David Allen

Stack of four paperbacks on edge of bookshelf

What I read in February: two books by classic science fiction authors, a modern fantasy/horror short novel involving the Klan and a biography of a Riverside architect who helped design the Mission Inn. What about you? www.insidesocal.com/davidallen/2...

Ralph Cavallo mourned as ‘a man who got things done’ in Upland Community volunteer had his fingerprints on projects all around town. His celebration of life was attended by many admirers, including columnist David Allen.

Ralph Cavallo is mourned as 'a man who got things done' in Upland. Community volunteer had his fingerprints on projects all around town: youth fields, veterans monuments, the downtown gazebo, the library. His service was packed with admirers. I was one. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/03/03/r...

The beatings will continue until morale improves, and the bombing will continue until peace is achieved. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Woolworth’s building in San Bernardino seems to have survived fire Building was anchor of a once-thriving downtown but has long been vacant and the subject of break-ins, columnist David Allen writes.

Woolworth's building in San Bernardino seems to have survived fire. 1941 building was anchor of a once-thriving downtown but has long been vacant and the subject of break-ins. Major fire Feb. 9 gutted it but the Streamline Moderne shell still stands. www.sbsun.com/2026/03/01/w...

These shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco are putting Pomona on the map The New York Times and the Michelin Guide have taken notice, columnist David Allen writes between bites. Also: more about Three Dog Night’s 1969 concert in San Bernardino.

These shrimp tacos from Mariscos Jalisco are putting Pomona on the map. LA food truck's Pomona location is included in NYT's 25 Essential Dishes to Eat in LA list. Also: looking-back items on 3 Dog Night in SB, The Dead in SB and Riverside, and more. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/02/26/t...

In Pomona, Measure Z would impose discipline on ‘Kids First’ funding Voters on June 2 will be asked to rewrite 2024 citizens initiative that officials say threatens to cut services and bankrupt city, columnist David Allen writes.

In Pomona, Measure Z would impose discipline on 'Kids First' funding. Voters on June 2 will be asked to rewrite 2024 citizens initiative, an example of ballot-box budgeting that officials say threatens to cut services and bankrupt city. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/02/24/i...

Newspaper photo of El Mencho

What the world needs is a cartel devoted to acts of kindness and generosity, led by a person of high moral fiber: El Menscho!

Native plants booster and journalist was rooted in Riverside Jeanette Marantos died in the same city in which she was born 70 years earlier, columnist David Allen writes. In other Riverside news, why is a restaurant themed to lemons, not oranges?

Native plants booster and journalist was rooted in Riverside. Jeanette Marantos died in the same city in which she was born 70 years earlier. Plus, more news items from around Riverside. www.pressenterprise.com/2026/02/22/n...

In Ontario, some speak up for Jay Littleton Ball Park’s future Speakers at City Council meeting lament possible loss of ballpark for a splash pad. Leaders tell columnist David Allen that neighborhood opinions will be sought.

In Ontario, some speak up for Jay Littleton Ball Park's future. Speakers at City Council meeting lament possible loss of diamond for a splash pad. Leaders tell me neighborhood opinions will be sought. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/02/19/i...

Art of sculptor John Svenson showcased in Ontario and Claremont Twin exhibits highlight the late sculptor as well as work by his sons David and John Jr. and their wives. Columnist David Allen, who knew Svenson, tours both.

Art of John Svenson is showcased in Ontario and Claremont. Twin exhibits highlight the late sculptor, who died in 2016. Ontario's Chaffey Museum also highlights work by his sons and their wives. Having known Svenson, I tour both exhibits. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/02/17/a...

Tiny Montclair embraces urban-density housing near transit and mall Village at Montclair, with 350 units on 6 acres, is latest in wave of development. “We were probably one of the first to do anything outside of L.A.,” planner tells columnist David Alle…

Montclair (pop. 38,000) embraces urban-density housing near transit and mall. Village at Montclair, with 350 units on 6 acres, is latest in a wave of development. Planner says city was "one of the first to do anything outside of LA." www.dailybulletin.com/2026/02/15/t...

Three Dog Night drove San Bernardino audience wild in 1969 Photos from that concert were used in an unexpected way. Meanwhile, one of the 4,000 fans robbed a gas station solely for ticket money, columnist David Allen writes.

Three Dog Night drove San Bernardino audience wild in 1969. Photos from Swing Auditorium show were soon used on an LP... for a different concert. Meanwhile, one fan robbed a gas station for ticket money. www.sbsun.com/2026/02/12/t...

Ontario may replace storied Jay Littleton Ball Park with a splash pad Water feature is preferred option after 1930s grandstand was consumed by fire in 2024, columnist David Allen writes. Decision may be made by City Council on Feb. 17.

Ontario may replace storied Jay Littleton Ball Park with a splash pad. 1937 canopied wooden grandstand that evoked a bygone era of baseball burned to a cinder in 2024. The field was used in A League of Their Own and other productions. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/02/10/o...

‘Spotlight’ journalist got his start at Press-Enterprise in 1970s As a reporter from 1972-75, Ben Bradlee Jr. covered the trial of a cop killing that he considered “Riverside’s crime of the century,” he tells columnist David Allen.

'Spotlight' journalist got his start at the Press-Enterprise. As a reporter from 1972-75, Ben Bradlee Jr. covered the trial of a cop killing that he considers "Riverside's crime of the century." I interviewed him for my latest column. www.pressenterprise.com/2026/02/08/s...

WWII veteran in Corona saw nuclear devastation up close in Pacific Richard Lachman visited Nagasaki six weeks after A-bomb devastation and later witnessed two nuclear tests. He died Jan. 29 at age 98, columnist David Allen writes.

World War II veteran in Corona saw nuclear devastation up close in Pacific. Richard Lachman, whom I interviewed in 2021, saw Nagasaki six weeks after the bomb and later witnessed two A-bomb tests. He died Jan. 29 at age 98. www.pressenterprise.com/2026/02/05/w...

Outpouring of support for San Bernardino mayor kills ballot idea Packed City Council meeting on charter amendment draws 90 speakers. Council votes to pursue it but Mayor Helen Tran vetoes it. Columnist David Allen is there.

Outpouring of support for San Bernardino mayor kills ballot idea. More than 300 turn out for special meeting on proposal to ask voters to eliminate the elected mayor. Pursuing it is OK'd 4-2, but Mayor Helen Tran vetoes it. I was there for the drama. www.sbsun.com/2026/02/03/o...

Created by artist Levi Ponce, this mural in Pacoima features Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper and the pilot Roger Peterson situated in front of an Iowa cornfield.

Feb 3, 1959: The Day the Music Died. Buddy Holly, #RitchieValens, the Big Bopper and pilot Roger Peterson died in plane crash 67 years ago in Iowa. Created by artist Levi Ponce, this #Pacoima mural (located here -> maps.app.goo.gl/dgxvNXF8Ky8P...) pays tribute to these artists & #thedaythemusicdied.

2026 truly is trash

Stack of five books, spines out, on edge of bookshelf

What I read in January: Damon Knight, Cameron Crowe, Pomona poets, a Scripps College art museum catalog and a Marvel Comics history. What about you? www.insidesocal.com/davidallen/2...

Mayor touts Riverside’s progress, efforts to ‘level up’ Job growth, police staffing and other indicators are strong, mayor says at State of the City. But recent decision against homeless housing cast a shadow, columnist David Allen writes.

Mayor touts Riverside's progress, efforts to 'level up.' Job growth, police staffing and other indicators are strong, she says at State of the City. But to me, a recent decision against homeless housing cast a shadow. (Don't worry, jokes are included too!) www.pressenterprise.com/2026/01/31/m...

Curtain falls on Laemmle Claremont 5, an indie movie theater gem Last day was Thursday for five-screen downtown theater that opened in 2007. Columnist David Allen, a regular, pens a tribute to the low-key movie house.

Curtain falls on the @laemmle.com Claremont 5, an indie movie theater gem. I pay tribute to the homey theater that opened in 2007, bringing indie, foreign and documentary films to the edge of the IE. It closed Thursday, making way for a new operator. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/01/30/c...

Have now seen 7 of the 10 Best Picture nominees. In descending order of pleasure: One Battle After Another, Sinners (a virtual dead heat with OBAA), Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme. May see Bugonia + Secret Agent; don't care re F1.

In post-literate America, some can’t imagine life without reading One woman has been reading avidly since Burma Shave signs lined roadsides, she told columnist David Allen.

In post-literate America, some can't imagine life without reading or books. I'm one of them, and so are a bunch of you. One tells me she's been around since the Burma Shave days and now keeps her e-reader near. www.dailybulletin.com/2026/01/27/i...

I’d know this checked shirt anywhere, @gustavoarellano.bsky.social!

DA’s case against Treasure Ortiz gets yawn at San Bernardino meeting Audience at City Council meeting barely reacts to news of criminal filing against councilwoman for illegal recordings, columnist David Allen writes.

District Attorney's case against Treasure Ortiz gets yawn at San Bernardino City Council meeting. Audience barely reacts to announcement that Ortiz, a council member, was charged with a crime, illegally recording conversations with police. www.sbsun.com/2026/01/24/d...

A Line train from Pomona whisks friends to L.A.’s Philippe for lunch Columnist David Allen finally takes light rail from its new stop in Pomona. He and a friend get French dips at an L.A. favorite, Philippe the Original.

A Line train from Pomona whisks two friends into L.A. for lunch at Philippe. Four months after light rail reached Pomona, I finally take my inaugural ride. (Also, I'm soliciting opinions on the A Line vs Metrolink and on the station experience.) www.dailybulletin.com/2026/01/20/a...

Norton Air Force Base memories enshrined in San Bernardino museum Museum at SBIA is devoted to base that closed in 1994 and its people, told through physical objects, photos and more. “Everything here is donated,” docent tells columnist David Allen.

Memories are enshrined at the Norton Air Force Base Museum in San Bernardino. Donated items tell the story of the base, which closed in 1994, and its people. I visit to honor the request of a docent who died last month. www.sbsun.com/2026/01/18/n...

Cameron Crowe makes Riverside’s 1964 Bob Dylan concert almost famous At 7, his mom took him to see Dylan at the UCR gym. At 16, he was writing for Rolling Stone. Columnist David Allen reads “The Uncool,” Crowe’s memoir, to learn more.

Cameron Crowe makes Riverside's 1964 Bob Dylan concert almost famous. At 7, his mother took him to UCR to see Dylan. At 16, he was writing for Rolling Stone. He's talked about that concert in interviews to promote his memoir. www.pressenterprise.com/2026/01/15/c...

Bob Weir dies at 78; Grateful Dead played San Bernardino twice Band played at Swing Auditorium and the US Festival (at 9:30 a.m.), columnist David Allen writes. Also: Cal Jam festival tribute in Ontario again sees the light.

Bob Weir, founding member of the Grateful Dead, dies. This reminds me that the band played twice in the Inland Empire, both times in or near San Bernardino. One show began at 9:30am! Plus: other items from around the IE. www.sbsun.com/2026/01/13/b...

Woody Guthrie rode the rails in Banning, Beaumont and Redlands Folk troubadour’s 1930s travel west was among the local tidbits columnist David Allen picked up in his reading in 2025, often unexpectedly.

Folk troubadour Woody Guthrie rode the rails into California in the 1930s through the Coachella Valley, Banning, Beaumont and Redlands. Who knew? That's one of the things I learned from nonfiction I read in 2025. www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2026/01/11/w...