A recent clarification from a state tax agency could be a significant boon for the arts in the state. California Arts License Plate fees are charitable deductions to the State of California for tax purposes, according to the Franchise Tax Board. The clarification comes just in time for the holidays and end-of-year charitable planning and serves as a platform to launch a goal of affixing one million new arts plates to California cars.

Whether the additional fees Californians voluntarily pay for Arts Plates were considered a charitable contribution to the State of California was in question for years.

The recent clarification is especially helpful for businesses and residents looking to support arts statewide. Sales and renewals of the Arts Plate account for over 60 percent of the California Arts Council’s budget. Currently the state’s per capita investment in the arts is around 10 cents per person even with the Arts Plate funds, putting California in last place compared to other states in the nation.

“It’s a crucial time for the arts in California,” said Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, Chair of the California Arts Council. “Our economy relies on creative minds, artistic organizations and innovative workers, yet our per capita state investment in the arts is the lowest in the nation. Individuals and businesses can help change that by buying Arts Plates, especially for the upcoming holidays and as part of end-of-year charitable donations.”

“One million cars with California Arts Plates would mean close to $40 million for the arts,” continued Feruzzi Shriver. “That would put California near the top in arts funding rather than dead last.”

The California Arts Council is the state agency that advances California through the arts and creativity, and the agency’s programs emphasize arts for children and communities. The Arts Plate, designed by California artist Wayne Thiebaud, first hit the roadways in 1994. Since then sales and renewals of the plate have provided over $20 million for the arts in California. Fees for sales and renewals of the Arts Plate go directly into the Arts Plate Fund, minus the Department of Motor Vehicles’ cost to fabricate and administer the plate.

For more information about the California Arts License Plate, contact the California Arts Council’s communication director Mary Beth Barber at (916) 322-6588, (916) 835-5580 (cell) or mbarber@cac.ca.gov.

Help the Rancho Cucamonga Hearts for Arts initiative!  Donate all holiday season leading up to Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day you’ll be able to show your love this February.  Hearts for Arts is a month long celebration of Rancho Cucamonga’s love for the performing arts highlighted by two special events.

Hearts for Arts will kick off on February 6th with Southern California’s favorite weatherman, Fritz Coleman, performing his stand up comedy routine on the Lewis Family Playhouse stage.  Tonight at 11! Tickets are priced at $26.500, meet and greet dessert reception tickets are available for an additional $20.00.

All month long, there will be individual donation opportunities at Lewis Family Playhouse performances and you can always support the arts online with a donation through the Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation through the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s RCpark.com website.

On Saturday, February 20th the Ontario Reign will host a Rancho Cucamonga Community Night benefiting Hearts for Arts, donating at least $1 to the cause from every ticket sold.  The Los Angeles Kings affiliate team will provide visitors to Citizens Business Bank Arena with an exciting night of professional hockey!  Tickets to the Ontario Reign February 20th game are on sale at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office (purchase tickets at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office and save the $3 Arena facility fee) – game tickets are $12 each.  Call or stop by today:  (909) 477-2752 or 12505 Cultural Center Drive at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

MainStreet Theatre Company to Present Musical “Cinderella” at the Lewis Family Playhouse January 30th – February 13th

Production Company Continues Its Fourth Season of Theatre for Young Audiences

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2009

Rancho Cucamonga, California – The MainStreet Theatre Company continues its fourth season of high-quality, professional theatre for young audiences, with Cinderella, opening at the Lewis Family Playhouse January 30th and running through February 13th.

Written in the 1970s, this version of Cinderella takes a “fractured fairytale” approach to the age-old rags-to-riches love story. In this version, the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, who has fallen through the wrong hole, becomes an integral part of the story, adding a delightful twist to the classic fable. The creative team, including original composer/lyricist David Coleman, is updating the musical for this production. The show will have a new opening, new musical arrangements, and the overall style of the piece will enhance the magical elements inherent in the story. Original book writer Phylis Ravel (formerly Phyllis Ward Fox) will be attending the opening weekend performances.

“I feel like we’ve discovered a lost jewel, a gem of a show. The script is witty, funny, and smart. The music is great, and our production will bring all the magic of the story to life in very surprising ways,” shared Mireya (Murry) Hepner, MainStreet Theatre Company Producer.

In addition to Director Mark Rucker, the creative team includes Janice Rodgers Wainwright, Musical Director; Janet Miller, Choreographer; Michael C. Smith, Scenic Design; Brian Gale, Lighting; and Angela Balogh Calin, Costume Design.

Help the Rancho Cucamonga Hearts for Arts initiative!  Donate all holiday season leading up to Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only day you’ll be able to show your love this February. Hearts for Arts is a month long celebration of Rancho Cucamonga’s love for the performing arts highlighted by two special events.

Hearts for Arts will kick off on February 6th with Southern California’s favorite weatherman, Fritz Coleman, performing his stand up comedy routine on the Lewis Family Playhouse stage. Tonight at 11! Tickets are priced at $26.500, meet and greet dessert reception tickets are available for an additional $20.00.

All month long, there will be individual donation opportunities at Lewis Family Playhouse performances and you can always support the arts online with a donation through the Rancho Cucamonga Community Foundation through the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s RCpark.com website.

On Saturday, February 20th the Ontario Reign will host a Rancho Cucamonga Community Night benefiting Hearts for Arts, donating at least $1 to the cause from every ticket sold. The Los Angeles Kings affiliate team will provide visitors to Citizens Business Bank Arena with an exciting night of professional hockey! Tickets to the Ontario Reign February 20th game are on sale at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office (purchase tickets at the Lewis Family Playhouse Box Office and save the $3 Arena facility fee) – game tickets are $12 each. Call or stop by today: (909) 477-2752 or 12505 Cultural Center Drive at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Francie Palmer

CSD Marketing Manager

Community Services Department

Phone:         (909) 477-2760 ext. 2207

Fax: (909) 477-2761

RANCHO CUCAMONGA OFFERS EARLY

ON-LINE REGISTRATION FOR RECREATION CLASSES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2009

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA – Rancho Cucamonga, CA – Starting December 7^th, Rancho Cucamonga residents can “Register in a Click” for most Community Services Department recreational programs and classes – that’s two weeks ahead of mail and walk-in Registrations!

“We want to encourage people to save a stamp, save the gas and save their time by Registering on-line instead of mailing or driving into our Registration sites.” Stated Dave Moore, Superintendent with the Community Services Department. “Now, there’s the added incentive that by going on-line, you can Register Early!”

Early On-Line Registration will begin for Winter 2010 Community Services Department programs with the following important dates:

· December 7^th On-Line only Registration for Residents

· December 14^th On-Line Open Registration

· December 21^st Mail-In, Walk-in and On-Line Open Registration

“Our quarterly recreation guide, The Grapevine, will be available December 1^st at RCpark.com, even before it hits mailboxes.”  Added Moore, “and all future Registration periods will continue to offer Early On-Line Registration dates.  It’s a way to Go Green!”

Residents are encouraged to get their InstantRC Log-In ID and Pin early to be ready for December 7^th Registration!   Call Community Services Department Registration staff at (909) 477-2765 for more information or visit the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center to establish your account!

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The City of Rancho Cucamonga Community Services Department provides recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages.  Thousands of children and adults participate in early learning, sports, teen, performing arts and senior programming each year.  Visit RCpark.com for class and workshop information, to download or view a quarterly Grapevine publication or visit Central Park – Goldy S. Lewis Community and James L. Brulte Senior Center at 11200 Base Line Road for more information.