Category Archives: News By City

Get Outta Your Bubble In 2015

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

jennifer-Jester-MadrigalHey, you! You over there with the phone in your hand, getting ready to take your hundredth selfie with your kids playing at the park…it’s time to put the phone down and really look around.

You see that old man over there walking his dog, bent over from years of arthritis but still smiling? He’s looking around, hoping that someone takes the time to stop and say hello to him and maybe engage in a little conversation. Bet you didn’t know that he served in two wars, or that he married the love of his life when he was 22, and is the father to six children and 13 grandchildren. Or did you know that his beloved wife, Rose, died last year and that he has been lost every since.

How could you know? You were too busy trying to get that next selfie, busily rearranging your kids’ hair and clothing, and sucking in your gut so that the picture looked as good as it possibly could. I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with selfies (if you know me, you know that I enjoy annoying people by forcing them to selfie with me), but there is something wrong, when as a culture we no longer see what is around us.

We are the “Gotta Have It All NOW!” generation and not only do we have to have it now, we want the best of it, and we think we deserve the best. We seek out the best and the most current technology and then take photos of ourselves enjoying it as a way of showing the social media world that we matter.

Our worth is, in essence, tied to our value on social media. Do you ‘Like’ me? Facebook and Instagram have become the “highlight reels” of our lives and others compare their lives to our “best of” moments.

What they don’t see are the tear stained pillows, the loud fights, the struggling addicts, or the sense of loss that so many people hide. Often, we hide ourselves behind the filtered lens of the camera, choosing how we can filter our lives to hide our flaws. Is it a Sepia day, a Valencia day, or maybe even a Sierra filter kind of day?

Perhaps in 2015, we will put the phone away for a day, stop capturing every moment, and instead take the time to walk our chubby little toddler over to the old man sitting by himself and say hello.

I challenged myself to this a few weeks ago and walked over to an older man walking his dog by himself. I was walking with my clapping, flapping, autistic, deaf son, Nicholas, desperately trying to tire him out so he’d sleep through the night. Walter was trying to do the same with his spunky puppy. So we walked together, his arthritic gait matched Nicholas’ developmentally delayed gait. He held on to his puppy’s leash to keep her safe just as I held on to Nicholas to keep him safe. We walked and we talked and he told me stories and we shared our sadness over losing those we loved so much.

Walter may be about 50 years older than me, but we have a lot in common and I never would have known that if I didn’t get out of my bubble. For Christmas, I brought him cookies and Oreo balls, and he proposed to me in return. I had to let him down gently, as he’s much too handsome and wild for me, but I gained a great friend.

I got out of my bubble, put my phone down and walked a little walk with a new buddy, and I’m all the better for it.

 

New Year, New You:  Liposuction Without The Suction

By Michael Armijo

 

Premier Body Sculpt Before-After

Premier Body Sculpt is located at 141 W. Foothill Blvd #5 in Upland. You can reach them at 1-(855) 8-SCULPT or visit their website at http://www.premierbodysculpt.com.

Upland – Body Sculpting is best described as an alternative way to lose body fat in specific areas that are hard to reach, including under the arms, love handles, inner thighs, or even the breast area on a man. The procedure seems to be relatively new, but it’s actually an old technique that is revised.

Upon visiting the Premier Body Sculpt Center in Upland, I was a bit skeptical about their amazing new technology actually working. The combination of Ultrasonic Cavitations and Radio Frequency was said to show amazing results without the inconvenience, pain and down-time of surgery. But the skepticism is over.

This non-invasive, liposuction technology works by using sonic energy and vibration to destroy and collapse fat cells, thereby facilitating the body’s natural process to metabolize and move fat out through the lymphatic system. Unlike liposuction – and for a fraction of the cost – results can be seen immediately with no bruising, swelling, or scars.

The best way to describe it would be: imagine getting a huge bag and placing small water balloons inside. Then imagine tapping the bag until the water balloons break. This same concept is applied to Body Sculpting. It liquefies the fat and then the body processes the fat through the urine. Sounds different, but the body processes fat this way, and the results are immediate, with further results seen throughout the week.

When I experienced Body Sculpting myself, all I had to do was lie down and sit up while the three step process was administered. The ultrasound radio frequency was a bit different, as sound waves emitted through my body.  That’s what ultrasound is, an emission of sound waves. But this is at a higher rate, and this is how fat is broken down. And during the process, I could actually hear sound coming out of my ears. It took a moment to get used to, but eventually it didn’t faze me a bit.

When it comes to my health, I am on it. I need to know all the facts, the downsides, and the repercussions. I am a diabetic, so I always have some type of risk. But what gave me confidence was that the technician was an RN, BSN, and Aesthetic Specialist – who also worked in an emergency room at a local hospital (yes, I checked).

I could not find anything negative about the procedure and I did see results right away (the before and after pictures were amazing). I completed three sessions, and I am pleased with the results so far.  I would go back to do more.

I recommend Premier Body Sculpting, and I also recommend you check out their website, watch the video, and make the best decision for yourself.

Premier Body Sculpt is located at 141 W. Foothill Blvd., #5, in Upland. You can reach them at (855) 8-SCULPT, or visit their website at http://www.premierbodysculpt.com.

 

Diamond Bar: Quail Summit Student Wins National Chess Tournament

By Kelli Gile

Quail-Chess-Winner

Quail Summit student Jonathan Chen beat first grade challengers from different states and won the title at the National K-12 Championship in Orlando.

Diamond Bar – A 6-year old from Quail Summit Elementary has garnered the title of national champion. Jonathan Chen, a first grade student, represented his school during the National K-12 Championship held in Orlando, Florida. Chen won the first-grade division with a perfect 7-0 score. The contest was held December 12-14.

Players with the same scores were paired against each other during seven rounds of competition. Each grueling round could last more than three hours.

“I am very happy and very proud of the biggest trophy and national champion title for my school!” Chen exclaimed.

Chen hopes to start a chess club so that next year he can bring a team trophy back to the school.

The youngster from Diamond Bar has been playing chess for about two years. His father introduced the game to him at age 4. He’s had a coach since he was in kindergarten and earned the youngest champion award in the 2013 American Open.

Last June, Chen won the 3rd Place trophy in the International Youth Championship, under 14-year old division, held in Las Vegas.

A classmate asked Chen how he won all the games.

“I think it’s because I have more patience and more focus,” Chen replied.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

Staff Reports

REGULAR EVENTS:

Alcohol and Addiction Intervention Information

When: Third Tuesday, monthly; 6 p.m.

Where: Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, 1161 E. Covina Blvd., Covina

Details: Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addiction. Attendees can expect to learn what the intervention process consists of, when an intervention is appropriate, and what local resources are available. Space is limited and reservations are recommended.

Contact: Call (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.

 

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

 

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

Walnut Valley Celebrates HARTT Center Opening

By Kelli Gile

Hockwalt Adult Resource-and-Transition-Training-Center

The HARTT Center in Walnut hosted an opening celebration on December 15. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District celebrated the opening of the Hockwalt Adult Resource & Transition Training (HARTT) Center on December 10.            “We are thrilled to open our doors to the community,” said educational specialist, Cheryl Faren.

The HARTT Center serves 18 to 22-year old students with disabilities who are receiving a Certificate of Completion from high school and have significant needs for support as they transition to adulthood.

The Center teaches important transition skills based each student’s abilities with the goal of successfully transitioning to adult living. Skills are developed using community-based instruction in addition to classroom instruction.

About 25 young adults are enrolled at the Center, with an additional 20 attending classes through Mt. San Antonio College.

“Thank you to our community and district for supporting this program,” said Judi Koorndyk, Coordinator of Special Education.

Over 100 guests had a chance to tour the educational center and enjoy holiday entertainment provided by Diamond Bar and Walnut High musicians. Neighborhood partner, Sysco Foods, donated and prepared a buffet dinner for the special event.

“We have students that have to overcome immense obstacles to be able to be happy and productive in society. These students have always been in the heart of our district,” said Jose Annicchiarico, Principal at Ron Hockwalt Academies.

Over 20 local business partners are helping every student develop job and vocational skills. The Center features classrooms, a technology center, and career training. Faren teaches cooking skills in the industrial-size kitchen.   Students are also learning to do the laundry. They like to “hang out” in the comfy recreation room and watch movies after returning from morning work at local businesses. Or they can play air hockey and foosball in the loft area. An outdoor garden, recently donated by Home Depot, is blooming with vegetables and herbs.

“Whatever we plant here, we use in the kitchen. The project is all student-driven,” Faren added.

“We’ll be making salads next week!” she added after noticing a bounty of lettuce.

Until last year, students were transitioned to county programs after high school. Changes in the state’s Special Education Local Plan (SELPA) allowed Walnut Valley to bring its students back home.

“We’re finally able to provide services to our own students!” Koorndyk said about the long-awaited program.

The HARTT Center in located at the Ron Hockwalt Academies alternative education campus in Walnut. Classrooms and facilities have been renovated and decorated for the new program.

“You walk into the living room area and kitchen and can feel the heart and passion that was put into it. This is a wonderful place for our students to come and learn and employees to come and work. This is an amazing facility!” Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said.

“This program keeps with Dr. Hockwalt’s vision that no student would be left behind and that all students would be taken care of regardless of their age or their level. We can take care of all students,” Board President Cindy Ruiz added.

I’m very appreciative of the whole program. The heart that the teachers have for these kids – it’s not something that they have to do, it’s something they want to do,” praised parent Jim Reya. His daughter, Cynthia, transitioned to the HARTT Center after being part of a county program.

“The name of this center is inspired by former superintendent Dr. Ron Hockwalt. He used to tell us that the true measurement of our success is the struggling students.   And this Center is really the embodiment of that philosophy,” Annicchiarico stated.

Koorndyk works at the state level and has written a three year, $450,000 contract with the Department of Rehabilitation.

“It’s going to help us find jobs for students that are here at the HARTT Center and at Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools,” Annicchiarico said.

“This school district really takes its vision seriously, to take care of the children. This is a wonderful gift for the children,” Reya added.

 

 

Gang Homicide In Santa Ana

Staff Reports

 

Santa Ana – On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at midnight, patrol officers were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the area of Sullivan Street. Witnesses informed officers they had heard approximately 4 to 5 shots fired. While at the call, officers learned that a 17-year old male – later identified as Angel Arellano – arrived with multiple gunshot wounds at Coastal Community Hospital. Arellano was immediately transported to Western Medical Center in critical condition, where he died from his injuries. Officers located the crime scene in the 500 block of S. Sullivan Street.

Victim Arellano – a documented Townsend Street gang member – was one of the individuals the Orange County District Attorney’s Office was seeking to enjoin the current Townsend Street Injunction.

According to an article written on the VoiceofOC.org (Aug. 20), the Injunction is essentially a restraining order that would restrict the activities of a gang’s members in a .39-square mile safety zone bordered by McFadden Avenue, and Raitt, Sullivan and First streets. Those enjoined would be prohibited from associating with gang members in public spaces within the safety zone, with the exception of certain spaces such as schools or churches. The order also prohibits gang members from acting as lookouts, trespassing, fighting, blocking free passage, or intimidating anyone in public. This shooting occurred within the gang injunction safety zone.

It is reported that residents in Santa Ana are frustrated with what they call police mistreatment and abuse of authority in the Townsend Street neighborhood. In fact, victim Arellano was contesting the injunction. A pretrial hearing is currently set for Jan. 13, 2015 on the case.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call SAPD Homicide detectives at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS. The Santa Ana Police Department is offering a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest of gang homicide or felony gang assault suspects.

Eastvale Community Foundation Board of Directors

City of Eastvale

Posted Date: 1/5/2015 10:00 AM

Expire Date: 1/16/2015 4:00 PM

Job Type: Volunteer

eastvale-community-foundation-logoThe Eastvale Community Foundation is seeking applicants for the Foundation Board of Directors.  We are specifically seeking a CPA/Account type person to fill our vacant CFO position on the Board of Directors.

The Eastvale Community Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization consisting of volunteers, selected and created by the Eastvale City Council, which raises money for programs and scholarships in the City of Eastvale. The goal of the foundation is to create events and activities throughout the year to raise funds for programs, scholarships and other needs within the city.

The mission of the foundation is to strengthen the Eastvale community by providing leadership, fostering collaboration on local needs and issues, and encouraging giving through programs, scholarships and events.

The mission of the Eastvale Community Foundation is to strengthen the Eastvale community by collaborating with the city council to identify city needs and issues, encourage volunteering of time, talent, and resources.  For more information about the Eastvale Community Foundation, please visit their website: www.EastvaleFoundation.org

The Eastvale Community Foundation Board of Directors is a volunteer position. Interested parties will need to submit a volunteer application found on the Employment page as well as a cover letter describing your specific talents and experience that would compliment the services of the Foundation.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, January 16, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Trustees Elect New Officers

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – At the annual organizational meeting on Dec. 10, the Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees elected Dr. David K. Hall as President, Judy Chen-Haggerty as Vice President, and Rosanne Bader as Clerk. They will serve one-year terms, effective immediately.

David Hall

Dr. David Hall
(Photo Courtesy: http://www.mtsac.edu)

Dr. Hall is currently the longest-serving member of the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees.  He was appointed to the Board in October 1995 after serving two terms as President of the Mt. SAC Foundation.  Hall was later elected to four-year board terms in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, and most recently ran unopposed in 2013.  He is Chairman of the Industry Manufacturers Council (IMC) Human Resources Committee, Vice President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce – San Gabriel Valley, Board Member of the San Gabriel Valley Civic Alliance, Board Member of the San Gabriel Valley YMCA, and Vice Chairman of the Oversight Board of the Successor Agency for both the Covina Redevelopment Agency and the San Dimas Redevelopment Agency. Professionally, Dr. Hall is Senior Vice President of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, which owns and operates auto dealerships throughout Southern California.

Judy Chen-Haggerty

Judy Chen-Haggerty (Photo Courtesy: http://www.mtsac.edu)

Chen-Haggerty was elected to the Board in 2001, 2005, 2009, and ran unopposed in 2013. She is the first Asian-American to serve on the board. She is a practicing attorney, law professor at Rio Hondo College, and the Law Area Chair for the University of Phoenix.  At the state level, Chen-Haggerty has served on the California Community College Trustee Officers Nominating Committee. She also represented Mt. SAC in the California Leadership Alliance for Student Success statewide project funded by the James Irvine Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. She currently is the co-chair of the Advisory Committee on Education Services of the Community College League of California, the Charles Kennedy Equity Awards Committee, and serves on the Evaluation Team of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. During her 30 years of community service, Chen-Haggerty has been a founding director of the FORUS foundation (Rowland Unified School District), founding president of the Rowland Chinese Association, executive board member for the Mt. SAC Foundation, Advisory Committee member of Mt. SAC Regional Health Occupations, Vice President of the Rowland Heights Community Coordinating Council, member of the Walnut Valley Rotary Club, and a 10-year board member of Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital.

 

Rosanne-Bader

Rosanne Bader (Photo Courtesy: http://www.mtsac.edu)

Bader was elected to the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees in 2003 and reelected in 2007 and 2011. In 2007, Trustee Bader was elected to the California Community College Trustees Board, which makes recommendations about education policy issues pending before the state Board of Governors and the California Legislature. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and serves as a member of the hospital’s Foundation Board. She also presides over the Pomona Rotary Board. Bader spent 32 years in public education, both as a teacher and administrator. Before retiring from the Pomona Unified School District in 2001, she was principal at Diamond Point Elementary School in Diamond Bar and formerly served as principal of Allison Elementary School in Pomona.

The other Mt. SAC trustees are outgoing president, Fred Chyr, trustee Dr. Manuel Baca, trustee Laura Santos, trustee Robert Hidalgo, and student trustee Paola Mendoza.

 

 

 

Chang Appointed Vice-Chair Of Assembly Rules

Staff Reports

 

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar, 55th Assembly District) has been appointed to Vice-Chair of the influential Assembly Rules Committee.  The appointment was part of a number of key committee appointments made by the Speaker of the Assembly.

“I am so honored to have the privilege to serve in a leading capacity on such an important committee,” said Chang.  “What an amazing opportunity to work for Californians and my constituents.”

As Vice-Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee, Chang will play a leading role in the governing body of the Assembly, including jurisdiction over legislation and personnel.  Assembly Rules influences the fate of every bill introduced in the Legislature given its important role of referring legislation to respective policy committees of the house.

“Ling Ling is a strong leader for streamlining government so it can better serve Californians,” said Assembly Republican Leader, Kristin Olsen. “She will be a powerful voice for commonsense leadership in her new role as Vice-Chair of the Assembly’s most powerful committee.”

Chang, the first Taiwanese-American Republican woman to be elected to the State Assembly, was first elected to the Diamond Bar City Council in November 2009 and served as the Mayor from 2011-2012. Before her election to the City Council, she held a variety of positions in local government, including service as President of the Walnut Valley Water District, and as a member of the Diamond Bar Parks & Recreation Commission. Chang brings business sector experience as well, developing software products for the health information management industry.

“I am so excited to get California back on track,” said Chang.  We can have the best schools and more jobs if we all work together. Serving on the Assembly Rules Committee is a great opportunity to get that done.”

In addition to Rules, Assemblywoman Chang has been appointed as a member of the following committees: Appropriations, Business & Professions, and Privacy & Consumer Protection.

The 55th Assembly District contains parts of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. It includes the cities of Diamond Bar, Walnut, Brea, La Habra, Placentia, Yorba Linda, and Chino Hills.

 

 

Registration for City of Eastvale CERT Training NOW OPEN!

City of Eastvale

Posted Date: 12/21/2014 12:30 PM

ARE YOU PREPARED? Recent history has shown the need for neighborhoods, schools, and businesses to rely on themselves for a minimum of 7 days to 2 weeks following a major catastrophic event.

Through funding provided by a Homeland Security Grant Program, the City of Eastvale has partnered with Jurupa Community Services District to provide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three “killers” by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.

FREE CERT Training will be offered January 9 – 11, 2015. All three days equals one class. CERT Training is a commitment of 20 hours of training (must attend all 20 hours).  There is no cost for the training.  Only those who successfully complete the practical exercise with hands-on instruction in fire suppression, search and rescue, cribbing and medical will receive a certificate of completion and a FREE CERT kit. Class size is limited to the first 40 people who register.

This FREE class is open to citizens of Eastvale and those within the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) boundary.

To register, visit www.rivcocert.org or call 951-955-4700.

CERT flyer

Pomona: Pride Run Honoring Fallen Officer Shaun Diamond

Staff Reports

 

shaun-diamond-pomona            Pomona – On Friday morning, Dec. 19, recruits from the law enforcement academy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with Pomona Police Officers, participated in a Law Enforcement Pride Run to honor Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond, who passed away in the line of duty on October 29.

The Pride Run is a traditional event that occurs at the conclusion of a law enforcement recruit officer’s training at the Sheriff or Police academy.  It typically marks the final physical fitness exercise for the class.

The Pride Run began at 7 a.m. at the Pomona Police Department on Mission Blvd, and traveled past the Pomona City Hall, Public Library, through downtown Pomona, and returned to the Police Department.

Diamond – a 16-year veteran in law enforcement and a member of Pomona’s SWAT Team – was assisting in the service of an allegedly gang-related search warrant in San Gabriel in the early morning hours of Oct. 28 when he was shot from behind (from inside the house).  He was transported to the hospital in critical condition.  He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Officers participating in the Pride Run did so with a heavy heart and a great sense pride, not only in their own accomplishments, but in remembrance and honor for their friend and colleague, Officer Diamond.

 

Eastvale: Culture Night at Eleanor Roosevelt High School

By Emily Aguilar

 

Eastvale – Because of its diverse alumni, Eleanor Roosevelt High School ensures that each student is given the opportunity to embrace not only the cultures of others, but that of their own as well. This environment has allowed cultures to blend with one another like peaches and cream, unifying ERHS into a strong student body.

In order to pay homage to these various cultures, ERHS’s prominent club, CSF (California Scholarship Federation), held its bi-annual Culture Night festival on Dec. 4.

Culture Night is a show meant to represent students’ traditional cultural practices through artistic performances. Before 6 p.m., the Mustang Theater was filled with supportive family and friends who wanted to see their loved ones represent their culture.

The evening began with a slideshow of students speaking about their cultures and giving the audience a preview of their performances. Following this introduction, the fun began. The performances in dance ranged from Folkloric, to the Chinese Ribbon Dance, to Polynesian and American jazz; and songs were performed from Korea and the Philippines.

Among the performances, one of the most memorable was the Bhangra Dance, which electrified the audience with its upbeat tempo and passionate movement. After captivating the audience with his group, one of the dancers, Shukan Patel stated, “I feel as if the audience was able to feel the energy and pride of the Indian culture through the fast-paced, coordinated moves to traditional music. I feel as if this performance allowed for the audience to experience the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi’s (Harvest Festival) joy through our dance performance.”

Before the evening ended, CSF Coordinator, Frank Mata, went on stage and spoke to the audience about how working at ERHS as an AP Language and Composition teacher has introduced him to stupendous students. He expressed his admiration toward his students, because in spite of their stress with college and grades, they never fail to lose touch with who they are.

“I am proud of them – they’re not just students at that point. They become respectable young men and women who make it their privilege to pay homage to their culture in this all too foreign land,” Mata said.

After his small speech, Mata invited all of the performers on stage to sing Bill Withers’ famous song, “Lean On Me.” Captivated by the unification of their friends and children, the audience joined in and become a single voice, giving an appropriate ending to the evening.

 

Diamond Bar: Chaparral Students “Keep It Moving”

By Kelli Gile

 

JPL-Keep-it-Moving-winners

6th Grade students Karissa Wong and Joshua Chou won the Most Creative Design award at the JPL Keep It Moving contest on December 5. The students presented a school certificate to Principal Ron Thibodeaux. (photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Diamond Bar – Congratulations to Chaparral Middle School 6th Grade students, Karissa Wong and Joshua Chou, who won top awards in the recent “Keep It Moving” Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Design Competition.

The team brought home a 4th Place award at the regional contest on November 22 and advanced to the Finals held on December 5 at the Pasadena Center.

The Chaparral students competed among 20 teams at the Finals. Most were at the high school level, but that didn’t stop these determined middle school students.

Wong and Chou won 3rd Place and the Most Creative Design awards.

The objective of the Keep It Moving challenge was to invent a device to move a billiard ball between five to eight meters using three modes of transportation:  gravity; any sort of spring; and a free choice of energy, such as a motor.

The students designed an upside-down rubber band catapult to push the ball up to the top of a 20-foot long rain gutter ramp. The ball had to be kept moving (spinning didn’t count) the entire time during the contest.

The billiard ball rolled down the ramp by gravity until it was blocked by a servomotor arm, which moved back and forth to keep the ball moving very slowly for timing accuracy.  At a specific time, a computer commanded the arm to open up to allow the ball to continue to roll down and hit two triggering switches to turn on loud buzzers.

The entry also needed to initiate an audible sound by the ball, as close to 20 seconds as possible.  The Chaparral students clocked an impressive 20.218 or 0.218 seconds over the 20-second mark!

What was the best part of the experience?

“We liked the meetings and practices at Chick-fil-A best!” the pair exclaimed.

 

 

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 01.03.15

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link  The Weekly News 01.03.15 to access the complete Weekly News January 3rd issue in pdf format.

Walnut Valley Students Join ‘Hour of Code’

Contact:                                           
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
kgile@wvusd.k12.ca.us
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204

Vejar_Elementary_Kindergarterners

Vejar Elementary kindergarteners got a chance to experience the Hour of Code on December 11. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Walnut Valley students joined tens of millions of students in over 180 countries in the ‘Hour of Code’ campaign held during Computer Science Education Week, Dec. 8 – 14.

“Elementary, middle, and high school teachers around our district embraced the opportunity to enlighten our students’ imaginations. I am really proud of our teachers and appreciate this innovative program,” said Board Member Dr. Tony Torng.

The initiative launched last year by the non-profit Code.org group in an effort to introduce students to computer science, demystify coding, and demonstrate that anyone can learn basic coding.

All 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders at Chaparral Middle School participated on Dec. 9 and 10.

“Our school values 21st Century skills and providing all students the opportunity to learn computer programming. The Hour of Code is just another example of our school’s dedication toward developing creative problem-solvers,” said 7th Grade math teacher, Denise Loera.

Math teachers and administrators went above and beyond to support every student’s ability to write algorithms by coding in the classrooms, she explained.

“Last year, our Chaparral Cougars learned to code during the new worldwide event and enjoyed the engaging tutorials and lessons,” Assistant Principal Jen Alcazar said.

Some students even started a coding club as a result of the experience.

Students at C.J. Morris Elementary in Walnut enjoyed this week’s coding lesson.

“Thank you for letting us do this, it is the best day ever!” said 5th Grader Nicolas Noguera to teacher Tara Noelte.

“The Hour of Code program provides our students a chance to get inside the wonder of making games, robots, airplanes and many other life-related products,” added Torng.

This year’s Hour of Code event kicked off with a “Frozen” tutorial designed to attract more girls. Disney Interactive teamed up with Code.org to create a free one-hour lesson.  During interactive tutorials, students used computer coding to create snowflakes, snowmen and patterns that enable sisters Anna and Elsa (from the popular Frozen movie) to move around the ice.

Vejar Elementary School 4th Grade students also liked trying out the Angry Birds lessons.

“It’s awesome!” exclaimed Frederick Chin, age 9, after successfully completing the tutorial on Dec. 11.

Teacher Mindy Martin said the children were so excited about the lesson that they didn’t jump out of their chairs when they heard the recess bell.

“And that never happens,” she said.

Vejar kindergarten teacher, Natalie Lawrence, brought her young students to the computer lab for the Hour of Code on Dec. 11.  They practiced using the left, right, and forward coding commands on the tutorial.

“I thought it was an awesome opportunity for my students,” said Lawrence.

 

 

Big Boys And Big Toys

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently we had a Car & Cycle Meet at our church.  Men were encouraged to bring their fancy cars and motorcycles to display on a Saturday morning.A few men signed up ahead of time, but I was surprised by how many cars and motorcycles came. In addition, a lot of other men came to view these beautiful and unique vehicles. I did not realize how many men in our church own and ride motorcycles.   I think we have enough to form our own church motorcycle gang!

There were some expensive cars, too.  A number of the cars were “classics” like the 1968 Chevy Camaro, and a 1965 Ford Mustang.  There were some older cars, too, like the 1956 Cadillac. There were at least five Corvettes, as well.  Most were newer models and they looked like they had rarely been driven.  The guys really enjoyed viewing them.

As I reflected on our Saturday gathering, several thoughts came to mind.  First, I wonder if the wives know what their husbands are hiding in the garage.  Men often complain about how many clothes their wives have in their closet.  Do the wives know what is in their husband’s “closet”?

Second, I realized that it may be true that the bigger the boys, the more expensive their toys.  I don’t know what a 1965 Mustang or a 2014 Corvette is worth, but I’m sure those cars are not cheap. These are expensive toys.

And finally, it was fun to see how much the men enjoyed this event.  Several times I overheard guys talking about cars that they used to own.  My first car was a 1957 Chevy.  I wish I still had it today!

Men in my generation seem to find it easy to talk about their cars.  Maybe younger guys are more likely to be talking about their newest computer.  This Car & Cycle Meet seemed to provide an opportunity for men to get to know more about each other.  It was a fun day.

I suspect that we will do this type of event at our church again.  Let me know if you have a car or motorcycle to show, and I will let you know when we will be doing another Car & Cycle Meet in the future.

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.

Riverside County: Cal Fire Riverside Promotes New Division Chief

Staff Reports

silvio-lanzas

New Northwest Division Chief, Silvio Lanzas (Photo Courtesy: rvcfire.org)

Riverside County – On Mon., Dec. 1, 2014, Cal Fire’s Riverside County Fire Chief, John R. Hawkins, proudly announced the promotion of Silvio Lanzas to Division Chief, during their Executive Staff Meeting.Lanzas began his career with Cal Fire (then CDF) as a Fire Explorer in 1992 in the San Bernardino Unit. He then furthered his career in the positions of Firefighter I and Firefighter II serving the communities of Highland, Devore, Chino Hills and Yucaipa.

Between fire seasons, Lanzas worked in Cal Fire Riverside’s Perris Emergency Command Center. He remained in the unit as a Fire Apparatus Engineer assigned to fire stations in Menifee, Sun City, Canyon Lake and Moreno Valley. He also worked two special assignments at the Perris Emergency Command Center.

Lanzas promoted to Fire Captain and held assignments in the San Bernardino, and later Riverside, Units.

In 2009, Lanzas promoted to Battalion Chief where he was assigned to the Moreno Valley Battalion prior to his final assignment as a Battalion Chief overseeing the Perris Emergency Command Center.

Lanzas now oversees the Northwest Division, which includes unincorporated areas of Riverside County, the Cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco and the Rubidoux Community Services District. His additional responsibilities include operational and administrative supervision of the Cal Fire/CDC Norco Conservation Camp. Lanzas holds two Associate’s Degrees and is a California State-Certified Chief Officer.

Lanza is married to wife, Kara, and they have two sons – Isaiah, 16, and Jakob, 4.

 

A Gift From The Heart Is Priceless

By Nancy Stoops

 

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Times are tough for so many right now. I know the media makes us feel like we show our love by spending lots of money. It shows people giving diamonds and luxury cars and the message is that if you really love somebody, you’ll give them this type of gift. The truth is the most people don’t have that kind of money to spend on themselves, much less somebody else.            Many people tell me they feel bad because they wish they had more money to spend this holiday season. Maybe I’m wrong, but the true meaning of the holiday is to spread love and kindness – and those things are free. There are many ways to show love and kindness. This time of year is about reminding all the special people in our lives how very much we appreciate them. I have many people every year besides my family and friends that I get a tiny gift for. I don’t spend too much, but they sure do appreciate my gesture.

I always love spending time with my family and friends, but this time of year is special because we all have time off and we have more time to be together. We love sharing meals together, singing songs, baking cookies, laughing, creating memories, taking pictures and getting all of the generations together. For us, the holidays are about having fun and just having more time to express our love for each other. We make sure to always make time for lots of hugs and kisses as well. Over the years I have made many gifts for friends and family. We are all very sentimental, so a gift from the heart is priceless in my family and doesn’t have to cost you a cent. Just enjoy the holiday season!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services, feel free to contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727; or you may e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

Staff Reports

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Inland Pacific Ballet’s, “The Nutcracker”

When:  Sat., Dec. 27, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Fox Performing Arts Center (3801 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside)

Details:  The critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet brings The Nutcracker story to life with dazzling sets, beautiful costumes, and nearly 100 dancers on stage – in four theatres!  Tickets start at $38, with discounts available.

Contact:  jpballet.org

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  Sat., Dec. 30 (and 3rd Saturday monthly); noon to 4:30 p.m.

Where: First Baptist Church of Pomona, 601 N. Garey Ave. (corner of Garey and Holt)

Details:  Come help serve the homeless and economically disadvantaged.  PICM is also accepting new toys valued at $10 or less for their annual toy drive

Contact:  Volunteers meet in room E202 (2nd Floor) at noon for prayer, devotion, orientation and training prior to serving dinner to the homeless.

REGULAR EVENTS:

Alcohol and Addiction Intervention Information

When: Third Tuesday, monthly; 6 p.m.

Where:  Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, 1161 E. Covina Blvd., Covina

Details:  Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addiction.  Attendees can expect to learn what the intervention process consists of, when an intervention is appropriate, and what local resources are available.  Space is limited and reservations are recommended.

Contact:  Call (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.

Bookstore Blowout

Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).

Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.

Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS

When: Second Tuesday of every month.

Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

Welcome 2015: New Year, New You!

By K.P. Sander

fruits-and-vegetables          SGV – The countdown for the New Year has come and gone. Did you make that annual resolution – again – to get in the best shape of your life? Is this the year you are really going to become healthy (lose weight, look younger, be happier)?

It’s no mystery that there is some happiness associated with looking and feeling better. When you are full of vim and vigor, there is a spring in your step and you actually have the energy and drive to accomplish more at home, work and play. And, there’s not a darn thing wrong with feeling good about yourself.

Statistics show that not everyone is equipped to go cold turkey and completely transform their lives with a drastic change in eating and exercise habits; sometimes the most successful results in becoming healthy appear by just making a few changes.

What if you added ten foods that had amazing health benefits to your diet instead of eliminating every single thing you found delicious? What if you vowed to stop eating just one food per month that you knew was damaging (like, if it dyes your fingers orange, what is it doing to your insides…just sayin’)? At the end of the year, that’s 22 choices you’ve made to become healthier.

Rather than train for a marathon – unless you are totally up for it – what if you promised to walk three times each week, for 30 minutes, no matter what? With each season change you could add one more day of something fun, like biking, skating, weight training or a dance class to keep things interesting.

To help get you started, these are the ten healthiest foods on the planet, according to Fitness Magazine:

  1. Lemons – Just one has more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements, and flavonoids that help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation. Squeeze one into a cup of hot water daily, and help your liver do its job better.
  2. Broccoli – Beautiful broccoli helps give cancer the boot, with one stalk containing more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin K requirements, and nearly 200 percent of the recommended vitamin C.
  3. Dark Chocolate – ¼ ounce daily can help to reduce blood pressure, and cocoa power is rich in antioxidants shown to help reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels. No, a Snickers bar doesn’t count.
  4. Potatoes – One red potato contains enough cell-building folate as a cup of spinach or broccoli. A sweet potato has eight times the amount of cancer-fighting vitamin A that you need daily. Try to skip the butter and sour cream; it sort of defeats the purpose.
  5. Salmon – Wild, Alaskan fish from pristine cold waters can help to fight depression, heart disease and cancer, and with strong components of niacin it can help fight Alzheimer’s and memory loss.
  6. Walnuts – Delicious walnuts contain more omega-3 fatty acids than any other nut, which have been shown to fight cancer and improve moods. It’s not a coincidence that these little gems look like a brain.
  7. Avocados – This healthy fat can lower cholesterol by 22 percent, and has nearly half the fiber and folate requirements you need each day.
  8. Garlic – This powerful disease fighter can inhibit the growth of bacteria, including E. coli, and has properties that work as an anti-inflammatory to help lower cholesterol and blood-pressure.
  9. Spinach – This cancer-fighting power house contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two immune-boosting antioxidants important for eye health.
  10. Beans – Eating legumes four times per week is said to lower your risk for heart disease by as much as 22 percent.

All these foods can become a delicious part of your nutrition plan, and help to improve your health. Throw them all into a salad with a lemon vinaigrette and a square of dark chocolate for dessert, and you might be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, or just feel pretty good about yourself. As a bonus, drink a lot of pure, clean water, eat organic produce whenever possible, and get your heart rate up on a regular basis. This will definitely help make for a new year, new you. Cheers!