Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

Eastvale Bans Medical Marijuana Cultivation and Dispensaries

By Valerie Gutierrez

Eastvale – Marijuana cultivation, dispensaries and delivery will be prohibited in the City of Eastvale under a new ordinance.

After hearing from patients and marijuana advocates, the Eastvale City Council voted 5-0 on Jan. 20 to approve the first ordinance banning cultivation, dispensaries, distribution and delivery of the drug within the city.

The banning of marijuana comes after Gov. Jerry Brown signed the state’s Medical Marijuana Regulation Safety Act into law last year.  The act was adopted to regulate the medical marijuana industry, which offered cities the power to ban drug-related activities.

“Until the federal law is more explicit on how they will deal with the state, it’s better for us to be on the right side of the federal law,” said Planning Commissioner Daryl Charlson.

Discussions emerged immediately upon banning delivery to medical marijuana patients, who will soon have to travel outside of the city to receive their marijuana prescription.

“One issue I do have with the ordinance of not allowing deliveries within the city is the prevention of marijuana delivery to a patient that might need this, it’s more of a hinderance to that person and the relief that they need” said Mark Burke, a Eastvale resident.

Like many other cities, Eastvale was rushing to take action on the issue of medical marijuana cultivation before March 1, which marks the deadline to accept an ordinance concerning the matter; otherwise the cities would have to operate under the state guidelines.

Despite the dispute, the commission was in agreement that they will not accept dispensaries or cultivation of marijuana in the city, said Commissioner Charlson.

Free Cash for College Workshop

Courtesy of Senator Connie M. Leyva

Senator Connie M. Leyva is inviting California’s high school seniors, parents, and guardians to a free Cash for College Workshop.  High school seniors are encouraged to attend the workshop and apply for a Cal Grant, a Middle Class Scholarship and/or other student financial aid between January 1 and the March 2 deadline.

California high school seniors who meet income qualifications and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 are guaranteed financial assistance through the Cal Grant program. These grants do not need to be repaid and may be used for tuition, fees, books, and access costs at qualifying public or private California two-year and four-year colleges and universities. If you are not sure whether you meet financial-need requirements, apply anyway. The California Student Aid Commission periodically raises the income ceilings depending on the budget, and changes can occur that alter a family’s situation. For information on program qualifications, visit csac.ca.gov.

A new middle class scholarship program provides undergraduate students with family income and assets up to $150,000 a scholarship to attend University of California or California State University campuses. Application is made by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act (CADA) Application

The California Student Aid Commission provides guidelines to determine whether you are eligible for financial aid; it is not the final determination of your financial need. Here’s a checklist of helpful information needed to complete the application. Bring all of the following items that apply to you:

  • Student’s Social Security card & driver license (or government-issued ID);
  • Parent or guardian’s Social Security card;
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your Alien Registration card; if you do not have an AR card, check out caldreamact.org to see if you qualify for California Dream Act financial aid;
  • Parent’s Federal Income Tax return, current W-2 forms or other records of income;
  • Records of untaxed income such as TANF, veteran’s benefits, or Social Security benefits;
  • Student’s W-2 forms, pay records or other records of income earned;
  • Bank account records or bank statements;
  • Records of stocks, bonds or investments;
  • Business and farm records.

If you know the colleges you are interested in attending, bring a list. These workshops are intended to provide information and to assist in filling out applications; attendance is not an assurance of a grant or scholarship.

Workshops will be held on the following dates:

Tues, Feb. 9, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Colony High School, 3850 E. Riverside Dr. Ontario;

Wed., Feb. 10, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Colony High School, 3850 E. Riverside Dr. Ontario;

Tues., Feb. 16, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Jurupa Hills High School, 10700 Oleander Ave, Fontana;

Wed., Feb. 24, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Montclair High School, 4725 Benito Street, Montclair.

For more information, please call 909-591-7016.

Holding Hands

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, I was on my way to visit someone at Pomona Valley Hospital when I saw something that caught my attention.

Instead of taking the freeway, I took surface streets.  I like to stay off the busy freeways whenever I can and enjoy the side streets and local neighborhoods.  As I was driving along Orange Grove Avenue in Pomona, I saw an older couple walking on the sidewalk.  It was a nice day, the sun was shining and this couple seemed to be enjoying their stroll.

The thing that caught my attention was that they were holding hands.  Yes, they were holding hands.  This couple looked like they were in their 70’s.  I’m sure they were grandparents or maybe even great-grandparents.  But as they slowly walked along the sidewalk, they were holding hands.

I suppose we expect to see some teens or young couples holding hands.  Sometimes we see couples out on a date holding hands, but I don’t think we often see older couples taking a walk and holding hands.  I wonder, why do we stop holding hands with our spouse?  I suppose that it is when we start having children. Young parents have their hands full with baby carriers and diaper bags.  It may be when we try to protect our toddlers and tell them “hold my hand” as you cross the street or navigate through a busy parking lot.

Since we are busy holding the hands of our children, we may not have the opportunity to hold the hand of our husband or wife.  In addition, there are those times when our hands are filled with groceries, shopping bags and other things so we are not able to hold someone’s hand.

I think God gave us human hands so that we can touch, caress and embrace those we love.  Touch is a powerful sense that can communicate so much.  Whether it is a soft touch or a firm grip, our hands communicate love and emotion.

Let me encourage you this Valentine’s season to hold someone’s hand.  Make an effort to hold their hand as you walk to the car or stroll through a park.  Use your hands to communicate your love and feelings for the special people in your life.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

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

Treat Your Valentine To The Whole Enchilada

Eastvale News Business Feature The Whole EnchiladaStaff Reports

Diamond Bar – Valentine’s Day is upon us, and what better way to show your love for your sweetheart than a delicious dinner at The Whole Enchilada!

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.  They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada. The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning a Valentine’s Day party?  The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event with handmade tamales – which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s a Valentine’s fiesta, business meetings or parties, promotions, fundraisers, birthdays, or just an evening out, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a sweet Valentine’s treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.  Valentine’s Day never tasted so delicious!

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift for your Valentine, or anyone you are gift-shopping for; it’s always the perfect color and size.  And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and their Kids Club.  With a wide variety of reasons to visit, it’s obvious that The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

Don’t deny your taste buds this Valentine’s Day, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com.  See their ad on the back page of this publication.

 

Did You Know?

Holiday Decoration Ticketing Begins

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

 

EASTVALE– According to Eastvale’s Municipal Code, temporary exterior display and holiday displays may not stay up more than 45 consecutive days.

Eastvale will begin ticketing houses with visible holiday decorations this Monday, February 8, 2016.

If you have any questions, call City Hall at (951) 361-2888.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 2.13.16

2016-Feb13-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-Feb13-Weekly-WEB

Walnut Council Meeting Recap

By Natalie Kim
The January 27 Walnut City Council meeting began with an announcement from a Walnut United Taxpayers representative, who announced that Mt. Sac’s attempt to dismiss the injunction on the parking lot structure was dismissed by the court, and that Walnut United Taxpayers was able to add Mt. Sac’s proposed solar farm to their case. The case against Mt. Sac was reported to be very strong, although currently Mt. Sac’s current master plan still includes the contended parking lot structure.
Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including minutes from the January 13 City Council meeting; an ordinance imposing an express ban on marijuana cultivation, processing, delivery, and dispensaries; a resolution allowing claims and demands of $581,050; a resolution authorizing city application for all eligible CalRecycle payment programs; a first amendment to the purchase and sale agreement by and between the City and CalAtlantic Group Inc; appropriation of CalRecycle Beverage Recycling grant funds; awarding a bid to the Creekside Park Playground Renovation Project; a waiver of parking restrictions on La Puente Rd for a special high school event; a request from Mt. Sac Relays Executive Committee to conduct a 5k/10k Fun Race/Walk on April 9; a request for a film permit; a resolution approving the recognized obligation payment schedule for July 2016 to June 2017; the administrative budget for July 2016 to June 2017; appeal of Planning Commission Conditions and a tentative tract map for a two-lot subdivision of undeveloped land within the Single Family Residential and Rural Overlay Zoning Districts.
The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Feb 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road, in the Council Chambers.

CVUSD Seniors Perform Community Service

Photos courtesy of CVUSD Caitlyn Broad surrounded by Navy sailors and the goodie bags she made them

Photos courtesy of CVUSD
Caitlyn Broad surrounded by Navy sailors and the goodie bags she made them

Courtesy of CVUSD

As part of a literary unit on heroism, 12th grade students from across the Chino Valley Unified School District devoted several volunteer hours in community service over the winter break. Projects varied from volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters to cleaning up trails and parking lots across the city. Students were asked to “pitch” a proposal to a panel of their peers and suggest projects that would be classified as heroic. As part of a culminating experience which emphasizes effective oral communication, students prepared and delivered five-minute speeches sharing their experiences and addressing major societal issues.

Caitlin Broad, an Ayala High senior, traveled to the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach with 40 goodie bags she prepared as thank you gifts for active duty sailors. Caitlin’s experience was especially meaningful to her as she was escorted by her father and grandfather, who are both Navy veterans.

Another Ayala senior, Diane Eckstrom, relieved her relatives in the daily care of her 94-year-old grandmother and delivered a speech on the need for loving elder care.

Priceless Pets, a pet adoption and care facility in Chino Hills, was a favorite organization of the volunteers, who exercised and cared for the animals. Ayala senior Terrance Seki walked dogs for Priceless Pets as part of his volunteer experience.

Ayala High senior Jake Sears, who cleaned up litter at Chino Hills State Park, told his classmates, “It shouldn’t be that difficult to clean up after yourself.”

Ayala students Jacob Axton and Calista Ho worked at a local food bank.

Most of the students involved in the program said they did not believe their efforts should be labeled heroic but rather just the actions of responsible citizens.

The curriculum unit writers included this project as part of the District’s implementation of Common Core State Standards to create real world experiences to develop 21st century skills. Teachers were impressed with their students’ passion towards the less fortunate and their appeals to their classmates to do the little things to show care for their community.

Part of Your World

By Michael Armijo

 

I remember the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid.” Ariel, the star of the show, swam in the ocean and gazed upward towards the surface. She could only see the sky filtered through the hazy water, and could never feel the warmth of the sun. She could not survive in our time, she couldn’t breathe our air. She was, simply, part of another world.

Ariel would yearn to be part of a place she felt she didn’t belong. A world she felt would never accept her. An area she believed would never understand where she came from or who she really was. So that kept her longing for the surface. For the humans.

I understand how Ariel felt, coming from a place that I understood was not the norm. Coming from an environment that reflected behavior without rhyme or reason. A place that made me feel that I was never truly accepted nor understood. I felt just like that little mermaid, an outcast. A mutant. Unequal. Inadequate. Different.

I found myself, when listening to that song, drowning within my own life looking outward to another place. To a world I felt I could not survive. An air I couldn’t breathe. A place I felt would never understand who I was, where I came from. All I wanted was to be like the “humans.”

I wanted to be like the people on “the surface.” I wanted what I felt was a normal life. Parents who loved and respected me. A family who cared about me and taught me about love, harmony, and respect. I wanted lifelong friends. That day I couldn’t help but feel inadequate.

And because I didn’t have the proper environment like so many others did, I understand that this is my fate. To walk amongst the “humans” and listen to their stories. To watch their moms, dads, and siblings live in harmony and respect. To hear the functional part of structure and logic, and the fearlessness of life. To see them RESPOND to life’s mishaps instead of dysfunctionally REACTING to them. To listen to their outlook on their future without pain and uncertainty. To feel a genuine love and respect for one another.

While there are times I feel like an underdog, I sometimes pretend as though I DO belong. I pretend that I feel equal and belong on this Earth. I roam amongst the humans but I actually feel like I’m deep inside the ocean waters and all I can see is a murky version of the sun. I cannot feel its warmth. I cannot enjoy its rays of light. I walk with a heavy heart. I walk with an empty soul. And it’s at that time my spirit silently whispers to my soul, that I someday hope to be…part of your world.

 

Free Tax Preparation for Community Members

Courtesy of City of Norco

 

NORCO–  AARP volunteers are ready to assist you with tax preparation beginning February 2, 2016 through April 12, 2016 (on Tuesdays only), at the Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center.  Appointments are available from 9:00a.m. to 1:30p.m, Each appointment is about 45 minutes in length.  AARP has provided a checklist of documents to help prepare for your appointment.

AARP volunteers are trained in basic tax preparation and are only available to do basic returns. This service is open to anyone over 18 years of age.

To make an appointment and receive a copy of the check list, please come by the Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center at 2690 Clark Ave. in Norco, or call 951-270-5647.

 

“To De or Not to De”….Tox that is!

Courtesy of Clark’s Nutrition

Much of the information and misinformation surrounding the concept of detox diets and supplements could only be murkier and more perplexing if it was written by William Shakespeare in unrhymed iambic pentameter. This may be due, in part, to the knowledge gaps that exist in the literature regarding how detoxification processes work in concert to keep us from acute toxicity. The science certainly doesn’t exist in large enough quantities to justify the hype. It may also be due to the lack of one dedicated detoxification “system”, like the muscular or cardiovascular system, further allowing speculation and “marketing,” with efforts to appease an impatient population with imprecise and “sciency” sounding jargon. Or it may be that the aversion one feels towards a word (CrossFit, Vegan, Paleo, Yoga, Microbrew, or Manscaping) creates an antipathy that blinds one from exploring beyond first sight or sound. In any case, the desire to detox, to effectively assist the body’s efforts to gain or remain healthy is not a futile or fruitless endeavor. It is however an effort that must be governed with safety, prudence, and a boost in health literacy. To this end, the following questions must be asked:

  1. Can we assist or speed up detoxification through supplementation and elimination diets? Here it is imperative to note that the toxins being targeted are from outside (exogenous) sources, including chemicals found in foods (fertilizers, pesticides), cleaning products (dyes, softeners, and preservatives), and household wares (chemicals used to treat carpets, leather, and composite materials).
  2. Can we approach a “detoxified” state and is this state desirable above normal (read: healthy) levels? The goal of a well-thought-out detox may be more about what we remove (toxic burden) than what we include.
  3. Is “detox” a much-maligned buzzword employed to avoid the use of trite words such as ‘resolution’, ‘goal’, ‘diet’ or ‘dedication’? Would we be better off using these words and making small and lasting changes to our diet (spoiler alert: Yes! This is the best way to achieve lasting health.)

Now that our health literacy has been boosted, what supplements are worth our time? Aloe-Vera, Senna, Red Clover, Milk Thistle (unless allergic to ragweed), and insoluble fibers in powder form can be used judiciously. While these are the least harsh and safest “detoxifiers” on the scene, always seek the advice of your doctor and inform them of any and all supplementation.

Detoxification efforts receive the majority of their benefits from the following:

  1. Increasing fluid intake (to cleanse kidneys, bladder, skin, and fat cells);
  2. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake i.e., increasing levels of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber (digestion and colon health);
  3. Secondary emphasis on grass-fed and organic meats and reducing consumption of processed carbohydrates;
  4. Tertiary emphasis on reducing food sensitivities, allergies, and trigger foods that feed the stomach but starve the brain.

Detoxification diets are fads in the classical sense; i.e., the science has not caught up with the marketing machine which includes word-of-mouth and inspiring testimonials. Yet it is vital to remember that many commonplace approaches to life started out as a fad; e.g., high fat diets have now been shown to improve the symptoms of epilepsy in children and insulin sensitivity in Type II diabetics, and high-complex carbohydrate diets are standard for some liver disorders. The goal is to engage in a behavior that is healthy, safe, sustainable, and above all eliminates deficiencies in lieu of creating them.

City Commission Vacancies

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– Do you want to help your city be better?  Office terms are set to expire next month for members of the City’s three commissions; the Parks and Recreation Commission, Traffic and Transportation Commission, and the Planning Commission, and seats are up for grabs. These commissions serve as advisory boards to the City Council in their designated areas.

Each commission is made up of five members who serve two-year terms that expire on February 28 of even-numbered years. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive a stipend of $45 per meeting, while the members of the Planning Commission receive a stipend of $65 per meeting.

The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the month; it is responsible for helping direct the short- and long-range growth and development of the city through the implementation of the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code.

The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month; it is responsible for helping coordinate all the recreation and leisure activities of the city and providing for the establishment and maintenance of sound recreation and parks programs.

The Traffic and Transportation Commission meets on the second Thursday of the month; it helps with the review and development of systems, facilities, plans, policies and programs concerning rail, bus and other forms of private and public transportation with the city and affecting the city.

Diamond Bar residents who are at least 18 years of age, registered to vote, and interested in serving on one of the City Commissions should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office by calling 909.839.7010 or visiting City Hall during the operating hours of Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016. Diamond Bar City Hall is located at 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.

Mail Theft on the Rise

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

Many local police departments have recently experienced an unusual number of calls for service regarding the theft of U.S. mail.  Police always attempt to identify suspects involved in such thefts and to recover the property stolen from its citizens.  Postal inspectors across the country also work hard to protect your mail, but with more than 100 million addresses for delivery, you can imagine the job can’t be done alone.

Criminal investigations of such thefts involve a multitude of resources to solve the crimes, but law enforcement also relies heavily on your participation to recover stolen mail and place closure on a case.  Knowing that, officers would like to suggest several steps you can take in deterring these thefts.

Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves and, thereby; reduce the number of thefts:

  • Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail or personally hand it to a letter carrier.
  • Don’t leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.  Pick it up promptly after delivery.    If you’re expecting checks, credit cards or other negotiable items, ask a friend or neighbor you trust to retrieve your mail.
  • If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately, without delay.
  • If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business through the U.S. mail.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
  • Report all suspected mail thefts to the Sheriff’s Department and a Postal Inspector.
  • Consider starting a neighborhood watch program.  Exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted neighbors and friends, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (and homes).
  • Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.

If you witness a mail theft in progress, immediately contact your local police department and report the incident.  Afterwards, contact the Postal Inspectors at 877-846-2455.

 

Preserving the American Legacy of Leadership and Service

By Jerry Silva

Americans have always faced and met great challenges.  This can be attributed to our rich legacy of thoughtful, spirited and remarkable leaders and a powerful sense of civic involvement.  Though sparsely settled, the American colonies bred brilliant statesmen – George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson – to name just a few.  Our post-colonial history continued to see the emergence of great American leaders – Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, and Dr. Martin Luther King among others.

Today, our nation faces unprecedented challenges. Adding a further level of complexity is the fact that issues cannot be confined within our borders.  The world now is truly global.  And while the world has seemingly grown smaller, our challenges have become greater.

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson was dismayed by the widening gulf between youth and government and was quite concerned about what he perceived to be an indifference of young Americans toward their government.  LBJ wanted to give the nation’s youth living in the tumultuous 1960’s the same bond with government that his generation felt in the 1930’s.

Later that year, President Johnson launched a great experiment. He announced a non-partisan program that would draw young Americans of exceptionally high promise to Washington for one year of personal involvement in the process of government.  These individuals would work alongside senior White House staff, the vice president, cabinet secretaries and other top-ranking government officials. President Johnson’s mission for this program was to give first-hand, high-level experience with the workings of the federal government and to increase the sense of participation in national affairs. In return for the year, President Johnson expected these young Americans to “repay that privilege” when they left by “continuing to work as private citizens on their public agendas.” He hoped that these remarkable individuals would contribute to the nation as future leaders.

This program lives today.  Known as the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, the program boasts nearly 700 outstanding alumni who have gone on to become leaders in all fields of endeavor.  These Americans have fulfilled the Fellowship’s mission to encourage active citizenship and service to the nation.  The White House Fellows Program has fostered leaders such as Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, United Nations Foundation President and Former Senator Timothy Wirth, American Red Cross President Marsha J. Evans, and General Wesley Clark.

President Johnson recognized a time in our history when the need was greater than ever to foster leadership and service among our youth.  This period is before us again.

Get involved in your community, don’t be a bystander during these presidential elections, and learn more about your United States of America and values of this program. For more information about this program, you can visit their website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/fellows

Jerry Silva grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and worked much of the Inland Empire as Regional Public Affairs Manager for SCE. Jerry serves as a board member for the Hispanic 100, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, and Gubernatorial appointment to the state board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyor commission. Has been involved with community and public affairs for the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire for over 20 years. He has been involved with the White House Fellows program since 2002, serving in the capacity as Los Angeles Regional Judge for the White House Fellows and has served as Regional Judge Chair from 2003-2008. Jerry recently attended the 50th year reception of the White House Fellows program on October 22nd at the White House. Jerry can be reached at jerrysilva@earthlink.net or (626) 536-3435.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition February 2016

2016-02-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: 2016-02-EastvaleNews-WEB

Zika Virus Sparks Travel Alert

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Carol Heyen

The World Health Organization’s Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan, has declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” regarding the Zika virus. The level of threat, the lack of vaccinations, reliable diagnoses, treatments and population immunity, and the ability for worldwide transmission of the virus prompted the declaration.

The disease, which spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes, usually produces a mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis.  Symptoms last 2-7 days, and begin 3-7 days after the person has been bitten by the infected mosquito. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

The principal danger of the Zika virus is to the unborn.  According to the PAHO, during large outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 respectively, national health authorities reported potential neurological and auto-immune complications of the Zika virus disease. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Zika virus infections in the general public, as well as an increase in stillborn babies, and an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Microcephaly is a condition where the head and brain of the affected child are abnormally small, sometimes causing severe birth defects and death.  Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level-2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) travel alert for people traveling to certain regions and countries affected by the Zika virus, including Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Martin, Suriname, Samoa, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

The Zika virus, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, is affecting Africa and nearly all of the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends special travel precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant: Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should talk to their healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Pregnant women who traveled to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission during pregnancy should be evaluated for Zika virus infection if they had any symptoms suggestive of Zika or if their baby has evidence of microcephaly or brain calcifications.

According to the CDPH, the mosquito Aedes aegypti has been detected in twelve counties in California, and Aedes albopictus has been identified in five counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Thus far in California, Zika infections have been documented only in persons who were infected while traveling outside the United States. While the risk for transmission of Zika, chikungunya, or dengue viruses is still low in California, infected travelers coming back to California can transmit these viruses to Aedes mosquitoes that bite them. This may lead to additional people becoming infected if they are then bitten by those mosquitoes. To date no local transmission of Zika infections have occurred in California.

The CDC recommends taking appropriate precautions if you must travel to affected countries.  Pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should review the recommendations listed earlier. If you have returned from an affected region and have fever with rash and/or joint pain within the week following your return, contact your doctor and let him know that you have been in an affected area.

There are no vaccines to prevent Zika infection. Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to avoid becoming infected.  The CDC gives these recommendations to keep yourself safe:

  • Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol for long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
  • Using insect repellent is safe and effective. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label.
  • When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
  • Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets.

Inland Empire: Hemet Man Sentenced

Staff Reports

 

HEMET– A man who repeatedly threatened to kill a United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer was sentenced today to 18 months in prison. Richard Latka, 57, of Hemet, was found guilty by a federal jury in October of threatening to assault and murder an officer who was investigating Latka of dumping trash in the San Bernardino National Forest.

According to the evidence presented at the trial, the Forest Service Officer went to a residence on Persimmons Lane in Hemet in October 2014 to investigate a large amount of trash that had recently been dumped in the nearby national forest. The officer encountered Latka in the front yard of the residence, and Latka reacted angrily when the officer said he wished to speak to the owner of the home. Latka then ran toward the officer with clenched fists. Believing that Latka intended to hit him, the officer drew his Taser and ordered Latka to stop. Latka stopped running but continued screaming at the officer. The officer tried to diffuse the situation by retreating to his car, but Latka followed the officer, continued to scream at him, and then pounded with both fists on the driver’s side window of the officer’s marked law enforcement vehicle. The officer drove away, but Latka pursued the officer in his own car, screaming that he was going to kill the officer. At one, Latka pulled up beside the officer and yelled, “Next time you’re dead!” Witnesses reported that Latka later returned to the home and screamed to them that he was going to kill the officer.

“This federal law enforcement officer faced serious threats of assault and murder.  The officer did everything he could to de-escalate the situation,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Instead of de-escalating, Mr. Latka made repeated threats to harm the officer, who was acting both lawfully and prudently. As a result of his dangerous conduct, his unwillingness to comply with law enforcement, and his failure to accept responsibility for his crime, Mr. Latka has earned this prison term.”

The case against Latka was the product of an investigation by the United States Forest Service.

Congressional App Challenge Awards

By Carol Heyen

 

YORBA LINDA– U.S. Representative Ed Royce invites the community to attend the Congressional App Challenge 2016 Exhibit & Awards Ceremony, to be held 7:00 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Nixon Library & Museum in Yorba Linda.

The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and encourage students to engage in these fields. By encouraging and recognizing our nation’s young programming talent, Congress hopes to shine a light on the growing importance of these skills.

High school age students are eligible to compete.  Students are required to create an original web app, a mobile app, or a tool, for whatever topic they are passionate about.  Students can enter an app on their own or as a team of up to four. A panel of local computer science professionals and congressional representatives judges the apps, and the winners in each district have the honor of being recognized by their Congressional representative.

Students will have the opportunity to meet experts in computer application development and engineering at the awards ceremony.  There will also be exhibits of computer applications developed by high school students.   Competition winners will have their work displayed in the United States Capitol.

Representative Royce is the U.S. representative for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut and some surrounding cities, and he is a strong supporter of the App Challenge.  For more information, and to find out about next year’s contest, visit www.challenge.gov or www.congressionalappchallenge.us.

Eastvale City Council Recap

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – While the rest of the world celebrated the arrival of 2016, Eastvale city council members welcomed the new year by addressing exciting legal matters; such as the city amendment regarding marijuana dispensaries, and the selection of the PFM Asset Management LLC as the city’s investment advisor.

The January 13th meeting began with a closed session where the council members dealt with an existing proceeding entitled City of Eastvale v. County of Riverside. After discussing behind closed doors, the council announced that they would not take action on the unnamed case.

The first announcement of the evening was the introduction of the city’s New Fire Paramedic Squad Truck. Justin Schneider, who spoke on behalf of his squad, accompanied the council outside to show them the truck that was purchased. The truck comes with features including open space for the firemen to change into their attire and tools such as the Jaws of Life.

Also introduced this evening were the new Code Enforcement Officer, Avis Hatcher, and Senior Management Analyst, Tamara Irwin. Both women were selected because of their impressive employment history, education, and willingness to work with the city; they are expected to begin work soon.

All items on the consent calendar were motioned. The first request regarding business items for the council was to approve the selection of PFM Assessment LLC Management as the city’s investment advisor. At the moment, Eastvale currently invests funds with the State of California Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) and in Certificates of Deposits (CD’s). However, the city is seeking to improve the annual rate of return fees; thus, the city’s Finance Committee has sought business with PFM Assessment. The fiscal impact of the decision would include 10 basis points for the initial $25 million in assets managed, as well as 8 basis points for the next $25 million. Under this investment advisor, the city is expected to earn 1.12% yearly return fees. The city motioned the approval of this recommendation. Moving on from this item, the council then listened to an update status on the Flood Control Project. During a rainstorm in early January, the Public Works Staff noticed that the intersection between Citrus and Country Fair Drive, and the northeast corner of Hamner Avenue and Limonite Avenue both amassed heavy flooding. Due to the lack of drainage on these streets, the flooding was high enough to spill to other streets and reach over the sidewalks. The city is looking to install water drainages to not only get rid of the excess water, but to conserve it for later use as well. The city hopes to talk to JCSD and develop the water conservation plan soon.

Before concluding the first meeting, the council took a moment to share their committee reports. Council Member Adam Rush reflected on his trip to Washington, where he discussed the construction project on the 15 Freeway. There was also a Southern California Association of Governments meeting held on January 7th, where attendees discussed the possible growth of job employment in local counties. Mayor Ike Bootsma discussed the Fallen Soldiers event he attended, where in which the city council members were complimented for their contribution to respecting the legacy of the soldiers lost in the line of duty.

Two weeks later, on January 27, the second council meeting for January began with Sharon Link’s Community Foundation Update. Link first addressed the issue regarding damaged banners; a failure that is attributed to the company the Foundation hired to handle the banners. While the Foundation is hopeful that the replacement banners will arrive soon, they are also seeking to work with a different company. On a lighter note, the Sponsor Campaign is set to begin soon, a celebration for which fliers will soon be handed out. Also, Link overviewed some events for the upcoming year, including the State of the City event on April 5th.

Following the Community Foundation Update, the council took the opportunity to award Richelle Barrios, Alexia Hernandez, and Yvette Hernandez for volunteering their time to the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

Julia Sung, the Eleanor Roosevelt High School ASB member responsible for the Student Liaison Report, announced that RHIS had held their first Science Fair Exposition, where in which students showcased their science projects. Weeks ago, thirteen Eastvale Elementary students were recognized for academic achievements by the district, a testament to the good education that Eastvale schools deliver. In her final report, Sung announced that ERHS was visited by a business named LCAT, who hope to assist the school in the development of “real life” and “college readiness” programs.

All items were motioned on the consent calendar.

It should be noted that Adam Rush had not arrived when the meeting began, and because the heart of the meeting would be discussing the medical marijuana dispensaries and ordinances (which were initially going to be discussed after the consent calendar items were motioned), the council took a moment to reorganize the agenda items in hopes that Rush would arrive. Thus, the council sat in and listened to item 9.1 under the City Council Business Items: the comprehensive annual financial report for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The only recommendation for this item was that the council receive and file this information.

The council took a ten minute break hoping that Rush would arrive. He did not, and so the meeting proceeded without him.

In November of 1996, the passage of Proposition 215 legalized marijuana use for patrons who need the drug for health concerns.  Throughout the years, other bills have been introduced to protect these legitimate patrons from legal punishment. Whether or not marijuana use (be it for medical purposes or leisure enjoyment) is questionable on a legal scale, Governor Brown has signed three bills into law, jointly called the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act, or MMRSA, which allows California cities and businesses to prohibit the use of medical marijuana as long as the businesses have licenses to prohibit such actions. Brown’s law was taken into effect this year, and cities must conceive an ordinance by March 1st that claims whether or not they would allow the cultivation and use of medical marijuana.

Eastvale has already prohibited the use of marijuana dispensaries, but in the face of the MMRSA bills, the council was asked to motion two ordinances entitled Ordinance 16-03 and Ordinance 16-04, of which the council ultimately chose to motion. The first ordinance was motioned as an urgency ordinance, meaning that 16-03 would be taken into effect immediately; on the contrary, 16-04 was motioned as a non-urgency ordinance. The council chose to motion these two ordinances and prohibit access to medical marijuana under the pretenses that they want to “avoid the risks of criminal activity, degradation of the natural environment, malodorous smells and indoor electrical fire hazards that may result from such activities.”

After this discussion, the council listened to the Staff Reports. It was stated that Eastvale’s police department has organized a Homeless Outreach Team, which seeks help for homeless individuals in the city. As of now, they have reported that while the city has handled problems with panhandlers and other individuals, they debunked the rumor that homeless people were living near river bottoms or other out-of-zone areas.

Before concluding, the council members gave their communications report. Tessari gave an overview regarding the creation of the new STEM academy, stating that the groundbreaking event is set to happen in 2017, with Phase 1 of the construction being completed in 2018. The school will to be built near the Roosevelt campus. Mayor Bootsma shared the fact that the Riverside Transit System has increased the amount of riders over the past year, while other transit systems, such as those in the Los Angeles area, have decreased. Mayor Bootsma also mentioned that the city council members came together to discuss the traffic issue caused by entering and exiting Silver Lakes Park, and are  hoping that the issue can be resolved through further communication and appropriate planning.

Straight Talk with Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

I want to date my friend’s ex! 

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I am very attracted in my friend’s ex-girlfriend.  They broke up over a month ago, and I can tell she’s looking at me in a new way, too.  We all go to the same gym.  I don’t want to hurt my friend, but I want to ask her out.   How should I approach this?

-J.S.

 

Dear J. S.:

This is a tricky situation.  I’ve seen it go well, and I’ve seen it go horribly wrong.  I have a few questions for you to consider.  Are both parties completely over each other?  Are they mature?  Will anyone suffer humiliation? Do you have mutual friends, therefore making the situation awkward?  Do you want to take the risk of losing your friend over a new person to date?  Has enough time really gone by?  Please look ahead a few months into the future and decide if you can live with the possible consequences that may occur if you date your friend’s ex-girlfriend.  My personal opinion is to wait six months.  If you still feel the attraction, then approach your friend and see what his views are, and make your decision at that time.  Don’t rush on this if you value these relationships.  Thanks for writing.

-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.