Still on a 'Quest'
Curiosity didn't kill the cat. In Joel Greene's case, it helped launch a career.
The 34-year-old Rancho Cucamonga husband and father of two teamed up with Melissa Cockrell, 26, a Cal Poly Pomona graduate, back in 2001 in an effort to start an interactive educational show for children.
Both were confident that their dream would happen when they filmed a 20-second pilot promo eight years ago in the Fontana foothills.
They just finished filming the 100th episode of "Curiosty Quest," which is part of a Go Green environmentally themed group of shows. The episode features a Manhattan Beach elementary school that has a goal to become a zero-waste campus by 2013.
The show is broadcast locally on KVCR/Channel 24. It also is the winner of three 2008 Telly Awards, given in the educational television industry for excellence.
Greene's personal motto is "Life is a quest, not a destination." His viewers agree.
The unscripted show relies on letters from viewers who write in and ask about a particular subject. Those questions have produced shows ranging from Raging Waters in San Dimas to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana to a sea lion rescue facility on the coast.
"The show works because we're giving kids of all ages a voice and a chance to explore and play out what they would like to do if they had the chance,'' Greene said.
With viewer input at an all-time high, the show literally has thousands of ideas to investigate. Future topics may include Hawaiian volcanoes, Colorado River rafting and a trip to a baseball mecca, Louisville, to see how bats are manufactured.
"We welcome everyone to go along with us on a quest," Greene said. ‘Who knows where it will take us.'' For information, visit www curiosityquest.org, or write to Curiosity Quest, P.O. Box 1654, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729.
The 100th episode of "Curiosity Quest" airs June 8 at 7:30 p.m. on KVCR/ Channel 24.
-- Suzanne Sproul
Starry, starry night
Megan Telles of Rancho Cucamonga got a chance to mingle with Hollywood stars while covering the 81st annual Academy Awards for MTV.
Telles, a San Diego State sophomore, earned her four-day Hollywood adventure after competing in MTV's college reporting competition. She and her San Diego State broadcasting partner, Andrew Huse, finished in the top three in the nation.
As a reward, they got to walk the red carpet and made several Tinseltown contacts while having a great time exploring the entertainment capital of the world.
"Yes, I would have loved to have won, but I had a weekend of a lifetime and made some connections in Hollywood," Telles said.
Telles interviewed Academy officials, producers and makeup artists. She also met some Southland TV staples — former "Entertainment Tonight" personality Leeza Gibbons, and the entertainment reporters at KTLA/Channel 5, Sam Rubin, and KABC/Channel 7, George Pennacchio.
Telles also went to the Governor's Ball.
"I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the continuous support from the beginning to the end of the competition," she said. "I want to give a special thank you to Mrs. Julie Hartz at Los Osos High School for keeping my alma mater informed and spreading the word to vote."
-- Suzanne Sproul
Head of the class Batman and Joker, Tinkerbell and Captain Hook, Helen of Troy and Medusa, Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts. What do these characters have in common?
They'll share center stage April 18 at the Assistance League of San Bernardino's Signature Headdress Ball, which is themed "Heroes and Villains." Now in its 48th year, the heady affair is touted as "a cross between a Las Vegas revue and the local PTA."
The Assistance League's biggest and best fundraiser of the year, the glitzy Headdress Ball showcases models balancing custom-designed headdresses — some 10 to 20 feet tall and weighing as much as 50 pounds.
"I'm very fortunate my designer and choreographer are the same person — Randy Davis," said Ruth Sandlin of Running Springs, one of eight models in this year's show. "I'm impressed with all the people around me."
Sandlin, who makes her modeling debut this year as Helen of Troy, is slated to become the next Assistance League president beginning in June.
There will be two times for audiences to enjoy the heady fun.
The signature gala features the elaborate choreographed presentation, dinner and a silent auction.
A special matinee performance, which includes lunch and the presentation of headdresses, is set for earlier in the day.
Proceeds will benefit the children of San Bernardino through the support and funding of the Earl R. Crane Children's Dental Health Center, and Operation School Bell, a program that provides clothing for needy children.
"This work is vital," Sandlin said. "It's a tremendous asset to be in that area of the city helping kids there."
-- Michel Nolan
Signature Headdress Ball
National Orange Show, Renaissance Room, 689 S. E St., San Bernardino 10:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 18; a cocktail reception opens the black-tie evening celebration $65 for the matinee, $150 for the evening gala 909-862-0732 or 909-886-2528
The big spin
Racers are gearing up for the 25th annual Redlands Bicycle Classic on March 26-29. The event will attract nearly 300 professional cyclists from around the world and thousands of spectators.
One of the pros, Neil Shirley, a member of the Kelly Benefit Strategies team, will be making his sixth appearance at the RBC.
"I look forward to racing in Redlands every year because my family can come out," says Shirley, who lives in the San Diego area.
"There's a lot of people cheering for me so it's super motivating.
"It's also my first big race of the season, and I always like to start off well because it sets the tone for the whole season." Besides the professional competition, there will be a number of races and recreational rides open to all skill levels. Information about the Rotary Rides, School Duel and public races can be found on the RBC Web site, www.redlandsclassic.com.
There will be 26 public races, including a 50-yard dash for riders as young as 3 years old on tricycles.
