Category Archives: News By City

A Proper Greeting

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

With the flu season in high gear, everyone seems to be getting sick. Coworkers are sick. Neighbors are sick. School kids and teachers are sick. Everyone is sick!

I have heard that one of the most common ways to catch the flu is through contact with someone who has the virus. And, the most common contact is with your hands. Door knobs, cell phones, key boards and other things we touch with our hands can spread the flu virus. Even shaking hands with a sick person can spread the virus to others.

I watched a demonstration on the news where one person dipped his hand in a germ infested dish. He then shook hands with a volunteer who in turn shook hands with another volunteer. The conclusion of the study showed that one infected person could spread the virus to five additional people as the germs passed from one person to another. Wow!

I have heard that one of the best ways to avoid getting and spreading the flu virus is to wash your hands frequently. One medical professional said that washing your hands is the single best protection against catching and spreading the flu. If that is true, then how do you properly greet a friend, family member or co-worker?

At our church, we have recommended that people not shake hands during the flu season, but try doing “fist bumps” that minimize hand contact. A Chinese friend had a better suggestion, “Why don’t we just bow to one another and avoid any physical contact?” Sounds like a great idea.

I don’t know how long the flu season will last. And, I don’t know how long I can keep greeting people without a hug or hand shake. But, I do know that all of us need to do all we can to prevent the spread of the flu this year.

So, wash your hands often. Try a “fist bump” or “bow” instead of a handshake. And, if you start to feel like you are catching the flu, drink plenty of fluids, take two aspirin and call me in the morning!

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.

 

 

 

Hungering For More Than Pumpkin Pie

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

Approximately 675 million pounds of turkey, 50 million pumpkin pies, and 40 million green bean casseroles will be consumed this month. In total, the average American is expected to consume at least 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day. And yet, when each person wakes up the next morning, they will most likely eat breakfast. Why? Because hunger is not a one-time need. It is something that needs to be satisfied daily.

Everyone has experienced the craving for food. However, our physical appetites are not the only desires we seek to fulfill. Throughout society, we see examples of people who hunger for everything from power and fame to money, beauty, and success. Even in our own households we experience a thirst for more; more possessions, more status, or simply more time. But what if the things of this world still don’t seem to satisfy your hunger? What if it is actually the nonphysical world that you seek?

The quest for spiritual fulfillment manifests itself in a variety of ways. Some people attempt to achieve moral perfection through service. Others believe that knowledge or justice is the answer. While all of these things are definitely positive, real righteousness comes from the dependence on a higher power. Much like you can’t tempt a starving man with anything but food, the hunger for righteousness can only be satisfied by God.

Spiritual fulfillment is a lifetime pursuit that involves discipline and sacrifice. It means daily dying to self. But, the encouraging news is that God doesn’t just sanctify the righteousness, he sanctifies the hunger. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” You see, it isn’t only about the destination. The journey is just as important.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

 

 

 

 

Walnut Valley Women’s Club Tree Lighting

By Margaret Doyle

Walnut – On Sun., Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m., the Walnut Valley Women’s Club invites the community to attend the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held at Fire Station 61, on the corner of La Puente Road and Lemon Avenue.

As we celebrate our 50 years in federation this year, we have named Jeanne Burgh the honored tree lighter. Burgh is the Club’s longest resident in Walnut, and currently a member of the Walnut Valley Women’s Club.

Come and enjoy the holiday music of our little ones and teens, and meet Santa, who will arrive at 7 p.m.

At this 23rd year anniversary celebration, the Club is grateful to the community for its sponsorship of the Scholarship Tree of Lights.

 

Depression and the Holidays

BY NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

Did you know that suicide rates are among the highest during the holidays? This may sound very strange to some of you, but it is true. Believe it or not, this isn’t a wonderful time of year for everybody. I remember as a little girl wondering how anybody could be sad at this time of year. Now that I’m grown up and work as a therapist, I understand this concept much better.

The holidays seem to make us vulnerable and open our eyes to things that are painful for us. This time of year, we seem to become very sentimental and want to be close to our family and friends. This is a great idea in theory, but what if you have alienated them or maybe they have passed away. This could make your holiday feel like a very lonely time. It makes it worse when you see other families and friends gather together.

Are you feeling without purpose this holiday season?   This may be the cause of your depression this time of year. There are many places you could go and donate some time. There are many people that are sick or just plain less fortunate than we are. You could really make a difference for an individual, a family, or an animal – and fight off the depression as well.

Whatever may be causing your depression during this holiday season, decide to do something about it. This year, don’t sit around and feel sorry for yourself, life is just too short. Call an old friend, make up with a family member, help the less fortunate, or whatever else it takes to get through this holiday. My point is, learn to help yourself, and you will give yourself the greatest gift you have ever received.

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.

 

 

We Accept the Love We Think We Deserve

BY JENNIFER JESTER-MADRIGAL

jennifer-Jester-MadrigalShow me what you think you are, and I’ll show you what you actually are, and then you can decide which version of yourself is the one you wish to portray to the world.

How many of us have had this conversation with ourselves time and time again only to come to the same conclusion each time? I don’t deserve “this” or I don’t deserve “that” because of something I have done, or simply because I am not enough. It’s amazing the power your thoughts can have over your entire life, often drastically altering your own path.

I was lucky in that I grew up in a loving home, with loving parents and great examples of what family, love and friendship look like. My father loved my mother and she loved him, and we were kissed and hugged and smothered with attention as well. We had the suburban upbringing: two kids and a dog – sans the picket fence (ours was a block wall) – and a neighborhood full of friends to play with until the street lights came on and we rushed our dirty hands and tousled hair back to our happy homes.

But somewhere along the transition from jubilant child to responsible adult, I stopped seeing myself as “deserving” of the love I had witnessed growing up. I let my own guilt and apathy for others override my own right to be loved as deeply and sincerely as I once was.

As a woman and a mother I began to believe that everyone else came first, and while I still think this is a great philosophy to live by, it’s not exactly correct. If you put the needs of others in front of your own, you can avoid becoming a selfish person, but there has to be a line drawn at some point. You are in charge of that line, and the power that comes with that is profound.

Loving another does not mean that you do it at the expense of your own soul. If you are a follower of Christ, then any love that takes you away from His path is at the expense of your own soul. Loving another shouldn’t hurt. While there is often emotional pain involved in loving another person, that love should not cause your heart to constantly ache. True love builds you up and makes you a greater version of yourself; it does not tear you down with ugly words and forgotten promises. Loving another means you let them be “themselves” even if that “self” isn’t what you completely understand. The greatest gift you can give another is to allow them to be who they are, and accept them with all their craziness, all their insecurities, and all their unique imperfections.

The strange thing is that when you turn these gifts around and apply them to yourself, you realize that until you can love yourself in this same way, you really can’t truly love another. What we think we deserve – consciously or unconsciously – we accept. It is only when we change our own perceptions and really start loving ourselves in that same selfless way that we can demand the love we know we deserve. Life is too short to settle; so don’t.

 

Chino Hills: chARTS Concert Features Internationally Acclaimed Local Opera Singer

STAFF REPORT

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Arts Committee (chARTS) will present its first opera concert on Sun., Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. “The Hills Are Alive With Music,” will feature Diamond Bar resident, Kristin Rothfuss Erbst, an internationally acclaimed opera singer, along with renowned pianist Cheryl Lin Fielding.

The duo will perform a variety of operatic pieces with special guests Julie Makerov of Rancho Cucamonga, who currently sings with the Los Angeles Opera; and Robert Becker, who is first violist at the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and director of String Studies at Chapman University.

“There will be translations in the program, explanatory introductions to each set and projections of art to help make these pieces accessible,” Erbst says. “My mission is to convert people to this art form.”

Mezzo soprano Erbst delights audiences with her rich operatic voice and magnetic stage presence. Known both for her convincing trouser roles and charming feminine portrayals, Erbst has distinguished herself as an impressive singing actress garnering critical acclaim for her appearances with such distinguished companies as the Santa Fe Opera, Sacramento Opera, City Opera Theater, Los Angeles Opera, Virginia Opera and Opera Pacific. The Los Angeles Times has described her voice as “mellifluous.” Erbst has performed on many concert stages, including Carnegie Hall.

Erbst was raised in Germany, where her parents were professional opera singers for 30 seasons. She currently resides in Diamond Bar, and most recently joined the music department at Chaffey College as a vocal instructor.

The concert is an all-ages community event. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth under 18. Tickets will be available for purchase at City Hall, the Chino Hills Community Center, and online at http://www.chinohills.org/chARTSevents. For additional information, please call (909) 364-2736 or email chcfoundation@chinohills.org.The Community Center is located at 14250 Peyton Drive in Chino Hills.

 

 

 

 

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Arts Committee (chARTS) will present its first opera concert on Sun., Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. “The Hills Are Alive With Music,” will feature Diamond Bar resident, Kristin Rothfuss Erbst, an internationally acclaimed opera singer, along with renowned pianist Cheryl Lin Fielding.

The duo will perform a variety of operatic pieces with special guests Julie Makerov of Rancho Cucamonga, who currently sings with the Los Angeles Opera; and Robert Becker, who is first violist at the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and director of String Studies at Chapman University.

“There will be translations in the program, explanatory introductions to each set and projections of art to help make these pieces accessible,” Erbst says. “My mission is to convert people to this art form.”

Mezzo soprano Erbst delights audiences with her rich operatic voice and magnetic stage presence. Known both for her convincing trouser roles and charming feminine portrayals, Erbst has distinguished herself as an impressive singing actress garnering critical acclaim for her appearances with such distinguished companies as the Santa Fe Opera, Sacramento Opera, City Opera Theater, Los Angeles Opera, Virginia Opera and Opera Pacific. The Los Angeles Times has described her voice as “mellifluous.” Erbst has performed on many concert stages, including Carnegie Hall.

Erbst was raised in Germany, where her parents were professional opera singers for 30 seasons. She currently resides in Diamond Bar, and most recently joined the music department at Chaffey College as a vocal instructor.

The concert is an all-ages community event. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth under 18. Tickets will be available for purchase at City Hall, the Chino Hills Community Center, and online at http://www.chinohills.org/chARTSevents. For additional information, please call (909) 364-2736 or email chcfoundation@chinohills.org.The Community Center is located at 14250 Peyton Drive in Chino Hills.

 

 

 

Eastvale: Dual Immersion

dual-immersion-students-eastvale

Dual Immersion Students (L-R): Valeria Mena, Sebastian Bonilla, Jennifer Brillones, Kayla Morrilla, Hugo Belias, Raynaldo Gomez, Joel Jiez, Natalie Bartoalie, Zach Evans, Emily Helms, and Caleb Brackett. (Photo Courtesy: Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

BY EMILY AGUILAR

Eastvale – On Nov. 3, foreign language teachers at Eleanor Roosevelt High School led a small presentation on the benefits of their Dual Immersion Program.

Dual Immersion is a curriculum that gives English-speaking students an opportunity to learn their school lessons in both in English and a selected foreign language. This begins early in elementary school, and is meant to sharpen a student’s intellect of a foreign language to prepare them for further academic successes.

Despite its numerous benefits, students tend to drop out of the Spanish program by high school. In fact, only 11 of the estimated 40 students are still in the program at ERHS. Therefore, a presentation led by AP Spanish Language teacher, Cristina Sanchez, and former AP Spanish and Spanish for Natives teacher, Brian Suchsland, was conducted in order to show 120 elementary students from Washington and Garrison Elementary Schools what to expect of the program as they continue their education.

“Our purpose is to show that even if the program is rigorous at first, it pays off in the end. Of course, learning Spanish efficiently only comes with practice, but it will help these students feel prepared in the world beyond school,” said Sanchez.

The 11 students participating in the Spanish Dual Immersion Program were present to convince other students to stay in the program. These students expressed their admiration for the program, spoke about their experiences, and also shared the interesting projects they did in class for Dia De Los Muertos.

“I think it’s important for these kids to stay in the program,” said Sebastian Bonilla, a junior who has been in the program since elementary school. “Spanish is an essential language to learn, and I believe that with this education, the students will go far in life.”

Through their admiration of the Spanish language, the students and teachers had high hopes that their words would persuade the students to stay in the program, which overall is intriguing, intellectual, and fun.

 

Walnut: City Council Recap 11/12/14

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met early at 5 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 12 for a special meeting, citing a lack of quorum for a regular meeting that would normally be held at 7 p.m.

To start, the council members approved the minutes for the Oct. 8 study session and City Council meetings before launching into the first reading of a new ordinance, No. 14-05.

The Ordinance, which had its first reading approved, repealed Ordinance No. 08-04 for the City’s municipal code concerning residency restrictions for sex offenders.

The repeal of the ordinance was brought about to protect the City from lawsuits, with City Attorney Michael Montgomery saying the inclusion of the State’s laws alone were extensive enough to cover any problems that might arise in Walnut.

On the City’s consent calendar, the Council approved Resolution No. 14-56 allowing claims and demands in the amount of $1,085,225.13, a contract amendment for WRA Environmental Consultants to prepare a CEQA compliance document, and the cancellation of the City Council and Walnut Housing Authority meetings in observance of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Without any other successor agency calendar items, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. with plans to hold the next Walnut City Council meeting on Wed., Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., in the City Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

STAFF REPORTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

23rd Annual Scholarship Tree of Lights Fundraiser

When: Now through Thurs., Nov. 20; and Dec. 4 – 5; noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Von’s Market, 350 N. Lemon Avenue, Walnut

Details: The Walnut Valley Women’s Club announces it will be selling lights for $5, and ornaments for $10. All proceeds go toward scholarships for 2014 graduates from Walnut and Nogales High Schools.

 

Operation Christmas Child Packing Party

When: Sat., Nov. 22, 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

Details: Mt. Calvary will be filling 1,000 shoe boxes with items they have been collecting all year. Operation Christmas Child sends filled boxes around the world for Christmas, so children less fortunate can hear about the word of God and receive a gift on Christmas.

Contact: Ann Lovell, (909) 730-9057.

 

Inland Pacific Ballet’s, The Nutcracker

When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 27

Where: Arcadia Performing Arts Center (188 Campus Drive, Arcadia), Nov. 29/30, 2 p.m.; Lewis Family Playhouse (12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga), Dec. 6, 1 and 7 pm., Dec. 7, 1 p.m.; Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium (450 North College Way, Claremont), Dec. 13/14/20/21; Fox Performing Arts Center (3801 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside), Dec 27, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

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

 

Christmas Advent Services

When: Dec. 3 – Christmas Play/Preschool; Dec. 10 – Christmas Play/Children K-4th Grade; Dec. 17 Advent Services/Grades 5-8. All services are at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 11 p.m. Christmas Day Service 10 a.m.

Where: Family Life Center, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

 

Mt. Calvary Annual Christmas Boutique

When: Thurs., Dec. 11 and Fri., Dec. 12.

Where: Family Life Center; Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

Details: There will be crafters selling inexpensive items.

Contact: If you are interested in being a crafter, call Cathy Harden at (909) 861-3526.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS:

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

 

DB Community Garden Space

When: Ongoing; daylight hours.

Where: United Church of Christ, 2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar

Details: The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is progressing on their Community Garden space, located behind the church. Residents interested in developing their own garden space, or helping with this project, are encouraged to visit the Labyrinth on the hilltop. This is also a wonderful location for reflection, and enjoying some peaceful moments in your day.

Contact: Susanne Potter, (909) 861-4735, or visit http://www.diamondbarucc.org.

 

Chino Hills: Curt Hagman Supervisor-Elect To SB Fourth District

STAFF REPORTS

Curt Hagman

Curt Hagman

Chino Hills – The November 4 General Election has come and gone, and the efforts of Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) in the race for Supervisor of San Bernardino’s Fourth District have paid off.

In a public letter published on Nov. 6, Hagman said he, and his wife Grace, “…are thrilled and humbled that the voters chose us to represent their interests in the Fourth Supervisorial District.

Hagman, who is a California State Assemblyman for the 55th District, termed out this year, and became a contender against Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Montclair). His campaign promises included building a better future by creating jobs and continuing to strengthen the San Bernardino County economy, and with his win, Hagman is determined to keep the following issues in the forefront:

 

  • Take control of Ontario Airport away from Los Angeles so San Bernardino County can build it into a job-creating economic engine.
  • Attract more investment to San Bernardino County.
  • Personally recruit new employers to San Bernardino County.
  • Invest in infrastructure to keep people working and improve our quality of life.
  • Support the use of tax credits to encourage small businesses to hire new workers.

 

An article recently published by examiner.com stated that current 4th District Supervisor, Gary Ovitt has been in semi-retirement mode for at least six years. The article continues with high hopes for the Supervisor-elect stating that, “Most are tired of the current lack of transparency, ethics and integrity and hope that Curt Hagman will inspire change that restores public trust.”

On his website, Hagman says that he wants to make lives better. He will get the opportunity to do just. Hagman will be sworn into office in December.

 

Chino: Victim Helps Stop Chino Bank Robbery

STAFF REPORTS

chino-commercial-bank

Chino Commercial Bank robbery scene at 14245 Pipeline Avenue. (Photo Courtesy: Chino Commercial Bank)

Chino – On Sat., Nov. 8, at just before 9 a.m., Chino Police Officers responded to a holdup alarm from Chino Commercial Bank located at 14245 Pipeline Avenue.

While Officers were responding to the call, a victim hiding inside the bank called 911. The victim told dispatchers that a masked bank robber had tied up the other people inside the bank and was currently in the vault.

Police Officers arrived on scene and surrounded the bank. At that time the suspect attempted to flee out of a rear door and was confronted by Officers. The suspect then fled on foot toward the front of the bank. Officers pursued the suspect on foot and took him into custody. The suspect was in possession of a replica handgun.

The Officers then went inside the bank and freed three victims who had been bound hand and foot with zip ties. The fourth victim was able to exit the bank and meet with Officers after the suspect was in custody. The victims were not injured during the robbery.

The name of the suspect is being withheld pending further investigation. Anyone with information regarding this bank robbery is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

Riverside: What Do You Know About Crowd Funding?

Attend this week’s American Marketing Association-Inland Empire luncheon that features Dr. Letitia Wright speaking on Crowd Funding Insights for Marketers.  Dr. Wright will cover:

  • The for types of crowd funding and how they work
  • The need for marketers in the niche
  • What crowd funding will look like in 2015

The event will be held Thursday, November 15th at the Proabition Kitchen & Whiskey Lounge, 11:30am-

1:30pm. Register at http://www.ama-ie.com.

ama-novembeer-luncheon

LA County: Illegal Sale Of Contact Lenses Poses Eyesight Risk

STAFF REPORTS

L.A. County – Federal prosecutors this week filed a series of criminal charges against Los Angeles-area retail outlets, as well as their owners and managers, which allegedly sold contact lenses without prescriptions – some of which were contaminated with dangerous pathogens.

 

According to court documents, the Bacillus cereus bacterial strain can cause severe infections that, even with prompt treatment, can lead to blindness.

 

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, two criminal informations filed on Fri., Nov. 7, as well as four additional informations filed on Tues., Nov. 4, charge a total of 12 defendants with the illegal sale of decorative and cosmetic contact lenses.

brands-of-contacts-pose-eyesight-risk

Different brands of lenses that poses an eyesight risk.
(Photo Courtesy: U.S. Attorney’s Office)

All six cases allege that the defendants sold “misbranded” contact lenses because they were sold without prescriptions.

Two of the cases also allege that the defendants sold adulterated contact lenses that were contaminated with bacteria known as Bacillus cereus. According to court documents, the Bacillus cereus bacterial strain can cause severe infections that, even with prompt treatment, can lead to blindness.

The cases filed this week are the result of Operation “Cat Eyes,” an investigation that was conducted by the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Import Operations Branch of the Los Angeles District Office; the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations; the California Department of Public Health; and the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Division of Investigation, Health Quality Investigation Unit.

Operation Cat Eyes targeted retail stores – some of which were opened specifically for Halloween – that sold cosmetic and decorative contact lenses without a prescription to unsuspecting consumers in Southern California.

Contact lenses – whether corrective, cosmetic or decorative – are considered to be prescription medical devices subject to FDA regulations. Due to the risk of injury, blindness and possible eye infections, all contact lenses require prescriptions from medical professionals who can provide guidance on the proper care and maintenance of the contact lenses.

The six cases filed this week in United States District Court in Los Angeles charge the following defendants:

  • Halloween and Party Discounters, Inc. (which operated as a booth at the Los Angeles Fair in Pomona); Mike Honabach, 45, of Highland, the owner of Halloween and Party Discounters, Inc.; Intertrade Imports, Inc., a Jacksonville, Florida company; and Eunju Kang Savvidis, 53, of Jacksonville, the manager of Intertrade, were charged on Nov. 7 with one count of introducing adulterated devices into interstate commerce for selling bacteria-adulterated lenses at the County Fair (Honabach and his company were charged in two additional counts with receipt of bacteria-adulterated contact lenses and with sale of misbranded contact lenses);
  • Aspirational International, Inc., a Hong Kong corporation that was charged Nov. 7 with offering misbranded contact lenses for sale at http://www.colorlens4less.com/;
  • Doris Owusu Ansah, 54, of West Covina, the owner of Sunset Beauty Salon in West Covina, who is charged with selling a misbranded pair of contact lens on October 16;
  • Jung Rae Jo, 60, of Cerritos, the owner of Fashion Young in Westminster, who allegedly sold four pairs of misbranded contact lenses to two undercover FDA investigators on October 14;
  • CKL Fashion, Inc. (a Corona-based company that operates T-Shirt Mart in Glendale) and its manager, Young Kim, 51, of La Crescenta, who allegedly sold two pairs of misbranded contact lenses to an undercover FDA investigator on October 14; and
  • HTS General, Inc. (doing business as the Halloween Superstore on North Glendale Avenue in Glendale; Zinaida Khrimyan, 25, of Glendale, the owner of HTS; and Patrick Abedi, 30, of Glendale, the store manager for HTS, who allegedly sold a pair of misbranded contact lenses on October 14.

All 12 defendants will be issued summonses directing them to appear for arraignments in federal court in Los Angeles on December 9.

All of the charges filed in Operation Cat Eyes are misdemeanor offenses that carry a statutory maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and fines of up to $100,000 for an individual and up to $200,000 for a corporation.

The FDA has issued various warnings against the use of cosmetic contact lenses. For more information, visit http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm402704.htm.

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 11.15.14

weekly-news-11-15-14-coverThe 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 Nov15WeeklyAll to access the complete Nov. 15th, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Professors Featured In Nature Exhibit

BY MIKE TAYLOR

Walnut – The Mt. San Antonio College Art Gallery will feature the work of Mt. SAC professors in its “Second Nature” exhibit, which runs Nov. 6 through Dec. 4, at the Art Gallery. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

“Second Nature” is a mixed media exhibit featuring the work of Mt. SAC art, animation, and photography professors. Participating artists are Carolyn Alexander, Keith Batcheller, Ron Brown, Fatemeh Burnes, Thomas Butler, Cherie Benner Davis, Craig Deines, Dirk Hagner, Gail Jacobs, Joan Kahn, Shane Keena, Nikki Lewis, Melissa Macias, Ryan McIntosh, Stephanie Meredith, Kirk Pedersen, Jay Perez, Katie Queen, Susie Rubenstein, Steve Schenck, Natasha Shoro, Thomas Stubbs, Kathryn Stovall-Dennis, Dan Van Clapp, and Shari Wasson.

For more information, call the Art Gallery at (909) 274-4328.

Eastvale: City Sponsors Developing a Winning Business Plan

City of Eastvale

Developing a Winning Business Plan

Date: 11/19/2014 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Cost: FREE

Location: New Day Church 7155 Hamner Ave. Eastvale, California 92880

 

Having a business plan is a necessity for the success of your small business because it acts as a road map for effective business operations. Join SBDC Business Consultant Robert Usher for this interactive workshop and learn the steps to putting together a solid business plan – one that both defines your business goals and details a strategy to achieve them. Marketing Plans & Financial Analysis / Projections will be key areas of focus.

Date/Time: Wednesday, November 19th from 9:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Location: New Day Church 7155 Hamner Avenue Eastvale, CA 92880 Cost: There will be NO CHARGE to attend, sponsored by the City of Eastvale.

Pre-registration is recommended as seating is limited. Register online at www.iesmallbusiness.com

One on One confidential counseling sessions are available every other Monday at the Eastvale City Hall. Call 909.983.5005 to schedule your appointment.

The Inland Empire SBDC is a cooperative program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship and is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and California State University Fullerton and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA and California State University Fullerton cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made of requested at least two weeks in advance. Call (909) 983-5005 for more information.

sbdc-winning-business-plan-seminar

Pomona: PUSD Supports Educational Success

BY JULIETTE FUNES 

Pomona – Pomona Unified parents and educators recently gathered at Harrison Elementary School for the 3rd Annual Readiness Conference, a program geared toward providing African American parents guidance on how to support the education of their children from birth to 8th Grade.

To support the continued success of PUSD students, the mini-parent conference, sponsored by the Pomona Alliance of Black School Educators (PABSE) and Pomona Unified, provided information on the new Common Core State Standards, the Accelerated Reader program and locally available resources to promote literacy, math and overall student enrichment.

“This parent program is just one of many that we encourage PUSD families to engage in as it enables them to have a direct impact on their child’s development and learning,” said Board of Education member Adrienne Konigar-Macklin. “Our students deserve the very best education possible and building partnerships and relationships with our parents and entire community is critical to ensuring their bright futures.”

This year’s Readiness Conference took place Oct. 25 and aimed to teach parents skills and strategies to promote student readiness. Educators prepared hands-on activities and individual workshops by grade level. Speakers also emphasized the parental role in academic achievement through strong, nurturing home environments while reinforcing positive proactive parent/teacher relationships and promoting programs that respond dynamically to students and their parents for overall well-being and success.

Parents also received information on how to support a nutritious and healthy lifestyle, which is foundational for academic readiness.

“Our goal is to adequately prepare our parents for their child’s future and getting their children ready for the next level in their academic career,” said Harrison Elementary School Principal and PABSE President, Shandria Richmond-Roberts. “With the help of our excellent instructors and staff, parents were able to gain newfound skills and strengthened those which they already had.”

Jointly, PUSD and PABSE have developed several programs that take place throughout the school year to provide students in all grade levels with resources and enrichment activities to ensure their success in school and career.

“It takes a whole community to help develop a whole child, and thanks to this collaborative partnership, we are able to provide students and their families the resources that will lead to academic success and achievement at PUSD,” said Superintendent Richard Martinez. “It’s exciting to see our parents join in these efforts and continue to be the inspiration and encouragement their children need.”

 

Chino: Traffic Grant Awarded To Chino Police Department

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has awarded the Chino Police Department a $139,280 grant for special enforcement and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries from impaired and distracted driving. The funding is designed for a year and further supports the City’s ongoing commitment to keeping the roadways safe and improve the quality of life through enforcement and education.

“Remember, it’s not worth the risk,” states Chino Police Chief Miles Pruitt, “far too often our citizens are injured, and sometimes killed, as a result of traffic collisions caused by unsafe, impaired or distracted drivers. With the assistance of OTS we will be able to increase our enforcement efforts and hopefully keep more tragedies like these from happening.”

After falling drastically between 2006 and 2010, the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions slightly increased in 2011 and 2012. Particularly worrisome are recent increases in pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities and the dangers of distracting technologies. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunk and drugged driving and speeding.

“California’s roadways are still among the safest in the nation,” said Office of Thrift Supervision Director, Rhonda Craft. “But to meet future mobility, safety and sustainability objectives, we must create safer roadways for all users. The Chino Police Department will be using these and other resources to reach the vision we all share toward zero deaths; every one counts.”

Activities that the grant will fund include:

  • Educational Presentations
  • DUI Checkpoints
  • DUI Saturation Patrols
  • Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
  • Distracted Driving Enforcement
  • Seat Belt and Child Safety Seat Enforcement
  • Speed, Red Light and Stop Sign Enforcement
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Enforcement
  • Warrant Service Operations (targeting multiple DUI offenders)
  • Compilation of DUI Hot Sheets (identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders)
  • Specialized DUI and Drugged Driving Training, such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)For additional information regarding traffic enforcement and education programs, contact the Traffic Services Unit at (909) 334.3073.

Chino: City Seeks Volunteers For Annual Homeless Count

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – The City of Chino and the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership are seeking volunteers to help count the homeless population in Chino. The count is an annual event that will take place on Thurs., Jan. 22, 2015, from 6 to 10 a.m.

Volunteers will be grouped into teams of three and assigned to a deployment center located in Chino. Team members will then be escorted around the City to locate and count homeless individuals and families who are considered unsheltered. The count will also include a survey to determine risk factors contributing to homelessness.

The count is part of a Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development mandated program that allows communities to better understand the number and characteristics of people sleeping on the street, or in other places not meant for human habitation. Communities around the country must participate in this process in order to apply for federal homeless services grant funding. Federal grant funds are the largest source of homeless services funding in San Bernardino County.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the count may register at www.sanbernardinocountyhomelesscounts.com. For questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Josh Munch, Community Services Coordinator at (909) 334-3488.

 

California’s Hidden Gas Tax Coming 2015

STAFF REPORTS

 

California – Apparently there is a hidden Gas Tax coming our way, as soon as Jan. 1, 2015, and efforts to change the effect this will have on Californians by Senate Republican Leader, Bob Huff – and others – have been ignored.

“I am very much opposed to California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) decision to bring gas, diesel and natural gas under the cap-and-trade provision of AB 32. The gasoline and diesel fuel hikes coming in January 2015 will hurt everyone, especially lower income families, widening the income inequality gap and making life much harder for those who can least afford it. Currently, one in four Californians live in poverty – the highest rate in the nation – and families are still struggling to recover from the great recession,” said Senator Huff (representing California’s 29th District) in his October 2014 “Huff Headlines” newsletter.

On August 22, Senate Republicans sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President Pro-Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), urging their support for any of three options to prevent or delay a significant cost increase on gasoline, diesel and natural gas in California by as much as 76 cents a gallon on Jan. 1, 2015.

According to Huff, suggested options were ignored. Senate Bill 1079 by Senator Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) would have exempted gasoline, diesel, and natural gas from the state’s cap-and-trade program, thereby stopping the hidden gas tax. SB 1079 was not allowed a hearing by the Democratic majority.

A second option was to support AB 69 by Assembly member, Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno), which was amended to delay putting fuels under the cap-and-trade program until Jan. 1, 2018, with bipartisan support. It died in the Senate Rules Committee.

The 3rd option was for Gov. Brown to exercise his executive authority to direct CARB to exclude the fuels from the cap-and-trade program. Usually a tax is associated with some spending plan, and one can only assume (according to Huff) that the governor may want to spend the new taxes on his “high speed train to nowhere.”

Every citizen against the gas hikes must let their views be known now. Contact the governor by letter or phone, as follows: Governor Jerry Brown, c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA, 95814; Phone (916) 445-2841; or Fax (916) 558-3160.