Category Archives: Eastvale Community News

Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza

Growing.  Together.

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza

 

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – The grand opening of the long-awaited Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza is upon us.  With very few medical service options available in Eastvale, and the closest hospital nearly ten miles away, this new Medical Plaza is a welcome addition to the area.

As a satellite facility for San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, the Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza will provide key medical services, including a much needed urgent care center – San Antonio Urgent Care at Eastvale.  Outpatient diagnostics such as laboratory, X-ray, ultrasound, 3-D mammograms, and EKG testing are also available.  Several physician suites are on site with a variety of primary and specialty care physicians.

San Antonio Regional Hospital is known for its excellent services and high quality care, and the new Eastvale Plaza joins Rancho San Antonio Medical Plaza in Rancho Cucamonga and Sierra San Antonio Medical Plaza in Fontana as part of the hospital’s network of care.

This 40,000 square foot plaza marks the completion of Phase I of this project.  Phase II will soon continue and will include the development of another 30,000 square foot medical office building to house additional physician suites.

To celebrate the first medical office complex to be built in the City of Eastvale, San Antonio Regional Hospital will be hosting a special community event:

 

Community Grand Opening Event

Sat., May 16, 1 to 4 p.m.

Open House, Tours, Free Health Screenings

KOLA Radio Live Broadcast

Activities for Children – Teddy Bear Clinic, Face Painting and more

 

Come and visit Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza and learn more about their plans to grow with the community and surrounding region, and carry on their tradition of delivering modern medicine with compassion.

Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza is located at 12442 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway South center (by 24-Hour Fitness).  For more information, including physicians already taking appointments, visit SARH.org/Eastvale.  See their ad on the back cover of this publication.

Child-Like Faith

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

As parents, we are faced with many dilemmas in raising our children.  Where should they go to school? Which sports should we encourage or allow them to play? How much time should they spend with technology?  The list goes on and on.  One of the biggest questions may be:  What do we teach our children about faith, the afterlife, and religious beliefs?

Whether you have faith or not, this is a question worth pondering.  First, let’s consider the benefits of having a faith.  Many people say religion is for the weak.  But in that very sentence there is an admission that religion makes us stronger.

Personally, I drink protein every day – because I was physically weak.  It has made me stronger, not weaker.

Believing that we are created by a loving God also improves our self esteem: “We are God’s Masterpieces” (Ephesians 2:10).  All people – children in particular – need this strength and self esteem.

Perhaps a bigger issue is that of free choice.  We often say we want our children to choose for themselves, particularly in the area of faith.

Consider this verse from Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

It outlines both our responsibility as parents and a truth about our children; they do what we teach them.  Regardless of whether we teach our children about faith or let them discover it on their own, we are making a de facto choice for them.

During Jesus’ time on earth, many people brought their children to Him so He might give them a blessing.  Unfortunately, many of his followers turned them away.

“But, when Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,’” (Mark 10:14).

Consider giving your child a foundation in faith at Edgewater’s Vacation Bible School this summer.

Our theme this year is, “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.”

Join us Monday through Friday, July 20 to 24, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Ramirez Middle School, (with dinner included daily).   Edgewater’s Vacation Bible School is a free event, available to children ages 4 to 12.  We hope to see you there!

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

A New Found Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Our Found Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Our Found Freedom

By Amanda Casiano

Corona – In early November 2013, my husband, George Casiano, Jr., was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – just a few months after our wedding.

George underwent chemotherapy treatment every two weeks for six months.  His last treatment was on Good Friday, Apr. 18, 2014, and he has been blessedly cancer free for one year.

George participated in the Relay for Life for the first time when his band, The Pulse, played there.  The following year, he was able to participate as a cancer survivor, walking the Survivor Lap.

When George was first diagnosed, he wrote a song called, “I want to understand,” to help come to terms with what he was going through.  At the 2014 Relay for Life, the band played that song, and George was able to speak about his journey.

At this year’s Relay for Life, George will once again share the story of his fight against cancer in an effort to give hope to others.  The band – now called “Our Found Freedom” – will perform at the event.

Our Found Freedom has seen many changes over the last seven  years.  They recently changed their name to reflect their mission of the true freedom that is found in Christ.  The alternative Christian rock band desires to spread the love of Christ, share the word of God, and be an encouragement to people.

Come and join Our Found Freedom at the Corona Relay for Life, on Sat., May 16, at Santana Park (598 Santana Way, Corona 92881) at 5 p.m.  You can also listen to the band at Facebook.com/OurFoundFreedom, or Soundcloud.com/OurFoundFreedom.

 

Body Worn Cameras Begin Deployment at Jurupa Valley Station

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff's Department

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Courtesy of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department

Update as of May 7, 2015:

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department began the latest ongoing testing of the use of body worn cameras (BWC) at our Jurupa Valley Station on March 16, 2015. The testing is designed to solicit confidential feedback about the usage and effectiveness of devices in a field setting by making these devices available voluntarily to members of three different county labor groups, RSA (deputies, corporals, and investigators), LEMU (sergeants), and LIUNA 777 (community service officers). Those participating are providing confidential surveys about their experience using BWCs for management’s consideration in reaching any final decisions about the use of BWCs and governing policies. The Sheriff’s Department has over 300 BWCs in use, and has conducted testing for nearly 7 years. The Jurupa Valley Station is the latest and largest testing effort to date, and involves the very latest technology; over the past 7 years the BWCs have decreased in size, increased in high definition capability, increased storage capability and battery life, and dramatically dropped in cost as technology in this particular arena has rapidly exploded.

A total of 139 personnel have volunteered to participate in the Jurupa Valley Station program, now about 6 weeks old; only 3 members of the station have voluntarily opted not to participate.

The “Vievu“ brand body worn camera is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. Continued testing is expected to last an additional 45 days. Without disclosing any details of the confidential input and surveys, initial results show that the BWCs have enthusiastically embraced by participating Sheriff’s personnel at our Jurupa Valley Station.

Since the beginning of the testing phase, Jurupa Valley Station administration has encouraged all participants to provide weekly anonymous and forthright feedback, both individual and collective, of their use of the BWC. The ongoing survey feedback questions are designed to capture our staff’s candid opinions and experiences on their ability to both deploy the BWC effectively coupled with the operational aspects of routine processes like downloading and retrieval procedures at the end-of-shift. Participants have rated the BWC very highly in most areas. Staff continue to use their discretion on filming incidents they deem appropriate, but BWC’s have been found to be powerful tools used by station’s patrol staff to calm situations down rather dramatically-and this has accelerated their optional use in routine calls of all types. The public is well aware of the cameras being used in the station’s area of service and ask questions about the devices, easily noticed on our staff’s uniforms.

Although not originally envisioned, personnel at the investigator rank assigned to the station’s detective bureau have now asked to be included in the ongoing testing of BWCs, further expanding their use in the test period while receiving information about the devices on a confidential basis to encourage forthrightness. BWCs have been tested by a few investigators utilizing cameras to film interviews and citizen contacts in areas away from the station. Staff working in the following assignments at the Jurupa Valley Station are currently volunteering to participate in using the BWCs: patrol, special enforcement team, traffic team, and the school resource officer team.

The ongoing testing process at Jurupa Valley Station has also revealed a few areas identified for improvement or modification to any final BWC decision or policy. The vendor continues to work closely with our Technical Services Bureau personnel to resolve any minor remaining issues or concerns. Staff have also been adapting to the BWCs on their uniforms and while on duty.

Overall, participants in the testing program overwhelmingly report positive feedback and enjoy having the option to be equipped with a BWC while working patrol related duties. Our staff are directly involved in the ongoing development and refinement of the station’s BWC SOP, and the station’s efforts and “lessons learned” will be incorporated into the Department’s finalized policies and procedures before Sheriff Stan Sniff makes the decision to either expand their use or mandate department-wide patrol use of BWCs. The Sheriff’s Department also continues to monitor lessons learned from other agencies testing BWC’s as well.

The Sheriff continues to believe that the use of BWC technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, officer accountability, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability with the communities we serve. These devices are also expected to enhance community policing methods and strengthen relationships with the public and law enforcement. But the Sheriff also repeatedly warns that they are not a “panacea” in reducing liability or making incidents always clearer.

The use of body worn camera information is freely allowed by deputies in preparation of their routine reports, just as any other information maintained by our deputies is utilized. The only narrow exceptions to that procedure are “critical incidents” that involve in-custody death/injuries and officer-involved shootings or the use of deadly force, where the Department must lawfully conduct objective and credible investigations of our involved officers and staff. A major concern about providing video camera information to deputies involved in a critical incident before they report it, is that it can be argued to undermine the credibility and objectivity of those investigations. This could subject the Department and every officer to allegations that their reports or statements were coached by reviewing the video, rather than documenting their own perception of the incident.

The Sheriff’s Department continues to believe strongly that the conduct of its investigations-especially in the areas of the use of deadly force-must have credibility and objectivity to the public we serve as well as best serving the interests of the department and its deputies. This is especially critical in the context recently of the national discussions on creditability, transparency and accountability of law enforcement agencies to the very communities we serve. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department views this as critical, and has staked out the “high moral ground” on one of the key issues of the day across our nation in that very debate.

 

Original Details:

On Monday, March 16th, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department continues with its uninterrupted voluntary testing program of the body worn cameras (BWC) at the Jurupa Valley Station. Body Worn Cameras began being issued to Sheriff’s staff this morning at the Jurupa Valley Station.

The Sheriff’s Department has conducted testing of BWC for a number of years, with over 200 of these small cameras in voluntary use throughout Riverside County patrol station operations. It has continued refining the program over time and adopted local and nationwide procedures based on the experience of these numerous agencies. As BWC technology has rapidly increased and been refined, especially over the past year, more and more police agencies have seen these devices fielded, and many of these same procedures have been adopted as agencies share insights, challenges and best practices.

In early November 2014, the Board of Supervisors authorized $384,000 to purchase BWCs in addition to the necessary data storage/retrieval equipment at Jurupa Valley Station to further expand the voluntary testing efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The Department purchased and took delivery of the BWCs at the end 2014. To accommodate the storage of the video recorded by these additional devices at the Jurupa Valley Station, a request for quotes (RFQ) for additional hard drive storage was created. The responses to this request were far in excess of the projected budget, so the RFQ was canceled, revised and reposted. This has caused a delay in the Sheriff’s Department being able to begin fully deploying the new BWCs. The closing date on the newest RFQ was in February 2015. Late this past month, the best and lowest bidder was selected, with the hardware costs finally in line with the original cost estimates of $200,000, and finally met the budget adjustment authorized by the Board of Supervisors for this project this past November.

The Department expects to take delivery of the selected hardware, which is compatible with Hewlett Packard, in late April or early May. In the meantime, the Department was able to create a temporary storage location to store the data that has now allowed the Sheriff’s Department to move forward with its voluntary testing program until that ordered hardware is delivered. The funding for this entire project was approved by the Board of Supervisors as recommended by the Sheriff to come from the Department’s Asset Forfeiture accounts, and without the use of any new General Fund monies being added.

This next phase of the ongoing testing program will help the Department continue evaluating how best to equip deputies in other communities of Riverside County and in our other areas of operation, once this Jurupa Valley test phase is completed. The cameras are expected to add to our existing arsenal of cutting edge technology.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s use of BWC technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability with the communities it serves. These devices are also expected to enhance community policing methods and strengthen relationships with the public and the law enforcement. But the Sheriff also warns that they add considerable complexity in fielding, and are not a panacea in reducing liability or making incidents always clearer.

The “Vievu” brand body camera was selected through an earlier testing phase that included several other brands of cameras. The Vievu camera is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. The Vievu camera will provide our members with a core unibody design for easy deployment.

This testing phase at Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station is expected to last between 90 to 180 days. As has been the ongoing practice, input on these BWCs by end-users from a variety of labor groups will be collected as will changes to refine the department’s SOPs, as we continue to assimilate lessons learned from other agencies.

One of those labor groups, the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association (RSA) filed suit in January 2015 alleging that the voluntary testing of BWCs could not proceed without the union’s approval, arguing this was a new program. Upon learning that the Department has issued hundreds of BWC over the past 7 years, RSA recently withdrew and watered down its allegations in the lawsuit. The matter will be resolved in court sometime later this year. In the interim, the RSA action has had no impact on the Department’s voluntary testing program. Contrary to RSA assertions, the use of body camera information is freely allowed by deputies in preparation of their routine reports, just as any other information maintained by deputies are. The only exceptions to this procedure are critical incidents that involve in-custody deaths/injuries and officer-involved shootings or the use of deadly force, where the Department must lawfully conduct objective and credible investigations of our involved officers and staff. Providing video camera information to our involved deputies in those narrow circumstances before they make a statement undermines the public credibility and legal objectivity of those investigations in the Department’s view, allowing the deputy to be coached by having access to the evidence at hand.

Point of Contact: Chief Deputy Kevin Vest

Welcome to W.O.L.F.F.

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By Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – W.O.L.F.F. (Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting public safety officer and firefighter families through volunteering, fundraising, and collaborating with local communities.

We realize that it is not easy being a first responder’s wife, and it is our goal to provide a support system for those that can relate to our lifestyle. W.O.L.F.F. members have been establishing bonds and building relationships with wives of law enforcement and firefighters since 2010.

W.O.L.F.F. hosts many events throughout the year, which include police and fire recognition, mixers, holiday socials, paint night, and wine tasting – along with various fundraisers that support our organization and local charities.

On Thurs., May 7, at 4 p.m., the Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters, along with area service organizations, will present Cal Fire and City of Corona Firefighters with a plaque thanking them for their hard work, bravery, and dedication during the Highway Fire. This wild fire, which started in the Prado Flood Control Basin, burned over 1,000 acres and threatened over 300 area resident homes. The Stone Bridge Christian Academy, which is a local pre-school, was also threatened and saved by firefighters.

The communities of Norco, Corona, and Eastvale will gather at the Norco-Cal Fire Station #47, located at 3902 Hillside Ave in Norco, and present firefighters with heartfelt tokens of their appreciation. Local Girl Scout troops, as well as area residents, will join us to give thanks to these brave men and women. We invite the communities of Norco, Corona and Eastvale to join us in this event.

L.A. County Search & Rescue Task Force #2 is an elite team that has been utilized in Haiti, Japan, Hurricane Katrina and other disasters around the world. One of our own – Battalion Chief Bob Harris – is leading a team that arrived in Nepal. We will be honoring his wife, Nachet, at this event also. Both are local residents who are active in our community.

The magnitude of stress that wives endure from the realization that there is always a possibility that their loved one may not come home, increases substantially when they volunteer to rescue people in other countries.

If you are interested in learning more about W.O.L.F.F., or would like to join our organization, please email us at eastvalewolff@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolff.eastvale.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition May 2015

2015-05-EastvaleNews-COVERThe Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2015-05-EastvaleNews-WEB

Eastvale Chamber Events

Thurs., May 7, 7 a.m.
Connection Breakfast*
Buffalo Wild Wings
12411 Limonite Ave., Eastvale

Guest Speaker – Kymberly Reis, Workforce Development Riverside County
$10 Members, $15 Prospective Members
*Meeting the first Thursday of every month

 

Thurs., May 7, 4 to 7 p.m.

Fire Department Appreciation Event
Norco Cal Fire Station 47

3902 Hillside Ave., Norco

Come show appreciation to the Fire Departments for their performance during the recent Prado Dam fire (supported by the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce)


Fri., May 8, 7 a.m.
Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

 

Wed., May 13, 6:30 p.m.

Eastvale City Council Meeting

Rosa Parks Elementary

Bob Velcker, Chamber Director, will be provided a Chamber of Commerce update.

 

Thurs., May 14, 5 to 7 p.m.

Eastvale’s San Antonio Medical Center Ribbon Cutting

12442 Limonite Ave., Eastvale

 

Fri., May 15, 8 a.m.

Ambassador Meeting

Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

 

Thurs., May 21, 5:30 p.m.

Chamber After-Hours Mixer

The Joint…the chiropractic place

12411 Limonite Ave., Suite 610, Eastvale

 

Wed., May 27, 6:30 p.m.

Eastvale City Council Meeting

Rosa Parks Elementary

Joel Seigler, Chamber Director, will be provided a Chamber of Commerce update

 

Thurs., May 28, 3 p.m.

Chamber/City Manager

Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

Socially Speaking

By Randi Hauser

Does anyone else feel like April just flew by? Summer is fast approaching, but first you have your child’s prom, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and then graduation…whew!

I hope you are slowing down long enough to catch up on the local news we bring you each day on social media. Trending topics this month have seen the Silverlakes project back in action, 91 Project updates – including citrus-themed landscaping and artwork, the Prado fire being safely extinguished, and Norco’s fun and famous Horse Week.

Many of you participated in our Circus Vargas ticket give-away.  Congratulations to our three winners, Melissa Brown, Lorraine Gonzalez and Michelle Carvalho. Great job ladies and we appreciate you following us!

We’ve got another great contest this month, but it’s just for the kids this go-around:  The Bike Give-Away Essay Contest, open to students in 1st through 6th Grades. The topic of the essay is: “Reasons Why I Should Win A New Bike.” Students should use this opportunity to explain why they are deserving of this terrific bike give-away prize. All essay entries will be judged on creativity, content, grammar and spelling- with an emphasis on the creativity. Judging will be done in two age groups, 1st through 3rd Grades; and 4th through 6th Grades. Entries for the 1st through 3rd Grade group must be between 100 and 200 words; entries for the 4th through 6th Grade group must be between 200 and 300 words. Parents, encourage your children to participate in this contest, but please do not provide direct assistance. The most charming essays often come directly from the minds of our children. One winner from each group will win an age-appropriate bike!

Completed essays must be dropped off in person at one of our three locations:  Great Harvest Bread Company, 14244 Schleisman Rd., Suite 130, in southwest Eastvale; Mountain View Tires, 6080 Hamner Ave., Suite 105, in northeast Eastvale; or our Eastvale News office, 14144 Central Ave., Suite H in Chino.  The student’s name, grade, school – and parent contact information for winner notification – must be on each entry; only one entry per student will be accepted. Essays will be accepted from Wed., May 6 through Sun. May 24.  All entries will be judged by the Editorial Staff at the Eastvale News.

Have you been checking out our monthly calendar? Stay updated on current events, family outings and city meetings when you visit our calendar on Facebook.  LIKE our page at Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews or on Instagram at @EastvaleNews. Use #iloveeastvalenews to tell us why YOU love Eastvale News.

Keep on Trending, Eastvale!

ERHS Prom Drama

Photo Courtesy: Bethlehem Michael The 2015 ERHS Prom Court

Photo Courtesy: Bethlehem Michael
The 2015 ERHS Prom Court

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – Although many seniors at Eleanor Roosevelt High School have been accepted to their dream schools, earned scholarships, and formed close friendships, there was one thing missing to complete a cherishable memory of their high school experience: a Prom Ticket.

Chaos broke out on the week of Apr. 6, when seniors viciously fought to gain access to their dream night at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. Although tickets had gone on sale in early March at the reasonable price of $65, many students decided to wait for the week before spring break to buy their tickets – by which time, the price had increased to $85.

In fact, on the day before spring break, there were less than 100 tickets remaining; and the competition of student vs. student began in the race to go to the Prom.

Starting at 5:40 a.m. on Apr. 6, the line to the Student Store was densely packed with annoyed and impatient students looking to get tickets. The bell had rung for class, but tensions were only beginning to mount. Classes didn’t abate those tensions at all.  Throughout the day, students had apparently snuck out of classes to get to the Student Store. Two hours before school ended, an announcement was made that additional tickets were ordered, and would be put on sale the next day. Unfortunately, the school didn’t order enough tickets, and seniors would not accept the cruel reality.

Even though a waiting list had been issued, enraged seniors and their parents tried to guilt the school into accommodating their anger.  Some criticized the school for not having ordered enough tickets in the first place (ERHS had only ordered 450 tickets, expecting a small number of students to attend); others stated that the school should have organized the Prom at a bigger venue; still another group pitched the idea of having two proms, one for upperclassmen and another for lowerclassmen.  Worst of all, students went so far as to demand that the Student Store force the lowerclassmen to give up their tickets.

In the end, the angry voices were not heard, and some students had to (reluctantly) accept they wouldn’t go to Prom.

Many have viewed this behavior as selfish.  At the age of 17 or 18, it’s immature to act as if the world is ending when one doesn’t get what they want. Then again, pop culture has illustrated Prom Night as the unofficial rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood.

“I think it sucks that everyone [the seniors] won’t go to prom…it means a lot to a lot of people,” stated senior, Derrick White.

Countless seniors sat at home on Prom Night, Apr. 11, disappointed they wouldn’t be able to attend a euphoric evening to epitomize the grace of their temporary youth.

“You’re overreacting and it’s so annoying it amuses me,” joked an anonymous social studies teacher. “Prom is nothing; there are going to be better days in your life. Don’t sweat.”

Nevertheless, the school hopes to make up for the disaster on Grad Night, an event that will be held at Disneyland on June 2.

 

City Manager Report

Michele Nissen, Interim City Manager

Michele Nissen, Interim City Manager

 
By Michele Nissen
Interim City Manager
 

Eastvale – The 4th Annual Eastvale State of the City truly showed how we are all Eastvale “Strong.” Our accomplishments from the past fiscal year were highlighted, as well as our goals and projects for the coming year. 

We are proud to share that the City of Eastvale has healthy reserves and has held a balanced budget since incorporation in 2010.

As we head into our fifth year of incorporation, the City is working on the fiscal year 2015-2016 budget, goals, and objectives. A Preliminary Budget Hearing will be held on May 13, at Rosa Parks Elementary School in the Multi-Purpose room. The meeting will begin promptly at 5 p.m.The agenda packet will be available on Thurs., May 7. To view the agenda packet, please visit: http://eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=19&recordid=1302.

Dreaming Dreams

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

By Pastor Rob Norris

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,” – Galatians 6:10.

I think one of the greatest needs in the Christian community is for individuals to dream some dreams about how they can use their talents to impact people’s lives for Christ.

Let me tell you about a family that is making a difference. A small family ministry called Standing with Hope provides prosthetic limbs for below-the-knee amputees, not only in the United States, but also in Ghana, Africa.

The process of adding a “skin” covering to make a prosthetic look real can cost thousands of dollars – far too costly for an outreach whose goal is to help as many people as possible be able to walk again.

That’s where the family’s 15-year old son, Grayson Rosenberger, comes in. While noodling over an entry idea for a nationwide science contest, Grayson came across one of his mom’s old, discarded prosthetic legs. He found that by wrapping it in a very common household item, he could give the mechanical limb a realistic shape.

His inexpensive solution? Bubble wrap. Total cost for application? About one dollar.

No, it doesn’t look like skin. But with the right hose or stockings, the prosthetic leg can be made to look real. And for poverty-stricken adults and children in Africa who are often ostracized and teased for the primitive, bare-bones appearance of a fake leg, this is a confidence-creating alternative.

Bubble wrap. Who’d have thought?

Could it be that there is a right-under-your-nose opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives?  Could it be that, if you slowed down and set your mind on seeking God for a way you could really serve Him, He might lay out an idea that’s so simple, you’ll be shocked you didn’t think of it earlier?

Just think. Bubble wrap.

Live It:  Every person and every couple has an assignment from God – a ministry. What’s yours?

Pray:  Express your availability to God, and ask Him to show you the best way to serve.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information call (951) 847-6836, or visit www.atthecrossings.com.

Prado Fire Extinguished

Photo By: Felicia Oblea

Photo By: Felicia Oblea

By Randi Hauser

At 6:12 p.m. on Sat., Apr. 18, Riverside County firefighters responded to reports of a cooking fire that began at the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin near the 91 and 71 freeway interchange in Chino Hills. The fire quickly spread southeast along the Santa Ana River as the thick vegetation had not burned in decades.

12 fire crews and two water-drop helicopters fought the flames through the night as the fire continued. Rough terrain and thick brush made the battle difficult for crews on the ground.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Bluff, Homestead and Stagecoach roads in Norco. Evacuation centers were set up at Riley Gym for residents and Ingalls Park for animals, including horses.

Local businesses stepped into action to support their community in distress. It is reported that McDonald’s in Norco provided hundreds of hamburgers and apple slices to evacuees and firefighters battling the flames.  EZ-Ups provided shade to residents who were temporarily without a home.  Tractor Supply in Norco provided materials needed for the horse evacuation area set up at Ingalls Park.

According to Cal Fire, evacuations were lifted on the morning of Mon., Apr. 20 as the blaze was contained to 35%.

A smoke sensitivity warning remained in order for a few days more as smoke lingered over Norco and Corona and ash continued to fall. The total, approximately 1,050 acres were burned, but no structural damage was reported.

Governor Mandates 25% Water Reduction

(Photo Courtesy: BeWaterWise.com) California Friendly® Gardens – Every bit as beautiful, not nearly as thirsty.

(Photo Courtesy: BeWaterWise.com)
California Friendly® Gardens – Every bit as beautiful, not nearly as thirsty.

Staff Reports

Jurupa Valley – With continuing drought conditions and following the lowest snowpack ever recorded, Governor Jerry Brown, in an executive order, has directed the California State Water Resources Control Board (the State) to mandate a 25% water reduction for all urban water usage through Feb. 28, 2016.

Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) is evaluating the State’s additional emergency drought restrictions to determine its impact on our service area and the community. JCSD is currently in Level 2 (Drought Caution) of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and is evaluating if amendments to the plan are necessary to meet the State’s mandates and to help increase water efficiency.

JCSD continues to offer conservation programs and rebates in partnership with Western Municipal Water District.

Surviving our drought and meeting the State’s mandates requires all Californians to make small changes in indoor water usage habits and significant changes to their outdoor watering practices.

If you would like to learn more about water conservation, rebate resources, and ways to increase your water-use efficiency, visit the following websites:

  • jcsd.us/Conservation. Updated drought regulations will also be posted on JCSD’s website on a regular basis.
  • iEfficient.com is a collaborative conservation effort developed by water agencies and cities throughout the Inland Empire, including JCSD.
  • SaveOurWater.com is a partnership between the Association of California Water Agencies and the California Department of Water Resources.
  • BeWaterWise.com offers tips from Metropolitan Water District.
  • WesternTurfReplacement.com is a program that pays a rebate incentive of $2 per square foot of area that is replaced with water-friendly landscaping.
  • SoCalWaterSmart.com provides a listing of all the rebates that are available to JCSD customers and most water customers in Southern California.
  • CNPS.orgThe California Native Plant Society provides information on native plants including care, irrigation, and maintenance.

The Give Back Garden

Photo By: Emily Aguilar

Photo By: Emily Aguilar

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s philanthropic Give Back Garden has dedicated itself to growing healthy foods to donate to the Corona Norco Rescue Mission. After an unfortunate event that has left the group with devastation, they are now asking for help from local citizens.

Photo By: Emily Aguilar

Photo By: Emily Aguilar

On the week of March 22, club advisor and ERHS biology teacher, Mary Neimeyer, found the greenhouse shattered and the vegetables viciously pulled out and scattered across the field.

“It’s heartbreaking to see this happen to the Garden. We’ve put in so much effort to help others, so this vandalism feels disrespectful to what me and my group want to do for those in need.”

The Give Back Garden group is looking for donations to restore their greenhouse and vegetables. A fundraiser will be held on Fri., May 1, at Yogurt-Licious, located at 6987 Hamner Avenue in Eastvale ((951) 520-0888).  You can also donate directly to Mrs. Neimeyer, who can be contacted at mneimeyer@cnusd.k12.ca.us

ERHS Choir Win

Photo By: Tara Lanning

Photo By: Tara Lanning

ERHS Choir had a very successful experience at their April competition in San Francisco.  The Men’s Ensemble took 1st Place Silver; the Madrigals took 2nd Place Silver; and the Women’s Ensemble took 1st Place Gold!  Congratulations to all the choirs and their amazing director, Esther Mendoza.

Never Lose Hope

“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” – Anne Frank 

By Sarah Sanchez 

Imagine waking up in a hospital bed to a doctor telling you that you are beyond stage IV cancer and considered incurable…and that you only have a few months left to live. How would you take this unthinkable news?

Unfortunately, this situation happened to a young woman named Denielle. Her sister, Lizzi, explained that Denielle was first diagnosed with stage III gastric cancer last Christmas. However, by New Years Day, the cancer had spread like wildfire into her lymph nodes, penetrated her stomach lining, and spread through her entire abdomen. They had the best surgeon in town working on her, but unfortunately, he came out of surgery with the most devastating news. Denielle had terminal, stage IV adenocarcinoma, and was deemed to only have a few months left to live.

This news probably would have devastated the average person. But Denielle isn’t average. She is a fighter that has been strong and positive throughout the entire process, specifically saying she was going to “kick this thing in the butt”.

Lizzi said, “When we left that hospital to come home, she would not allow us to leave sad or hopeless. She instilled hope in the rest of us.”

Lizzi also explained that Denielle has been relying on her faith to help her get her through this difficult situation. “I don’t think a single day has passed where her faith in God has been tested. And if it has, then it was never verbalized,” said Lizzi. “With God by her side, Denielle is unstoppable.”

Denielle originally left the hospital as a terminal patient. The doctors believed that she was going home to die because she refused to do chemotherapy to treat her cancer.  But Denielle didn’t lose hope. Her strength and positivity paid off because she is making incredible progress with the natural approach she chose. After using a treatment called Phoenix Tears, it appears that Denielle’s body is now killing the cancer. Doctors across the nation are shocked because this has never been seen before in stage IV gastric cancer. Doctors are watching her levels in amazement as she is fully digesting food, since she was told she’d never be able to digest anything ever again. Doctors originally said that Denielle would only have a few months left to live, but two months later, Denielle is still here making nothing but progress.

Denielle is a woman I’ve never even met and I’ve never even spoke to, but she’s an inspiration to me and an inspiration to all of us. She is someone who looked at a devastating situation with a different light. She encourages us to always be positive in every situation, to cherish the life we live, to love and encourage those around us, and to never lose hope, no matter what the circumstance is.

 

If you feel led to help Denielle, there are two ways to do so:  1) Denielle recently made a bucket list of all the things she has always wanted to do. To help her financially be able to do everything on her list, you can donate money through PayPal by sending it to deniellesdreamfund@yahoo.com.  2) Denielle is a positive person, but to continue the positivity, you can write her a letter of encouragement, love, or prayer to lift her spirits on any difficult days. For any additional information, please email deniellesdreamfund@yahoo.com.

 

Reflections On A 16-Year Old

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

jennifer-Jester-MadrigalThis month, my oldest child, Isaiah, turns 16; which is amazing since I am only 29.

This means that he will soon be driving, and that my hold on him is slipping a little further away each day.  Soon he will throw his bags in the car and take himself to practice and bring himself home. He’ll get a job and go to work and become more responsible and “man-like.”

Every day he gets closer to becoming a grown man, and further from my baby who used to dress up in his Buzz Lightyear costume and zoom around the house. The baby face is gone, replaced with fuzz, and often I am startled by the deep voice that comes out when he talks. He’s taller than me, by a lot, and I have to stand on my toes to kiss his cheek. He still loves his momma; he still kisses and hugs me goodbye.  And he has grown into such a responsible and overall good kid, but how is it possible he is already 16?

Isaiah came screaming into this world as we watched the tragedy of the Columbine High School Shooting unfold on TV. He was born on the day of those shootings, April 20, 1999; a horrific day where two teens gunned down their peers, and the world was forever changed. Parents lost their children and I met mine for the first time. I never forgot that, and I have always known he was a gift.

Once I brought my first child into the world and became a momma, my personal world began to rotate around him. From the instant I knew I was going to be a mom, my children have always come first. My sons are the center of my universe, but Isaiah will always be the one who made me a momma first. As a young mom of just 19, I was terrified, but also confident that he and I would go on some crazy adventures together, and we have. He has been my baby, my little boy, my little man, and my oldest son who I lean on to help me with his younger brothers. He watches over them, torments them and leads them. Isaiah has an especially amazing bond with his littlest brother, Nicholas, who is handicapped.

We walked the beach last weekend, and I watched Isaiah throw his brother on his back so that he could take him to climb the rocks and see the tide pools. He helped him over the rocks, pointed out the shells, signed “water” to him, and held his hand. I watched him hug his little bro, and kiss his cheeks like I always do. As parents, these are the moments we remember; these are the moments that remind us we are doing okay.

It has been a rough year, but Isaiah is getting through it and he’s growing as a person. Life is never how you expect it to be or how you plan it to be, it’s how God wants it to be. My kids illustrate this to me on a daily basis and I have almost made peace with that. I’m excited to see where his future leads, but nervous to let him fly on his own. Video game talks have been replaced with talks about college and the future, and I know these childhood days are winding to a close.

But, I choose to embrace this season. To really breathe it in and enjoy these moments because soon they will be just memories – and, of course, opportunities to teasingly blackmail him when his future wife comes along.

 

C.H.E.E.R.

(Photo By: Clara Steele) The C.H.E.E.R. Leaders pose with Kurt and Brenda Warner, and teacher Jordan Samson

(Photo By: Clara Steele)
The C.H.E.E.R. Leaders pose with Kurt and Brenda Warner, and teacher Jordan Samson

By Tara Lanning

Eastvale – Students at Eleanor Roosevelt High School recently experienced a life changing week. In March, the Best Buddies group helped to orchestrate the C.H.E.E.R. program for the school.

C.H.E.E.R. – an acronym for Consciousness Helps Encourage Equal Respect – invites students to adopt a disability and get a closer look on how people with disabilities are treated.

Each day, a group of students participated in different activities simulating what a disability might be like, including blindness, hearing impairment, or not being able to talk or walk.  One of the highlights of the week was the school-wide signing of the “END THE R WORD” poster.

ERHS ended the week with very special guests, former NFL quarterback, Kurt Warner, and his wife, Brenda, founders of the C.H.E.E.R. program.  Their son, Zach, has a disability, and is the inspiration behind the whole program. The Warner’s became distraught when they noticed their son eating school lunch in the corner with other disabled students in a cafeteria full of laughing, young teenagers. Why wouldn’t the other students invite Zach and the other amazing kids into their groups? They were worth an invitation to a party, so why did they never receive one?

The Warner’s realized how important it was to bring awareness to this issue.  A disability does not define a person. In fact, we all have challenges in life, but we all have talents as well. Kurt and Brenda shared their amazing story and encouraged ERHS students to look at life in a different way. They encouraged the students to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. They encouraged the students to make a difference in someone’s life and to be the kind of leader who inspires others with their actions and encouragements.

The students learned how to live today to impact tomorrow.  Yes, we are all different, but we are all also the same in the way that we need someone – we all need each other.  No one should ever feel unimportant or unworthy.  That is what C.H.E.E.R. is all about.

ERHS would like to thank Kurt and Brenda Warner for encouraging students to make a difference in the lives around them.

Phone Call Scam Alert

Staff Reports

Image Courtesy: www.bbb.org

Image Courtesy: http://www.bbb.org

Riverside – It seems as if fraudulent phone calls are on the rise, and uninformed victims may find themselves short on funds and long on disappointment.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, criminals are impersonating law enforcement officials, utility company personnel, and even county court employees, making random calls and threats in an attempt to extort money.

In one scheme, a victim is told that they have an outstanding warrant for failing to appear for jury duty.  In another scheme, the caller threatens to shut off utilities for past due payment or the installation of a new meter.  The caller would demand payment via credit card or Green Dot card. The suspect would typically remain on the phone with the victim while the money is transferred.

While these suspects are very convincing, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Riverside Superior Court District make it very clear that they will never contact the public in such a way.

If you find yourself a victim of one of these calls, never, ever, provide any type of payment or personal information.  Tell the caller that you are going to contact the company they “represent” directly to resolve the situation.  If possible, write down any incoming numbers from your Caller ID (although many of today’s technologies can hide or scramble phone numbers) and as much information as possible.  Hang up and contact your local law enforcement.

To learn more information on phone scams please visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.

Orangetheory Fitness

Affordable Group Personal Training

(Photo Courtesy: Orangetheory Fitness) Orangetheory Fitness is located at 12459 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway Shopping Center (next to Bank of America and Verizon Wireless). They can be reached at (951) 681-8890, and visit their website at www.orangetheoryfitness.com/eastvale.

(Photo Courtesy: Orangetheory Fitness)
Orangetheory Fitness is located at 12459 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway Shopping Center (next to Bank of America and Verizon Wireless). They can be reached at (951) 681-8890, and visit their website at http://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/eastvale.

Staff Reports

Eastvale – A new fitness opportunity is coming to Eastvale, and the New York Times is calling it the best one-hour workout in the country.

Orangetheory Fitness will be opening soon, and owner, Todd Randall, is excited to share his passion for fitness with the community.

“First, surround yourself with great people who are passionate about the goal.  Next, only run teams that you’re willing to be personally invested in.  The rest mostly takes care of itself.”

What Randall is expounding on is success.  Orangetheory’s group training approach is based on science, using a heart rate monitor to inspire performances.  Because they focus specifically on getting each student into their “Orange Zone,” a spike in metabolism occurs that lasts 24 to 36 hours after the session is completed.  This “after-burn” has given Orangetheory quite the reputation for burning calories.

Randall, who has 26 years of experience in the healthcare and fitness industries, didn’t always make his own health a priority.  As a bureaucrat for one of the largest companies in the country, he was good at his job, but he wasn’t taking care of himself, or his family, the way he wanted to.  That all changed for the better with Orangetheory.

“Not everyone has the option of changing careers mid-life,” says Randall.  “This is my way of helping people take a little bit better care of themselves, whatever their schedule is.  If they only have a few hours a week to invest in fitness, it really has to count.”

Randall says it’s not his own expertise that is the most relevant to Orangetheory.  He has surrounded himself with a team of trainers and managers that have competed in the highest levels of collegiate sports, and have nutrition, fitness and medical certificates.  And even though there are three professional athletes on staff, all personal trainers are required to have nationally recognized certification, making not only fitness, but safety and well-being, their priorities.

Orangetheory is also invested in the community.  They support the American Cancer Society and are sponsoring the upcoming Relay for Life Walk on Apr. 18.  Some of the trainers and staff are even participating in JCSD’s Biggest Loser event, to be held Apr. 20 to June 22.

While they are putting the finishing touches on the construction of their new fitness studio, they have a booth set up next to the storefront several days a week.  Stop by and say hello, learn more about the Orange Zone buzz, and ask about their special pre-opening membership rates.

Orangetheory Fitness is located at 12459 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway Shopping Center (next to Bank of America and Verizon Wireless).  They can be reached at (951) 681-8890, and visit their website at www.orangetheoryfitness.com/eastvale.  See their ad on page 10.