Local Community News and Public Relations established in 1997 and serving cities of Eastvale, Norco, Chino, Walnut, Corona, Riverside, and San Gabriel Valley.
Jurupa Valley – The Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) is proud to announce that it is a recipient of the Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2020-2021 fiscal budget.
The award represents a significant achievement by JCSD and reflects the commitment of the JCSD Board of Directors and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, JCSD had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation set by GFOA. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. This is the second year in a row that JCSD has received this prestigious GFOA award.
“It takes a significant amount of hard work and dedication to the produce a quality product like the 2020-2021 budget,” said JCSD General Manager Chris Berch. “The JCSD team is not only dedicated to preparing such a document, but are focused on providing long term, prudent financial planning for all of our valued customers and stakeholders.”
There are over 1,600 participant agencies in the Budget Awards Program throughout the nation, and JCSD is proud to be among these recipients.
Eastvale/Jurupa Valley – Congratulations to Jurupa Community Services District, Parks & Recreation Department for their two Award of Excellence from the California Park & Recreation Society for its JCSD’s Friday Flicks & Food Trucks Marketing Campaign and Summer Eastvale Edition – “Rising Together, A New Dawn of Recreation” Brochure Cover in the category of Marketing & Communications!
The CPRS awards program recognizes outstanding achievement in the areas of facility design, park planning, marketing and communication, and community improvement and programming through demonstrating the CREAM principals of challenge, resourcefulness, execution, accomplishment and alignment with the parks and recreation mission.
According to Steve Lawson, Director of Parks and Recreation, “The CPRS awards program is the highest recognition our agency can receive, and our award is a credit to the creative and innovative team whose commitment to the Eastvale community is what made this happen. We are honored to receive this award on behalf of our residents.”
CPRS Executive Director Stephanie Stephens states, “These agencies represent the finest in initiatives addressing community issues, recreation programming, park planning, facility design, and marketing and communications in California. Park and recreation agencies throughout the state provide families, individuals, and groups access to the serenity and inspiration of nature; spaces and places for play and exercise; opportunities for directed and self-directed recreation; positive alternatives for youth to reduce crime and mischief; and activities that facilitate social connections, human development, therapy, the arts, and lifelong learning. CPRS and our award sponsors, RJM Design Group, Inc., Little Tikes Commercial and SVA Architects, are proud to recognize excellence in park and facility design, community initiatives, recreation programs, and marketing and communications.”
The California Park & Recreation Society presented awards in 5 categories:
• Creating Community Award of Excellence
• Excellence in Design – Park Planning
• Excellence in Design – Facility Design
• Marketing & Communications Award of Excellence
• Professional & Service Awards
CPRS is a membership organization with just over 4,000 members representing the 535 local parks and recreation agencies throughout the state. The mission of CPRS is to advance the profession and its members through education, networking, resources, and advocacy. Learn more at http://www.cprs.org.
Eastvale/Norco – In the last month, a few incidents and enforcements took place in the City of Eastvale. The incidents are listed below, courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff ’s Department.
INCIDENT: Driving Under the Influence Driver License Checkpoint
INCIDENT DATE: May 14, 2021
LOCATION: Undisclosed location within the city of Eastvale
DETAILS: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Jurupa Valley Station conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, May 14, 2021. The checkpoint was in the 9800 Block of Limonite Avenue, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The checkpoint yielded the following:
760 cars screened.
17 citations for unlicensed drivers.
3 citations for suspended license.
0 driving under the influence arrests.
2 vehicles were towed
INCIDENT: Possession of Illicit Drugs for Sale
INCIDENT DATE: May 12, 2021
LOCATION: Goodman Way and Cantu Galleano Ranch Road, Eastvale
DETAILS: On May 12, 2021, about 6:00 A.M. Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station, Eastvale, conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Goodman Way and Cantu Galleano Ranch Road, in the city of Eastvale. During the traffic stop the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Michael Martinez, a resident of Upland, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, Martinez was taken into custody.
Martinez was charged with possession of narcotics for sale and resisting arrest and was later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages all citizens to report any suspicious activity. Anyone with additional information can contact Deputy Newman at Riverside County Sheriff’s dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.
INCIDENT: Driving Under the Influence Enforcement
INCIDENT DATE: May 8, 2021 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
LOCATION: Undisclosed location within the city of Eastvale
DETAILS: On May 8, 2021, Jurupa Valley Station deputies conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) saturation patrol in the City of Eastvale. Deputies conducted 9 vehicle enforcement stops, administered 2 field sobriety tests, and cited 5 drivers for various vehicle code violations.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public about the importance of being safe and sober when you are driving. The Department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink.
Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Do your research and understand how certain drugs you are taking may affect your driving ability.
INCIDENT: Homicide
INCIDENT DATE: April 3, 2021
LOCATION: 7000 Block of Orchid Dr. Eastvale
DETAILS: On Saturday, April 3, 2021, a male was dropped off at a local hospital in Ontario suffering from a gunshot wound. Medical staff provided emergency medical care, unfortunately, the male died as a result of his injuries. Information obtained during the follow up investigation revealed the incident occurred at a residence in the 7000 Block of Orchid Dr. in Eastvale.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation. The deceased male was identified as Steven Aquino Valentin, 23 years old out of Richie, Florida.
This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator David Sandoval at (760) 770-2236 or (951) 955-2777.
Eastvale – So many exciting things are happening in Eastvale as it continues to grow!
It was announced that Bushfire Kitchen is coming to Eastvale! Bushfire Kitchen is expected to arrive this coming Fall 2021 and it will be located at The Merge, off the corner of Limonite Ave and Archibald Ave.
Bushfire Kitchen will have a large indoor dining room as well as a 1,000 sq ft patio equipped with heaters and misters so you and your family can enjoy your favorite food outdoors all year round. They will also have a fully-stocked outdoor bar that will serve craft cocktails, beer, and wine with 20+ taps, according to the City of Eastvale.
Bushfire Kitchen offers “signature entrees such as their bbq chicken, tri-tip plate, and baby back ribs. Their menu also includes a wide variety of bowls, salads, burgers, empanadas, and much much more!” They also accommodate preferences like vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. To learn more about their menu options, visit their website at https://www.bushfirekitchen.com
Also joining Eastvale is a new public mural! The “Greetings from Eastvale, California” art mural is now complete at the Public Storage facility off Archibald Ave, near Limonite Ave. The mural was painted by Artist and Designer, Maxfield Bala, who is the owner of an art and design company, Bala Creative. The mural features visual images and symbols pertinent to Eastvale’s history and will serve as an iconic landmark for the City. “No City funds were used to pay for the mural as it was paid for by the developer of the Public Storage Facility,” according to the City.
In addition, the Eastvale Farmers & Artisan Market is now open every Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Farmers & Artisan Market occurs every Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the New Day Christian Church parking lot, located at 7155 Hamner Avenue. For more information or on how to become a vendor, please email: eastvalefarmersmarket@gmail.com
Southern California – Dary and Judi Shumaker are a husband-and-wife real estate team that love meeting, helping, and working with people that are considering buying or selling their home. Whether you are looking for your first home, downsizing, or even getting into a larger home for your growing family, the Shumakers are the perfect realtors for you!
“Our goal and greatest joy are helping people through the real estate process, keeping are clients informed with a pro-active approach, and providing a successful and stressless experience from the start to the end of the transaction,” said Dary and Judi.
With 15 years of experience in real estate, they provide a hands-on experience, walking with you every step of the way. As a husband-and-wife team, they also provide two times the availability and personal communication throughout the entire transaction.
“We have had existing customers tell us that our team (husband & wife) approach was an unmeasurable value and asset for them,” they said.
Dary and Judi are hard-working Realtors looking out for your interests with integrity, honesty, and sincerity. Their business philosophy is “People Helping People” (Phil 2:4) and they will be happy to help in any way!
“We are always there for our clients and encourage them to contact us with any questions at any time,” said Dary and Judi.
Dary and Judi are both licensed Realtors with California Department of Realtors and are members of the NAR (National Association of Realtors). They also hold a Housing Community Development (HCD) Sales license. In addition, they are proud to be part of the Advantage Real Estate Team, with a broker that has 35 years of experience, knowledge, and expertise. They are also surrounded by many colleagues with combined years of experience, which is truly an advantage.
The Shumakers work with sellers and buyers of all ages. For sellers, Dary and Judi will gather home comparable data from multiple resources to have a thorough list price analyze to share with you.
“We will customize an expert marketing plan that will maximize the selling of your home. We understand the importance of selling your home as one of your biggest assets, and we take it very seriously and provide you the professional trustworthy service every step along the way,” said Dary and Judi.
For buyers, you will pay 0% fees, all while working with great agents that will work hard for you. “We are dedicated to helping you find the right home, at the best price, said Dary and Judi. “We want you to find the home that will make you happy and successful in real estate ownership. Whether you are thinking of buying now or in the future, it is important to have a professional with you who knows everything about the local market, the strategies to get offers accepted, and have access to all off-market properties and opportunities. We have the knowledge, tools, and connections to help you be successful in this competitive market.”
Dary and Judi also love working with seniors. They are very experienced in helping the senior community (specifically Baby Boomers) with the downsizing from their existing home and finding their ideal retirement home. “We can help with all types of senior living lifestyles, from senior living condos, manufactured/mobile home parks- senior community living, apartments, etc. We will help make this next step an enjoyable experience, as much as we enjoy helping you through it.”
They also offer a special discount for seniors, in addition to Military and First Responders!
Lastly, Dary and Judi are very knowledgeable about this industry. They wanted to share that there is an alternative to purchasing a residential/condo dwelling. “If buyers are unable to qualify for a FHA/Conventional loan or the approved amount is not meeting the amount for the location they want to purchase in, they may and should consider purchasing a manufactured home,” said the Shumakers. “We are dual licensed and the benefit of us having a HCD license is we can sell brand new manufactured homes. We have worked with a lot of buyers over the years who felt they could never purchase a home. When we introduced them to another type of dwelling, manufactured homes, it then gave them hope and joy for them to be able to provide a larger and better housing for their family than their current situation, living with family or living in an apartment that they are outgrowing.”
If you are thinking about buying or selling your home, call Dary and Judi for a free consultation today! You can reach Dary at 909-927-7028 and Judi at 909-437-6670. You can also email: daryandjudi@gmail.com or visit their website at daryandjudi.com.
Courtesy: City of Eastvale; EATSvale is a new food truck festival event that will occur monthly in Eastvale.
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale hosted the first ever “EATSvale” on Friday, March 21 and it was a success! EATSvale is an exciting and unique food truck festival designed to “engage, elevate, and excite Eastvale residents by combing food, art, and music in one location,” according to a news release.
“We loved welcoming our commUNITY to our inaugural EATSvale Food Truck Festival event,” stated the City on their Facebook page. “It was great watching everyone enjoy the delicious food, playing outdoor games, and enjoying the awesome art!”
EATSvale will occur on a monthly basis on Friday evenings through October 2021. The event will take place at 13200 Citrus Avenue in Eastvale, across Citrus from Eleanor Roosevelt High School.
“We are thrilled to bring this unique food truck festival experience to our commUNITY and create a foodie experience in Eastvale.”, said Bryan Jones, City Manager. “It is also our goal to facilitate new and exciting experiences that will create more vibrancy for our great City.”
Courtesy: City of Eastvale
The City decided to bring EATSvale to town because “Destination Eastvale” is listed as one of the goals identified by the City Council in the Eastvale Strategic Plan in January 2021. Therefore, EATSvale is a City hosted and organized event that is in concert with the current strategic plan initiatives.
This food truck event will allow food vendors who do not have a physical location in Eastvale to sell at an event, while also including restaurants that have a food truck in Eastvale, according to the City. Preferences will be given to Eastvale residents who have a food truck and we will also be recruiting unique and gourmet food trucks from throughout Southern California. Food vendors at this event will encompass a wide variety of cultures, cuisines, food experiences, and much much more!
We’ll see you at the next EATSvale event on Friday, June 18, 2021!
Councilmember Ike Bootsma; courtesy of City of Eastvale
Eastvale – It was recently announced that Councilmember Ike Bootsma passed away at 74-years-old on the early morning of May 14th.
“Our entire Eastvale community mourns the loss of Councilmember Ike Bootsma.”, said Mayor Jocelyn Yow. “Ike was a remarkable and dedicated public servant who will be greatly missed.”
Ike has been a part of the Eastvale community for more than 46 years. Several community members expressed their condolences and prayers to the family on all social media platforms. So many described Ike as honest and kind, who cared deeply about his family and about the Eastvale community. From holding Halloween events to dressing up as Santa during Christmas, Ike loved making the local kids smile.
A banner was placed at Eastvale City Hall in memory of Councilmember Ike Bootsma with the words: “Leader. Legacy. Loved. Ike Bootsma 1947-2021.” In addition, at the monthly Just Move Campaign, the leaders paid tribute to Ike and described how he served the city for many years. City manager, Bryan Jones, also coined the phrase “Be Like Ike” in his speech, according to Matthew Olson’s Facebook post. “It brought tears to my eyes,” said Olson. “We can learn a lot from this gentleman and the service he gave to our community,” added Olson.
In addition, the City Council will be remembering Ike at their next Meeting on Wednesday, May 26. They encouraged the community to say a few words about Ike via in person or online.
Ike was one of the youngest children of nine, to Dutch immigrant parents Trynje and Jim Bootsma. The Bootsma family started their dairy in 1938 and were one of the first to settle in Chino Valley. Ike started a successful Calf Ranch in Eastvale in 1974 until its closing in May 2007. “The Calf Ranch was an important component of the dairy industry, where they raised calves for Dairy replacement,” according to a City news release. “Ike started what became known as “contract” raising. It was a very good enterprise and worked well for the Dairy industry and for his family.”
Ike then served on the City Eastvale City Council from 2010 through 2016, along with four terms as Mayor from 2013 to 2016. “While on the City Council, Ike represented the City on several regional boards, including Western Riverside Council of Governments and the Riverside Transit Agency,” stated the City. Ike and his wife, Squeaker, were also very active with the Eastvale Kiwanis Club and have helped raised money each year to provide Eleanor Roosevelt High School students with college scholarships. They were active in the Eastvale Roadway Adoption Program and have kept city streets free of litter by participating in monthly street clean up events. In addition, Ike was an active member of the local Eastvale Chamber of Commerce. Ike was then re-elected to the Eastvale City Council in November of 2020, representing District 5.
Ike Bootsma is survived by his wife, Squeaker, and his children Shaun Bootsma, Heidi Tillman, Mike Kirk, Metchelle Bootsma, and six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial service information is not yet announced to the community.
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale finally announced the date and time that Chick-fil-A will be opening its doors. Chick-fil-A’s official opening will take place on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 a.m.
Chick-fil-A will not continue their “First 100” tradition at the Eastvale location due to COVID-19. Normally when a new location of Chick-fil-A opens, the franchise will give the first 100 customers free Chick-fil-A for a year. But since they are not allowing customers to camp out this year, they are providing free Chick-fil-A for a year to 100 people that are making an impact in their local communities. The “Community Hero” recipient will be announced on the Eastvale Chick-fil-A’s Facebook page, according to a news release.
The Eastvale Chick-fil-A will have a multi-lane drive-thru and be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The new restaurant is located at 5080 Hamner Ave., at The Station in the Goodman Commerce Center. The Station is a 650,000 square-foot retail center located adjacent to the I-15 Freeway between Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road and Bellegrave Avenue in Eastvale’s most northeast corner of the City. Chick-fil-A will be joining other retail and dining options at The Station, including In-N-Out Burger, Costco, Yoshiharu Ramen, and the recently announced 99 Ranch Market with Cravings Food Hall.
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
Customers participating in Maintenance Protection Plans receive a 24-hour turn-around service as well as discounts for parts and service. Please call the office @ 909-628-9525 for more information about this program.
Staff Reports
Chino – Metz Air Control has been in business since 1977 and is located in Chino. The family owned, once small company, has expanded to 16 employees. Jon and Bryan Metz are brothers who own the business together. They are dedicated and determined to uphold the values their father taught them about business and life. They pride themselves on offering honest and dependable service at a competitive price.
Metz Air Control is well known in the community and they believe their positive ratings are attributed to the relationships they build with their customers. They are a member of the Chino and Eastvale Chamber of Commerce and support local charities and sports teams. Metz Air Control is currently expanding their services as the surrounding communities continue to grow in housing and development. They currently serve San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties.
Metz Air Control has been a Trane Comfort Specialist since 1999; not every dealer qualifies as a Trane Comfort Specialist. Dealers need to meet Trane’s stringent standards and demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuing education. Homeowners can trust a TCS dealer will deliver a quality installation and superior customer experience.
Every year, Metz Air Control has been recognized by Trane for outstanding customer service based on customer reviews. The communities of Chino & Chino Hills have voted Metz Air Control the People’s Choice Award for the “Best Heating and Air Conditioning Company” for the past 4 consecutive years. Metz Air Control is an A+ rated member of the Better Business Bureau, 5-star YELP Company, has a 5-star Facebook rating and 5-star Google rating.
The office staff has been well trained to provide personal and professional services. Whether you are calling to set up a service call, need maintenance or just need information, they will make sure you are pleased with your overall experience. When it comes to installation, every technician is background checked and trained to provide an exceptional experience for their customers. From a simple condenser change to a custom home with several systems, zoning and custom grills, Metz Air Control will provide you with a top-quality experience. They also do package units, duct changes, zoning, duct cleaning and much more.
Metz Air Control provides Maintenance Protection Plans to their customers for increased value and service. Customers participating in these plans receive a 24-hour turn-around service as well as discounts for parts and service. Please call the office @ 909-628-9525 for more information about this program. Seasonal specials include maintenance discounts, manufacturer rebates, and promotional offers that can always be found on their website @ http://www.metzaircontrol.com. Metz Air Control offers many financing options to fit your individual needs. They are also a participating contractor for the HERO and Benji Financing programs offered through Renovate America.
Metz Air Control is licensed, bonded, and insured. It is important for homeowners research any contractor you bring into your home to make sure they meet these same standards.
Metz Air Control is proud to say that over 70% of their business comes from referrals. They believe a referral is the best compliment a customer can give them.
“Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day, To save us all from Satan’s power, When we were gone astray, Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy…”
These are the amazing words from the Christmas Carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” I love these words. Such a reminder of the Heart of Christmas. During this Covid-19 Climate, people have unwittingly said “we have to cancel Christmas.” I understand the reason for the phrase, I understand the fear and the hurt that this year has brought. I also understand not meeting with family because of uncertainty. But the message of Christmas is so much more than a gathering or gifts.
I pray that this Christmas, we don’t miss the heart of the celebration of Christmas. We see some in the Gospels who missed the heart of Christmas. We see the innkeeper who missed out on Jesus because he was too busy (Luke 2). We need to make time for the Lord. We see that King Herod was too fearful to let Christ rule his life (Mat 2). Turn to Christ today. Don’t let the pandemic replace Christmas in your heart. May we not allow anything take the place of worshipping Jesus Christ, who is the true meaning. Christmas is the ushering in of hope to this world. The hope of eternal life. This hope was wrapped and placed in the manger.
We remember Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). In time, your Christmas gifts will mostly be forgotten. But God has given us the ultimate gift—the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. This year lets mindfully peel back the exterior and look at the Heart. Jesus is our gift. May we remember it’s God’s eternal Gift that cancels out the power of sin and death over us who trust in Him (John 3:16).
Due to school closures, Calvary Chapel Eastvale is temporarily meeting in a “Drive In format” at American Heroes Park at 8:30am and 10:30am. All midweek services can be viewed on Facebook Live at 7pm. All of our services can be viewed on our Facebook Channel (Calvary Eastvale). Download our online bulletin to stay current at calvaryeastvale.org.
One of my favorite Christmas toys was my train. I received a Lionel Train set for Christmas when I was a young boy. We have a photo of me and my father and my grandfather playing with my new train on Christmas morning in the early 1960’s. We still have the brochure that came with the train. The date on the brochure says 1962.
The train set was lost for many years in a closet in my parent’s home. I thought they had given it away after I got married. When we helped my parents move out of their house, my brother discovered the train set. But he didn’t tell anyone. He surprised me on Christmas Day with this mystery box.
Now we have a photo of me, and my children and my father playing with that old train at Christmas in the 1980’s. After we moved to Diamond Bar, the Christmas train ended up on a shelf in our garage for many years. Finally, some of our adult children asked me to get the train down and set it up for their children to see.
I was reluctant to do it. I didn’t know if the train even worked anymore. But, children and grandchildren can be pretty persuasive. I finally got the box down and set up the train around the Christmas tree. To my surprise it worked! However, the wires that powered the transformer were brittle and the train engine was sluggish. I took the engine and transformer to a model train store in Costa Mesa. The owner was able to clean it up and lubricate the engine and put a new cord in the transformer. My childhood train was running again.
Every Christmas season we set up the train Lionel Train again. When the grandchildren come to our house, I let them help me set up the train around the Christmas tree. I let them help me operate it too. They enjoy it and I do too. Even the youngest ones have become confident in driving the train. It is fun watching them start and stop the train. They like to load things on the different train cars and deliver their freight to different destinations. There are some train wrecks from time to time but they make the necessary repairs and get the train running again. My wife took a video a few years ago to capture the memory of another generation playing with the train.
I hope that my children and grandchildren will continue the tradition of playing with the Lionel Train with their own families for many years to come. It is one of my most memorable Christmas gifts.
You can find more stories and articles by Mark Hopper at his web site – letmarkencourageyou.com. His book with 365 stories and articles (one for each day of the year) is available for $25 which includes postage – contact him at markh@efreedb.org.
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
everyone was awake and wouldn’t settle down.
With the chaos and madness that was looming in the air
nothing was being done with care
due to the excitement for Santa Claus soon to be there.
Mama was going crazy and growing tired of it all.
Her patience was running thin
she was about to reach out to Santa with a call.
The kids were running amuck and wouldn’t go to bed,
while mama took Tylenol for her aching head.
Mamma and daddy decided on a nightcap
and regretting the afternoon when the kids took a short nap.
When all of a sudden the house quieted down.
Mama got worried and started looking around.
The kids were playing on their Ipad and not making a sound.
Until one child saw mama and started following her around
to download an app that he just found.
The tiredness and the exhaustion from the holiday bliss,
mama finally reached her limit and yelled, if you don’t go to bed now
Christmas you will surely miss.
So with a twinkle in their eyes and smile on their face
the kids never settled down, and momma asked God for grace!
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a peaceful night.
2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.
Eastvale – As we look back on the year 2020, despite the pandemic and all that has happened in the world, Eastvale still managed to thrive throughout the year. New businesses were still scheduled to open, construction continued, and the City obtained various awards over the year. In addition, Christmas was not cancelled in Eastvale, as there were virtual and socially distanced events that took place this holiday season. There were also some really great decorated houses for community members to view. In addition, the community came together to donate masks and essential items, to find lost pets, and to display various acts of kindness throughout the city.
Bryan Jones, Eastvale City Manager, recently issued a news release highlighting all the wonderful things that happened in Eastvale.
“City staff really showcased their grit and solutions driven approach with their adaptability to better serve the communities in new ways with all the new technologies that were implemented through this pandemic. We now have an electronic check-in system at our front counter along with many other services that can now be provided virtually, and we are now live-streaming our City Council and Commission meetings.
However the real MVPs this year were you, the Eastvale community! You made Eastvale the priority by shopping and dining local and taking care of your neighbors. This helped keep us in a strong financial and connected position for the coming year, and for that, we and our local businesses thank you! Love Eastvale! Shop Eastvale!
During these challenging times, we saw true leaders display acts of kindness and lend a helping hand to those in need. We saw the Eastvale Crime Watch page get repurposed into a generosity page for donating essential household items. We saw the Just Move Campaign with Move Through Motivation bring people together to move and create a healthier more connected community. We partnered with the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce on the COVID-19 Restaurant Relief Fund and 2020 High School Graduate gift cards to local restaurants, which injected tens of thousands of dollars into our local economy, along with the Veterans Day Yard Sign Campaign to recognize our hometown heroes.
We also saw civil unrest in the country back in June, yet in Eastvale we had peaceful protests that we turned into conversations within the community resulting in a community leader driven Inclusionary Task Force with individuals representing our diverse community, including City Hall, Schools, Churches, and Law Enforcement. It’s critically important that we have the necessary conversations and take the appropriate actions to allow everyone’s voice to be heard, everyone’s face to be seen, and everyone to feel welcome and safe in our commUNITY.”
Jones also discussed the accomplishments and awards the City were given. “It was great to see Eastvale add to our award-winning organization this past year. Among these recognitions were:
– Three different Polaris communications/community engagement awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for our “Did You Know Video Series”, “We are the City of Eastvale Video” and the “Elysia Matthews & Deputy Myers Story”.
– The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2nd year in a row.
– The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial reporting from GFOA for the 9th year in a row.
– Recognized as the 2nd least financially at-risk City in the State by the independent California State Auditor.”
Jones congratulated the new City Councilmembers and he discussed the many things to come in 2021. “We have many things to look forward to in 2021. We are about to launch our 2nd Community Satisfaction Survey in conjunction with our updated Strategic Plan. This helps us ensure that our priorities for the future, match the priorities of the community. Please keep a look out for the survey launch in early January and share your voice!
In addition, if you haven’t signed-up for Engage Eastvale yet, now would be a great time to do so and engage in the Eastvale 2040 community engagement and planning process.
We also celebrated several economic development wins this past year with multiple signed leases from new businesses and groundbreakings. There are several exciting new dining options opening in the coming months with JINYA Ramen Bar coming to the Cloverdale Market Place, Chick-fil-A coming to The Station, and Fire Wings coming to the Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center. This doesn’t include the many other shopping and dining options that are coming to Hamner Place and The Merge! We are excited to see our first hotel, Staybridge Suites, start to go vertical in 2021. It will be a 4.5 star hotel with a rooftop bar/restaurant, conference/event center and pool cabanas. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media to hear about other new and exciting businesses that are coming to Eastvale.
We are also hoping that the Leal Ranch will close with a master developer so that we can begin creating our Destination Downtown, the heartbeat of the community along with a Public Library, City Hall, 3rd Fire Station and Police Sub-Station.
We also have some key infrastructure wins we are excited to work with the community to design and implement, including an $8 million grant for trails along both Scholar Way and Harrison Way to enhance walkability, and nearly $9.5 million in state funding for the Limonite Extension across the Cucamonga Creek West of Archibald Avenue, better connecting us to the City of Chino. Speaking of connecting and expanding, the Hamner Bridge across the Santa Ana River will begin the widening construction process to 6 lanes in early 2021 to better connect us to the City of Norco!”
As 2020 comes to an end I think we should all be very proud of how we survived. The pandemic changed things this year for everybody. Now the holidays are upon us and we are trying to figure out different and safe ways to celebrate. Many of us will have virtual celebrations but make sure you celebrate. Take sometime to reflect the changes in you and the new found coping skills and courage that seemed to appear in you this year. Be proud that you are still standing.
Make sure that you get out however you can this year and celebrate. Take sometime to drive in a neighborhood with lovely holiday decorations. Go ahead and make those marvelous holiday cookies and plan a drive by cookie and gift exchange. Remember just because we have to celebrate differently doesn’t make our celebration a bad thing. Be creative this year and start some new holiday traditions this year.
Be kind to yourself and make the holidays as easy as they can be. Take sometime for yourself to rest and relax and recover from this very difficult year. Think about how adaptable you had to be this year and feel some pride. Just take sometime to enjoy the season however you choose to celebrate. Remember to be grateful that you are still here and just enjoy being here. Look at the holiday lights, smell those wonderful cookies in the oven, decorate your home to make you smile and do an act of kindness for others this magical season. I wish you all and joyful and very peaceful holiday. I hope you all find amazing ways to celebrate the holidays and to bring in the New Year. May all of you be showered with an abundance of magical holiday blessings!!!!!!
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.
Eastvale, Norco, Jurupa Valley – This holiday season, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public about the importance of being safe and sober when you are driving.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink.
Starting Dec. 14 and through New Year’s Day, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Do your research and understand how certain drugs you are taking may affect your driving ability.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
