Inside The Inland Empire

The Big One could hit at any time - today, tomorrow, or 10 years from now - but it will hit. Ignoring it won't make the danger any less, and hoping it will hit Los Angeles harder than the Inland Empire won't help either.

What have you done to prepare for The Big One?

Are you prepared? Do you have water set aside? Food? Batteries? Anything? Here are a few things that I have personally done, all at a cost of only $100 or so:

• Secured all the large wobbly furniture in the house
  
• Made a 'earthquake storage locker' out of an old garden-tool cabinet to store earthquake supplies
  
• Stocked up on LOTS of 1 gallon bottles of drinking water (at approx $1 each)
  
• Stocked up on food, batteries, silverware, flashlights, soap, blankets, towels, medical supplies, AM radio, tools, ropes, etc - everything necessary to live on our own for a few days. Remember hurricane Katrina? We could be on our own for a while
  
• Polished up 'old faithful' - My laser-sighted Mossberg-500 riot gun and stocked up on several boxes of low-recoil ammo. If we are on our own for a while, there will be lots of people that weren't prepared. These people will be desperate for food and water. When they see us in the driveway showering with our extra gallons of water things could get hairy.
  
• Every 90 days I check my stockpile and rotate the canned food, etc. Nothing would be worse than finding out right after the Big One that all your Ravioli and Dennison's Chili cans have bulges (i.e.; they're rotten)
  
• Evaluated if it made sense to purchase earthquake insurance. In our case it did.
  

Warnings that the Big One could be closer than we think:

The Desert Sun online has a great collection of warnings to scare us all into getting prepared for the big one. Some of the highlights are:

• The San Andreas fault is overdue for quake
  
• What does an 8.0 earthquake feel like?
  
• Are you ready for THE BIG ONE?
  

For all the stories, and new ones, go to The Desert Sun's Earthquakes in the Desert feature.
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There is an interesting new page just posted at the main website by yours-truly, about what might be the most dangerous few miles of freeway in California.

Tragic accidents, horrific explosions, and even ancient Indian curses?

Read all about it here: 210 Freeway is cursed!
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Singer and international "star" Micheal Bolten was hosted by the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino Friday as part of a fundraiser event for children's charity, The Variety Club of The Desert.

The Fantasy Springs Casino and Resort is located in Indio immediately of Interstate 10 at the Golf Center Parkway off-ramp.

Fantasy Springs Casino and resort website: www.fantasyspringsresort.com
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Linkie Winkie is some sort of social Internet experiment. We don't really know what that means, but it looks like the Linkie Winkie crawls the web in search of blogs that link to it, or to other blogs that link to blogs that link to it.

If you're here in search of the answer to the Linkie Winkie mystery, please be sure to post a comment.
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In addition to freeway projects, Measure I provides funds for major street improvements throughout the San Bernardino Valley. These funds are used for major rehabilitation, construction or reconstruction of main thoroughfares, also called arterial streets. A Measure I Arterial Program Five Year Plan is adopted each year to allocate funds for these streets.

For the entire article see: Measure 1 street projects in the Inland Empire
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www.insidetheIE.com is currently experiencing host/server issues as a result of some upgrades that the hosting company did two nights ago.
Until our hosting company resolves the problem that they caused, nobody (including myself!) can log-in to the site.

You can still browse the site, but posting of comments or new pages will not work.

I will update this post as the situation changes or when the problem is resolved.

Update: July 27, 5:50AM
All systems seem to be working properly. If you have trouble logging in, please send me an email at IEdude@insidetheIE.com
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A FLASH FLOOD WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE MTNS AND
DESERTS OF EXTREME SW CA FOR THIS AFTERNOON AND
EARLY THIS EVENING.

MOIST UNSTABLE AIR & SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS WILL BRING THE
POTENTIAL FOR LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN & FLASH FLOODING TODAY IN THE
MOUNTAINS & DESERTS. THE RECENTLY BURNED AREAS SUCH AS THE HORSE.
SAWTOOTH & MILLARD BURNS WILL BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO
FLASH FLOODING.MUD & DEBRIS FLOWS.

CAZ055-056-058-060>062-260045-
/O.NEW.KSGX.FF.A.0011.060725T1900Z-060726T0200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-APPLE & LUCERNE VALLEYS-
COACHELLA VALLEY-SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS-
935 AM PDT TUE JUL 25 2006

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PDT THIS EVENING.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN SAN DIEGO HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF SW CA.
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS.APPLE & LUCERNE VALLEYS.
COACHELLA VALLEY.RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS.SAN BERNARDINO
COUNTY MOUNTAINS.SAN DIEGO COUNTY MTNS & DESERTS.

* FROM NOON UNTIL 7 PM PDT THIS EVENING.

* SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP TODAY. A FEW OF
THE STORMS MAY PRODUCE VERY HEAVY RAINFALL & FLASH FLOODING.
ESPECIALLY ON & NEAR STEEP TERRAIN & RECENTLY BURNED AREAS.

* AREAS IN & NEAR THE MILLARD & SAWTOOTH BURNS IN SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY.& THE HORSE FIRE BURN IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY
WILL BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO FLASH FLOODING.MUD AND
DEBRIS FLOWS. ALL RESIDENTS LIVING ON OR BELOW BURNED HILLSIDES
OR MTN SLOPES SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE MUD SLIDES
& DEBRIS FLOWS. THESE FLOWS MAY OCCUR AT ANY TIME.EVEN WITH
LITTLE OR NO RAIN FALLING.

CAMPERS & HIKERS SPENDING TIME IN THE MTNS TODAY SHOULD
AVOID NARROW CANYONS & NORMALLY DRY WASHES IF THUNDERSTORMS ARE
OBSERVED.EVEN IN THE DISTANCE. RUNNING WATER CAN MOVE A
CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE FROM THE STORM.& RUSH QUICKLY INTO
NORMALLY DRY AREAS WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS & BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

$$

LAVIS
____________________________________________________________________________________________

From: ISO

ISO declared Statewide STAGE 1 Electrical Emergency for 07/24/2006 10:00 through 07/24/2006 21:00


For more information contact:
webmaster@caiso.com
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Last night at my home in Alta Loma the back yard thermometer read 91 degrees at 9:00PM. When I went to bed at 12:10AM, that same thermometer read 86 degrees. I was thankful for the drop in 5 degrees, but I left the air-conditioner running anyway - It's rare occurrence to leave the A/C running in our home all night, so it must be hot.

This morning I awoke to 92 degrees at about 8:30AM - a few hours later I drove to the Vons on Haven avenue and the little electronic thermometer in my car informed me that it was ONE-HUNDRED-AND-FIVE-DEGREES. Although I'm not one to argue with the complex digital gadgetry that our friends at Toyota include "at no extra cost", the amount of sweat rolling down my back and soaking my shirt was a good indication that it might actually be hotter.

It wasnt until I was driving back home, north on Haven Ave, that I noticed the huge thunder-clouds rising above the mountains over Rancho Cucamonga and east toward the Cajon pass. For days now Ghostpainter, Dallas Rains, Fritz Coleman, and those sexy former strippers on channel 11 and channel 13 have been telling us to watch for thunderstorms "tonight", and to be honest, I've been secretly hoping for some rain. I even took the Toyota to the car-wash yesterday in hopes that the rain-gods would see that as in invitation to ruin my newly cleaned car. So far my car-wash-rain-dance has been a waste of $11.99. The best we've gotten thus far was the distant rumble of thunder one night earlier this week and news reports of heavy rain in the desert 50 miles east of us for a few hours yesterday.

My desperation for rain comes not only from desiring a drop in the outrageously high recent temperatures in the Inland Empire, but I'm also hoping for a bit of relief for the crunchy-dry dead brown coating that covers the dirt in my front yard that was once my beautiful green lawn. Even though I've increased the watering time on the automatic sprinklers and faithfully stand in the yard like a fool each evening with the watering-hose, the grass continues to wither. I do however have some wonderful large toad-stools and mushrooms sprouting out of sand-pile that was once my grass to remind me of my impending bank-account-busting water bill.

So please, join me in a collective prayer for rain, lower temperatures, or a sale on lawn fertilizer at Home Depot.

Update: 3:15PM July 22

I took a picture of my weather-station ($19 at Radio Shack!). It has a wireless thermometer transmitter in the back yard, on the patio, and also records the temperature inside. The wireless transmitter is mounted in the coolest part of the backyard, in constant shade (facing north). The number on the top (109) is the temperature on the cool part of the patio. The number on the bottom (79.3) is the indoor temp after running the A/C since yesterday. I think it's official - Rancho Cucamonga is actually Hotter than hell.

All the photos posted were taken today, July 22, 2006

Update: 6:00PM July 22

Moderately strong winds are blowing trash and dead leaves all over the back yard, and those dark clouds that were of to the east earlier this afternoon are now right overhead. The temperature has dropped to a chilly 101F, but still not a drop of rain.
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My location at 11:40am
Weather Exchange

Elevation: 1520 ft / 463 m
[Scattered Clouds]
111.6 °F / 44.2 °C
Scattered Clouds
Humidity: 19%
Dew Point: 60 °F / 15 °C
Wind: 3.0 mph / 4.8 km/h Variable
Wind Gust: 5.4 mph / 8.7 km/h
Pressure: 29.85 in / 1010.7 hPa
Heat Index: 114 °F / 45 °C
Visibility: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers
UV: 8 out of 16
Clouds: Few 8000 ft / 2438 m
Scattered Clouds 14000 ft / 4267 m
Scattered Clouds 25000 ft / 7620 m
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We've gotten a couple of emails regarding the difference between the Inside the Inland Empire Website, and the Inside the IE Blog - So let me explain.

www.InsideTheIE.com:

This is the main website. Here you'll find information about cities in the IE, restaurants, things to do, places to go, etc. Most of the content at the main website is contributed by members and is intended to be a long-term repository of information about the Inland Empire. Anyone can post comments about a web-page, but to create pages of your own, you must sign-up for an account.. Accounts are free, and are necessary to keep the 'riff-raff' out.
You can click here to sign up for an account at the main site. After you create an account you can sign-in and begin creating web pages immediately. Creating a new page is easy: Sign in, click on "Create Content", and pick "Page". Fill out the title of your page, and the main "body" section.. No need to worry about anything else - it's as easy as typing a letter! When you're done, just press SUBMIT. If you have any photos that you would like included, just email them to 'IEdude@insidetheIE.com' and we'll post them on the page for you. Before your page will appear on the site it will be reviewed - this can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. After the review, your page will be availble for everyone to see and comment on.

www.insidetheie.blogspot.com:

This is the Inside The Inland Empire blog (that's what you're reading now). The blog is a place where registered users can post about virtually anything, as long as it's somehow connected to the Inland Empire. Posts like short-term weather reports, news items, complaints, rants, raves - whatever. Posts that would not be appropriate for the main website (described above) are perfect for the Blog.
The website and the blog are maintained separately (we don't like to keep all our huevos in one basket), so each requires it's own account. To request to become a member of the Inside The IE blog, just send an email to: IEdude@insidetheIE.com and we will send you an invitation form to fill out - 2 minutes later, you can be making posts! Posting to the blog is even easier than creating pages on the main website. Just click the "Post" button, start writing, and press "publish" !

If you have any questions or suggestions for the main site, or the blog, please post them here (in the comments section), or email them to: IEdude@insidetheIE.com
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Dead robin found in Lake Arrowhead tests positive for the disease

The first animal found to carry the West Nile virus in San Bernardino county was found last week in the western shore area of Lake Arrowhead.

County public health department personnel are now beginning wide-spread tests on mosquitoes in the area in an attempt to assess the risk to local residents.

Now is a great time to remind everyone to help control the mosquito population by dumping any containers with standing water and by turning any potential containers such as trash-can lids, flower-pots, etc, upside down so they cannot gather water. One of those fancy high-powered bug-zappers can also help, while being fun to watch at the same time.
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Firefighters were finally able to contain a nearly 100 square-mile blaze after days of struggling in Southern California, but with rain in the forecast, there was a new fear of mudslides.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch through the week in the Mojave Desert and portions of the San Bernardino National Forest, where nearly two weeks of fire left nonporous ash that could turn into mudslides with enough rain.

Forecasters said there was a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms Wednesday.

'The big thing is the weather,' said Rich Phelps of the U.S. Forest Service.

Cooler weather helped firefighters contain the blaze Tuesday night. It, along with a second fire, has charred a combined 131 square miles.

Skies were partly cloudy Tuesday and temperatures were some 20 degrees cooler than the triple-digit highs of last week.

Ignited by lightning July 9, the first blaze destroyed 58 houses and mobile homes, dozens of outbuildings and scores of vehicles. It was linked to 17 injuries and one death.

The second fire, about 24,210 acres and 38 square miles, merged with the other last week. It was burning in low-elevation brush and on rocky ridges dotted with pines killed by drought and a bark beetle infestation. It was 57 percent contained Tuesday.

On the northwestern edge of the fire front, an 800-acre blaze remained within a few miles of mountain hamlets but 'we don't feel there's any real threat,' Phelps said. 'We're not letting the fire grow. We're containing it.'

Elsewhere, a wildfire near the Nevada-California line was sparked by lightning Monday and had spread to 6,000 acres _ 9 square miles _ by midday Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of campers and a ranch and choking valleys along the eastern Sierra corridor with smoke.

Though the area is sparsely populated, fire officials worried that the blaze could threaten outlying ranches and homes. The blaze was moving in a northeasterly direction toward the scenic ranching community of Wellington, Nev., about 75 miles southeast of Reno.

Strong winds in central Montana pushed range fires past containment lines. One fire 25 miles north of Jordan was estimated at 31,000 acres _ 48 square miles _ before wind gusts of up to 50 mph hit that area, said Dena Lang, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Land Management.

'You feel so helpless,' Lang said. 'Firefighters are out there working hard; landowners are working so hard.' Some ranchers are losing grazing areas because of fires, she said.

At least eight major fires have burned in southern and eastern Montana. Together, they had burned an estimated 345,000 acres _ 540 square miles _ as of Tuesday. Fire officers cautioned that acreage on some of the more active fires could change with better mapping.

However, firefighters were near containment of the Pine Ridge fires in south-central Montana. The fires burned about 121,000 acres, or 189 square miles.

In Colorado, lightning sparked a 20-acre blaze in Mesa Verde National Park, officials said. No archaeological sites were damaged or threatened, and most visitor services remained open at the park Tuesday, officials said.

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THE I.E.'S TASTIEST TOP-THREE
1. Islands Restaurant
2. Marie Callender's
3. The Deli (Rancho Cucamonga)



THE PLAYERS
-- Burger King, 4000 N. Sierra Way, San Bernardino, (909) 886-2038
-- Carl's Jr., 2022 N. Riverside Ave., Rialto, (909) 873-4766
-- The Deli, 9671 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 989-8122
-- Farmer Boys, 1766 W. Kendall Drive, San Bernardino, (909) 473-1717
-- The Hat, 8030 Monet Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 646-7600
-- Islands, 11425 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 944-6661
-- Johnny Rockets, 7800 Kew Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 463-2800
-- Marie Callender's, 1030 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, (909) 621-3958
-- Outback Steakhouse, 4492 Ontario Mills Parkway, Ontario, (909) 484-2999
-- Sonic, 1632 N. Lemon St., Anaheim, (714) 992-4500

French Fries take the cake, so to speak, in side-dish fare. It's a no brainer that regular, steak and seasoned fries will forever accompany the majority of main courses.

For the full reviews visit: DailyBulletin.com
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Flights in and out of Los Angeles International Airport, Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and Ontario International Airport have been halted because of a power failure affecting radar and the Southern California air traffic control system.


MORE DETAILS:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

POTENTIAL FOR MUD & DEBRIS FLOWS TODAY FOR THE SAWTOOTH AND
MILLARD BURN AREAS.

A FLOW OF MONSOONAL MOISTURE WILL CONTINUE INTO SOUTHERN
CA THROUGH THIS WEEK & BRING FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR
SHOWERS & THUNDERSTORMS. STORMS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO
PRODUCE LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN & FLASH FLOODING. THE SAWTOOTH AND
MILLARD BURN AREAS WILL ESPECIALLY AT RISK & THE MOST
SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLASH FLOODING.MUD SLIDES & DEBRIS FLOWS.
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL RATES UP TO ONE INCH PER HOUR WILL BE
POSSIBLE FROM THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON & EVENING.


SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
1124 AM PDT TUE JUL 18 2006

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN SAN DIEGO HAS EXPANDED THE

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH TO INCLUDE A PORTION OF SW
CA.INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREA.IN SW
CA.SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS.

* UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING

* SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED WITH A POTENTIAL FOR
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODING.

* FLOODING.MUD SLIDES.ROCK SLIDES & DEBRIS FLOWS WILL BE
POSSIBLE IN & BELOW RECENTLY BURNED AREAS & ON STEEP
TERRAIN.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS & BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

$$

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
APPLE & LUCERNE VALLEYS-COACHELLA VALLEY-
1124 AM PDT TUE JUL 18 2006

FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING.

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR

* A PORTION OF SW CA.INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING
AREAS.IN SW CA.APPLE & LUCERNE VALLEYS.
COACHELLA VALLEY.RIVERSIDE COUNTY MTNS & SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS.

* UNTIL 9 PM PDT THIS EVENING

* SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED WITH A POTENTIAL FOR
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODING.

* FLOODING.MUD SLIDES.ROCK SLIDES & DEBRIS FLOWS WILL BE
POSSIBLE IN & BELOW RECENTLY BURNED AREAS & ON STEEP
TERRAIN.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS & BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

$$
FLASH FLOOD WATCH CANCELLED..

CAZ055-056-058-060-061-190145-
MM

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Epidemic Hazard - USA

GLIDE CODE: EP-20060718-6816-USA
Date & Time: 2006.07.18 - 05:48:59
Area: USA California, , Los Angeles ( MAP)

Description:

Those visiting rural areas this summer should take precautions to avoid contracting bubonic plague, the state Department of Health warned Monday. A Los Angeles woman was hospitalized in April after becoming infected with the potentially fatal bacterial disease. It was the first reported case in Los Angeles County since 1984. Bubonic plague is spread by squirrels, chipmunks and other wild rodents and their fleas, according to Dr. Mark Horton, a state public health officer. When an infected rodent becomes sick and dies, its fleas carry the infection to other warm-blooded animals, including humans. People can also be exposed through infected cats, which are highly susceptible to the disease. "Individuals can greatly reduce their risk of becoming infected with plague by taking simple precautions, including avoiding contact with wild rodents," Horton said. "Do not feed rodents in picnic or campground areas and never handle sick or dead rodents." Early symptoms of plague inc! lude high fever, chills, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. The disease is curable in its early stages with proper treatment, but may be fatal if left untreated. Plague-infected animals are most likely to be found in California's foothills, mountains and along the coast, while the desert and Central Valley regions are considered low-risk regions, Horton said. So far this year, plague activity has been detected in animals in Inyo, Mariposa, Mono, Plumas and Sierra counties. Since 1970, there have been 42 human cases of the plague reported in California.
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So far the Millard fire has burned over 23,000 acres but officials are predicting full containment in as little as three days.

As of this posting, the Milard fire is approximately 50% contained. Higher humidity and the possibility of rain are raising expectations that the fire may be completely extinguished in five days or less.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

POTENTIAL FOR MUD & DEBRIS FLOWS TUES FOR THE SAWTOOTH AND
MILLARD BURN AREAS.

A FLOW OF MONSOONAL MOISTURE WILL CONTINUE INTO S. CA
THROUGH THIS WEEK & BRING FAVORABLE CONDITIONS FOR SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS. STORMS WILL HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE LOCALLY
HEAVY RAIN & FLASH FLOODING. THE SAWTOOTH & MILLARD BURN AREAS
WILL ESPECIALLY AT RISK & THE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLASH FLOODING.
MUD SLIDES & DEBRIS FLOWS. LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL RATES UP TO
TWO THRIDS OF AN INCH PER HOUR WILL BE POSSIBLE FROM THUNDERSTORMS
ON TUES AFTERNOON & EVENING.


SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
APPLE & LUCERNE VALLEYS-COACHELLA VALLEY-
208 PM PDT MON JUL 17 2006

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUES AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY EVENING FOR THE SAWTOOTH & MILLARD BURN AREAS.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN SAN DIEGO HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR THE SAWTOOTH & MILLARD BURN AREAS IN
SW CA.INCLUDING PORTIONS OF APPLE & LUCERNE
VALLEYS.COACHELLA VALLEY.RIVERSIDE COUNTY MTNS & SAN
BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS.

* FROM TUES AFTERNOON THROUGH TUES EVENING

* SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED WITH A POTENTIAL FOR
LOCALLY HEAVY RAINFALL TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODING.

* FLOODING.MUD SLIDES.ROCK SLIDES & DEBRIS FLOWS WILL BE
POSSIBLE IN & BELOW RECENTLY BURNED AREAS & ON STEEP
TERRAIN.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS & BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION
SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.

$$

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According to a report released by the City of Ontario, the city's international trade is fueling the local economy.

Total two-way trade in 2004 for the region was valued at $8.1 billion or 10.6% of the Inland Empire's total personal income with exports represented $3 billion with imports representing $5.1 billion, it said.

The city led the region's activity with $2.8 billion in total 2004 two-way trade or 38% of the Inland Empire's total.

From 2000 to 2004 total trade for the city increased 98% in real terms with exports growing at a rate of 145% and imports growing at a rate of 92%.

LA Ontario International Airport (ONT) contributed significantly to Ontario's international trade growth with ONT already ranked as the 15th busiest cargo airport in the nation.

It's expected that in 15 years ONT's cargo operations will match that at Los Angeles International Airport.

Full Story Here
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With the additon of Robert Louis Covington to www.insidetheIE.com, we've created a new Inland Empire Poetry section.

A little about Robert Louis Covington, in his own words:

I grew up in Washington D. C. and have lived in the Inland Empire (Fontana) since 1990. I belong to the Inland Empire California Writers Club (IECWC). Retirement from the United States Treasury Department brought me here, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Inland Valley and its peoples. I love diversity and the grandeur of this life mid the aura of the mountains. Each morning is a celestial awakening. I enjoy the IECWC and mostly write poetry. On occasion, I would be pleased to share my poetizing inspired by the Inland Empire.
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Large fires burn in Calif., 8 other states



YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. - Fire crews struggled Sunday to quell wildfires still raging across steep, rocky swaths of this desert region, as the harsh terrain slowed efforts to fully contain the blazes that have destroyed 58 homes and scorched more than 120 square miles.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

National news coverage of the Wild Fires is slowly loosing ground to the war in Isreal. Coverage of the fires is still top billing on the local newscasts.


____________________________________________________________________________________________

As evidenced by an email sent from Pappy and Harriet's, not only did they survive the fires, but they are open for business:

Here is the email sent from Pappy and Harriet's:

Greetings!!!
As most of you already know, the people of The Hi Desert have been through a raging wild fire. From what I've heard, Pioneertown suffered the most damage.

Having said that, Pioneertown doesn't look as bad as you may think it does.

The firefighters did an amazing job saving peoples homes. Almost every home is surrounded by blackness, right up to the front doors!! I believe some homeowners stayed behind and saved their own...Pioneertown Style.

There has been an unbelievable outpouring of love from everyone all over the country and it has been greatly appreciated!

For the people that lost their homes we would love to get some kind of fund raiser going soon. Pioneertown needs some time to breathe and regroup. I am sure in the next few months benefits will be coming up.

Pappy & Harriet's got through the fire with
literally zero damage. Being there during the fire, I assumed the whole town would be burned to the ground. It's a miracle that it didn't. ... I think it speaks for itself!!
We are sorry for all that's been lost and thankful for all that's been saved.

Today is Sunday, July 16th. Pioneertown Road is open to the public. Pappy & Harriet's is open for business. Our beloved Thrift Store All Stars
will be taking the stage sometime in the late afternoon, early evening.!!!

We lost all of our food when the power went out, but we have a full bar, cold beer, hamburgers and hot dogs! True Pappy & Harriet's style.

Thanks to everyone for having us in their thoughts & prayers. xoxoxoxoxo

www.pappyandharriets.com

Pappy & Harriet's is located at 53688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown
(760)-365-5956
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Forecast

Today: mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the
lower to mid 70s at the beaches to the lower to mid 90s inland.
Tonight: partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 60s to lower 70s.

Monday: partly cloudy. Highs in the lower to mid 70s at the beaches to the mid
80s to lower 90s inland.
Monday Night: partly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms
after midnight. Lows in the 60s to lower 70s.

Tuesday: partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Highs in the mid to upper 70s at the beaches to near 90 inland.
Tuesday Night Through Saturday: partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of
showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the 60s to lower 70s. Highs in the 70s at
the beaches to near 90 inland.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Millard fire now consumes over 15,000 acres
And only 10% contained. There is a chance of thunderstorms and rain later tonight, but along with the thunderstorms comes the chance of lightning strikes. Lightning is believed to be the cause of the Millard fire.



Sawtooth now over 62,000 acres
Over 62,000 acres burned, 60% contained, and over 2,900 firefighter personnel fighting the blaze.
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Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it.
Oops! Too late!

The Grand Prix and "Old" fires in October of 2003 burned for weeks and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes.

IEDude has posted his memories of the fires, the evacuation, and the weeks of cleaining up ash afterward.

Read about the Grand Prix Fire of October 2003.
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Earlier this afternoon residents in Onyx Summit, between Barton Flats and Lake Williams were told to evacuate. So far the evacuation notice is voluntary, and many residents have chosen to stay behind.


The entire San Gorgonio Wilderness area is still closded; Mission Creek Rd and Whitewater Canyon Rd are closed to the general public.


The evacuation of the Rimrock area has been lifted as of approximatly 5PM today.
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Despite the war in Israel threatening to turn into all-out World War III, the news coverage of the wild fires in Southern California's Inland Empire has been increasing. All 3 big cable news outlets, CNN, FOX and MSNBC are airing approximately 10 minutes per hour of wildfire coverage. Surprising considering the other big news stories today.
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On Wednesday the Pavilion Theater in Palm Springs is giving free admission to the comedy "Aga-Boom" for family members of people working on the wildfires.

I might drive out to Palm Springs just to see how they plan to verify that I'm a family member of a firefighter..
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EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING CANCELLED.

WHILE IT WAS STILL A HOT DAY.HEAT INDEX VALUES WERE BELOW THOSE
THAT WERE EXPECTED. THEREFORE.THE EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING HAS
BEEN CANCELLED.

CAZ048-050-055-056-058-060>062-152145-
/O.CAN.KSGX.EH.W.0001.000000T0000Z-060716T0300Z/
SAN BERNARDINO & RIVERSIDE COUNTY VALLEYS-THE INLAND EMPIRE-
SAN DIEGO COUNTY VALLEYS-SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
APPLE & LUCERNE VALLEYS-COACHELLA VALLEY-
SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS-
142 PM PDT SAT JUL 15 2006

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IS CANCELLED.

THE NATL WEATHER SVC IN SAN DIEGO HAS CANCELLED THE
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING. HEAT INDEX VALUES HAVE REMED WELL BELOW
120 DEGREES IN THE DESERTS & 110 DEGREES IN THE INLAND VALLEYS.

$$

MAXWELL

Posted by: GhostPainter
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Now called the Edgemont fire, it has burned over 500 acres since Friday night, when it started. The California Department of Forestry reports that the fire is moving in on the homes of approximately 100 residents, yet no evacuations have been called for so far.

As of this writing the blaze is nearly 20 percent contained.
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Several hotspots were put out by residents of Rimrock Saturday morning, the largest spreading to just over one-half-acre, just north of Pioneertown.

Residents are now keeping a close eye on the smoldering brush and joshua trees even though the entire area is under a mandatory evacuation.

Good luck guys, be careful!
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Big Bear: Other than the water-dropping helicopters picking up water from the lake every 15-30 minutes everything in Big Bear is business as usual, despite the fact that the skys to the south are filled with giant plumes of smoke from the wildfires.

Barton Flats: Only 5 miles north of the fires, Barton Flats camping area remains open. Because the fires are so close, the campgrounds are virtually empty according the campground hosts.

Angelus Oaks: Residents of the Seven Oaks Mountain Cabins in Angelus Oaks do not seem concerned about the fires, despite how close they are. The biggest worry is that nearby Highway 38 could soon be closed by the California Highway Patrol.
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From my home in Rancho Cucamonga, miles east of the raging Millard/Sawtooth fire, it is already 95F degrees at 10:35AM. Weather forcasters are predicting high temeratures close to 110F degrees in the fire areas. Add to that the heat from the fires, coupled with wearing heavy fire-proction gear, and you have some very hot firefighters. I dont think most people realize what a tough job these guys have.
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Millard fire stats as reported about 45 minutes ago:

Millard Fire Statistics:
* 5 percent contained thus far
* 12,304 acres (32.1 square miles) burned
* 885 personnel on location
* 20 different hot shot crews
* 9 Type 1 helicopters (retardant carrying)
* Cost: $3,577,563
* 5 bulldozers
* 11 Type 2 helicopters (retardant, personnel carrying)
* 2 Type 3 helicopters (observation)
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Having been evacuating from my home in the Alta Loma "Woods" area during the wildfires of 2003 I have a special place in my heart for the people affected by other wildfires. What began as "just another fire" in the Inland Empire is quickly becoming one of those that we'll remember for years.

I will post updates as they happen. These posts are not intended to be a source of news, but rather a record of what has happened.

Two individual fires, "Millard" and "Sawtooth", are now officially one fire, burning over 71,000 acres thus far. As of this morning fire crews report the fire being approximately 5 percent contained. Firefighters are hoping that the weather forecasts of thunderstorms later this evening are correct.

Today Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed t-shirts for evacuees at a Red Cross shelter near Pioneertown which took the brunt of the flames two days ago.

Agriculture undersecretary Mark Rey will speak about the fires and their impact at Yucca Valley High this morning.
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Those of us that live in the Inland Empire often like to brag about how great the weather is, and how great it is to live here. But in recent weeks it has not been as fun as usual!

Fires, hot-weather and fire warnings, and even stories of floods at our main website might scare-off a few people. But not to worry. Take our word when we say the Inland Empire is still a great place to live!
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An interesting article posted by Ghostpainter reviews several sightings of "Bigfoot" in the Inland Empire, specifically, Fontana - some of which go back several hundred years.

For the full article, see Bigfoot in Fontana
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Ghostpainter has written a great piece on Life in Rancho Cucamonga from inception through the late 1970's.

You can read the whole article here: Life in Rancho Cucamonga
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Read the story of devistaing flooding in Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and surrounding Inland Empire areas in 1968 and 1969. Written by the GhostPainter.
Floods of 1969
More on the flooding of 1969
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