Siobhan."

Aaron Kelly was adopted at 5 years old. His first performance was at a school talent show.

He sang "Angie." It was a little boring for me, but apparently I'm wrong because the judges raved.

Randy: "You were definitely born to sing. The tender moments, almost sometimes I could hear a little Justin Timberlake."
Ellen: "Are you trying to do your hair like mine? I thought that was such a great song choice for me."
Kara: "I beat you up good last week, but you showed me good. Really great."
Simon: "I must admit, I did fear for you when I heard it was Rolling Stones week. But you chose, absolutely 100 percent the right song. It was one of your strongest performances to date."

Paige Miles - musical influence came from her mom. She sang "Honky Tonk Woman."

I want her to do well tonight because she did so poorly last week. And I think she did sound much, much better. However, not to sound all judgey, but I didn't really think it sounded like her as a performer. I picture her singing something a bit different.

Randy: "You did alright with it. I wish you had more energy, but you know what? I liked it."
Ellen: "I think you have so much star quality. You really sounded amazing."
Kara: "The Paige we fell in love with was back."
Simon: "You did great. You really hit some big notes. I still think you're better than that. You still haven't quite connected. But at least, at moments, we heard the big voice which we love."

Lee DeWyze - why is Seacrest quizing him on paint colors?

Cute story about Lee singing for his parents as a kid, as long as they didn't look at him. He seems over that now.

He sang "Beast of Burden." Despite the judge love, I haven't really been a fan in weeks past. But tonight, I liked him. I think he sounds strained when he gets loud, so this softer tune was better.

Randy: "You know what I love, you're an amazing singer ... you did a singer/songwriter thing with this."
Ellen: "I thought you sounded great ... but I was expecting a tiny bit more from you."
Kara: "You are growing faster than anybody on this stage. That's what I want to celebrate ... tremendous growth."
Simon: "What's always held you back is your personality because you don't shine. You have got an incredible choice. What I want to see is ... you choose a song and have what a call 'A Moment.'"

Siobhan Magnus talked about her supportive family. She talks like her dad.

She sang "Paint It Black." I was nervous when it started. As my son just put it, "I don't know about this one." But again, I LOVE HER. She is intense. Looked gorgeous too. I agreed with Simon - Adam Lambert flashbacks.

Randy: "Bringing the drama to American Idol Season 9. That was hot!"
Ellen: "I love the way you look tonight, the way you sound. You rise above."
Kara: "I'm having flashbacks of Adam Lambert. The best interpretation tonight."
Simon: "I think it was the standout performance of the night. Now I see the development ... you look interesting. It's almost like now, you're going to have to scream at the end of every song. A lot of people who are going to love it and a lot will hate it. And that, I think, is a good place to be."

Tim Urban - part of the giant Urban family. He sang, "Under My Thumb."

Kind of an interesting take on "Under My Thumb." I'm not sure I quite got it. Kind of felt like I was listening to "Don't Worry, Be Happy."

Randy: "I didn't get that Dude. It was very bizarre."
Ellen: "I felt like I was at a resort and drinking a pina colada. There was nothing wrong with it ... on a night like this when you should wow us ... it just didn't wow me."
Kara: "You did something so incredibly different with the song. Whether you like it or not, you made it your own."
Simon: "I have to applaud you for doing something different. Having said that, it didn't work. A lot of people who were Rolling Stones fans would be turning their televisions off. I think it was a crazy decision."

Katie Stevens is up. I thought she would go home last week. She's tried to follow the judges advice, but she can't seem to catch a break. Cute home videos of itty-bitty Katie singing at a wedding.

Tonight she sang "Wild Horses."

She looked and sounded very pretty. Nice song choice for Katie.

Randy: "I know we've been giving you a lot of misdirection. I actually think you sang that really well. It was a very strong performance."
Ellen: "You sounded so good once you got into it."
Kara: "It's never technically perfect with you. You made some nice variations. It was better than last week."
Simon: "I would say this is the only week you have actually chosen a really solid song. This is the first time you really connected with a song. Well done."

Andrew went into more about his parents. His dad thought he'd be a custodian, but lucky for us, Andrew liked playing guitar. Dad talked about not having money, but wishing he could. And how proud he is that Andrew can take care of his wife and baby.

He sang "Gimme Shelter." Loved it. Different from weeks past.

Randy: "Dawg you know I love you. I love the song, love the Stones but it was just pitchy everywhere."
Ellen: "What do I know? I think that was your best performance yet."
Kara: "There were definitely elements that we were starting to hear that tone we loved. I felt it at times, but at others I didn't."
Simon: "I think you gave it 100 percent. Something didn't quite connect with the song. You've had so much mixed criticism. I genuinely hope that you survive another week."

Lacey Brown is from Amarillo, Texas and most of her experience comes from singing in church. She sang "Ruby Tuesday."

Mostly I couldn't stop looking at her weird top. The song was a little strange for me.

Randy: "Definitely very interesting. It wasn't one of those wow moments though."
Ellen: "Lacey I thought it was weird."
Kara: "Hearing your voice right up clear is great, but there definitely were some issues where you didn't hit the notes right."
Simon: "You perform like an actress. Everything is really, really precise. I kind of feel with you that you need to stop over-thinking this."

Casey James sang next. We heard about his musical family.

He sang, "It's all over now." It was OK, but I found it a little boring. Liked the ending the best. He should always play a guitar.

Randy: "I'm excited about this. You're back to the Casey I love. I loved it!"
Ellen: "For most women, there hearts are going to start racing when they look at you. But then, for people like me - blondes - I thought it was fantastic."
Kara: "Tonight, you were a rock star. Your best performance."
Simon: "For me that was like an audition performance, not using this stage ... to do something incredible. You've got to push yourself."

Didi Benami was up next on "Idol." We heard about how her mom can't watch live cause it makes her too nervous. Didi is so cute. Looked great tonight. She sang "Playin' With Fire."

Two weeks in a row I loved Didi. Great song choice for her.

Randy: "I think, for the first time for me in weeks, Didi you are on fire tonight. That was one of your best performances."
Ellen: "I thought you sounded great. And you made the word fire two syllables."
Kara: "What I liked tonight that I saw was an intensity, you attacked that song. Very well done."
Simon: "You are beginning to show us the kind of artist you want to be. I've been a fan of yours. It was a very solid, but not brilliant performance."

Watching "American Idol" and hoping tonight, local Andrew Garcia can make his come back as the apple of the judges' eyes.

The theme tonight is the Rolling Stones.

Michael Lynche started off the night with "Miss You." Loved seeing more on his family again.

Kicked off the show with a bang. All but Simon loved it.

Randy: "You slayed it. Way to start the show baby!!"
Ellen: "What's not to love about that? That's the way to start the night."
Kara: "First night, big stage. I really liked it."
Simon: "I thought the performance at times, particularly your dancing was kind of corny."

On tonight's "American Idol," family man (and local) Andrew Garcia will compete among the Top 12. Last week judges were STILL giving him a hard time about his rendition of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" that wowed them a few weeks back.

Garcia, a Moreno Valley native, was trending as a top favorite for a while, but hasn't been as popular after the last few performances - which I still really enjoyed.

Since music reporter Vanessa Franko is living the good life at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas this week, I'll be live blogging the show - performance night - tonight and talking "Idol" tomorrow in a live vodcast at 2:30 p.m.

Tune in for details!

The 18th annual Riverside Airshow is coming up March 27 at the Riverside Airport, with plenty of things to do for families. Admission is free, with activities going on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be an antique and classic airplane show, military aircraft, a car show, helicopter displays, aerobatics, an emergency preparedness fair, vendors, K-9 demonstrations and more.

There's also a pancake breakfast for $5 at 7 a.m. The airport is located at 6951 Flight Rd. in Riverside. For more information call 951-351-6113 or visit www.riversideca.gov/airshow.

Courtesy of Fox

Andrew Garcia has made it into the top 12. How far will he go?

Been following our local American Idol? Andrew Garcia made the top 12 as of last night, but it doesn't seem like he's on very solid ground. Judges loved his rendition of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" a few weeks back and Garcia's never again been able to live up to the hype of that night.

See music writer Vanessa Franko's take on Garcia's performances so far here.

Vanessa has been live blogging "Idol" each week and hosts a live Web show Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. at Inlandsocal.com and PE.com, discussing the live shows. Watch Thursday's show below. I put in my 2-cents as a guest this week and will host next week while she's covering South by Southwest in Austin next week.

I like Andrew a lot and hope he can scale this "Straight Up" wall the judges have thrown up. But I've got to say, Michael Lynche is my No. 1 fave. Go Big Mike! Got an opinion? Video chat rooms at Ustream

BubbleFest, Taco Bell Discovery Science Center's biggest event of the year, is coming up. Each year the Santa Ana science center celebrates good, clean fun with about two weeks of bubble science.

BubbleFest will be from March 27-April 11 and will include daily shows, bubble learning stations and the center's more than 100 permanent hands-on exhibits. Sixteen-time Guinness Book World Record Holder and Bubble Scientist Fan Yang will perform four bubble shows daily featuring a bubble carousel, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, spinning bubbles, bouncing bubbles and more.

General admission and BubbleFest show tickets cost $19.95 for adults; $16.95 for kids ages 3-7 and $6 for members. A Bubble Super Tickets costs $24.95 for adults and $23.45 for kids ages 3-7, and includes general admission, a Bubblefest show, a 4-D movie and a DinoQuest game.

Discovery Science Center is located at 2500 N. Main St. in Santa Ana. For more information call 714-542-2823 or visit www.discoverycube.org.

With its colorful underwater scenery, cast of returning performers and a new touring agenda, Inland Pacific Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is ready to transport Inland families.

"The scenery is beautiful, and so are the costumes," said Jennifer Friel, who plays the title role in the production. "The dancing is more contemporary ballet, so it's more accessible ... and it's only about an hour and a half long, so it's a good length for younger kids."

Although the production is an annual event for Inland Pacific, this is the first time it has been a touring show.

The show opened at the Haugh Performing Arts Center in Glendora last weekend and will move on to Bridges Auditorium in Claremont on Saturday and Sunday, then the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga on March 20-21 and closing at the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro on March 27-28.

"The Little Mermaid" premiered in 2002 and launched Inland Pacific's series for young audiences featuring original ballets adapted from adventure-filled stories.

The show is based on the Hans Christian Anderson story but includes a surprise ending.
"We don't have a tragic ending -- we have our own unique ending that's happy," Friel said.

Other principle performers include Jonathan Sharp as the prince and Stephanie Orza as the sea witch.

"'The Little Mermaid' creates magic wherever we perform it," said Artistic Director Victoria Koenig. "The universal appeal of the story helps young audiences connect with the characters. This is by no means a 'kiddie' show, but rather a brilliant artistic collaboration that moves audiences beyond the Disney version and allows them to experience the story in a whole new way."

Tickets are $25 with special discounts for children, seniors and groups. For more information, visit www.mermaidlive.com.

'LITTLE MERMAID'
Bridges Auditorium
Where: 450 N. College Way, Claremont
When: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Lewis Family Playhouse
Where: Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga
When: 3 and 7:30 p.m. March 20; 2 p.m. March 21
Warner Grand Theatre
Where: 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro
When: 2 p.m. March 27; 2 p.m. March 28

Seven student musicians from the University of Redlands will perform in the President's Honor Recital Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m. in the university's Memorial Chapel. The performance is free and open to the public.

Since 1983, the President's Honor Recital has provided a public showcase for top performers at the University of Redlands. The seven students performing in Sunday's concert are winners of auditions held last November, which were open to university students taking lessons on an instrument or in voice with a School of Music faculty member.

Forty-seven undergraduate and graduate students competed for a spot in the performance. Judges for the finals of this year's competition were mezzo-soprano Marvelle Carriaga, opera teacher; David Washburn, principal trumpet of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Pasadena Pops Orchestra and associate principal of the L.A. Opera Orchestra; Co Nguyen, assistant music director of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra; and Andrew Glendening, dean of the University of Redlands School of Music.

Disney's "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program has officially reached its goal of inspiring 1 million people to volunteer. The program began just 10 weeks ago and was ongoing until Dec. 15 or until 1 million people signed on to volunteer.

After volunteering participants were given a free one-day admission to one theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.

Although the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program has ended and guests may no longer register for projects to earn a free ticket, volunteer projects can still be found at the HandsOn Network at http://HandsOnNetwork.org.

A Community Fair and Egg Hunt put together by the Eastside Health Center and the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will be at the Bobby Bonds Sports Complex, Cesar Chavez Community Center Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Families are asked to bring their own baskets for the egg hunt, which starts promptly at 10 a.m. Children's activities include a visit with Peter Rabbit, face painting, Mad Science Slime and dry ice booths, Police K-9 and fire engine demonstrations, an obstacle course bouncer and more.

There will also be live music by "Jovanni," a Michael Jackson Impersonator, a performance by Ballet Folklorico, Tai-Chi and Zumba.

Free heath screenings for osteoporosis, glucose levels, dental, blood pressure, body fat, bone density and more will also be available, in addition to community health and education resources handouts at information booths.

The event is free and open to the public. The community center is located at 2060 University Ave. in Riverside.

The ninth annual Festival of Native Film and Culture begins Wednesday in Palm Springs.

The festival runs through Sunday and features films from the United States, Canada, Norway, Russia and Panama. The opening film, which begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday, is "Sing Birds: Following the Paths of Cahuilla Power," about the bird songs of the Cahuilla Indians, whose ancestral homeland includes the Palm Springs area. A reception begins at 7 p.m.

The festival is presented by the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum in Palm Springs.

All screenings and receptions will be at Camelot Theatres, 2300 E. Baristo Road. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for those 60 and over and 16 and under. An "all-access pass," which provides entry to all screenings and receptions, is $50. Tickets are on sale at Camelot, by phone at 800-595-4849 or online at www.camelottickets.com.

For more information, call the Camelot box office at 760-325-6565, the museum at 760-778-1079, or go to www.accmuseum.org.

David Olson,
dolson@PE.com

Six California State University campuses are searching for 250 Japanese-American students who were forcibly removed from CSU campuses during World War II and relocated to internment camps, interrupting their academic careers.

The CSU campuses plan to award these Nisei students honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters degrees as part of the CSU's Nisei Honorary Degree Project. The CSU project is a result of Assembly Member Warren Furutani's bill, Assembly Bill 37, which called upon the CSU, University of California and the community colleges to award the degrees.

Application forms for the Nisei and/or their families can be found at www.calstate.edu/nisei. The CSU also has established a dedicated email address nisei@calstate.edu and a dedicated phone number (562) 951-4723 for people who need additional information.

The six CSU campuses where students attended and that will grant the honorary degrees are: Fresno, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo and Pomona (which was a branch of San Luis Obispo during those years).

-Mark Muckenfuss

Agatha Christie's "The Patient" will be at the Yucaipa Little Theatre Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. and for a matinee performance at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14.

The show centers around a woman who sits paralyzed in a wheelchair following a fall from a balcony. The question is, did she faint or was she pushed? The inspector, determines that murder was intended a uses a devious ruse to trap the guilty party.

In addition to "The Patient," there will be a few shorter, variety-style performances, including on entitled "Chocolate."

Howard Glenn-Rawley, actor and co-founder of the Desert Actors Network in Palm Springs, will direct the special event.

Tickets cost $5. For information or reservations call 909-790-1884. Yucaipa Little Theatre is located at 12135 California St. in Yucaipa.

Calico Ghost Town will hold a weekend of Easter family entertainment April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including egg hunts and a photogenic Easter Bunny.

This year's musical performances will be by the Cornbread Washtub Band and the high-energy music group, Twinkle & Friends. Twinkle's creator and star performer is Alizah, formerly a member of the all-girl group, "Nobody's Angel." The band has opened for Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and won a gold record for two of their songs on the "Princess Diaries" soundtrack. Alizah has also appeared on the daytime soap, "General Hospital" and on "Two and a Half Men."

In addition to the musical entertainment, there will be a fashion contest judged by Miss Barstow and Miss Teen Barstow 2010. There will be a baby animal petting zoo and children's games.

Easter Sunday will begin with a sunrise service at 7 a.m. Following the service, the Calico House Restaurant will offer a continental breakfast.

Do you know an extraordinary mom? If so, Ontario Mills wants to know. Nominations are being accepted for very special moms in a program called "Hardest Working Moms," which will recognize and award top candidates at an event that will also raise funds for the American Heart Association.

To nominate a "Hardest Working Mom" visit www.ontariomills.com or call Guest Services at 909-484-8300. The deadline for nominations is April 5. The special event will include a fashion presentation and is slated for May 8 at the Ontario Mills.

Prizes will include a gift basket, gift certificates and more. One honoree will be awarded a $500 Simon gift card.

Savvy Chic Kids Consignment will hold its spring sale March 14 and 15 at 10081 Indiana Ave. in Riverside.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Savvy Chick was created by three Inland region moms, Lisa Walcker, Sara Gillespie and Yoli Merklin about a year and a half ago. The women gathered consignors with gently used items priced 50 to 90 percent below retail and began holding twice-yearly sales (spring and fall) to help families purchase items for their children for discounted prices.

The first sale took place in October, 2008 with 50 consigners. This year's spring sale has approximately 150 participating consignors.

"We see this as a way to give back to the community by providing a venue for families to both make money and purchase necessities such as clothes, shoes, furniture, baby gear, bedding, toys and maternity wear at discount prices," Walcker said.

After the sale, some consignors allow SCKC to donate unsold items to Inland charities and churches that serve women and children. For the spring sale, SCKC will be donating to Family Service Association, La Sierra University Church's Community Services, San Bernardino Pregnancy Resource Center and Helping Hands.

Here's the schedule for the spring sale:
TUE, March 09 - 9am-6pm Consignor Drop Offs
WED, March 10 - 9am-6pm Consignor Drop Offs
THU, March 11 - 9am-6pm Consignor Drop Offs
FRI, March 12 - 11pm-4pm Volunteer Pre-Sale
FRI, March 12 - 2:00pm-4pm Consignor Pre-Sale
SAT, March 13 - 6pm-9pm VIP PRE-SALE (Pass Required)**
SUN, March 14 - 9am-9pm PUBLIC SALE
MON, March 15 - 9am-10am Discount Pre-Sale (Volunteers Only)
MON, March 15 - 10am-6pm DISCOUNT DAY (Many Items 1/2 Off)
TUE, March 16 - 3pm-6pm Consignor Pick-Ups
**Purchase pass at http://www.savvychickids.com/Savvy_Chic_Kids/SCHEDULE.html

Anyone going to see Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland?" Well if you are, we're looking for your mini-review. Tell us what you thought here.

My kids think the Red Queen propping her tired feet on the "warm pig's belly" in the preview is hysterical, but I'm a bit worried the movie would scare my youngest. Pretty much every Tim Burton movie he has seen was too scary. So, we may have to wait for video - unless I go kid-less. We'll see!

We are looking for the tastiest breakfast places around for upcoming reviews and videos.

I'm going to have to vote for The Farmhouse in Banning and BC Cafe in Rancho Cucamonga, two of my faves. Kay's Cafe in Highland might just make the list as well.

Share your thoughts here.

Inland Pacific Ballet's "The Little Mermaid" is opening at the Haugh Performing Art Center in Glendora this weekend, and then will travel to Bridges Auditorium in Claremont March13-14, then the Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga March 20-21, and then the Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro March 27-28.

"The Little Mermaid" premiered in 2002 and launched IPB's series for young audiences featuring original ballets adapted from adventure filled stories.

"'The Little Mermaid' creates magic wherever we perform it," said Artistic Director Victoria Koenig. "The universal appeal of the story helps young audiences connect with the characters. This is by no means a 'kiddy' show, but rather a brilliant artistic collaboration that moves audiences beyond the Disney version and allows them to experience the story in a while new way."

Tickets are $25 with special discounts for children, seniors and groups. For more information visit www.mermaidlive.com.

About 230 artists will showcase their artwork at the 28th annual La Quinta Arts Festival at the La Quinta Civic Center Thursday, March 11 through Sunday, March 14.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

This year's festival will also include acrobatic performances, live music, wine, beer and food.

"La Quinta Arts Festival provides the perfect opportunity to gather with friends in a spectacular setting to enjoy a world class event, all for a good cause," said Christi Salamone, LQAF executive director.

About a third of the participating artists are new to the festival; the remaining artists are returning favorites.

The event is produced by the La Quinta Arts Foundation with the City of La Quinta as the premier sponsor. Media will include painting, sculpture, fine craft, photography, jewelry, textile, printmaking, drawing and mixed media.

Metal artist Jason Mernick of Lake Matthews has exhibited in past La Quinta Arts Festivals and is returning to this year's event. His works, created out of metal and shaped by fire, seem to follow a recurring theme of nature, but inspiration can really come from anything.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

"It's really hard to explain inspiration," Mernick said. "It just sort of flows. I really don't know what is going to happen until it happens."

Mernick works from an art studio at his home and has recently been commissioned by the Thomas Jefferson Law School for a large piece. Visit www.jasonmernick.com to see a photo gallery and for links to past news stories.

Live music acts will include Bill Keale, performing Hawaiian-themed vocals and acoustic guitar and Oscar Reynolds, playing Bolivian music on panpipes. Both artists will perform every day of the festival. New this year are Vibhas Kendzia, playing East Indian flutes, the sax and the piano on Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Latin jazz artist Joe Baldino on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The festival is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit La Quinta Arts Foundation, which provides art education at elementary schools and college scholarships.

What: La Quinta Arts Festival 2010
Where: La Quinta Civic Center, 78495 Calle Tampico at Washington St.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 11-14
Cost: $12 single day; $15 mulit-day; free children 12 and under
Information: www.lqaf.com

Like basket weaving? Then check out the San Bernardino Museum starting Saturday, March 13 for a large new exhibition of baskets from the collection of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians titled, "Generations of Symbols."

The exhibit runs through Oct. 17. Admission to the exhibit is included in paid museum admission. It is sponsored in part by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

More than 100 baskets will be on display. They reflect several Southern Calif. basketry traditions, including Cahuilla, Cupeño, Serrano, Luiseño, and Diegueño.

"The tradition of basketry dates back at least 10,000 years in the American West. It is both a technology for making utilitarian objects and an art form with techniques and motifs handed down through generations of basket makers," said Adella Schroth, curator of anthropology. "Prehistoric Californians in interior Southern Calif. were hunters and gatherers who moved with the seasons between mountains, foothills, valleys and deserts to gather resources. They depended on baskets for storage and for preparing, cooking and serving food because baskets are light and sturdy."

Set at the foot of the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Mountains, the Morongo Indian Reservation spans more than 35,000 acres and overlooks the vistas of the Banning Pass.

"The baskets are considered to be a powerful, spiritual and cultural symbol within the native community, and it is with great honor and pride we display these beautiful pieces of art," said Michael Contreras, Jr. the Cultural Heritage Program coordinator for the Morongo Band. "We believe sharing the basket collection will further educate and develop a greater appreciation for local cultures and Native people as a whole."

The Junior League of Riverside's annual "Kids in the Kitchen" health fair is coming back to Riverside Plaza, for another day of activity booths, stage demonstrations and more.

2009/The Press-Enterprise

Last year's fair saw about 1,000 visitors. See last year's article here.

The 5th annual health fair will kick off Saturday, March 13 at 8 a.m. with a Fun Run and Walk, followed by fair activities from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All events are free, open to the public and geared towards children ages five to 12.

"We are thrilled to introduce our inaugural Altura Credit Union Kids in the Kitchen Fun Run and Walk around an enclosed route at the Riverside Plaza," said Debbie Caudill, JLR president.

Registration for the walk/run is at 7 a.m. behind Forever 21 and Merrill Ave. Warm-ups begin at 7:45 a.m.

The first 1,000 children to check in at the fair will receive a KITK t-shirt, canvas bag, program materials and an opportunity ticket. There will be 14 hands-on activity booths, including activities such as packing a healthy lunch, a strawberry milk relay, milk can bowling, lemon-lime tic-tac-toe toss and guess the mystery vegetable.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California will present a $12,500 check to JLR on the main stage at 10 a.m.

"The grant allows us to provide the community with an educational and fitness-themed event," Caudill said. "We believe the education of our children is the key to making a lasting change in the reversal of current childhood obesity statistics."

There will also be demonstrations by the US Karate Organization Family Training Centers, Stroller Strides, fitness instructor Tracey Pilliter and Realis Gymnastics on the Main Stage throughout the day.

For more information visit http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org. To learn more about the Junior League of Riverside visit www.juniorleagueriverside.org.

Photo Gallery: "Beauty and the Beast" at Ramona High School

Silvia Flores/The Press-Enterprise

From left, Aaron Kaufhold as "Cogsworth, Michaela Arias as "Belle", and Andrew Savage as "Lumiere."

"Beauty and the Beast," by Riverside Children's Theatre will open at the Ramona High School Theater Friday, March 5 at 7 p.m., with other shows on Saturday, March 6 at 1 and 7 p.m., Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 13 at 1 and 7 p.m.

"Our upcoming production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast is sure to attract many families," said Janna Le Blanc, VP- Publicity, Riverside Children's Theatre.

RCT has been putting together family productions for about 54 years now, with parents and community volunteers creating costumes and designing and building sets.

Silvia Flores/The Press-Enterprise

Forks, knives, and spoons perform during a dress rehearsal of "Beauty and the Beast."

Co-producers Ronda Barnes and Julie Gomez worked with the group of children ages kindergarten through eighth grade for several weeks, preparing for the opening and did a pre-show production at the Riverside Plaza on Feb. 20.

Chad Pattison will play the part of the "Beast", and Michaela Arias will perform as "Belle."

RTC has two productions each year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring and the organization has Saturday morning classes on dance, music and theater arts.

Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 if purchased in advance. Purchase tickets at www.riversidechildrenstheatre.org/currentprod.html or at one of the sponsors below:

Alin Party Supply at 6493 Magnolia, Riverside.
Capezio Dance at 3864 Tyler, Riverside
Ponies & Pigtails at the Canyon Crest Towne Center, Riverside
Talking Book Worldat 320 N. Delilah St., Corona

Ramona High School Theater is located at 7675 Magnolia Ave. in Riverside.

The Soroptimist International of Corona, a non-profit women's service organization, will host a free workshop for Corona/Norco junior high students called "Dreams and Decisions" on Saturday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Citrus Hills Intermediate School in Corona.

The days activities will include food, crafts, dance, yoga and more, all with the underlying purpose of teaching girls to make good choices. The goal of the event is to prevent teen pregnancy by teaching abstinence and to improve girls' self esteem.

Fore more information visit www.dreamsanddecisions.com. The Facebook event page is located at www.facebook.com/ivent.php?eid=309407518830.

San Bernardino based PBS show "Curiosity Quest" premiere's its new season tonight, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. on KVCR-PBS, channel 24. The first episode, "Milk to Cheese" will take place at the Crave Brothers Cheese Farmstead in Wisconsin.

"Curiosity Quest" began filming the new season at the end of 2009 and has just completed 13 new episodes for the upcoming season. New episodes will include snow-making in Big Bear at Snow Summit, how to change the arena floor at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, how to make designer cakes in Corona, fire fighter training in Orange, pizza creations in Montclair and more.

For more information visit www.CuriosityQuest.org.

Vocal competition Inland Icon has added one more qualifying audition date on Saturday, March 20 at 10 a.m. at Prima Dance in Corona before moving on to the semifinal competition in April. Contestants can register online beginning Tuesday, March 2 at http://InlandIcon.com to participate.

Previous auditions have taken place at The Shoppes at Chino Hills Jan. 16, The Shoppes at Dos Lagos in Corona Jan. 23, The Promenade in Temecula Jan. 30 and The Village at Orange Feb. 6.

The competition is open to youth ages 7-18 and is produced by WBZB Entertainment. The semi-finals will take place April 10 at the Corona Civic Center, and then 30 finalists will compete May 2 at The Irvine Barclay Theater, with one winner in each of the three age category walking away with the Inland Icon title and prize package.

The awards include a professional headshot photography session, in-studio vocal coaching/training for recording artists, an original son (music and lyrics) written specifically for or with the youth artists, a two-song professional CD production that includes a cover song and an original song, and a music video of the original song.

"A package of professionally-prepared headshots, a demo cod and music video can provide them with a serious presence when they approach promoters, record labels and future performance opportunities," said Rick Henninger, Business Manager for WBZB Entertainment.

There is a one-time $35 registration fee. Prima Dance is located at 109 N. Maple St. in Corona.

Curator of History Michele Nielsen will host a gallery walk, "In-Hand: 3-dimensional artifacts and their stories," at the San Bernardino County Museum Friday, March 5 at 2 p.m. The one-hour presentation is included in paid museum admission.

"Objects can tell stories about our past and lead us to explore our history," said Nielsen. "We will discover our past through these unusual but interesting objects as we walk through the galleries. Some of these objects will be on display in our new Crossroads in History exhibit hall."

The museum is located at 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for military or seniors, $5 for students and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. Children under age five and museum association members get in free. For more information call 909-307-2669 or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.