Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

C.J. Morris students vie for spots on Science Olympiad team

By WVUSD 

Charles Lei’s Pasta Mobile with hand-carved wheels sails down the ramp during the Science Olympiad Trials. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Charles Lei’s Pasta Mobile with hand-carved wheels sails down the ramp during the Science Olympiad Trials.
Photo courtesy: WVUSD

WALNUT, CA—C.J. Morris Elementary 5th grader Harrison Chung is hoping to win a spot on the school’s Science Olympiad team.

On Tuesday, he patiently waited for his turn during the Egg Drop trials held at lunchtime. The mission was to create a cushioned package to protect a raw egg from a high free fall. Chung, who used bubble wrap and straws, was relieved that his egg bundle survived the drop.

“Last year, I was an alternate, so I really wanted to be on this year’s team,” he said.

Several retired educators were invited to coordinate and judge three different events held September 27-29.  “They made the little containers and we put a fresh egg inside,” explained C.J. Morris retiree Katie Trumbo who recorded the entries.

Steve Cusson, retired social studies teacher from Suzanne Middle School, climbed up a ladder to drop each egg package over a chalk bull’s eye on the black top. “This has been a lot of fun! At Suzanne we did this from the top of the library!” he said.

For the second round, Cusson launched the egg bundles from about 15-feet atop a supply shed. A crowd of students and staff cheered as he held each entry over the drop area.

Five of the eggs survived the fall on the first day, others didn’t and splatted their yolks.

Forty 3rd-5th grade students are competing for 15 spots on the Science Olympiad team.

They’ve been encouraged to enter more than one event during the trials for prepare for regional competition held next spring, according to Principal Shezhad Bhojani. “Our goal is to provide more access to students in experiencing hands-on science in an authentic selection process to represent C.J. Morris at the L.A. County Science Olympiad.”

Students also showed off their creative skills during the Pasta Mobile and Can Race events.“This competition is also allowing them to think outside the box,” Bhojani added. The tin can cars were designed to drag down a three-meter track on the playground.

“I like science a lot and wanted to give it a shot!” said 3rd grader Lorelei Silva-James while waiting to race.

Students fashioned running arms from toothpicks and rubber bands to propel their entries. “They can put weights inside the can, but they can’t push it at the starting line,” said Suzanne retiree Ronnie Hee.

Teacher Dave Boots built a wooden ramp last weekend for the Pasta Mobile contest. Students used all shapes and sizes of dry pasta including penne, macaroni, and rigatoni to build their entries.

Boots steadied each car at the top of the ramp using a yardstick. On his cue, the little cars rolled down onto the 1.5-meter lane. The goal was to travel the farthest without going out of the boundaries or falling apart.

Fourth grader Hailey Chan’s lasagna car rolled an impressive 150 centimeters on Day 1 of the trials. And Charles Lei, a 5th grader who was leading after the first day’s noodle event, carved oversized wheels from flat noodles.

The elementary students are also invited to put their skills to the test this week during Anatomy, Astronomy, and Physical Science Knowledge multiple choice exams. In the Anatomy test, they will also be asked to identify structures and organs of the body. They’ll be quizzed about the planets, the moon and its phases, the sun, a spiral galaxy, a nebula, a star cluster, and a comet on the Astronomy quiz.

“It takes courage and confidence to come out and try for this team!” Boots said.

Vietnamese-Marinated Steak

recipe-pic-1-webWith Herb Salad, Quick Pickled Veggies, and Jasmine Rice

By Hello Fresh

Do you know what the secret is to perfectly caramelized marinades? A pinch of sugar! It adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the spiciness of the jalapeños and tanginess of the lime juice. The other star of this meal is the pickled cucumber and radish salad. It’s quick, crunchy, and one of our go-to side dishes.

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 499 cal, Fat: 11g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Protein: 46g, Carbs: 54 g, Sugar: 7 g, Sodium: 787 mg, Fiber: 3 g

Ingredients:

  • Sirloin Steak- 12 oz.
  • Jasmine Rice- ½ Cup
  • Soy Sauce- 1T
  • Radishes- 3
  • Cucumber- 1
  • Garlic- 2 Clove
  • Jalapeno Pepper- 1
  • White Wine Vinegar- 2T
  • Lime- 1
  • Mint- ¼ oz.
  • Sugar- 2t
  • Oil- 4t

Preparation:

  1. Cook the rice: Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small pot. Once boiling, add the rice. Cover and cook 20 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat and keep covered.
  2. Prep the marinade and steak: Wash and dry all produce. Mince or grate the garlic. Mince half the jalapeño. Thinly slice the other half into rounds, removing the ribs and seeds if you prefer less heat. Zest and halve the lime. Slice the steak in half, making two ½-inch fillets.
  3. Marinate the steak: Place the steak fillets in a medium bowl with the garlic, soy sauce, lime zest, 1½ teaspoons sugar, minced jalapeño (to taste), and a drizzle of oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Turn the steak to evenly coat in the marinade.
  4. Make the quick pickled veggies: Thinly slice the radishes. Peel and halve the cucumber lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon, then thinly slice into half-moons. Toss both in a medium bowl with the white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon sugar, and a large pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Sear the steak: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan (or grill pan) over high heat. Add the steak. Sear about 2 minutes per side, until browned and slightly charred. HINT: The sugar on the glaze may burn a bit, but that’s ok! Char + caramelization = flavor!
  6. Make the herb salad and serve: Pick the mint leaves off the stems. Tear any larger leaves in half. Discard the stems. Toss the leaves in a small bowl with a squeeze of lime, a large drizzle of oil, and as much sliced jalapeño as you like (careful, it’s spicy!). Season with salt and pepper. Thinly slice the Vietnamese-marinated steak, and serve on a bed of jasmine rice. Scatter the herb salad over the steak, and serve the quick pickled veggies on the side. Enjoy!

Artist Corner

Andrea Cruz

By Racine Guajardo andrea-cruz-1-web

Andrea Cruz was born in Lake Tahoe, California but later moved to Southern California at an early age.  A sketchbook and pencil played a huge role in her upbringing. Her first influence was her Grandfather, saying, “He was the one that opened my eyes to the arts.” He was the one to put her first pencil in her hand and helped guide her through her passion as he was a self-taught colorblind artist.

At the age of 10, Cruz learned the meaning of life and death as her mother had lost her battle with cancer. The more she tried to comprehend what happened, the more she dove into her sketch book. After high school she moved to Hollywood, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she became homeless and lived her life on the streets of Los Angeles for the next 4 years.

No matter what extremes Cruz was faced with on a daily basis, one thing that she could count on was her sketch book and pencil that she carried around with her everywhere she went. It became her release and comforted her with the overwhelming amount of emotions she was experiencing. Through all her life experiences, she became more in tune with herself and the world around her. In 2004, she started experimenting with paint. The longer she worked with art, the more she realized how much it has helped throughout her life.

Cruz realized that creativity helps build self-esteem with young kids and adults across the board. She wanted to create a platform for people to express their creative side.

“I have been able to be part of some wonderful organizations with my art like donating my creative expertise, for example, building a dollhouse that won third place in a contest for Habitat for Humanity, to help them to raise money for the organization. Partnership with Orangewood Foundation, helping our foster youth and soon to be aged out fostered teens express their creative sides by introducing them to painting on canvas,” Cruz said.

When Cruz was asked what she would like people to know about her she said, “I am passionate about my art and it is important to live my life through my passion. I believe that we are all born with talents, it is up to us to recognize them, find ways to develop them, and as we are inspired, it will inspire others.”

She is a self-taught artist; her own style allows her to be able to break down any paint for anyone to understand.

Today she has found a way to be able to share her talent as an artist by creating a business with her close friend, Oscar Torre. In 2015, they formed a paint and sip company called, The Painter’s Loft.

“From day one, I knew we had something wonderful that we were offering to our customers. Oscar, with his witty sense of humor and zest for life, connects wonderfully with each of our customers. He creates a wonderful synergy while I step by step instruct the painting of the evening,” Cruz said.

Cruz has since been featured in numerous publications including: The Chocolate Voice and Inland Empire Magazine. Her work has been featured in Dallas, Southern, and Central California. She also sells her work to a collector in the Philippines. She currently has art pieces hanging in The Robbins Nest Wine Bar in Orange County. You can also visit The Painter’s Loft several times a week at Mimi’s Café in Corona and Chino Hills, The Robbins Nest in the Artist Village district in Santa Ana, Renata’s Café Italiano in Orange County, and Rodrigo’s Mexican Restaurant in Corona. Throughout the week, Andrea and Oscar instruct private parties in four-counties (Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles County).

Andrea and Oscar can be found on multiple social media sites including, Facebook: The Painters Loft, their website: www.thepainters-loft.com, Instagram: the_painters_loft, and Twitter: @thepaintersloft.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition October 2016

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, 2016-10-eastvalenews-cover
Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:2016-10-eastvalenews-full

Eastvale Residents May Receive Reports For New Walmart Construction

Staff Reports

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale has compiled an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for residents to inform them of new construction taking place on Limonite Avenue. The report addresses the constructions impact on traffic, noise and green house gases.

The development project will house a commercial retail center with a Walmart being at the center of construction. The retail center will also consist of a fast-food restaurant, gas station, rain water collector, and other various shops.

The EIR will be available to the public for a 45-day period from October 3 until November 17. Residents can receive a printed copy at Eastvale City Hall in the Planning Department on 12363 Limonite Ave, Suite 910 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Residents can also receive printed copies at the Eastvale Library and the Riverside County Clerk-Recorder. The EIR is also available online and can be downloaded on the City of Eastvale’s webpage at www.eastvaleca.gov/city-hall/planning/environmental-documents/walmart-project

Questions, comments, and concerns regarding the EIR should be submitted to Eastvale’s Planning Director, Eric Norris, no later than 5 p.m. on November 17. Written comments can be mailed to the City of Eastvale Planning Department at 12363 Limonite Ave, Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91752 and emails may be sent to enorris@eastvaleca.gov.

CVMC Takes 1st Place!

Staff Reportscvmc-web

Chino- On October 4, the Chino Valley Medical Center was awarded first place in the Pink Glove Dance video contest for 2016. CVMC was honored to host the $10,000 check presentation ceremony to award the charity of choice, The Let It Be Foundation. The City of Chino Police Department thanked all those who voted and showed support on their Facebook page.

Medline’s Pink Glove Competition is a breast cancer prevention campaign that unites the community, healthcare practitioners and survivors to raise money for a cure and to honor those who have been affected. The original Pink Glove Dance video debuted on YouTube in 2009, where 200 people from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon danced in support of breast cancer awareness.

Last year, CVMC took first place in the Small Bed Category that brought $10,000 for the win which was donated to Relay for Life. Also, taking a second place win in the School Health category. The Let it Be Foundation was started by the Rosen Family and says, “To understand that when a family is confronted with a life threatening childhood diagnosis, it is just too big to fight alone.” This foundation assists and cares for families who have children suffering through life-threatening diagnosis. Christen Grelling, MSN, FNP, PHN and Interim Chief Nursing Officer of CVMC states, “We are thrilled to dance for a great cause. We want to bring awareness to the survivors, they are our heroes.”

History 101

Achille Lauro hijacking ends

By History.com achillelauro08ct

The hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro reaches a dramatic climax when U.S. Navy F-14 fighters intercept an Egyptian airliner attempting to fly the Palestinian hijackers to freedom and force the jet to land at a NATO base in Sigonella, Sicily. American and Italian troops surrounded the plane, and the terrorists were taken into Italian custody.

On October 7, four heavily armed Palestinian terrorists hijacked the Achille Lauroin the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. Some 320 crewmembers and 80 passengers,were taken hostage. Hundreds of other passengers had disembarked the cruise ship earlier that day to visit Cairo and tour the Egyptian pyramids. Identifying themselves as members of the Palestine Liberation Front–a Palestinian splinter group–the gunmen demanded the release of 50 Palestinian militants imprisoned in Israel. If their demands were not met, they threatened to blow up the ship and kill the 11 Americans on board. The next morning, they also threatened to kill the British passengers.

The Achille Lauro traveled to the Syrian port of Tartus, where the terrorists demanded negotiations on October 8. Syria refused to permit the ship to anchor in its waters, which prompted more threats from the hijackers. That afternoon, they shot and killed Leon Klinghoffer, a 69-year-old Jewish-American who was confined to a wheelchair as the result of a stroke. His body was then pushed overboard in the wheelchair.

Yasir Arafat’s Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) condemned the hijacking, and PLO officials joined with Egyptian authorities in attempting to resolve the crisis. On the recommendation of the negotiators, the cruise ship traveled to Port Said. On October 9, the hijackers surrendered to Egyptian authorities and freed the hostages in exchange for a pledge of safe passage to an undisclosed destination.

The next day–October 10–the four hijackers boarded an EgyptAir Boeing 737 airliner, along with Mohammed Abbas, a member of the Palestine Liberation Front who had participated in the negotiations; a PLO official; and several Egyptians. The 737 took off from Cairo at 4:15 p.m. EST and headed for Tunisia. President Ronald Reagan gave his final order approving the plan to intercept the aircraft, and at 5:30 p.m. EST, F-14 Tomcat fighters located the airliner 80 miles south of Crete. Without announcing themselves, the F-14s trailed the airliner as it sought and was denied permission to land at Tunis. After a request to land at the Athens airport was likewise refused, the F-14s turned on their lights and flew wing-to-wing with the airliner. The aircraft was ordered to land at a NATO air base in Sicily, and the pilot complied, touching down at 6:45 p.m. The hijackers were arrested soon after. Abbas and the other Palestinian were released, prompting criticism from the United States, which wanted to investigate their possible involvement in the hijacking.

On July 10, 1986, an Italian court later convicted three of the terrorists and sentenced them to prison terms ranging from 15 to 30 years. Three others, including Mohammed Abbas, were convicted in absentia for masterminding the hijacking and sentenced to life in prison. They received harsher penalties because, unlike the hijackers, who the court found were acting for “patriotic motives,” Abbas and the others conceived the hijacking as a “selfish political act” designed “to weaken the leadership of Yasir Arafat.” The fourth hijacker was a minor who was tried and convicted separately.

 

Riverside Medical Clinic Receives Award

Staff Reports

Riverside – The Riverside Medical Clinic received the 2016 Excellence in Healthcare Award on September 23 from the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) at their Annual Stakeholder Meeting. The award was given to Riverside Medical Clinic out of 34 other physician organizations statewide for top performance on clinical quality, patient experience and cost measures.

“Through our internal patient care initiative that we call “RMC Signature”, we work hard to provide quality care. So we are proud to be recognized for indeed improving health care quality, making sure patients have a good care experience and working to keep care affordable,” said President Judy Carpenter.

The Excellence in Healthcare Award is a part of IHA’s program, Value Based Pay for Performance (VBP4P), and recognizes physician organizations that perform in the top 50 percent in the following areas: clinical quality, patient experience and total cost of care.

“Through the Excellence in Healthcare Award, we recognize physician organizations that are making a real difference in their communities and in their patients’ lives every day through their commitment to high-quality, affordable, patient-centered care,” said IHA President and CEO Jeffrey Rideout, M.D.

Out of over 200 physician organizations participating statewide, less than 1 in 5 reached the awards standards.

In order for any of the other organizations to win an award just as Riverside, they would have to have done the following:

  • More than 41,000 California patients with diabetes would have their blood sugar controlled, helping to lower their risk of adverse health outcomes.
  • More than 290,000 California patients would rate their overall care quality a nine or a 10 with 10 being the highest score.
  • Health care savings would be about $3.9 billion a year.

Artist Corner

Andrea Cruz

By Racine Guajardo andrea-cruz-1-web

Andrea Cruz was born in Lake Tahoe, California but later moved to Southern California at an early age.  A sketchbook and pencil played a huge role in her upbringing. Her first influence was her Grandfather, saying, “He was the one that opened my eyes to the arts.” He was the one to put her first pencil in her hand and helped guide her through her passion as he was a self-taught colorblind artist.

At the age of 10, Cruz learned the meaning of life and death as her mother had lost her battle with cancer. The more she tried to comprehend what happened, the more she dove into her sketch book. After high school she moved to Hollywood, but due to unforeseen circumstances, she became homeless and lived her life on the streets of Los Angeles for the next 4 years.

No matter what extremes Cruz was faced with on a daily basis, one thing that she could count on was her sketch book and pencil that she carried around with her everywhere she went. It became her release and comforted her with the overwhelming amount of emotions she was experiencing. Through all her life experiences, she became more in tune with herself and the world around her. In 2004, she started experimenting with paint. The longer she worked with art, the more she realized how much it has helped throughout her life.

Cruz realized that creativity helps build self-esteem with young kids and adults across the board. She wanted to create a platform for people to express their creative side.

“I have been able to be part of some wonderful organizations with my art like donating my creative expertise, for example, building a dollhouse that won third place in a contest for Habitat for Humanity, to help them to raise money for the organization. Partnership with Orangewood Foundation, helping our foster youth and soon to be aged out fostered teens express their creative sides by introducing them to painting on canvas,” Cruz said.

When Cruz was asked what she would like people to know about her she said, “I am passionate about my art and it is important to live my life through my passion. I believe that we are all born with talents, it is up to us to recognize them, find ways to develop them, and as we are inspired, it will inspire others.”

She is a self-taught artist; her own style allows her to be able to break down any paint for anyone to understand.

Today she has found a way to be able to share her talent as an artist by creating a business with her close friend, Oscar Torre. In 2015, they formed a paint and sip company called, The Painter’s Loft.

“From day one, I knew we had something wonderful that we were offering to our customers. Oscar, with his witty sense of humor and zest for life, connects wonderfully with each of our customers. He creates a wonderful synergy while I step by step instruct the painting of the evening,” Cruz said.

Cruz has since been featured in numerous publications including: The Chocolate Voice and Inland Empire Magazine. Her work has been featured in Dallas, Southern, and Central California. She also sells her work to a collector in the Philippines. She currently has art pieces hanging in The Robbins Nest Wine Bar in Orange County. You can also visit The Painter’s Loft several times a week at Mimi’s Café in Corona and Chino Hills, The Robbins Nest in the Artist Village district in Santa Ana, Renata’s Café Italiano in Orange County, and Rodrigo’s Mexican Restaurant in Corona. Throughout the week, Andrea and Oscar instruct private parties in four-counties (Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles County).

Andrea and Oscar can be found on multiple social media sites including, Facebook: The Painters Loft, their website: www.thepainters-loft.com, Instagram: the_painters_loft, and Twitter: @thepaintersloft.

Full Moon

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

I love the beautiful summer and fall evenings when the sky is clear and the full moon comes up over horizon.

Recently, the TV weather forecasters were alerting viewers to watch for the harvest moon.  In earlier times, farmers were able to work longer hours to harvest their crops with the aid of a bright, clear full moon illuminating the night sky.

In ancient times, people were apparently fearful of being “moon struck” by the light of a full moon.  In Psalm 121:5-6, the author writes, “The Lord watches over you, he is a shade on your right hand.  The sun will not hurt you by day and the moon will not harm you at night.”

I learned that the expression “Blue Moon” is when there are two full moons in the same month.  Apparently this does not happen very often.

When we hear the expression “once in a Blue Moon” it means that something is unlikely to happen or refers to something that does not happen very often.

I remember when the first men landed on the moon in July. 1969, there was a full moon filling the night sky.  It was amazing to look up at the moon and realize two men from our country were walking on the surface.

The moon influences our planet in a variety of ways.  The moon affects the changes of the ocean tides.

The orbit of the moon around the earth helps keep our planet’s rotation steady and prevents the earth from wobbling and becoming unstable.

In Psalm 19, King David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands”.  The beauty of the full moon and the vastness of the star filled sky provide evidence of God’s existence.

Let me encourage you to take time to stop and gaze at the next full moon or look up at a clear evening sky filled with stars.  Take a moment to consider the majesty and wonder of the God who created it!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.

Walnut City Council Discuss General Plan Update

Staff Reports

Walnut – Walnut City Council is working with the Planning Commission to discuss the progress of the General Plan Update. The workshop will be taking place at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Walnut City Hall on Wednesday, October 19.

The City Council and Planning Commission will discuss the subject of Land Use possibilities for other areas of Walnut. The General Plan Update is believed to be the “law” or “backbone” of Walnut’s land use and related policy. It serves as a manual to assist policy actions and expand the vision for the community related to land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, safety and noise. Walnut’s current General Plan has aided the community for over 38 years since its adoption in 1978. Although, due to the significant growth in Walnut, council members are forced to discuss their further plans regarding the physical, environmental, economic, social, and demographic characteristics of Walnut.

Residents with inquiries on the project are encouraged to contact Walnut City Hall at 909-595-7543 or visit their office directly at 21201 La Puente Road, Walnut, California, 91789. City Hall is open Mon-Thurs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can also visit the City’s website at www.cityofwalnut.org under the header Popular Links and the Community Resources drop-down menu.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 10.8.16

The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, 2016-oct-08-weekly-cover
Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland
Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format:2016-oct-08-weekly-full

The Great Pretender

By Michael Armijo

I remember dressing up like batman, the little Kmart suit with the plastic mask. I remember watching SWAT and grabbing a stick like it was my machine gun. I remember trying to lift the car because I wanted to be Steve Austin, the 6 million dollar man.

You would think it was healthy to give your imagination a chance to flourish, to enhance your creativity. However, without proper guidance, explanation, and influence, you never realize the difference between reality and fantasy. Without that, the lines of reality are blurred, so you embed in your mind that when life seems difficult you can act like a child and become someone you’re not.

I remember being stressed to a point that I felt I could no longer take it. So I went out, drank, and became someone I wasn’t. I pretended to be someone that didn’t exist, someone I never was and never could be. I reverted to my child like instincts and put on that Kmart batman mask, and I picked up that SWAT stick while trying to lift that car. I became the great pretender.

While acting like I was a college scholar, a big shot in my company or a racing car driver, I really felt alive. I felt like a complete human being because my mind was hungry to be complete, like a child wants to become a super hero. My lies were my super power and my reality was my kryptonite.

So as I pretended throughout my life, I liked the escape of not being who I was. Abused and neglected. Deceived and tormented. Tortured and ridiculed. Worse off, verbally accosted and left to play violent and damaging tapes of lies and pain. Pretending was an escape, which helped me not only overcome the pain I had been suffering but allowed me to feel like I was normal for a while. It made me feel as though I was a human being. Something I’ve been looking for so many years.

These incidents happened so quickly and many years have passed. However, today the memories are still haunting.

Today I will embrace my desire, to be something I’m not, to be someone who makes me feel complete. Someone who helped me wear a mask for so many years. Today I am still, deep inside,

The Great Pretender.

Clark’s 101

Magnesium the Magnificent!

By Clark’s Nutrition

Medieval Latin named it “magnesia”, a white lodestone mineral that was highly magnetic and very highly prized by the 15th century alchemists. This group of protoscientists aimed to purify base metals into gold and craft elixirs of mortality, and believed magnesium deposits could be used to craft the mythical “philosopher’s stone”. While unsuccessful in their pursuit, this historically significant movement produced many writings that would eventually be of benefit to geologists, architects, physiologists and biochemists. Today, we know magnesium to be one of the most important, most studied, and most dynamic nutrients in our bodies. As a major mineral, magnesium assists the body in carrying out over 300 enzymatic reactions, stabilizing our cell’s energy currency, and helping our muscles and nerves relax. Individuals with physiological appropriate levels of magnesium tend to suffer less from conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension. But the benefits do not end there, magnesium may also improve short and long term working memory by improving the density and strength of our nerve network. Luckily, nature has made magnesium ubiquitous and easy to ingest, no matter the eating philosophy, dietary needs, or food selection of even the most finicky eater. Good sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, dairy, fish, and legumes (magnesium is mostly synonymous with high fiber foods). As easy as finding and ingesting magnesium should be, there are still large swaths of the population that are in deficiency states. Individuals in chronic unmitigated high-stress lifestyles, alcoholics, caffeine abusers, those engaging in long periods of sweating without proper hydration (exercisers), and individuals eating a highly refined “fiber-less” diet are most at risk for a magnesium deficiency.

Inadequate magnesium may also exacerbate the following conditions:

  • Depression- by reducing serotonin levels. Serotonin positively affects almost all of our 40 million brain cells by regulating sleep, mood, sexual desire, appetite, and learning and social behavior.
  • Heart health- low levels of magnesium may lead to heart arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) in combination with calcium.
  • Diabetes- magnesium helps to regulate the effects of blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity.
  • Osteoporosis- 50-60% of our body’s magnesium (~25 grams total) are found in our bones.

Magnesium recommendations are 310 milligrams for women and 420 milligrams for men. This dose may be increased in times of acute deficiency with one caveat, high doses of magnesium may cause loose and watery stools (which may be the desired effect for those suffering constipation). Upper tolerable levels for daily use are between 800-1200 milligrams for up to three months. Magnesium can interfere with some medications therefore it is imperative that individuals currently taking any medication discuss magnesium dosing with their doctor.

Magnesium is found in powder form, which can easily be mixed into a drink as well as capsules and liquid. Taking 100 milligrams (up to 250 mgs may be well tolerated after a ramp up period) an hour before bed may help to relax muscles and increases the function of GABA receptors (GABA is a calming “inhibitory” neurotransmitter). If the alchemists taught us one thing, it is our interaction with minerals may greatly influence our longevity and health span. As always, have a healthy day.

C Doussett MPH, RDN

HS students hack Computer System

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Two 16-year-old males from Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills are being charged for Computer Crimes that occurred on September 5.

Several school administrators had reported that their websites were hacked. The School Resource Officer Thompson conducted the investigation where it was discovered that the two male students from Ruben S. Ayala High School, were involved in the hacking of the school’s computer network. The students modified multiple grades by using stolen login credentials of the faculty and also conducted other data theft.

As soon as the breach was discovered, the school officials worked immediately to safeguard their networks from any future attacks. Once the investigation is completed, the case is to be forwarded to the District Attorney- Juvenile Division for review.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy Thompson at the
Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

 

Did You Know?

Can Healthy Habits Contribute to Financial Security?

By StatePoint did-you-know-pic-web

When it comes to feelings about finances, working Americans are practically split down the middle, according to a recent study.

Fifty-five percent of employed Americans feel they are on the right track to achieving financial well-being, while the other 45 percent feel they are not headed in the right direction, according to the 2016 Lincoln Financial Group Measuring Optimism, Outlook and Direction (M.O.O.D.) of America study.

So what are those individuals on the right track doing so well? The study found five key factors — behaviors and influencers — in their lives that correlate to positive feelings about money.

“Right trackers” differ from their counterparts who are not on the right track because:

  • They are more likely to have created formal financial plans — more than 70 percent of them, in fact.
  • They are forward-looking in general, with nearly 100 percent saying they are focused on the future. Also, 90 percent of those in the “right track” camp say they feel in control of their lives.
  • They exercise more. Those with positive feelings about money tend to be active. About 80 percent of this group exercises at least once a week, and typically more often. Compare that with those who are not on the right track — just 60 percent of that segment works out on a consistent basis. Physical health can correlate to financial health.
  • They’re more likely to feel good about themselves. Financial health and emotional health go hand-in-hand, too. Those on the right track are more likely than their counterparts to say they are optimistic because they feel good about themselves and their relationships with family and friends. They’re also positive about their careers and their relationships with coworkers.
  • They take advantage of workplace benefits. Indeed, the more benefits you enroll in through the workplace, the better you will feel financially, suggests the study.

Beyond health insurance and retirement savings, “right-trackers” are enrolling in insurance plans to cover dental and vision care, as well as life insurance and disability insurance (which can help replace a portion of your paycheck while you recover from an injury or illness). They’re also taking advantage of other nonmedical benefits that can help boost financial security, such as accident insurance and critical illness insurance, which can help cover expenses that medical insurance does not, like high deductibles, or day-to-day expenses such as food or mortgage payments.

The future is unknown, but certain insurance coverages offered at work can help safeguard you against a broad scope of unexpected expenses, and can help you feel and be more financially secure. This is something to think about during annual open enrollment for medical insurance and beyond.

For more insights and tips to help you take control of your financial future, follow Lincoln Financial Group on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Feeling good about your finances is about the big picture, not just your bank account. From a healthy lifestyle to a positive attitude, taking a cue from those who are on the “right track” may help you get your footing on the path to financial well-being.

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. McCain Foods USA, Inc. today announced it is voluntarily recalling retail, frozen onion ring products due to the use of incorrect packaging that does not declare milk as one of the ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
  2. Sager Creek Foods, Inc. of Walnut Creek, CA a subsidiary of Del Monte Foods, Inc., announced a recall of approximately 15,000 shipped cases of FIELD PEAS WITH SNAPS and GREEN BEAN PRODUCTS, primarily non-retail, which may have the potential for trace amounts of shellfish contamination. A customer alerted Sager Creek to the incident.
  3. Infant Carriers Manufactured by Lenny Lamb- The internal stitching on the infant carrier is missing.
  4. Tyson Foods Inc., a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 132,520 pounds of fully cooked chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with hard plastic.
  5. Kiwi Care Package Company, a South Tahoe, Calif., establishment, is recalling approximately 90 pounds of canned spaghetti with sausage that was not presented at the U.S. point of entry for inspection and was received from a New Zealand establishment that was not eligible to export product to the U.S.
  6. Evenflo Company, Inc. is recalling certain Evolve 3-in-1 Combination Booster Seats, model number 34411700 manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 9, 2016 and model number 34411741 manufactured May 27, 2015, to February 9, 2016. The affected seats have a button for adjusting the harness tightness. The child in the seat can access this button and loosen the harness without the caregiver’s knowledge.

Man Arrested for Human Trafficking

Staff Reports

San Bernardino – Investigators of the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force (SBCHTTF) recently closed an investigation regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor by arresting Marquell Deante Stewart, or better known by his street name, “Kell the King.”

Investigators concluded that multiple female victims, who are minors, were forced into work by Stewart. The victims were forced to work in the areas of San Bernardino and Pomona. Stewart is being charged with multiple counts of pimping, pandering, sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking.

The SBCHTTFs mission is to expedite those committing crimes in human trafficking and to bring them to justice. They also plan to advance their work in the search and rescue of victims involved in human trafficking. Investigators have recognized that many of the suspects linked to sex trafficking are actually victims forced into the lifestyle. In recent years, law enforcement has provided victims with, along with traditional measures, more information, direction and resources to free themselves from the physical and psychological abuse related to sexual trafficking.

Law enforcement encourages anyone with information on this case or any other to contact Deputy Vanessa Lopez or Investigator Jose Guzman at 909-890-4840. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the “We Tip Hotline” at 800-782-7463 or go online at http://www.wetip.com

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 10.1.16

The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, 2016-oct-01-weekly-cover
Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland
Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format:2016-oct-01-weekly-full

Diamond Bar High Ranked #1 in CA!

BY WVUSD

Diamond Bar — Diamond Bar High School has been ranked the #1 high school in California for college readiness, grad rates, and more.

The educational research group Start Class reviewed data from the some of the best high schools in the country to determine how student performance in the classroom impacts their future college applications.

The most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics and the Civil Rights Data Collection was used to determine the top public high schools in every state.

The report released on September 21 was based on exam passing rates in math, reading and language arts over the last three years; college preparatory measures including the number of students who pass an AP exam, or take the ACT or SAT; student-teacher ratios; disciplinary actions; and graduation rates.

Diamond Bar High, with an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, received a 9.64 rating. Learn more about the rankings at:  www.public-schools.startclass.com/stories/19685/top-high-school-every-state.

“This recognition is tremendous and I am so honored to be at Diamond Bar High School serving our students, teachers, and staff,” said Principal Reuben Jones.

Diamond Bar High has also been ranked among the best public high schools in the nation in 2016 reports by Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and the Washington Post.