Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Deputy Program

Staff Reports

Walnut/Diamond Bar -Back in the 1800’s, the Sheriff would look to the community to form a posse and deputize citizens to assist him in the apprehension of horse thieves, murderers, or other criminals.  Thankfully, we have thousands of full-time deputies to perform those duties today, but in 2018, just like the 1800’s, the Sheriff is looking to the community to find citizens to volunteer and help by becoming reserve deputy sheriffs.

Reserve deputies undergo the same training and background checks that full-time deputies receive.  It’s a year-long process, but after graduation reserve deputies can perform a wide array of duties and service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Program is one of the largest in the country, with over 600 all-volunteer sworn reserve deputy sheriffs.  Last year they worked 182,000 hours keeping the citizens of Los Angeles County safe.  Those 182,000 hours represent millions of dollars in savings to taxpayers.

Patrolling our communities is only one of many functions performed by reserve deputies.  Lifesaving search and rescue missions are performed every week by reserves as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Program.  Last year reserve deputy sheriffs performed 684 missions throughout the county, saving countless lives.

Another opportunity for reserve deputy sheriffs to serve is by becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department’s Posse.  Posse members work patrolling trails and various community events on horseback.

Reserve deputies also help solve crimes by working in many of the Sheriff’s Department’s detective units, such as Homicide Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau, and Special Victims Bureau.  We also have reserves who ride street and off-road motorcycles for the Department.

Reserve deputies come from all walks of life and from a wide variety of professions.  The common thread of all is a burning desire to give back to their community and assist their fellow citizens.

If you are interested in signing up, just like citizens did over a 150 years ago, there is a reserve deputy academy scheduled to start in February 2019.  If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Forces Detail at 323-526-5100 and ask for Assistant Director Mike Leum to get started.

 

Moroccan Chicken Sausage Tagine

with Dried Apricots and Chickpeas over Couscous

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 930 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Shallot- 2
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Carrots- 4
  • Roma Tomato- 2
  • Dried Apricots- 2 oz
  • Cilantro- 1/2 oz
  • Chickpeas- 26.8 oz

Chicken Stock Concentrates- 4

  • Couscous- 1 cup

Italian Chicken Sausage Meat- 18 oz

  • Turkish Spice Blend- 2 tbsp
  • Sour Cream- 4 tbsp
  • Hot Sauce- 2 tsp
  • Lemon Juice- 4 packs

 

1  PREP    Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel, and mince shallot. Mince or grate garlic. Peel carrots, then thinly slice on an angle. Dice tomato. Roughly chop apricots. Finely chop cilantro. Drain and rinse chickpeas.

 

2  COOK COUSCOUS     Heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add

half the shallot and half the garlic. Cook, stirring, until just softened, 1-3 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup water, 1 stock concentrate, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then add couscous. Cover, remove from heat, and set aside.

 

3 COOK SAUSAGE       Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and half the Turkish spice, breaking up meat into pieces. Cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

 

4  COOK CHICKPEAS AND VEGGIES      Heat a large drizzle of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add carrots and chickpeas. Cook until veggies soften and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add a large pinch of salt and all of the remaining shallot, garlic, and Turkish spice. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together ⅓ cup water and remaining stock concentrate in a small bowl.

 

5  SIMMER TAGINE AND MAKE CREMA     Pour stock mixture into pan. Stir in sausage and tomato. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover pan. (TIP: Use a piece of aluminum foil to cover your pan if it doesn’t have a lid.) Cook until liquid is slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, in another small bowl, mix sour cream, hot sauce (to taste), and a pinch of salt. Add water 1 tsp at a time until mixture has a drizzling consistency.

6  FINISH AND SERVE.     Fluff couscous with a fork, then stir in 1 TBSP butter, a dash of lemon juice (to taste), and half the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Divide between plates. Top with sausage and chickpea mixture from pan. Drizzle with crema. Garnish with remaining cilantro and apricots.

A Bad Day Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mother

By Melody Kraemer

Have you ever had one of those days where you couldn’t wait for bedtime? How about one of those days where nothing seems to go right? Maybe today was one of those days where you think you had the entire day planned out perfectly and not one thing you planned happened?

Or It could be one of those days where you lose your cool, and now you feel guilty for feeling the way you do? How about one of those days where your patience is so thin, even though you try with every ounce of your being to have patience, it’s just not coming easily? What about a day where you just plain feel agitated?  I am feeling each and every one of these things today.

The more the day goes on, the more I wish it was bedtime.

Everything has seemed to go wrong, even though I am trying hard to stay positive. Of course I believe my children sense when I am feeling this and view this as a challenge to see how far they can push me.

It is now late in the afternoon, and I’m rushing out the door to get my autistic children to their speech and OT classes. I see the clock, and it’s on the hour we are to be there.

Great, just another late arrival, I open the front door and my youngest bolts out and down the street while the other one is chasing him.  I raise my voice, sure that the next neighborhood over could hear me saying, “Get in the car!”

Feeling horrible inside and feeling like the worst mother ever I drive them to their classes. As they walk inside, I take this moment to feel relief and take a deep breath, I can’t help this overwhelming feeling of mommy guilt. I have raised my voice and have had no patience with my boys. I sit down in the waiting room and take out my computer to catch up on work since I now have to sit here for 2 hours.

I open up my laptop, and the first thing  I see is a post on Facebook, “Just because you are having a bad day, doesn’t make you a bad mom.”  Wow, I needed to hear that. That’s so right, we as moms are allowed bad days just as kids are allowed bad days, but it doesn’t make us a bad person. What it does do is remind us that we are only human. Next time I’m having a bad day I must remind myself, it’s a bad day and this bad day does not make me a bad mom. My children love me unconditionally even through my bad days just as I love them through theirs.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley- Eastvale

and Macaroni Kid Riverside. For any information or general encouragement feel free to email me at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

 

 

Make Your Backyard Extreme

Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave. They can be reached at 909.930.6111 or online at http://www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

By Michael Armijo

Companies come and go, so longevity is key when you’re modifying your home, both inside and out. Extreme Backyard Designs is a testimony of longevity as their family run business has been designing outdoor entertainment centers with name brand components for over 20 years.

“A key component to staying in business so long is to treat people the way we would want ourselves to be treated,” said James Deeley, founder of the family business. With so many years in business, you not only get quality products, you also gets years of experience of getting things done correctly and creatively.

Extreme Backyard Designs can provide custom Barbeque islands, outdoor fireplaces, fire pit tables, spas, patio furniture, and many other items all wholesale to the public.

“We are college and trade school educated and enjoy the interaction and satisfaction of transforming backyards into a family’s personal oasis,” Deeley said. “Since we buy at such a large volume, we always have monthly specials on our website.”

The Extreme Backyard Designs staff are the most knowledgeable and friendly people in the area, as they are centrally located on the corner of the 60 Freeway and Vineyard, right across from the newest Kaiser building.

“We believe what makes a business thrive is to provide the best quality components, a superior level of customer service, while providing an affordable price,” Deeley said.

Serving all of Southern California, Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave in our neighboring city of Ontario. They can be reached at 909.930.6111, or you can view their website at www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

Chino Hills PD Searching for Burglary Suspect

By CHPD

 

INCIDENT: Burglary

LOCATION: Chino Hills

SUSPECT(S): Black male adult/juvenile , wearing heavily ripped sagging denim jeans, multi-colored blue/purple hoodie with white stripe under sleeves, yellow and black boxers, black shoes, blue work gloves, and red patent leather backpack with gold zippers.

VICTIM(S): Confidential

SUMMARY: On Friday August 3rd, 2018, at approximately 10:41 am, a black male adult wearing, blue jeans, purple hoodie, blue gloves and a red backpack was captured on the victim’s video surveillance shattering the glass to the residence rear slider door with an unknown tool (possibly a glass punch). The suspect never entered the residence and is heard on the victim’s video saying “the cops are coming.” The suspect leaves the backyard by jumping over the south wall and was unable to be identified. The suspect left the incident location i n a gray Ford Mustang with a cloth top.

During the attempt burglary it was discovered the residence was occupied by the home owner, including a newborn. The suspect is believed to be related to similar burglaries in Chino Hills and surrounding areas.

Any questions, please contact the Chino Hills Station.

Refer: Deputy G. Perez at the Chino Hills Station Email: Gvperez@sbcsd.org

Station: Chino Hills Police Station

Phone No. (909) 364-2000

Case No. 221802480

How New Technology is Helping Children Cope with Cancer

By StatePoint

One of the toughest aspects of managing cancer in children is communicating with young patients, say parents and healthcare experts.

“There were many times when my daughter did not want to talk or communicate her feelings,” says Joycelynn Sanchez of now 6-year-old Jiani, who at age 3, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. “She grew tired of the pokes and the questions and would become withdrawn.”

Fortunately, many parents and doctors are finding that new technology can help young patients like Jiani better communicate their feelings and manage their condition. For example, My Special Aflac Duck, a creation of Aflac, an insurance industry leader, and Sproutel, a research and development workshop, is an award-winning smart companion that nuzzles, quacks and dances with the lifelike movement of a real duckling. While entertaining, it’s not a toy. It’s specifically designed to help comfort, teach and empower young patients as they go through their journey with cancer, reflecting the belief that children need more than medicine to cope with the stress and loneliness that often come with their disease.

“On average, childhood cancer treatment lasts more than 1,000 days,” says Aaron Horowitz, CEO and co-founder of Sproutel. “We thought there must be a way to help alleviate some of the burden.”

Using the new companion technology, children can communicate their emotions by tapping colorful emoji cards to a sensor on the duck’s chest. Tap an emoji with a happy expression and it responds with delighted quacking. Choose the sad face and it lowers its head and sighs. Children can mirror their care routines through a compatible web-based app, including medical play and feeding and bathing their duck via augmented reality. It also dances, quacks, and nuzzles to help distract and calm them. Its exterior can even be removed, washed and sanitized.

Creation of the comforting companion is an extension of Aflac’s 22-year, $122 million commitment to childhood cancer causes. Their goal is to provide this feathered friend free of charge to all newly diagnosed children, nearly 16,000 each year according to the National Cancer Institute. Distribution, targeted to begin this coming winter, will be through hospitals, and the robotic duck will not be for general consumer sale.

Jiani’s treatment, which lasted three years and included various chemotherapies, as well as countless spinal taps and antibiotics, was completed in December 2017. “There were some tough times, but through it all, she was a champion,” says Sanchez. “Knowing tough times for other children with cancer may be made a little easier with the help of technology makes me very happy.”

3 Tips to Raise a Drug-Free Child

By StatePoint

By the time teens graduate from high school, about 45 percent will have tried marijuana, according the National Institute on Drug Abuse. And while marijuana is one of the most used substances among teenagers, it is not the only one of concern today. The drug epidemic is an expansive and very real public health crisis and families are on the front line when it comes to getting prevention and recovery efforts underway. Here are three steps parents can take to help keep their kids safe.

1. Communicate. The best line of defense is an open relationship with your children that encourages a healthy dialogue about the dangers of drug use in terms they can understand. Paired with consequences that will resonate, like the taking away of freedoms and valued items, discussions should include talking openly about the effects of drugs like marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine on a user’s health and wellness. Be available and willing to listen to whatever your children have to say without interrupting or losing your composure, ensuring a healthy conversation where they feel their voices are being heard.

2. Have a Plan and Offer Privileges and Incentives. In the home, prescription drugs such as opioids and stimulants should be locked away safely, accessible only to the person to whom they’re prescribed. If those drugs are prescribed to your child, monitor use of the medication, and keep it stored in your bathroom rather than your child’s.

Parents who suspect their child may be facing peer pressure or abusing drugs should consider using a home drug test. Sold at major retailers in the pharmacy section, First Check Home Drug Tests are a quick and accessible resource for parents concerned about their children’s health. Over 99 percent accurate, these kits deliver results in five minutes, testing for the presence of up to 14 commonly abused drugs.

Your drug prevention plan may also include a system of rewards for passing home drug tests, including car privileges and other tangible incentives.

3. Strategize Saying “No.” Strategize with your children on how to say “no” when pressured to use drugs, while also reinforcing the “why.” Reasons to say “no” can be anything from not wanting to harm one’s grades, health or athletic potential, or even just the fact that you implement home drug testing. To that end, consider home drug testing as a way to take the pressure off your children, giving them an easy out in social situations where drugs are introduced, while saving face with peers. You can even give them a line to use on their friends, such as, “I can’t, my parents are crazy and they drug test me!”

More tips to help raise drug-free kids can be found at notmykid.org.

Drug use is a challenging issue to navigate, but with a few preventative actions and an open discourse, you can foster a healthy, drug-free environment for your family.

Full Fwy Closures Scheduled This Weekend September 14-15

There will be full freeway closures this weekend on Friday, September 14, 2018 and Saturday, September 15, 2018 between 9 p.m. – 6 a.m. The Limonite Avenue bridge will be closed during this time frame to thru traffic. These closures are in place for the bridge demolition as part of the Limonite Avenue Interchange Project.

Emergency responders will have access to the bridge for emergency use only. Access will remain open to all businesses and restaurants off of Limonite Avenue through alternate routes. Continue to shop Eastvale during this construction!

showimageFor more information about the project and to receive construction updates, please visit i15limonite.org. You may also call the project hotline at (877) 672 7765 or email info@i15limonite.org.

CAL FIRE Awards $170 Million to Reduce Fire Threat and Improve Forest Health

Projects part of California’s goal to reduce greenhouse gases

 

By CA Dept of Forestry and Fire Protection

 

Sacramento – While California experiences another destructive fire season, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) announced that more than $170 million has been awarded in grants to prevent catastrophic wildfires, like the Carr Fire and Mendocino Complex, and restore forest health. More than 100 agencies and organizations across California will receive funding to help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires and sequester carbon.

With funds provided by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for California Climate Investments (CCI), CAL FIRE awarded 142 fire prevention grants totaling $79.7 million and 23 forest health projects totaling $91.5 million.

The Fire Prevention grants will enable local organizations like fire safe councils, to implement activities that address the risk of wildfire and reduce wildfire potential to communities and forests. Funded activities include hazardous fuel reduction, fire planning, and fire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety, all while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“California continues to invest millions of dollars into creating healthier, more resilient forests that benefit all of us,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director and California’s state forester.  “Already this year more than 700,000 acres have burned across the state creating significant carbon releases that counter our efforts at reducing greenhouse gases. Local projects funded by this money will prevent wildfires before they start, and when combined with our fire prevention activities, will help move us toward our greenhouse gas reduction goals.”

CAL FIRE’s Forest Health grants were distributed to non-profits and local and state resource agencies to implement collaborative projects that extend across multiple land ownerships. These projects seek to improve water quality, manage forest pests, and increase the use of tools such as prescribed fire and hazardous fuels reduction to create resiliency in California’s forests. Multiple projects include a bioenergy component—turning trees killed by drought and bark beetles into energy.

Five of the Forest Health grants will enable the purchase of conservation easements under CAL FIRE’s Forest Legacy Program. These grants will protect more than 14,000 acres of forestland in Humboldt and Sonoma counties from urban and agricultural development which would increase greenhouse gas emissions. To date, CAL FIRE’s Forest Legacy Program has conserved nearly 111,996 acres of working forest lands in California.

The 165 grants announced today were made possible by proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program to combat climate change. Through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, CAL FIRE and other state agencies are investing in projects that directly reduce greenhouse gases while providing a wide range of additional benefits in California communities.

This May, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced the creation of the Forest Management Task Force to address the issue of the health of California’s forests, which have been adversely impacted by drought and climate change. The Task Force held its first meeting on June 11 and has scheduled a second meeting for August 13.  The Task Force is working to facilitate strategies to reduce risk of wildfire and increase the pace and scale of forest restoration activities leading to improved watersheds.

Saying Goodbye

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

My family and I are very sad to say “Goodbye” to an old friend.  Actually the friend is not a person but a restaurant in Diamond Bar.  The word began to circulate this week that the Whole Enchilada restaurant is closing. It has been a part of our family for 30 years.

 

On one of our first visits to Diamond Bar in1988, we were taken out to lunch by some church families to the Whole Enchilada.  We enjoyed the food and the warm atmosphere.  Little did we know then that we would become frequent guests over the next three decades.

 

As our children grew up, we would often celebrate their birthdays at the Whole Enchilada.  For many years, they offered a free meal and dessert to guests on their birthday. They would let the birthday guest wear a large Sombrero and the waiters would sing “Happy Birthday” (“It’s the Whole Enchilada and we are here to say…”). They would take a Polaroid photo, too. We could probably fill a whole wall in our house with those birthday photos from the Whole Enchilada.

 

I still remember the day when we were at the Whole Enchilada and learned that one of our daughters was pregnant.  She lived out of the area but she asked one of her sisters to take us to “the Whole” and present us with a small gift – a pair of baby shoes. Then she called to tell us that she was pregnant with our first grandchild!

 

We have enjoyed many meals with friends, neighbors, church members and out of town guests.  Whenever we asked ourselves, “Where should we eat dinner”, the answer was always the same – the Whole Enchilada!  We live so close we could actually walk there. It has been part of our family for many years.

 

We were able to go to the Whole Enchilada one last time before they closed.  It was packed!  People were standing outside waiting for an empty table.  We saw a number of old friends and neighbors.  It was like a reunion with current and former residents gathered one last time to enjoy the food and fellowship at Diamond Bar’s most famous restaurant.

 

Managers and waiters were personally expressing their thanks to loyal customers and customers were expressing their thanks to the staff, too.  At the end of our meal, several of us stood up and invited fellow guests to join in singing the famous Whole Enchilada Birthday song one more time.  It seemed like a fitting way to honor and express our thanks to our old friend.

 

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 09/8/18

The 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:2018-08-09.WeeklyNews

You Can Get A Ticket For Walking In The Street

By Michael Armijo

 

California – As kids, our parents warned us heavily to never ever walk in the middle of the street. It was viewed as a spot where no one could go. However, looking around today, it is clear to see that the sidewalk has become more of a suggestion than a requirement. More and more people every day are walking just by the curb or close to in the middle of the street. Even though it seems that this is simply just accepted by the law, it is very much illegal and you can get cited.

California Vehicle Code 21956 states, “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”

“Walking in the street is a very citable offense,” said LA County Sheriff Captain Alfred Reyes, “it’s about safety more than anything else.”

The Captain explained that cross walks are in place for a reason, and so are sidewalks.

“It’s definitely not wise for anyone to walk in the street,” Reyes added, “the best practice are utilizing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, sidewalks are safest, do not place yourself in harms way.”

Runners and walkers can sometimes use bike lanes, and bike lanes may not be always safe for runners or pedestrians, but no lane is definitely not safe. It is safest to utilize the sidewalk.

At night always wear reflective clothing, joggers and bikers, Captain Reyes recommends. “If you choose to jog in a bike lane there is always the distracted drivers element. It’s amazing how we see sooo many people look at phones, even on the freeway,” he said.

Just a few months ago, Pastor Mark Lee from Vantage Point Church in Eastvale, sister church from Diamond Bar’s E-Free Church, was running in the bike lane at 9 am when he was struck by a passing truck’s right side view mirror. He spend weeks in rehabilitation and is still reluctant to do certain activities. The driver was cited as being at fault. Fortunately he delivered an inspiring sermon on the importance of cherishing your life.

The Sheriff’s Department will cite runners and bikers in the bike lake who do not wear reflective clothing and bikers who do not have reflectors and a headlight. You are required to have lights on yur bike at night.

Many people do not get ticketed for walking in the street and it appears because of priority. In fact, if you are getting stopped, odds are the officer is concerned about your safety. Sure, walking on a roadway might not get you a serious ticket, but it might get you a serious injury, even death.

In Eastvale, California (bordering Chino), a 28 year old woman was killed last month when she was struck by a vehicle. 28 year old Janine Chavez of Eastvale was walking in the roadway, not inside a crosswalk, Eastvale Sheriff’s officials said. The Eastvale death happened about 7:45 p.m., Chavez was hit by a southbound a Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old Ontario man, sheriff’s officials said in a press release.

Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.  It has not yet been determined who’s at fault but the report stated she was not in a sidewalk and appeared to be walking in the road. Details are being gathered, and  according to the Sheriff’s Department, avoiding the street can avoid injuries and fatalities.

According to everybodywalk.org, over 4,500 people in America are killed just crossing the street. The website also claims that over 68,000 people are injured every year from crossing the street. This is even worse in crowded cities like New York, where it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed or injured by a vehicle every two hours.

The only one who can prevent such actions taking place is the pedestrian. Using sidewalks and obeying traffic signs will keep you safe and lawful. If you want to know more about other laws in the California Vehicle Code, dmv.ca.gov has the complete Vehicle Code on their website. (Chandler Holloway contributed to this story)

Chaparral DBL Students Team Up For Hands-On Learning

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR, CA—Chaparral Middle School students were given a design challenge that took some imagination during the second week of school. Seventh graders in the Design-Based Learning (DBL) core were tasked with building a wall perch for a two-inch pompom named Harry. The innovative designs needed to have good visibility (so the tiny ball of fluff could see every face in the class), be safe so he wouldn’t fall off, and feature creative architecture. After learning about the engineering process, scientific method, and DBL process, students compared and contrasted the systems using Venn diagram circles. “They realized there are a lot of similarities,” said science teacher Jennifer Najera. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) integrates the engineering design process as an important element in science. “I think the engineering process helps people think creatively about problems and is a great way to tackle just about any project!” she said. With just two class periods to complete the assignment, the small groups quickly got busy planning, building, testing, and improving their designs. Teams needed to make creations come alive using limited resources of cardstock, construction paper, tape, glue, plastic cup, rubber band, plastic spoon, and paper clip.

On Monday, groups presented the crafty projects in front of classmates who would later be voting for the design that best met the criteria. One group created a hot air balloon that gave Harry a 360-degree view of the class. Another showed off a three-tier hideaway featuring a rubber band swing, windows, and throne. “We kept him safe by adding walls and made sure he could see, but not fall off,” said Nathan Chang. Another team added a hammock to Harry’s cozy home. “We really liked the idea of having a hammock for Harry,” said Clarissa Lee Baladejo. “We thought it would be cool and didn’t think anyone else would make one out of a spoon, rubber band, and paper!” “And there’s a slide on the back so Harry can roll down from his throne into his home!” added Mikaya Griego. She shared that the final project had noticeably changed from the original plan. “It had a cage on top to hang the swing from – but that didn’t work!” “It wasn’t easy, but in the end, it came together!” Lee Baladejo added. “The winner of the Good Design Award will be on display all year so that Harry can watch over my students!” Najera said. The innovative DBL program launched at the Diamond Bar school nearly 20 years ago has been recognized with a prestigious Golden Bell Award by the California School Boards Association.“A lot of times people think all we do is build in DBL,” said Najera who emphasized that students make connections to their designs using standards across multiple curricular areas.“Attaching content to each project allows students to create deeper meaning and retain information longer,” she added. The inaugural class assignment this year, called Never Before Seen, in which students created pintsize art objects to subtly illustrate their unique personality and interests. The 35 projects ranged from colorful designs with spiral shapes to dark geometric models. “This is the core of DBL,” Najera said standing at the display. “If you were just to look at it, you wouldn’t know the meaning.”The Chaparral students said they prefer the collaborative style of learning.“It’s really cool how we have a lot of hands-on projects and it’s really good for different types of learners,” said Aslin Choi. “I’m a picture-smart person and I love working with people!” “We have a lot of group projects in DBL,” said Ryan Wallace, a second-year student in the specialized core. “Last year we used green screens, made films, and did a news broadcast,” he added. “It’s better than doing it by the book. It makes the learning fun and not boring!”

 

History 101

Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
President Ford announces his decision to pardon former President Richard Nixon

by History.com

 

September 8, 2018: Ford pardons Nixon

 

In a controversial executive action, President Gerald Ford pardons his disgraced predecessor Richard M. Nixon for any crimes he may have committed or participated in while in office. Ford later defended this action before the House Judiciary Committee, explaining that he wanted to end the national divisions created by the Watergate scandal.

The Watergate scandal erupted after it was revealed that Nixon and his aides had engaged in illegal activities during his reelection campaign–and then attempted to cover up evidence of wrongdoing. With impeachment proceedings underway against him in Congress, Nixon bowed to public pressure and became the first American president to resign. At noon on August 9, Nixon officially ended his term, departing with his family in a helicopter from the White House lawn. Minutes later, Vice President Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th president of the United States in the East Room of the White House. After taking the oath of office, President Ford spoke to the nation in a television address, declaring, “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.”

Ford, the first president who came to the office through appointment rather than election, had replaced Spiro Agnew as vice president only eight months before. In a political scandal independent of the Nixon administration’s wrongdoings in the Watergate affair, Agnew had been forced to resign in disgrace after he was charged with income tax evasion and political corruption. Exactly one month after Nixon announced his resignation, Ford issued the former president a “full, free and absolute” pardon for any crimes he committed while in office. The pardon was widely condemned at the time.

Decades later, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation presented its 2001 Profile in Courage Award to Gerald Ford for his 1974 pardon of Nixon. In pardoning Nixon, said the foundation, Ford placed his love of country ahead of his own political future and brought needed closure to the divisive Watergate affair. Ford left politics after losing the 1976 presidential election to Democrat Jimmy Carter. Ford died on December 26, 2006, at the age of 93.

 

Unison Supply: Landscaping Made Simple

By Anthony Saude

Industry – Unison Supply carries only the best irrigation and landscape supplies and materials, priding themselves in providing the best service in the industry. Going the extra mile means having a Labor Day sale that will last the entire month of September. You can save $20 on the FS 91R Stihl weed trimmer another $50 on the MS-250 Stihl Chainsaw and take home a free wheel set when you purchase the MM 56 C-E Stihl Roto tiller.

“Our goal is to make sure each customer feels and understands they make a difference to us,” said Vanessa Acosta, CEO/President, who manages the overall operation and resources of the woman Owned Corporation.

Unison Supply strives to set up professional partnerships with their clients and the community that we serve, Acosta added. “From the time a customer walks in to the time they leave they will feel like they are the only person on our schedule for that time.”

You can find top quality products and equipment for any size job big or small. For those big jobs they have layaway plans or easy financing to fit an array of budgets. They take great pride in making it your one stop shop for whatever the need is. They are an officially approved, certified dealership for Toro and Stihl products.

Customers will enjoy the reasonable prices and the friendly, knowledgeable, expertise of the staff and management. “We are planning to open a repair shop in the very near future,” said Acosta. For their local customers they offer free delivery within 30 miles.

Unison Supply is conveniently located on Valley Blvd near Hacienda Blvd. They are open to both Residential and Commercial Wholesale clients. Feel free to pick up materials in your own vehicle or take advantage of the delivery service for any size load to the entire community. Until December 2018, they’re offering 10% off your total purchase if you check into Yelp and leave a review.

You will be able to choose from the largest selection of landscape materials & supplies in the San Gabriel Valley. The sheer amount of choices a client has will give them their best chance of finding exactly the right tools and materials for any job without having to go elsewhere.

Unison Supply is located at 15715 E. Valley Blvd, City of Industry CA 91744. For more information you can visit their website at https://www.unisonsupply.com/ or call the office at 626-333-1553. Send a fax to 626-333-1535 or email them at unisonsupply@hotmail.com.

Quick Beef Ragu Spaghetti

with Zucchini and Italian Sausage

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 30 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 770 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Zucchini- 2
  • Yellow Onions- 2
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Thyme- 1/4 oz
  • Ground Beef- 20 oz
  • Italian Seasoning- 1 tbsp
  • Soy Sauce- 4 tbsp
  • Spaghetti – 12 oz
  • Crushed Tomatoes- 2 boxes
  • Parmesan Cheese – 1/2 cup
  • Chili Flakes- 1 tsp

 

1  PREP.    Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Quarter zucchini lengthwise, then cut into ½-inch-thick pieces. Halve, peel, and dice onions. Mince garlic. Strip thyme leaves from stems; discard stems. Roughly chop leaves.

 

2  COOK BEEF.    Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add beef, breaking up meat into pieces. Cook, tossing, until browned but not yet cooked through, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

 

3 START RAGU.       Add onions and zucchini to pan with beef. Cook, tossing, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, Italian seasoning, and soy sauce. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

 

4  COOK SPAGHETTI.      Once water is boiling, add spaghetti to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Carefully scoop out and reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

 

5  SIMMER RAGU.     Add tomatoes and reserved pasta cooking water to pan with beef and veggies. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until thick and saucy, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. TIP: If you have time, let the ragù simmer longer. It’ll just get better!

 

6  TOSS AND SERVE.     Add spaghetti to pan with ragu and toss to combine. Divide everything between plates, then sprinkle with Parmesan and chili flakes (to taste—you may want to leave them out for the kids).

WVUSD Announces Leadership Team Appointments

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—The Walnut Valley Unified School District is pleased to announce the following administrative appointments:

 

Education veteran Dr. Resma Byrne has been named director of educational projects and assessments.  Byrne served as Castle Rock Elementary principal for the past four years. Prior to that, she was assistant principal at Clara Barton Elementary in the Corona Norco USD and a teacher in the Montclair USD. She is also an adjunct professor at California State University, Pomona. She holds a bachelor’s degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, master’s degrees from Cal State University, San Bernardino and California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and doctoral degree in educational leadership from California State University, Fullerton.  Byrne succeeds Jacqueline Brown who was named interim assistant superintendent of educational services.

 

The Board of Trustees appointed two new school leaders with extensive experience during the summer. Jennifer “Jen” Alcazar was named the new principal at Castle Rock Elementary. During her career in Walnut Valley, she served as assistant principal at Chaparral Middle School and principal of the Walnut Valley Institute of STEAM and Humanities.  She was also a science teacher and technology coach at Chaparral for nine years.  Prior to that, she spent a decade working with University of California, Irvine facilitating professional development offerings in technology and science for K-12 teachers. She also taught science in the Santa Ana Unified School District. Alcazar earned a bachelor of science degree from Loyola Marymount University, master of arts degree from Concordia University, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree. She is married with two children that attended Castle Rock Elementary, Chaparral Middle School, and Diamond Bar High.

 

Sandra Lee was approved to take the helm as the new principal at Westhoff Elementary. This accomplished educator brings over 12 years education experience to her new post and comes highly recommended by administrators, teachers, and support staff. Most recently, Lee served as the director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in Aspire Public Schools in Los Angeles. Some of her additional educational experiences include being an elementary principal for five years, a lead literacy specialist and Response to Intervention coordinator, and has taught multiple grade levels.  Lee earned bachelor of science, master of science degree, K-12 Literacy specialist credential from California State University, Fullerton, along with her K-12 literacy specialist credential and administration credential. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education focusing on common core standard of complex text.  She is married with a daughter. Lee succeeds Denise Rendon who retired in May after a 33-year career in Walnut Valley USD.

 

Matthew Brummett was named assistant principal at Suzanne Middle School. He brings eight years of educational experience, all at Diamond Bar High School, to his new post. Brummett served as instructional dean and assistant summer school coordinator for the past three years. Prior to that, he was a social studies teacher for five years. He also coordinated SBAC testing and co-wrote a WASC accreditation application. Additionally, he served as girls head varsity soccer coach for five years. Brummett earned bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees from University of California, Irvine. He is married to a Diamond Bar High grade level coordinator and they have one daughter.

 

Lam Bui was approved as information technology manager. Bui brings 20 years of experience in the field of technology to his new position. He previously served as database engineer in Walnut Valley for two years. During that time, he successfully managed the process of converting the student information and student assessment systems. He was previously a claims analyst and senior IT specialist at Construction Program Group. He earned a bachelor of science degree from California State University, Los Angeles. Bui is married with two children that attend Walnut Valley schools.

 

Sarah Ammon brings 17 years of educational experience to her new position as coordinator of special education. She served as program specialist in Walnut Valley for the past three years.  She also served as a District school psychologist, inclusion specialist, and special education teacher.  Additionally, she was a program specialist, autism spectrum disorders at East San Gabriel Valley SELPA for two years. Ammon holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from California State University, Long Beach and masters of education in educational psychology from Chapman University. She succeeds Jean Hicks who retired in May with over 25 years of service in Walnut Valley.

 

Denise Loera joins the Diamond Bar High School staff as an instructional dean. Loera brings nearly 20 years of educational experience to her new post. She served as a mathematics teacher, department chair, BTSA Mentor, and technology coach at Chaparral Middle School for the past 11 years. Prior to that, she was a math teacher in MUSD at Eastmont Intermediate School and Schurr High School in Montebello.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from California State University, Los Angeles and master’s degree from University of California, Los Angeles. Loera is married with three children, two that attend Walnut High School and one attending Evergreen Elementary School.

 

Julie Galindo brings over 24 years of educational experience to her role as instructional dean at Diamond Bar High School. She served as interim instructional dean during the 2017-2018 school year. Prior to that, she was an English teacher at Diamond Bar High for 21 years.  She was also an adjunct English teacher at Chaffey College for two years. Galindo earned a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Azusa Pacific University and masters of arts in English from California State University, Fullerton. She is married with two children.

 

4 Surprising Insights Into Life With Parkinson’s Disease

By StatePoint

Over 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and while some symptoms are easier to see, such as tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement, there are a range of harder-to-detect non-movement symptoms that can have an impact on daily life.

Recently, the Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance (PMDAlliance), a non-profit organization offering programming for those in the Parkinson’s disease community, surveyed over 650 people with PD as well as care partners to better understand how non-movement symptoms impact their lives and quality of life.

Here are some of their findings and insights:

1. Parkinson’s disease affects more than motor function. Every person with Parkinson’s disease may experience different symptoms, both motor and non-movement related.

In fact, nearly all (90 percent) of survey respondents experienced non-movement symptoms, such as:

• Sleep problems (84 percent)

• Cognitive challenges (75 percent)

• Anxiety (65 percent)

• Depression (55 percent)

• Hallucinations (41 percent)

• Delusions (24 percent)

2. Non-movement symptoms can be more challenging than motor symptoms. Of those who experienced, or reported that their loved one experienced, non-movement symptoms, 84 percent felt that they have a negative impact on quality of life, and about half rated them as more challenging or much more challenging to live with than movement symptoms.

In a survey question about their Parkinson’s experience, one care partner said, “I wish [other people] knew that Parkinson’s looks different in different people. My spouse’s motor symptoms are fairly well controlled, but his REM sleep disorder and dementia have made our lives incredibly challenging and exhausting.”

3. Daily living is impacted by hard-to-see symptoms. Parkinson’s disease changes how patients and their care partners think about the future and cope with day-to-day living.

In fact, non-movement symptoms negatively impacted the ability to:

• Sleep (84 percent)

• Plan for future events (76 percent)

• Socialize (71 percent)

• Make plans with family and friends (70 percent)

• Be intimate with their partner (68 percent)

• Complete household chores (68 percent)

• Run errands (67 percent)

When people with Parkinson’s experience non-movement symptoms, care partners are impacted, too. In fact, psychosis symptoms in patients with PD are a strong predictor of increased care partner burden, and those with hallucinations have a 2.5-fold greater risk for nursing home admission.

4. Reporting symptoms is crucial. Even though non-movement symptoms are common, they are rarely reported. For example, more than half of patients will experience hallucinations or delusions associated with Parkinson’s over the course of their disease, however, only 10-20 percent of patients and care partners voluntarily report these symptoms to their doctors.

It’s important to report all symptoms to a doctor (usually a neurologist), as there are many different treatment options to address both motor and non-movement symptoms.

“Those with Parkinson’s and their families are not alone. Talking to your doctor is just the start of getting support and treatment,” says Sarah Jones, CEO of PMDAlliance. “We urge the entire Parkinson’s community to continue initiating conversations about symptoms, especially the non-movement ones that greatly impact day-to-day living.”

New educational resources about the onset and impact of non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s can be found by visiting Pmdalliance.org and MoretoParkinsons.com.

The survey was sponsored by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.

3 Questions to Ask Before Accepting That Job Offer

By StatePoint

Many people view their job search as an opportunity to prove their worth to potential employers. Yet, it is important to keep in mind that finding the perfect match goes both ways, and the right job needs to work for you, too – especially in today’s economy where employers need to work hard to make their job offers stand out.

For greater job satisfaction, be sure to evaluate the full offer, including salary and bonus structure, paid time off, relocation assistance, voluntary benefits like those offered by Aflac and health care benefits. Plus, don’t forget to get the following questions answered before accepting any job offer.

1. Does this company offer opportunities for professional growth? Some positions are designated as a path for growth, and others are not. Find out if yours has a clear pathway for promotion or if it is a dead-end. You may also wish to inquire about the availability of development opportunities, like webinars and off-site training sessions, as well as get a sense about whether or not your supervisor is able and willing to take on a mentorship role.

2. How will this employer support my long-term financial success? Your financial wellness is determined by more than just your salary. Benefits matter a great deal, too, and these days, they may go far beyond the standard offerings.

Insurers like Aflac now provide many employers with offerings called value-added services, which can range from assisting employees and their families with college planning and financing to making sure employees are taking care of their financial and legal wellness. Easy-to-use online resources, tutorials and digital tools can help employees reach financial and legal goals.

Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, American Family Life Assurance Company of New York, Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company. To learn more, visit aflac.com.

All that said, you might not want to limit your decision to the prospect of generous take home pay alone.

3. What is in it for my family? Does your potential employer offer any services or benefits that can improve the lives of your family members? For example, do health benefits include round-the-clock access to telemedicine? Are there health advocacy services offered to help employees and their families reduce stress over navigating the heath care environment? These are the items that can make or break that job offer. These are also services that you could suggest to your current employer as an option to help keep talent happy, productive and at the company.

When Life Gives You Lemons

By Melody Kraemer – Autism Mom

Have you heard that saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade?” Don’t you think that’s just way too easy? When life gives me lemons, I make a cake or cupcakes. I may even make a drink with alcohol, but I never settle on lemonade.

What does it really mean when someone says; If life gives you lemons make lemonade?  Are lemons that bad, or is it because they are just sour? Isn’t lemonade just as sour as lemons? So why just make lemonade? Sometimes when you buy a car, and it’s not the best of shape, people will say, you bought a lemon!  Basically, they are saying you purchased a sour car.

When life hands me lemons or even throws them at me I don’t just make lemonade I make the best of it, whatever that may be.

My daily life consists of life giving me lemons. I don’t dwell on that sourness, I embrace it.

Life with two autism boys can get pretty sour, but that’s the autism. My boys are the sweetest, kindest, loving, little guys. I love and enjoy them. My boys are silly, caring, and full of life.

So, the next time someone says make lemonade out of those lemons that life is giving you, tell them no thank you, I think I am going to make the best darn lemon cake or whatever my heart desires.

Making lemonade out of lemons is just too easy and still sour. Embrace the sourness life offers and turn it around into something sweet. There’s no time in life to be sour no matter how many lemons life gives you. Stay sweet