Results tagged “corona” from Raincross Square

A Colony for California
Riverside Museum Press


Riverside 1870-1940
Arcadia Publishing


Riverside in
Vintage Postcards
Arcadia Publishing


Riverside - Then & Now
Arcadia Publishing

Recently, local historian Hal Durian's weekly "Riverside Recollections" column spotlighted several local history books, including the very popular photo history books from Arcadia Publishing.

The Arcadia series includes several topics, including Images of America, Postcard History Series, Then & Now, Black America Series, Images of Sports, and Campus History Series.

Locally, several communities have been profiled in the Arcadia series, including: Riverside, Corona, Norco, Jurupa, Rubidoux, Moreno Valley, Hemet, San Jacinto, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula, Palm Springs, San Bernardino, Redlands, Loma Linda, Montclair, Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear.

Several cities, such as Riverside, even have multiple books: Riverside 1870-1940, Riverside in Vintage Postcards, Riverside - Then & Now, Riverside's Mission Inn, Riverside's Camp Anza & Arlanza, and Arlington.

There are also a number of single-topic books: Norconian Resort, March Air Force Base, Kaiser Steel, Fontana, The Harris' Company, Lake Mathews & Gavilan Hills, and Temecula Wine Country, and Route 66 in California.

Beyond the Arcadia books, which offer mostly a cursory review of local history in a quick, easy-to-digest visual format, there are several other local history books of Riverside to take note of.

In particular, local author Joan H. Hall has done great work documenting several aspects of Riverside. Her "Adobes, Bungalows and Mansions of Riverside, California - Revisited" (with co-author Esther H. Klotz) and "Cottages, Colonials and Community Places of Riverside California" are two of the best such works, offering insight on many of Riverside's homes, buildings and sites.

Hall has also wrote (and/or co-authored) several other important local histories, including "A Citrus Legacy," "Through the Doors of the Mission Inn," "Pursuing Eden," and "History of Citrus in the Riverside Area."

Along with Hall's many books, two other books are worth noting for their more in-depth look at local history: Steve Lech's, "Along the Old Roads -- A History of the Portion of Southern California that Became Riverside County, 1772-1893," which gives background information for communities of Riverside County; and the late Tom Patterson's, "A Colony for California," which is a loose collection of both factual and anecdotal accounts of Riverside's first one hundred years (1870-1970).

Most of these books are found at area museums and many local shops, plus Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores. They can also be found on Amazon.com (click here for direct links to each book). And of course, the Arcadia books can also be found at Arcadia Publishing.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Discover Riverside's history in Arcadia book series (Nov. 29)

Prior to its 1992 merger with then San Francisco-based Bank of America, Los Angeles-based Security Pacific National Bank had become one of the nation's largest banking institutions. It also had several branches -- and deep roots -- in and around Riverside.

1979
Advertisement
GRCC


1976
Security Pacific Plaza (top left)
GRCC


1906
Citizens Bank
Eighth and Main (NE corner)
(Evans Building; former
Orange Growers bank)
RFD


1916
Citizens National Bank
Eighth and Main (SE corner)
(former First National Bank
of Riverside building)


1941
Citizens NT&SB
Eighth Street (Univ. Ave.) expansion
(directly behind 3800 Main Street)


1958
Architect's rendering of
exterior remodeling for
Security First National Bank
at 3800 Main Street


1964
Security First National Bank
(post-1958 facade makeover)


1971
Architect's rendering of
Security Pacific Plaza


2007
California Tower


2008
California Tower

In April 1973, Security Pacific National Bank (SPNB) opened an 11-story branch/office tower** in downtown Riverside to house the bank's rapidly-growing Inland Division headquarters. The division was the result of several local bank acquisitions and consolidations spanning 50 years, the last being when Security First National Bank (the forerunner to SPNB) acquired Riverside-based Citizens National Trust & Savings Bank.*

At the time of the 1957 acquisition, Citizens Bank had grown into the largest Inland-based bank and one of the largest locally-owned banks in California outside of San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego:

Founded by Riverside businessman S.H. Herrick, Citizens Bank of Riverside opened in June 1903 with $50,000 in capital and nearly $15,000 in deposits, this according to a Press-Enterprise report on the bank's 50th anniversary in 1953.

(By 1953, deposits had grown to $105 million. Incidentally, two of the bank's initial commercial customers were the then-separate newspapers, Riverside Press and Daily Enterprise.)

Originally located at the northwest corner of Ninth and Main streets in downtown, the bank soon expanded, adding an Arlington branch in 1904.

By 1907, shortly after acquiring Riverside-based Orange Growers National Bank and increasing its capital to $150,000, Citizens Bank gained its national charter, becoming Citizens National Bank of Riverside. That same year, Citizens also established a separate bank -- Security Savings Bank -- at the southwest corner of Seventh (now Mission Inn Ave.) and Main streets. This new "savings" affiliate allowed the bank to expand into other lending areas that were restricted by its national charter.

Upon acquiring Orange Growers, Citizens moved from its original home at Ninth and Main streets into Orange Growers' much more stately Evans Building located at the northeast corner of Eighth and Main streets. The building -- one of Riverside's most ornate early buildings -- began life in 1891 as Riverside National Bank, which had closed during the national banking panic of 1893.

In 1916, Citizens Bank grew again by acquiring First National Bank of Riverside (not to be confused with the long-closed Riverside National Bank from 1891). Upon the acquisition, Citizens again moved into the former bank's much larger, 4-story building located directly across the street at 3800 Main. The move allowed Citizens' affiliate -- Security Savings Bank -- to move from Seventh and Main into the Evans Building, thereby giving Citizens two prime corners of Eighth (now University Ave.) at Main streets.

Between 1933 and 1957, Citizens continued growing while acquiring several local banks, including those in the cities of Corona, Hemet, Banning and Apple Valley. During this time, Citizens also expanded its branch network in Riverside as well as throughout the Inland region, including Barstow, Blythe, Cathedral City, Colton, Fontana, Highland, Loma Linda, March AFB, Palm Springs, Perris, Redlands, Rialto, Rubidoux, San Bernardino, Twentynine Palms and Yucaipa.

In the early 1940s, Citizens enlarged its downtown headquarters at Eighth and Main by expanding east along Eighth Street (University Ave.). The expansion took place directly behind the bank's 3800 Main Street building on the site of the former Covert Building, which was demolished due to structural issues.

In 1954, Citizens consolidated its separate Security Savings Bank affiliate into the parent bank, thereby relinquishing the Evans Building across the street on the NE corner of Eighth and Main. (The Evans Building itself was torn down in 1964, leaving a small parking lot that exists to this day.)

Upon its 1957 purchase by Security First National Bank (soon-to-become SPNB in 1967), Citizens' president -- Elden Smith -- described the bank's 54 years of local service as stemming from its philosophy of being "small enough to know you, large enough to serve you, strong enough to protect you." And although Citizens had grown into one of the larger banks in California -- and at the time listed as the 135th largest in the nation -- Smith foresaw the increasing dominance of the much larger national banks:

Having strong allegiance to both Riverside and the Inland region, Mr. Smith was instrumental in making the newly-absorbed Citizens Bank an autonomous division within the much larger Security First National Bank. As such, the Inland branches were known for several years as the Citizens Division of Security First National Bank.

(Mr. Smith's allegiance to downtown Riverside was later honored via the Elden Smith Memorial Fountain installed on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall directly in front of the former Citizens Bank HQs. However, the fountain was removed during the mid-1990s: 2007 | 2009)

In 1958, shortly after the acquisition, the division HQ at 3800 Main Street was remodeled inside and out. The mid-century designs -- ground marble aggregate and Byzantine tiles -- of Los Angeles-based architect Welton-Beckett remain apparent today (one | two | three).

Later, after the passing of Smith, the regional branch network continued growing, eventually becoming the Inland Division of Security Pacific National Bank. It would move its local headquarters (in 1973) into the aforementioned 11-story bank tower in downtown Riverside, which sat diagonally across the street from the previous headquarters building at 3800 Main Street.

Officially known as Security Pacific Plaza, the new building -- and soon-to-be adjacent parking structure -- took up an entire city block on the west side of the Main Street Pedestrian Mall between Seventh Street (now Mission Inn Ave.) and University Avenue. Previously, the block contained several smaller structures, including Riverside's oldest brick building -- the B.D. Burt & Bros. store located at the NW corner of Eighth (now University Ave.) and Main streets.

For nearly 20 years thereafter, Security Pacific National Bank grew into the Inland region's primary "national" bank, with its Inland Division playing an important role in local civics and philanthropy. However, in April 1992, both Riverside and the Inland region lost one of its primary corporate operations when Security Pacific National Bank merged into Bank of America.

At the time, it was the largest bank merger in the nation, as both California-based banks -- SPNB in Los Angeles and BofA in San Francisco -- formed the nation's then-largest bank. (BofA has since merged again with Charlotte-based NationsBank, which is today's "new" Bank of America, again one of the nation's largest.)

The 1992 merger removed the Security Pacific Bank name from the nation's banking landscape as numerous SPNB and BofA branches were consolidated. In most cases, the SPNB branch closed and accounts were transferred to the nearby BofA branch. In some cases, however, the opposite took place with the SPNB being re-signed as a BofA. Many of the remaining SPNB branches became expansion opportunity for other banks.

In 2004, the "security" name returned to Riverside's banking landscape as a new bank, with ties back to the local offices of Security Pacific National Bank, was formed. The bank, which has a similar name -- Security Bank of California -- has its main office in downtown Riverside, with branches in Redlands and San Bernardino.

Today, Citizens' former downtown Riverside HQ is home to UCR's Sweeney Art Gallery while SPNB's Security Pacific Plaza tower is now known as the California Tower, housing several state offices, various street-level businesses and one bank -- First National Bank of Southern California (itself formerly known as Inland Empire National Bank). The former SPNB branch located at the base of the tower sat vacant for a few years before becoming a series of restaurants, the most recent being Phood on Main. (The bank's old vault remains visible on the outside patio area.)

So, the next time you visit your Inland branch of Bank of America, you might just be stepping into a former Security Pacific National Bank branch, which itself, could very well trace its heritage back to Riverside's Citizens National Trust & Savings Bank.
__________

* Riverside's Citizens NT&SB bears no relation to a Los Angeles-based bank of the same name that moved into the Riverside region during the early 1960s. That bank, which opened Riverside's first modern, multi-story office tower in 1965 -- an 8-story building located at Eleventh and Main -- eventually became part of the now-defunct Crocker Bank, itself later absorbed into Wells Fargo.
** 1973 - PE
__________

Below are recent photos of all nine former Security Pacific National Bank branches within Riverside as listed in a 1979 advertisement from a Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce publication, three of which are current BofA branches (including the 4601 La Sierra Ave. branch, which was a replacement SPNB branch for 4860 La Sierra Ave.).

2009
3773 Main Street
Riverside Main Branch
(Security Pacific Plaza)

2009
6370 Magnolia Ave.

2009
5030 Arlington Ave.

2009
3421 Fourteenth St.

2009
1680 University Ave.

2009
9380 Magnolia Ave.

2009
6370 Van Buren Blvd.

2009
8100 Auto Drive
(demolished)

2009
4860 La Sierra Ave.
(demolished)

2009
4601 La Sierra Ave.
(relocated 4860 SPNB branch)

After decades of nearly unfettered sprawl, the time has come to seriously begin changing the basic developmental patterns of Inland Southern California.

2006
Corona Pointe
Corona


2006
Crossroads Corporate Center
Murrieta


Ontario


Downtown Riverside
MetroPacific Properties, LLC

Gone should be the days of leap-frogging, low-density development. In its place, should come more balance, both in densities and in types. More mid- and high-rise development coupled with higher percentage of business and commercial projects (and less residential).

As previously mentioned (one | two), we're not suggesting New York City style mega-density, but pockets of moderate densities -- particularly in downtown Riverside and around Ontario Airport -- similar to those found within the downtowns of Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Monica and Long Beach.

If the recent recession has demonstrated any major weakness within Inland Southern California, it's the region's lack of commercial maturity and continued reliance upon warehousing and residential development as its primary form of economic growth. Not only has such dependence created an unbalanced (and unreliable) economic engine, it's left the region with an unbalanced (and wasteful) landscape, one dominated by sprawling development and ever-growing commutes.

Quite simply, area residents, builders and government officials alike must begin accepting -- and more importantly, insisting -- on better quality, higher density, more diverse development patterns focused more around jobs and less on housing tracts. Moreover, such future development needs to be coupled with -- and encourage -- alternative transportation, else this region will remain a land of nightmarish commutes.

However, amid the hardships of the current economic downturn lies a silver lining. Or better yet, think of it as a golden opportunity. A chance for Inland Southern California to catch its breath, re-focus and begin adding balance back to the region's landscape. Fortunately, a smattering of projects, both built and proposed (some of which are stalled due to the current economic climate) may signal change is afoot. But just as it took several decades to get to where we are today, it will likely take several to re-balance. But without a doubt, the transformation needs to begin sooner rather than later.

Thus, the question remains -- will we take advantage of the current slowdown to begin addressing and planning for the region's long-term, sustainable economic and lifestyle needs? We think the clear answer is -- can we afford not to?

Related

• Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - Victoria Gardens going vertical (May 23)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Sprawl stall (May 18) | Planning to prosper (May 17)

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Growth as usual? (Aug. 2007) | Time to grow up (July 2007)

On the heels of the worst holiday shopping season since 1969, the nation's retail landscape is likely headed for moderate changes as weak and battered retailers file for bankruptcy protection, close stores and/or shut down entirely. The transformation could see shoppers, both nationally and locally, greeted in the coming months with more than a few empty storefronts lining the halls and pathways of their favorite malls and shopping centers.

Thus far, former retail giants Circuit City, Mervyn's and KB Toys have each announced full closures, while regional department store Gottschalks recently filed for bankruptcy protection. Though the closures of the former have affected nearly every mall nationwide, Gottschalks -- if forced to close -- could spell additional trouble locally as the Fresno-based retailer has anchor stores at 7 area malls. (It could also bring a final end to a local retail empire that began in 1905 as The Harris Company).

Another potentially large impact locally is whether national mall owners will shed some or all local malls as they struggle under the weight of debt during a very tight credit market. With the possibility of reorganization on the horizon, Chicago-based General Growth Properties -- owner of four local malls, including three of the region's largest -- in particular could add additional stress to the local retail scene.

So, where does this recent -- and potentially future -- turbulence leave local malls? Let's take a closer look at each.

2006
Carousel Mall

Carousel Mall - San Bernardino

For all intents and purposes, this mall is already dead. Opened with great fanfare as Central City Mall in 1972, the 37-year-old, Victor Gruen-designed center began its decline in the mid-1990s, not long after being rechristened as the Carousel Mall. In 2000, the flagship Harris' department store closed (it had opened independently in 1927). The remaining anchors, Montgomery Ward and JCPenney departed soon thereafter (2002 and 2003 respectively). Although a planned mixed-use redevelopment has stalled, it's not likely the few remaining stores will survive the current retail environment.

2001
Redlands Mall

Redlands Mall

Tiny by mall standards, the Redlands Mall is likely to be the next area mall to fall -- particularly if General Growth Properties reorganizes and/or Gottschalks closes. Such a closure would leave the 32-year-old mall without its only department store. However, this may not be such a bad thing as it could expedite pending redevelopment of the downtown block into a mixed-use project that will both complement and enhance the existing retail and commercial uses on State Street.

2003
Hemet Valley Mall

Hemet Valley Mall

HVM is another relatively tiny mall that could potentially be greatly impacted by Gottschalks' bankruptcy. A closure by Gottschalks here would leave the 29-year-old mall with two anchors (JCPenney and Sears). However, with the Hemet-San Jacinto area primed for future growth (and still relatively underserved retail-wise), it's doubtful an empty anchor would remain unused over the long haul. The center's biggest threat is likely to be any future large-scale retail development that may occur nearby in the coming years.

2006
Inland Center

Inland Center - San Bernardino

With the fall of Mervyn's, which had been slated to fill the shuttered Broadway/Macy's, and the recent bankruptcy announcement by Gottschalks, this mall is probably the largest local mall potentially on shaky ground. The 43-year-old center could very well end the year with two of four anchor pads empty (leaving Macy's and Sears). However, with the all-but-final demise of nearby Carousel Mall nearly complete, coupled with potentially having two available department store pads, Inland Center could also have a slight advantage redevelopment-wise when the economy picks back up.

2006
Promenade Shops

The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos - Corona

Another small, non-traditional mall, The Promenade Shops in Corona could be the newest center that's struggling the most. Depending upon how the national retail landscape shakes out, the center's lack of large department stores could either hurt or help. In the short term, the 3-year-old center could very well see some store closings. However, its location within a high-growth and higher-end demographic corridor likely assures a future of some sort (though it could use help increasing its visibility). It also has that unique lake/bridge feature to boot. Even so, its biggest threat is the nearby Galleria at Tyler in Riverside, which includes a Nordstrom, Macy's and over 100 more stores than does Dos Lagos.

2006
Moreno Valley Mall

Moreno Valley Mall at Towngate

Already impacted by last year's closure of its Gottschalks store (which remains empty), the Moreno Valley Mall could see significant impacts from any potential reorganization of General Growth Properties. The 17-year-old center was slated to receive a Steve & Barry's, until that company joined the ranks of shuttered retailers last fall. However, with three other anchors -- Macy's, JCPenney and Sears -- the mall, which has struggled in the past, remains relatively healthy. Likewise, future long-term growth to the east and south favor its survival.

2005
Riverside Plaza

Riverside Plaza

Another one-anchor mall that could be greatly impacted by any potential closure of Gottschalks is the venerable Riverside Plaza. As the region's oldest, large-scale shopping center, the 52-year-old, Victor Gruen Associates-designed Plaza has been performing well since its third incarnation opened in 2005 (which is less mall and more dining and entertainment). On one hand, a closure of Gottschalks would offer a unique opportunity for just the right anchor to step in and assume the 204,000 sq. ft., 4-level building (maybe an IKEA?). However, it could lead to the demolishing of the region's oldest, "modern" department store (and first, large-scale Harris' to be built beyond the flagship store in downtown San Bernardino). Yet, among the smaller malls of the region, Riverside Plaza is most likely to weather the turbulence.

2001
Ontario Mills

Ontario Mills

Though more outlet center than traditional mall, the gigantic Ontario Mills recently had its own brush with fate as the beleaguered Mills Corp was acquired by Simon Property Group in early 2007. It's difficult to say exactly how Ontario Mills will be affected by the retail downturn as its size -- and lower-grade store makeup -- is probably as much an asset as it is a liability. In some sense, the lack of traditional department store anchors might be beneficial. Likewise, the area surrounding the 13-year-old center has become a strong magnet for peripheral commercial uses, attracting everything from major big-box retailers and traditional strip centers to mid-range hotels. But this has led to unfriendly traffic levels (and very unfriendly pedestrian atmosphere) and possibly over-saturation. However, its location at the highly visible junction of the I-10 and I-15 likely assures its long-term future -- in one form or another.

2008
The Shoppes

The Shoppes at Chino Hills

About the size of Corona's Promenade Shops but with the look of Victoria Gardens, The Shoppes at Chino Hills will likely weather the current retail turbulence. Its location adjacent to the city's new (and future) civic center coupled with the area's high-end demographics likely assures a future for the small, 1-year-old center. However, its lack of traditional department stores and insufficient parking could be a significant hindrance. As such, the center's biggest threat is the nearby Montclair Plaza, which offers both a Nordstrom and Macy's (and many more stores).

2008
Montclair Plaza

Montclair Plaza

As one of the area's largest and oldest indoor malls, the Montclair Plaza recently underwent a moderate interior renovation. With anchors Nordstrom, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears, it has traditionally been one of the strongest malls in the region. Yet, the 41-year-old center does have an empty anchor (the former Broadway/Macy's) and could be impacted by any potential reorganization of its owner (General Growth Properties). It also faces stiff competition from newer, higher-end developments nearby (Shoppes at Chino Hills and Victoria Gardens). However, the mall is more than likely to weather anything excepting a major transformation of the retail landscape.

2006
Galleria at Tyler

Galleria at Tyler - Riverside

With anchors Nordstrom, Macy's and JCPenney, the Galleria at Tyler is both one of the largest and strongest traditional malls in the region. Solidified by recent expansions that included AMC Theaters, Yard House, The Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang's, the 39-year-old center is likely to weather anything but a major retail shake up. Yet, it too is owned by General Growth Properties and also has an existing empty anchor (the former Broadway/Macy's). However, its freeway-adjacent location between higher-end demographics in both Riverside and Corona more than likely assures the center's long-term viability.

2006
The Promenade

The Promenade in Temecula

Probably the most insulated mall in the region, Temecula's Promenade stands on relatively solid ground. With four anchors -- Macy's-north, Macy's-south, JCPenney and Sears -- and few large-scale competitors nearby, the 10-year-old center dominates the southwestern Riverside County retail market. As with Montclair Plaza and Galleria at Tyler, the Promenade will withstand anything but a major retail shake up. And, along with Victoria Gardens, it will likely be in the running for the region's next Nordstrom.

2006
Victoria Gardens

Victoria Gardens - Rancho Cucamonga

Probably the strongest and certainly the most unique mall in the region, Victoria Gardens is likely to weather most anything excepting a major transformation of the retail landscape. Its solid reputation, above-average store mix and pleasant outdoor atmosphere puts this center on relatively solid ground. It also contains the city's cultural center (with library and playhouse). The only foreseeable scenario potentially affecting the 5-year-old center would be the closing or consolidation of one or both Macy's anchors (one | two). Such closures could potentially leave the 3-anchor mall with a single anchor (JCPenney). However, its highly likely a retailer the likes of Nordstrom would quickly snap up any empty anchor store.

Update:

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Retailers appear eager to fill up vacant Inland big box sites (June 14)

Related

• Ontario Daily Bulletin - 2009 doesn't look good for local malls (Jan. 17)


• Los Angeles Times - Circuit City to close remaining 567 stores in U.S. (Jan. 17)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Retailer Gottschalks seeks buyer, files Chapter 11 (Jan. 15)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Retail sales figures in nosedive (Jan. 15)


• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Holidays no gift for retail (Jan. 09)


• Orange County Register - Latest OC store closings

This colorful "Empire" extends into the San Bernardino, Riverside,
and Los Angeles counties.

Color Photo by Luis and Virginia Kay / Columbia Wholesale Supply, N. Hollywood, Calif.

We're not certain of the exact year, but this postcard appears to be sometime during the 1950s. Based upon "Int'l Airport" being used for notating Ontario Airport, it's likely post-1946 -- the year Ontario Municipal Airport was re-named Ontario International Airport. Likewise, the lack of Lake Perris means it's pre-1974.

Note also the current-day routes for the I-15 and I-215 freeways are signed as 71 and 395 respectively and the 60 Freeway between Riverside and Pomona appears to follow the old Mission Blvd. route, which again, likely dates the card to the 1950s.

At any rate, the postcard hails from a time when Inland Southern California was better known for its orange groves and outdoor recreation rather than for explosive, suburban growth.

Cash celebration in Corona

Friends, family and fans alike of legendary musician Johnny Cash will be marking his birthday this weekend with a 3-day celebration at the Fender Museum of the Music & Arts.

The event, which begins Friday evening, will include music, movies, videos and a special exhibit chronicling Cash's career, including items on loan from a Corona resident.

2004
Fender Museum


2001
California Speedway


2006
Montclair Plaza

Also on hand will be members of Cash's family, including daughter Cindy Cash and son John Carter Cash, who was an executive producer on the 2005 movie "Walk the Line." Both will be participating in Q&A sessions along with other special guests.

"Cash: An American Icon" begins Friday at the museum located at 365 N. Main Street, just north of the 91 Freeway in Corona.

New name for California Speedway

With the first of this year's two NASCAR weekends at the track set to begin, the California Speedway in Fontana is about to get a new name. The Roger Penske-designed track, which opened in 1997, will soon go by the name "Auto Club Speedway of Southern California." Although figures have yet to be officially released, the 10-year deal is reportedly worth between $50 to $75 million.

We admit our initial reaction to the news is mixed. Sure, it will bring additional revenue to the facility, but at what cost to the track's eventual legacy?

And, though we realize naming rights are a seemingly necessary evil in today's costly sporting/entertainment venue environment, such name changes can often lead to obtusive, sometimes strange combinations (e.g., EnergySolutions Arena, Jobing.com Arena, Izod Center, Pengrowth Saddledome, TD Banknorth Garden, Quicken Loans Arena).

Let's hope this is not the beginning of successive names for the Fontana facility, which may eventually require the use of asterisks in the racing record books. Fortunately, it's highly unlikely that the Auto Club will become the next Enron and simply disappear overnight, leaving a rather odd naming legacy for the track (e.g., Enron Field in Houston).

Details released for Montclair mall renovation

General Growth Properties released more details this week on the renovation and eventual expansion of the 40-year-old Montclair Plaza.

The renovation is intended to add a softer touch to the mall's industrial-looking interior with the use of new wood-like flooring, accent lighting, glass railings and furniture.

Also included in the project will be the demolition of the 1968 building that originally housed The Broadway (Macys), which has been vacant since the 2006 merger of Robinson's-May with Macys (and subsequent relocation of Macys). Although we're glad to see the mall renovate and expand, we're sad to see yet another 1960s-era department store building meet the wrecking ball.

The renovation is slated to kick into full gear by June with completion expected before the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Family, fans to gather in Corona to mark Johnny Cash's birthday


• JohnnyCash.com


• Fender Museum


• San Bernardino Sun - California Speedway to change name


• California Speedway


• Ontario Daily Bulletin - Montclair Plaza renovation details given

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - Region's retail market still expanding (Jan. 2008)

Inland Southern California's growth continues to lead the six-county Southern California region according to an annual report released by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).

Although the State of the Region report says the Inland area's home affordability index is fast dropping inline with its coastal neighbors, the area continues to attract both jobs and population, many arriving from elsewhere in the nation:

2006
Corona Pointe
Corona


2004
Tri-City Corporate Center
San Bernardino


2006
Crossroads Corporate Center
Murrieta


2006
The Ontario Center
Ontario


2006
The Press-Enterprise
Downtown Riverside

Even with the job growth, however, Inland Southern California still "exports" a significant number of workers each day to job centers located in LA, Orange and San Diego counties, which combined with the population growth, is creating worsening conditions on local freeways. On a good note, the report states that carpooling rates are rising across the six-county region, with the Inland area leading the push (Riverside County led all counties with 16% of workers carpooling while San Bernardino came in second with 14.6%). In detail, the report notes 2-person carpools dominate 3+persons (80% vs. 20%).

The report also states that ridership for Riverside Transit Agency increased 15% to 7.4 million while Metrolink boardings increased 9%, reaching an all-time high of 10 million. Moreover, the continuing popularity of Metrolink's San Bernardino Line bodes well for the proposed extension of Los Angeles County's "Gold Line" rail into eastern San Bernardino County.

Even with the gains in alternative transportation, there's no doubt that in the short term road capacity needs to be expanded, if only to keep up with the current and projected population growth. Long term, however, the solution is to continue increasing alternative transportation and, more importantly, begin exporting fewer employees by creating better-paying job centers locally within the two counties.

Already, the immediate area surrounding Ontario International Airport -- where 21% of Southern California's air cargo passes through -- is sprouting more offices. Likewise, Corona has also seen healthy job growth, including the city's first steel-framed office buildings. Down I-15 in Temecula and Murrieta, similar office growth is taking shape. Farther east, San Bernardino's Tri City/Hospitality Lane office parks continue to thrive as well. And the I-215 corridor near March Air Reserve Base is beginning to assume the reigns from Ontario as the area's next logistics growth spot.

One of the most promising spots for long-term, quality mixed-use, "smart growth" indeed is downtown Riverside, wherein the necessary infrastructure is already in place for supporting a variety of residential and employment centers. From federal, state and local government entities, professional support services, transportation choices, cultural amenities and even a nearby UC campus, downtown Riverside is poised to take off as one of Southern California's hot spots. Downtown has seen a few modest office projects built within the past few years, but it's still awaiting the high profile, signature project that will re-christen the downtown market.

Finally, with a population of nearly 4 million, the report states Inland Southern California now accounts for 22% of the total population within the six-county** region, again signaling the Inland region now ranks ahead of neighboring Orange County (Los Angeles County leads with 56% of the total population).

Other highlights:

• Inland employment reached 1.23 million, adding nearly 225,000 jobs since 2000 and 500,000 since 1990 -- an increase of 68% (versus 12% for the region as a whole during the same period)
• At over 50,000 permits, Riverside and San Bernardino counties accounted for 58% of the total residential permits in the SCAG region in 2005 (with nearly 35,000 of those in Riverside County alone)
• Riverside County's home ownership tops the SCAG region at over 70%, which is above both the national (67%) and SCAG averages (56%) as well as topping neighboring Orange (62%) and Los Angeles (49%) counties
• Taxable sales increased 7% in 2005 across the SCAG region with Imperial County leading the way with 17.5% followed by the counties of San Bernardino (13.7%) and Riverside (11.6%)
• Air quality continues its long-term improvement, with days exceeding the federal ozone levels across the SCAG region dropping slightly from 88 to 84 days while continuing to meet the federal standard for carbon monoxide levels
• Violent crime rates dropped 11% across the SCAG region (with Ventura, Orange and Riverside counties ranking 1, 2 and 4 respectively when ranked separately against the nine largest metropolitan regions***)
• The region's median age of 33.5 is second-lowest among the nine largest metropolitan regions (Dallas is lowest with 33.2)

Some lowlights:

• Home affordability rates across the region continue to drop -- less than 15% in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties while only a slightly better 18% Inland


• Traffic congestion continues to choke many parts of the region, with LA/OC ranking as worst in the nation while the Inland region comes in at 7th most-congested


• San Bernardino County saw school dropout rates rise sharply from 12% in 2000 to nearly 20% in 2005


• SCAG region ranks last among the nation's nine largest metropolitan regions with residents holding a Bachelor's degree


• SCAG region ranks last among the nation's 17 largest metropolitan regions in per capita income averages

Related

• Los Angeles Times - Inland Empire's affordability takes a steep drop


• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)


• SCAG - State of the Region


• SCAG - 2006 State of the Region - Executive Summary


• SCAG - 2006 State of the Region (complete report - PDF/4.5mb)

Previous

• RaincrossSquare.com - 'A Sleeping Giant' - part deux (Feb. 2006)

** Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties
*** Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington D.C.

This past weekend saw the latest addition to Southern California's retail landscape as the first phase of The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos officially opened. Located just off I-15 in southern Corona, the new $110 million, outdoor lifestyle center comprises 360,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment offerings.

2006
Round-a-bout


2006
Park 'n shop


2006
Pedestrian walkway/bridge

Developed by Memphis-based Poag & McEwen, the "Craftsman-styled" center is almost fully leased, including the likes of Talbots, Banana Republic, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Z Gallerie, Trader Joe's, Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Victoria's Secret, Eddie Bauer, White House Black Market, some of which are still to open. As of yet, there are no major anchor tenants, though this may change with future phases as the center expands to an expected 575,000 sq. ft.

Although we foresee the center blossoming into a small, but vibrant retail plaza, we admit our first impressions of the center were that of underwhelming and unfinished. Roughly one-third of the stores were not yet open, the landscaping seemed quite minimal and the overall look of the place was a bit bland.

However, our biggest surprise came with the realization the central "promenade" was not so much of a promenade as it was a parking lot. For such a small mall, the need for close-in parking within the central plaza is simply not necessary. We feel this is the center's biggest design flaw. It is our hope that future plans and/or expansions rectify this aspect by removing the parking and re-making the area into the grand pedestrian plaza it should have been.

With that said, a nice surprise came with the subtle, local historic references and the unique walkway/bridge, built mostly from bamboo. The 750-foot-long walkway spans the area between the center's two lakes. Benches are scattered along the way, providing the opportunity for a nice respite from shopping.

Overall, we have high hopes for The Promenade Shops. As part of the 543-acre, master-planned Dos Lagos development, which includes residential, retail, offices, an 18-hole championship golf course and 135 acres of open space, the center is bound to only get better. And over time, as the landscape matures and the center expands, no doubt, it will become one of Corona's primary focal points and gathering spots. For now, we're satisfied with seeing the center's relatively high-end shops, which provide the latest example of such retailers finally recognizing Inland Southern California's rapidly upscaling demographics.

Photo Gallery: Dos Lagos

Related

• The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
• Dos Lagos
• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Corona retail writing a new chapter
• Riverside Press-Enterprise - New Salutes Old

2006
Freeway
signage

2006
Directory

2006
Walkway

2006
Amphitheater

Sunday, September 24, 2006 - A few photos and thoughts while browsing various new home developments in both Riverside and Corona.

The trip begins with the Alta Cresta development in southeastern Riverside. In most respects, Alta Cresta is the second major phase of the city's master-planned Orangecrest development, both of which actually began as a county projects prior to annexation into Riverside. New neighborhoods taking shape include those at Mission Ranch: Windsong, Hawksbury, Ardenwood and Turnbridge. Each tract offers large homes (2,600 - 4,304 sq. ft.) with many on large lots (10,000 sq. ft.). However, most also come with hefty price tags ($555,000 - $769,000).

Flash: Out & About slideshow

Next up are new home developments in the La Sierra area of southwestern Riverside, namely those along the reconfigured Dufferin Avenue (now McAllister Parkway). Homes in the Bridgeport and Stone Harbor communities are also quite large, (3,200 - 5,100 sq. ft.) and likewise tend to also be on larger lots. The optional casita is a novel idea found at a Stone Harbor model. Prices range from $728,000 - $923,000. Similar homes are on the horizon at the Sierra Estates tract.

Finally, we end with two developments in southern Corona: Dos Lagos and The Retreat. Both are master-planned communities and both include championship golf courses (and championship golf course prices - upwards of $1,000,000 at The Retreat). In particular, we again found the optional "walk-up casita" at one of The Retreat models a nice touch and the elevation styles at Dos Lagos uniquely different.

Not to be overlooked, Dos Lagos also includes an outdoor lifestyle center -- The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos -- which is set to open October 6th. It will be Corona's first large-scale, mall-like development. Tenants include Coach, Talbots, Coldwater Creek, White House | Black Market, Banana Republic, Z Gallerie and Wood Ranch BBQ among others.

Related

• Richmond American - Inland Empire
• KB Homes - Riverside
• Centex Homes - Northwest Riverside County
• Lennar Homes - Riverside County
• Taylor Woodrow - Southern California
• Diversified Pacific - Residential

Retail growth continues its torrid pace within Inland Southern California as both an existing mall and one currently under construction added to their ever-expanding tenant list.

The Galleria at Tyler, located at the 91 Freeway and Tyler Street in Riverside, has begun work on the first of two "lifestyle" components flanking the north and south ends of the 1.1 million square-foot mall. The "North Village," adjacent to the current Macy's (formerly The Broadway), will include outdoor plaza-style retail/restaurants topped by a 12-screen AMC theatre complex. Leases signed thus far include Elephant Bar restaurant and Orange County-based Robbins Bros. jewelers.

2006
Nordstrom - Galleria at Tyler


2006
Galleria at Tyler
near "North Village" project area


Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
Poag & McEwen

The "South Village," on the freeway side of the mall directly in front of the former Robinson's-May (and soon-to-be Macy's), will essentially become the new southern entrance for the mall. This second expansion will include a free-standing PF Chang's (already underway) among other shops and restaurants, including an expected Yard House upscale brewery/restaurant:

Both projects, including a parking garage expansion, are expected to be completed in Fall 2007.

Major tenants already established at the two-level, 170-shop Galleria include JCPennys, Macy's, Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble, Disney Store, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor Loft, Guess, Anthropologie, Hollister, MetroPark, Victoria's Secret, Carlton Hair Int'l, Gymboree, Hot Topic, PacSun, Jimmy'Z, LoveSac, Sharper Image, and Thomas Kinkade Gallery. A fourth anchor spot is currently open following the Macy's/Robinson's-May merger.

Down the road in Corona, construction continues on that city's first major shopping plaza and is on track for an October 2006 grand opening. Located at the junction of I-15 and Weirick Road in southern Corona, The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos will be a 360,000 square-foot, outdoor lifestyle center within a pedestrian-oriented plaza overlooking twin lakes.

Developed by Memphis-based Poag & McEwen, the "Craftsman-styled" center is already 88-percent leased, including Banana Republic, Coach, Coldwater Creek, Z Gallerie, Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Victoria's Secret, Eddie Bauer, White House Black Market and Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill. As of yet, there are no major anchor tenants, though this may change with future phases as the center expands to an expected 575,000 sq. ft.

The Promenade Shops are part of the 543-acre, master-planned Dos Lagos development, which includes residential, retail, offices, an 18-hole championship golf course and 135 acres of open space.

The Riverside and Corona developments come on the heels of the highly successful, October 2004 opening of the upscale Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga and during a time when Inland Southern California continues to post impressive growth in many demographic categories. Between 2000 and 2004, the region's population grew 18% (3.25M to 3.82M), total personal income rose 71% ($25B to $43B) and taxable retail sales increased 40% ($75B to $104B), easily outpacing the rest of Southern California. (Source: LAEDC, Feb. 2006).

Needless to say, the numbers haven't slowed much since 2004 as the region continues to march toward the 4 million mark in population.

Now, if only the region could get that elusive professional sports team and much-needed local TV station...

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Additions begin at Riverside mall
• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Tenant list grows for Corona mall

Also

• Galleria at Tyler
• General Growth Properties, Inc. (Galleria owner)
• The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos
• Poag & McEwen (Promenade Shops developer)
• SE Corporation (Dos Lagos master developer)

Although million-dollar homes within Inland Southern California are nothing new, the increasing number of them on the market is growing quite rapidly.

2004
South Corona

In the past, most million-dollar homes were typically single-built, custom homes. Nowadays, it's not uncommon to see new tract-built homes selling for upwards of $750,000+. Naturally, as home prices toward the coast rise, the Inland areas closest to Orange and Los Angeles counties are seeing the largest increase in overall prices -- both with new as well as resales.

Over the past 15 years, the city of Corona has seen tremendous growth in its housing stock as former citrus groves within its southern section have given way to large swaths of housing tracts. As the first stop along the Riverside Freeway inbound from Orange County, the city has seen a dramatic rise in the number of million-dollar homes, many of which are sold in newly built tracts. In fact, the past few years has seen the area along I-15 just outside the city's southern limits (i.e., the "Temescal Valley") populated with higher-end, master-planned housing developments, some with new homes starting at $1 million dollars.

Like it or not, it appears the days of affordable new housing anywhere within Greater Los Angeles is drawing to a close.

Photo Gallery: Corona

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise: Corona, Norco's $1 million-home market booms
• Empire Companies: The Retreat
• Woodbridge Homes: Crown Ranch / Chase Court

So, you've recently moved into your brand new suburban tract home in what the developer has cheerfully marketed as "The Corona Valley." It's a 5-bedroom mini-mansion complete with 4 large bathrooms, a second-floor "landing," built-in multimedia/entertainment centers, Sub-Zero appliances, walk-in closets galore and a large backyard with lush landscaping to boot.

The schools are new, the streets newly-paved, your neighbors seem great, a "proposed park site" is beginning to take shape across the street and a Home Depot and Best Buy are nearing completion at a newly built shopping center nearby:

But now, you find yourself needing to inquire about certain city services. So naturally, you pull out the local "Corona-Norco" phone book and proceed to call Corona City Hall. Only there's a problem -- you don't actually live within the city of Corona. In fact, you're well over 5 miles from the Corona city limit.

Trimark Pacific Homes

Welcome to Inland Southern California's burgeoning, unincorporated communities.

For a recent arrival to The Corona Valley -- or any of its siblings -- the first notion that they live not within an actual city itself, but in an unincorporated area of the county may come as a bit of a surprise, particularly when the developer's marketing techniques tend to indicate otherwise (or at least downplay this aspect).

On the surface, many of these newly built master-planned "unicorporated" communities springing up all across Inland Southern California do not appear much different than their counterparts within nearby cities. But underneath, the funding and governing mechanisms can be quite different, if not quite up to the service standards found -- or expected -- within most incorporated cities:

In the post-Prop 13 era of California, rooftops rarely foot the bills for the services required and/or provided. Thus, many cities are much more reluctent these days to annex freshly-built housing tracts, especially those without any significant business and/or commercial tax base potential. And yet, such developments on the fringe of a city's borders can greatly impact its parks and libraries as many new arrivals often look to nearby cities for these services and amenities.

Likewise, the same property tax limits of Prop 13 that keeps many cities from gobbling up rooftops, also hinders many newly-developing areas from incorporating into cities as well. In the majority of cases, there simply is not a large enough -- or diverse enough -- tax base to support city-style government for these primarily residential developments. Thus, the duties of servicing these unincorporated communites are left to county government, which often finds itself spreading tax dollars over an increasingly wider area, thereby compromising overall service levels. As such, nearby cities often shoulder many of the impacts (traffic, parks and libraries).

Without a doubt, some good has in fact come from Prop 13 (such as controlling a then-runaway state budget). However, it's no surprise many leading economists agree that a structural reform of the nation's most recognized -- and most sacred -- initiative is indeed due, else the "fiscalization of land" will remain unabated as cities continue to favor annexing commercial interests over residential.

Related

• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Life outside city limits
• Riverside Press-Enterprise - Police, fire services questioned in unincorporated area
• The Corona Valley - Trimark Pacific

With housing demand -- and prices -- shooting through the roof, it's no surprise that a recent wave of high-end housing is taking root within the arroyos and valleys of Inland Southern California.

The 580-acre Vellano project in Chino Hills will offer semi-custom homes priced between $900,000 and $1.5 million as well as 50 lots for custom homes starting at $600,000. The development will overlook a planned Greg Norman Signature Golf Course.

The Vellano project comes on the heels of similar large-scale luxury home projects in Corona and Rancho Cucamonga as well as smaller, custom-home developments in Temecula, Riverside and Redlands.

A citizens group within the City of Corona has decided to test the waters of whether city council members should be elected based upon districts or wards.  Currently, the 6 council members are elected "at large," which means they represent the entire populace.  But, as is currently the case in Corona, this could lead to what essentially amounts to "packing the council" with members from a tight geographical area as opposed to from a more evenly distributed geographical -- as well as socioeconomic -- one.

As the city nears 150,000 in population, it is in Corona's best, long-term interest to ensure broad representation by establishing these council districts.  Likewise, the establishment of an actual elected mayor -- as opposed to a mayor pro-tem rotated amongst the council -- is an appropriate reform as well.  As the city grows into a district system, an elected mayor is essential for providing unity and guidance on policy matters to a now broadened council.

To put this in perspective, can you imagine if your state did not have congressional districts?  In California -- where there are 53 members in the U.S. House of Representative -- such lack of districts could be disasterous.  One can readily imagine how an election as such could easily produce unbalanced representation via congressional members originating from tighter geographical/socioeconomical pool(s).  The last thing this state needs is a House of Reps full of pretentious Beverly Hills snobs.

Districts -- when not gerrymandered -- help ensure a broader spectrum of overall representation.  And, as it continues to grow, Corona indeed is no different than the state in this regards.