Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

Walnut Valley Schools Make State Honor Roll

The 2017-2018 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT —After an extensive analysis of student data for every public school in California, the following Walnut Valley USD schools have been recognized as clear leaders in getting students to grade level and beyond: Collegewood Elementary, Cyrus J. Morris Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Quail Summit Elementary, South Pointe Middle, Suzanne Middle, Walnut Elementary, and Walnut High.

 

These schools have been named to the 2017-2018 California Honor Roll presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE).

 

The 2017-2018 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps. For high schools, Honor Roll recognition includes high college readiness in students.

 

This year, 1,798 higher performing schools are distinguished for their academic achievement and for closing achievement gaps.

 

“These Honor Roll schools and districts are improving student achievement and we have the data to prove it. It’s critical that the business community support and promote educational success as today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce,” said Greg Jones, ERP and CBEE board chairman.

 

Public Park Ends Up With Admission Fee, Sit-Down Restaurant And Bar

Staff Reports

Norco – The Riverside County Grand Jury is allegedly indicating Norco turned the 122-acre SilverLakes property that was intended for “public park, recreational and open space purposes” into a money-making venture that charges admission and features a full-service restaurant and bar.

The grand jury is calling on the district attorney to probe Norco officials’ handling of the project, the panel stated in a report issued last week.

“The SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Complex is not a public park” as envisioned in a 2002 federal court order restricting use of the land north of the Santa Ana River along Hamner Avenue, the report states.

Norco officials dispute the grand jury’s contention and say the development is in compliance with the court-ordered restriction.

“They are interpreting it wrong,” City Manager Andy Okoro said by phone Tuesday, May 22.

The city intends to issue a detailed written response in a few weeks.

The park opened in September 2015. It hosts concerts, equestrian competitions, soccer tournaments and regional cross-country meets, among other events. The complex boasts 24 soccer fields, five equestrian arenas, a 12,000-square-foot outdoor cafe, a 10,000-person capacity concert venue called The BackYard and a 150-seat restaurant called The FieldHouse.

It drew 1.4 million visitors in 2017, said Cheryl Link, Norco’s city clerk.

However, SilverLakes has had a long and often troubled history.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued an investment company that owned the property until the late 1990s, alleging unethical practices, the report said. A judgment concluded that some Norco residents who invested in a Ponzi scheme associated with the property had been defrauded of their money. That led to the 2002 U.S. District Court order restricting the property’s use, once it was sold. The city acquired it.

Development was delayed for years, though, and it didn’t help that a 2010 flood along the Santa Ana River caused major damage. After site repairs, construction was finally underway in 2013, before wrapping up in late 2015. The developer is the Balboa Management Group.

While investigating Silverlakes, the grand jury took testimony from the city manager, former Norco elected officials and “concerned” Norco residents. Sara Lipchak, who headed the grand jury, said she could not elaborate.

The grand jury determined that the 2002 development restriction remains in place and the city unsuccessfully sought to alter it in 2004. The panel suggested that the city in 2012 misled the Riverside County Superior Court, which validated the city’s development strategy based on a submitted plan that was “substantially different from what was actually constructed.”

The grand jury report said that the “plans had no reference to constructing a full-service commercial restaurant and bar.”

The grand jury urged:

  • The district attorney to investigate why Norco officials accepted the developer’s bid to build a park with a major commercial component and provided “misleading documents” to the Riverside County court to obtain approval for “a commercial sports park rather than a genuine public park.”
  • Norco to stop charging admission to the park — $8 per walk-in visitor and $10 per carload.
  • Norco to add “actual recreational assets and amenities” such as shade trees, picnic tables, playgrounds, barbecue grills, tennis courts and bike trails.

Brian Petree, deputy city manager, acknowledged the admission charges, but said those are reserved for large weekend events and payments generally are not required from people who visit the park at other times.

As for the restaurant, Petree said it is an appropriate component because it has a concession operation that provides food and drinks for park visitors and is not unusual for a park of SilverLakes’ size.

“We’re not talking about a neighborhood park here. We’re talking about a regional facility,” he said. “And so, you have to look at it in that aspect.”

Chino Community Leader Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Robert Basile a City of Chino community services commission member was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of theft. An elder abuse investigation uncovered a scheme that the suspect concoted to embezzle $130,000 from an elderly family member living in Idaho.

Mr. Basile, 60, of Chino, is the Chino Valley Unified School District’s representative to the Chino community services commission. Basile was booked into at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, bail has been set at $50,000.

Jail records indicate he was arrested at 8:15 a.m. in the 12500 block of Strawberry Place in Chino.

Investigators said the suspect is accused of unlawfully withdrawing money from a family trust fund for four years, said police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez.

It is very concerning to learn about the arrest of community leader Robert Basile for caretaker theft. The community services commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Chino city council on matters pertaining to city-sponsored community service activities. These services include the valuable services provided to the senior community in Chino.

Chino police began their investigation in March of this year after they received information of an elder abuse case from adult protective services in Boise, Idaho, where the victim lives.

“The investigation revealed Mr. Basile, was responsible for the family trust and had embezzled the monies for personal use,” Ms. Gutierrez said.

Mr. Basile serves as a citizens’ oversight committee member for Chino Valley Unified’s Measure G school bond and was president of Rancho Del Chino Rotary in 2012.

 

Having Some Faith in Our Youth

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Soon they will be running our country and have children of their own.  Soon they will be telling their children all the things we told them.  I have had the honor of working with thousands of kids and teens of this generation and I’m here to tell you that they are amazing.  Now keep in mind there is good and bad in every generation but I think we have misjudged this generation.  Yes some of them have dabbled with drugs and alcohol and some are even afraid to grow up.  On the other hand many of them are working on making this world a better place.  The problem is we more often hear the stories about how they are shooting their classmates verses the youths that are doing things of heroic measures.

Just as we did they are crying out to be accepted and valued.  We shouldn’t put a label of lazy or frightened on this batch of youth because then they might become just that.  Instead we need to guide them and encourage them to grow into who God intends them to be.  This generation is very gifted in so many ways.  They care about making our world a better place but are frustrated because they don’t know where to begin because we do have many problems.  I see many future psychotherapists, environmentalists,

lobbyists, songwriters, singers, and attorneys.   I have had youth that are interested in pursuing careers in the mental health field come and observe my support groups.  I have had some even help me with my groups.  Mentoring can make a huge difference in a young person’s life.  Mentoring can offer hope and guidance.

Please don’t give up our or youth because that means giving up on our world.  Help guide and encourage them to grow into adults that they can be proud of them.  Teach them to not give up on themselves because each of them can make a difference!!!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

 

 

Chino Hills Man Crashes Into Fire Hydrant

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – On Saturday, May 26, at approximately 12:25 am, a red Chevrolet Corvette, hopped the curb and tore out a stop sign in the center median of Glen Ridge Drive at the intersection of Pipeline Avenue. The corvette didn’t stop there. It continued driving south until it crashed into a fire hydrant on the east side of Pipeline Avenue. The fire hydrant was completely sheared off causing huge amounts of water to spray high into the air and flood the streets. The driver of the corvette was later identified by deputies, as Peter Smolanovich. Smolanovich was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in violation of CVC 23152(b). City workers had to be called out to the scene to shut the water off that lead to the broken fire hydrant.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputy D. Martinez at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station at (909) 364-2000.  If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Mother Arrested For Murder

Sarah Gomez is seen in a booking photo provided by the Ontario Police Department on May 29, 2018.

By Anthony Saude

 

Ontario – A mother was taken into police custody early on May 29, after she, allegedly, struck her boyfriend and their 7-month-old daughter with her vehicle resulting in the child’s death. The boyfriend, and father of the child, suffered minor injuries.

According to investigators, the infant’s mother, 19-year old Sarah Marie Gomez, and her 21-year-old boyfriend and father of the baby, had been drinking at a family party just a few streets away. The couple had been arguing on and off throughout the day.  The couple left the party, with their child, just before midnight and the arguing continued.  Gomez was driving home when her boyfriend got out of the car and took the baby with him. Authorities said Gomez then intentionally struck him with her vehicle while he was carrying their child outside a home on the 500 block of West D Street in Ontario. Family members immediately took the father and child to a hospital where, sadly, the baby died. According to hospital reports, the child’s injuries were consistent with being hit by a car. The father was released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor scrapes and bruises sustained in the incident.

Police are still investigating the father’s reason for exiting the vehicle with the child. Sgt. Jeff Higbee of the Ontario Police Department said “He got out of the car with the baby, and that’s when she struck them,” “But we’re not certain yet how that happened. That’s still under investigation.” He went on to say “It appears alcohol was involved,”.

Gomez was initially arrested at the hospital and taken to West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. According to court records, she is now being charged with Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence, Child Cruelty resulting in injury or death and DUI causing bodily injury. She is being held on $100,000 bail.■

 

 

 

Woman Convicted of Murdering 6 in Wrong-Way Crash on 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The driver in a tragic high-speed, wrong-way accident that left six people dead — among them the driver’s sister — along the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar four years ago, plead no contest to several counts of murder, according to court records.

Olivia Carolee Culbreath, who was only 21 when she drove her 2013 Chevrolet Camaro east down the freeway’s westbound lanes and slammed head-on into a Ford Explorer. Culbreath now 25 killed four people from three generations of one Huntington Park family and the two passengers in her own vehicle.

The gruesome accident, which had bodies ejected from the vehicles and strewn all about the roadway, gained national attention.

There weren’t any DUI charges filed against Culbreath even though evidence showed her blood alcohol concentration stood at .15 percent three hours after the collision, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Prosecutors said Culbreath had been driving the wrong way on the 57 Freeway even before getting onto the 60 Freeway early that fateful Sunday morning in February of 2014.

The force her vehicle created when it slammed into the family’s 1998 Explorer ejected all four of its passengers: Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; his wife, Leticia Ibarra, 42; their daughter, Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Jessica’s grandmother, Ester Delgado. Mejia-Martinez and Delgado died at the scene, while Ibarra and Mejia died some time later at the hospital.

Culbreath’s two passengers, her older sister Maya Louise Culbreath, 24, and their friend Kristin Melissa Young, 21, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Culbreath and a 57-year-old man in a third vehicle that became swept up in the wreck survived the accident. Both sustained minor injuries; Culbreath was in the hospital for nearly a month with a broken femur and ruptured bladder.

Witnesses told investigators the Camaro had been racing down the freeway at speeds in excess of 100 mph shortly before the accident occurred. Evidence that alcohol may have played a part in this tragedy was also found at the scene.

Culbreath had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in 2010, when she was a 17 year old minor, in San Bernardino juvenile court, according to reports.

Prosecutors stated she had previously been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when she was involved in another accident. At that time she was warned by the court about the dangers of her behavior. She was informed that further offenses could result in murder charges and prison time.

Restrictions that had been placed on her license in relation to a different intoxicated driving case, were lifted the week before the fatal accident took place, the DMV confirmed.

Her older sister’s license was suspended at the time of the fatal collision following multiple DUI convictions of her own, the Times reported.

Culbreath entered her no contest plea to six counts of second-degree murder Tuesday after previously pleading not guilty to murder charges on two occasions.

She is expected to return to court for sentencing Sept. 7 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

 

Chino’s Hidden Treasure: Clark’s Nutrition

Clark’s is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Stop by for yourselves and experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Visit http://www.clarksnutrition.com.

Staff Reports

Chino – Father’s day is right around the corner and Clark’s has something for your hero on his day. Whether it is a supplement to help him grow his muscles, equipment needed for the gym visits or just something to help him sleep at night, whatever it is you can find it at Clark’s. His health is important to you; show him how much you care about having him around for years to come.

Have you ever heard of Clark’s Nutrition? Imagine a Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joes, and Nutrishop all under one roof… in your own back yard, Chino! Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market is a rare find in the natural foods industry. If you haven’t discovered this amazing store yet, it is worth your time to investigate.

Clark’s stores not only have a huge selection of supplements (their Chino location has one of the largest supplement sections in the entire country), but they have a wide variety of organic grocery items, complete with gluten-free sections,  including Vegan and Vegetarian options, as well as a large selection of organic produce.

Want to get a free make-over with natural, cruelty-free make-up too? No problem, Clark’s has a make-up section that looks like something you’d see at a MAC make-up counter. Clark’s is the only retail partner with actress, Suzanne Somers, to offer her organic cosmetics and skin care line, SUZANNE Organics.

Clark’s is a pioneer in the health food world. They opened the doors of their first location in Riverside in 1972, long before health food became vogue. Today there are stores in Riverside, Loma Linda, Rancho Mirage and Chino.

But have you ever been to a “health foods” store before and felt overwhelmed or weren’t sure where to start? Have you felt the opposite, like you knew more than the employee? Have no fear, Clark’s knows how refreshing it is to speak with health food store employees that know their stuff and are willing to share their knowledge.

The Clark’s slogan is, “Live better, we can help.”  How does Clark’s actually help people you ask? Clark’s has made their business thrive on helping to educate people about their health. Starkie Sowers, the Director of Education at Clarks says, “We have Nutritional Consultants at Clarks. These employees go through our 5 level in-house training program. It takes about 3 ½ years to get to a Level 5 at Clarks.” Clark’s takes education about health seriously. These knowledgeable (non-commission) Nutritional Consultants are one of the keys to why people love Clarks so much.

Clark’s is a great find for anyone looking to improve their health. They have competitive pricing, knowledgeable staff, a great product selection and a beautiful Chino location close to home. Dr. Wendy Wang, who is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, will be giving B12 shots inside the Chino store on June 3rd, 10th & 17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

 

Discover this Chino treasure located at 12835 Mountain Ave in Chino.

A Little Light Goes A Long Way

By Mark Hopper

During our tour in Israel, we were given the opportunity to walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel in the city of Jerusalem.  Around 700 BC, the city of Jerusalem was threatened by the powerful Assyrian army.  The Assyrians were one of the most powerful nations in the Middle East at that time.  Their empire was centered where Iran and Iraq are today.  Their capital was the city of Nineveh.

 

The Assyrians had already defeated the northern half of Israel and were poised to attack the southern area called Judah.  Jerusalem was the capital of the southern kingdom.  A large wall protected the city.  A common military tactic in those days was to besiege a walled city until it ran out of food and water forcing the inhabitants to surrender.

 

King Hezekiah knew that a reliable source of water would be essential to withstand a long siege by the Assyrians.  He directed his engineers and workers to dig a long tunnel from a spring outside the city to provide the water that would be needed to survive behind the city walls.  It was a remarkable engineering feat to create this tunnel with just hammer and chisel.

 

The source of the water and the entrance to the tunnel outside the city walls was concealed so effectively that the enemy never found it.  In fact, the source of the water was only discovered in the 1800’s!  The tunnel had to be designed with a slight slope so that the water would run down hill and deep under the walls to bring water to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.  Water still flows in this tunnel today!

 

Tourists are allowed to walk through this tunnel beneath the city of Jerusalem.  The water level is only one to two feet deep.  The tunnel is only about the width of one person and barely high enough to stand upright.  And, the tunnel is very dark.  In fact, you can’t see the person walking in front of you.  You can hear them, but you can’t see anything.

 

Thankfully, they sell small, inexpensive flashlights at the gift shop near the tunnel entrance.  I usually don’t purchase trinkets and small souvenirs when we travel, but I was glad I spent $2 to by a flashlight.  It was the best two dollars I have ever spent!

 

My friend and I were the last two people in our group to enter the water tunnel.  We were glad we wore water shoes as we started to walk down the dark tunnel.   We were delayed a bit as we put our shoes on and quickly fell behind our group.  We could hear them ahead of us, but we couldn’t see them at all.  The narrow tunnel twisted and turned in the darkness.  The bottom and sides were rough.

 

I quickly learned that my friend had not purchased a flashlight.  I had the only one.  It was pitch black, but my little two-dollar flashlight really helped us navigate our 30 minute walk through the tunnel.  It was amazing how one little light illuminated our path.  I don’t know how we would have made it if we didn’t have that one little flashlight.

 

Jesus told his followers that they are “lights in this world” and that they were to “let their light shine” so that people would see their good works and be drawn to follow Jesus, too (Matthew 5:16).  When you and I help others and serve those around us, we are like a small light in a dark world.  Radom acts of kindness and thoughtful, encouraging words can brighten someone’s day and make their lives better.

 

We don’t need to be “in the spot light” and draw attention to ourselves.  We are called to bring a little light into the lives of those around us.  A little light goes a long way.  Let me encourage you to look for ways to encourage and help people around you.  Even a $2 flashlight can make a big difference in a dark place.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

 

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

 

Consolidated Primary Election Poll workers are needed at voting locations throughout Riverside County on June 5.

Riverside County Recruiting Poll Workers for June 5 Consolidated Primary Election
Poll workers are needed at voting locations throughout Riverside County for the upcoming June 5 Consolidated Primary Election.  No experience is required and training will be provided by the Registrar of Voters office.  Poll workers may earn up to $125 as Precinct Inspectors or $90 as Precinct Officers.  Poll workers must attend a training class to familiarize themselves with election procedures and prepare to assist voters when the polls open at 7 a.m. on Election Day.  Workers in both posts will receive an additional stipend for attending the training class.
The Riverside County Registrar of Voters is also seeking individuals who are proficient in English and at least one of the following languages: Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin), Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, or American Sign Language (ASL).
Anyone who wishes to participate as a poll worker should call the Registrar of Voters office at (951) 486-7341 or (877) 663-9906.

Miguel’s Restaurants 45th Anniversary Celebration on June 7 

 


 

CORONA – Miguel’s and Miguel’s Jr. Restaurants invite the community to celebrate the brand’s 45th anniversary on Thursday, June 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m at Corona’s Citrus Splash Zone. The Splash Zone was made possible thanks to a generous donation by Miguel’s Restaurant owners Mike and Mary Vasquez in 2008. During the June 7 celebration, the Vasquez family will unveil recent renovations to the destination and present a re-dedication to the City of Corona.

 “In celebrating this anniversary, we’ve embraced opportunities to revitalize our brand,” said Miguel’s CEO, Javier Vasquez, “It’s been a year for growth and improvement with, launching a new food truck, renovating our flagship restaurant, and now, re-dedicating the upgraded Splash Zone to the city we call home.”

The first 300 guests to arrive at Citrus Splash Zone on Thursday, June 7 will receive a complimentary famous Miguel’s Jr. BRC (beans, rice and cheese) burrito from the new Miguel’s Jr. food truck. The celebration event will include complimentary giveaways, raffle drawings,  and a special presentation from the City of Corona’s Chamber of Commerce.

 The iconic Mexican Restaurant group includes three full-service restaurants in Corona, and 18 Miguel’s Jr. locations throughout the Inland Empire and Orange County. The company plans to announce  two more Miguel’s Jr. locations that are slated to open by the end of 2018.

Miguel’s California Mexican Cocina & Cantina and Miguel’s Jr. continues the family tradition of homestyle Mexican dishes made using only the freshest and best tasting ingredients including fresh Haas avocados, all natural and hormone free poultry, pasture raised, corn fed beef, 100% stone ground tortillas and tortilla chips, as well as their famous fresh-made daily hot sauce.

 EVENT DETAILS
When: Thursday, June 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

*First 300 guests will receive complimentary BRC burrito, or while supplies last.

 Where:
Corona Splash Zone – Citrus Park

1250 Santana Way,

Corona, CA 92881

 ABOUT MIGUEL’S RESTAURANTS

Founded in Corona, California in 1975 by Mike and Mary Vasquez, Miguel’s offers superb-quality family recipes using premium ingredients, inspired by the cuisine of Central Mexico. Miguel’s Restaurants are committed to spreading their unparalleled standard for customer service and reputation for delivering the freshest, best tasting California Mexican food daily.  For more information, including menu items and locations, visit miguelsrestaurant.com

Facebook: facebook.com/MiguelsRestaurant

Instagram: @Miguels_Restaurant

Twitter: @MiguelsRest

ABOUT MIGUEL’S JR.

Founded in Corona, California in 1975 by Mike and Mary Vasquez, Miguel’s Jr continues to offer superb-quality family recipes in a fast-food environment using premium ingredients, inspired by the cuisine of Central Mexico. With 18 locations in the Inland Empire and Orange County, Miguel’s Jr is expanding to key markets in Southern California, spreading their unparalleled standard for customer service and reputation for delivering the freshest, best tasting California Mexican food daily.  For more information, including menu items and locations, visit www.miguelsjr.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/MiguelsJr

Instagram: @Miguels_Jr

Sweet Apple Pork Tenderloin

with Cauliflower Mash and Snap Peas

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 570 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes- 24 oz
  • Cauliflower Florets- 10 oz
  • Pork Tenderloin- 24 oz
  • Dried Thyme- 1 tsp
  • Sugar Snap Peas- 12 oz
  • Gala Apple- 2
  • Chicken Stock Concentrate- 2

 

 

1  BOIL POTATOES AND CAULIFLOWER.    Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place potatoes and half the cauliflower in a large pot with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch (we sent more cauliflower than needed). Bring to a boil and cook until very tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain and return to pot.

 

2  SEAR PORK.     Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over high heat. Season pork all over with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp thyme (we sent more). Add to pan and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 4-8 minutes.

 

3 ROAST PORK AND SNAP PEAS.       Trim any tough ends or strings from snap peas. Once pork has browned, transfer to a baking sheet, placing toward one side. Add snap peas to other side and toss with a drizzle of oil and pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in oven until pork is cooked to desired doneness and snap peas are tender, 10-12 minutes.

 

4  MAKE PAN SAUCE.     Halve and core apple, then chop into ½-inch cubes. Melt 1 TBSP butter with a drizzle of oil in pan used for pork over medium heat. Add apple and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in stock concentrate and ½ cup water. Increase heat to medium high and cook until apple is tender, 3-4 minutes.

 

5  MAKE CAULIFLOWER MASH.    Add 1 TBSP butter to pot with potatoes and cauliflower. (TIP: If potatoes and cauliflower have cooled, reheat briefly over low heat.) Toss to melt butter. Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

 

6  FINISH AND SERVE.     Slice pork crosswise into medallions. Divide cauliflower mash and snap peas between plates, then top with pork. Spoon pan sauce over pork, making sure to include apple pieces.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 6/2/18

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: 2018-06-02-WeeklyNews

Calling For Responsible Pet Owners

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

It is on behalf of dogs everywhere that I write this article.  Being the proud owner of Midnight, the black lab/black shepherd mix shown with me in my photograph is truly a joy and honor.  Midnight is nine years old and very healthy.  Midnight and I take lots of long walks in our neighborhood and he has many buddies along the way.  Some of his buddies are very well cared for and live safe lives.  Some of his buddies aren’t so lucky and are let out to walk themselves.

I can’t believe how many wonderful dogs I have seen without tags and let out to walk themselves.  I can’t believe how many dogs end up hit by cars and die because they are illegally let out by themselves.  Legally dogs are supposed to be licensed, vaccinated and leashed when they are out off their property.  They should be walked by humans that can help guide them on what is safe and what is not when they are out of their house or yard.

A dog is a huge responsibility and an enormous joy.  Caring for a dog properly involves feeding them healthy food, cleaning them, vet visits, walks, licensing them, cleaning up after them, and always providing clean drinking water and shelter and lots of love, affection and attention.  It’s not okay to have a dog or any animal that is neglected.  There have been many new laws passed to help protect animals and people lose them everyday because of neglect.  So I ask you to think about all of this before you get an animal.  I beg you to stop allowing your dogs to walk themselves.  I ask you to understand how helpless they are and how much they count on us to care properly for them.  Please take the time to be a responsible and loving pet owner!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  You may purchase Nancy’s books Live heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog.

 

Is What You Learned in History Class Wrong?

By StatePoint

If you think your history lessons in school were completely factual, you may be mistaken.

“Much of what you know about history may be limited or even wrong,” says Marc Wilson, author of “Kidnapped by Columbus,” a new historical novel. “All too often, legends, poems and myths are emphasized in favor of more complex truths. History is usually written by the victors, not the victims.”

What that in mind, here are four historical facts that may surprise you.

Columbus a Kidnapper

“In 1492, Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue,” says the famous poem that most Americans know. But Columbus never landed on or even saw North America, and when he sailed in the Caribbean and along the coast of Central and South America, he kidnapped natives to act as guides in his search for gold and the Garden of Eden.

At the end of his first voyage, he kidnapped six natives from the island of Hispaniola and took the “Indians” to Spain to prove that he’d reached India. Native Americans have been mislabeled as “Indians” ever since.

“While many around the world hail Columbus as a hero, even honoring him with a U.S. federal holiday and naming cities after him, his actions led to the exploitation and deaths of millions of people. He was a great sailor and explorer, but he traded in slaves and brought devastating diseases to the New World. He opened the door for Cortez to conquer the Aztec Empire, and for Pizarro to conquer the Inca Empire,” Wilson adds.

Washington’s Cherry Tree

As the myth goes, young George Washington couldn’t tell a lie and confessed to his father that he damaged his cherry tree. However, one of his biographers, Mason Locke Weems, had no such problems with the truth and invented this whopper in the fifth edition of his Washington biography, entitled “The Life of Washington” in 1806.

And Washington never wore wooden dentures, either. He had different dentures made from gold, ivory and even lead.

Napoleon: Not Short

Napoleon wasn’t actually short. At the end of his life he was measured at 5 feet 2 inches — which sounds short until you learn this was in French inches, which are longer than British inches. In today’s inches, the fiery tyrant actually stood around 5 feet, 7 inches, which was slightly taller than the average European man of his day. He also employed tall soldiers in his personal guard, which made him seem shorter by comparison.

Jackie Robinson: Not First

Jackie Robinson was not the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues. While he was the first in the modern era, breaking into the National League in 1947, way back in 1884, Moses Fleetwood Walker played for the Toledo Blue Stockings as catcher. The team was part of the American Association, one of three major leagues of its day. Baseball maintained segregation for many decades after this and Robinson became the first player to end this segregation in April, 1947.

So, how can those interested in history go about arriving at the truth? From, historical novels to primary source materials, reading beyond the textbook can give you a more complete and accurate history.

History 101

June 02, 1997 : McVeigh convicted for Oklahoma City bombing

History.com

Introduction

Timothy McVeigh, a former U.S. Army soldier, is convicted on 15 counts of murder and conspiracy for his role in the 1995 terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

On April 19, 1995, just after 9 a.m., a massive truck bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The blast collapsed the north face of the nine-story building, instantly killing more than 100 people and trapping dozens more in the rubble. Emergency crews raced to Oklahoma City from across the country, and when the rescue effort finally ended two weeks later, the death toll stood at 168 people, including 19 young children who were in the building’s day-care center at the time of the blast.

On April 21, the massive manhunt for suspects in the worst terrorist attack ever committed on U.S. soil resulted in the capture of Timothy McVeigh, a 27-year-old former U.S. Army soldier who matched an eyewitness description of a man seen at the scene of the crime. On the same day, Terry Nichols, an associate of McVeigh’s, surrendered at Herington, Kansas, after learning that the police were looking for him. Both men were found to be members of a radical right-wing survivalist group based in Michigan, and on August 8, John Fortier, who knew of McVeigh’s plan to bomb the federal building, agreed to testify against McVeigh and Nichols in exchange for a reduced sentence. Two days later, a grand jury indicted McVeigh and Nichols on murder and conspiracy charges.

While still in his teens, Timothy McVeigh acquired a penchant for guns and began honing survivalist skills he believed would be necessary in the event of a Cold War showdown with the Soviet Union. Lacking direction after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proved a disciplined and meticulous soldier. It was during this time that he befriended Terry Nichols, a fellow soldier who, though 13 years his senior, shared his survivalist interests.

In early 1991, McVeigh served in the Persian Gulf War and was decorated with several medals for a brief combat mission. Despite these honors, he was discharged from the army at the end of the year, one of many casualties of the U.S. military downsizing that came after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Perhaps also because of the end of the Cold War, McVeigh shifted his ideology from a hatred of foreign communist governments to a suspicion of the U.S. federal government, especially as its new elected leader, Democrat Bill Clinton, had successfully campaigned for the presidency on a platform of gun control.

The August 1992 shoot-out between federal agents and survivalist Randy Weaver at his cabin in Idaho, in which Weaver’s wife and son were killed, followed by the April 19, 1993, inferno near Waco, Texas, which killed some 80 Branch Davidians, deeply radicalized McVeigh, Nichols, and their associates. In early 1995, Nichols and McVeigh planned an attack on the federal building in Oklahoma City, which housed, among other federal agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)–the agency that had launched the initial raid on the Branch Davidian compound in 1993.

On April 19, 1995, the two-year anniversary of the disastrous end to the Waco standoff, McVeigh parked a Ryder rental truck loaded with a diesel-fuel-fertilizer bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and fled. Minutes later, the massive bomb exploded, killing 168 people.

On June 2, 1997, McVeigh was convicted on 15 counts of murder and conspiracy, and on August 14, under the unanimous recommendation of the jury, he was sentenced to die by lethal injection. In December 2000, McVeigh asked a federal judge to stop all appeals of his convictions and to set a date for his execution by lethal injection at the U.S. Penitentiary at Terre Haute, Indiana. McVeigh’s execution, in June 2001, was the first federal death penalty to be carried out since 1963.

Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for failing to warn authorities about McVeigh’s bombing plans. In a federal trial, Terry Nichols was found guilty on one count of conspiracy and eight counts of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to life in prison. In a later Oklahoma state trial, he was charged with 160 counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree manslaughter for the death of an unborn child, and one count of aiding in the placement of a bomb near a public building. On May 26, 2004, he was convicted of all charges and sentenced to 160 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

 

Tint Your Windows At Mr. Tint

Staff Reports

NORCO – Car window tinting is one of the best ways to improve the look and comfort of your vehicle. You can protect the interior of the vehicle from sun damage by tinting the windows. Sunlight and heat can cause your interior, like seats and the dashboard, to fade, crack and deteriorate. Window tinting reduces the sunlight allowed into the vehicle, which in turn reduces how hot it gets inside your car. Likewise, homes and offices heat up during the day, and trying to keep your air-conditioner ahead of the game can be costly.
Car window tinting also increases the value of your vehicle when done by professionals like Mr. Tint. Quality car window tinting and expert installation is essential for a professional tint job and maintaining a showroom-quality car.
Mr. Tint has a solution for autos, homes, and commercial buildings.  By tinting your windows, you can not only save up to 30% on your cooling costs with a significant decrease in heat, but you can reduce up to 99% of the UV rays that fade auto interiors, window coverings and furniture in your home and office.
There is one goal prevalent at Mr. Tint, and that is for their customers to be 100% satisfied.  They are focused on not only providing a superior product, but with offering competitive pricing alongside exceptional customer service.  Mr. Tint believes in treating the customer right in all aspects of their business.  By earning your loyalty, you will refer your family, friends and business associates, and come back time and again.
Family owned and operated, Mr. Tint offers free estimates and lifetime warranties.  With over 20 years of experience, the quality of their workmanship is second to none.  They are completely sure you will be satisfied, and invite you to see what other customers are saying on Yelp.com.
Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Same-day service is available, and you can enjoy free beverages and Wi-Fi while you wait, or take advantage of their free shuttle service (within 10 miles).
Mr. Tint is conveniently located just minutes from Eastvale at 1780 Town and Country Drive, #104, in Norco (near the post office and DMV).  Call them at (951) 737-7007 for more information, or visit their website at http://www.mrtint-ie.com.  See their ad on page 5 of the Eastvale News.

Men of Impakt Radio Show One Year Old

Staff Reports

It has been a full year since the first Men of Impakt show aired on Hope Radio 247, to memorialize this event the first annual Men Of Impakt Award Given away for Father’s Day. There are lots of everyday heroes out there that deserve to be recognized let them know what you think. So who is the Man of Impakt in your life? Submit a 500 word or fewer essay describing why your Man of Impakt should be chosen for the year of 2018. All essays will be reviewed and one will be picked to receive the award this year. All submissions will get an honorable mention on the radio show.

Anthony Saude, a talk radio host at “Men of Impakt,” has always thought of starting a positive movement to reestablish Christian values and ideals as things for youth to aspire to. Concerned about a growing trend of people rejecting traditional morals and virtues, Mr. Saude has become motivated to effect positive change in the world.

“We taught our children to look at the wrong heroes,” says Mr Saude. If we continue down this path, “we’re headed to Hell in a handbasket.” Mr. Saude believes that by showing the world good, ordinary men who do the right thing and “take care of the kids [and] treat [their] wives well,” he can inspire a new generation of Christian men who uphold the virtues of Jesus and the Bible.

By “modeling ourselves after Jesus,” we can become a “Mighty Man of Valor” just as the Bible says, says Mr. Saude. We need to “fight outside pressures to do what makes you feel good” and instead do what’s right by “following Jesus, doing the right thing, and making it known.”

Although his radio show “Men of Impakt” features men, Mr. Saude makes it clear that he does not intend to suggest that there are no “Women of Impakt” but rather it is men who should bear the responsibility of fixing a morally corrupt world. Because “women did not create sex trafficking, porn, [and] domestic violence,” it is “Men [who] screwed it up, [men who should] fix it.”

From a Bible study group at church, Mr. Saude partnered with Shawn Kelly at Hope Radio 24/7 start “Men of Impakt.” Next week, the radio talk show will feature Eric Ray, a father of three boys who has been distinguished as a positive influence to his friends at church and to the community. The feature will be part of a series titled, “Raising God’s Children in a God Challenged World” and will bring listeners a chance to learn about marriage, health, and finance from a Christian perspective.

For more information about “Men of Impakt,” visit Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MenofImpakt or email at MenofImpakt@gmail.com

 

California Dreamin’?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

The Legislative Analyst’s Office, which is the California Legislature’s Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor, reported earlier this year on the net migration of California’s population. The report stated that between 2007 to 2016, about 5 million people moved to California from other states, while about 6 million left California. As high as that number was, it was about one-half of what it was on average the previous two decades.

The profile of the inbound migration was heavily weighed by the large number of 18-35 year olds  moving from New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, who were typically the college-educated. Families with kids and those with only a high school education predominate among those moving from California to its top destination states (Texas, Arizona, and Nevada). This netted the effect of a wealthier, more highly educated population living in California.

A major factor in the net out-migration of the population was the cost of housing.  In April 2018, the California Association of Realtors reported that the Median Sales Price (MSP) of a Single Family Home detached (SFHH) reached $584,460.00, and the Median Sales Price (MSP) of a California Townhouse or Condominium reached $476,000.00. These prices compared with much lower numbers in other states. For example, the Texas Median Sales Price reached about $231,900.00, more than $350,000.00 LESS than the California Median Sales Price.  On a straight line comparison, the cost of housing in California is 150% more expensive than it is in Texas! That is a BIG factor in the large number of Californians moving to Texas.

Another major factor in the net out-migration to other neighboring states from California is the State income tax imposed on California residents.  Many are opting to move to states that do not have an income tax, such as Nevada and Texas. The typical income tax rate that the California household pays is about 9% of the median income of approximately $67,000.00.  That translates to an annual income tax of nearly $6,000.00, or $500.00 per month.

In summary, not only is the cost of living so much less in neighboring states, but if they do not have a State Income Tax, the household is left with close to 10% more of their income. The key to a move is the job market and the level of pay one is able to secure. Next week we will compare the job market and median household incomes in California and neighboring states.

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 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.

 

Just A Little Girl

Photo Courtesy: Skitterphoto.com

By Anthony Saude

She wasn’t from around here, here she didn’t know anybody or even speak the language, but here is where she was to stay. Her feelings or opinion about the situation were negligible at best, after all she was just a little girl and kids get over it.

Life hadn’t been easy for her; it had been a very long 11 years. Not to worry, she is resilient; after all she is just a little girl. She had grown up without her father; he took his own life when she was very young. It is a good thing that she was just a little girl, she will get over it. The grown- ups make promises of a better life, in a better place, it will be fine she is just a little girl.

She has a new father now and things seem to be moving towards the promises the grown-ups made, hope is something she can believe in now. Tragedy strikes again and she loses another father in her life to death. She is young still, practically a little girl; she has her whole life ahead of her, she will be fine. The story is much longer but she was never the same and she isn’t a little girl anymore.

She was born in a land she knew, had a lot of friends and family loving on her since the day she was born. Life hadn’t been hard for her but her parents did divorce when she was young, not to worry though she was still just a little girl, it would be fine. Her mother remarried, not to worry she will get used to him, after all she is just a little girl. She isn’t fine, they aren’t fine, and they are no longer just little girls.

Life isn’t perfect they know this but does it have to be so overwhelming at times. How did she get here they sometimes wonder together silently in their own heads. The little girl from the distant land looks at the little girl from this land and gives thanks to the heavens for her daughter and her life. The little girl from this land is just thankful that the little girl from another land is her Mommy.