Category Archives: News By City

Inland Empire: ERHS Student Named Athlete Of The Year

Jasmyne Graham is California Girls Track & Field Standout

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale Gatorade Track & Field Champ, Jasmyne Graham

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
Gatorade Track & Field Champ, Jasmyne Graham

Staff Reports

Eastvale – In its 30th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, recently announced Jasmyne Graham of Eleanor Roosevelt High School as its 2014-15 Gatorade California Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Graham is the first student at ERHS to be selected for this honor.

“Wow. This is big! So excited for Ms. Graham and her family.  Great job to the staff at Roosevelt for keeping her on task both athletically and academically.  Great job!” said Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Education member, Bill Newberry.

The award – which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the track – distinguishes Graham as California’s best high school girls’ track and field athlete. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year award, Graham joins an elite alumni association of state award winners in 12 sports, including Allyson Felix, 2001-02, Los Angeles Baptist HS, CA; Derek Jeter, 1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, MI; Candace Parker, 2001-02, Naperville Central HS, IL; Abby Wambach, 1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy HS, NY; Mark Sanchez, 2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, CA; Lolo Jones, 1997-98, Roosevelt HS, IA; and Bianca Knight, 2006-07, Ridgeland HS, MS.

The 5-foot-2 senior won the 100-meter high hurdles with a time of 13.17 seconds and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 40.73 at the state meet this past season, leading the Mustangs to fifth place as a team. Her 100- and 300-meter hurdles times at the state meet each ranked as the nation’s number one prep performance in 2015, and among the 15 fastest performances in U.S. prep history at the time of her selection.

Reginald Thompkins, who is an Administrative Director for CNUSD, as well as CIF State President, said, “This is a great accomplishment that the Eastvale community can be proud of.  It really is a huge recognition for Jasmyne.  It’s one of my duties as President to hand out the awards to these awesome athletes; it was very special to be there, witness her performance and give her this award.”

Graham – who is also the Citrus Belt Area Athletic Directors Association Female Athlete of the Year – chipped in by running the opening leg for the eighth-place 4×100-meter relay quartet that finished in 47.54 seconds, as well as the second leg of the ninth-place 4×400-meter relay squad that crossed the line in 3:49.90.

Graham has maintained a 3.14 GPA in the classroom. In addition to donating her time as a running instructor and guest speaker for youth track athletes, she has volunteered on behalf of the Black Coal and Red Roses mentoring program for girls.

“Jasmyne is the most fierce high school competitor I have seen,” said Eleanor Roosevelt coach, Aaron Shires. “Her parents have instilled in her the discipline, desire and commitment to excellence that John Wooden would be proud of in an athlete. The reason Jasmyne can take over a race the way she does is because of her preparation. She attends extra training sessions; she treats her body properly with the right nutrition and sleep. She lives a life that is not just committed to being great at track, but [to] being the best she can be at anything she does.”

Graham has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field on a scholarship at the University of Southern California this fall.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track and field – and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade high school sports leadership team in partnership with USA TODAY High School Sports, working with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, complete lists of past winners, and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit www.gatorade.com/poy.

Chino Police Department Launches Social Media

Staff Reports

Chino – In keeping with Chief Karen Comstock’s strong community ties, the Chino Police Department has launched its social media pages. Chief Comstock’s goal is to enhance communication with the community and maintain an open dialogue with residents, businesses and partners in safety.

Social media has proven to be a valuable tool for Law Enforcement agencies to use as a means to communicate timely and effectively with topics such as crime prevention, community programs, incidents and investigations.

“The Chino Police Department values the positive relationships and interactions it has with the community,” states Comstock. “Having social media as another tool to communicate and engage with residents will only enhance our relationships.”

The City of Chino has been successful in increasing community engagement through their use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As government social media continues to grow, the Chino Police Department sees an opportunity to expand its efforts by creating additional accounts specifically for the Department and the Chief of Police.

For more information, connect with the Chino Police Department on the following sites:

facebook.com/chinopolicedept; facebook.com/ChiefComstock; twitter.com/chinopolicedept.

July 2015 SGV News

2015-07-SGVNews-COVERSGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2015-07-SGVNews-WEB

New Walmart For Diamond Bar

Neighborhood market offers affordable groceries and new jobs to area

 

neighborhood-market-california-WEB

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Wed., July 8, Diamond Bar’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened its doors amid fanfare and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are excited to be part of the Diamond Bar community, providing residents a variety of merchandise at a convenient location,” said store manager, Jorge Orozco.

The new store employs up to 95 full- and part-time associates. Orozco began his Walmart career in 2003 as an hourly unloader associate.

The store will provide local residents with low prices on a broad assortment of merchandise, including groceries and a drive-through pharmacy.

Fresh produce and a full line of groceries from leading brand names, including organic selections, are available. By working directly with growers, Walmart is able to provide farm-grown, quality produce at added convenience and low prices. There is also a wide variety of meat and bakery selections, including fresh baked breads and tortillas.

The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services, and pharmacy team members are ready to assist customers with product and prescription questions. Diamond Bar residents can easily transfer prescriptions and order refills on the go with the Walmart mobile app for iPhone and Android.

The 41,000 square foot store is dedicated to meeting the needs of local shoppers.  In addition to groceries, the store features health and beauty aids, pet products and cleaning supplies. Customers can also shop an additional 7 million items online, including toys, electronics and home decor on Walmart.com through Walmart Pickup, which will offer free shipping to the Diamond Bar Walmart Neighborhood Market.

In addition to grants given as part of the grand opening, the new store will further Walmart’s pledge to fight hunger in America. As part of Walmart’s and the Walmart Foundation’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in California donated approximately 23.1 million pounds of food, in fiscal year 2014, or the equivalent of 19.3 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $47.1 million in fiscal year 2014 in California alone. For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit http://foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger

The new Walmart is located at 1180 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.  Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/walmart4762.

Pomona: G.R.E.A.T. Campout Success

Pomona Police Department hosts over 300 Pomona kids

Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD

Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD

Staff Reports

Pomona – The Pomona Police Department in partnership with the Community Engagement Group, City of Pomona and the Pomona Fairplex, held the Annual GREAT Campout, the weekend of July 10-11.

The Campout was for Pomona residents, ages 9-12, who stayed overnight under the stars in a safe environment at the L.A. County Fairgrounds. During the Campout, activities and booths were used to promote responsibility, respect for others and positive decision making.  All campers were provided with a new sleeping bag, and dinner and breakfast were served by local community groups.

Activities during the event were sponsored by local businesses, individuals or local charitable organizations such as the Elk’s Lodge, Pomona Police Officer’s Association, Kiwanis, Western University, Lions Club, Partnership for a Positive Pomona and the Pomona Unified School District.

The event was chaperoned by Police Officers and selected citizen volunteers from the community, and provided a rare opportunity to bond with Officers in a relaxed environment – and win some fantastic raffle prizes.

If you have questions about this or any other community program offered by the Pomona Police Department, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (909) 620-2318.

Fallen CHP Officer Honored With Highway Designation

Photo Courtesy: Cahp.org

Photo Courtesy: Cahp.org
William B. Wolff, III

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – On Mon., July 13, a resolution was passed designating the 1-10 and I-605 Interchange in Los Angeles County as the “CHP Officer William B. Wolff III Memorial Interchange.”  Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 86 recounts the lifetime accomplishments of Wolff, who was a father, husband, veteran, and a proud officer of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

ACR 86, authored by Assembly member Roger Hernández (D-West Covina), passed the Assembly Committee on Transportation with bipartisan support. The resolution designates that, “Officer Wolff exemplified true selflessness and leadership as a member of our community,” said Hernández.  “It is a true honor to carry a resolution memorializing his valiant public service and the sacrifices he has made for the State of California and the San Gabriel Valley.”

Born on Jan. 22, 1946, Officer Wolff graduated high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona.  Upon graduation, Wolff served in the United States Navy and later as a vocational nurse. His desire to continue serving on behalf of the public led him to pursue a career and life as an officer of the CHP.

Wolff was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 30, 1977, when he was struck by a drunk driver while making a traffic stop.  Officer Wolff is survived by his two children, Eric and Carrie Ann, and granddaughter, Kaylee Rose.

This resolution is sponsored by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, the labor organization that represents California Highway Patrol Officers.

 

Who Are You Going To Call?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

One of my favorite TV series in recent years was called, “24”.  The lead character was Jack Bauer – played by Kiefer Sutherland – who tried to prevent terrorists from blowing up buildings or injuring innocent people.

In one episode, I remember Jack Bauer tried to rescue a hostage, but gets trapped in a building by some bad guys.  When the hostage asked Jack what he was going to do, he replied, “I’m going to call the only person I know I can trust.”

In the famous game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” contestants were given three options to help them answer a difficult question.  One of those options was, “Phone a Friend.”

Many years ago, I was driving a group of high school students on a back pack trip to the Grand Canyon, when my van blew an engine.  We struggled to get back to a service station on the northern edge of Phoenix, but who could I call for help at one o’clock in the morning?

Thankfully, my former youth leader lived in north Phoenix.  When I called him in the middle of the night, he gladly got out of bed, helped me get to a car rental office, and back on the road.  I knew if I called him, he would help.

I think it is helpful for each of us to think about who we would call when we need help.  Who is a trusted family member or reliable friend that you know you can call on a moment’s notice?  Who can you call in the middle of the night or in an emergency?

It is good to know that we have friends we can call on for help at any time.  It is also important to know that we can call on God for help at any time, too!  The Bible says, “Let us draw near to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).

When we call out to God in prayer, He is ready to help us in our time of need.  Maybe it is time for you to bow your head, open your heart and ask God for His help today.  He is waiting to hear from you!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org.

Diamond Bar Community Foundation Helps Kids!

Photo Courtesy: DBCF

Photo Courtesy: DBCF

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC U17B Team recently won the President’s Cup Title for California.  From there, they went on to Snohomish, Washington, to play in the President’s Cup Region IV – which they also won!

The team has now journeyed to Kansas, July 8 – 12, to play in the U.S. Youth Soccer President’s National Cup, where the best teams from all over the US will play for the National Title.

This excursion – including 22 players and three coaches – costs approximately $20,000. To help the kids reach their goal of a national title, the Diamond Bar Community Foundation has donated $1,000 to offset costs.  The DBCF is pleased to be a part of their Legacy and help give these athletes a chance to play for the National Title.

The Diamond Bar Community Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life in the City of Diamond Bar by establishing programs and facilities to address the cultural, recreational and social needs of the community. A renewed emphasis is to raise funds to eliminate the shortage of sports fields for the thousands of kids playing youth sports in Diamond Bar.  For more information, visit thedbcf.org.

The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC is a nonprofit organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Baldwin Park Unified Invests In STEM

District adopts a local accountability plan to prepare students for college and careers

 

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Baldwin Park Unified will invest in a host of programs in 2015-16 – including an International Baccalaureate program, an alternative learning academy, STEM programs and added rigor for Advanced Placement and honors classes – to prepare students for success in college or careers as part of its 2015-18 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

The three-year plan, adopted June 23, is the second such plan required since the state altered its school funding system. It identifies goals for each of the three years covered, strategies to achieve those goals and funding sources.

Some programs target all students, while others focus on the state’s three high-needs groups: economically disadvantaged students, foster children and English learners.

Baldwin Park Unified expects to spend $13 million in 2015-16 on its high-needs students, who make up 89.4 percent of the District’s enrollment.

“Our LCAP will transform how Baldwin Park Unified serves its students, adding depth and breadth to an already rich instructional program,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano. “We will provide avenues that prepare students to compete successfully for high-demand college majors and careers.”

Programs include Project Lead The Way, a leading provider of hands-on educational curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Baldwin Park High School will add a robotics course and Holland Middle School and Santa Fe Elementary School will provide the STEM program for the first time.

Baldwin Park Unified will also boost the rigor of Advanced Placement and honors classes with an eye at how those courses can help the district develop an International Baccalaureate program (IB). IB degrees are highly valued by colleges and universities; programs can take three to five years to establish.

The District will also launch an Independent Learning Center at Baldwin Park High, where at-risk, disengaged students or those who need alternative approaches may pursue their diplomas. The Center will provide a blend of rigorous online and brick-and-mortar classes with flexible hours. Enrollment is expected to range from 75 to 120 students in its first year.

Other efforts are designed to improve student opportunities for success at all levels and improve student climate. These include:

  • Holding a District-wide college fair.
  • Expanding visual and performing arts resources.
  • Boosting partnerships with community colleges, California State University, University of California, Regional Occupational Program and the City’s Teen Center.
  • Implementing a Cal State readiness class to prepare students in high school and middle school for the demands of college.
  • Creating online local assessments to better sculpt instruction to student needs.
  • Extending the school year at the elementary level for struggling students.
  • Enabling students to improve grades or take courses they may have missed.
  • Creating professional learning communities to foster collaboration among educators.
  • Creating a bridge program to help students transition from middle to high school.
  • Investing $2.5 million to improve educational technology.
  • Implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a discipline system that uses positive feedback to minimize conflicts, suspensions and expulsions.

San Gabriel Valley: Church Burglar Arrested

Media websites help identify the suspect

 

Staff Reports

SGV – Over the course of the year, a male Hispanic suspect burglarized several churches in the Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station’s areas.  The churches had fixed post surveillance cameras which recorded the suspect at the locations, and he was described as having “tribal band” tattoos on both legs and large tattoos on both arms.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect entered churches, stealing large amounts of cash from locked donation boxes.  The burglaries occurred during the day when the churches were open to the public.

Detectives from two stations worked diligently to identify the suspect – who appeared responsible for all of the burglaries – but were unsuccessful. Special Bulletin flyers were distributed to local police agencies seeking additional information and assistance in identifying the suspect, but he remained unidentified.

Industry Station Detective, Charell Heard, who was the lead detective, created a Special Bulletin flyer with the suspect’s photograph from the surveillance videos. Industry Station personnel contacted Sheriff’s Information Bureau personnel seeking media coverage and the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

On July 2, Heard conducted an interview with television and radio media personnel at the Industry Station. Shortly after the interview, and after the suspect’s photograph was televised and posted on media websites, anonymous community members identified the suspect as Hacienda Heights resident, Carlos Montiel, 36.

Heard immediately queried Department resources and confirmed the suspect’s identity. Industry Deputies conducted surveillance on the suspect’s location, positively identified him, and arrested him without incident.

Detectives authored a search warrant for Montiel’s residence and his vehicle to recover evidence related to the crime.

The collaboration of the Detectives from Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, Sheriff’s Information Bureau, media personnel and the community, led to the successful arrest of Montiel.

Orange County: 4th Of July Trouble

Photo Courtesy: SAPD

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Ryan Matthew Brown

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Sat., July 4, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Santa Ana Police Officers responded to the 2500 block of North Linwood Avenue to assist first responders with a male who was lying in the street, unresponsive.  Officers arrived to find Orange County Fire personnel performing CPR on a 55-year old male.

The victim was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he was pronounced deceased.

In their preliminary investigation, Homicide Detectives found that a fight occurred during a large neighborhood Fourth of July party.  The victim was a participant in the fight, but it is unclear is the male sustained an assault injury, or died as a result of a medical condition.  The cause of death is pending autopsy.

Anyone with information regarding this incident as asked to call SAPD Homicide Detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

In another incident that occurred on Wed., July 1, at approximately 6:47 p.m., SAPD Officers responded to the 900 block of West 17th Street in reference to a fireworks complaint.  Officers were advised that a resident at a complex had thrown a makeshift bottle bomb at a juvenile victim as he was walking in the alley.

Remnants of the device were recovered at the scene which consisted of a legal firework that was modified to explode inside of a bottle.

At the time of the initial investigation, the suspect – Ryan Matthew Brown, 37, of Santa Ana – fled the scene through the rear of his residence.  Officers returned to the suspect’s home at approximately 10:30 p.m., and took Brown into custody without incident.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad assisted officers with this investigation, and Brown was booked on felony charges of Using a Destructive Device Causing Bodily Injury, and Willful Cruelty to a Child with Possible Injury or Death.

Walnut: Big Wins For Mt. SAC Students

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College vocational education student, Troy Majeska, won a silver medal at the SkillsUSA 51st Annual National Leadership Conference competition, June 22-27, in Louisville, KY.
Majeska, of La Habra, won the silver medal in the Residential Systems Installation competition, facing five competitors from other colleges across the nation.
The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 6,000 students competed at this year’s national event.
SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.

At another event, Mt. SAC’s health career students recently won eight medals – four silver and four bronze – at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) national competition held at the Anaheim Hilton. More than 8,000 secondary and post-secondary students competed in 56 different health-related events at the national leadership event held June 24-28.
Amy Barraza (Cudahy),Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park), and Yvonne Prempeh (Fontana) all won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.
Daniel Lee (Fullerton), Holly Miller (La Habra), Noehly Partida (Pomona), and Leilani Soto (Ontario) all won bronze medals in the creative problem solving competition.
Jessica Benavente (Hesperia), Patrick Chan (La Puente), and Nicole Villanueva (Pomona) were finalists in the creative problem solving event.
“We had 11 competitors this year, and all 11 ranked nationally as finalists. That is quite an achievement,” said Mt. SAC psychiatric technician professor and HOSA advisor, Mary Ellen Reyes. “Being involved in and competing in HOSA is a life-changing experience for students.”
HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.

Industry Weed Bust

Deputies seize over $3 Million in Marijuana

Photo Courtesy: LASD Industry Station

Photo Courtesy: LASD Industry Station
Marijuana plants sized at the Industry business.

Staff Reports

Industry – On Wed., July 1, Special Assignment Team Deputies from the Industry Sheriff’s Station – in collaboration with Narcotics Bureau personnel – arrested two individuals for cultivation of marijuana for sales.  Deputies developed leads based on an anonymous tip, ultimately leading them to the service of a search warrant in the 1300 block of Darius Court in the City of Industry.

During the search warrant, hundreds of marijuana plants in various stages of growth, with an estimated street value worth over $3 million, as well as hydroponic equipment were recovered.  The equipment was used to cultivate the plants inside an otherwise nondescript local business/warehouse.

Deputies arrested David Nguyen, 32, and Phong Nguyen, 54, for cultivation and sales of marijuana.  The suspects are both of Vietnamese decent, and claimed to be from out of the state/country with no local residence.  Both are being held at the Industry Station jail with bail set at $50,000 each.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, this is the second such incident of marijuana being grown indoors locally in as many months.  On June 6, the Special Assignment Team from the Industry Sheriff’s Station – accompanied by Detectives from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force – arrested three individuals for cultivation of marijuana for sales.  In that case, Deputies seized over $1.5 million in marijuana during a local search warrant operation.

For additional questions or comments, contact Lieutenant John Gannon at Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.

Inland Empire: A 5-Year Old Superhero

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis 5-year old Carter Forsyth

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis
5-year old Carter Forsyth

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – Whether it’s Superman flying or Spider-Man swinging, every 5-year old has a superhero. But Carter Forsyth is not like other 5-year olds, because Carter is his own superhero, with his “Papa”, Jerry Davis, following right behind him.

Carter is an Eastvale resident that is one of 300,000 U.S. children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an autoimmune, inflammatory joint disease that presents with varying degrees of pain, swelling, stiffness, lethargy and a reduction or loss of mobility. Growth retardation is common in children with JIA, and this symptom is often exacerbated with medications typically used to treat the disease. Muscle weakness or loss, and osteoporosis are also possible conditions associated with JIA.

Carter had been experiencing pain and medical attention from Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis since July 2013, but he was diagnosed with JIA on January 6, 2014. Facing a life-long disease as a young boy is tough for Carter and his family, but this superhero doesn’t let his disease get him down.

Carter is a “shining force, radiating happiness and hope that he shares with everyone who touches his life,” according to his family. He has a big heart and a silly personality. He is also a curious boy who constantly seeks knowledge and has an amazing memory. At his recent preschool graduation, Carter told the crowd that he wants to be a scientist and study volcanoes when he grows up.

Carter and his family have high hopes that he will be able to do just that, since the treatment he is currently on has helped give him relief from the everyday pain he was experiencing. According to his grandfather, Jerry Davis, aka “Papa”, Carter is doing much better today than he was at this time last year. His latest treatment still involves a trip to Loma Linda Hospital once a month for an all-day infusion treatment, but Carter has gotten used to them, for the most part, and he hardly complains, according to Davis.

In order to raise funds and awareness of JIA, Davis will be

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis Carter and his “Papa” at last year’s California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure.

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis
Carter and his “Papa” at last year’s California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure.

participating in the 15th Annual California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure, hosted by the Arthritis Foundation. Last year, as a first-year individual rider, Davis raised just over $13,000. This year, Davis founded “Team Carter,” which currently has 46 registered riders participating. At press time, Team Carter is the top fundraising team at $90,000.

“Our goal is $125,000, and with three months to go, I’m hoping we can reach that goal,” said Davis.

All funds will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to further the search for a cure.

Carter’s family also wants to give a big thank you to the Arthritis Foundation for all they have done for him. The foundation helped Carter find his current doctor at Loma Linda Hospital, who was able to find a successful treatment.

Davis says that the Arthritis Foundation also honored Carter as the official “Finish Line Juvenal Arthritis Honoree” of last year’s CCC Ride For A Cure. They are also sending Carter and his whole family to this year’s Juvenile Arthritis Conference, later this month in Florida.

“Our family is very grateful to the Arthritis Foundation and that is another reason why I, as Carter’s grandfather, will be involved in the ride every year for a long time to come. I believe in this organization and I am thankful for what they do,” said Davis.

To donate to Carter’s personal fundraiser, please visit www.525m4Carter.com.  To join Team Carter, visit www.TeamCarter525m4aCure.com. To follow the team and Carter on this journey, LIKE their Facebook at www.facebook.com/525miles4Carter. If you would like more information about this cause, you can email 525m4Carter@gmail.com.

Diamond Bar: Community Garden Now Open

Photo Courtesy: DBCG

Photo Courtesy: DBCG

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Community Garden (DBCG) has opened for community members to come and enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce.

“There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing something you’ve grown with your own hands on your dinner table,” states their website.

While the Grand Opening was earlier this year in May, the community of gardeners is growing. Sponsored by the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, the DBCG serves the residents of Diamond Bar and the surrounding cities by maintaining a garden that fosters community enrichment, education and economic empowerment.

According to the DBCG, this garden provides a local opportunity for community members of all ages, religious affiliations, cultural backgrounds, community standings, and socioeconomic classes to come together with a common activity of producing locally grown, organic food.

Community members can also look forward to educational classes and lectures, as well as special events like the upcoming work party to develop the Stella Hatzfeld’s memorial lemon tree orchard – to be held July 18, from 9 am to noon.

This beautiful garden will also supply fresh produce for involved residents and organizations that are associated with its philanthropy, as well as benefit low-income families within the community by providing them with fresh, healthy produce.

The goal of the DBCG is to provide a safe and attractive environment for those individuals desiring a place to grow edible produce.  A 4 x 8-foot, raised bed plot is available for just $50 annually.

The DBCG invites you to come and see their garden and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings, located near the corner of Morning Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Blvd.  You can also visit www.diamondbarcommunitygarden.com, or call (909) 861-4735 for more information.

The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is located at 2335 Diamond Bar Blvd.  They can be reached at (909) 861-4735.

Eastvale: City Manager Honored

City Manager Michele Nissen

City Manager Michele Nissen

By Claire Lewis

Eastvale – Eastvale’s City Manager, Michele Nissen, was honored recently as the Outstanding Rising Administrator at the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) 2015 Public Service Awards & Scholarship Luncheon.

The Inland Empire Chapter event – which was held on Wed., June 24, in Riverside, honored public administration professionals who have demonstrated excellence in public service.  The ASPA also awarded scholarships to outstanding students who have shown scholastic achievement in the field of public administration and are pursuing graduate degrees in Public Administration at Inland Empire institutions of higher learning.

Congratulations to Michele Nissen, for being committed to serving the citizens of Eastvale!

Norco: DUI/ Driver’s License Checkpoint Nets 4 DUI Arrests

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Norco  – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Jurupa Valley Station/Norco Office conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on July 11, 2015, at Hamner Ave. and Commerce St., between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.  Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driver deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries.  A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drug impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Ninety percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

Checkpoint results:

  • 598 Vehicles through the checkpoint
  • 549 Vehicles screened
  • 4 DUI suspects arrested
  • 7 Drivers arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed
  • 3 Drivers arrested for operating a vehicle on a suspended license
  • 2 Misdemeanor warrant arrests
  • 6 Vehicles towed

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Jurupa Valley Station/Norco Office will be conducting additional DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint throughout the year, in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

Details:

Norco, CA – The Norco Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on July 11, 2015, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.  Motorists should only be slightly inconvenienced. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Recent statistics reveal 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had ingested one or more drugs.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Marijuana was the most prevalent drug, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving DUI driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of the arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.  The DUI arrest is public information and can expose the violator to a degree of public embarrassment.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Norco Sheriff’s Office by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “report drunk driver/call 911.”

New Mayor For Walnut

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

Staff Reports

Walnut – At the City Council meeting for the City of Walnut held on Wed., July 8, rather than swear in Mayor Pro Tem, Eric Ching, as the new mayor, the Council decided to reorganize and place Bob Pacheco in the position.  In addition, Councilwoman Mary Su will now serve as Mayor Pro Tem, and Antonio Cartagena, former Mayor Nancy Tragarz and Ching will now serve as council members.

“I’m very pleased to have been selected to be mayor; I look forward to it,” said Pacheco. “This year is going to be challenging.  I’m looking forward to uniting Walnut, instead of dividing it.”

Robert Pacheco has served the City of Walnut since 1994. He was first appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Committee and then to the Walnut Planning Commission, according to the City’s website.

In 1996, Pacheco was elected to the Walnut City Council where he served for two years. In 1998, he was elected to the California State Assembly; making him the only City of Walnut resident to serve in the California Legislature. Pacheco was elected to three terms in the State Assembly until he termed-out in 2004. In July 2013, he was again appointed to the Walnut City Council.

Pacheco’s professional career spans 60 years in business and the legal profession. For over 40 years, he was the Senior Partner of the law firm, Pacheco & Pacheco, located in the City of Walnut. He received a Presidential appointment to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and was also appointed as California Senior Advisor for Jobs and Workforce Development under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure – as well as an Appellate Member of the Cal-OSHA Board of Appeals.

Pacheco, and his wife, Gayle, currently own and operate a multi-million dollar manufacturing company located in Walnut.
Pacheco is involved in numerous community organizations. He is the founder of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, co-founder of the Walnut Humanitarian Medical Mission, and The Gabriel Foundation, which sponsors the annual Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo. Most recently, he co-founded the newly formed Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale. He is also a member of the Industry Manufacturer’s Council and also represents the City of Walnut with the Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to Bob Pacheco on his new appointment as Mayor for the City of Walnut!

Walnut: Mt. SAC Fall Registration Begins July 15

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

 

Walnut – Online registration for Mt. San Antonio College’s fall semester credit classes begins July 15.  Classes begin on Mon., Aug. 24.
All credit students must register for classes online at my.mtsac.edu. New students must submit an admission application online. For students who do not have computer access, computers and assistance are available in the Student Services Center during business hours. The Admissions Office is open now Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prior to registering, new students are required to activate their personal Mt. SAC portal account through the college website, myportal.mtsac.edu. Instructions on how to do this, along with your username, are sent to the new student’s email address the student used when applying to the college.

Through myportal.mtsac.edu, students will be able to view their registration date and time but will not be allowed to register before their assigned time.

New students must also sign up for their assessment tests at the Assessment Center.  Appointments can be made at www.mtsac.edu/assessment, by calling (909) 274-4265, or in person at the Assessment Center.  Students are urged to prepare for assessment testing by reviewing the information available on the Assessment Center webpage.
In addition, new students must also sign up for the required new student orientation session before registering for classes. For more information about required orientation sessions, call the Mt. SAC Counseling Department at (909) 274-4380.
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents, and all fees are due upon registration.
For more registration information, call the Mt. SAC Admissions and Records Office at (909) 274-4415, or visit www.mtsac.edu.

Columns: Golf Is A Funny Game

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

A group of men from our church play golf each Monday afternoon at a local golf course.  We reserve a tee time for the same day, and the same time, every week.

Some of you may wonder why men and women play the game of golf.  Basically, it involves hitting a little round ball with a metal stick (club) for about three miles.  It usually takes from four to five hours to complete a round of golf.  Some people probably think that this is a strange way to spend your time. What is the purpose of trying to steer that little ball across miles of green grass just to get it into some very small cups?
One benefit of playing golf is the physical exercise.  Many golfers will walk the entire 18-hole course and most of them carry their own golf bag.  The group from our church isn’t quite so ambitious, so we rent golf carts that you can drive around the course.
Another benefit from playing golf is the social interaction that it provides.  Although you are not supposed to talk when someone is getting ready to hit their next shot, there is plenty of time along the course to talk about family, work, sports and more. In fact, many people conduct a lot of business on golf courses. There are few distractions and during a round of golf you can discuss a lot of business related matters.  Contracts are negotiated, sales are closed and new proposals are presented.  Golf can be good for business!
Golf also provides a peaceful setting where you can enjoy the outdoors.  I often feel like I am walking or riding through a park when I am playing golf.  There are shady trees, busy wildlife and usually a couple of lakes or ponds.  Most courses are quiet and away from traffic noise.  A golf course is a nice place to spend your day.
I have two criteria for enjoying a round of golf.  First, don’t take it too seriously.  Some golfers are so serious about every shot and every putt that they fail to enjoy the experience.  Yes, it is nice to get a good score, but there are no trophies or prize money for the average golfer.
In addition, I enjoy the game more when I can find the ball!  It can get frustrating when you hit a shot into the bushes or into the water.  It is irritating when you and your partners have to spend time looking for a lost ball.
I feel like I have had a good round of golf if I can finish the round with the same golf ball I started with. But, when I start losing golf balls and start getting too serious, I find that I am really not enjoying it.
Let me encourage you to find something that you can enjoy – whether it is a round of golf with friends or something else that you enjoy doing.  Make sure that you make time for a little recreation and relaxation.

If you would like to know more about our weekly golf group, please feel welcome to contact our church office.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.