Category Archives: Diamond Bar

Sobriety Checkpoint In Diamond Bar Nets Two Arrests

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock
Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers.

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR – During this past weekend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted an overnight driver’s license/sobriety checkpoint in the city of Diamond Bar. The 32 hour checkpoint produced two arrests, the Sheriff’s department reported on Saturday. One of the people that were arrested was booked on suspicion of drunk driving. The 2nd motorist was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, the Sheriff’s Information Bureau reported. Deputies also issued one citation.

The checkpoint at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road began at 6 p.m. Friday and ended at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that 838 vehicles were stopped and diligently screened at the checkpoint.

Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers. These are usually set up during times when impaired driving is known to happen, such as holiday weekends.

Due to legal issues surrounding their use, not all states conduct sobriety checkpoints. Some states have laws authorizing their use. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has found sobriety checkpoints to be constitutionally permissible, ten states, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have found that sobriety roadblocks violate their own state constitutions or have outlawed them.

Fun With a Grandson

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

 

My brother and I grew up in Arizona. We didn’t have major league sports in the Phoenix area when we were young but there were several Major League Baseball teams that did their Spring Training in Arizona.

 

One of my memories as a little kid was going to a Major League Baseball game with my brother and our grandfather.  The stadiums were much smaller and we got to see some well known players in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

 

Now, sixty years later it was my turn to take one of my grandsons to a Major League Baseball game at Angel stadium.  We have gone to several games with our whole family but this was the first time it was just grandpa and grandson. I wondered how the two of us would do on our baseball adventure.

 

We stopped at In N Out Burger for a quick dinner. We both enjoyed burgers and fries and shared a Milk Shake for dessert. We saw other Angel fans who were going to the game. We arrived at the stadium in time for the National Anthem.  As we entered the stadium we each received a free T-shirt marking all star player Mike Trout’s 27th birthday!  My grandson was impressed!

 

A friend had given us two tickets to the game. We didn’t realize they were near the Angel’s dugout less than 15 rows from the field.  My grandson and I were very excited to be sitting so close with a great view of home plate.

 

It was a great game to watch.  The visiting team got off to a quick start getting two runs in the first inning.  But, the Angels came back in the bottom of the inning scoring five runs. They would score six more runs during the rest of the game and win 11-5!

 

We brought some snacks with us to enjoy during the game and my grandson also brought his own baseball glove and hoping to catch a foul ball. A couple came in our direction but none were close enough for us to catch. We also did some shopping in the Angel’s team store. He selected a souvenir so he could remember this special time with Pop Pop.

 

I wondered how long my grandson would want to stay. I asked him a couple of times if he was getting tired and was ready to go home. To my surprise he said that he didn’t want to leave early but wanted to stay until the end of the game. So we stayed until the last out and cheered the Angel’s victory.

 

I took a lot of pictures with my cell phone and sent them to my wife and his mom and dad. In addition, we were on the Jumbotron during the game as a cameraman captured us and other enthusiastic fans in our section. My grandson was also excited to be part of the “Wave” where fans stand and cheer as the “Wave” sweeps around the stadium. And, we sang “Take me out to the ball game” in the 7th inning.

 

It was an eventful night at the ballgame.  I’m sure it is an adventure that we will remember for a long time.  I held his hand as we walked across the parking lot and I couldn’t help but smile – Grandpa and his grandson at a baseball game.  As we drove home, I asked my little buddy if he enjoyed the game.  He said “Yes”.  Then he asked, “Can I close my eyes now?”

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Deputy for a Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Five year old David Corrales was honored to be “Deputy for a Day” at the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. “It was sort of an impromptu situation, I got a call from a friend of mine who was a former commander on the force that a teachers grandson wants to be a police officer,” said Captain Reyes. David showed up dressed in his own law enforcement uniform so Captain Reyes pulled out the red Carpet for the young man. Captain Reyes with the help of a couple of deputies gave David a tour of the station, let him visit dispatch and he was given a ride in a radio car. Captain Reyes said he had an experience when he was in the 6th grade that cemented he desire to go into law enforcement. The school had a safety assembly about looking both ways before crossing the street, a highway patrol officer gave a riveting presentation. “The officer picked me out to take a ride in the patrol car to show us that a car isn’t able to stop on a dime. We got in the car, sped down the street, slammed on the brakes and came to a skidding stop about 50 feet later.  “That childhood memory has stuck with me all these years, so I took the opportunity to give another young man a childhood memory of his own in hopes that it may make an impression enough for him to take the same path,” said Reyes. David was sworn in by Capt. Reyes as an honorary deputy for a day while he was at the station. Everybody at the station would like to extend our gratitude to David Corrales for visiting our station and wanting to follow in the footsteps of our deputies.

Diamond Bar Boulevard Streetscape Project

By Anthony Saude

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

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

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

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

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

Questions

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

 

DB City Council Seeks Candidates to Fill Open Seats

By Anthony Saude

 

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

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

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

There Is No Taste Like Home

By Mark Hopper

Last spring, my wife and I traveled to see some of our children and grandchildren who live overseas. We actually flew to Poland and spent a couple of days with them touring Krakow. Then, we went south on a road trip from Poland to their home in Slovenia.

 

It was fun to see another part of Europe that we had never visited before. We drove through Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria on our way south to Slovenia. These beautiful countries are filled with endless miles of farms and fields producing crops of all kinds.  We saw some fields where seeds were just sprouting and others where the corn and wheat were growing rapidly.

 

Part of our road trip included a stop in the Czech Republic at the headquarters of the organization our children work with. This beautiful conference center is situated on a hillside overlooking the forests and fields below.

 

As we continued on our road trip, our son-in-law informed us that we needed to stop at a warehouse to purchase some food items that are not available in Slovenia. Our curiosity got the best of us as we inquired what we were looking for in Czech that was not available in Slovenia.  He was looking for authentic Mexican food.

 

Don’t misunderstand; you can actually buy Mexican food items at many stores in Europe.  For example, many of the large grocery chains sell Tortilla Chips and other items.  But they don’t always taste the same as what we are used to here in Southern California.

 

We were looking for a warehouse that actually imported authentic Mexican food.  It was quite an adventure trying to find this small warehouse.  It was not on a main highway.  We took some smaller two-lane country roads following the advice of Google Maps.  Even with the help of technology it was hard to find.  But eventually we found what we were looking for.

 

Here we were in the middle of Europe at a warehouse that imported real Mexican food.  They had Mexican spices, enchilada sauce, beer, tortillas, cheese, spices and a lot more.  All of these were authentic – made in Mexico. Our son-in-law was in heaven when he saw so many familiar items that he knew we would enjoy.

 

“They also had Tortilla Chips that were actually made in Mexico!  The chips tasted so good that we bought four cases that each contained 10 large bags. Yummmmy!”

Actually, some of the cases of chips were for other American friends who were hoping to get in on deal.  They would not be disappointed.  Four cases of Chips were on their way to Slovenia.  There would be no shortage of authentic Tortilla Chips in Slovenia for quite a while.

 

I suspect that there are certain foods that remind you of your home too.  We have a broad diversity of cultures in Southern California.  Along with these different ethnic groups comes the foods and flavors of their homeland.  I know we have grocery stores right here in our area that specializes in Indian, Chinese, Korean and Indonesian products and spices. There are probably many more that I am unaware of. There is something special about enjoying familiar food and sharing it with others.

 

Let me encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and go explore the grocery stores and restaurants in our area.  Find a familiar food from your home country and invite a friend or neighbor to enjoy it with you.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Vacation Bible School July 23-27th

Efreedb.org

Diamond Bar DUI Checkpoint Nets 6 Arrests

Photo: wklaw.com
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13 on the southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Highland Valley Road.

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13 on the southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Highland Valley Road. The Checkpoint was operational between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Checkpoint locations are well thought out and placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Making sure the location has the greatest safety possible for officers and the public is also a large part of the equation.

California has seen a disturbing increase in the number of drug-impaired driving accidents in recent years. The LASD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Taking prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label may cause impairment enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Studies of California drivers show that 30 percent of drivers in fatal accidents had one or more drugs in their system. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, only slightly more than alcohol.

One driver wanted for an injury Hit and Run on Interstate 5 was detained at the Checkpoint. He was turned over to the California Highway Patrol and arrested for felony DUI and Hit and Run charges.

415 Vehicles Screened
1 DUI Alcohol impaired suspect arrested
1 DUI Drugs (Marijuana) impaired suspect arrested
4 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked

With all the technology today and the promotions for designated driver there isn’t any reason to be driving drunk. Before your next night out on the town check out the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app give information on nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver. Anything from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more are made available. Who doesn’t want free food and refreshments?  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving under the influence can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting other DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrol in the future in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

AS A DRIVER TAKE SOME TIME TO PLAN AHEAD USING THESE TIPS:

Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins

Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver

Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.

Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.

A Family Reunion

By Mark Hopper

My wife and I have four adult children and eight grandchildren. Some of our children and grandchildren live in Southern California but many of them live far away. We see the local grandchildren frequently, but we don’t get to see the ones who live overseas very often.

 

In addition, our grandchildren don’t get to see their cousins very often either. Since many of these eight cousins live so far away, they rarely see each other. In fact, our youngest grandchild had not met some of her cousins until this month.  She is 18 months old and she had not met over half of her cousins.

 

Recently, these four cousins flew to LA with their parents. Family members picked them up at LAX and brought them out to meet us. Other members of our family agreed it would be easier to meet at a restaurant so the weary travelers could get something to eat while the parents and kids got reconnected.

 

When we asked where everyone would like to meet, they unanimously agreed on In N Out Burger! The local family members warmly welcomed the weary travelers with yummy burgers, fries and shakes. There were lots of smiles and hugs at this informal family reunion.

 

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the four older grandchildren circled around our youngest family member. The eighteen month old seemed a little overwhelmed by these older and bigger cousins. It was the first time they had ever met!  It didn’t take long for the little one to warm up to these older relatives. It was a moment to remember as these cousins met for the first time.

 

There is a memorable reunion in the Bible when Joseph is reunited with his brothers. They had been separated for many years and it was an emotional moment when these brothers were reunited in Egypt.  Joseph was even more overwhelmed when he embraced his aging father whom he thought he would never see again. You can read the details for yourself in Genesis chapters 37-50.

 

Summer is often the season for family reunions. Relatives travel from all over the country and around the world and go to great lengths to reconnect with relatives and friends. There is something special about spending time with older and younger family members.

 

Let me encourage you to take time this summer to reach out to other family members. Make an effort to reconnect with siblings and cousins, aunts and uncles. Whether in person or by social media take the first step and tell those in your extended family that you love and appreciate them. They will be glad you did and you will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Vacation Bible School – July 23-27th

Efreedb.org

 

Sunrise

By Mark Hopper

I delivered newspapers in Scottsdale Arizona when I was in high school. In fact, I was the Arizona Republic’s Newspaper Boy of the year my senior year. In addition, I was awarded a college scholarship by the newspaper to help pay for my tuition when I enrolled at Arizona State University.

 

There were two newspapers in Phoenix in the 1960’s.  The Phoenix Gazette was the afternoon paper.  The Arizona Republic was the morning paper.  I decided to deliver the morning paper so I could earn some money and participate in sports and other after school activities.

 

Newspaper subscriptions were sixty cents per week.  I had about 100 customers on my route.  Initially, I had to collect money every week. Collecting the payments took a considerable time each week, but I had to pay for the newspapers every Saturday. Eventually, I was able to get most of my customers to pay once-a-month. This saved a lot of time.

 

Delivering newspapers involved getting up every morning at 4:45 AM, every day of the year. Delivering papers was like milking cows – you had to do it every day – rain or shine.  Newspaper boys never got a day off!  We worked 365 days of the year, even Christmas morning!

 

I used my bicycle to deliver the newspaper. Even when I bought my first car, it was still easier to ride my bike than to drive my car. You didn’t earn a lot of money delivering newspapers, but I did earn and save enough money to buy my first car – a ‘57 Chevy!

 

One of the things I remember the most about delivering newspapers every day was watching the beautiful sunrises each morning.  My family literally lived on the edge of town. Just beyond our neighborhood were cotton fields that stretched for miles. This provided an unobstructed view of the mountains on the eastern horizon. I could pause on my route to witness the sun come up over the Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains. The colors were amazing!

 

On a recent trip back to Arizona, I enjoyed getting up early and going for a walk. The nicest time of day in the Arizona desert is just before sunrise. The birds and animals come to life and the eastern sky is filled with color. It brought me back to my newspaper delivery days fifty years ago.

 

In Psalm 19, it says, “God’s glory is on tour in the skies and on exhibit across the heavens”.  The author goes on to say, “The morning sun is like a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed or like an athlete who races from sunrise to sunset” (the Message Bible).

 

Let me encourage you to pause and watch a sunrise or sunset this summer. Whether you are camping in the mountains, relaxing on the beach or enduring the morning commute – take time to admire the beauty of God’s handiwork on display. You will be glad you did and He will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

Vacation Bible School: July 23-27

 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Reserve deputy program

Staff Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Diamond Bar Restaurant Closed By Health Board

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Cockroach, dirt and debris found near hanging ducks at Diamond Bar restaurant, and other health inspections in the San Gabriel Valley

Not only did a health inspector find numerous live and dead cockroaches during a visit to a Chinese restaurant in Diamond Bar, she also discovered filthy conditions and shut it down.

Facilities are graded with a number and letter score much like school report cards.

When a Los Angeles food facility is temporarily closed for a cockroach, rodent, or fly infestation, sewage problems, or for not having hot water, the facility loses seven points in addition to the four points deducted for major health violations. At the point of discovery of two major health hazards occurring concurrently, the facility loses an additional three points in its inspection score. Results like those will usually result in loss of passing grades (perhaps from A to B or A to C).

In contrast to the County of Los Angles Public Health department, the Pasadena health agency does not issue grades but rather one of three placards to each establishment: “Pass,” “Conditional Pass,” or “Closed.” The city does deduct points the same way the county does, but if an inspector determines a closure is warranted, the facility loses 26 points automatically.

The inspector, employed at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department paid a visit to Jade House Seafood & BBQ on June 18. She noted on a report filed with the agency that there was cockroach infestation as well as several other health code violations. The duck roasting station itself was noted for having:

One adult cockroach (living)

A heavy build up of dirt and debris on the shelf and cooking equipment

An employee’s hot beverage

There was also a lot of dust, debris and dirt on the fan being used to cool the hanging ducks. The restaurant received a score of 76 and was shut down. As of publication, it had not been allowed to reopen.

Slippery Stickers

By Mark Hopper

Recently I took one of my grandchildren to one of my favorite fast food restaurants.  She loves the french fries and I love the burgers.  Yummm!

 

The nice lady at the cash register took our order and then handed a page of stickers to my granddaughter.  This small page of stickers keeps the younger customers busy while the burger and fries are being prepared.

 

However, this small page of stickers was actually slippery.  I know that sticky and slippery are opposites, but this page of stickers kept getting away from us.  It started when we stopped at the Ketchup dispenser to fill up some small cups with Ketchup to use on our French fries.

 

After we sat down at a table, I noticed that the page of stickers was missing.  Where did it go?  It seemed like it had just slipped out of her hands. I retraced our steps and discovered we had left it by the Ketchup dispenser.

 

We really did enjoy my hamburger and her french fries.  They were a tasty treat.  But, as we got up to go back to our car, I noticed that the stickers were missing again.  Where did they go this time?  I glanced back to where we were sitting and saw them on the floor under our table.  I was able to go back and rescue our slippery stickers again.

 

When we got home, my granddaughter proudly showed my wife her sticker page.  We encouraged her to take them home and show them to her parents.   When our daughter picked up our granddaughter, I made sure that the stickers got into their car.

 

However, the next day, the slippery stickers were missing again.  My granddaughter thought she had left the stickers at our house, but I was sure I put them in their car.  Later in the day, our daughter called to say that the stickers were found on the floor at their house.  They really were slippery stickers!

 

I don’t know what slips through your fingers or what you tend to misplace, but I think there are a lot of “slippery” things in each of our lives. Some people misplace their cell phones.  Other people can never find their car keys.  My wife seems to frequently misplace her glasses. All things that we use and take for granted.

 

I’m guilty of the same thing.  I often can’t find my wallet or appointment book.  I can’t remember where I put them down and I have trouble finding them, too!  They are almost as slippery as those stickers!

 

There is an account in the Bible where an axe slips out of the hands of a worker and sinks to the bottom of a stream.  The axe was borrowed and the borrower was responsible to return the item to its owner.  You would be surprised at how God restores the slippery axe to the one who borrowed it in Second Kings 6:1-7.

 

My suggestion is that you keep a close eye and a tight grip on those things that really are valuable.  Hold your loved ones tight and keep your friends close.  Don’t let them slip out of your life.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Strong Feather

By Mark Hopper

I have probably written about this in the past, but I was reminded of it again when my wife and I were in Arizona recently.

 

My wife and I grew up in the Phoenix area in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  We actually met during our freshman year at Scottsdale High School.  We have many fond memories of Arizona and it is nice to go back to visit family members and reconnect with old friends.

 

Early one morning, I went for a walk along some green belts that meander through the neighborhood where we were staying.  These tree lined concrete trails are perfect for bicycles and casual walkers.

 

These paths are peaceful and relaxing teeming with birds and other wildlife as they enjoy these shady areas too.  The desert Doves sing in the early morning and there are usually cotton tail rabbits enjoying the abundant grass.

 

Other people get up early to enjoy the cooler morning air and take their pets for a walk before it gets too hot.  Daytime temperatures were over 100 degrees when we were in Arizona. One day the temperature reached 109!

 

My favorite sight to see on my early morning walks was the Gamble Quail.  They are very graceful with their slim size and red top knot on their head.  One morning, I saw a mommy Quail escorting 2-3 small babies as they crossed the path in front of me. I think they were looking for breakfast.  Those little ones looked so tiny but they kept up with their siblings as their mother watched over them.

 

One of the reasons I love the desert Quail is because my father wrote a book about a family of Quail in Scottsdale.  When he jogged along the canal bank years ago, he observed the activity of a covey of Quail near a horse corral.  The Quail were always busy in the early morning and early evening, but they sought shade and shelter from the hot desert sun during mid-day.

 

His book is titled, “Strong Feather – The story of the last Covey in Indian Bend Wash”. Strong Feather is a young Quail who goes from childhood games to leading the covey to safety as urban sprawl threatens his family’s survival.  Children and adults enjoy the adventures of Strong Feather and his fellow Quail.

 

Radio personality Paul Harvey actually featured the book at the end of one of his daily broadcasts. Paul Harvey shared that when he was in the 3rd grade, his teacher read a few pages from a good book at the end of every school day.  He liked “Strong Feather” so much that he said, “Every third-grade teacher must share this book with her last class of the day”. I agree!

 

Whenever my wife and I see a Quail, we think of my dad.  He worked as a writer for several newspapers, UPI and a large bank in Phoenix.  His typing skills transferred well into being a telegraph operator in World War Two. He was a writer at heart. Maybe that is why I am still writing today. It must be in our family’s DNA!

 

Next time you see a Quail in your travels, I hope it will put a smile on your face.  If you need a good book to read to your children, you might look on line or at your local library for a copy of “Strong Feather” by Richard Hopper.  You will be glad you did and I will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Sunday services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Lemon Avenue Interchange is Nearing Completion

Photo: City of Diamond Bar
The third and final ramp construction of the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) from Lemon Avenue is due to open sometime in June. The multimillion-dollar freeway interchange project that has been many years in the making.

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The third and final ramp construction of the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) from Lemon Avenue is due to open sometime in July. This will bring the project to a close the key multimillion-dollar freeway interchange project that has been many years in the making.

The planning and design of the major three-legged Lemon Avenue Interchange project began more than 15 years ago with meetings and discussions. The groundbreaking ceremony was way back in September 2016, however the project’s history extends back more than 50 years. In March 1968, plans for the construction of an interchange at Lemon Avenue were included in a Freeway Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the State. Those plans never came to fruition because in the end there was just a lack of funding.

The Cities of Diamond Bar and Industry in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration should all be applauded for the gargantuan efforts made to move the project forward. Last month the westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp from Lemon Avenue to SR-60 was opened to the public. It is anticipated that the eastbound on-ramp and an auxiliary lane to SB SR-57 will open sometime in June. Part of the project plans called for the existing freeway ramps near Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive to be permanently closed.

The opening of the new interchange at Lemon Avenue and elimination of the eastbound on- and off-ramps at Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive will help address congestion and safety issues both on the freeway and on nearby surface streets. It will provide a more direct freeway access for delivery trucks heading into and leaving local industrial areas. It will also make it easier and safer for drivers traveling east on the SR-60 to merge onto the southbound SR-57.

For additional information and construction updates on this project, visit www.theaceproject.org or call 888.223.1426.

 

LASD Now Has An App to Connect with the Community

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is proud to announce its new and innovative mobile application. The Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the nation to use a mobile application to connect to the community with information and resources.

The app is available in the Apple and Android app stores, is free to the public and provides access to the latest news, photos, videos, events, alerts, and crime information wherever you are. The application also allows two-way communications using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. It also includes a special feature for submitting anonymous tips to the Department; you will even be able to file a crime report from the convenience of your Smartphone.

The Sheriff’s department knows it needs to stay current with technology if they want to live up to their motto of providing a tradition of service. This new technology will help provide information that could help the community find answers and work with in tandem with LASD to fight crime. The mobile app empowers everyone who lives, works, or visits the County of Los Angeles to have access to the Sheriff’s Department on their right on their smartphones.

Some of the Features Included in the Application Include:

• NOW HIRING: Check out one of the many career opportunities with the LASD and start the process of joining our team, right from your Smartphone.
• ALERTS: You can sign up for alerts that will be delivered directly to your cell phone.
• SUBMIT A TIP: Be the eyes and ears of the LASD by submitting anonymous tips to help fight crime or report suspicious activity in your neighborhoods.
• CONTACT US: Send a non-emergency question directly to LASD 24/7.
• INMATE INFORMATION: Locate information on someone in custody or schedule a visit.
• EVENT CALENDAR: Find out what events are occurring across the county with LASD and schedule them right to your calendar.
• CRIME MAPS: View maps of criminal activity in your neighborhoods or across the county.
• PRESS RELEASES: You can view all official press releases sent out by LASD through the Newsroom.
• DIRECTORY: Our directory provides you with a list of contact numbers within our Department and allows you to quickly connect through your phone.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: You will have access to all LASD’s social media platforms through our app.
• FILE A REPORT: You will be able to make certain types of crime reports directly from your mobile device.
• LINKS: Click on “Links” to find information about other County departments and area agencies.

More helpful features will be added in the near future, please select automatic updating when you download the application. You will find the app in the Apple and Android app stores by searching “Los Angeles County Sheriff’ “or “LASD”.  Or visit www.LASDapp.com

If you have any questions regarding the use of this new application, please visit http://www.lasd.org/contact_info.html The application is powered by, and developed in collaboration with, ApexMobile, Inc. www.ApexMobile.net

Hats

By Mark Hopper

I was sitting on a park bench a while ago and I noticed that I was the only person wearing a hat!  There I was enjoying a little snack in this open pedestrian area watching people go by and it dawned on me that no one was wearing a baseball cap except me.

 

This pedestrian shopping area was in a Central European country.  The spring weather was great.  There were blue skies, a cool breeze and plenty of sunshine.  It was pleasant, peaceful settings as I relaxed by myself and watched the world go by. But, the only one wearing a hat was me!

 

I started to watch more carefully.  Was this really true?  Was I really the only one among dozens of shoppers that was wearing a hat?  Finally, I noticed a man and woman walking in my direction.  The man was wearing a baseball cap.  Finally, I thought to myself, people do wear hats in this country.  But, as they got closer to me, I noticed the woman had something in her hand.  She was carrying a map.  Then I realized they were tourists just like me!

 

Slowly I began to realize that people who live in this European country don’t wear baseball type hats.  No one!  And because I had my baseball cap on, I stuck out like a sore thumb.  I suspect people were looking at me thinking – this guy is a tourist.  He is wearing a hat!

 

There is an interesting passage in the Bible in Mark chapter 14.  Jesus instructs two of his disciples to go into the city of Jerusalem and make preparations to celebrate the annual Passover meal.  When these two disciples ask him where they should go, he told them to look for a man who is carrying a pot of water on his head and follow him the to place Jesus had reserved.

 

This clandestine encounter always seemed to me like it was out of a Spy movie.  “Look for your contact at the Train Station – they will be wearing a red carnation”.  Jesus told his disciples to follow the man carrying water.  Jesus had reserved an upper room so he and his followers could enjoy the Last Supper alone and undisturbed.  He wanted to get away from the crowds and his critics.  He knew the Cross was only hours away.

 

Why the man with the water pot?  Because, in Bible times the women were usually who would go to the well to get water.  In the culture in Israel, the men did not carry the water.  When the two disciples went into the city, they would easily notice the man with the water pot on his head.  He would stick out just like an American tourist wearing a baseball cap in a European city.

 

Our country and our community are a blend of many different cultures.  This diversity of cultures and customs enriches our community and provides us with a remarkable opportunity to experience and appreciate cultures from around the world.  The world has come to us!

 

I don’t know if you wear a baseball cap or if you transport water in a particular way.  But, I hope you will take time to observe and enjoy the diversity of cultures in our community.   You will be glad you did and they will, too.

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Household Hazardous, E-Waste Recycle Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar –  The City of Diamond Bar wants all Los Angeles County residents to know that a free Household Hazardous(HHW) and E- waste Recycling Roundup event will be provided by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County on Saturday June 23. Residents will have the opportunity to properly dispose of HHW and electronic waste.

This free event will be held at Pomona Fairplex L.A. County Fair Hotel & Exposition Complex at 2118 N. White Avenue, Gate 9, Pomona from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Example items will be accepted for disposal at this one day event include; TV’s, Microwaves, Air Conditioners, Computers, motor oil, oil filters, pesticides, expired pharmaceuticals, anti-freeze, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs.

Items that will not be accepted: Business Waste, Tires, Ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials, trash, Empty Drums, refrigerators, stoves and washing machines or controlled substances.

Los Angeles County residents may utilize the mobile, one-day collection event to properly dispose of HHW and electronic waste free of charge.

Make sure to bring proof that you are a resident of Los Angeles County. Please make sure to bring all items in a sturdy box, preferable in their original labeled containers.

There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous wasted accepted per trip.

Residents are responsible for unloading their own items.

For additional information please visit: http://ladpw.org/general/enotifyCalendar/Calendar.aspx

Watch for Camels

By Mark Hopper

We saw a lot of camels on our recent trip to Israel.  We saw some camels at tourist stops where people could pay the owner five dollars to sit on a one and get their picture taken. We also saw a lot of camels on the hillsides as we rode down the highway on our tour bus.

 

I frequently noticed a sign along the highway that made me smile.  We have similar signs along our highways and interstates that have a picture of an animal.  These signs don’t need words on them – the picture says it all.

 

We have some of these signs in Diamond Bar with an image of a deer on it.  In other words, it is warning drivers to be careful and “Watch for Deer”.  I have seen other signs in the mountains with a picture of an Elk or Bear which means – “watch out for local wildlife” on the highway.

 

I must admit, I have never seen a sign along any highway with the picture of a Camel.  But I did in Israel.  These signs were everywhere, especially in the vast desert areas in the southern part of the country.  Apparently, camels do sometimes wander out onto the highway.  Roadside signs warn drivers to be careful and watch out for camels on or near the highway.

 

Just seeing the signs made me smile.  I laughed to myself as I imagined seeing a sign like that in our country.  I doubt if you will ever see one even as you drive across the desert to Phoenix or Las Vegas.  Caution – watch for camels, seems pretty unlikely in our country.

 

The Bible has some warning signs, too.  The authors of the Bible warn us to not covet neighbor’s possessions and to not lie and to not steal.  We call these commandments – like the Ten Commandments in Exodus chapter 20.

 

These commandments are warning signs on the highway of life.  They try to alert us that there are dangers and consequences ahead if we ignore the warning signs.

 

Parents try to alert their children of the hazards and dangers that may be in their future.  Teens will be tempted by drugs, drinking and reckless behavior that can be harmful to their lives and the lives of others.  Wise parents try to warn their children and teens of temptations and dangers ahead.

 

We post signs to alert children and adults of the risks of swimming in the ocean or in a hotel pool.  Warning – no life guard on duty.  Caution – rip currents.  The warning signs are there to protect us from unseen or unexpected dangers.

 

You may not encounter any camels on your next road trip, but let me encourage you to pay attention to the signs along the highway. There are real dangers ahead as you drive down a vast interstate highway or a windy mountain road.  Stay alert and heed the warning signs.  And, watch for camels, too! You will be glad you did and others will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper, Efree Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, 909-594-7604, Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM, Efreedb.org

 

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

Anthony Saude

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Evergreen 5th Graders Vie in Robot Rally

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR—Top fifth grade teams took over the multipurpose room during Evergreen Elementary School’s 1st annual robotics competition on Wednesday.

About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

Students have been working all year learning to build and program Xbot robots using Lego Mindstorm kits, according to teacher Laura Mowrey who introduced the STEM program five years ago before joining the staff.

“Our team offers robotics lessons twice a week as part of our science education,” she said.

Teacher Dr. Cathy Patterson explained in one of the challenges, the Xbot, teams used precise measurements to make their robots follow a track.“They are programmed to go distances and make turns according to angular measurements using the wheel circumference and rotations as calculated through the year and logged into their robotics journals,” she said.

The robot closest to the finish line took the win during each heat.

“All of them were within 10 millimeters – it was really close!” Patterson said.

“Our robotics program is not just a great way for the kids to use their math and science skills, but it is also a chance for them to practice working as team through cooperation and collaboration,” said teacher Lynn Otsu.

Throughout the three-hour competition, students used their CAD skills and calculators making final programming adjustments to edge out competitors.

“We’re telling our robot what to do,” said Team Pi member Adam Loch moments before the finals.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

“Right now, we’re programming it to go slower.”

“It’s a good robot. This lift helps it bump people off during the sumo match!” added teammate Caleb Sohn.

On stage, an eager group of students watched robots roll through the gate crashing bridge as teacher Kristine Kobzeff recorded each attempt.

The Xbots were programmed to go five feet in seven seconds before the gate opened, then stay up for three seconds before going down.

“The robots had to make it through before the gate crashed down on them!” Mowrey said.

Students Anthony Chang and Jack Liu designed the impressive engineering project.

On black round mats, sumo wrestling robots were programmed to fight to the end.

“We made the final sumo round!” exclaimed Sienna Simmons, a member of an all-girl team before the match.

“Our robot’s kind of small which makes it go fast! We had a good feeling about it,” added teammate Hana Bouindani, 11.

“It’s a long process, but by the end of the year they really know how it all works,” Patterson added.