Opuntia

Indian fig grows wild on the Pricky Pear Cactus. The Opuntia species has more than 200 varieties. The cactus and fruit have similar qualities regardless of particular variety.

The highly recognizable cactus plant has fruit that is edible. The pears are covered in spines, so cleaning the fruit is extremely important. Indians rolled the cactus figs on sand to lose the spines. Modern harvesters use blowtorches to remove the spines and cook the fruit.

Prickly pears are found in cookies, candies, jelly and cactus drinks including vodka. Distilleries in Mexico produce colonche which has been popular for centuries.

Prickly pears grow quickly in otherwise barren areas. In Australia, a variety is used as a natural barrier along property lines.  

Mission Inn

Mission Inn in Riverside hosts GOP parties, welcomes international dignitaries and features a former Catholic church within the walls of the illustrious hotel. The hotel is located 3649 Mission Inn Av, Riverside CA, just minutes off the 91 freeway.

The 110 year history of the hotel began with Frank Miller’s idea that Riverside needed a Grand Hotel. He turned a 12 room boardinghouse into one of the best hotels in the world. Riverside boomed in the 1890s with important guests, including President McKinley, visiting the area.

Presidents continue to visit Mission Inn, from Benjamin Harrison to George W Bush, the hotel hosts most Republican Presidents at some point in their lives. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were married at the hotel.

Portions of Frank Miller’s bell collection are displayed around the hotel, from the mission bell to the Nanking bell which are both located along the entrance path to the Mission Inn. 

William S Hart

Stage and film actor, screen writer, producer and director, William S Hart was among the movie greats at the beginning of the film industry. William S Hart moved from stage to film at the age of 49.

So enamored with the Wild West, William Hart insisted on authentic costumes, props and story lines. As a result the films depict the Wild West as it was remembered by the men who were there. Yes, Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson were among Bill Hart’s personal friends.

In his seventy-five movies, William Hart played both the good guy and the bad guy. His wish was to entertain the audience and capture the feeling of the American West Ideal. Personally, he was compassionate toward the Native Americans who he had seen loose much of their land and way of life during his lifetime. So touched he was by the nobility of certain tribes that he learned sign language. He used sign language in one of his movies.

Movies in the nineteen teens and twenties were two-reel short films or five-reel feature length films. Silent films were direct in their story telling which translated to any language.

Upon his retirement from film, William Hart had his La Loma de los Viento built in Newhall, California. The house is a creation of architect Arthur Kelly, who designed the Christie Hotel in Hollywood and the Wilshire Country Club in Hancock Park.

Film buffs delight in the old movie location, now a pristine museum which includes the ranch house, nature walk, pool area, as well as the Old Train Station, once the location of a Charlie Chaplin film as well as Hart’s La Loma de los Viento a top the hill. House tour lasts about 20 minutes. The hike up and down the hill makes the experience an easy couple of hours.

William S. Hart Park & Museum 24151 Newhall Ave., Newhall, CA 91321 http://www.hartmuseum.org/

3 Reasons Police Have Electric Patrollers

More police departments are ordering the latest in vehicle technology each month. Increasing interest in the T3 has lead purchasing officers to ask, why the T3?

As the T3 enters its seventh year, the three wheeled electric vehicle is quickly becoming a mainstay in the police and security vehicle pool. It’s a favorite for officers because the T3 is sturdy, energy efficient and economical.

Sturdy

T3 wins every time when officers compare the Patroller with the 2-wheel competition. Miami police officer Hector Herrera said it best when he told new reporters that the T3 has better balance.

Three wheels offer the structure and balance of a triangular base. The Patroller stands freely, there is no need to prop or lean the T3, the patroller is always ready to go.

Energy Efficient

T3 designers intended the electric vehicle to be not only cutting edge in looks and looks but to have the ability to be in service 24 hours a day. Through the development of the new battery system, the batteries can be pulled for recharge, quickly and easily.

Economical

How does 10 cents a day sound for daily energy costs? Reducing gasoline consumption could stretch budgets enough to completely pay for the vehicles within months.  

Additionally, the T3 Patroller stands tall giving officers excellent visibility to survey crowds. Officer Herrera said it best when he described the T3: “It’s a chariot.”

Learn more about how you can order T3 patrollers for your department: www.t3motion.com