Orange County Mini Chopper

JURUPA VALLEY: Dispute with vets clouds cityhood celebration

A dispute between officials of Jurupa Valley -- which will become a city Friday -- and the Vietnam Veterans of America is threatening to cast a pall over this weekend's four-day incorporation festivities.

Steve Mackey, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 47, which covers the entire Inland area, said he was told by an official of the Jurupa Valley Inauguration Day celebration committee that his group could not participate in the July 2 car show or parade because they are selling raffle tickets to raise funds to help needy vets.

A local equestrian group is holding a separate raffle to raise money to pay for the four-day celebration.

The grand prize in both raffles is a motorcycle.

City officials said the veterans are welcome to participate in the parade and other events, just not allowed to sell their raffle tickets.

The Vietnam Veterans of America are raffling off a black chopper custom-made by Orange County Choppers, the New York-based company featured on "American Choppers." Tickets cost $10 each or three for $25.

ETI Corral No. 6 is raffling a Snap-on mini chopper. Tickets cost $5 each. The celebration committee will receive 75 percent of the proceeds to underwrite the cost of the four-day cityhood celebration.

"We just wanted to come out to support the community and they're telling us we can't," Mackey said.

Mackey, a retired California Highway Patrol officer, lives in Jurupa Hills, which will be part of the city of Jurupa Valley.

Chairwoman Linda Thompson said the seven-member celebration committee discussed Mackey's request at their June 27 meeting and decided it would be inappropriate to have a group selling tickets to another raffle.

"We'd love to have the veterans but it's a competing raffle," Thompson said.

ETI Corral No. 6, a local equestrian group, donated the Snap-on cycle to be raffled to raise funds for the cityhood celebration, Thompson said.

Jurupa Valley City Council-elect Chairwoman Laura Roughton called the flap "a serious misunderstanding."

"The veterans would be a great addition to the parade or any other part of the celebration," Roughton said. "We need to get to the bottom of this."

But there is no misunderstanding in the mass email Mackey sent to his membership after his conversation with Thompson on June 28.

"We are not wanted," the email states in a boldfaced, underlined statement.

Mini Choppers | Choppers

If you want a scaled down version of a chopper, especially for your child, you can buy a mini chopper. Even adults like riding on these bikes. The 2011 Sacramento Easy Riders Show drew record crowds. Customized choppers were on display. You too can customize your mini chopper.

These bikes are generally built around 50cc-110 cc engines. There are also electric and lawn mower engine versions available.

Very few states legally permit you to register, insure and ride these bikes down the street. These bikes are characterized by extended front ends, skinny front tires and a general flimsiness.

This makes it difficult to ride them anywhere but on lawns. However, if you do have a long driveway, you can enjoy riding these affordable bikes. You can even build your own mini chopper by using a plan for doing so from the Internet. You need to take special care of the tires, as they are the means by which you can propel. They grip the ground when the gas’s pressed, so that the bike can move forward through the terrain.

Read the manual carefully so that you know how to check the tire pressure. You should also take adequate safety precautions while riding a mini chopper. These bikes are convenient to transport to camping areas. They are also affordable, so parents prefer that their children ride these.

You can buy a mini chopper from a toy store, but ensure that you adhere to the weight limit that is mentioned. Otherwise, your new purchase may become useless within a few days.

They are eco friendly. Most of them have a top speed of twenty to thirty miles per hour. Their height is a foot and a half and they weigh a mere fifty pounds. Many mini chopper clubs have come up as a way for enthusiasts to go riding together. You can join one to learn how you can customize your bike or do simple repairs.

Buy one with indicator lights, brake light, and left and right signals. Rear view mirrors and horn should also be present. Otherwise, you can visit a hardware store to buy these. They can also help you with installation. You will also need insurance papers and plates, so ask the insurance company and licensing authority for information regarding these formalities. You should also wear a helmet, knee pads, and gloves when you use them to ensure your safety.

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