Posted by gram.steve on May 27, 2010 at 1:43pm
I would like to participate in organizing an Inland Empire Drupal User group for regular meetings and localized collaboration on projects. Target area is Riverside/Corona/Ontario.
Posting here to see if we can generate enough interest to make this happen. Please reply here if you are interested in participating.
Thanks,
Steve Graham
Comments
Count me in.
I found Santa Monica was too far from Hemet. Corona/Riverside would be ok.
independent developer
go for it!
The best way to make it happen is just to do it. Find a venue, perhaps a cafe, library, or use this as a great opportunity to meet some local business leaders in your area to see if they'd be willing to host.
Then, pick a date, and post an event a couple weeks early. I'm willing to bet you'll be amazed you'll have 5-10 people the first month. it'll soon run to 20ish. If you don't want to run it yourself, ask for help. others will. The drupal community is vibrant, and full of great people. Other drupal group organizers also tend to be very open and helpful.
Best of luck!
--
mike stewart { twitter: @MediaDoneRight | IRC nick: mike stewart }
Thanks Mike
Thats what I kind of figured :)
Will see if I can hunt down a Venue and do as you suggested.
Steve Graham
Corona, CA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegraham
How about one of the
How about one of the restaurants at the Mission Inn in Riverside? I'd absolutely love to go there after having seen it in a movie.
good idea
I like the idea of approaching a business leader. Thanks for the thoughts.
independent developer
Start a g.d.o group as well.
Go to http://groups.drupal.org/node/add/og and request an Inland Empire geographical group.
Once you have a place to meet, create your meetings as events, tagged with "user group meetings" so they will show up in the calendar.
Thanks for the link
Thanks for the link highermath. Just submitted the request.
Will follow up with events when something gets put together.
Steve Graham
Corona, CA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegraham
I approved the Inland Empire
I approved the Inland Empire group and you're good to go. Any ideas about when there might be a meetup?
LA County has over 10M people and I think having more regional groups on groups.drupal.org is a good thing, even if a few of those groups are quiet.
LA Drupal has been really busy lately and the LA Drupal group policy now is to encourage everyone in LA County (and Southern California) to cross-post to LA Drupal to get wider exposure if that's what they want. The "official" LA Drupal events are only being posted in the LA Drupal group so that the other regional groups in LA County can grow on their own and find their own identity.
That being said, I'd love to make it to a meetup in the IE. I've been looking for a reason to check out the Mission Inn and I'd be interested in going to a meetup somewhere around there.
Thanks. If just one more
Thanks. If just one more person says yes we have enough to start a meeting (2).
Here's some possible places and some spots I think I've heard ppl say they lived by).
At the Hemet/sanJacinto Chamber of Commerce: 20 minutes away from Beaumont (10/60), 45 minutes from Redlands (10/210), 1/2 hour away from Temecula (215/15), 12 minutes from Homeland (near 215/74), and 30 minutes from Idylwild. We would start w/o a projector. I've been looking for something with a projector, but haven't found it yet. For now we can just huddle around a laptop.
If Beaumont is more central I'll look there (I think there is a Dennys right off the freeway). The people in Temecula/Murrieta might be thrown out of the picture since SD would probably be just as far.
BTW; about a year ago I saw a Temecula/Murrieta meet-up, went there to find a closed office. I've never been back. Small groups have to avoid mixups like that at all costs. If you post a time, do it at all costs or at least post an apology on the door/window. If that was done I would have thought it was worth trying again.
independent developer
I've just been thinking about
I've just been thinking about Idylwild. That could have a draw beyond the area if we went out afterwards to a free jazz concert or do some hiking. I wouldn't be surprised if there were some acoustic indie rock groups there too.
Drupal + recreation = killer combo
independent developer
Other Recreation Idea
Riverside would also be a considerable area. The main Library is in walking distance of the Mission Inn and downtown. This Library has small and large meeting rooms depending on the needs. People could go for coffee or drinks after.
In addition my friend Riley is a friend of the people at Back to the Grind Coffee House in downtown Riverside. I have had meetings there on occasion. It has a very independent funky feel and lots of students live in the area. I am going by there tomorrow and plan to get their group room policy on reservations.
Just thought I would toss this idea out.
I'm interested
I live in Highland and have used Drupal for a few years. I would be interested in participating. I would also suggest making ancillary groups to help advertise on Meetup.org, Facebook, ect.
new Drupal group meeting?
I'd be interested in attending as well. Having moved from OC to Riverside, it is a little far these days.
Like I said in another
Like I said in another thread, if someone has a projector we can use the Hemet Chamber of Commerce or Hemet library. I'm planning on approaching San Jacinto Community College. The developers in Temecula and in Idyllwild (yes there is one up there) might be interested.
independent developer
Projector
I have a small projector that does 640 x 480 and up to 60-100" diagonal. If the meeting time is one I can make I can bring it. I normally use my Ubuntu Netbook to project off of it. Though any Notebook with a port will work.
Thanks. If this ever comes
Thanks. If this ever comes together, lets talk.
independent developer
I'm game to participate also
Got some fam that lives out in Rancho Cucamonga but I rarely venture out east of the 15. I'd be game to participate & even present. Helping new/fledgling groups is always a good thing. Mike hit the nail on the head, you might only have a few attendees the first go around but you'll see it grow organically (no pun intended hehe).
Some suggestions:
-Notify your networks that you'll be participating in the event thru FB/Twitter/etc.
-Notify your networks after the event about what kind of topics were covered, again on FB/Twitter/etc.
-Notify local LUGs (Linux user groups) or tech mailing lists that you're a part of of your event
-When notifying groups outside of Drupal (like LUGs), highlight how Drupal is having a positive effect on those communities (i.e. for Linux folks, they might not know that sites like http://linuxjournal.com, http://linux.com, http://kerneltrap.org, http://ubuntu.com, http://socallinuxexpo.org & http://spreadfirefox.com are Drupal sites). This info will definitely pique their curiosity.
-Approach some business leaders or, better yet, business folks who believe in Drupal/PHP/open source or have sites built on Drupal to see if they'd like to be a venue/food/beverages host.
-My experience w/meetup.com is that while it's good for initial exposure, long-term you get diminishing returns due to the cost involved of managing a group there. It's far easier to setup a small site w/the same info & you get the added benefit of having full control of your content.
The goal is to create a buzz around your new meetup. Mike's also right about the community being vibrant & being full of great & helpful people.
Hope that helps & keep us posted!
Miguel Hernandez - www.migshouse.com
Founder & CEO - The OpenMindz Group
Writer- Linux Journal & TechZulu
Meeting in Rancho Cucamonga
I live in the Highland/Redlands area, so Rancho Cucamonga or there abouts would work for me.
Highland/Redlands
That's the area I also live. Some where with in half an hour drive is preferable. Either way we could probably carpool to save gas.
Is 45 minutes too far?
Is 45 minutes too far?
Maybe we can get something started in Beaumont/Banning which would be in the 1/2 hour you talk about. It would also be accessible to anybody in the Palm Springs area.
independent developer
RE: Is 45 minutes too far?
That's about as far as I would go. Depending on the day also. Though I would still recommend one of the major metropolitan centers in the IE with Riverside or Redlands being the closest to you... both roughly 45 minutes away.
Were you looking at a weekday evening or weekend day? The only day I would recomend avoiding would be the second Saturday of the month. The Linux Users Group IE (LUGIE) meet up then. I imagine there could be some cross interest.
I imagine the first meeting might largely be taken up with a meet and greet and organizing of members?
With my location of the San
With my location of the San Bernardino Mountains, I have always had the sole choice being High Desert Drupal meets. However, since I can go either direction from Crestline, I too would be open to a meeting in the Riverside/SB area. The east sector of the Inland Empire has always been too far away.
What would be reasonable?
What would be reasonable? Calimesa?
independent developer
Hmm...Calimesa is probably as
Hmm...Calimesa is probably as far east as I can go before I would need to seriously carpool. Speaking of that, Im open for those who wish to carpool.
I said Calimesa because it
I said Calimesa because it was about between you and me.
To start it might just be you and me, but if we start, there is a good chance others will follow. Seems there are a couple who would be interested.
Excuse me while I change the topic: Mike or Chris, I ran into someone at the LAcamp that came from Mexico because they learned so much from the group online last year.
independent developer
newly formed Inland Empire group
Be sure to checkout/join:
newly formed Inland Empire group: http://groups.drupal.org/inland-empire
organizing meetups - http://drupal.org/node/247952
--
mike stewart { twitter: @MediaDoneRight | IRC nick: mike stewart }
Coming from the High Desert
Coming from the High Desert, I would vote for the Redlands, Riverside or Fontana areas. Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario work for me too, but those are pretty far from Hemet and Beaumont.
I'd suggest Riverside as a
I'd suggest Riverside as a central location to start. Hemet and Idyllwild have no direct freeway access; Beaumont and certainly Calimesa are too far east. And all are outside of the main population centers.
Anyway, I'm up for a meetup!
Where and when? Sounds like
Where and when? Sounds like people want Riverside. Let's just get it started.
I was originally planning a group for those that were outside populated areas.
independent developer
RE:Where and when? Sounds like
Well Riverside is still closer than LA or San Diego for those less populated areas. I'm free most Monday through Thursday evenings. Friday/Saturday evenings I am busy normally and most Saturdays I am free except the second Saturday. That day I have my Army Reserve drill which also makes me miss LUGIE unfortunately.
I can scout out a suggested site tomorrow evening if desired. I plan to be downtown for a meeting anyways.
I'm planning on going around
I'm planning on going around there to see this Sunday. Friday I'll be at playing at a blues jam and Saturday I'll be volunteering at the International ToastMaster convention in Palm Desert.
Between us we can come-up with a couple potential venues and present the idea to this thread.
independent developer
Places
Sorry life has been a bit busy. I have had a few people soliciting me to produce some web sites for them and have been busy.
The library had one small first come first serve room. They also have a large auditorium but that seemed a bit too large.
There are a few other eating establishments but I haven't had a chance to nail down any particulars.
The LUGIE (local linux group IE) asked me to do a demonstration of installing Drupal, December in Redlands.
When is the Linux user group?
When is the Linux user group? Perhaps a few Drupaleros from the LA Drupal can go, get to know each other and help you with your presentation.
In for Riverside as well
Riverside works for me. The public library, or some other local eating establishment would be great.
I think we just need to get whoever is interested out for the first meeting, then go from there.
I am available weekday evenings pretty regularly.
Steve Graham
Corona, CA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegraham
Space available in Ontario
I'd love to see an Inland Empire group get started.
I know Riverside has been discussed as a good meeting place but if no meeting area has been found I can offer one in Ontario. I work for a large Architectural firm (Haven Ave off the 10 fwy) - we have a large conference room that seats about 50 people with a projector / wifi. The only caveat is I'm only available on Monday or Thursday nights but if you guys want to proceed we could have the first meeting in early December.
Let me know what you think.
Chris
Chris Grant
Senior Visualization Artist | HMC Architects
Portfolio | christophergrant.com
IE Drupal | g.d.o/inland-empire
I'm in
Monday or Thursday is fine with me.
Thursdays
Thursdays are better for me, except for the third Thursday of the month.
Hmm, I'd be on the wrong side
Hmm, I'd be on the wrong side of the traffic equation perhaps (coming from the SGV) going to Ontario but might be able to give it a try. Thursdays would be better for me.
WizOne Solutions - https://wizone.solutions - Drupal module development, theme implementation, and more
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Proposed first meeting (meet and greet)
I just added a new post in the Inland Empire Group to propose we try to get a few folks together to discuss organizing our new group.
Please read this discussion if interested:
Would like to get a Drupal Cafe event going in the IE
It looks like we just might have enough interested folks to get this launched. So please join in and help us organize and grow this group!
Thanks,
Steve Graham
(951) 667-5818
Steve Graham
Corona, CA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegraham
Just do it
Not sure why it was necessary to start another discussion -- a number of people have already expressed their interest (and suggestions for locations) here. Thursdays seems to be good for a few and three people have suggested Ontario/Rancho Cucamonga -- with Chris offering a location. Seems to me all we have to do is say "yes" and do this.
Thats exactly what we are
Thats exactly what we are doing mrtoner.
I started a new discussion inside the new group, as opposed to here in LA Drupal. Folks have signed up there and they may not see this one.
Also this one is quite old, so wanted to update it so those who participated here could join in there if they were still interested.
Steve
Steve Graham
Corona, CA
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegraham
I dunno. Since this
I dunno. Since this discussion was posted to both groups -- as was yours -- I'm pretty sure that those that are interested will see it. I suspect the 12 or so people that have participated in this discussion probably have even opted to be notified of additional replies.
As far as being old goes, well, less than two weeks has gone by since the last reply, so I don't think it's all that old. Just sayin' it doesn't make sense to start all over when we've already had this discussion. Next thing you know it'll be 2012 and we still won't have an IE group.
splitting hairs
I might just be splitting hairs, but there is an IE group. There just haven't been any meetings yet. I think this discussion has been about starting up a group (which there is now). sg3524's new post is about focusing our energy and scheduling the first meetup.
And now the bald jokes start
Is that some sort of crack about bald guys? :-)
I'm pretty darn sure that's what we were doing here. cgrant3d offered a time and a place which seems to work for several people.
Well, now we're just
Well, now we're just repeating ourselves.
I've locked this thread now that there's a group. I have no doubt this group will be a healthy one because we've already had our first disagreement! :)
See you all at the first meetup.