Category Archives: Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar High Wins Golden Bell Award

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR–Diamond Bar High is a well-established leader in student achievement in the state and nation.

Staff members are dedicated to providing personalized educational programs, challenging students to discover their unique gifts, and supporting each student to realize their potential.

But, the quest for greatness isn’t always academic.

Last year, the campus launched a Wellness Center to provide an extra layer of counseling support and wellness education services.

And in just 15 months, the school’s pioneering efforts have been validated.

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) selected Diamond Bar High to receive the prestigious 2017 Golden Bell Award for its innovative efforts in addressing the wellness needs of the over 3,000 students on campus.

The heart of the Wellness Center is helping students learn to cope with everyday problems, according to coordinator Sandy Davis.

“The educational services and resources provided promote student responsibility, resiliency and efficacy in students’ own wellness decisions,” said Davis.

The center services approximately 30 students weekly with the motto “Empowering Student Wellness from Within.”

This year, the growing program is staffed by 23 student interns who can relate peer-to-peer on most challenging teen issues.  These wellness consultants receive an additional 30 hours of intensive training, as well as earning Mental Health First Aide certification.

The center offers stress and anxiety relief, progressive relaxation exercises, and guided meditation designed to help students reduce stress.

Weekly therapy dog visitations are among the most popular of the services offered to students and staff.

Recent outreach efforts include mini-workshops on stress management facilitated for two AP European History classes.

The Wellness Program also garnered the 2017 California Gold Ribbon and 2016 Inspired Changemaker awards by Facebook and Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to support teens’ positive and successful transition into the next phase of their lives,” Davis said.

The CSBA Golden Bell Award presentation was made during the Annual Education Conference on November 30 in San Diego.

 

Dress For Success

By Mark Hopper

In a recent article, I shared about some of my experiences as a pastor when I visit people in hospitals. Thousands of people work in hospitals, Technicians, clerks, nurses, surgeons, security officers and janitors all work in hospitals.       Different employees wear different clothes and uniforms. The security people wear warm jackets. The doctor’s will usually wear lab coats. The custodial crew wears another kind of uniform. Nurses often wear bright, attractive medical outfits. The people in food service may wear hair nets and aprons if they handle food in the commissary or cafeteria.

I always enjoy speaking to the employees and volunteers at the information desk. Their help is invaluable when looking for a patient in a hospital.  The people at the front desk have access to the hospital data base and they can usually find the room number of a patient quickly.

There is one individual at the front desk of a large hospital in the area that stands out in my mind. Not only is he helpful and knowledgeable, but he is dressed for success! Unlike most of the people I meet at the info desk, this man is dressed up with a suit and tie.  He looks like he could be the CEO of the hospital, not one of the regular employees at the front door.

I don’t know his name, but he is both helpful and professional as he assists people walking through the front door. I have observed him helping patients who are checking-in to the hospital and he seems to put people at ease as he directs them to the hallway or elevator they are looking for.

His professional appearance gives you the sense that he knows what he is talking about and that the information he provides is accurate. He is the best dressed front desk hospital employee I know.

The Bible cautions us to not judge people by the clothes they wear.  James warned us to not show favoritism to people who wear fine clothes and warns us to not ignore those who are dressed poorly (James 2:1-9). There are times when my wife advises me on what shirt or tie I should or should not wear.  My friends and co-workers will tell you that I am challenged when it comes to fashion and style.

However, we should give attention to the way we dress for work. Teachers usually maintain a professional appearance. Coaches and PE teachers often wear shorts and dress more casually. But, one college coach told me that he never wears a pair of shorts to a meeting with his Dean. He always puts on a pair of long pants and a collared shirt when going to a meeting in the administration building.

Let me encourage you to dress for success. We live in a generation where casual is becoming more common.  Maybe you should consider dressing up a little more for work or take time to add a new shirt or blouse to your wardrobe. 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

I Can Fix It (Part II)

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

A few weeks ago I shared that my lawn mower was broken.  I tried to fix it myself, but was unsuccessful.  Then I called my faithful lawn mower repairman but his phone was no longer in service. What a Bummer.

In desperation, I looked on the internet to try and find another repairman in the area. Several repair shops were listed in Pomona, San Dimas and Glendora. I decided to try the repair shop in Pomona. They came and picked up my mower. I waited to get their estimate on what it would cost to get my McLane, seven-blade front throw gas mower going again.

I sat by the phone, waiting for their call. What was their diagnosis? How much would it cost? Would it be worth repairing my old lawn mower?

When the call finally came, there was both good news and bad news. The good news was that it could be fixed.  The bad news was how much it would cost.

Actually, the basic repair was under $100. The mower needed a new pulley and a new belt. I was encouraged to hear that it could be fixed for under $100.  However, they also recommended a “tune up” – changing the oil, replacing the air filter and installing a new spark plug. The cost for that was about $50.  In addition, the repairman offered to sharpen the blades.  My McLane seven-blade mower has a lot of blades! How much would this cost? It would be around $100 more.

This was the moment of truth. Do I trust the repairman? Does the mower really need all of these fixes? Is it worth spending that much money on an old lawn mower? Should I just go for the basic repair and get the mower running again or should I spend more money hoping that it will work better and last longer?

Should I go for option number one, option number two or option number three? It sounded like the old TV game show”Let’s make A Deal”! What would you do?

Most of you who know me very well would assume I would go for option number one – settle for the band aide fix and save money. But, I actually chose option number three – spend the money and do all the repairs that the repairman recommended.

When they delivered my McLane, seven-blade front throw power mower to my house, it looked like a new mower! They had cleaned off the old grass. The new spark plug sparkled and the sharpened blades glistened in the sunlight. When the repairman fired up the engine, it purred like a kitten. When he invited me to try it out, I couldn’t believe how well it cut the grass. I was impressed!

I feel like my mower has been given a second chance in life. It has been saved from the junk pile and is cutting grass better than it has in years. I don’t know how long it will keep going, but my repairman deserves “five stars” on his Yelp review!

I suppose there are a lot of life lessons we can learn from my lawn mower adventure. There are some things in our lives that we cannot fix ourselves. We need to call on God to be the “repairman” in our lives. He can fix and He can forgive the mistakes and struggles that we cannot fix ourselves. He can restore broken relationships and repair broken hearts. The Bible says that God loves to take broken people and give us new life. One verse says that when we become a follower of Jesus, our old life is set aside and all things become new (II Corinthians 5:17).

Let me encourage you to call on God today in prayer. Confess your mistakes. Admit you can’t fix everything yourself. Ask Him for His help and forgiveness. Allow our heavenly repairman to do His work in your heart and give you a new start through faith in Jesus. 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

 

Auto Accident Leaves 1 Dead, 5 Injured

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – A violent auto accident on the 60 freeway left one dead and 5 injured on Sunday, November 26. The accident took place at about 3 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the 60 freeway in Diamond Bar where the 57 and the 60 freeway intersect.

A 2001 Chevy Impala had been involved in a minor traffic accident that took place in the carpool lane and left the Impala disabled just prior to the fatal crash. The Impala was being driven by 30 year old Melissa Murga from Pomona. She had 3 passengers on board a 29 year old male, also from Pomona, a baby and a little girl.

The Pomona man had unbuckled his and the baby’s seatbelt to exit the vehicle after the Impala had disabled when they were struck by a 2013 Chevy Pickup truck that was driving at an unsafe speed. The man and the baby – 1 year old Anna Franco, were ejected from the car and the 29 year old Pomona man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Melissa and Anna sustained serious injuries and the child escaped the nightmare with only minor injuries. It was reported that Anna is in critical condition at the hospital.

The driver of the pickup, John Swick a 32 year old Hesperia man, had Ashley Stevens also from Hesperia, a 31 year old female with him as a passenger. It was reported by CHP in a written statement that Swick had been driving at an unsafe speed when the truck rammed into the rear of the Impala.

Swick sustained only minor injuries while his passenger, Stevens sustained major injuries and was transprorted to a local hospital via ambulance. All of the injured parties were transported to a local hospital to treat the injuries they had sustained. Swick was arrested at the scene and there is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident. Nothing has been reported about if alcohol was involved in either of the accidents at this time.

College Football

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

One of the fun things that happens at this time of year is college football. The season has gone by so quickly and there is already a lot of talk about which teams will qualify to play in the post-season bowl games.

There is something about college football that appeals to me. College football is full of tradition.  Teams have their school colors and their school mascot.  Stadiums are filled with fans wearing t-shirts and sweatshirts proudly proclaiming their loyalty and support.

College football games usually include large marching bands that perform during halftime.  These bands add to the energy and pageantry to the game.  All through the game, the bands continue to play music and their school’s fight song to inspire their team and their fans.

Many years ago, my wife and I attended a college football game with some friends in Texas.  We had tickets in the student section.  The atmosphere was electric.  We were excited to go to a game at this university which was well-known for its football program.  But, what we didn’t realize was that the people in the student section don’t sit down. They stand throughout the game!

Since we stood during the whole game, I wondered why we bought a ticket with a specific seat assignment?  I must admit it was fun to be in the student section, but I was pretty tired by the end of the game.

Another tradition at this university was throwing the cheer leaders into the fountain if their football team won the game.  If they win, the cheerleaders got wet!

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Here in Southern California we have a number colleges and universities.  Several have nationally recognized football programs. You often see the names or logos of these schools on t-shirts and bumper stickers.  Many alumni proudly promote their school on the license plate frames on their cars and trucks.

Since most college football games are played on Saturday, there is often a lot of talk on the church patio on Sunday about the games the day before.  If your favorite team college team won on Saturday, you are glad to share the news with your friends on Sunday.  But, if your team lost on Saturday, you are more likely to talk about the weather than football!

I don’t know if there are any football fans in your family.  But, I suspect there are some college football fans in your neighborhood. Please be patient with them if they seem to get carried away with enthusiasm this time of year.  At the same time, if you are an avid college football fan, enjoy the moment.  The season will soon be over!

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

 

Get Your Holiday Tamales at The Whole Enchilada

the-whole-enchilada-diamond-barStaff Reports

Diamond Bar – The holidays are just around the corner, so let the planning begin!  The Whole Enchilada will be your holiday partner with dozens of possibilities including catering, a night away from cooking during this busy season, and delectable holiday tamales.

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.  They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada. The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning a Christmas celebration?  The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event with handmade tamales – which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s a holiday fiesta, business meetings or parties, promotions, fundraisers, birthdays, or just an evening out, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a delicious treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect Christmas stocking stuffer, or that special someone in your life.  And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and their Kids Club.  With a wide variety of reasons to visit, it’s obvious that The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

Don’t deny your taste buds this holiday season, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.  See their ad on the back page of this publication.

Free Youth In Government Event

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is having a FREE event for youth ages 14 – 18 on Saturday December 2, at Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar CA 91765, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Registration is required for this free event.

The event will give Diamond Bar middle and high school students a chance to see behind the scenes of local and state government from the eyes of an actual elected official.

What are the requirements to become and elected or state official? What does it take day in and day out to perform the job at the level it requires to do it competently? This event will begin to answer those questions and more. Diamond Bar youth will have the unique opportunity to learn from elected officials what it looks like if and when they decide to get into local or state politics.

This is the first year that the city of Diamond Bar will have this FREE event available as they look forward to the future of the youth in our city. The City sees it as a huge advantage for the residents of Diamond Bar as well.

Knowledge is power and the hope is that the youth become more interested in local or state government in the future. Think about it to have more qualified, educated and enthusiastic candidates running the local or state government is a win win situation for the city or state in the future.

Presentations, interactive exercises as well as lots of opportunities for questions and answers will be presented to the youth at this FREE event.

Participation in the event is FREE space is limited so registration is required so don’t delay get registered TODAY!! For more information or to register, contact the City’s Administration Department at 909.839.7013 or email asantos@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Kindergartners Join Thanksgiving Feast

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

By Kelli Gile 

DIAMOND BAR—About 120 Evergreen Elementary students wearing pilgrim and Native American paper hats sat side-by-side for a Thanksgiving feast on Friday morning.

Kindergarten teacher Mona Warren, costumed in traditional dress and moccasins, opened the event with a Native American blessing.

The children echoed each line using hand gestures.

“And now may the great spirits, of all great spirits, be with all of you, now and forever more!” they said in unison.

Then the youngsters joined in a Thanksgiving song with Warren accompanying on guitar.

“The pilgrims came to America a long, long time ago. They sailed on the Mayflower a long, long time ago. They made friends with the Wampanoag a long, long time ago,” they sang.

Before the meal, Warren asked the children to share something they are thankful for with the person next to them.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

“I’m thankful for my teacher and everything,” said five-year-old Jeremy Han.

“I’m thankful for my mom,” added classmate Christine Diaz.

“I’m thankful for my toys – all of them!” chimed Evan Tasker.

Then the youngsters began sampling the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, corn bread, and pumpkin pie.

Popcorn filled paper canoes decorated with teepee, buffalo, fire, love, and water symbols were at each place setting.

Some of the children gobbled up the traditional holiday meal, while others were content with a tiny taste of each dish.

“Mashed potatoes and popcorn are my favorites!” exclaimed Susanna Basilious wearing a white pilgrim bonnet.

“I like the popcorn and apple juice,” added five-year-old Orlando Perez.

The children also created keepsake handprint placemats and macaroni necklaces for their feast.

Evergreen teachers prepared the food, while about 20 parent volunteers were on hand setting up and serving the November 17 meal.

“We’ve been learning about the Wampanoag nation and the pilgrims,” said kindergarten teacher Diana Rogers.

Kathleen Riddle’s transitional kindergarten (TK) class wore decorated vests made from grocery sacks and headbands with feathers.

“The Wampanoag typically only had one or two feathers,” said the 19-year veteran teacher.

“I’m thankful for my TK students, I just love them,” Riddle added. “And for all my grandbabies!”

 

Happy Thanksgiving

By Mark Hopper

One of the ways that I know that Thanksgiving is coming is when I see Pumpkin pies at Costco.  I love Pumpkin pie and I get excited to see them in season at Costco. Their pies are big and they taste good!

My wife loves to decorate our house in different ways for the changing seasons.  She has special dishes and table decorations specifically for Thanksgiving.  She has had our dinning room table decorated for weeks.  You probably have plenty of Thanksgiving decorations at your house too.

Fall leaves and pumpkins are on display in many stores.  We may not have the Fall leaves like they do back east, but at least we have some in the local stores!  We really don’t have the Fall weather either, but even in Southern California there are hints of the changing seasons.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving isn’t the food or decorations.  It is having our family together.  I really enjoy seeing our dinner table surrounded by our family on Thanksgiving Day.  These days we have some little ones who make it even more fun.

Sometimes we have had extra guests at Thanksgiving.  When our children were in college, they sometimes brought home friends or roommates who could not go home for Thanksgiving.  We were glad that our kids felt comfortable to invite guests to join us for the day.

On a few occasions, we have traveled to Arizona or Northern California to be with our extended family.  The traffic can be crazy on the Thanksgiving weekend, but it was worth the effort to be with our parents and grandparents for Thanksgiving.

I suspect that you have some holiday traditions in your family.  Take time to enjoy the moment.  Share what you are thankful for and listen to what others share, too.  Look around your dinner table and make a mental note of who is with you.  Let them know how thankful you are to have them in your life.

Many verses in the Bible remind us to give thanks to God.  Psalm 100 says, “Enter His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. The Lord is good, His love endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations” (4-5).

I hope that you enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving this year.  I hope you will invite some guests to join you and your family at your dinner table. And, I hope you will join your hearts in prayer and give “thanks” to God for his abundant blessings in your life.  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

 

Brahma Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Is A Slam Dunk

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR – Diamond Bar High School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a new gymnasium floor on Wednesday.

District and school officials, coaches, along with 75 student-athletes attended the special event to commemorate the renovation project.

The new gleaming hardwood flooring features a gold brahma logo at center court with purple-shaded key areas.

“This floor that we’re standing on has really been the vision of one person, coach Tony McCabe, who is currently leading the girls golf team at the 2017 CIF State Championships in Roseville,” said Principal Reuben Jones.

“He picked the colors, layout, the logos.”

Members of the girls volleyball team, currently in second round CIF playoffs, girls and boys basketball, six-time CIF State Champion badminton team, and pep squad lined the perimeter of the court during the ceremony.

The student athletes are excited about their modernized home court.

“Our new gym is brighter and more inviting,” said basketball player Kaitlyn Lee after the ceremony.

“The sleek floor will allow us to agilely sprint across the court with ease.”

The previous 32-year-old floor was scheduled to be refinished in July, but had to be completely replaced after termite damaged was discovered.

Jones thanked district staff, school personnel, and parents for their support during the massive project.

Brahma Boosters took charge of relocating weekly bingo fundraisers to Chaparral and South Pointe Middle Schools during the 10-week construction project.

After the official ribbon cutting, the winter sports teams took to the court for demonstrations, followed by impressive basketball, badminton, and volleyball shots with officials.

 

Lost In A Hospital

By Mark Hopper

One of the privileges and responsibilities of a pastor is to visit people in the hospital.  My goal is to encourage the patient and family when I go to visit them.  I often read a verse from the Bible and always pray with the patient and their family.

However, I think there should be a rule that requires everyone from a specific church to use the same hospital!  I spend many hours on the freeways of LA visiting people in hospitals from Redlands to Santa Monica and from Pasadena to New Port Beach!  I have even driven to San Diego to see someone receiving critical medial care.

When I see the look on their faces and the tone in their voice, I know they are glad to see me and that they appreciate the time I have spent coming to see them.

Sometimes it is hard to find the patient in the hospital.  On some occasions, new mothers use their maiden name when having a baby.  In some cases,  people  simply use a different name when they are in the hospital.  It can be hard to find people and pastors learn to become persistent when searching for their parishioners!

But, even when you have the right name and the right room number, it can still be difficult to find a patient in a hospital.  Many older hospitals are like a maze in a corn field.  Hallways go in different directions, signs and numbers are hard to read and elevators only serve certain floors.  I have heard that some pastors have gotten so lost in hospitals and that they are never found again!

Recently, I was looking for a patient at the City of Hope in Duarte.  I was given the room number and general directions on how to get there.  However, as I wandered down several corridors in an older part of the hospital, I realized I was lost.  Which hallway was I supposed to follow?  Did they say to go left or right?  Was it the first hallway on the left or the second hallway on the right?

As I stood near a nurse’s station, a nice woman wearing a white lab coat asked me if I needed help.  She must have noticed the confused look on my face.  When I said “yes” and told her what rooom I was looking for, she politely explained that I was in the wrong ward.

To my surprise, she insisted on taking me to the room I was looking for.  I was amazed that she was willing to abruptly leave a meeting she was involved in to personally help me find the room and the patient. She sympathized with my dilemma and said that people often get lost or confused finding rooms in this older part of the hospital.  With her help I found the room and person I was looking for!

Several passages in the Bible (Mark 6:34 / I Peter 2:25) refer to us as sheep who have gone astray.  Sheep tend to wander away from the shepherd and get lost as they search for green grass.  The lost sheep need a shepherd to find them, guard them and guide them.  King David said in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd…he makes me lie down in green pastures and he guides me to still waters”.

We need to remember that there are times when will we need the help of others to find our way whether through confusing hospital corridors and in broader areas of life.  And, we also need to remember that there are people all around us that need our help finding their way, too.

The Bible says that we are all lost sheep and that we all need a shepherd.  You can read more about the “Good Shpeherd” in the gospel of John chapter 10 and in Psalm 23.

Let me encourage you to be more willing to stop what you are doing and give help or directions to those around you.  There may even be a pastor who has lost his way and needs your help!  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

 

Diamond Bar Woman Dies At Scene

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – It was 3 am on Saturday morning October 28, when two people were killed and another injured in a suspected alcohol related automobile accident on the 57 freeway in Diamond Bar.

The woman who was the passenger in the 2014 Toyota Corolla involved in the accident was identified on Monday morning as Paula Queiroz-Lopes age 24, a resident of the city of Diamond Bar. The driver, Eduardo Goncalves-Lins 28, a resident of Costa Mesa was fatally injured as well and died at a local hospital. It was reported by the Coroners office that Paula died at the scene of the crash that occurred just before 3 am on Saturday morning.

California Highway Patrol reported the pair were driving a 2014 Toyota Corolla, heading south in the number 4 lane of the southbound 57 freeway when the driver, Eduardo, veered off the right side of the road and crashed into a tow truck parked on the right shoulder. The Corolla came to a stop in the number 3 lane just south of Diamond Bar Boulevard and was rammed into by a 2007 Toyota Tacoma about a minute later. The impact caused the pair in the Corolla to be ejected onto the freeway.

The driver, Vicent Delavega 28, of Santa Ana crashed into the Corolla, then bounced off and sent the Tacoma careening into a 1998 Dodge Pickup that had stopped to help with the first crash, the CHP reported. The driver of the pickup was 35 year old William Blackburn of Covina who luckily wasn’t injured.

The Tacoma came to a rest on its left side, Delavega, the driver, suffered fractured ribs and bruises to his chest was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is also suspected to have played a critical part in the Corolla slamming into the tow truck parked on the shoulder. The CHP is urging any witnesses to the fatal accident to please call CHP office Meddaugh at the Baldwin Park office at 626-338-1164 with any information.

A Different Perspective

By Mark Hopper

 

Recently, my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to Niagara Falls near Buffalo, New York.  We had never been there before and it was something we had talked about doing for a long time. The Niagara Falls were amazing!

We actually visited the Falls three different times on our trip. On our first visit, we drove over the bridge to the Canadian side. The sky was overcast and gray. The heavy mist churned up by the power of the falls obscured most of our view. We did walk down several tunnels that provided a limited view from behind the falls.

In addition, we took the Horn Blower boat that goes upriver to the base of the Falls. They issue every passenger a plastic poncho because of the spray; mist and wind that is generated by the powerful falling water.  We did get wet – very wet.  But it was fun to see the water falls from a different perspective.

We also took time to have lunch at a nice restaurant overlooking the falls.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch that also provided a different perspective on the size and power of Niagara Falls.  The volume of water and the height and shape of the Falls are hard to describe.

Later that day, we went back to see the Niagara Falls again after dark. They illuminate the towering waterfalls with powerful lights at night.  The colors change every few minutes.  The lights actually penetrate the mist and provide a clearer perspective of the expanse of the falls. Niagara Falls are in the shape of a horseshoe – almost 180 degrees from the American side to the Canadian side.

We were glad that we ventured out after dark to visit the park and the walking area along the American side of the Falls. The evening was cool but not uncomfortable and it was nice to see the Falls at night.

We planned to leave early the next morning.  But, when we woke up, we were surprised to see that the gray sky was gone and the sun was shining brightly!  We agreed that we should drive back to the Canadian side and get a better look at the magnificent waterfalls.  We were not disappointed.  The view was much better.  The mist and spray was more limited and we could clearly see the full expanse of these mighty waterfalls.

Did I mention that our return visit also allowed my wife to return and exchange a souvenir T-shirt that she had purchased the previous day?  We were glad we went back and saw the water falls again.

I suppose visiting something like the Niagara Falls is like visiting an art museum.  The more you look, the more you notice.  Just like an artistic master piece, these powerful waterfalls are difficult to describe and fully appreciate. Viewing them from different perspectives allows you to appreciate their beauty and majesty more and more.

Sometimes we need to look at things from a different perspective.  One look is not enough.  Sometimes we need to take a second or third look to get a clearer understanding of a person or a problem.  Let me encourage you to take another look.  We were glad we 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

 

America Recycles Day Celebration

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar will host its annual America Recycles Day celebration on Saturday November 4, 2017 in the parking lot of South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) from 9 am to 2 pm. So clean up your closets, your garage and the yard and bring the stuff you don’t need or want anymore while helping others in need and the environment at the same time.

Donations of Clothing, footwear and household textiles (towels, bedding, table linens and curtains) that you do not need or want anymore will be graciously accepted.

There will be environmentally safe disposal for e-waste and confidential documents. E-waste (short for electronic waste) would include your outdated or obsolete appliances or electronic devices such as Television sets, computers, keyboards, printers, cell phones, radios, and even your old hair dryers. It is harmful to the environment to just throw these types of products into our landfills. Confidential documents would include old tax forms, financial statements and medical records. With cyber crime on the rise you don’t want to just throw those documents in your trash can for anybody to retrieve for criminal use.

There will be a ton of information presented in an interactive way at environmental exhibits and displays. Fun arts and crafts booths will be there to help entertain the children all the while getting educated for the future.

Don’t forget to visit the City’s Environmental Services booth and the local waste haulers, utility companies and other organizations that are all about the environment. They will have a ton of information and giveaways so that while you learn about how to adopt a “greener” way of life, you are having a fun with the family at the same time.

Wait, there is more, you can take home some free garden mulch and a used oil recycling kit all you have to do is show up a little earlier. The kits will be handed out on a first come first served basis while supplies last. One member of each household attending the celebration will be given one free Oil recycling kit (funnel, shop towel, and reusable container) and up to two large trash bags full of mulch upon request. Tools will not be provided for you so make sure you bring your own to fill the bags with mulch and load it into your vehicle.

AQMD is located at 21865 Copley Drive. For more information, contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909.839.7012 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Fall Colors

By Mark Hopper

Last year my wife and I traveled to New England to see the Fall colors.  We flew to Boston and then drove through the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire.  We were amazed to see the beauty of the fall colors. This year, we traveled to upstate New York on a similar journey.  We flew to Buffalo, New York, to see Niagara Falls and then drove across the state to visit relatives in the Albany area.  In addition, we spent two days in the Adirondack Mountains in northwestern New York State hoping to see the fall colors again. We were not disappointed.  The hillsides in upstate New York were covered with trees in bright, vibrant colors.  We intentionally drove on the smaller country roads so we could see them up close and admire the beautiful scenery.  The further north we drove, the brighter the colors became. Guide books and web sites try to predict when the fall colors will be at their peak.  On both trips, we found that the week before and the week after Columbus Day are the best.  Both the temperatures and the moisture influence the changing of the leaves.  We were fortunate that both the rain and the temperatures cooperated to paint this beautiful landscape. We don’t experience the four seasons in Southern California.  The local mountains do get some snow and the high Sierras can get a lot of it.  But we are fortunate to have a moderate climate that makes us the envy of the nation. Our weather for the New Year’s Day Rose Parade is usually clear, sunny and in the 70’s, while most of the country is buried in snow!  I suppose that is why most of us live here.  The climate is hard to beat. However, there is something to be said in favor of Fall and Winter.  When you see the color of the fall leaves blanketing the hillsides of New England and New York, you do realize why people actually enjoy “four seasons”.  The beauty is difficult to describe and impossible to capture on your smartphone or camera.  It really is amazing! There is a verse in the Bible that says, “God has created everything for us to enjoy” (I Timothy 4:3-4).  The passage is actually referring to the food that God provides for us.  But, I think the principle can apply to the beauty of the world we live in too. God did not create a dull, drab grey world.  In His infinite wisdom, He crafted a world with an endless variety of creatures and colors for us to admire and enjoy.  Let me encourage you to find some fall colors near you before they are gone.  You don’t need to travel to New England or New York.  The leaves are changing in our local mountains and all across our country.  Make time to go and see some for yourself.  You will be glad you did!

This article was written by 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

 

Diamond Bar High Loses A Hero In Brandon Riley

Fire in Diamond Bar

Photo by Lorraine Perea-Martinez

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – More than 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene of two brush fires. At about 4:45 am authorities reported that the forward progress of the fire had been stopped.

The fires were started about a half a mile apart early Wednesday morning in Diamond Bar. The fires were reported a little after 2:15 am, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The two fires converged on the 57 freeway and combined to burn about 15 acres all before nine in the morning. The fires started on the northbound Orange (57 ) Freeway in Brea and quickly spread to the Diamond Bar area.

Resident Lorraine Perea-Martinez said “the 57 freeway northbound was closed from Lambert to Diamond Bar Blvd during my morning commute”. “It took us 20 minutes to go from to get from the 60 fwy to Lambert on the southbound side” said Perea-Martinez. Perea-Martinez also said she heard unconfirmed reports from channel 5 news that the fire was started by a guy throwing flares out his car window”.

A statement released by LA Sheriff’s Department said that arson investigators were sent to the scene after a witness reported, “seeing a man wearing a white scarf around his face, wearing blue jeans and driving a black four door sedan.”

By the time the sun came up, the firefighters of Los Angeles County Fire Department had the blaze about 70% contained and by 9 am the brave men in red had it fully contained.

One of the fires charred 10 acres and the other about five acres. ”No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. Anyone who may have been in the area of the fires that has any information about the case is asked to call the Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Arson/Explosives detail at 323-881-7500, or Crime Stoppers at (800)222-TIPS.

 

Can You Stop A Barking Dog?

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Last week, a woman in Eastvale posted her frustration on the city Facebook page regarding a very loud dog her neighbors have.

What to do about neighboring barking dogs – particularly when they consistently disturb the peace of surrounding residents – can be a relevant question for many.

If a person calls Animal Control, this will not do much to alleviate the immediacy of the barking noises. Animal Control will mail a form to the complaining resident, one that stipulates that the dog is disturbing the peace. That form, in turn, will be sent to the address of the dog’s owner, after which the reporting resident will have to attend court to finally issue a citation. This process can take quite a while.

Those affected by the barking of a neighbor’s dog may take the old-fashioned approach of simply asking the dog owner/neighbor to control their dog’s barking, perhaps through a bark collar. This may or may not be effective depending of the type and receptivity of the person approached. If so confronted, the dog owner may also voice a concern of humane animal treatment, since dog collars are suspected on some level of incurring pain to the animal.

One resident responded to the Facebook complaint by suggesting a “Sonic Bird House Bark Control” sustainable outdoors. This essentially is a bark collar but in a birdhouse form, one that can be placed outdoors, in one’s own yard, without breaking down because of weather. If a person uses this, he or she is essentially controlling the barking of a neighbor’s dog without that neighbor’s permission through ultrasonic sound waves.

Back in 2009, Riverside County – Eastvale and Norco included – approved an anti-nuisance ordinance aimed at silencing noisy dogs by increasing fines for owners up to $500 and including remedies such as obedience training. This process, however, does go through Animal Services and through the Court process, as described above.  The law is meant to expedite the process by allowing an administrative hearing officer, sometimes a practicing attorney in arbitration, to hear the complaints and make the decisions quickly, but this is not always the case.

In Chino Hills, residents are instructed to contact the Inland Valley Humane Society. In Chino, citizens must call Animal Control, and if after hours, a police officer will be dispatched, but only if the caller reveals his or her identity. Generally, simply a warning is issued initially. The same process is outlined for Diamond Bar residents. Thus, there doesn’t seem to be any one expedient way to handle barking dogs in one’s neighborhood, and, while there is some sort of process, it will not be quickly remedied through the government.

Family Connections

By Mark Hopper

My wife and I recently traveled to upstate New York to see Niagara Falls.  In addition, we drove across the state to visit some family members near Albany.  My wife was born in Long Island, NY, but moved west with her parents when she was a young girl. When her family moved to Arizona in the late 1950’s, they left behind extended family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who remained near the east coast.

Over the years, there were phone calls and letters, but very little direct contact between the relatives in the east and relatives in the west. Some of the extended family attended a family wedding in Arizona in the 1970’s and there were a couple of visits by the Arizona clan to the east.  But, the contact was limited while parents were busy raising families in different parts of the country.

The internet and Facebook have helped to reconnect my wife with some of her east coast relatives.  They have been able to share pictures and update one another on their families. Our visit to Albany reunited my wife with a cousin that she had not seen on over 40 years.  It was a happy reunion.  In addition, another cousin drove up from Long Island and completely surprised my wife. They had a lot of catching up to do. Conversations included the death of parents, the marriages of children and the births of grandchildren.

One of the cousins had a photo album filled with old pictures.  This album belonged to their grandfather and included some photos that my wife had never seen before.  It was filled with memories and images that helped deepen her understanding of her heritage and extended family.

Hopefully, the cousins won’t wait another 40 years to re-connect with each other.  In fact, there is already talk of another reunion on the west coast next year. Are there some friends or relatives that you have not seen in a long time?  The years pass quickly.  The internet can help, but it takes time and effort to stay connected with people.

Let me encourage you to call or email a friend or family member this week.  There may be an old neighbor that would love to hear from you.  Don’t miss the opportunity to reach out and re-connect with someone soon.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-860-9556

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Diamond Bar Sprouts Opens

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Sprouts long awaited Grand Opening is finally here, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 the doors officially opened to the public. Sprouts is dedicated to making healthy living for less a staple in the in our communities and families. So, grab your reusable bags, prepare your shopping list and get ready for incredible values on farm-fresh produce, natural and organic meats, barrels of bulk food and specially priced grocery items. We’re making healthy living for less a staple in your community! The stores have natural and organic products alongside a lot of your familiar favorites. There are barrels full of grains, nuts and candy at bulk prices. Fresh fruits and vegetables abound, stop by the meat and seafood departments and pick up your main course. On those busy days you can stop by the deli on your way home and pick up something for the family. Don’t forget dessert at the Bakery, the kids will love you for it. Have a question about our natural meats? Just ask one of our trained butchers for a tour through our Old Tyme Butcher Shop, where we cut your meat any way you want it. Get More with the Sprouts Mobile App. Download the Sprouts mobile app to discover the Checkout Challenge rewards program, and explore a rotating selection of digital coupons that take our great prices to the next level. Click here to learn more. Stay in the Know and Save!Stock up on savings by signing up for our newsletters at Sprouts.com. We’ll keep you up to date on the latest mobile coupons, specials, recipes, health tips and upcoming events at Sprouts! Click here to sign up.Facebook Fan ExclusivesVisit us on Facebook for store updates, grand opening details and recipes. Click here to like Sprouts on Facebook.