An Inland Empire Thanksgiving

During the rest of the year I can use this column to complain, and point out the ills of the Inland Empire, but not this time. We have a lot to be thankful for here in the I.E. and I want to point a few out.

What am I thankful for here in the Inland Empire? I will try answering that question in my own unique way. Like most of you I am thankful for my wonderful family, and the fact that it is growing. I am thankful for my friendships, my health, and the fact that I have a job, a great church, and the freedom of expression that I enjoy. Here I will give you a little news, a little comedy, and a lot of personal opinion. So lets start with this…

Why did the turkey cross the road?
It was the chicken's day off.



I am thankful that Mike Gardner defeated incumbent Dom Betro for the Ward One City Council Seat. Although there may be a recount I’m going to enjoy the bliss of a victory of a candidate that I supported, and believe to be the best for the city. I am thankful for the right to chose my government leadership based on what I like and believe.

I also like the fact that we are a big enough influence on state and national politics that we attract candidates that are running for the higher offices on a regular bases.

Why do turkeys always go, "gobble, gobble"?
Because they never learned good table manners!

In the Los Angeles Times there was an article earlier this year written by Lisa Giron that started that the five county regions including Riverside added 152,700 jobs which is 53,600 more than employers anticipated. Most of the increase was in Southern California, which was 55.7% in 2006, and in the previous year, L.A., Orange, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino counties generated 46.7% of all jobs created in the state. Most of the increase was due to global trade, tourism and professional services, many of them high paying jobs. I love when jobs come to the I.E. I can be thankful of this. I am thankful for the efforts of people like Don Smith for trying to end homelessness, and in doing this putting himself out of a job.

What sound does a space turkey make?
Hubble, Hubble, Hubble.

I am thankful for great places in the I.E. such as the Back to the Grind Coffee House in Downtown Riverside, Mario’s Place Restaurant also in Downtown, and a new Downtown restaurant that took the place of the Downtown Supper Club called Back Stage.

I also like the Metropolitan Museum, the Photographic Museum, and The Peoples Gallery that lends itself to the monthly Downtown Art Walks.

I am thankful that Frank’s Bar & Grill holds Karaoke Night four times a week, and that I can go miniature golfing at Castle Park with my son when he visits. I am thankful for Boardwell Park, and the differing activities that are held there such as the Juneteenth Celebration.

Why did the police arrest the turkey?
They suspected it of fowl play.

I am thankful for our people. I am thankful to the service workers in our two counties. We could not exist without the police; the fire fighters; Park and Recreation workers that work beyond their paid hours just so the kids playing basketball can finish their game.

I am thankful for the city commissioners that advise our city council on day-to-day matters such as human relations, youth activities, the aging, airport matters, and parking problems.

Let us not forget the people that volunteer their time with KRCB (Keep Riverside Clean and Beautiful), Friends of Mt. Rubidoux, and the Volunteers for America, located in San Bernardino.

Why did the Indian chief wear so many feathers?
He wanted to keep his wigwam (wig warm).

I am thankful for Indian casinos because of the jobs they create, the entertainment that they provide, and philanthropic endeavors that they support.

I am thankful for the many movie theaters around the I.E. I am thankful for the educational opportunities that the colleges and trade schools have to offer. I really want that med school to be built.

Why did they let the turkey join the band?
Because he had the drumsticks.

Things that I am not thankful for are the air quality [when we have very few large industrial polluter in the I.E.], gang activity, Smart Park, being stopped by the police for DWB (driving while black), the lack of equal marriage rights, racism, the illegal immigration that keeps people in virtual slavery, and all of the street widening that will one day ease traffic around the city [I wish that it was already complete].

What I will be thankful for in the Inland Empire are things like the completion of the 60/91/215 freeway project, Smart Riverside (the program giving free wireless internet access to the whole city), a new city council, the University Corridor Project coming to an end, but most of all I will be thankful that these bad jokes will end.

What are you thankful for? As always please post your comments and opinions in the comment section at the bottom of the article on the blog page, http://www.aricisom.com/. You can also post to past articles in there proper location at the bottom of each. I look forwards to your feedback. Please take note of the new features, such as the daily news feed, video clips, visitor polls, outside links, and Java games.