Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

Local Church Sponsors Family Night

By Michael Armijo

Eastvale, CA – VantagePoint Church in Eastvale sponsored a family night last Sunday, September 4th, at the Eleanor Roosevelt High School campus. The evening, which was titled “Flicks and Food Trucks”, was a night for families to come out and enjoy nine food trucks and a free movie playing on an inflatable movie screen set up in the schools amphitheatre.

The evening was also capped off with a visit from “Belle” of the “Beauty and the Beast,” “Spiderman”, and from one of the “Storm Troopers” from the “Star Wars” movie franchise. All characters are church goers who donated their time to ensure the kids had a great time during the night.

“We didn’t want to be just another church. We wanted to be a missions outpost in the community,” stated VantagePoint, via their website. “We are going to be an aggressive church that went after the lost, let down, and looking. We wanted to make the Inland Empire the hardest place in the world to go to hell. We wanted the people of our church ‘to be living proof of a loving God.”

VantagePoint periodically hosts community events welcoming every family from any denomination. The goal is to bring community together. Earlier this year Vantage Point  hosted an Easter Egg hunt which brought out almost 5,000 people in attendance. They also host many other events during Halloween and Christmas, in addition to donations to local charities and missions. They’ve had speakers come and share their story, such as Bethany Hamilton, the girl who lost her arm to a shark attack. A few years ago, before his death in July of 2014, VantagePoint  hosted Louis Zamperini, the Olympic Gold Medalist who was caught and tortured in WWII. Another guest speaker was “Blair” from the 80’s hit sitcom “The Facts of Life”. The comment element of these speakers was that they all were challenged within their life and through faith and God they survived and living examples of a loving God. If you would compare their backgrounds you will see the variety of their lives.

Vantage Point has purchased, and is in the process of paying off, 10.5 acres of land on Archibald Ave in Eastvale. Once they pay off the property, they will build a church and school complex to serve the needs of the community. For now, they meet each Sunday at 8, 9;30, and 11 am at Eleanor Roosevelt High in the theatre auditorium. Its located at the corner of Scholar Way and Citrus, one block west of Hamner. For more information about the church and the many free family events they hold, sign onto www.vantagepointchurch.org.

“Join us today in answering the call God has placed on our church,” the site concludes.

 

County Teachers of Year Selected, To Be Honored in October

By SBCSS

SAN BERNARDINO – Four San Bernardino County teachers of the year have been announced, and the County Board of Education will honor them in October.

The four teachers will be honored during a ceremony on Oct. 3 at the County Schools’ Brier building located at 760 E. Brier Drive in San Bernardino. Each of this year’s recipients also will be honored by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, which is a sponsor of the County Teachers of the Year program.

In addition, this year’s Teachers for Tomorrow participants from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Student Services also will be recognized.

This year’s County Teachers of the Year are:

  • Kenneth Hall, kindergarten teacher at Chapman Heights Elementary School in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
  • Alexis King, English teacher at Ruben Ayala High School in the Chino Valley Unified School District;
  • Heather Lewis, teacher of specialized academic instruction for the Academy of Careers and Exploration and Riverview Middle School in the Helendale School District;
  • Jennifer Nicastro, an English teacher at the Los Osos High School in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.

“Each year, it is gratifying to honor and recognize the terrific teachers who excel throughout our county,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “It is inspiring to see the remarkable work they do for their schools, districts and communities on behalf of our students.”

The four teachers were nominated by their individual districts and reviewed by a county panel that made the final selections. This year’s award recipients will compete in the California Teacher of the Year event, which will announce its recipients in the fall.

Following is a biography of each of this year’s County Teacher of the Year recipients:

Hall has 19 years of teaching experience, all of which he has done in Yucaipa-Calimesa. “It is a pleasure to describe the extraordinary impact Ken Hall has on our school community of students, parents and fellow teachers,” wrote Chapman Heights Principal Andy Anderson in the nomination for Hall. He describes himself as the lead learner in his classroom. “I would expect to be held accountable for continuing to learn just like the other learners in my class. As teachers, it is our responsibility to keep up with research and best practices,” he wrote about his teaching philosophy.

As an English teacher at Ayala, King has spent six of her seven years as a teacher in her current position in Chino Valley. Her principal at Ayala, Diana Yarboi, said King’s leadership style and knowledge-base are impressive. “(Our) high school has benefited from her experience, stewardship and dedication,” Yarboi wrote in the nomination of King. As a teacher, King said she continues to grow and develop in her role as an educator. “I am very proud of the collaborative accomplishments within my classroom and the opportunities for students to experience the world,” she wrote in her nomination.

With 18 years of teaching experience, Lewis has filled a variety of roles in Helendale since coming to the district in 2013. She serves in specialized academic instruction in high school grades after previously working in positions from transitional kindergarten to a school administrator. “Heather Lewis is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher and a one-of-a-kind person,” Helendale Superintendent Ross Swearingen wrote in her nomination. She takes great pride in her profession. “The best teachers are life-long learners, and we have to keep learning because in order to be better, we have to know better,” Lewis wrote about the teaching profession.

Nicastro has spent most of her 17-year career in teaching in the Chaffey district, as she begins her fourth year at Los Osos High in Rancho Cucamonga. Chaffey Superintendent Mathew Holton said Nicastro has proven to be one of the district’s best teachers. “Her extensive knowledge of the curriculum is second-to-none, while her passion and enthusiasm for the subject enhances student engagement,” he wrote in her nomination. Nicastro takes pride in challenging her students to work hard. “As a student, you will know you are loved beyond measure, but that love is a tough love that has high expectations,” she wrote in her nomination.

Anxiety and Our Youth

stoops-and-midnight-bw-ORIGBy Nancy Stoops

I have been a psychotherapist for sixteen years and have worked with people of all ages with various issues.  I’m constantly amazed when I have a child or teen brought to me for anxiety issues. We seem to have created a generation that feels very inadequate and struggles with growing up and being successful.  The issues this generation worries about are things my generation didn’t have to deal with.

Our colleges are impacted and hard to get into.  Now kindergarteners have homework and are expected to read and know many more things.  Video games and television are replacing playing outdoors in the fresh air and getting much needed exercise.  This outdoor playing is such a great way to reduce or eliminate stress.  Social media unfortunately has made this generation very lazy and childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise.

As parents and community leaders we have a social responsibility to help this generation find a healthy balance in their lives in every area.  We need to support and encourage our youth.  We need to provide the necessary tools to help them strive to become their best.  We need to have faith in our youth as so many of them are diamonds in the rough.  We need to give them guidance and tools to help them shine and reach their full potential.

We need to teach the teens that problems can we worked through and that drinking and drugs are not a solution.  We need to teach them how to meditate not medicate to quiet their busy minds.  We need to teach them how to relax by finding balance, getting organized, prioritizing and effectively managing their time and communicating what’s working and not working in their lives.  Please don’t assume they are all pot smoking video game playing lazy worthless human beings.  They are just scared and need some help finding their way!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. 

Mole-Spiced Steak Tacos

With Poblano and Mexican Corn Salad

By Hello Fresh recipe-pic-1-web

Mole isn’t your ordinary Mexican spice blend. It contains onion, garlic, chiles, ground seeds such as sesame or pumpkin, and a secret ingredient: CHOCOLATE! Although the seasoning doesn’t lend sweetness to the dish, it does contribute an irresistible richness.

Cooking Time: 35 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 884 cal, Fat: 34g, Sat. Fat: 12 g, Protein: 53g, Carbs: 86 g, Sugar: 12 g, Sodium: 602 mg, Fiber: 9 g

Ingredients:

  • Sirloin Steak Tips- 12 oz.
  • Flour Tortillas- 6
  • Poblano Pepper- 1
  • Corn- 1 Can
  • Red Onion- 1
  • Sour Cream- 6T
  • Mole Spice Blend- 1T
  • Chili Powder- 1t
  • Lime- 1
  • Oil- 4t

Preparation:

  1. Prep: Wash and dry all produce. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (If you have a microwave you can skip this step). Core, seed, and very thinly slice the poblano. Halve and peel the onion. Thinly slice one half. Finely dice the remaining half. Drain the corn. Cut the lime into wedges. Toss the steak in a medium bowl with 2 teaspoons mole spice blend (we sent more), a drizzle of oil, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Cook the poblano and onions: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the poblano and sliced onion. Cook, tossing, for 5-6 minutes, until softened and slightly charred. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the corn salad: Heat another drizzle of oil in the same pan over high heat. Add the diced onion. Cook 1-2 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the corn. Cook, tossing, for 3-4 minutes, until lightly charred. Season with salt, pepper, and as much chili powder as you like. Remove from the pan and place in a medium bowl. Stir in 2 Tablespoons sour cream and one wedge of lime. Cover to keep warm.
  4. Warm the tortillas and cook the steak: Wrap the tortillas in foil and place in the oven to warm for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, wrap in a moistened paper towel and warm in the microwave for 30 seconds. Heat another drizzle of oil in the same large pan over high heat. Add the steak tips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned.
  5. Make the crema: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining sour cream, a squeeze of lime, and as much remaining mole spice and chili powder as you like (start with a little and go up from there). Thin to a pourable consistency with about 1 teaspoon water. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve: Assemble the mole-spiced tacos with steak, poblano, onion, and crema. Serve the Mexican corn salad on the side or in the tacos. Enjoy!

History 101

Olympic Games

By History.com 

The Olympic Games, which originated in ancient Greece as many as 3,000 years ago, were revived in the late 19th century and have become the world’s preeminent sporting competition. From the 8th century B.C. to the 4th century A.D., the Games were held every four years in Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese peninsula, in honor of the god Zeus. The first modern Olympics took place in 1896 in Athens, and featured 280 participants from 13 nations, competing in 43 events. Since 1994, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games have been held separately and have alternated every two years.

THE OLYMPICS IN ANCIENT GREECE

The first written records of the ancient Olympic Games date to 776 B.C., when a cook named Coroebus won the only event–a 192-meter footrace called the stade (the origin of the modern “stadium”)–to become the first Olympic champion. However, it is generally believed that the Games had been going on for many years by that time. Legend has it that Heracles (the Roman Hercules), son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene, founded the Games, which by the end of the 6th century B.C had become the most famous of all Greek sporting festivals. The ancient Olympics were held every four years between August 6 and September 19 during a religious festival honoring Zeus. The Games were named for their location at Olympia, a sacred site located near the western coast of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. Their influence was so great that ancient historians began to measure time by the four-year increments in between Olympic Games, which were known as Olympiads.

After 13 Olympiads, two more races joined the stade as Olympic events: the diaulos (roughly equal to today’s 400-meter race), and the dolichos (a longer-distance race, possibly comparable to the 1,500-meter or 5,000-meter event). The pentathlon (consisting of five events: a foot race, a long jump, discus and javelin throws and a wrestling match) was introduced in 708 B.C., boxing in 688 B.C. and chariot racing in 680 B.C. In 648 B.C., pankration, a combination of boxing and wrestling with virtually no rules, debuted as an Olympic event. Participation in the ancient Olympic Games was initially limited to freeborn male citizens of Greece; there were no women’s events, and married women were prohibited from attending the competition.

DECLINE AND REVIVAL OF THE OLYMPIC TRADITION

After the Roman Empire conquered Greece in the mid-2nd century B.C., the Games continued, but their standards and quality declined. In one notorious example from A.D. 67, the decadent Emperor Nero entered an Olympic chariot race, only to disgrace himself by declaring himself the winner even after he fell off his chariot during the event. In A.D. 393, Emperor Theodosius I, a Christian, called for a ban on all “pagan” festivals, ending the ancient Olympic tradition after nearly 12 centuries.

It would be another 1,500 years before the Games would rise again, largely thanks to the efforts of Baron Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) of France. Dedicated to the promotion of physical education, the young baron became inspired by the idea of creating a modern Olympic Games after visiting the ancient Olympic site. In November 1892, at a meeting of the Union des Sports Athlétiques in Paris, Coubertin proposed the idea of reviving the Olympics as an international athletic competition held every four years. Two years later, he got the approval he needed to found the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which would become the governing body of the modern Olympic Games.

THE OLYMPICS THROUGH THE YEARS

The first modern Olympics were held in Athens, Greece, in 1896. In the opening ceremony, King Georgios I and a crowd of 60,000 spectators welcomed 280 participants from 13 nations (all male), who would compete in 43 events, including track and field, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, cycling, tennis, weightlifting, shooting and fencing. All subsequent Olympiads have been numbered even when no Games take place (as in 1916, during World War I, and in 1940 and 1944, during World War II). The official symbol of the modern Games is five interlocking colored rings, representing the continents of North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. The Olympic flag, featuring this symbol on a white background, flew for the first time at the Antwerp Games in 1920.

The Olympics truly took off as an international sporting event after 1924, when the VIII Games were held in Paris. Some 3,000 athletes (with more than 100 women among them) from 44 nations competed that year, and for the first time the Games featured a closing ceremony. The Winter Olympics debuted that year, including such events as figure skating, ice hockey, bobsledding and the biathlon. Eighty years later, when the 2004 Summer Olympics returned to Athens for the first time in more than a century, nearly 11,000 athletes from a record 201 countries competed. In a gesture that joined both ancient and modern Olympic traditions, the shot-put competition that year was held at the site of the classical Games in Olympia.

Parents Arrested For Child Cruelty

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County- There were ongoing incidents and an investigation between September 11 and September 14, after deputies were dispatched on a report of a domestic disturbance case in the 14400 block of Columbia Street in the City of Adelanto.

The Victor Valley Sheriff’s Department assigned Deputy Lauren Abernathy on the incident and in her investigation found that an incident occurred between a male and female who were also parents at the residence. The male was identified as 31 year-old Hilario Hernandez who had left the residence before deputies arrived.

According to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, “the investigation revealed Hilario Hernandez had assaulted one of the children in the home and threatened to kill all the children and the female.” Deputies searched the area and were unsuccessful in trying to locate Hernandez.

On September 12, Deputy Abernathy followed up with the assaulted child to confirm the child had received medical care. Also, learning that Hernandez had returned to the residence in which, deputies made an attempt to interview him. While at the residence, the deputies encountered an uncooperative female identified as Teaira Palomares. Hernandez returned to the residence during this time and was arrested. SBCSD states, “The children were placed in temporary care homes by Children & Family Services.

Both, Hernandez and Palomares were arrested and then booked into the High Desert Detention Center. Hernandez was placed at a $25,000 bail, and Palomares was placed at a $100,000 bail.

The Victorville District Attorney’s Officed filed 3 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to a child against both Hernandez and Palomares on September 14 as well as an additional charge against Palomares for intimidating a witness.

If you have any information regarding this investigation, you are urged to contact the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at (760) 552-6801. If you wish to remain anonymous, you are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com

History 101

Death of country-rock pioneer leads inspires car crime

By History.com  history-101-web

This day, September 19 in 1973, 26-year-old musician Gram Parsons dies of “multiple drug use” (morphine and tequila) in a California motel room. His death inspired one of the more bizarre automobile-related crimes on record: Two of his friends stashed his body in a borrowed hearse and drove it into the middle of the Joshua Tree National Park, where they doused it with gasoline and set it on fire.

Parsons’ music helped define the country-rock sound, and his records have influenced everyone from the Rolling Stones to Wilco. But like many musicians of his generation, Parsons struggled with drugs and alcohol. His childhood was unhappy: His father committed suicide when he was 12, and his mother died of alcohol poisoning on the day he graduated from high school. He dropped out of Harvard and moved to California, where he played with bands like the Byrds (on their seminal album Sweetheart of the Rodeo) and the Flying Burrito Brothers and released two celebrated solo albums with the then-unknown Emmylou Harris singing backup.

At a friend’s funeral a few months before he died, Parsons made a drunken pact with his road manager Phil Kaufman: If anything should happen to one of them, the other would take his body to Joshua Tree and cremate it. And so, after Parsons’ overdose, Kaufman and a roadie named Michael Martin met his coffin at the Los Angeles airport (for complicated reasons involving a disputed inheritance, his stepfather had arranged for it to be flown to Louisiana for a private funeral) in a borrowed hearse with broken windows and no license plates. (The hearse belonged to Martin’s girlfriend, who used it to carry tents and other gear on camping trips.) They convinced the airport staff that the Parsons family had changed its mind about the flight, loaded the coffin into the car, and drove 200 miles to the Mojave Desert, stopping along the way to fill a five-gallon tin can with gasoline. They drove into Joshua Tree and dragged the coffin to the foot of the majestic Cap Rock, where they doused it with the gas and tossed on a match.

Kaufman and Martin were arrested, but since stealing bodies was not actually a crime in California, they were fined $300 each, plus $750 for the ruined coffin. (They raised the money by holding a “Kaper Koncert” starring Bobby Pickett & the Cryptkeepers, who played their hit “Monster Mash” over and over.) Parsons’ remains are buried in New Orleans

Costco Coming in Fall 2017

Staff Reports

The City of Eastvale has been busy in the last 3 months! There are various businesses opening in the future and currently just opened. The latest plan, Costco has signed a Letter of Intent to build a site in the retail portion of the Goodman Commerce Center in Eastvale. They have also filed their site plans with the City of Eastvale on August 22, 2016. Costco is targeting a November 2017 opening. The site will include a 153,538 sqft building, 24-pump gas station and land set aside for a future drive-through car wash.

City of Eastvale was also happy to welcome Smart & Final Extra announced in beginning of August that they will be located at the new shopping center coming soon at the corner of Limonite and Sumner. Smart & Final has been in business for 145 years and was founded in 1871 by Herman Hellman. Today, Smart & Final is a public company with over 8,000 employees working in more than 250 grocery stores in California, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho and Northern Mexico. Smart & Final is headquartered in Commerce, California. For many years, Smart & Final was known as “The Smaller, Faster Warehouse Store” — a place where restaurant chefs and businesses shopped for restaurant-quality products at low prices. Today, Smart & Final caters to the needs of individuals, families, restaurants and local businesses. Smart & Final offers both smaller convenient sizes and larger bulk sizes for a vast array of products. The Smart & Final Extra! concept is the company’s newest store concept and these stores are much larger in size (27,000 SF to 31,000 SF) and the store finishes and merchandising display are very appealing. Smart & Final Extra! stores provide a greatly expanded product selection in key categories, including fresh produce, organics, fresh meats, frozen foods, dairy, deli and grocery basics like cereal, yogurt, bread and snacks.

Luna Grill also opened in the beginning of August in the City of Eastvale. They are open 11am-9pm and located in the Eastvale Gateway.

Artist Corner

Luis Oscar Martinez a.k.a. Knucklehead

By Racine Guajardotattoo-artist-louie-web

Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, Luis came from a big family and was heavily influenced mostly by his Tio Gary who was not only tattooed but would also tattoo on everyone he knew. At the young age of 13, Luis took his Tio’s homemade tattoo machine and started tattooing on his brother and friends. Once his Tio found out about his tattooing, he then started to teach Luis techniques which he has now incorporated into his own style. Luis has now established a successful career as a tattoo artist, working over 20 years in the business. Initially, he started working at a shop, and about 7 years ago has now opened his own shop called Knuckleheads Tattoo, with the recent re-location in Colton, CA.

Luis respects all other artists in the industry, but states, “what makes me different are my social skills, I am not only an artist but also a shrink,” as he smiles, he also says, “I like to help people so it doesn’t bother me to listen.” Luis also tattoos for PINK, specializing in covering breast cancer scars as well.

When asked what he thinks people should know about him, he states, “I think people should know you can’t judge a book by its cover, my cover is decorated and cool.” He has also prided himself in not only being a successful tattoo artist, but dedicated himself to being the best father stating, “They are my life.”

Luis describes his style as being well rounded. He loves to freehand his work as a true artist using the motto, “if you can think it, I can ink it.”

You can find Luis at his new shop, Knuckleheads Tattoo at 1231 E. Washington St. Colton, CA 92324, follow him on Instagram at Knuckleheadtattoo, as well as FB under Louis Martinez.

Flags honor 9/11 victims at Walnut High

9-11-web

Walnut High students display nearly 3,000 flags to mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

WVUSD

WALNUT, CA- About a dozen Walnut High students are making sure the school community pauses to remember the 9/11 tragedy this weekend.

Volunteers gathered after school on September 9 to place nearly 3,000 American flags on the front lawn to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

They created the 12-foot-tall 911 and pentagon shaped display with the red, white, and blue patriotic markers.

This year, the United Med club spearheaded the 6th-annual project.

“I felt it was important to continue the tradition of the display,” said senior Evelyn Tantry.

For about an hour, the teens carefully pushed the tiny flags into the grass to honor each life lost during September 11, 2001 attacks.

Several cars honked as drivers gave a “thumbs up” sign in appreciation as they drove past the school.

“I want people to remember that innocent people were murdered,” said junior Derek Wang who was just one at the time of the tragedy.

The flags will be on display at the campus located at 400 N. Pierre Road in Walnut through Sunday.

“We want the community to be able to enjoy it,” said social studies teacher Brett Landis.

Artist Corner

Luis Oscar Martinez a.k.a. Knucklehead

By Racine Guajardo  tattoo-artist-louie-web

Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, Luis came from a big family and was heavily influenced mostly by his Tio Gary who was not only tattooed but would also tattoo on everyone he knew. At the young age of 13, Luis took his Tio’s homemade tattoo machine and started tattooing on his brother and friends. Once his Tio found out about his tattooing, he then started to teach Luis techniques which he has now incorporated into his own style. Luis has now established a successful career as a tattoo artist, working over 20 years in the business. Initially, he started working at a shop, and about 7 years ago has now opened his own shop called Knuckleheads Tattoo, with the recent re-location in Colton, CA.

Luis respects all other artists in the industry, but states, “what makes me different are my social skills, I am not only an artist but also a shrink,” as he smiles, he also says, “I like to help people so it doesn’t bother me to listen.” Luis also tattoos for PINK, specializing in covering breast cancer scars as well.

When asked what he thinks people should know about him, he states, “I think people should know you can’t judge a book by its cover, my cover is decorated and cool.” He has also prided himself in not only being a successful tattoo artist, but dedicated himself to being the best father stating, “They are my life.”

Luis describes his style as being well rounded. He loves to freehand his work as a true artist using the motto, “if you can think it, I can ink it.”

You can find Luis at his new shop, Knuckleheads Tattoo at 1231 E. Washington St. Colton, CA 92324, follow him on Instagram at Knucklehead

Help Me O Lord My God

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchBy Pastor Robert Jewett

Have you ever been to the point where you just felt like giving up? Did it seem like no matter what you did, you were mistreated anyway? Perhaps you threw your arms up and said, “I can’t do this anymore!” Take heart, the Lord is faithful to help His children.

King David was completely overwhelmed by his enemies. No matter what he did, they intended to do him harm (Ps. 109:4-5, 26). He would demonstrate love, but they would hurl insults at him. He would do good unto them, but they would do evil unto him. David knew that when his heart was overwhelmed, he needed to go to the Rock (Ps. 61:1-2). At his breaking point, David cried out, “Help me, O Lord my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!” Apart from the Lord’s intervention, David was headed down a treacherous road to disaster. God’s amazing steadfast love is such that he never leaves us nor forsakes us (Heb. 13:5). At that point of despair, he is right there waiting for us to call upon him: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).

Next time you are contemplating throwing in the towel, cry out to Jesus wholeheartedly like David, “Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!” As you do, God in his faithfulness, will respond to you and help you walk through the storm.

Lakeshore City Church meets Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Circle City Center (formerly Fender Museum), 365 N. Main St. in Corona. For more information, visit lakeshorecitychurch.com.

Life Lessons From A Losing Season

By Mark Hopper

In my last article, I shared some suggestions for frustrated baseball fans who are enduring a losing season.  After I wrote that article, I realized that many of these principles could apply not only to frustrated sports fans but to married couples, too.  Maybe these can help your marriage.

First, avoid negative conversations.  Fans of winning teams enjoy talking about the failures of the losing teams.  The result is discouragement and division.  If you are married, you already know your spouse’s faults and short-comings.  Don’t dwell on these.  Your spouse knows them as well as you do.  Don’t dwell on the negative.  Focus on the positive.  The Apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t let unkind words come out of your mouth, but only words that are good and that build up others” (Ephesians 4:29).

Second, don’t dwell on the past, but focus on the future.  Baseball teams with losing records can’t go back and re-write the record book.  The past is the past.  Look ahead to the next season and hope it will be better.

Every married couple has wounded their spouse and made mistakes.  The key is to be willing to forgive and put the offense behind you.  And, if you have hurt your spouse, you need to admit your mistake and ask for their forgiveness.  In First Corinthians chapter 13:5 it says,  “Love does not keep score of the sins of others”.   Don’t keep adding to the old score book in your marriage.  Start over with a clean slate.  Be willing to forgive others as you hope they would be willing to forgive you, too.

Third, invest in the future.  I suggested buying your tickets for next season now while the team is not doing well.  Ticket prices might be lower after a losing season and you might find some bargains!

The same is true in marriage.  You need to keep investing in your future.  Work together on a home improvement project.  Make some plans for a trip or weekend getaway.  Dream together about what you will do after the kids are grown and you two are alone again.  Don’t dwell on the past. Dream about your future together.

Finally, never give up hope.  Some baseball fans quickly abandon their team after a losing and frustrating season.  They are ready to switch their loyalty to the other team in town.  This can happen to married couples, too.  After years of frustration and disappointment, some spouses are ready to give up on their spouse and look for a new one.

Let me urge you to not do that.  Marriage is a lifetime commitment.  Don’t be mislead into thinking that someone else will make your life better.  The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence.  The last verse in First Corinthians 13 says, “Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.  And, the best of these is love.”

If you are going through a difficult “season” in your life or marriage, don’t give up.  Find a good counselor.  Find a good church.  Get help and never give up hope.

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.

Water Conservation Measures

Staff Reports

Walnut- Are you following the water guidelines? Be sure to check out the updated changes that have been made as follows by the Walnut Valley Water District:

Limits on Watering Hours: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Limits on Watering Days: Water or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water is limited to three (3) days per week. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation zones that exclusively use very low-flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two (2) gallons of water per hour. This provision also does not apply to watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.

Limit on Watering Duration: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water using a landscape irrigation system or a watering device is limited to no more than fifteen (15) minutes water per day per station.

No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff: Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter, or ditch is prohibited.

No Washing Down Hard of Paved Surfaces: Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to  alleviate safety or sanitary hazards.

Obligations to Fix Leaks, Breaks, or Malfunctions: All breaks, leaks, or other malfunctions in the water user’s plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected and in no event more than five (5) days after receiving written notice from the District is prohibited.

Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including but not limited to any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat, or trailer, is prohibited, except by use of a hand held hose equipped with a self-closing water shut-off nozzle. This subsection does not apply to any commercial car washing facility.

Limits on Watering Following Precipitation/Rainfall:  Water or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area with potable water within forty-eight (48) hours following measurably precipitation is prohibited.

Re-circulating Water Required for Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features: Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use re-circulated water is prohibited.

No Irrigating Ornamental Turf on Public Street Medians: Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians with potable water is prohibited.

No Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems Water Systems: Installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.

Drink Water Served Upon Request Only: Eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel, café, cafeteria, bar, or other public place where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered for sale, will not provide drinking water to any person unless expressly requested.

Option to Decline Daily Linen Services at Commercial Lodging Establishments: Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments are encouraged to provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily.

If you wish to report water waste and unauthorized uses of water, visit Walnut Valley Water District at www.wvwd.com or you can call (909) 348-8228.

Temporary Signs In The Public Right Of Way

City of Eastvale

Citizens, business owners, non-profit organizations and others are asked to please abide by the rules and criteria outlined below when placing Garage Sale signs or other temporary signs within the City of Eastvale. Temporary Signs in the Public Right of Way is defined as “any sign, including commercial, non-commercial or political sign displayed for a limited period of time.”

  1. Temporary signs may be placed in the public right of way during the period beginning 4 p.m. Friday and ending 7 p.m. Sunday. Signs in place outside this period will be subject to removal.
  2. Temporary Sign Size, Materials, and Maintenance Criteria. All temporary signs placed in the right of way must:
  3. a) Be free-standing and securely mounted on a wooden or metal stakes;
  4. b) Be no higher than four (4) feet above grade;
  5. c) Be no larger than six (6) square feet and no more than three (3) feet in either height or width;
  6. d) Be constructed of substantial sturdy, durable and weather-proof material;
  7. e) Be kept in good repair;
  8. f) Be non-illuminated;
  9. g) Include the contact name and phone number of the person responsible for the sign in a clearly legible manner, either on the front or back of the sign; and
  10. h) Be located in a permitted location as defined in this Section 5.E. 3.
  11. Sign Location. Temporary signs in the public right of way must be located at least 20 feet from the curved portion of the corner in order to maintain visibility for motorists, as shown in the illustration. In addition, the following apply:
  12. a) Signs must be located at least two feet from the edge of a curb or sidewalk, or from the edge of the pavement if there is no curb or sidewalk.
  13. b) Signs shall be installed so as not to damage plant materials, irrigation equipment or other public property.
  14. c) Signs may not be placed on a sidewalk.
  15. d) Signs may not be placed in a roadway median.

e) Signs may not be attached to utility poles, sign posts, f

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 9.17.16

The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, 2016-sept-17-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-sept-17-weekly-full

Chicken Gyro Salad

with Tzatziki Dressing, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Cucumber

By Hello Fresh

Bulgur wheat is a nutritious Middle Eastern grain we can’t get enough of. It’s tender, slightly chewy, and adds a hearty consistency to this pita-less gyro dinner. Our chefs chose chicken thighs because of their deeper, richer flavor — not to mention irresistible crispness. But feel free to trim off some of the fat before cooking if you’d like!

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 520 cal, Fat: 15g, Sat. Fat: 3 g, Protein: 50g, Carbs: 57 g, Sugar: 13 g, Sodium: 348 mg, Fiber: 15 g

Ingredients:

  • Chicken Thighs- 12 oz.
  • Bulgur- ½ cup
  • Heirloom Grape Tomatoes- 4oz.
  • Romaine Lettuce- 1
  • Garlic- 2 cloves
  • Smoked Paprika- 1t
  • Oregano- ¼ oz.
  • Lemon- 1
  • Persian Cucumbers- 2
  • Green Olives- 1 oz.
  • Greek Yogurt- 5.3 oz.
  • Shallot- 1
  • Olive Oil- 1T

Preparation:

  1. Prep and cook the bulgur: Wash and dry all produce. Preheat the broiler (or grill) to high or oven to 500 degrees. Bring 1 cup water and a large pinch of salt to a boil in a small pot. Mince or grate the garlic. Zest and halve the lemon. Finely chop the oregano leaves. Add the bulgur to the boiling water, cover, and reduce to a low simmer for about 15 minutes, until tender. Remove from heat.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken in a large bowl with the paprika, a drizzle of olive oil, half the garlic, half the lemon zest, and half the oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Broil the chicken: Place the chicken on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Place under the broiler for 12-15 minutes, until slightly charred and cooked through. Let rest 3-4 minutes. TIP: The chicken can also be cooked on a grill!
  4. Make the tzatziki dressing: Grate 1 cucumber (about ¼ cup) with a box grater. In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber, yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, the remaining oregano and lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic (to taste). Season generously with salt and pepper. Thin to a pourable consistency with about 1 Tablespoon of water.
  5. Prep the remaining ingredients: Thinly slice the romaine into ½-inch pieces. Halve the grape tomatoes. Halve, peel, and thinly slice the shallot. Thinly slice the remaining cucumber into rounds. Thinly slice the olives. Once rested, thinly slice the chicken.
  6. Finish: Fluff the bulgur with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Plate the bulgur, then top with the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and shallot. Add the sliced chicken, drizzle on some tzatziki dressing, and enjoy!

 

My Fear Cycle

By Michael Armijo

While attending a Labor Day barbecue, I sat and talked with a group of interesting friends. As we shared our lives, one person mentioned that they were in training to be a therapist. When asked about how they were doing, they shared some points that I thought were interesting. The biggest question was “why do couples divorce or break up?” There were many reasons, such as money, age, frustration, lack of confidence, etc. But one point she shared grabbed me by the heart of my spirit.
“People don’t realize that we all have a ‘fear cycle’. What happens within our lives, especially as we get older, something happens to tap into that fear cycle”. And then she went on….. “We sometimes mistake someone triggering our ‘fear cycle’ as a change of heart or as a personal attack. This can ruin a marriage or a relationship unless you are aware of what’s going on.”
Our “fear cycle” includes unpleasant memories, traumatic instances, painful scenarios, lost love, and many other life impacting, unwanted experiences.
This concept intrigued me as I’ve never heard of it before. I’ve never heard about such a thought process. This cycle can include fears of abandonment, pain, fear of the unknown, misunderstandings, loyalty, anger, and so on.
I have experienced many of these, so in retrospect, I can see how so many have tapped into my “fear cycle”. I completely get it. It wasn’t their fault. It wasn’t mine. It’s a behavior that I must understand in order to not let it impact my life.
Understanding this has taught me a few things about myself: When I get depressed I feel awkward and lonely. I feel abandoned. And during these particular times within my life, I feel I’ve been attacked by family or friends. But I now understand that something or someone is tapping into that “fear cycle”
I believe that when you’re aware of something, you have a better chance of either understanding it, controlling it, or beating it all together. I believe in fate. God put me here for a reason, and he’s put me through many things for a particular reason. More importantly, as I struggle through life, I have a better understanding about what transpires because I try to understand it, figure it out, and then fix it. And most importantly, as I am spiritually attacked, and when incidences cripple my soul, it confirms that something or someone out there is trying to stop me from making a substantial difference within my life and the lives of others. This tells me that I am of value. An enemy would never attack anyone unless they feel threatened. I am a threat to the negativity of life because I hold special abilities.
The bible reminds me that I do not have to be prisoner to my “fear cycle,” that my spirit can take me somewhere else. “Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.”

Psalms 55:5-7.
So, without sounding over religious or over spiritual, I will admit that I will continue to pray and ask God for guidance. I will continue to push myself through the bad experiences, the painful memories, the poor decisions, and the hurtful people who continually try to hurt me. Because I will acknowledge and protect through prayer and faith the biggest obstacle that constantly tries to interfere with my life: my “fear cycle”.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition September 2016

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, 2016-09-eastvalenews-coverCorona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:2016-09-eastvalenews-full-v2

Ask Clark’s

“What are antioxidants and how do they help the body? Can I get them in my foods?

A Question from Tim of Palm Desert "ask clarks" header

By CLARK’S NUTRITION

The body’s primary antioxidants are a group of substances including vitamins C and E, beta carotene and the mineral selenium. The sulfur amino acid called cysteine; lipoic acid and CoQ10 are also popular antioxidants. Other plant, non-vitamin or mineral food antioxidants are called phytonutrients. Popular phytonutrients antioxidants such as lycopene (tomato), lutein (spinach and egg yolks), catechins (green tea, dates), anthocyanidns (berries), quercetin (apples, onions) make eating fruits and vegetables daily a must for good health. Vitamin E is found in foods that are high in polyunsaturated fats (although most polyunsaturated fats are refined and there is a lack of vitamin E), such as nuts, seeds and whole grains. Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables that are fresh or frozen and not cooked. While phytonutrient antioxidants come from eating fruits and vegetables, the biggest thing to remember is antioxidants help each other. As an example, some antioxidants often have certain areas in the body that they are more effective in helping to maintain good health, such as lutein (eyes). Large amounts of antioxidants are not as beneficial as smaller consistent amounts with a wide variety of antioxidants being the most advantages. To get a good array of antioxidants from foods, you will need to make sure that your diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

The primary action of antioxidants is to reduce cell damage from what is known as free radicals. Free radicals are created when there is an unbalance of electrons on molecules such as oxygen. Normal metabolism of foods and exercise can produce indigenous (inside the body) free radicals. Free radical exposure also happens when we get sunlight (oxidizing radiation) and exposure to environmental toxins such as smoke (cigarette directly or second hand) or smog (exogenous).

A lot of research has been done with antioxidants in relation to health and disease. Research shows that a lack of antioxidants from foods can lead to accelerated disease in some situations and is linked to chronic inflammation. (The Linus Pauling Institute of Medicine at Oregon State University is a primary research institute for micronutrients and human health). While food fortification was instilled circa 1940 to eliminate vitamin deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies are still prevalent (vitamin D, B-12, and calcium amongst the elderly).  It is important to eat good quality whole foods and not rely on processed foods which are typically low in antioxidants and other nutrients, even when fortified. Remember the body needs 45 micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are necessary for life and must be provided by the diet. Antioxidant supplementation has been shown in some circumstances to have good benefits (daily vitamin E 100-400 IU, vitamin C 250mg, beta carotene 6 mg and selenium 70-200mcg in supplemental form) have been shown to reduce age related eye disorders. Remember eating color is one way to ensure phytonutrients(s) consumption and is a foundation in any antioxidant plan.

 

Have a health related question?

Send us your question, your first and last name, and the city you live in to: askclarks@clarksnutrition.com

Due to the number of responses, we will only be able to answer published questions.

 

References

  1. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/feature-story/linus-pauling-institute-director-steps-down
  2. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/feature-story/linus-pauling-institute-director-steps-down
  3. http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/feature-story/early-stage-breast-cancer-slowed
  4. Talbott, The Health Professionals Guide to Dietary Supplements, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins New York, NY. 2007. Pg. 272-5.
  5.  Sardesai, Introduction to Clinical Nutrition, Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York, NY. PG 157-162.
  6. Zimmerman, Burgerstein’s Handbook of Nutrition (Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease), Thieme New York, NY 2001, pg. 2-7, 29-32, 53-8.
  7. Higdon Ph.D., an Evidence Based Approach to Vitamins and Minerals. Thieme New York, NY. 2003. Pg. Forward, 39-47, 65-71.