Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

WHO Will Take Care of Your Eyes

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Staff Reports

WALNUT–Do you know WHO will care for your eyes?

For many years, WALNUT HILLS OPTOMETRY (WHO) has taken excellent care of the vision needs of the community, serving patients from Walnut/West Covina/Diamond Bar/Chino Hills to patients from La Puente/Rowland Heights/Hacienda Heights/Whittier. Because of the quality of service provided, as well as the trusting care given by the doctor, patients travel from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas as well.

WHO considers vision to be a precious gift, and their office takes pride in providing comprehensive eye exams.

WHO believes that quality eye care involves consistent care by a professional.  Carmela Larino, O.D., and her loyal staff, will give your eyes the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Dr. Larino is proud to serve the community she grew up in.  She attended Rowland Unified schools from elementary through high school, and then attended U.C. Irvine before receiving her doctorate degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.  In 2003, Dr. Larino was honored at her alma mater – Nogales High School – when she was inducted onto their Wall of Fame.  She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, where she stays current on the latest in eye care.  As a local resident, you might find Dr. Larino eating at your favorite restaurant, shopping in a local store, or attending a community event.

WHO offers personalized eye examinations, diabetic and eye health exams, and the management and care of a multitude of eye and vision concerns.  A wide variety of eyewear is also available, from progressive and polarized lenses to silicone high-oxygen contacts, and even designer frames. They also offer Lasik Surgery co-management. If you have used eyeglass frames scattered around the house, bring them to the WHO offices and they will donate them to those in need of frames.

WHO is conveniently located near the 10, 60 and 57 freeways, on the border of Walnut and West Covina, at 18736 East Amar Road (at the corner of Nogales Street and Amar Road, next to Papa John’s Pizza.)  Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153.  For more information visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com.

March Is The Real Month For Love

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

Last month, an estimated $13 billion was spent celebrating Valentine’s Day.  Approximately 200 million roses, 180 million cards, and 58 million pounds of chocolate were purchased in the name of love.  Despite all of the money that consumers shelled out, many people admitted that they were less than enthusiastic about February 14.  In fact, nearly 40 percent of the population did not observe the holiday at all.

Whether they consider it an unnecessary hassle or simply an excuse for consumerism, the detractors are unanimous in their belief that Valentine’s Day has little to do with real love. Even the holiday’s fans would be hard-pressed to deny that it is romance, and not love, that serves as their motivator when booking reservations and buying gifts.  Romance may be all about warm and fuzzy feelings, but love is much more complicated.  It is unconditional, sacrificial, and not based solely on emotions.  Whereas romance is a noun, love is a verb.

So, why write about love in March?  Isn’t Valentine’s Day over?  Aren’t all of the heart-shaped candies on clearance? Sure!  But, this year we will be celebrating Easter on Sunday, March 27.  And, while Valentine’s Day has chocolate and roses, Easter has the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  What greater example of love is there than this?

In Romans 5:8, the apostle Paul wrote “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  The truth is that it doesn’t matter whether your social calendar was booked solid last month, or if you were a member of the broken hearts club.  Who needs a valentine when you have a Savior?

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sunday’s at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Are You Dying To Live Or Living To Die?

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops, M.A.M.F.T.

Sometimes I ask people if they are dying to live or living to die.  They are two very different ways to live life.  These two ways of living involve having two very different attitudes.  If you are living to die, you are probably a negative person and always see the glass as half-empty.  I also think these people are fearful and always looking for what is wrong.  I never want to be part of this group.  On the other hand, if you are dying to live, you are probably a positive person and look at the glass as being half-full.  I know, because I am part of this group. We love life and want to experience all of it.  Instead of being fearful, we are adventurous and excited about the possibilities that each day brings.

So, take a moment and think about how you live and which one of these two groups you belong to.  Now that you have your answer, are you happy or do you wish you could change?  The truth is that we are really the only ones that can change how we live and how we think about out life.  I know from experience that life can be hard and it can throw us many curveballs.  We have power in how we choose to deal with those curveballs.  It’s sort of like the idea of making lemonade out of lemons.  We have power in choosing how we will react.  I’ve heard time and time again, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.  Boy, is this the truth!

You can start changing your life by looking at what is right with your life each and every day.  Work on being grateful for all that you are blessed with.  Decide today to be happy!

 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)229-072.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  You may ask Purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Chino Hills Resident Arrested For Vehicle Burglaries

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– On March 5, 2016, Noel Serna, a 19-year-old resident of Chino Hills, was observed trying to break into vehicles parked on the street and in driveways in the 15800 block of Zenobia Lane in Chino Hills.  When officers arrived, Serna provided false identifying information and was detained. He was found to be in possession of a black bag, which contained stolen property from the vehicles.  Serna is believed to be responsible for approximately 10 other vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles in the city of Chino Hills over the last several weeks. Detectives served a search warrant at his residence in Chino Hills, and are still trying to locate additional stolen property.
Serna was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center on charges of Vehicle Burglary, Attempted Vehicle Burglary, and giving false ID to a Peace Officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Popa, from the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

History 101

Photo courtesy of History.com FDR gives one of his historic fireside chats

Photo courtesy of History.com
FDR gives one of his historic fireside chats

FDR gives first fireside chat

Courtesy of History.com

On March 12, 1933, eight days after his inauguration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his first national radio address or “fireside chat,” broadcast directly from the White House.

Roosevelt began that first address simply: “I want to talk for a few minutes with the people of the United States about banking.” He went on to explain his recent decision to close the nation’s banks in order to stop a surge in mass withdrawals by panicked investors worried about possible bank failures. The banks would be reopening the next day, Roosevelt said, and he thanked the public for their “fortitude and good temper” during the “banking holiday.”

At the time, the U.S. was at the lowest point of the Great Depression, with between 25 and 33 percent of the work force unemployed. The nation was worried, and Roosevelt’s address was designed to ease fears and to inspire confidence in his leadership. Roosevelt went on to deliver 30 more of these broadcasts between March 1933 and June 1944. They reached an astonishing number of American households, with 90 percent of owning radios on which they were able to listen.

Journalist Robert Trout coined the phrase “fireside chat” to describe Roosevelt’s radio addresses, invoking an image of the president sitting by a fire in a living room, speaking earnestly to the American people about his hopes and dreams for the nation. In fact, Roosevelt took great care to make sure each address was accessible and understandable to ordinary Americans, regardless of their level of education. He used simple vocabulary and relied on folksy anecdotes or analogies to explain the often complex issues facing the country.

Over the course of his historic 12-year presidency, Roosevelt used the chats to build popular support for his groundbreaking New Deal policies. After World War II began, he used them to explain his administration’s wartime policies to the American people.

The success of Roosevelt’s chats was evident not only in his three re-elections, but also in the millions of letters that flooded the White House. Farmers, business owners, men, women, rich, poor–most of them expressed the feeling that the president had entered their home and spoken directly to them. In an era when presidents had previously communicated with their citizens almost exclusively through spokespeople and journalists, it was an unprecedented step.

Garretson Elementary Girl Heading to Scripps

Photo courtesy of CNUSD

Photo courtesy of CNUSD
Aisha Randhawa qualifies for National Spelling Bee

Courtesy of CNUSD

CORONA– Two-time CNUSD Spelling Bee Champion Aisha Randhawa finally achieved what she has dreamed about since the third grade: She is going to Washington D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Aisha was the last speller standing in the 39th Annual Riverside County Spelling Bee at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center. She will represent the county at the National Spelling Bee in May.

Competing against the top spellers in the county, Aisha overcame 18 grueling rounds of intense spelling, finding herself a little bewildered on “succulent” early on. She persevered and spelled toe-to-toe with her peers. In the 17th Round, 8th grader John Terry from Palm Springs Unified misspelled “obdurate”, setting the stage for Aisha’s win. She clinched the round by spelling “cologne”, and emerged victorious after spelling “ambrosia”, which means something very pleasing to taste or smell. After the final moments, Aisha shared, “I thought about it for a second but I was pretty sure I knew it.”

When asked about what she is most looking forward to in Maryland, she replied, “Probably competing at the event and maybe getting to see the Washington Monument.”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place from May 22 to 27. The ESPN channel has been known to broadcast portions of the competition. Perhaps Garretson’s spelling wunderkind will make an appearance!

 

Outstanding Service

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a day with some of our grandchildren and their parents at Disneyland.  It was a warm, sunny day at the Happiest Place on Earth.

This was the first time that some of the grand kids had been to Disneyland.  They were very excited to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure.  They enjoyed a number of the rides and attractions in both parks.
One of their favorites was the new “Cars” ride in California Adventure.  This attraction is based on the Disney movie “Cars” and has two cars racing side-by-side down a curving road course.
I waited at the finish line with the youngest grandchild while my wife and the other adults and kids went on the “Cars” ride.  I did not see what happened on the race course, but as the cars raced along, my wife lost the baseball cap she was wearing.  It just flew off as her car rounded a sharp curve.
The reason she was wearing a baseball cap is that she doesn’t have any hair right now.  She has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer and has lost all of her hair.
There was nothing she could do.  The hat was gone and her bald head was exposed to the world.  They operators could not stop the ride.  Her hat was gone.
But then, something unexpected happened.  As soon as the ride came to a complete stop, one of the Disney employees saw my wife’s predicament and stepped in to help.
The female employee quickly ushered my wife off the ride and led her into a souvenir shop nearby.  She instructed my wife to select a new hat at no cost.  It was a timely and thoughtful gift.
The employee said that she did not want my wife to have to spend the rest of the day at Disneyland without a hat to cover her head.  We were surprised and impressed with the Disney employee’s quick and compassionate action.
Our trip to Disneyland with our grandchildren is a day that we will remember for a long time.  We had such a nice time together.  And, it is a day we will remember the outstanding customer service of a thoughtful Disney employee, too.

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 visithttp://www.efreedb.org

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 3.12.16

2016-Mar12-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, 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-Mar12-Weekly-WEB

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries

Staff Reports

 

One of the best ways to ensure your family’s safety year-round is to always have working smoke detectors in your home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or in homes with smoke alarms that failed to operate properly.  The NFPA reported that dead or missing batteries are the most common reasons for smoke alarms to fail.

Half of fire-related deaths occur in the hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are likely to be asleep.  Having a working smoke detector can save your life.  There should be alarms in every bedroom, outside every separate sleeping area and on each level of the home.  Larger homes may need more alarms.  For the greatest protection, interconnected alarms are best.  When one sounds, they all sound.

A smoke detector is useless without fresh batteries to ensure that it works properly in the event of a fire. An easy way to remember to change your smoke detector’s batteries is to replace them twice a year, when you change your clocks.  You may also want to consider installing 10-year lithium battery-operated smoke alarms.  These smoke alarms are powered for 10 years by sealed, long-life lithium batteries. After 10 years of use, residents can simply discard the smoke alarm and replace it with a new one.

The Chino Valley Fire District offers residents the following tips to help keep smoke alarms in good working order:

  • Test smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button;
  • Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least twice a year;
  • Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years or in accordance with manufacturer guidelines;
  • Do not disable smoke alarms, even temporarily;
  • Vacuum regularly or dust your smoke alarms to keep them working properly;
  • Develop and practice a family escape plan so that everyone in your home knows what to do if the smoke alarm rings.

To learn more about fire and life safety, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org or follow the Chino Valley Fire District on social media @cvifd.

 

Volunteen Summer Program

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

Are you between the ages of 13 and 15 and looking for a fun way to earn community service hours while gaining job skills in the City recreation services field?  The City of Diamond Bar is currently seeking interested teens to be part of its 2016 Summer Volunteen Program.

To be eligible to participate, you must be available to work starting May 16 and until August 12 for a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Hours are mutually arranged between the Volunteen program coordinator and the participant.

Volunteens help with popular City programs such as Summer Day Camp, Youth Baseball and Tiny Tots, and also assist with the City’s popular Concerts and Movies in the Park series.

The last day to apply to be considered for the 2016 Volunteen Program is Thursday, April 14. Only online applications submitted through the NeoGov system, available through the City website at http://www.DiamondBarCa.gov/ employment will be considered. No paper applications or emailed resumes will be accepted.

For more information, contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070.

We Live In A World

By Sarah Sanchez

 

We live in a world
where we can’t spend time with family
without looking at our phone
We live in a world
where we have thousands of “friends”
yet, we constantly feel alone

We live in a world
where we don’t know the time or directions
without relying on technology
We live in a world
where we’ll say and do everything
BUT actually admit we owe an apology

We live in a world
where we teach kids to speak their minds
but only behind computer screens
We live in a world
where they tell us our sexuality
is determined by our genes

We live in a world
where our kids can be kidnapped
outside the house within our community
We live in a world
where children are starving around us
while we’re calculating server gratuity

We live in a world
where we throw out food and water because we feel full
We live in a world
where we take 30 minute showers
while others bathe in a lake or a pool  We live in a world
where people are greedy and selfish
because it is normality
Are you living IN the world
or OF the world?
What’s your reality?  

 

The Living Hope

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

Perhaps the most important day for Christians the world over, Resurrection Sunday – or Easter – has such profound meaning because it all happened just as Jesus Christ said that it would, and it also showed that He had victory over death. It gave hope to believers as no other event would ever do.
More than 500 witnesses verified that they saw Him after He was placed in the grave and the stone was rolled in place. When the women who loved Jesus went to visit the grave, an angel of the Lord, sitting upon that same stone – now opened – told the women not to be afraid.
In Matthew 28, that angel tells them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Can you imagine this scene, especially having recently witnessed the crucifixion? Your heart is broken, you’ve come to mourn – and yet you are about to be filled with a miraculous glory in the one true Living Hope. He is risen!
Thanks be to God for our Living Hope. 1 Peter 1:3-4 tell us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
Come find out more about our Living Hope by joining us this Easter Season at Edgewater. We will hold a very poignant Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on March 25; and three services on Easter Sunday – beginning with a Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m.; and additional services at 8:00 and 10 a.m. There is something special to share with your family and friends…all happening at Harada Elementary.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition March 2016

2016-03-EastvaleNews-COVERThe Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2016-03-EastvaleNews-WEB

Ten Easy Tips To Live By

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Courtesy of Jaime Oliver.com

Eating healthily is all about balance.  Every now and then it’s perfectly okay to have pie for dinner or a nice slice of cake at teatime- treats are a part of life –but it’s also important to recognize when we’re pushing things too far.  Indulgent food should be enjoyed and savored, but only occasionally. It’s important to remember that the majority of our diet should be made up of balanced, nutritious everyday foods.  Make healthy food a priority in your life and allow it to bring your family and friends together.  Learn to love how it makes you feel, how delicious it is and remember that a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are the keys to a healthy lifestyle.

Here are ten easy tips to live by:

  1. Cook from scratch – This is one of the most important life skills you can learn.  It allows you to have complete control of what goes into your food;
  2. Eat a balanced diet- Aim to eat a balanced diet that contains each of the food groups in the correct proportions;
  3. Variety is key, eat the rainbow- Fill your diet with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, whole grains and naturally low-fat dairy foods. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, different colors provide your body with different nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy- it’s not just greens that are good for you!
  4. Understand what you’re eating- Make an effort to learn about the food you’re eating-we all need to understand where our food comes from and how it affects our bodies;
  5. Eat nutritious calories- Make sure the majority of your energy intake comes from nutritious calories that also provide your body with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and good fats. Avoid empty calories;
  6. Don’t skip breakfast – Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and helps you to be alert and awake throughout the day. Make sure you always eat a nutritious breakfast.  Make it wholesome and make it count;
  7. Read the small print- It’s important to read packaging correctly. Be aware of the recommended portion sizes, and the sugar, salt, and saturated fat contents;
  8. Drink more water- Water is an essential part of your diet. Drink plenty of water and avoid empty calories from things such as soft drinks, energy drinks or juices with added sugar.  Eat your calories, don’t drink them;
  9. Keep active- Exercise is an extremely important factor in staying healthy, so try to be as active as you can;
  10. Sleep well- Make sure you get enough sleep, it’s an essential part of being healthy and directly affects how well we are able to learn, grow and act in life. While we’re asleep, our bodies have that all-important time to repair.

Alert Resident Helps Deputies Arrest Two Suspects

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- An observant citizen helped deputies catch two suspected mail thieves on Friday, February 26.  At 3:30 a.m., sheriff’s deputies received a call from a Chino Hills resident who saw two subjects carrying backpacks in the area of Shady View Drive and Mystic Canyon Drive.

After the subjects saw the caller, they attempted to hide by jumping into nearby bushes.  When deputies arrived, they noticed a vehicle driving away with passengers in the rear of the vehicle who were crouching down in an attempt to remain unnoticed.

Samantha Goode, 25, and Theodore Sanchez, 32, both of Bloomington,  used Uber to drop them off and pick them up from the location, where they were attempting to steal mail.  The Uber driver was not involved.  Goode and Sanchez were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on charges of credit card fraud and identity theft.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1 (800) 78-CRIME.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Courtesy of HGTV

You do a heavy spring cleaning on the inside of your home, but have you thought about your outdoor spaces?  Use this handy checklist to help make sure the outside of  your home is as beautiful as the inside.

 

  • Inspect the exterior walls of your entire home. Look for signs of winter damage such as splitting wood, peeling paint, mold, etc.
  • Got brick? It should be cleaned and checked for water damage once a year. Aside from cleaning the surface by use your hose with a spray nozzle to wash off dirt, you need to be on the lookout for mold. If there is mold, mildew, or moss, wash with a solution of 1 cup of bleach mixed with 4 L of water. Use a natural or synthetic bristle brush. Wire brushes leave traces of steel behind that will rust and discolor the bricks.
  • Clean the windows.
  • Use screens? Make sure they are dust-free and sparkling clean before putting them up.
  • Check the driveway for cracks or winter damage.
  • Clean the steps and the driveway with a spray nozzle hose. If moss is visible, pour vinegar on it and scrub.
  • Inspect the gutters around the house. Remove debris.
  • Inspect the roof, looking for damage and missing or loose shingles. Contact a roofing professional if you need a few replacements.
  • Get your deck ready for use. Clean it with oxalic acid, which will penetrate the wood and kill microorganisms. Once dry (24 hours), treat the deck with a sealant.
  • If boards on your deck are splintered or worn beyond repair, replace them before you seal and stain.
  • Prepare outdoor furniture for use. If you kept the furniture out during the winter months, you need to scrub the surfaces clean. If you stored your furniture, bring it outside and make sure it’s clean.
  • Put on those gardening gloves, it’s time to weed! The first step to a beautiful, clean garden is to remove weeds. It is important to leave a few, however, as they do have a purpose; they are food for insects and create a covered landscape for little critters.
  • Give your garden it a filled-in appearance until it grows in. Sprinkle mulch around shrubs, trees, and flowerbeds.

Chino Hills Police Remind Residents To Retrieve Mail Daily

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- Sometime between February 26, 2016 and February 29, 2016, several community mailboxes located throughout the city were pried open and an unknown amount of mail was stolen. The suspects targeted both community boxes and single residential boxes.

The Chino Hills Police Department is asking residents to be diligent in retrieving their mail daily. Additionally, please call 911 and report any suspicious activity near community mailboxes or suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood.  You can reach them at (909) 465-6837 or office (909) 364-2000.

Eastvale Bicycle Master Plan

By Emily Aguilar

EASTVALE– Eastvale, much like other cities, is experiencing a “quality of life issue.” The issue at hand is that citizens are not taking advantage of the opportunity to increase their fitness by riding bicycles instead of relying on their automobiles as their primary source of transportation.

According to Active Living Research, 50% of all car trips taken are to destinations that are three miles or less away from home,  while 65% of all car trips are taken to reach a destination that is under a mile away. It has become evident that cities, including Eastvale, need to develop an alternative transportation plan.

“We lack a bicycle master plan,” argues Manager of Public Works Department, George Alvarez. While bike lanes already exist in the city, studies show that cyclists are hesitant to use them.  One reason is that bicyclists fear they will be involved in a vehicle-cyclist accident; four such accidents occurred last year in Eastvale. This fear then compels bicyclists toward driving their car everywhere they go, instead of riding their bikes. In dealing with this issue, Alvarez has proposed a bicycle master plan to benefit the Eastvale community.

Since most of the city’s streets are two feet wider than the average street, the plan is to increase the width of the cycling lanes, which will give a more pronounced emphasis on the distance between the bike lane and the driving lane in order to assuage the cyclists’ fears of being in an accident. The lanes will be centered in areas near schools or near streets with a posted speed limit of 25 MPH.

In the past two years, the proposal to implement the bicycle master plan has been successful. In 2014, Southern California Association of Governments gave the project an $80,000 grant, and Alvarez has received positive feedback from two community workshop meetings.  On February 24, Alvarez and KTUA consultant John Holloway, who created the blueprint for the plan, attended a city council meeting where they introduced their idea before the council. They presented the plan’s advantages in hopes of being in good standing to receive more federal grant money to fund the project. The presentation clearly illustrated the bike master plan’s benefits, and Eastvale citizens Sydney Quage and Julia Rust, both of whom are avid bikers, expressed their concerns with biking in traffic. Having listened to the presentation, the council decided to approve the construction of the project.

The future looks promising for the bike master plan project, and so does Eastvale’s potential in fitness and alternative transportation.

Theatre Students Bring Musical And Literary Classic To DBHS Stage

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR-Diamond Bar High School’s Theatre Department will present a production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same title. Les Misérables is a story of justice and redemption in a time of social and political revolution. DBHS’ production will feature students from the Diamond Bar and Walnut area who auditioned for the children’s roles in the piece.

“We wanted to extend the great learning experience that comprises the production of our Spring Musical to younger children in our district. They are learning not just acting, music and vocal technique, but they are also having a great time learning about French history and the events that the story is based on,” said director Beatrice Casagran. “I am amazed at the depth of insights and questions that are being raised by some of our youngest cast members during our character preparation discussions.  It just highlights that theatre is a great way to for young people to access literature,” she added.

DBHS theatre productions are student-run shows, with students involved in every aspect from publicity to production management.  In fact, the ambitious, Gothic inspired set is being built by DBHS Stagecraft students.

Set in 19th-century France, Les Misérables follows the life of Jean Valjean, a man released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment. The kind act of a stranger gives Valjean resolve to turn his life around.  Hoping to find a new beginning, he breaks his parole, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police Inspector Javert. Set during the years around the Paris student uprising of 1832, Les Misérables paints a striking portrait of the dark world within the City of Light, and is a sweeping history of a turbulent age through an unforgettable cast of characters.

Shows are April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, & 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the school theatre located at 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. Proceeds go directly to help fund the DBHS Theatre Arts Program. Tickets are available online at www.seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama.