Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

History 101

Police Kill Famous Outlaws Bonnie And Clyde

History.com

Famous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde, were shot and killed in 1934.

Photo courtesy: Google Images
Famous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde, were shot and killed in 1934.

On May 23, 1934, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police while driving a stolen car near Sailes, Louisiana.

Bonnie Parker met the charismatic Clyde Barrow in Texas when she was 19-years-old and her husband (she married when she was 16) was serving time in jail for murder. Shortly after they met, Barrow was imprisoned for robbery. Parker visited him every day, and smuggled a gun into prison to help him escape. But he was soon caught in Ohio and sent back to jail. When Barrow was paroled in 1932, he immediately hooked up with Parker, and the couple began a life of crime together.

After they stole a car and committed several robberies, Parker was caught by police and sent to jail for two months. Released in mid-1932, she rejoined Barrow. Over the next two years, the couple teamed with various accomplices to rob a string of banks and stores across five states–Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico and Louisiana. To law enforcement agents, the Barrow Gang–including Barrow’s childhood friend, Raymond Hamilton, W.D. Jones, Henry Methvin, Barrow’s brother Buck and his wife Blanche, among others–were cold-blooded criminals who didn’t hesitate to kill anyone who got in their way, especially Police or Sheriff’s deputies. Among the public, however, Parker and Barrow’s reputation as dangerous outlaws was mixed with a romantic view of the couple as “Robin Hood”-like folk heroes.

Their fame was increased by the fact that Bonnie was a woman–an unlikely criminal–and by the fact that the couple posed for playful photographs together, which were later found by police and released to the media. Police almost captured the famous duo twice in the spring of 1933, with surprise raids on their hideouts in Joplin and Platte City, Missouri. Buck Barrow was killed in the second raid, and Blanche was arrested, but Bonnie and Clyde escaped once again. In January 1934, they attacked the Eastham Prison Farm in Texas to help Hamilton break out of jail, shooting several guards with machine guns and killing one.

Texan prison officials hired a retired Texas Police Officer, Captain Frank Hamer, as a special investigator to track down Parker and Barrow. After a three-month search, Hamer traced the couple to Louisiana, where Henry Methvin’s family lived. Before dawn on May 23, Hamer and a group of Louisiana and Texas lawmen hid in the bushes along a country road outside Sailes. When Parker and Barrow appeared, the officers opened fire, killing the couple instantly in a hail of bullets.

All told, the Barrow Gang was believed responsible for the deaths of 13 people, including nine Police Officers. Parker and Barrow are still seen by many as romantic figures; especially after the success of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

 

Eastvale Relay for Life: Hope Takes Fight

By Valerie Gutierrez

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez Relay For Life cancer survivors take on their first lap.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez Relay For Life cancer survivors take on their first lap.

EASTVALE- “You have cancer,” are those three words you never think you’ll ever hear, nor hope you will.

Mercy Campos, Christi Camacho, and Michelle Huff are only a few of the thousands of cancer survivors inspiring others to battle against the disease.

On April 30, local families, friends, business, and residents gathered at River Heights Intermediate where the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event kicked off at 9 a.m.

The opening ceremony began by the Presentation of Colors, then the National Anthem sung by Ashley Willowsby. Following was the welcome speech by Shawn Abramowitz and survivor speaker Mercy Campos.  Then, Mayor Ike Bootsma and Lieutenant Scott Forbes said a few words.

The celebration continued with fun festivities throughout the day such as an egg toss, frozen t-shirt contest, and a luminaria ceremony, among others. The event ended at 9 p.m. with a closing ceremony of Spirit of Relay.

However, the highlight of the Relay for Life was when cancer survivors were asked to walk their lap. With excitement, friends, families, and Eastvale community members cheered on those affected by the disease.

Christi Camacho is only one of the many participants that attended the event alongside her biggest supporters: her family.

It’s not only nice to have the support from your loved ones but “it’s [also] nice to have the support from the community,” said Christi Camacho, an Eastvale resident.

Photo By: Valerie GutierrezTogether Eastvale Relay For Life cancer survivors painting the community purple.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez
Together Eastvale Relay For Life cancer survivors painting the community purple.

Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives the community the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battle cancer.

Although there weren’t a lot of supporters at this year’s Eastvale Relay For Life, “It’s [still a great event] and I wish more people came out,” said Riverside resident, Michelle Huff.

According to cancer.org, each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-need funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Relay For Life is the largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. With the support of all the participants, teams, and donations by the community, Eastvale Relay for Life raised approximately $14,089.57 by 10 teams that participated in the event.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez Mayor Ike Bootsma at the 2016 Eastvale Relay For Life, supporting families who were affected by cancer.

Photo By: Valerie Gutierrez
Mayor Ike Bootsma at the 2016 Eastvale Relay For Life, supporting families who were affected by cancer.

The top two teams that raised the most donations were “Team Pirates 4 A Cause” that raised about $10,175.00 and “Team Maria” that raised $2,540.00.

Relay For Life is an event where the community comes together to fight back against the disease however, Huff said that many still don’t “understand what we’re trying to do.”

Join Eastvale in next year’s event, as they continue to show support by painting the community purple in order to fight against cancer.

 

DBHS Announces New Volleyball Coach

Staff Reports

Photo courtesy: DBHS Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Photo courtesy: DBHS
Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Diamond Bar– Diamond Bar High School recently announced their new Head Volleyball Coach, Katie Swetnam.

“We are excited to welcome Katie Swetnam back to Diamond Bar High School,” said Athletic Director, Kevin Ferguson in a news release. “Coach Swetnam is a young, enthusiastic coach who has instant rapport with our student-athletes based on her collegiate playing experience. We expect she will provide stability to our volleyball program and begin the process of building the kind of success we expect to see at Diamond Bar.”

Swetnam is a first-year Spanish teacher at DBHS. But she is also a Diamond Bar graduate. She graduated in 2009, after she led the Brahmas to a league championship in 2008 and was named 1st Team All-League and Offensive MVP in volleyball.

“Swetnam continued on to play Division 1 collegiate volleyball as a full athletic scholarship recipient at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she lead her conference in blocks in the 2011 season,” according to DBHS.

Swetnam was also named the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year after she had two shoulder surgeries; she came back strong and became team captain in 2012. After earning her degree, she started coaching club volleyball. She also became the DBHS Varsity Assistant last season, under Becky Bevans.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Diamond Bar volleyball program,” said Swetnam. “I’m looking forward to getting in the gym right away in preparation for the upcoming season.”

 

San Antonio Regional Hospital Receives Women’s Choice Award®

By Cathy Rebman

Inland Empire– For the third consecutive year, San Antonio Regional Hospital has been named a recipient of the Women’s Choice Award® as one of 2016 America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care. San Antonio is one of 353 hospitals nationwide and just two in the Inland Empire to qualify for this evidence-based designation.

The Women’s Choice Award is the only heart care award that identifies the country’s best healthcare institutions based on robust criteria that consider both clinical excellence and female patient satisfaction. San Antonio performed well clinically with regard to heart care measures, but also had a high recommendation rate, which women have identified as a very important indicator when selecting a hospital.

Women’s Choice determines the 2016 America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care list by first identifying hospitals across the nation that offer a minimum number of cardiac and/or vascular services. Only hospitals that perform well clinically with regard to heart care measures reported to Medicare, and also have a high Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) recommendation score, are selected. All data used to determine the award recipients are completely objective and evidence-based. “Considering that heart disease is the number one killer of women across the country, helping women find the best in cardiac care is how we empower women to make the best healthcare choices for themselves and for their family,” says Delia Passi, CEO and Founder of the Women’s Choice Award.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one in every three women dies from heart disease and stroke in the United States. “It is an honor to be recognized by the Women’s Choice Organization,” states Harris F. Koenig, President & Chief Executive Officer of San Antonio Regional Hospital. “Considering that one in every three women dies from heart disease and stroke today in the United States, this designation of excellence signifies our ongoing commitment to meeting the highest standards in cardiac and/or vascular services. We are proud to have some of the best cardiac staff in the region. Our staff in the emergency department, cardiac catheterization lab, cardiac care unit, cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation department work as a multi-disciplinary team to provide the highest standard of care to our patients.”

The Fifty Dollar Date

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife and I have been trying to schedule a “Date Night” once a week.  Our days are busy, so we know we need to set aside a time to get out and enjoy some time together.  But, a dinner and a movie can put a strain on the budget.  Two movie tickets can easily cost $20 to $25.  Dinner for two can easily exceed the cost of the movie tickets. Therefore, a date night can cost at least $50.

Fifty dollar bills don’t come easy.  I try to carry a little cash, but I don’t like to break a fifty if I manage to have one in my wallet.  Most couples use their debit or credit card, but I like paying cash when I can.

Recently, we planned a date night.  The plan was to go to dinner and a movie.  My wife found a movie that I had not seen and it was playing at a theater in Brea that features movies that have been out for a while.

When we arrived for the 4:40 p.m. movie, we were both surprised to hear the employee tell us the cost for our tickets was $6.50.  We both thought she meant $6.50 for each ticket, but the total for two tickets really was $6.50…nice!

After the movie, we went to a small restaurant nearby because we had found a gift card in my car’s glove compartment.  We had used the card several months ago, and didn’t know how much credit was still on it.  We were surprised to learn that the amount that was on the card almost paid for our dinner!   I think we only had to pay about $5.00 and a tip…nice!

This was the kind of Fifty Dollar Date that I like.  My wife enjoyed dinner and a movie, and I enjoyed having most of that fifty dollar bill still in my wallet!

My wife and I have been married for almost 44 years.  We have learned that we need to invest time, energy and money to keep our marriage healthy.  How much are you investing in your marriage? When was the last time you went out on a “date” with your spouse?

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.

 

Man Killed By Freight Train

Staff Reports

Walnut – A man was killed by a freight train on the border of Walnut and City of Industry last week.

On Saturday, May 7 at about 7 a.m., a Union Pacific train approached a man on a set of train tracks near Lemon Avenue and Lycoming Street.  The personnel conducting the train sounded the horn and applied the brakes, but the train could not stop in time, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.  The train hit the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s name or age has not been released.  An autopsy will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.

The Eye Of The Beholder

By Michael Armijo

It was a warm yet windy day filled with strong sorrow. The air reflected a deep sense of respect as people gathered to say goodbye to a friend whose spirit had left the earth.

As everyone gathered, the vibrant, wooden casket lay atop the ground as the family huddled closely around. The youngest, a young boy, gazed at the casket while tears flowed from his swollen eyes. He walked up and laid his cheek on the rigid, shiny, wooden box, as his white-gloved hands gently caressed the top of the last home his father’s body would ever have. He laid gentle kisses on the top of the casket, as his unconditional love was reflected in front of all those who watched. A gentle whisper was heard a row back; “Did you see that? How sad.”

When I heard those words, “how sad,” I felt something deep inside that disagreed; something that didn’t see the message of sadness when the boy showed his emotions. Instead, I saw an act of love. A love so strong, it displayed the true meaning of unconditional love; something deep inside that didn’t care if the world looked on or what people felt. This was a feeling of purity, of joy, and of strength.

I believe old proverbs and words of wisdom, and I believe we all see life in certain light, and sometimes, in certain darkness. I also believe that when we express the darkness, which surrounds our lives, it spreads like a contagious and cancerous disease. It attaches by simple contact, clings like a dependent child, while deteriorating in a short amount of time.

I’ve learned that opinions are only perceptions of a person’s immediate thinking, and reflections of someone’s inner self. What we see is usually what we feel, what we feel deep inside. Without realizing it, we express past experiences, deep histories, insecurities about our future, and we reflect the perception of our own lives.

I also believe that when we see life in its darkest hour, we have the opportunity to see life through the brightest light. For some, it’s a short path traveled to a place inside that holds our mind hostage from our heart. For others, it’s a level of confidence that sits deep within that’s been damaged by a careless act from an irresponsible adult.

I also believe that the true meaning of life can only be understood through beauty and joy that sits deep in our hearts. The vision of what will come can only be seen through the eyes of a believer of life. I feel the truest form of emotion can only be felt when a person can feel the presence of a higher power, a stronger entity, something or someone greater than themselves.

I understand that life is not always what it is expected to be. It changes moods like a spoiled child. But I also understand that life can be what we want it to be; all we have to do is apply our hearts in front of our minds. Following what we truly feel, not what we think we see, is the only way to put aside our petty angry thoughts and our insignificant bitterness. Because just as the young boy who helped bury his only father, the tears that flow from our swollen eyes are tears of love that can only be understood when beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Public Works Department Maintaining a First Rate Infrastructure System!

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

By Michele Nissen, City Manager

At the 5th Annual State of the City in April, the City’s Department heads gave brief and informative updates about their departments. Over the next few months, I will continue to give you additional details about these departments and their day to day operations.

The Public Works Department is responsible for constructing and maintaining the City’s infrastructure, which includes 1,178 miles of streets, sidewalks, 44 traffic signals, storm drains less than 36” in size, all traffic signs, and one bridge. Public Works ensures that our streets are safe and clean, traffic signals operate efficiently, the staff responds to citizen concerns in the public right-of-way, as well as provide quality and responsive private development plan review.

The City of Eastvale utilizes the services of the County of Riverside for routine street maintenance, traffic signal maintenance, and traffic sign repair and replacement.  County staff provides fast response times and quality work.

The City’s public works staff is responsible for implementing capital improvement programs to maintain and expand the City’s infrastructure as needed.  Maintaining 1,178 miles of roadway is no small challenge.  The City has developed a pavement management plan and 5 year capital improvement program to systematically maintain all City infrastructure. Concluding in the next few years, it is estimated that the City will spend over $4.6 million dollars on improvements to City facilities.  City infrastructure is maintained through specific funding sources such as Measure A and Gas Tax funds and is not funded through the General Fund.

We encourage residents to file complaints or service requests related to roadways, sidewalks, or traffic signals via the City’s E-Citizen App. For additional information about the app, please visit www. bit.ly.com/ECitizen.

The Building Division is responsible for enforcing local state and federal laws enacted to safeguard public safety, health and the general welfare through the California Building Code.  The Division is responsible for reviewing documents, issuing permits and enforcement of the Building Codes.  Every building in the City of Eastvale is inspected by City building inspectors.  These inspections ensure that the structures are safe and meet all applicable codes.  In addition, for homeowner improvements such as patio covers, pools, remodels and other improvements to property may require a permit.  To find out before you construct, call City Hall to determine whether a permit is required.

Should you have any questions or comments, City Hall may be reached at (951) 361-0900. City Hall office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, closed every Friday.  City Hall encourages all residents and visitors to register for e-notification on the City’s website: www.EastvaleCA.gov.

Future Scientists!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Forty-Walnut High seniors were presented with white coats and honor medallions at the completion of the IBCC-PLTW program.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Forty-Walnut High seniors were presented with white coats and honor medallions at the completion of the IBCC-PLTW program.

First WHS graduating class receives white coats during ceremony

Walnut—Forty-eight Walnut High School (WHS) seniors are charting a course to careers in the medical field.

The teens were presented with white lab coats and honor medallions during a ceremony marking the completion of the International Baccalaureate Career-Related/Project Lead the Way (IBCC-PLTW) Biomedical Sciences Program on April 26.

“We’re very proud of their accomplishments!” said Instructional Dean Barbie Cole. “These amazing students displayed knowledge, ability, and aptitude in the area of biomedical science.”

Walnut High is the only school in the state to offer both IBCC with the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program as its career-related component.

Students signed up for the new program three years ago as sophomores interested in becoming pharmacists, family doctors, and neuroscientists and quickly became immersed in building DNA double-helix models.

Teachers facilitated the inquiry-based PLTW classes while students tackled real world “CSI” style investigative and collaborative work.

In addition, they explored different medical intervention strategies of the past, present, and future including the invention of prosthetic limbs and personalized medicine for patients.

“The engaging curriculum, student enthusiasm, and a special sense of community have allowed this program to be successful,” said teacher Chiara Morgan.

To earn personalized lab coats, students were required to complete four biomedical science courses and two IB Diploma courses, a special Approaches to Learning course, numerous service projects, and a written reflective project.

“This is definitely a very exciting day!” said senior Kaitlyn Fujii, who credits the PLTW program’s labs and practical applications for solidifying her interest in psychology.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but I liked the classes and coursework. It helped me find a direction.”

Students researched numerous careers, logging education requirements and job duties in journals during the course of the program.

“It gave me a taste of every type of career in the medical field,” said classmate Tiffany Casarez. “Now I’m going to study biology and hope to become a pediatrician.”

She believes the pre-med class benefitted from more hands-on learning than other graduating seniors. “We’ve already experienced half the labs from the first two years in college.”

“I felt like this was an amazing program for someone like me who wanted to go into the medical field,” said Emilio Triguero, age 17.

“The hands-on training, labs, and volunteer experience really made it possible for me to utilize my dream of becoming a doctor.”

While volunteering in 2nd floor surgery at Inter-Community Hospital in Covina, Triguero gained “front row” experiences working alongside doctors and nurses.

“I thought I’d just be cleaning trash cans (which I did), but they also taught me how to do vitals and about hierarchy in the workplace.”

He’ll be studying at UC Riverside in the fall. “When I applied for colleges, they asked if I had contacts – and I did!”

Walnut High became one of only 32 IBCC schools in the country and four in the state after completing an extensive application and authorization process in 2013.

“Our students have done some pretty remarkable things in these classes,” Cole added.

Corona Norco Unified School District 2016 Retirees

Photo courtesy: CNUSD On May 3, Corona Norco Unified School District 2016 Retirees were recognized and celebrated for their service to the district and for their dedication to CNUSD students. CNUSD reported that the retirees provided a combined total of 1600 years of service.

Photo courtesy: CNUSD On May 3, Corona Norco Unified School District 2016 Retirees were recognized and celebrated for their service to the district and for their dedication to CNUSD students. CNUSD reported that the retirees provided a combined total of 1600 years of service.

 

Three Ways to Improve Your Healthy Routines

Photo courtesy: StatePoint

Photo courtesy: StatePoint

Courtesy of StatePoint

When you feel strong, nothing can hold you back. From building your muscles to strengthening your mind and conditioning your body, every day you strive towards looking and feeling healthy in the truest sense.

Here are some tips that will help to improve your long-term health.

Amp Up Your Workout:

Don’t let your workout routine get stale. Mix up your regularly scheduled program to work different muscles and ward off workout boredom.

Take time to regularly evaluate your fitness regimen and make sure you’re spending enough time on improving your endurance, strength and flexibility.

For instance, training for a big race? Shave a few miles from your long run and supplement it with a bike ride. And, switch up non-cardio days with a barre, yoga or Pilates class.

Also, don’t forget to carve out time to warm up with dynamic stretches before your workout and deep stretches afterward. Get out a foam roller to stretch and massage your muscles to keep them limber. Using a foam roller will help to increase the range in motion of your muscles, which can help prevent injuries during future workouts.

Smile With Strength:

Oral health is an essential part of staying healthy in the long-term. Strengthening and repairing your enamel from everyday wear and tear can be part of your daily personal health routine.

Similar to how moisturizing lotions and conditioners replenish skin and hair, by brushing with toothpaste such as Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste twice daily, you can help strengthen weakened enamel by replenishing it with vital minerals. This toothpaste replenishes natural calcium and other minerals back into weakened enamel, for stronger, healthy enamel. More information about Enamel Health toothpaste can be found at colgateenamelhealth.com.

Fuel Your Body:

Give your body the fuel and energy it needs to keep you strong and healthy.

 

Start each morning with a breakfast full of nutrients and protein to set a good tone for the rest of the day. Make your mornings easier with simple tricks like preparing overnight oats the night before so you have no excuses to skip this crucial meal.

Stick to a healthy eating plan with meal planning. Prepare as many lunches and dinners for the week as you can on Sunday, before work and family obligations get in the way.

Look to fill those meals with a balance of lean meats and proteins, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and healthy grains like brown rice and quinoa.

A healthy balanced diet will improve your energy level throughout the day and during workouts. You should also make sure that you are hydrating post-workout with water, or for an extra hydration boost, try coconut water.

When you amp up these aspects of your overall routine your body will feel the difference and you will see the difference. Follow these tips and you will feel stronger than ever.

USPS Carriers Attacked By Dogs

Photo courtesy: USPS.com

Photo courtesy: USPS.com

Staff Reports

The United States Postal Service (USPS) released its annual Top Dog Attack City Rankings this week, which concluded that a total of 6,549 employees were attacked by dogs last year. Fifty-one cities make up the top 30 rankings, according to a USPS news release.

“Dogs are protective in nature and may view our letter carriers handing mail to their owner as a threat,” said USPS Safety Director Linda DeCarlo at a news conference in Houston.

Safety is the number one priority of USPS, so they’ve released new safety initiatives that have been put into place in order to keep their employees safe.

Two new safety measures will alert USPS Carriers of dogs on their delivery routes. The first safety measure went into effect on May 13 on usps.com’s Package Pickup application. “Customers will be asked to indicate if there is a dog at their address when they schedule a package pickup,” according to the news release. The second safety measure plans to be implemented later this spring.

“The Mobile Delivery Devices that letter carriers use to scan packages to confirm delivery will include a feature that allows carriers to indicate the presence of a dog at an individual address. This is especially helpful to substitutes who fill-in for letter carriers on their days off,” said DeCarlo.

The National Dog Bite Prevention Week was held in Houston from Sun., May 15 to Sat., May 21 in order to bring awareness to the nationwide issue of dog attacks. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Humane Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance joined forces with USPS to educate the community about this concern.

Of the 4.5 million Americans bitten by dogs annually, half of all victims are children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  “Many attacks to children are by the family pet or a dog familiar to the child, so it’s important to keep children and dogs separate, especially if a dog is known to act aggressively,” according to the USPS news release.

USPS believes that education can help prevent dog attacks to people of all ages. They have released the following tips to help keep our USPS mail carriers safe:

  • If a letter carrier delivers mail or packages to your front door, place your dog in a separate room and close that door before opening the front door. Dogs have been known to burst through screen doors or plate-glass windows to get at strangers.
  • Dog owners should keep the family dog secured. Parents should remind their children not to take mail directly from letter carriers in the presence of the family pet as the dog may view the letter carrier handing mail to a child as a threatening gesture.
  • The Postal Service places the safety of its employees as a top priority. If a letter carrier feels threatened by a vicious dog or if a dog is running loose, the owner may be asked to pick up the mail at the Post Office until the carrier is assured the pet has been restrained. If the dog is roaming the neighborhood, the pet owner’s neighbors may be asked to pick up their mail at the Post Office as well.

 

Did You Know?

Women and Blood Clots: Know the Risk FactorsWomen-BW

By StatePoint

Blood clots are dangerous. About 100,000 Americans die annually due to blood clots, which is more than those who die from AIDS, breast cancer, and automobile accidents combined. Women have different risk factors than men.

Pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen, cause women’s’ bodies to produce extra clotting factor proteins, making pregnancy a major risk factor for life-threatening blood clots. Similarly, any birth control method or menopause therapy containing estrogen can pose a blood clot risk.

To reduce risk, the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) offers these tips:

  • If you’re pregnant, ask your doctor about your blood clot risk to determine if you need to be on blood thinning medication.
  • If taking birth control, consider methods not associated with pregnancy hormones, including barrier methods, copper IUD and progestin-only pills, IUDs and implants.
  • When managing menopause symptoms, consider non-estrogen and natural treatments that don’t carry blood clot risks.

NBCA’s experts urge women to know the signs of blood clots, which include swelling and pain in limbs, shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing up blood.

To learn more, visit WomenAndBloodClots.org.

Reducing your risk for blood clots is crucial, particularly when it comes to choices connected to pregnancy, family planning and menopause treatment.

 

Crime Recap

 

Staff Reports

Inland Empire– The local Sheriff’s Department has done a great job arresting several individuals for conducting crimes in and around our city. Here is a recap of the news releases that were released by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Corona Police Department.

On April 6, at 1:38 a.m., Eastvale patrol officers responded to a residence located in 6700 block of Ruby Canyon Dr., Eastvale, regarding a missing juvenile. During this investigation, an extensive search of the area was conducted and officers were unable to locate the juvenile.  At 7:30 a.m. on April 7, the juvenile was located at school in the city of Corona. The juvenile was in good health and unharmed. The juvenile was reunited with their family.

On April 20, Eastvale Police deployed extra traffic enforcement officers to stop distracted driving, thanks to funding provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The results of this operation included: eleven drivers that were issued a citation for either talking or texting while driving, and two drivers that were cited for driving without a valid license.

On April 20, the Jurupa Valley Police Department conducted the same operation, which resulted in six drivers that were issued a citation for either talking or texting while driving, and three drivers that were cited for driving without a valid license.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has provided a list of tips that can help you, your children, and your employees to stop talking or texting while driving. View the tips at http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/jvs16-0420.asp

On April 21, three suspects were arrested for crimes related to the thefts, vandalism, and a strong-arm robbery in Eastvale. The Eastvale Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) worked closely with the Jurupa Valley Station’s crime analyst, patrol deputies, and the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) parks deputy to narrow down dates, times and locations of the crimes that have occurred since November 2015.

After an investigation was conducted, three suspects were identified and arrested.  Ryan Filkins, 18 of Eastvale, was arrested for felony warrants and bringing a controlled substance into a jail.  Robert Filkins, 18 of Eastvale, was arrested and booked for felony warrants.  Aaron Allen, 23 of Eastvale, was arrested for felony warrants.  Charges against all three suspects are being sought related to the thefts, reports of vandalism, and a strong-arm robbery.

On April 29, two Corona residents were arrested by Postal Inspectors on federal conspiracy and mail theft-related offenses for a scheme that resulted in them using a counterfeit Postal Service key to access 300 mailboxes at a Corona apartment complex and steal mail. A third defendant is currently a fugitive being sought by federal authorities.

The two taken into custody on April 29 are Bernie Martinez, 23, and Kammi Leigh Vestesen, 24. The third defendant that is being sought by authorizes is Hector Mendez, 29, of Corona.

According to the indictment, Martinez and Vestesen entered the mail room of the Sierra Del Oro apartment complex on April 10 and used a counterfeit Postal Service key to open resident mailboxes. All three defendants allegedly went to the same mailroom on April 12, used the counterfeit key to open mailboxes, and left the premises with a trash bag full of mail. The indictment specifically charges all three defendants with conspiracy, mail theft and possession of a counterfeit United States Postal Service key.

Backyard Pool Safety

pool-safety-for-kidsCity of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – A backyard swimming pool can provide hours of summer fun for families, but without proper safety measures in place, it can also pose a danger to young children.

According to statistics kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States and approximately one in five people who die from drowning are age 14 and younger.

Also, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal injuries that result in severe brain damage and long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent vegetative state.

To help prevent a pool-related death or injury, backyard pool owners are urged to ensure that they have in place the following layers of protection:

  • A self-closing and locking fence enclosing the pool area, clear of ladders or other furniture that can be used by children to climb over.
  • A responsible adult with swimming experience and trained in CPR and other lifesaving techniques always supervising children in or near the pool.
  • Visible and quickly accessible water rescue equipment, such as a rescue hook pole and life buoy, as well as a list of emergency phone numbers, a wireless phone and CPR instructions.

A three-minute video on pool safety produced by the City in collaboration with the Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Team is available for on demand viewing on the City’s website at www.diamondbarca.gov/videos , and on the City’s official YouTube Page www.youtube.com/diamondbarca by entering “pool safety” into the search channel bar.

To obtain a copy of the City’s fencing standards for installing a new pool or spa, visitwww.diamondbarca.gov/poolstandards or call the Building & Safety Division at 909.839.7020.

 

Fifty Years Faithful

By Pastor Rob Norrisrob-norris-BW-2x2

“For love is as strong as death.” – Song of Solomon 8:6

Only 10 months into their marriage, during an otherwise calm Sunday drive to church one July morning, a young Navy couple’s car was broadsided by a streaking ambulance racing through an intersection. The driver of the car, R. L. Alford, sustained some minor injuries. His wife, Hilda, was thrown from the vehicle, suffering a massive head injury that left her not only a quadriplegic, but also legally blind and unable to speak.

That was 50 years ago—50 years of communicating with his wife through little more than the nods of her head. Fifty years of pushing her wheelchair or (his preferred way) carrying her in his arms. Fifty years of emptying her urine pan and cleaning up her bowel movements. And in the last few years, even feeding her through a tracheal tube and learning how to insert her catheters.

Along the way, R. L.’s brand of marital loyalty has drawn some unexpected notice (“Undeserved,” to hear him say it). When a longtime family friend spearheaded a drive in the mid-80s to raise funds to build the Alfords a new home, help came from such high-ranking places as Florida governor Bob Martinez, who not only gave them a brand-new refrigerator but also spent a day working at the construction site. President Ronald Reagan sent a check for $500, followed by another for $1,000.

“When R. L. was asked to repeat the vow ‘for better or worse,’” a neighbor said, “he heard it real loud. Medically, it’s a miracle Hilda is still alive. But she’s not alive because of all those doctors. She’s alive because R. L. gave his life to her.”

In September 2006, the Alfords celebrated their golden anniversary. Looking back, R. L. humbly remarked, “Sure, it’s been rough in some ways. But it’s been rewarding.”

Fifty years of being there. May all our promises to each other be that long lasting.

Live It! Talk about what you would do for one another if the unthinkable happened. Promise you’ll be there, regardless.

Pray: While asking God for many more years together, pray it with a promise that you’ll remain faithful no matter what those years entail.

 

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, visit atthecrossings.com.

 

Walnut Student Wins ‘Missing Children’s Day’ Poster Contest

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Elementary student Michael Wu is the big winner in a National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Elementary student Michael Wu is the big winner in a National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut–Walnut Elementary fifth grader Michael Wu has been named the grand prize winner in the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.

The talented 11-year-old’s entry in the “Bring Our Missing Children Home” competition depicts the silhouette of a young boy hugging his teddy bear.

“It shows that the child feels lonely and he wants to be back home,” Michael explained.

The annual competition is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice to create awareness and promote child safety.

Michael was named the 1st place winner in California. His original artwork was then submitted for the national judging.

“It feels awesome!” the soft-spoken student said about receiving the national award.

Teacher Seema Bagai was happily “shocked” after learning the news that her student took the top prize.

“I am thrilled for Michael and can’t wait to celebrate with him in Washington D.C. later this month!”

Michael learned about the contest from his mom, Wendy, an art teacher at the school.  He quickly decided to pull out his paint brushes for a good cause.

“I wanted to help find missing children!”

Michael used colored pencils in shades of brown to bring life to the cuddly teddy bear.  To achieve a splattered shadow around the outline of the child, he flicked dark green paint from an old toothbrush.

Michael, along with his parents, and teacher have been awarded a trip to Washington D.C. to be recognized during the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony on May 25. This ceremony honors the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.

The young artist also took 1st place in the fifth grade category of the Walnut Valley Water District 2016 Water Awareness Month Poster Contest. Michael is a back-to-back winner and his entire class will be visiting the Three Valleys Municipal Water District Miramar Treatment Plant for a tour and pizza lunch.

Full Closure of Southbound 71

By Shelli Lombardo

 

The California Department of Transportation will close all southbound lanes of State Route 71 (SR-71) between Euclid Avenue and the Riverside County line from 8 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2016 to 5 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2016.

Maintenance crews are repairing and/or replacing concrete slabs in the number one and two lanes of southbound SR-71. Northbound lanes will remain open.

The southbound detour is as follows: use eastbound SR-60 to the southbound I-15 to westbound SR-91 or use SR-60 as an alternate route into and out of Los Angeles and Orange County.

Thank you for your patience as Caltrans works to improve your commute.

To stay on top of roadwork in the Inland Empire go to http://www.caltrans8.info and sign up for commuter alerts. View traffic conditions at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

DB Community Hero Award

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar- The City of Diamond Bar is looking for nominees for their Community Hero Award. This award is given to a community member who has “dedicated his or her spare time volunteering for an organization or who has performed other acts of kindness to improve the lives of others within the community,” according to the City of Diamond Bar. The award can be given to a senior, adult or a youth in the community.

The winner will be recognized for their volunteer service at this year’s Diamond Bar Day at the Fair on September 15. The winner will receive free admission to the fair and be “honored with a special reception, parade, and awards presentation,” according to the City of Diamond Bar.

To nominate someone, you can download the form by visitingwww.diamondbarca.gov/fair. Hard-copy forms are also available at Diamond Bar City Hall (21810 Copley Drive), Diamond Bar Library (21800 Copley Drive), and the Diamond Bar Center (1600 Grand Avenue). The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, July 1.

Questions regarding this Community Hero award recognition program may be directed to Fairplex Community Relations Coordinator, Shanell Fuquay, by email at fuquay@fairplex.com or phone at 909.865.4075.

18th Annual Unity Awards Honors CNUSD Students and Teachers

Photo courtesy: CNUSD Seven students and teachers from Corona Norco Unified School District were honored at the 18th Annual Unity Awards.

Photo courtesy: CNUSD
Seven students and teachers from Corona Norco Unified School District were honored at the 18th Annual Unity Awards.

Courtesy of CNUSD

Corona – The 18th Annual Unity Awards honored seven individuals, many of them students and teachers from Corona Norco Unified Schools. The award winners exemplify UNITY’s mission to promote community involvement in the positive development of children, youth, and families.

Student Awards:

Abigail Hwang-Nable – 10th Grade – Centennial High School

Rachel Mershon – 12th Grade – Corona High School

Alyssa Penn – 12th Grade – Centennial High School

Adult Awards:

Jill Castillo – Team Victoria

Clark Eveland – Officer – Corona Police Department

Marisela Ibarra – DELAC, VP – Parkridge Elementary

Veronica Perez – Teacher – Highland Elementary