David Allen
@davidallen909.bsky.social
Columnist, Southern California News Group
"Inland Empire bard" -- Los Angeles Times
"Ur a joke" -- dumb reader
"Inland Empire bard" -- Los Angeles Times
"Ur a joke" -- dumb reader
After $34 million restoration, Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs is ready to shine. And so is its "star field" ceiling! The 1936 theater will host comedy, music and more starting Dec. 2. "People are so moved to see it restored," effort's champion says. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/20/a...
After $34 million restoration, Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs is ready to shine
The 1936 theater will host comedy, music and more starting Dec. 2. “People are so moved to see it restored,” effort’s leader tells columnist David Allen.
www.pressenterprise.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:07 PM
After $34 million restoration, Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs is ready to shine. And so is its "star field" ceiling! The 1936 theater will host comedy, music and more starting Dec. 2. "People are so moved to see it restored," effort's champion says. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/20/a...
Reposted by David Allen
Q: What did the president mean when he called a reporter "piggy"?
LEAVITT: Look, the president is very frank & honest with everyone in this room. You'll all seen it yourself. You've all experienced it yourselves. And I think it's one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president
LEAVITT: Look, the president is very frank & honest with everyone in this room. You'll all seen it yourself. You've all experienced it yourselves. And I think it's one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president
November 20, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Q: What did the president mean when he called a reporter "piggy"?
LEAVITT: Look, the president is very frank & honest with everyone in this room. You'll all seen it yourself. You've all experienced it yourselves. And I think it's one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president
LEAVITT: Look, the president is very frank & honest with everyone in this room. You'll all seen it yourself. You've all experienced it yourselves. And I think it's one of the many reasons the American people reelected this president
The Mission Inn Museum returns to Riverside's Main Street pedestrian mall in time for the holidays. The museum and gift shop was on the hotel grounds for 30 years until its eviction last year during a legal dispute. Now it's across the street. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/18/m...
Mission Inn museum returns to Riverside’s Main Street in time for holidays
18 months after its eviction from the hotel, the nonprofit Mission Inn Foundation is back on the pedestrian mall with a gift shop and small museum space, columnist David Allen reports.
www.pressenterprise.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:22 PM
The Mission Inn Museum returns to Riverside's Main Street pedestrian mall in time for the holidays. The museum and gift shop was on the hotel grounds for 30 years until its eviction last year during a legal dispute. Now it's across the street. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/18/m...
ICE raids in Pomona add edge to State of the City celebration. Arrests earlier in the day are referenced several times during event at Fox Theater. The mayor said: "Pomona does not back down." I tell that story in my Sunday column. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/16/i...
ICE raids in Pomona add edge to State of the City celebration
A Thursday event at the Fox included comments about raids earlier in the day, columnist David Allen reports. “Pomona does not back down,” Mayor Tim Sandoval declared.
www.dailybulletin.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:48 PM
ICE raids in Pomona add edge to State of the City celebration. Arrests earlier in the day are referenced several times during event at Fox Theater. The mayor said: "Pomona does not back down." I tell that story in my Sunday column. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/16/i...
My latest: Riverside's de Anza monument, a 1940 WPA site, gets repairs and scrubdown, with restoration about to begin. Also: a museum show is devoted to Riverside's punk music scene of the 1990s. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/13/r...
Riverside’s de Anza monument gets repairs and scrubdown
Work is underway to restore 1940 WPA monument, columnist David Allen writes. Also: city’s punk scene gets a museum show and more.
www.pressenterprise.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:09 PM
My latest: Riverside's de Anza monument, a 1940 WPA site, gets repairs and scrubdown, with restoration about to begin. Also: a museum show is devoted to Riverside's punk music scene of the 1990s. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/13/r...
People like taking photos of their car, such as these Model Ts, in front of the 1915 service station housing the Route 66 Museum in Rancho Cucamonga. Also: items about Los Jarritos, Mr. Milk Bottle and Upland's Veterans Monument, all in my latest column. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/11/c...
Cars old and new like the Route 66 Museum in Rancho Cucamonga
Car owners love getting a photo of their wheels outside the 1915 service station, columnist David Allen writes. Also: news about Mr. Milk Bottle, Los Jarritos and the Upland Veterans Monument.
www.dailybulletin.com
November 11, 2025 at 11:48 PM
People like taking photos of their car, such as these Model Ts, in front of the 1915 service station housing the Route 66 Museum in Rancho Cucamonga. Also: items about Los Jarritos, Mr. Milk Bottle and Upland's Veterans Monument, all in my latest column. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/11/c...
Stephenson Cree, last store of a 92-year Riverside clothing dynasty, to close. "This is just an institution," one customer says of the independent shop as its fourth generation prepares to retire. I tell its story in my Sunday column. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/09/s...
Stephenson Cree, last store of a 92-year Riverside dynasty, to close
“This is just an institution,” customer says as the Cree family prepares to close its last shop. Columnist David Allen pays his respects.
www.pressenterprise.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Stephenson Cree, last store of a 92-year Riverside clothing dynasty, to close. "This is just an institution," one customer says of the independent shop as its fourth generation prepares to retire. I tell its story in my Sunday column. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/09/s...
'The Flower Vendors' mural and its artist get a fresh look at @scrippscollege.bsky.social. An exhibit at the Williamson Gallery digs deeper into Alfredo Ramos Martinez, who died in 1946 before completing the campus mural. It's the subject of my latest column. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/06/f...
‘Flower Vendors’ mural and its artist get fresh look at Scripps College
Exhibit highlights Alfredo Ramos Martínez, who died in 1946 before completing garden mural. Columnist David Allen digs in to learn more.
www.dailybulletin.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:01 PM
'The Flower Vendors' mural and its artist get a fresh look at @scrippscollege.bsky.social. An exhibit at the Williamson Gallery digs deeper into Alfredo Ramos Martinez, who died in 1946 before completing the campus mural. It's the subject of my latest column. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/06/f...
My Wednesday column: Duane Roberts, owner of the Mission Inn, has died. Roberts, who made his money by inventing frozen burritos, sparked downtown Riverside's renaissance by buying and reopening the long-dormant hotel. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/04/d...
Duane Roberts rescued the Mission Inn, Riverside’s showpiece
Roberts, who died Saturday at 88, sparked downtown’s renaissance by buying and reopening the long-dormant hotel, columnist David Allen writes.
www.pressenterprise.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:48 PM
My Wednesday column: Duane Roberts, owner of the Mission Inn, has died. Roberts, who made his money by inventing frozen burritos, sparked downtown Riverside's renaissance by buying and reopening the long-dormant hotel. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/11/04/d...
What I read in October: Golden Age science fiction from a woman (best book of the month!), 1940s short stories, Inland Empire history by Joe Blackstock and interviews with Lou Reed. How about you? www.insidesocal.com/davidallen/2...
November 3, 2025 at 10:39 PM
What I read in October: Golden Age science fiction from a woman (best book of the month!), 1940s short stories, Inland Empire history by Joe Blackstock and interviews with Lou Reed. How about you? www.insidesocal.com/davidallen/2...
My Sunday column: Susan Orlean explains to a @lapubliclibrary.bsky.social audience why she dives deep. Also: I consume another last meal at Cole's French Dip, take an NYC quiz, and more. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/02/s...
Susan Orlean explains to LA library audience why she dives deep
Writer known for in-depth features talks about curiosity and local news at LA Central Library event, columnist David Allen writes. Also: Cole’s French Dip gets another reprieve.
www.dailybulletin.com
November 2, 2025 at 6:35 PM
My Sunday column: Susan Orlean explains to a @lapubliclibrary.bsky.social audience why she dives deep. Also: I consume another last meal at Cole's French Dip, take an NYC quiz, and more. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/11/02/s...
My latest: Sammy Hagar, Jay Buchanan co-headline gala in Fontana to benefit new Stage Red Youth Music Foundation, raising $100K. I was there to chronicle the scene. First, Hagar had to actually get to Fontana in time. www.sbsun.com/2025/10/30/s...
Sammy Hagar gala show in Fontana boosts aid to young musicians
Native sons Hagar and Jay Buchanan raised some $100,000 for the new Stage Red Youth Music Foundation at Wednesday gala, columnist David Allen writes.
www.sbsun.com
October 30, 2025 at 10:47 PM
My latest: Sammy Hagar, Jay Buchanan co-headline gala in Fontana to benefit new Stage Red Youth Music Foundation, raising $100K. I was there to chronicle the scene. First, Hagar had to actually get to Fontana in time. www.sbsun.com/2025/10/30/s...
“Southern California: An Island on the Land,” nearing 80, remains an essential history. Carey McWilliams’ 1946 book is still readable, quotable, surprising and wry. I finally read it, and marveled. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/28/a...
‘An Island on the Land,’ nearing 80, remains an essential history of SoCal
Carey McWilliams’ 1946 book on Southern California remains influential, readable, surprising and wry, writes columnist David Allen, who recently read and marveled over it.
www.dailybulletin.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:47 PM
“Southern California: An Island on the Land,” nearing 80, remains an essential history. Carey McWilliams’ 1946 book is still readable, quotable, surprising and wry. I finally read it, and marveled. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/28/a...
My latest: A debut novel at 91? Scholar Carlos Cortés of @ucriverside.bsky.social crafts a whodunit that draws on his summer camp experiences in 1948 -- but adds a murder. "Telling a long-form story was a challenge," he says. "It was fun." www.pressenterprise.com/2025/10/26/a...
A debut novel at 91? Carlos Cortés of Riverside crafts whodunit
Cortés, a retired professor and scholar, drew on his summer camp experiences in the 1940s for a story involving the nature of truth, he tells columnist David Allen.
www.pressenterprise.com
October 26, 2025 at 5:08 PM
My latest: A debut novel at 91? Scholar Carlos Cortés of @ucriverside.bsky.social crafts a whodunit that draws on his summer camp experiences in 1948 -- but adds a murder. "Telling a long-form story was a challenge," he says. "It was fun." www.pressenterprise.com/2025/10/26/a...
Palm trees on fire crackle at Riverside's @thecheechcenter.bsky.social. Grouping of fire paintings "really resonates for people," staff says. And Cheech Marin, who's lived through two Malibu fires, tells me the art "sets off a lot of emotions." www.pressenterprise.com/2025/10/23/p...
Palm trees on fire crackle at Riverside’s The Cheech art museum
Grouping of fire paintings is “a meditative space” for some, museum says. And Cheech Marin talks about the two Malibu fires he’s lived through with columnist David Allen.
www.pressenterprise.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Palm trees on fire crackle at Riverside's @thecheechcenter.bsky.social. Grouping of fire paintings "really resonates for people," staff says. And Cheech Marin, who's lived through two Malibu fires, tells me the art "sets off a lot of emotions." www.pressenterprise.com/2025/10/23/p...
I DECLINE
I double dog dare you to pop that sucker open and chug…
October 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
I DECLINE
My latest: Readers gift me a commemorative Coke from the 1982 World Series, in which the Cardinals beat the Brewers in seven. Note that it's still capped and full of 43yo soda. Also: readers react to several recent columns. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/21/1...
1982 World Series soda bottle is full of memories (and Coke)
Commemorative soda bought at an estate sale is presented to columnist David Allen. The gift, unlike the soda, did not fall flat. Also: readers react to recent columns.
www.dailybulletin.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:06 PM
My latest: Readers gift me a commemorative Coke from the 1982 World Series, in which the Cardinals beat the Brewers in seven. Note that it's still capped and full of 43yo soda. Also: readers react to several recent columns. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/21/1...
Route 66 nostalgia fuels Cucamonga Service Station Museum in Rancho Cucamonga. Tiny Richfield station from 1915 was saved from demolition, restored by volunteers and now gets visitors from all over the world. Museum marked 10 years last week. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/19/r...
Route 66 nostalgia fuels gas station museum in Rancho Cucamonga
Museum housed in tiny 1915 Richfield station gets visitors from around the world. The museum’s 10th anniversary last week drew 40 people, including columnist David Allen.
www.dailybulletin.com
October 19, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Route 66 nostalgia fuels Cucamonga Service Station Museum in Rancho Cucamonga. Tiny Richfield station from 1915 was saved from demolition, restored by volunteers and now gets visitors from all over the world. Museum marked 10 years last week. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/19/r...
How was San Bernardino's State of the City? Lavish, loud and long. I hit some of the highlights and lowlights, and the hints of intrigue, in my latest column. www.sbsun.com/2025/10/16/h...
How was San Bernardino’s State of the City? Lavish, loud and long
Event at newly renovated 1926 theater ran well over its promised 60 minutes, columnist David Allen writes. The mayor shouted her entire speech. And there was intrigue.
www.sbsun.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:21 PM
How was San Bernardino's State of the City? Lavish, loud and long. I hit some of the highlights and lowlights, and the hints of intrigue, in my latest column. www.sbsun.com/2025/10/16/h...
My latest: More than a dozen murals are being painted simultaneously this week on a few blocks of downtown Ontario. It's an effort dubbed O-Town Walls Muralfest. Says organizer: “It’s a transformational tool to transform a downtown." www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/14/1...
13 (!) murals are going up at once in downtown Ontario
Artists are painting on facades, back walls and alleys for first O-Town Muralfest, culminating Saturday with tours. Columnist David Allen takes a look.
www.dailybulletin.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:30 PM
My latest: More than a dozen murals are being painted simultaneously this week on a few blocks of downtown Ontario. It's an effort dubbed O-Town Walls Muralfest. Says organizer: “It’s a transformational tool to transform a downtown." www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/14/1...
My latest: Los Jarritos lost its lease in Pomona in May after 39 years. After a scramble for a space and months of renovations, the Mexican restaurant has reopened in Claremont with lines out the door. Says a server: "I didn't know how popular we were." www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/12/l...
Los Jarritos finds spot in Claremont and reopens, delighting fans
The popular restaurant lost its lease in Pomona, setting off a scramble for a new location, columnist David Allen writes. A line formed on the first day.
www.dailybulletin.com
October 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
My latest: Los Jarritos lost its lease in Pomona in May after 39 years. After a scramble for a space and months of renovations, the Mexican restaurant has reopened in Claremont with lines out the door. Says a server: "I didn't know how popular we were." www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/12/l...
My latest: Mr. Milk Bottle, a former drive-through dairy that was a part of Pomona since 1960, has been demolished. But its whimsical sign has been declared historic and will remain. I was stunned, btw, to learn the business once bottled in its own milk. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/09/m...
Mr. Milk Bottle is gone, but iconic sign in Pomona will stay
The tuxedoed mascot has beckoned to motorists since 1960. The sign was declared historic and may become part of a new development, columnist David Allen writes.
www.dailybulletin.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:23 PM
My latest: Mr. Milk Bottle, a former drive-through dairy that was a part of Pomona since 1960, has been demolished. But its whimsical sign has been declared historic and will remain. I was stunned, btw, to learn the business once bottled in its own milk. www.dailybulletin.com/2025/10/09/m...
My latest: Riverside City Hall marks 50 years with festivities, reminiscing. Some 300 people showed up to Monday's event, which carried deliberate echoes of the Oct. 6, 1975 dedication: It took place the same date, day of the week and time. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/10/07/r...
Riverside City Hall marks 50 years with festivities, reminiscing
300 people showed up Monday to the anniversary event, with elements that echoed the building’s Oct. 6, 1975 dedication, columnist David Allen writes.
www.pressenterprise.com
October 7, 2025 at 9:26 PM
My latest: Riverside City Hall marks 50 years with festivities, reminiscing. Some 300 people showed up to Monday's event, which carried deliberate echoes of the Oct. 6, 1975 dedication: It took place the same date, day of the week and time. www.pressenterprise.com/2025/10/07/r...
What I read in September: Octavia Butler stories, a Philip K. Dick biography, a first-time novel by a local nonagenarian and a one-volume history of California. What about you? www.insidesocal.com/davidallen/2...
October 6, 2025 at 5:02 PM
What I read in September: Octavia Butler stories, a Philip K. Dick biography, a first-time novel by a local nonagenarian and a one-volume history of California. What about you? www.insidesocal.com/davidallen/2...
My latest: Just as "Cheers" drew inspiration from Gay 90s pizza parlor and bar in Redlands, the character of Norm Peterson had his roots in a Gay 90s regular. Who? Probably Norm Baffrey, a portly San Bernardino parks and rec official and Gay 90s fixture. www.sbsun.com/2025/10/05/n...
Norm on ‘Cheers’ may have been modeled on San Bernardino official
Norman Baffrey, a city parks official before his 1994 death, was sometimes identified as the real-life inspiration for the sitcom character, columnist David Allen learns.
www.sbsun.com
October 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
My latest: Just as "Cheers" drew inspiration from Gay 90s pizza parlor and bar in Redlands, the character of Norm Peterson had his roots in a Gay 90s regular. Who? Probably Norm Baffrey, a portly San Bernardino parks and rec official and Gay 90s fixture. www.sbsun.com/2025/10/05/n...