Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

Aquatic Center Study Session Postponed

Staff Reports

Walnut – It’s true that public pools bring good things to a community. From swimming lessons and healthy exercise to organized water sports, water safety and of course, fun, which is why a new Aquatic Center that may be in Walnut’s future has once again been delayed by the city.

“The reasoning behind the cancellation is the never-ending approval of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR),” said Walnut resident and advocate of the center. “The report was sent showing a two-story recreation building and the stage area to accommodate entertainment, i.e., Concerts in the Park, etc. but the Council did not make a timely decision; therefore, the construction with the biggest impact on the property was reported.”

The City of Walnut currently provides a program utilizing the Walnut High School pool. The Walnut Unified School District allows public use during the summer, offering a multitude of courses for swimmers of all ages and abilities; but priority belongs to the high school’s aquatic team. Nearby Mt. San Antonio College also allows public use of their pool with organized programming, but Walnut itself doesn’t have an aquatics center to serve its nearly 30,000 residents. One individual in particular feels the Walnut High School’s nearly 40-year old pool does not meet the needs of the community. Stines, who has lived in the city since 1973, seems intent on formulizing a plan that would help the city approve the project. But the city hasn’t met the projections according to community members.

“The amenities for the Center have not been approved by Council, which would determine the financing costs, added Stines. “ The study session is to discuss the amenities and the financing options; therefore, it was prudent to cancel the session.”

Stines has spent the several months gathering information on the benefits of an aquatic center, and has made some progress. According to recent information from Stines, she hosted a Community Awareness booth at the Walnut Family Festival last October just to provide information and facilitate the collection of signatures on a petition for this project.

Stines reports that back in 2007, the Park and Recreations Commission formulated a proposal to the Walnut City Council regarding the development of an Aquatics Park and Building Complex in the Three Oaks housing development. Due to the economy at that time, the $10 million budget item lay dormant. Six years later, Stines was happy to report that the City of Walnut Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to place the topic on their November 2017 agenda. Up for discussion was the feasibility of using the nine acres selected for an Aquatic Center back in 2007, currently owned by the City, Three Oaks and Walnut Ranch. There is also acreage in the hills above Country Hollow Drive, currently adjacent to tennis courts and a soccer field that might allow for an expanded version of an Aquatic Center.

“We continue to hear from the City there are no residents coming forward to voice their need for this center,” added Stines. “Council continues to play the waiting gaming knowing residents become complacent and will eventually give up the idea of our need to make our children safe and a place for older adults to come for the therapeutic waters.” To voice your opinion go to www.cityofwalnut.org.

Officer arrested for lewd acts with a child in Ontario; detectives seeking additional victims

Suspect arrested for lewd acts with a child; detectives seeking additional victims

DATE/TIME:               Thursday, August 9, 2018

INCIDENT:                  4 Counts of PC 288(a)                        Lewd Acts with a Child

2 Counts of PC 288.7(b)                     Penetration of a Minor Under 10

1 Count of PC 273a(a)                        Child Endangerment

Location:                Ontario/Rancho

VICTIM:                       12-year-old female

15-year-old female

SUSPECT:                  Francisco “Frank” Igros, Asian Male, 54-years-old, Rancho Cucamonga

Lora Nagy, White Female, 41-years-old, Rancho Cucamonga

BAIL AMOUNT:          Igros: $1,000,000

Nagy: $50,000

SUMMARY:

On August 6, 2018, detectives from the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station were notified by the Whittier Police Department about a sexual assault of a 12-year-old child that occurred in Rancho Cucamonga in April 2018. Sheriff’s detectives interviewed Victim #1 and her mother in Whittier. During their investigation, detectives determined the suspect was Francisco “Frank” Igros, a police officer with the Whittier Police Department. Detectives also determined there was an additional victim. The Crimes Against Children (CAC) Detail was notified and assumed the investigation. CAC Detectives located and interviewed the 15-year-old female, Victim #2. During the investigation, detectives determined Igros sexually molested Victim #1 in the city of Rancho Cucamonga and sexually molested Victim # 2 in the city of Ontario. Detectives also determined Nagy was aware of the sexual abuse and did not report it.

On Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Igros was arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center. Detectives continued the investigation, and on Thursday, August 9, 2018, Nagy was arrested and booked into Central Detention Center. The District Attorney’s Office filed the above charges on Igros and Nagy.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, Detective Janna Kovensky (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).

Refer:                          Detective J. Kovensky, Crimes Against Children Detail

Station:                       Specialized Investigation Division

Case No.                     111810030 & 601800115

Phone No.                   (909) 387-3615

Abandoned Baby Found Dead in Corona

Staff Reports

Corona – Corona Police reported that an abandoned infant was found dead in the city of Corona.

The baby was found in the area of Cajalco Road and Interstate 15 on Friday afternoon, according to police. The call came in and officers were dispatched to the scene at 2:36 p.m.

When the officers arrived, the infant was already deceased according to the authorities. The cause of death is still being investigated but won’t be known until an autopsy has been been performed.

The investigation into the child’s death is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mario Hernandez at 951-279-3659 or email Mario.Hernandez@CoronaCA.gov.

Corona police have said there are several “Safe Surrender Sites” where parents can safely surrender an infant within 72 hours of birth — no questions asked. Those places include hospitals, fire stations and police departments.

The safe surrender law allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially surrender an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room or other designated Safe Surrender site. As long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, the person may surrender without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment.

 

Diamond Bar Boulevard Streetscape Project

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is planning a city wide beautification process, the newest streetscape improvements will be on Diamond Bar Boulevard. The goal is to to enhance the look and function of the medians, crosswalks, and sidewalks that are between the 60 Freeway and Golden Springs Drive.

Proposed Improvements will include but aren’t limited to new plantings, furnishings, colored concrete paving, lighting, monument signs and other decorative accents that will enhance visual interest while continuing to pay tribute to the area’s ranching heritage.

Diamond Bar Boulevard, between the Pomona (SR-60) Freeway and Golden Springs Drive is the area that will be the main focus for this project. Currently the project is in the early design phase. The ground breaking ceremony is anticipated to begin in 2018 and continue into 2019.

This project is part of the Diamond Bar City Council’s larger Citywide Streetscape Enhancement Plan. The goal of this long-term plan is to invest in streetscape enhancement projects – as funds and/or opportunities arise beginning with prominent locations around town that will include key entry points and areas along major the city’s main thoroughfares.  The ultimate goal will be to create a distinctive, cohesive and attractive identity for the city that instills a sense of pride and belonging in community members and provides a sense of arrival for place for visitors.

The new design brings a Sustainable Element for long term maintenance ease and longevity. Improvements to the median strip will include swales – partly rock lined, partly vegetated are designed to capture, convey, filter and infiltrate storm water runoff.

Questions

Contact the City’s Public Works Department at 909-839-7040 or email Public Works.

 

Chino Hills Man arrested for felony spousal abuse, torture, false imprisonment and assault

Lowell Nichols of Chino Hills is arrested for felony spousal abuse, torture, false imprisonment and assault

DATE/TIME: Between Sunday, July 22, 2018 and Tuesday, July 31, 2018

INCIDENT: Felony Spousal Abuse, False Imprisonment, Criminal Threats, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Torture

LOCATION: 3800 block of Eucalyptus Avenue, City of Chino Hills

SUSPECT(S): Lowell Nichols, age 20 a resident of Chino Hills

VICTIM(S): Confidential

SUMMARY:

On July 31, 2018, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call from a female victim reporting she had been held against her will. The victim advised deputies that between Sunday, July 22, 2018 and Tuesday, July 31, the suspect, Lowell Nichols, had held her against her will at his residence. Over the course of that week, Nichols continuously sexually abused and physically assaulted the victim. The victim received a broken nose and wrist as a result of the abuse sustained by Nichols. On Tuesday, July 31, 2018, Nichols was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center in the City of Rancho Cucamonga for felony spousal abuse, false imprisonment, criminal threats, assault with a deadly weapon and torture. Nichols is in-custody with a one-million-dollar bail pending court proceedings.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Kyle Glozer with the Chino Hills Police Department. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com

Refer: Detective Kyle Glozer

Station: Chino Hills

Phone No. (909) 364-2000

Case No. 221802447

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 08/04/18

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: 2018-04-08.WeeklyNews

History 101

August 4, 1944: Anne Frank captured

By History.com

Acting on tip from a Dutch informer, the Nazi Gestapo captures 15-year-old Jewish diarist Anne Frank and her family in a sealed-off area of an Amsterdam warehouse. The Franks had taken shelter there in 1942 out of fear of deportation to a Nazi concentration camp. They occupied the small space with another Jewish family and a single Jewish man, and were aided by Christian friends, who brought them food and supplies. Anne spent much of her time in the “secret annex” working on her diary. The diary survived the war, overlooked by the Gestapo that discovered the hiding place, but Anne and nearly all of the others perished in the Nazi death camps.

Annelies Marie Frank was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on June 12, 1929. She was the second daughter of Otto Frank and Edith Frank-Hollander, both of Jewish families that had lived in Germany for centuries. With the rise of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in 1933, Otto moved his family to Amsterdam to escape the escalating Nazi persecution of Jews. In Holland, he ran a successful spice and jam business. Anne attended a Montessori school with other middle-class Dutch children, but with the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940 she was forced to transfer to a Jewish school. In 1942, Otto began arranging a hiding place in an annex of his warehouse on the Prinsengracht Canal in Amsterdam.

On her 13th birthday in 1942, Anne began a diary relating her everyday experiences, her relationship with her family and friends, and observations about the increasingly dangerous world around her. Less than a month later, Anne’s older sister, Margot, received a call-up notice to report to a Nazi “work camp.” Fearing deportation to a Nazi concentration camp, the Frank family took shelter in the secret annex the next day. One week later, they were joined by Otto Frank’s business partner and his family. In November, a Jewish dentist—the eighth occupant of the hiding place—joined the group.

For two years, Anne kept a diary about her life in hiding that is marked with poignancy, humor, and insight. The entrance to the secret annex was hidden by a hinged bookcase, and former employees of Otto and other Dutch friends delivered them food and supplies procured at high risk. Anne and the others lived in rooms with blacked-out windows, and never flushed the toilet during the day out of fear that their presence would be detected. In June 1944, Anne’s spirits were raised by the Allied landing at Normandy, and she was hopeful that the long-awaited liberation of Holland would soon begin.

On August 1, 1944, Anne made her last entry in her diary. Three days later, 25 months of seclusion ended with the arrival of the Nazi Gestapo. Anne and the others had been given away by an unknown informer, and they were arrested along with two of the Christians who had helped shelter them. They were sent to a concentration camp in Holland, and in September Anne and most of the others were shipped to the Auschwitz death camp in Poland. In the fall of 1944, with the Soviet liberation of Poland underway, Anne was moved with her sister Margot to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Suffering under the deplorable conditions of the camp, the two sisters caught typhus and died in early March 1945. The camp was liberated by the British less than two months later.

Otto Frank was the only one of the 10 to survive the Nazi death camps. After the war, he returned to Amsterdam via Russia, and was reunited with Miep Gies, one of his former employees who had helped shelter him. She handed him Anne’s diary, which she had found undisturbed after the Nazi raid. In 1947, Anne’s diary was published by Otto in its original Dutch as Diary of a Young Girl. An instant best-seller and eventually translated into more than 50 languages, The Diary of Anne Frank has served as a literary testament to the nearly six million Jews, including Anne herself, who were silenced in the Holocaust.

The Frank family’s hideaway at Prinsengracht 263 in Amsterdam opened as a museum in 1960. A new English translation of Anne’s diary in 1995 restored material that had been edited out of the original version, making the work nearly a third longer.

Free, Reduced Price Lunch and Breakfast

Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Walnut Valley Unified School District announces its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price, or full-price meal benefits.  Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.

 

Free Eligibility Scale for Breakfast, Lunch, and Milk                          Reduced-price Eligibility Scale for Breakfast and Lunch

Household Size Year Month Twice Per Month Every Two Weeks Week Household Size Year Month Twice Per Month Every Two Weeks Week
1 $15,782 $1,316 $658 $607 $304 1 $22,459 $1,872 $936 $864 $432
2 $21,398 $1,784 $892 $823 $412 2 $30,451 $2,538 $1,269 $1,172 $586
3 $27,014 $2,252 $1,126 $1,039 $520 3 $38,443 $3,204 $1,602 $1,479 $740
4 $32,630 $2,720 $1,360 $1,255 $628 4 $46,435 $3,870 $1,935 $1,786 $893
5 $38,246 $3,188 $1,594 $1,471 $736 5 $54,427 $4,536 $2,268 $2,094 $1,047
6 $43,862 $3,656 $1,828 $1,687 $844 6 $62,419 $5,202 $2,601 $2,401 $1,201
7 $49,478 $4,124 $2,062 $1,903 $952 7 $70,411 $5,868 $2,934 $2,709 $1,355
8 $55,094 $4,592 $2,296 $2,119 $1,060 8 $78,403 $6,534 $3,267 $3,016 $1,508
For each additional family member add $5,616 $468 $234 $216 $108 For each additional family member add $7,992 $666 $333 $308 $154

 

 

Gabriel’s Automotive & Towing Your One Stop Shop

Photo by: Anthony Saude
Gabriel’s Automotive & Towing is located at: 13654 Central Ave., Chino CA 91710 You can call them at (909) 464-9005 or visit their website: https://gabrielsauto.com/. Look for them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GabrielsAutomotiveAndCollision/ and Instagram @gabrielsautotow

By Anthony Saude

Chino – The automotive repair industry doesn’t have what you would say is a trustworthy reputation but if you own a car you are going to need repairs. It isn’t a matter of “IF” but WHEN. When the day comes and it will, the number one question everybody should be asking themselves is “who can I trust”?

Well look no farther, Gabriel’s Automotive and Towing in Chino, believes that is the first question that should be asked by customers. Gabriel’s wants to assure new customers it is the first question they want to answer.

Gabriel’s Automotive is a family owned business providing the Chino and Chino Hills communities with full service automotive maintenance and repair for over 25 years. Everybody on staff at Gabriel’s understands that trust, hard work and honest reasonable prices are the key ingredients to having a successful auto repair shop. They aren’t going to just tell you prices over the phone and then come up with a list of other problems you have when you arrive. They take great pride in showing you exactly what needs to be fixed and give you different options on how they can help you get your car fixed right the first time.

Gabriel said, “Our goal is to ensure customer satisfaction and help them get the most out of their vehicles.” “We’ll help you keep your warranty in effect by performing required scheduled maintenance. Regular service will help to avoid unexpected breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear.”

Bring your car in if you are in need of engine repair, oil change, transmission repair, electrical repair, brakes service, suspension service, oil change, tire rotation, alignment service, battery services, headlight and taillight services, diesel repair service, air conditioning, computer Systems, engine rebuilds and everything in between. The list of services offered is so extensive it would take a book to name them all so give them a call, they can help you out.

“Cars are our passion, every car is different and every issue usually proves to be different which means every day around is different and exciting for us” says Gabriel. Gabriel’s has been out to prove that not ALL mechanics are dishonest and untrustworthy for the last 25+ years. If we can do that we will be the next and last mechanic you will ever need. “We will go above and beyond the call of duty to get you car fixed in a timely fashion and out of the shop at a reasonable price,” says Gabriel.

Going the extra mile for their customers is the rule not the exception they offer complimentary shuttle service, loaner vehicles and even interest free financing for up to 6 months.

Gabriel’s Automotive & Towing is located at: 13654 Central Ave., Chino CA 91710 conveniently located near the 60 and 71 freeways. You can call them at (909) 464-9005 or visit their website: https://gabrielsauto.com/. Look for them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GabrielsAutomotiveAndCollision/ and Instagram @gabrielsautotow

Interest Rates Affect Home Values

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Interest rates have been trending at historically low levels for the last decade. Beginning with the Great Recession (which many have termed a Depression), interest rates on home loans carrying a fixed rate and a 30 year payback term, have meandered under 4.75%.  They have ranged from the current 4.5% down to as low as 3.5%.  In that same decade, beginning with the upturn of prices from the bottom point of the real estate market crash of 2008, the Median Homes Sales Price (MSP) of a California Single Family Home (SFH) has been on a steady increase.  Because of the Great Recession, the Median Sales Price of the California median single family home dropped from its high point of $595,000 in May 2007 down to its low point of $245,000 in February 2009. This represented a drop of more than 59%, a huge number. The record number of foreclosures recorded in the last decade were both an outcome and a factor in the spiraling down of the California MSP, as it was across the United States. In fact, many other parts of the world suffered through a similar real estate market recession.

The California Median Sales Price in 1990 was $195,000.00 as reported by the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.).  The interest rate on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage was approximately 10%, according to the Federal National Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC). A decade later, in July of 2000, the California MSP had risen to $245,000.00, and increase of 25% in ten years.  The interest rate in that same period of time had dropped to close to 8% from 10% a decade earlier.  This represented a drop of 20% in the cost of a mortgage. As the cost of money went down, the Buyer was able to and did pay a higher price in the MSP or purchase price of the home.

The “CRAZY!” increase in home prices between June 2000 and May 2007 was not driven nor greatly influenced by the mortgage interest rates but more so by the crazy disregard for common sense underwriting guidelines.  The California MSP saw an increase from $245,000 in June 2000 to the then record high MSP of $595,000 in May 2007. This represented an increase of 142% in MSP in only 7 years, an astounding 20% annual increase! Totally unsustainable, as was evidenced by the subsequent housing market crash. Where do you think we are now in the current real estate cycle? E-mail me your opinion.

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca DRE lic # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

Swedish Meatloaves

with Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Carrots and Currant Jam

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 45 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 790 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Carrots- 3
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes- 24 oz
  • Yellow Onion- 1
  • Parsley- 1/4 oz
  • White Bread- 2 slices
  • Milk- 13.5 oz
  • Ground Beef- 20 oz
  • Nutmeg- 1 tsp
  • Meatloaf Mix- 1 tbsp
  • Flour- 2 tbsp
  • Beef Stock Concentrate- 2
  • Currant Jam- 4 tbsp

 

1  PREHEAT AND PREP.    Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to upper position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Peel carrots, then cut on a diagonal into ⅓-inch-thick coins; halve any large coins. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Halve and peel onion, then mince until you have ¼ cup (use the rest as you like). Finely chop parsley.

 

2  COOK VEGGIES     Toss carrots on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in oven for 15 minutes (we’ll add more to the sheet then). Meanwhile, place potatoes in a medium pot with a large pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return to empty pot off heat.

 

3 SHAPE MEATLOAVES       Place bread and 3 tbsp milk in a medium bowl. Break up bread with your hands until pasty. Thoroughly mix in beef, 2 TBSP minced onion, half the parsley, ¼ tsp nutmeg, ½ TBSP meatloaf mix, salt, and pepper. Shape mixture into two 1-inch-tall loaves.

 

4  COOK MEATLOAVES      Heat a drizzle4 of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add meatloaves and cook until browned on surface but not yet cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Once carrots have roasted about 15 minutes, remove sheet from oven and give carrots a toss. Add meatloaves to same sheet and place in oven. Bake until meatloaves are cooked through and carrots are tender, about 15 minutes more.

 

5  MAKE GRAVY    Melt 1 tbsp butter in same pan over medium heat. Add remaining minced onion. Cook, tossing, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, until pasty, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in ½ cup water, followed by stock concentrate and ¼ cup milk (save rest for potatoes). Bring to a simmer, then whisk until thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (to taste). TIP: Add more water if too thick.

 

6  FINIAH AND SERVE.     Place pot with potatoes over low heat. Add ¼ cup milk and 1 TBSP butter. Mash until smooth. (TIP: Add more milk if stiff.) Season with salt and pepper. Divide potatoes and meatloaves between plates. Drizzle with gravy. Add carrots and jam to the side. Garnish with remaining parsley.

63 Arrested in 60 Day Prostitution Sting

By Anthony Saude

Pomona – From May 21st- July 21st the Pomona Police Department’s Major Crimes Task Force (MCTF) worked alongside several work groups within the department that ran an intensely focused investigation on the east Holt Corridor.

The multi department operation targeted prostitution related activity and quality of life issues in the City of Pomona.

The well thought out 60 day operation consisted of high visibility patrols, undercover surveillance on high profile targets and hotels known to engage in human trafficking, VICE operations targeted pimps and prostitutes and were also there to oversee the enforcement of the Stay-Away Order.

At the conclusion of the month with a long intricate operation, 63 arrests were made and 118 citations were handed out. On a much more positive note, with the assistance of the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART), 40 homeless individuals were contacted and given information on how to contact some of the resources that are available to them at no cost.

The Pomona Police Department wants its citizen’s to know that they remain committed to offering support and services to all individuals in-need. The Department will continue to take a no nonsense, zero tolerance approach to human trafficking and sexual exploitation within their jurisdiction.  They vow that they will continue to conduct these types of proactive operations throughout the City of Pomona on a consistent basis.

 

California Wins Federal Approval for Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan

By CA Dept of Education

 

Sacramento — California State Board of Education President Michael W. Kirst and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has approved California’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.

“Given the differences between federal and state law, the plan approved by Secretary DeVos today represents the best possible outcome of our discussions with U.S. Department of Education staff,” Kirst said. “California is a national leader in supporting students with extra needs, providing local control over spending, encouraging community participation in schools, and releasing critical information on measures that indicate student success. Our ESSA plan allows that work to continue.”

Torlakson agreed: “California has the most ambitious plan in the nation to give additional resources to students with the greatest needs as we prepare all students for college and 21st century careers. The ESSA plan approved today will support those efforts.”

Signed by President Obama in 2015, ESSA requires every state that receives federal money for low-income students and English learners to submit and receive approval of a plan for managing and using the funds.

ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and differs from its predecessor by giving states more flexibility to use accountability systems that reflect local values and goals.

California’s accountability system is focused on improving classroom learning for all students and especially those that need extra help in achieving success.

The state’s new California School Dashboard evaluates schools and districts on multiple data points and by performance of student groups such as homeless children, foster youth, and students with disabilities.

California’s focus is on supporting districts—rather than individual schools—and differs from the federal model. But through several weeks of negotiations, a compromise was reached that allows the state to continue working with districts, recognizing that the challenges of individual schools are often related to wider systemic problems.

California receives $1.8 billion in Title I funds through ESSA. The funds represent about 2 percent of California’s total $78 billion K–12 budget, which includes $10.1 billion in resources for low-income students, foster youth, and English learners through the groundbreaking Local Control Funding Formula.

Torlakson thanked staff for their hard work, noting that California took the initiative to travel to Washington, D.C. in both February and March to meet with members of Congress, federal Department of Education staff, and Secretary Betsy DeVos. “We disagreed with the federal government on some issues and interpretations of federal laws,” he said. “But we are pleased that the federal government has approved our plan.”

California’s ESSA plan was developed over two years with input from thousands of Californians. More on ESSA can be found on the CDE ESSA web page.

 

Slim Down Tips for a Healthier Summer

By StatePoint

Summer means BBQs, beach time and swimsuits, but it could also mean a change in eating habits and not necessarily for the better. Many people work hard throughout the winter in hopes of losing weight before summer, but when summer arrives, they abandon their healthy lifestyle and risk gaining weight.

“A healthy lifestyle is just that — a lifestyle — and can definitely be attainable all year long with the right tools,” says Mandi Knowles, dietitian for South Beach Diet.

With these simple slim down tips and tricks from Knowles, you can stay on the weight loss track and keep up your healthy routine this summer and beyond.

• Eat Before You Go Out: If you’re headed out for a big meal or party, don’t skip breakfast or your mid-morning snack. Eat plenty of nutritious, high-fiber foods all throughout the day. Pretend the day is just like any other, and you’ll be way less likely to over-indulge.

• Have Fruit for Dessert: Delicious fruit is in season, so trade that lemon meringue pie for some fresh cantaloupe or strawberries. Offer to make a fruit salad for potlucks, picnics and barbecues. Don’t forget fruit smoothies. Add fresh spinach or kale to your shake and you’ll fulfill a vegetable serving while satiating your sweet tooth.

• Stick to Your Routine: On vacations and weekends it’s easy to spiral away from good habits. To avoid a weight loss setback, try sticking to your weekday routine. Make good choices like eating a nutritious breakfast, getting some exercise and packing healthful snacks to fuel your day.

• Watch What You Drink: You don’t have to give up alcohol completely, but you should watch what you drink. Swap wine, beer and margaritas, which can be packed with sugar, for lighter drinks like vodka with sparkling water and a lime. Or ditch the alcohol all together and spice up water with fresh fruit.

• Lighten up Those BBQ Recipes: Pasta and potato salads are staples at many picnics, but they can also pack on excess calories, depending on how they are made. Use whole-grain pasta, olive oil, herbs and lemon juice to make pasta salad. Try sweet potatoes, turnips and Greek yogurt in potato salad. Use lean ground beef for burgers and skip the bun.

• Get Moving: Take advantage of the warm weather to get outside and move. Make time to take walks around the neighborhood, go for a swim, hike with friends or even do yoga in the park. You’ll feel better and your body will thank you.

More tips and information can be found on South Beach Diet’s blog, The Palm, at palm.southbeachdiet.com.

Even if you’re not at your goal weight, don’t let that stop you. By making smart choices this summer, you can live a healthier lifestyle and have the confidence to strut your stuff at the beach, pool and anywhere else the season takes you.

Learn about the City of Corona’s Budget with “Open Budget” and “Open Checkbook”

Corona is excited to share the City’s Adopted Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Budget documents for Fiscal Year 2018-19 are now live and available for viewing on the City’s website.

We are pleased to share that the City’s Adopted Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program Budget documents for Fiscal Year 2018-19 are now live and available for viewing on the City’s website.

budget imageThe Corona Open Data Portal, Open Budget, Balancing Act and Tax Payer Receipt are just a few of  the tools that Corona employs in a citywide coordinated effort to provide greater transparency and foster an environment of openness regarding the innerworkings of local government.

The City of Corona’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30.  The annual process to develop the budget for the coming fiscal year typically begins in January and starts with a series of public workshops and meetings culminating with adoption in late June.  Through a public process, the adopted budget commits financial resources to a multitude of services and programs that the City provides. In other words, the adopted budget commits funding towhat we do, and it works to legally limit funding as well.

All City services and the cost of providing services can be organized and tied back to one of 6 key service areas which together, influence the quality of life in Corona.  The 6 key service areas are: Citywide Internal Support; Community and Economic Development; Infrastructure, Maintenance and Open Space; Leisure and Culture; Public Safety and Emergency Response; and Utilities and Transportation.

The Fiscal Year 2018-19 Adopted Budget and Capital Improvement Plan establishes the City’s authorized spending limits for a variety of City services and programs, funded by multiple revenue sources, as well as for a host of capital improvement and/or multi-year projects.  Multi-year projects are budgeted separately from the operating budget because these projects do not occur every year.

We encourage the citizens of Corona to utilize the tools that Corona has pioneered to engage the community in the budget process and provide a deeper understanding of how our resources are allocated and planned.  These tools were specifically designed with public engagement, education and transparency at heart.

For questions about the budget documents, please contact Kerry Eden at 951-736-2315 or email Kerry.Eden@CoronaCA.gov.


About the City of Corona: Corona is located adjacent to Orange County California at the junction of the 91 and 15 freeways with a population of more than 160,000 residents. For more information regarding the City of Corona visit www.CoronaCA.gov.

17 Miles of Streets Repaired in Annual Street Improvements

By Anthony Saude

 

Chino Hills – The $1.5 million annual street improvement project in Chino Hills includes 17 miles of streets. The patch and repair work has been completed and the application of slurry got underway on Tuesday, July 10th and will continue on weekdays through Tuesday, July 30th.

All American Asphalt is required to distribute door hanger notices on the streets to be affected at least 48 hours before the slurry seal work begins. Residents in affected areas will be required to park their vehicles on neighboring streets and remain off of the fresh slurry for several hours after it has been poured.

Slurry work has already started on Rancho Hills Drive where half of the street was slurry sealed at a time. Residents can expect lane closures in the area as the work continues. Flagging operations will direct traffic to share the remaining open lane and will cause minor delays. A complete schedule of the work is available online at http://www.chinohills.org/StreetProject. Unforeseen conditions may cause a change to the schedule.

The biggest part of the project will be completed west of Chino Hills Parkway on both sides of Grand Avenue and will include the Rancho Hills neighborhoods. The project area also includes streets in lower Los Serranos, Garden Court, and the Buckingham area north of Chino Hills Parkway. Striping work and pavement markings will begin starting the week of July 30th.

According to Public Works Director Nadeem Majaj, the City intends to invest $1 million each year to maintain City streets. This project is funded by the Gas Tax, and Measure I, the half-cent sales tax approved by voters for transportation projects. For additional information please call (909) 364-2770.

 

Traveling With Pets? What to Know

By StatePoint

Do your upcoming travel plans include pets? Whether you’re flying to an exciting destination or hitting the road, these suggestions can make the journey easier for animals and humans alike.

  • Prep your pet: Traveling can prove stressful to animals, so don’t catch your pet off-guard. Before leaving town, practice taking short rides in the car or spending time in a carrier. This will help your pet get used to the experience.

If you haven’t already microchipped your pet, this may be a good opportunity to do so. This is also the time to ensure your pet’s collar is up-to-date with your current contact information.

  • Pack right: Pack plenty of food and fresh water and a sufficient supply of any medications your pet is taking, as getting refills away from home could be difficult. To alleviate anxiety, bring along pet blankets and toys as reminders of home. Also pack a pet-specific first aid kit, which should include non-stick bandages, adhesive bandages, towels, gauze and your veterinarian’s phone number.
  • Follow rules: Do your research to ensure you’re following rules along the way and at your destination. Check airline policies, as well as hotel and campsite restrictions and accommodations. Travel across state or international borders requires a health certificate. Some locations require more information and documentation. Give yourself plenty of time to handle these details. Your veterinarian can be a good resource in learning what to expect. To that end, a check-up is also a good idea before a trip, as vaccinations or preventive medications may be needed before traveling.
  • Safety first: While seatbelts alone can keep a dog from moving about the cabin of the car, they are not your safest option. To help protect pets in a crash, anchor a crate using a seatbelt or other secure means. When flying, opt to keep your pet in the cabin of the plane if possible. Temperatures and air quality in cargo can put a strain on pets. If your animal is too large to fly in the cabin, speak to your veterinarian about what you can do to keep your pet safe and relaxed in-flight.
  • Prepare for anything: Even the best laid plans can hit snags. Be prepared for the possibility that your pet will become accidentally injured or develop an unexpected illness while traveling, prompting an unplanned trip to the vet. To prepare, consider solutions like the CareCredit credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, which features special financing options (subject to credit approval) that can allow you to focus on getting your pet better while making monthly payments. More than 200,000 health care providers and health-focused retailers, including over 20,000 veterinarians accept the CareCredit credit card nationwide, which also sponsored the distribution of the tips in this article. Go to http://www.carecredit.com for pet healthcare providers closest to your vacation destination.

Advance planning is key when traveling with a pet. With a little care, you can make your travels with furry friends safe, fun and memorable.

Free Counseling is Available

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

For the past twenty years I have had the honor of facilitating a free counseling group every Monday evening.  Our group meets at the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium located at 21003 La Puente Road in the city of Walnut.  We meet year round from 6-8p.m. every Monday unless it is a holiday.  Their phone number is (909) 444-0089 and my contact number is 909 229-0727 should you have any questions.  You do not need to have any appointment to attend this group you are all free to drop by anytime.  This group satisfies many court mandated needs.

Even though this group meets at a teen center I invite people of all ages with all types of issues.  This group helps parents, students, and all people that are just struggling in their lives.  My goal is to just make our community be healthier and make its’ population be effective in their lives and create successful human beings.  We work on any array of issues that many people present day are dealing with. There is no reason for anybody to be stuck in an unhealthy place.

If you are tired of the fight between you and your child regarding homework or need some more effective ways to communicate this is the group for you.  Maybe depression or anxiety seems to be holding you or a loved one back and finding solutions could be life changing.  If you or somebody you know is struggling with drugs or drinking this group is a great place to get some coping skills to get clean.  We talk about ways to deal with bullies and how damaging it can be for somebody’s self-esteem.  Bring in an issue and I promise you will feel hopeful and have new tools to help you confront the issue head on.  Don’t let embarrassment stop you or a loved one from getting the help you need to reclaim the wonderful life you are so deserving of.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjsttops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

 

Road Closure Alert: Hamner Bridge in Norco

On Thursday, August 2, the City of Norco will conduct a complete road closure of Hamner Avenue between Detroit Street and Citrus Street in order to trim the trees that are currently creating visual impediments for drivers along Hamner Bridge. This work will begin at 11 p.m. on August 2 and will end at 3 a.m. on August 3. The City of Norco has already placed an electronic notification board at the northeast corner of Hamner Avenue and Detroit Street to notify drivers of the upcoming closure. Please note, emergency vehicles will have access through the area, however all regular vehicle traffic will be detoured around the area. For more information, please contact the City of Norco Public Works Department at (951) 270-5627 or publicworks@ci.norco.ca.us.

DB City Council Seeks Candidates to Fill Open Seats

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, November 6, the City of Diamond Bar will hold a general municipal election to fill three Diamond Bar City Council seats. The nomination period for this election opened Monday, July 16 and closes Friday, August 10. If an incumbent does not file nomination papers by the closing date, this period will be extended to Wednesday, August 15.

Anyone interested in running for one of the three available seats on the City Council, needs to contact the Diamond Bar City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment to take out nomination papers and receive a candidates’ handbook full of important information. You can reach the City Clerk’s office by calling 909-839-7010, Their office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Appointments will be available beginning July 16 and should take approximately 30 minutes. There is a $25 processing fee for the nomination papers and all of the other election-related materials you will be given.

The following requirements must be met in order to become a candidate for one of the City Council seats: candidates must be a U.S. citizen of at least 18 years of age, a resident of Diamond Bar, and be a registered voter in the City of Diamond Bar. For any additional information, you can log on to the City’s website at: https://www.diamondbarca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=131.