Category Archives: News By City

Celebrating the Simple Things

BY NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

I believe that each day we have the honor of being alive is call for celebration. Every morning as I awaken and see the sun rising and filling the sky with majestic colors, I am reminded of how lucky we are.As I step out in the morning with Midnight, my therapy dog, I feel blessed for his friendship and for the health that we both have. As we start our walk through our wonderful community, I am proud to be part of it and I enjoy the morning song of the birds around us. As we walk, I enjoy the trees and flowers that represent life in the neighborhood.

Midnight and I are greeted by the other daily walkers with a friendly smile and warm hello. It’s so nice to be part of such a wonderful neighborhood filled with such lovely people.

Sometimes the other dogs will visit with Midnight as we make our way through our neighborhood, and that makes Midnight a very happy soul.

I think the feeling of the sun on my face is just magical. The fragrant plants and flowers are intoxicating and so very delightful. Swimming or floating in water has always been very freeing for me. Laughter truly is the best medicine and I think we all could do a lot more of it. Looking up at a night sky filled with stars and a full moon can be an experience that provides a wonderful kind of solace. Just hanging out with my grandson is fabulous.

These simple things I speak of don’t cost any money, but are literally priceless. I think if we all take time to appreciate the simple things that are so wonderful in our world, we will be more positive. I think we will not dwell so much on what is wrong, but focus on what is right!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Diamond Bar, and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy also runs free family support groups, anger management groups, and special groups for seniors and teens. She is also available for motivational speaking engagements. For more information on any of these services, contact Nancy at (909)229-0727.

San Gabriel Valley: Halloween Safety

STAFF REPORTS

halloween-clip-art-free-halloween-clipart-3SGV – Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays for adults and children throughout the Chino Valley and beyond. Our friends at the Chino Valley Fire District offer the following safety tips for children, adults and motorists to help ensure a safe and happy Halloween for all.

Safety Tips for Children:

  • Purchase costumes that are made of flame retardant material. Avoid materials such as lightweight cotton fabrics that are easily ignited.
  • Make sure hemlines are short enough to prevent tripping or contact with flame.
  • Do not allow children to carry sharp sticks or other objects that could cause injury.
  • Use light-colored material and reflective tape on costumes for maximum visibility.
  • Plan a well-lit route for young children to use while trick-or-treating. Return home early.
  • Closely inspect all candy before allowing children to eat it. Discard any unwrapped treats from a stranger. If in doubt, throw it out.

Safety Tips for Adults:

  • Have non-alcoholic drinks available for guests if you have a party at your house.
  • Arrange for a designated driver for those who are drinking alcohol.
  • Take the keys from anyone that may be drinking.
  • Never serve alcohol to individuals less than 21 years of age.

Safety Tips for Motorists:

  • Be aware of children darting out between parked vehicles.
  • Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway.
  • Be alert when driving through intersections.
  • Never assume a pedestrian approaching the roadway will yield to your vehicle.

Be sure that small children use battery operated flashlights and are under supervision at all times.

This is also a great time to buy fresh batteries for your home smoke detectors.

The Chino Valley Fire District wishes you a safe and happy Halloween!

 

 

 

 

Walnut Valley Salutes Teachers of the Year

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District honored the 2013-2014 Teachers of the Year during the Salute to Teachers awards program that was held on October 15 at the Walnut High School Performing Arts Center.

The following outstanding educators were selected by their sites as Teachers of the Year:

-Jody Brown: Castle Rock Elementary

-Sherry Robertson: Chaparral Middle School

-Carol Martindale: C.J. Morris Elementary

-Scott Jones: Collegewood Elementary

-Janna Lindenberg: Diamond Bar High

-Lynn Otsu: Evergreen Elementary

-Kristin Thomas: Maple Hill Elementary

-Jodi Yim: Quail Summit Elementary

-Ann Schnoor: South Pointe Middle School

-Susan Warren: Suzanne Middle School

-Amy Smith: Vejar Elementary

-Krystin Wong: Walnut Elementary

-Jennifer Nicholls: Walnut High

-Susan Tang: Westhoff Elementary

Sherry Robertson, a Humanities and Language Arts teacher in the Design-Based Learning (DBL) program at Chaparral Middle School was recognized as the 2014 District Teacher of the Year. Sherry represented WVUSD in the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition.

Congratulations to all of these outstanding educators!

 

 

Riverside: Local Man Arrested For Kidnapping

STAFF REPORTS

 

roberto-marcos

Suspect Roberto Marcos (Photo Courtesy: SBSD)

Riverside – On Sept. 26, a 65-year old male victim came to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s (SBSD) Fontana Station to report he had been assaulted and kidnapped at his residence in Bloomington.

According to SBSD, two Hispanic male suspects confronted the victim and demanded he tell them the whereabouts of a female involved in a relationship with one of the suspects. The suspects forced the victim away from his residence and drove him to an undisclosed area of San Bernardino, where they continued to assault him and threaten him. The victim was tied up with an electrical cord and driven to a residence in Riverside. Once the suspects discovered the whereabouts of the female, the suspects released the victim but threatened to kill him if he alerted the police.

Fontana Station detectives conducted an extensive follow-up investigation and identified one of the suspects as Roberto Marcos. Surveillance was conducted at Marcos’ residence in Riverside and detectives took Marcos into custody as he attempted to drive away. Evidence related to the kidnapping was recovered from Marcos’ residence during a subsequent search warrant. Marcos is in custody at the Central Detention Center on charges of Kidnapping and Terrorist Threats. He is being held in lieu of $600,000 bail.

Detectives are still seeking information on the second suspect, an unidentified Hispanic male in his early 30s, approximately 6’0”, 200 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, bald or shaved head, and last seen wearing a blue mechanics jumpsuit, driving a maroon or burgundy, early 90s, 4-door import sedan.

 

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Joe Parker or Sergeant Mark Martinez at the Fontana Station, at (909) 356-6767.

Corona: Scary Good Fun At Crossroads Haunted Village

STAFF REPORTS

crossroads-haunted-village-2014

Chambers of the Mausoleum at Crossroads Haunted Village (Photo Courtesy: Crossroads Haunted Village)

Corona – The Crossroads Haunted Village is quickly becoming one of Southern California’s top Haunted Locations. The Village is the home of three permanent Haunted Houses: The Chambers of the Mausoleum, Labyrinth of Lost Relics and The Asylum at Coffin Creek. The Crossroads Haunted Village also offers the Nightmare Harvest (haunted) Trail, and The Shady Hollow Hay Ride.Crossroads is also excited to present the returning Pandemonium Magic Show (a 30-minute Illusion Show in an outdoor theater). Also featured will be the Dark Shadow Market, with vendors selling assorted wares, as well as food and hot/cold, non-alcoholic beverages.

There are two different ways to pay for the attractions. Single attraction tickets are available for $13, or you can purchase a haunted attraction package, good for all attractions (except the Pandemonium Magic Show) at a discounted price of $33. There is also a VIP Pass to avoid the long lines, bringing the total package cost to just $49. Pandemonium Magic Show tickets are $5; and Parking is $5 (cash only).

This delightfully haunting experience takes place Friday and Saturday nights, October 10-11; 17-18; 24-25; and Thursday night, Oct. 30, and Friday, Halloween night. The hours of each haunting are from 7 p.m. to midnight – with the Pandemonium Magic Show at 8 and 9:30 p.m.

Dare to be scared at Crossroads Riverview Park, just a short distance from the Diamond Bar/Walnut and Chino areas at 14600 Baron Drive, in Corona. More information is available at http://www.crhaunts.com.

Chino Hills: Smoke Alarm Saves Chino Hills Life

STAFF REPORTS

 

Chino Hills – October is Fire Prevention Month, and Cal Fire reminds us that working smoke alarms save lives. That was certainly the case when a fire broke out in a two-story home on the 15000 block of Avenida Del Rio in Chino Hills.

The Chino Valley Fire District reports that they responded to a reported structure fire at approximately 3 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 14, and found smoke emanating from the second story. Firefighters made entry into the house and initiated an aggressive interior attack. The fire was quickly brought under control and contained to the area of origin with minimal fire extension to the attic. Two bedrooms sustained smoke damage.

The cause of the fire appears to be a candle left burning on a cabinet in an upstairs hallway. The owner was home at the time of the fire, and self-evacuated prior to firefighter arrival after being alerted to the fire by a working smoke alarm in the home. This incident might have had a very different outcome if the smoke alarm was not in proper working order.

The Chino Valley Fire District states that this type of fire can be prevented by following these safety rules:

  • Always keep a burning candle within sight
  • Never burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire
  • Always keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets
  • Never use candles as a source of heat
  • Always use an appropriate candleholder and place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface
  • Always extinguish all candles when leaving the house, room of use, or when going to bed
  • Always ensure that you have smoke alarms correctly installed and that they are in good working order

Remember, having more than one properly placed smoke alarm can significantly increase your chance of surviving a fire. Be sure to test your smoke alarms regularly. For more information on fire safety and smoke alarms, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.
 

Eastvale: Bicycle Playground and Safety Clinic

City of Eastvale-Posted Date : 10/17/2014 1:45 PM

Bicycle Playground and SafteyEastvale residents are invited to join the Inland Empire Bicycle Alliance for a Bicycle Playground and Safety Clinic on October 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. during the Annual Eastvale 5K/10K and Healthy Eastvale Fair. This is the perfect opportunity for your child to get comfortable riding a bike and learn:

  • Proper intersection position and crossing
  • Riding on sidewalk and bike lanes (door zones)
  • Turn signals
  • Evening riding- reflector and light usage
  • Laws and how they apply to bicycling (for ages 9 and older) and more

Kids will enjoy Ramps, Teeter Todders, Whoopy Dos, Bicycle Jenga, Newspaper Toss, Ring Joust and Poop Pit as part of the Bicycle Playground! Participants must bring their own bike and bicycle helmet. Loaner bikes will be available (limited supply). Each participant will receive a FREE safety handout, bumper sticker, and Skills Clinic Diploma. RSVP is required. Register at: eastvalebicycleplaygroundsafetyclinic.eventbrite.com

 

Pomona: Arrest of Attempted Murder Suspects

STAFF REPORTS

albertos-restaurant-pomona

Alberto’s located at 1925 W. Holt Ave., attempted murder scene. (Photo Courtesy: Yelp)

Pomona – On Oct. 4, the Pomona Police Department (PPD) investigated a gang related shooting that occurred at the Alberto’s Restaurant located at 1925 W. Holt Ave. During this incident, three of four victims were shot, including one of the suspects involved.

The suspect that had been shot was identified as Christian Miranda, 21, of Pomona, and according to the PPD, it appears that he was accidentally shot by the other suspect during the gunfire. Suspect Miranda was arrested on the night of the shooting and has been charged with four counts of attempted murder.

Through investigative leads the detectives were able to identify the primary shooter as Derek Sommer, 25, of Pomona, and were able to obtain an arrest warrant for five counts of attempted murder with a bail of $5 million.

On Mon., Oct. 13, the PPD received an anonymous tip that the suspect from the Alberto’s shooting was in the apartment complex located in the 1800 block of West Orange Grove Avenue. Patrol officers responded to this location and were able to locate and arrest Suspect Sommer without any issues.

Suspect Sommer is being charged with five counts of attempted murder with gang and weapon enhancements. Suspect Miranda is being charged with four counts of attempted murder with gang and weapon enhancements. Both Sommer and Miranda are known gang members, and Suspect Sommer is also on AB109 probation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Pomona Police Detective Bureau at (909) 620-2085. For anonymous tips, please contact Crime Stoppers (800) 222-8877 or We-Tip at (800) 782-7463. The Pomona Police Report Number is 14-111094.

Diamond Bar Seeking Veterans

STAFF REPORTS

 

vaterans-day-image

(Image Courtesy: Commerce.gov)

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is seeking the names of veterans who are new to the community, or who have not previously been honored by the Diamond Bar City Council, so that they may be acknowledged during this year’s Veterans Recognition Ceremony.            The ceremony is taking place on Wed., Nov. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Diamond Bar Center. A live patriotic concert by the award-winning South Pointe Middle School Band, and a video featuring the first-hand wartime service experiences of several Diamond Bar veterans will be a part of the observance.

Admission to the event is free, but reservations are required. Secure your spot today by calling (909) 839-7070. The Diamond Bar Center is located at 1600 Grand Avenue.

If you – or someone you know – are a veteran who meets the above criteria, please contact the City of Diamond Bar at (909) 839-7000, to be included in this ceremony of appreciation.

 

Pomona: The Closure Of Lanterman Development Center

BY K.P. SANDER

lanterman-developmental-center

(Photo Courtesy: DDS)

Pomona – In January of 2010, the Department of Development Services (DDS) announced its intention to close the Lanterman Development Center (LDC), located in the City of Pomona on the borders of Diamond Bar and Walnut. The path toward closure has been a long and complex one.

The LDC, which occupies a little over 300 acres in Los Angeles County, has been providing 24/7 residential care for individuals with severe developmental disabilities for 87 years.

LDC opened its doors in 1927 with an acute hospital unit, nine client residences, a variety of training and work sites, recreational facilities, and staff amenities, and initially served over 3,000 residents.

According to their website, the mission of the LDC has always been to provide the highest quality services and supports to people with developmental disabilities who require concentrated health care and/or training to develop skills in which to enhance their independence – developing people’s highest potentials.

Once home to a multitude of individuals with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, autism, and other lifelong severe mental conditions, the LDC strived to provide the utmost in care according to the laws and standards of the State of California. Their core values reflected SPIRIT: Service, Professional Commitment, Initiative and Creativity, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

In 2009, the LDC had 440 residents, with approximately 12 admissions and 27 discharges per year. With more than 1,200 staff to oversee the care of individuals throughout the 192 onsite buildings, they facilitated around-the-clock care with an annual budget of nearly $116 million.

With the closure of LDC rapidly approaching, all this has quietly come to an end. In January 2010, there were less than 400 to care for, and as of Sept. 24, only 22 residents remain at the facility. Staff has been redeployed, laid off, or left through natural attrition.

The DDS has maintained that the well-being of all who live and work at Lanterman to be of the utmost concern and priority, and put procedures in place to ensure a safe and successful transition for residents from LDC.

In their summer newsletter regarding the status of the closure, the DDS reports that 322 residents of the LDC have been transitioned to the community; 85 homes for individuals moving from the LDC have been licensed in accordance with Senate Bill 856; and 47 former residents have moved into Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Care Needs.

The DDS has made mention of the dwindling population and the condition of the aging infrastructure as contributing factors, and the impending closure leads to speculation of what will become of those 300 acres.

The LDC is scheduled to close on Dec. 31, 2014.

 

 

 

Walnut High’s Jeff Huang: A Leader On And Off Court

BY KELLI GILE

 

jeff-huang-champion-for-character

Walnut High School senior, Jeff Huang, has received the 2014 Jim Staunton Champions for Character Award. A banner is on display in the school office. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Walnut High School senior basketball player, Jeff Huang, has received the 2014 Jim Staunton Champions for Character Award. Huang was among 14 exceptional students lauded by the CIF Southern Section during a ceremony at the Queen Mary in Long Beach on Sept. 29.

The award is given to student-athletes, coaches, administrators and schools who best embrace good sportsmanship and the principals of “Pursuing Victory with Honor.” A total of 500 nominations were received for the prestigious recognition.

Student winners received a trophy, banner, letterman patch, and $750 scholarship.

Huang is a standout student who has received numerous accolades on and off the court. He has a 3.98 grade point average, and currently ranks 16th in his class of 748 students. Huang was recently named a semifinalist in the national merit scholarship program among the top 1% of students in the state. As a junior, he placed 2nd in the nation in business communication during the FBLA competition. He was also selected as the 2014 Mustang of the Year.

“Jeff is sharp, bright and social. He is one of our most amazing young people,” said Principal Jeff Jordan.

The 17–year old began playing on the Varsity basketball team as a freshman.   He displays sportsmanship, character, poise, confidence and calm under pressure.

“On the court, Jeff is the first person to help a teammate up from a fall, the first one to pat somebody on the back when they do well and the first to shake hands at the end of a contest,” said Athletic Director, Jerry Person, who nominated Huang for the award.

“He serves as a model of consistency on and off the basketball court and is a leader in everything he does,” Person added.

Huang has been president of the Class Cabinet for the past three years and an Interact Club member. Two years ago, he launched the Hoops for Hope Club to offer free sports clinics for elementary and middle school students.

“These kids can gain a lot from learning basketball. It can help you out for the rest of your life,” Huang said.

“My parents and brother have definitely been my inspiration,” he continued.

Hoops for Hope mirrors Huang’s relationship with his older brother, Brandon, who has been his longtime coach and mentor.

“He always gives me advice on how to react to certain things.” Huang said those words can be golden especially after a rough game. “He’ll say it’s just one bad game; what’s important is what you learn from it,” Huang recalled.

And after every loss, his brother is there to ask what he did poorly on so they can work on it together.

“He’s so supportive of me. Sometimes after the games he’s more excited about a win or good performance than I am. I learned everything I know from him,” said Huang.

Huang was surprised to have been recognized for sportsmanship and praised fellow team members whom he admires. He says during games he is “so focused on winning.”  But afterward, he makes sure he shakes hands and shows his appreciation.

“I’ll always go thank the people who work the scoreboard. They’re the unsung heroes,” he said.

Huang hopes to attend Stanford University or University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

 

 

 

Diamond Bar Landmark Preservation

Staff Reports

diamond-bar-windmill

(Photo Courtesy: lifeintheheights.com)

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar windmill is getting a new lease on life, thanks to a partnership between the City and the owners of the Diamond Bar Towne Center.

According to the City of Diamond Bar, efforts will get underway in mid-October to recondition the historically-significant windmill structure and spruce up the land it sits on, with plans for an official City dedication to take place sometime in November.

The preservation project is the culmination of many years of efforts by the Diamond Bar City Council to enter into a long-term maintenance and preservation agreement with the shopping center owners.

In August, shortly after Retail Opportunity Investments Corp (ROIC) took over ownership of the shopping center, the agreement materialized granting the City access to the windmill and the immediate property where it stands for purposes of carrying out routine maintenance work to keep it structurally sound.

The windmill is believed to have stood only 200 feet away from where it is now situated, serving as a water source for livestock and field irrigation on the Diamond Bar Ranch. According to accounts by several long-time residents, the windmill was saved from destruction by Don Ury, then Vice President of the Transamerica Corporation, the first and major developer of Diamond Bar.

The Diamond Bar Towne Center is located near the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue; the windmill is located near the Wells Fargo Bank.

For more information about the Diamond Bar’s history and the planned windmill dedication event, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/history.

Norco: Halloween Spooktacular Car Show & Costume Contest

Looking for some Halloween fun? Check out the Halloween Spooktacular Car Show & Costume Contest on Saturday Oct 25th, 2014 from 5-8pm. Event will be held at Bobs Big Boy, 2321 Hamner Ave, Norco, CA 92860.

Halloween-Spooktacular-Norco-2014

Corona: South Coast Patio Has You Covered

STAFF REPORTS

 

You can reach South Coast Patio at (951) 277-0956.

You can reach South Coast Patio at (951) 277-0956.

Corona – If you are in the market for a new patio, there is no better way to get the quality you are searching for than by contacting a company with a Triple-A rating and absolutely no issues. South Coast Patio, Inc. is your answer.

Owner, Jim McGeough, started working as a kid in a neighborhood business and started his own business in 1972; he has been working as a general contractor for 35 years, and has 40 years of experience in his field. South Coast Patio has been working in the area for the past 20 years, and McGeough’s philosophy is “to have satisfied customers so that we can have continued relationships with them.” They have made an excellent reputation in building quality custom patio products.

South Coast Patio is licensed and bonded (General Contractor Lic. B-280672), and has an excellent rating with the Contractors Board, BBB, and the Golden State Builders Exchange, Inc. They employ only factory trained personnel and do not use subcontractors. Their products are manufactured locally of the highest quality and have a limited lifetime warranty.

 

South Coast Patio is not your ordinary patio company. They guarantee the lowest overall prices for the best quality materials available. South Coast Patio is a well-established company, offering long-term service and warranties. McGeough says that his company will match any competitor’s price.

With the summer heat nearly behind us and the wet weather ahead, this is the perfect time to fit your home with a beautiful, new patio.

You can reach South Coast Patio at (951) 277-0956.

 

Chino Valley Fire District: A District of Distinction

STAFF REPORTS

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District recently received the biannual District of Distinction accreditation by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for the third time, in recognition of their sound fiscal management policies and practices in all District operations.  The Fire District was the very first one of its kind to receive this accreditation in 2008.

To obtain reaccreditation, the Fire District met a list of requirements that included established policies and procedures, continued education and implemented financial and audit standards.  Additional requirements included transparency efforts such as posting scheduled meeting agendas on the Fire District website, as well as current budget and financial audits.  The District’s Board of Directors and executive staff were also required to complete additional training in public governance, ethics, and harassment prevention training.

“We are committed to serving the Chino Valley with integrity and transparency while offering exceptional customer service,” said Fire Chief Tim Shackelford.  “The Board of Directors and Fire District are honored to have received reaccreditation as a District of Distinction and look forward to continuing to protect and serve the Chino Valley in a fiscally responsible manner.”

The SDLF provides an independent audit review of the last three years of a district’s operations to ensure prudent fiscal practices.  The committee members that review the audits are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance and certified general managers.

The District of Distinction Accreditation is one of the most prestigious local government awards in California, recognizing the District’s commitment to good governance as well as ethical and sound operating practices.

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.

 

Orange County: Local CEO Indicted For Insider Trading With Former MLB Star

STAFF REPORTS

Santa Ana – On Sept. 24, a federal grand jury indicted the former Chief Executive Officer of an Orange County medical device and eye care company on insider trading charges.

James V. Mazzo, who was the CEO of the Santa Ana-based Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., which was traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EYE, was added to an indictment that had previously named former professional baseball player Douglas DeCinces and two of his associates.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the case, which was initially filed in 2012, alleges that Mazzo was the source of non-public information that DeCinces and his associates used to trade EYE stock in the midst of a takeover bid by Abbot Laboratories.

The 41-count superseding indictment filed on Sept. 24 in United States District Court charges Mazzo with providing DeCinces with confidential information in advance of Abbott’s 2009 acquisition of Advanced Medical Optics. DeCinces and his associates allegedly used the non-public information to purchase shares of EYE, which increased from approximately $8 to $22 as a result of the acquisition.

The indictment further alleges that Mazzo previously provided DeCinces with inside information in relation to Advanced Medical Optics’ 2007 acquisition of an Irvine medical device company, IntraLase Corp. (NASDAQ: ILSE). DeCinces allegedly used this inside information to purchase IntraLase stock, and to tip a friend to purchase shares, ahead of the announcement that Advanced Medical Optics was purchasing the company. IntraLase stock rose approximately ten percent after the announcement of the deal.

The superseding indictment names Douglas V. DeCinces, 64, of Laguna Beach, who currently is the president and CEO of a real estate development firm in Irvine; David Parker, 62, of Provo, Utah, who was a friend and business partner of DeCinces; and Fred Scott Jackson, 68, of Newport Beach, a real estate attorney who was friends with DeCinces.

The four defendants indicted in this case will be summoned to appear for arraignments in United States District Court in Santa Ana.

The indictment charges Mazzo with 13 counts of insider trading, 13 counts of tender offer fraud and one count of securities fraud.

DeCinces is charged with 19 counts of insider trading, 19 counts of tender offer fraud, one count of securities fraud and one count of money laundering.

Parker and Jackson are each charged with three counts of insider trading, three counts of tender offer fraud, and one count of securities fraud.  Parker additionally faces one count of money laundering and criminal forfeiture.

The securities fraud count carries a maximum statutory sentence of 25 years in federal prison. Each of the insider trading and tender offer fraud counts in the indictment carry a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years. The money laundering counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years.

DeCinces reportedly settled the case without admitting or denying the allegations, agreeing to pay $2.5 million in fines and not contest the IRS’ seizure of what were alleged to be insider trading profits. Jackson, without admitting or denying the allegations in the lawsuit also settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission, returning his profits and paying a penalty. A trial for Mazzo and Parker is scheduled for August 2015 in United States District Court in Santa Ana.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation. The Securities and Exchange Commission provided assistance during the investigation.

 

 

 

Walnut High Dedicates Athletic Building

BY KELLI GILE

 

Walnut High building dedication

Walnut High celebrated Bob Barilari during a building dedication on Oct. 1. Shown: Bob Barilari’s sister and brother-in-law, Joann and Bruce Wilson; daughters Kristin and Kimberly; Board Members Helen Hall, Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, Dr. Tony Torng, and Retired Principal, Dr. Ken Gunn.

Walnut – Walnut High School paid tribute to long-time Mustang, Bob Barilari, during a building dedication on October 1. Current and retired staff members, coaches, alumni, family members, and district officials gathered for the afternoon ceremony.

Barilari served as the Boys’ Equipment Manager from 1970-2004. A plaque was unveiled dedicating the Boys’ Locker Room in his honor.

The special dedication celebrated Barilari’s legacy of relationships and friendships at the building where he spent over 70,000 hours of his life working and supporting thousands of people.

“Bobby started his legacy at Walnut High in 1970, and at that time, nobody would have realized the impact he would have on all of us 44 years later,” Principal Jeff Jordan said.

Barilari had many outstanding qualities, but the one that stands out the most was his ability to establish relationships with students, coaches, and teachers.

“Everyone knew Bob and Bob knew everything about everyone. Most of us that knew Bob would agree that he was caring, gentle, and big-hearted,” Jordan added.

Many of those friendships continued during retirement and through his battle with cancer. He passed away just one year ago, leaving a lasting impression at the school.

“Bobby didn’t realize it, but he was very inspirational to all of us,” said Jordan.

            “I don’t know if there’s a more prestigious honor than having a building dedicated to you on a school campus. There will be many, many people that will walk by and will stop and look at the plaque and start to tell stories and learn more about Bob as long as the school is here,” said Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor.

“Having someone like Bobby here on a daily basis made a real difference to students,” said Board President, Cindy Ruiz.

“Bobby was a special person,” said retired principal Dr. Ken Gunn. “No one’s going to walk through the doors of that locker room without thinking of him.”

            After the ceremony, several guests shared memories of their longtime friend. Girls’ Athletic Equipment Attendant, Connie Sanchez, worked with Barilari for over 20 years.

“He remembered everybody, remembered every game, the time, and history of the football team. He didn’t even need a pencil and paper. He was a wonderful, wonderful guy,” said Sanchez.

“He was always there for you,” said retired coach Anthony Gomez.

“He was so loving and caring. And he made friends wherever he went,” recalled teacher Mary Jo Gomez.

Three 1970’s alumni friends wouldn’t have missed the ceremony.  They got to know him as student-athletes and stayed in touch through the years.

“Bob was the man. And that building was his house,” recalled John McIntire.

“He meant a lot to us,” said Ron and Lynn Himes. “Bobby’s standout qualities were his genuineness and kindness,” they added.

“Bobby will never be forgotten here. His legacy will serve as a symbol of excellence that we can all strive for,” Jordan said.

Barilari was a huge USC fan.  As a tribute after the plaque unveiling, the WHS Band performed his favorite song- the Trojan Fight Song.

 

Getting Married

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Someone told me recently that September has become the new big month for weddings. Traditionally we think of June weddings, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

From late August to the end of September, my wife and I attended four different weddings.

There was a wedding every week!

We enjoy attending weddings and sometimes I am asked to officiate.  Certainly each wedding is a special moment in the life of the families and couple involved.

One interesting pattern with all four of the weddings was that each one was held outdoors. Some were in lush garden settings, while others were in more remote, secluded settings.

I’m not sure what has happened to the traditional church wedding, but I have noticed that it is a growing trend to have weddings outdoors or in less traditional settings.

A number of different weddings are recorded in the Bible.  One of the most famous is the wedding that Jesus attended with His disciples in Cana of Galilee, found in the book of John, Chapter 2.

Another wedding is recorded in Genesis, Chapter 29.  In this passage, Jacob is tricked by his father-in-law and ends up with the wrong wife.  Jacob wanted to marry Rachel, but the father-in-law gave Jacob the veiled sister, Leah, instead!

Marriage is a special, God-given relationship.  In Genesis, Chapter 2, we read, “Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”.

We’ll talk more about the “leaving and cleaving” in my next article.  But let me express my congratulations to the families and couples that got married during the past month.  It looks like you are in good company since September has become the new month to get married.

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.

An Incredible Family

BY PASTOR TIM EATON

 

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Have you seen the movie, “The Incredibles?” It tells the story of a family of superheroes. In the movie, the family eventually works together to solve some serious problems. Each of them has something to contribute with their incredible powers. Of course, it’s a happy ending and an inspiring vision of a united family – with extraordinary abilities.

The Incredibles gives us a nice image, but it’s not reality. Instead of being inspiring, it just might be a frustrating image; we begin so far from its ideal. Maybe our own family is fractured, dysfunctional, embittered, or disengaged. Could we ever be an incredible family?

There is hope when we realize that the Incredibles begin in the same boat. They are frustrated by the very things that make them great. They are disinterested in life and each other. So what transformed their family?

The Incredibles were changed when their family came together to overcome an obstacle that threatened them all. There may be things that threaten us, too. We might even be the obstacle.

Jesus invites us to see that He can overcome any obstacle to a family. 1 Corinthians 12:24-25 holds out hope for restoring an incredible family: “But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”

Join us this fall and discover the power of forgiveness, blessings, honor, truth, commitment, and love for your own incredible family.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Serving Satan

By Michael Armijo

Many years ago, while sitting in the audience at EV Free Church in Diamond Bar at the start of a new year, pastor Mark Hopper asked a very thought provoking question: “What are you going to do to minister God’s word to others this year?”

At first, I felt that showing up to church was enough; I’ve given up time and energy to be here ‘missing out’ on the rest of life so that I can pray to God and be a good person. This was a lot for me, so why should I do more than that for God?

And then I remembered all the things I did before I found Jesus: I lied to my fellow man; I became drunk with wine and spirits; I invited others to join me at the bar to get drunk; I had lust in my eye; I was envious, dishonest; and the list goes on. I was telling people, by my actions, that I was proud to be a sinner. And I subconsciously asked them to follow me.

It was at that time I realized something. Practicing all those sins really meant that I was serving Satan. I was promoting his sinning ways, and when I did it in front of others, I was encouraging them to practice sin, too. I was looking for victims who were lost to come join me in my debauchery, depression, and lust. I didn’t mean to do it intentionally, but it was intentional because I was practicing sin, over and over again.

So what’s the difference between serving Satan and serving God? Why shouldn’t I serve God? Why not be proud to be a Christian by practicing his word, praying openly in public, and answering the phone, “Praise the Lord.” Why not invite friends to church instead of to a bar? Why not spread the word about life, love, and the pursuit of Jesus? Why not?

Today I serve God’s word. Today I practice God’s love. In 1 John 4:18 I read, “Love is Fearless.” Today I love my children without fear. Today I love my wife without fear. Today I love my past without fear. Today I love my God without fear. Today I am no longer a prisoner, because today I no longer serve Satan.