The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link June14WeeklyAll to access the complete June 14-20, 2014 issue in pdf format.
Category Archives: News By City
Staying Out Of The Negative
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
BY NANCY STOOPS
Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? Do you focus on the good in your life or on what’s wrong? Do you take the time to count your blessings each and everyday?
We all have things that go wrong in our lives, but I believe we create our own energy based on what we focus on. I mean, if all we see is the negative and can’t seem to find the positive, then I think we will be pretty negative.
Stop what you’re doing for a moment and do this little exercise with me. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. Write down all the negatives in your life on one side, but write a positive thing to negate the negative thing on the other side. Now decide how you want to live your life and which side of the paper you want to focus on.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Each and every trial life offers us also teaches us a lesson, if we take the time to see and learn it. Don’t make the negative the focus of your life; learn the lesson and move on.
Good and bad times are going to come and go. We must learn to be victorious through the bad times and celebrate the good. We must also learn to stop taking the good times for granted. Take control of your life and help yourself learn to create positive energy by focusing on the good. Learn to trust in yourself and have faith that you will find your way through the negative things that come your way. Make the decision to invest your energy in the good in your life and if you do, life will be good and you’ll be very happy.
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. She is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. Nancy conducts 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 her at (909) 229-0727. You may also e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net.
Eastvale: Here We Grow Again-REVISED
BY K.P. SANDER
Eastvale – Let’s take a drive through the grand city of Eastvale and see what is new and exciting as we continue to grow.
Start in the east part of the City near the I-15 Freeway, and pull into the Eastvale Gateway center at the northeast corner of Hamner and Limonite. Take a gander at the brand new Food Court sign stretching across the area by The Habit Burger Grill and Von’s market. The new signage really spruces the courtyard up, and alludes to some wonderful culinary possibilities (have you ever had the pastrami on sourdough at The Habit? I’d call it wonderful). Not quite a food choice, but new all the same is the Cellular Repair store, between the dentist and the forthcoming Tio’s Mexican Food. Since practically everyone on the planet has a cell phone, I’d say, “Well done, Gateway.” Speaking of Tio’s, word on the Eastvale News Facebook page is lots of positive anticipation and reports of really good food and service – okay, that was a few words, but excitement over delicious tacos cannot be contained to just one.
Staying in the same center, now drive over toward the movie theatre where you will find Pho Viet, a Vietnamese noodle house next door to Bamboo Thai. And then right between the theatre and Nestlé’s is the Snow Station. I had to know more, and found that their website asks a poignant question: “Have you ever wondered what freshly fallen snow would taste like if it were combined with your favorite flavors?” If it is macaroni and cheese, then no, I have never wondered about this. But if it is a “cold, light, fluffy, cotton candy melting cream that is rich and dreamy and will dazzle my taste buds and is a healthy, lactose-free and vegan friendly dessert option with flavors like strawberry, mango, passion fruit, green apple and raspberry,” then YES! Sounds like a great post-movie or beat-the-heat treat.
We are now going to head to the southwest part of the city, so exit Gateway onto Limonite, but before you do, take a look across the street at Gateway South and be amazed by the progress that the Eastvale San Antonio Medical Center has made. That building is up and the exterior is quite polished; it appears to be developing nicely toward the grand opening this fall.
As you pass the Starbucks on Limonite, set your GPS for “the other Starbucks,” and head toward the Marketplace at the Enclave, at the corner of Archibald and Schleisman. You know CVS and Jack-in-the-Box, and you might know that appearing in the not-too-distant future are Fantastic Sam’s, Mes Amies Hair and Nails, Foot Massage, Dentistry with Nihar Tanna DDS, Lee’s Noodle House and Juice It Up; but did you know we are getting a Great Harvest Bread Company? Oh, joy of joys! Not only do they bake amazing, whole-grain, healthy bread daily, but they make some seriously mean sandwiches. But come autumn (and according to Great Harvest themselves, a September Eastvale opening is a possibility) they bring out the big guns…a pumpkin swirl delight that can be transformed into a french toast that is a bucket list all by itself. Seriously, you make some of that at home and a ticker-tape parade will be held in your honor. Just sayin’; its pretty good stuff, if you like that kind of thing (OMG!). Oh, yeah, they’re pretty generous with their samples, too.
Now drive home, get your family, and go out and enjoy the new businesses in Eastvale!
Orange County: $3.3 Million Embezzlement
STAFF REPORTS
Irvine – The former controller of a company that provides supervision services, including electronic monitoring programs to courts and probation departments, plead guilty this week to federal charges of embezzling well over $3 million from the company over the course of two years.
According to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office, Steven A. Hagstrom, 37, of Anaheim, who was an accountant and then controller of the Irvine-based Sentinel Offender Services, LLC, plead guilty on Tues., June 3, to one count of embezzlement before United States District Judge, David O. Carter.
As controller of Sentinel, Hagstrom had access to Sentinel’s bank accounts where fines, court fees and restitution payments from criminal defendants were held in trust. The accounts also held money paid to Sentinel for services provided to state and federal court systems. Beginning in early 2012 and continuing until April 2013, Hagstrom transferred approximately $3,338,197 from Sentinel’s bank accounts to bank accounts he controlled, where they could be used for his own benefit.
Judge Carter is scheduled to sentence Hagstrom on Sept. 29. The embezzlement count carries a statutory maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. About half of the embezzled money has already been returned to Sentinel, and Hagstrom has agreed to make full restitution to his former employer.
The investigation into Hagstrom was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division.
Walnut: Vejar Students Grow Blue Ribbon Garden
Vejar Elementary students and staff celebrate winning entries in the 2014 Schools’ Agriculture and Nutrition Fair. (Photo Courtesy: Kellyi Gile)
BY KELLI GILE
Walnut – Vejar Elementary 4th Grade students harvested awards during the 2014 Schools’ Agriculture and Nutrition Fair. The Special Education class is celebrating four blue ribbons they received during the springtime contest.
Top prizes were awarded to their Grape Expectations sawhorse display, a Lion farm animal, and Classroom Garden bounty of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
“The kids came up all the adjectives to describe why grapes are good,” said Teacher Jennifer Troudy, who printed out words including Sweet, Raisins, Dulce, and Jelly that were nestled among decorated vines and bunches of grapes.
The “From Egg to Chick by Room 26” entry earned an additional blue ribbon. The project chronicled the 21-day adventures of the little chick named, Number Seven, who hatched in the class. Students love to pet the two-month-old spunky clucker, who often flies around the classroom.
“He’s funny because he walks super fast and pecks at our shoes and sandals!” one student said.
Each day, he follows Instructional Aide Helene McDonald down the hallway to the nearby garden. Lucky Number Seven chomps on pesky pill bugs that like to invade the lush greenery. McDonald credits the successful crop to fresh coffee grounds provided each day by a local Starbucks, and the tender care provided by the students in Room 26.
A three-foot tall Tin Man Scarecrow created from empty coffee cans earned a 4th place ribbon.
“I am so proud of my students! They worked hard all year to make our garden beautiful and I am so impressed with their garden knowledge,” Troudy said.
Forgiveness for a Price
Pastor Rob Norris (image courtesy of Google Images)
1 Peter 4:8 says, “Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.”
I don’t know anything at all about what caused it, what led up to it, or even what came of it. But I’m sure it was hard for people not to notice a full-page ad in a Jacksonville newspaper one morning that read: “Please believe the words in my letter. They are true from my heart. I can only hope you will give me the chance to prove my unending love for you. Life without you is empty and meaningless.” It was a full-page, $17,000 advertisement, and plea for forgiveness.
According to the ad’s author, his wife of 17 years had left him two weeks earlier. She was living temporarily with her parents in a gated community, beyond the reach of her husband. Even her cell-phone number had been changed to keep him from contacting her. But relatives told him that she had indeed seen the large display ad and had left the room crying.
I pray that they were able to work things out. But, again, not knowing the circumstances, this still goes to show you that marriage, unlike any other human relationship, is the joining of two hearts into one flesh. The pain of living at a distance, even temporarily, feels like a limb being torn away. We can’t think straight. We can’t enjoy ourselves.
This is why your marriage must be a place where mercy and forgiveness are regularly being asked for and extended. Given, received and embraced. None of us are able to always be everything our spouse wants us to be. Only through the power of grace and forgiveness can you live through seasons of disappointment – with yourself and with one another – and come out feeling united again. It might even save you $17,000 and even more heartache.
Live it: Is there anything between you two today? Is there anything that you need to ask forgiveness for, or forgive one another for, right now? Just do it.
Pray: Thank the Lord for His full forgiveness of our disappointments and for the ability to extend the same to each other.
Rowland Heights: RUSD Music Teacher Finalist For Grammy Foundation Award
BY GINA K. WARD
Rowland Heights – The Rowland Unified School District is proud to announce that music teacher, Mark Anderson, is a quarterfinalist for the Music Educator Award™ by the Recording Academy® and the Grammy Foundation®.
Anderson is not only driven to inspire young musicians across the Rowland Unified School District, but he actually drives the innovative mobile music bus, “The Music Machine,” to bring music to six elementary schools each week. Anderson teaches Elementary Band, Orchestra and Mariachi. A classically-trained bass player, he is often called a “Renaissance Man,” since he can pick up and play any instrument. Anderson is honored to have been nominated by one of his students for this award.
“The most important thing for me to pass on to my students is a love for learning something new,” said Anderson. “That can be math, reading, auto mechanics, learning a new trick on your skateboard or learning to cook – anything – just falling in love with the process to learn something new. My goal is to give them the confidence to take on any challenge that they are faced with.”
A total of 222 music teachers from 208 cities across 41 states have been announced as quarterfinalists for this award. In total, more than 7,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.
The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (K through college; public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
One recipient will be selected from ten finalists, and will be recognized for his/her remarkable impact on students’ lives. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award, attend the GRAMMY Awards ceremony, and receive a $10,000 honorarium. The nine finalists will each receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all ten finalists will also receive matching grants.
Walnut: Suzanne Middle School Teacher Named to Dream Team
Helen Papadopoulos (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
BY KELLY GILE Walnut – Helen Papadopoulos, a Math and Drama teacher at Suzanne Middle School, has been selected to the 2014 Learn Zillion Dream Team. She is one of 77 returning members to the elite team.
Over 4,000 educators applied for the 200 spots available on the 2014 Dream Team. Members were selected for their content knowledge, grit and humility. These impressive Math and English Language Arts teachers represent the best of district, charter and independent schools in 42 states and three countries.
The Dream Team convened in New Orleans for TeachFest, a unique professional development event that was held June 4 through 7. There they kicked off a rigorous summer-long collaboration to create high-quality formative assessment tools and resources that will support teachers implementing the Common Core across the United States. Following TeachFest, Dream Team members returned to their respective districts and will continue to work in facilitated online professional learning communities.
Being on the Dream Team is about more than world-class professional development and creating great content — it’s about being a member of a vibrant and enthusiastic community of educators who are eager to help others and hopeful about the future.
The diverse group brings over 2,300 years of teaching experience, ranging from two to 42 years in the classroom.
Papadopoulos is a 2007 California Teacher of the Year and 2012 Bravo Award winner.
Making Progress
BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL
Progress is advancing in some way. Progress is making changes to yourself and hoping that those changes make you a better person. Progress is inspiring. Progress is hoping against all odds and actually seeing it happen. I’m progressing in life. I’m changing things, myself, my situation, my outlook, my faith, my hopes, and my dreams. I’m trying to redefine my own reality and see things for how they actually are and what they can be, not what they will never be.
I’m faithful, but not patient. Yet I am faithful that I will learn to be patient and that I will be given the opportunities to advance both my patience and my courage. Evan (Steve Carell) in the movie, Evan Almighty, said something along the lines of, “We pray for courage. But God does not make us brave; he instead gives us the opportunities to be brave, thus making us courageous”. Progress means that while I may not be there yet, I am further than I was yesterday and that I am moving forward.
While I progress another year in my life, I look back and see how far I’ve come, and that pushes me on to aspire for something greater. We should never stop progressing, aiming, hoping or dreaming to be better than we were yesterday. Life is unique, in that one must always aspire to higher levels to avoid being mediocre. This has always been a fear of mine, mediocrity. I do not want to be mediocre, I want to be extraordinary and exact a change on this world. I need to make goals, checklists, recordings, or whatever it takes to keep myself accountable to what really matters.
The best advice I can give anyone in this regard is to really, seriously, hold yourself accountable. You are responsible for your happiness, success, etc. If you don’t like the path you are on, no matter how old or young you are, no matter what your fitness level is, your education or your financial situation, change it! Make progress, even if it just means you take one step toward being where you want to be. Just remember to progress.
Walnut: Hats Off To Class Of 2014!
Hats Off to Walnut High School Class of 2014 (Photo Courtesy: Kelly Gile)
BY KELLY GILE
Walnut – Nearly 1,500 Walnut Valley Unified School District graduating seniors participated in commencement ceremonies held May 29. Families and friends filled the football stadiums ready to celebrate the milestone accomplishment.
During the 45th Commencement at Walnut High School, 715 seniors in blue and white caps and gowns filed into the Ken Gunn Stadium.
“These four years went by so fast!” said Eric Dayrit, before the 7 p.m. ceremony.
“It hasn’t really hit me yet. I’ve been telling my friends that I’m feeling a mixture of nervous excitement and obliviousness!” exclaimed Plato Seto.
“I’m feeling excited. It’s like a formal last goodbye with all our friends,” said Alicia Wei.
“I had a really good experience at Walnut High. The teachers and kids are really great. And
I’m just excited to move on to the next chapter in my life,” Kathy Ho added.
Principal Jeff Jordan addressed the Class of 2014 during the ceremony. “I want to congratulate you on your high school careers and wish each one of you the very best as you move forward in your life. Remember one thing – you will always be a Mustang,” he said.
Congratulations to the WHS Valedictorians: Austin Au-Yeung, Isabela Chang, Allison Do, Max Hsu, Howard Phang, Derek Pi, Nancy Sheu, and Tanya Wanwatanakool. Each stellar scholar earned a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. all four years. They wore gold medallions to signify the accomplishment.
Student speaker, Ryan Woo, urged fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with courage and to pursue their hopes relentlessly and passionately. Daphine Ha encouraged the Class of 2014 to thank their families, friends, and teachers for unwavering support and encouragement. She also offered some sage advice for the group: if you fail the first time, find the courage to try again.
“Never let any opportunity go untaken, never let any dream go unchased, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t. Because the simple fact that you made it this far is a testament to the world that you are capable of reaching your highest potential,” said Ha.
Diamond Bar High School held commencement ceremonies in the Holmes Memorial Stadium for 768 graduating seniors.
Congratulations to the DBHS Valedictorians: Christina Chen, Tiffany Cheng, Frank Fu, Steven Gomez, Sylvia Guan, Scott Jew, Bill Kwai, Tiffany Lam, Dana Li, Jasmine Lin, Yingjie Ren, Vrajesh Shah, Akruti Singh, Savannah Tan, Jane Wu, Ashely Xie, and Jason Yu.
An afternoon commencement ceremony for Ron Hockwalt High School graduating seniors was held at the WVUSD District Education Center.
“The future starts today for you; congratulations!” said Principal Jose Annicchiarico.
Eastvale: 10 Reasons to Become A Member of the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce
1. The Eastvale Chamber is focused on creating a strong local economy.
2. The Eastvale Chamber continuously promotes the community and your business.
3. The Eastvale Chamber is the clear voice of business communicating to all levels of government to hold the line on taxes and government regulation/interference.
4. The Eastvale Chamber provides an extraordinary array of effective business networking opportunities to help your business get connected.
5. The Eastvale Chamber aggressively advocates for business through effective political action, to ensure that government offices are business sensitive.
6. The Eastvale Chamber keeps you informed on important issues impacting your business, keeping you in front of the curve.
7. The Eastvale Chamber provides meaningful business education and timely skill building workshops to improve your business effectiveness.
8. The Eastvale Chamber has assembled a unique array of member discounts and benefits to save you time and money.
9. The Eastvale Chamber is uniquely positioned to represent your business to relocating residents, new business and visitors to our community.
10. The Eastvale Chamber is an exciting organization of energetic, vibrant members joining together to help make the City of Eastvale an even better place to live, work and play!
And don’t forget, “Good Morning Eastvale,” a monthly networking breakfast for Chamber members and non-members. The next event will be held on June 12, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., at Corky’s Kitchen and Bakery.
Walnut: Library Closes For Five Months
Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Library in Walnut
STAFF REPORT
Walnut – Due to a major renovation, the Los Angeles County Library in Walnut will be closing its doors for five months beginning June 7, according to the City of Walnut. The cost of the project is estimated at $945,000.
“Walnut is grateful to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for approving this project to enhance our community,” said Mayor Antonio “Tony” Cartagena in a news release. “The Walnut Library is a vital resource for our families, students, and seniors, and we are excited to see the renovations that will take place.”
The renovation will include a new floor plan to maximize public space, new furniture, self-checkout technology, additional computers, a large group study room, a new teen area, new carpet and paint, ADA upgrades, a redesigned public meeting room and a digital display in the lobby.
While the Walnut Library is closed, library patrons can visit the L.A. County Diamond Bar location at 21800 Copley Drive, in Diamond Bar; or the Rowland Heights location at 1850 Nogales Street, in Rowland Heights.
Didn’t return your books before the Walnut Library closed its doors? Don’t worry about incurring a five-month late fee. According to a City of Walnut news release, materials checked out from the Walnut location can be returned to any L.A. County public library.
For additional information, please visit the L.A. County Public Library website at http://www.colapublib.org, or the City of Walnut website at http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us.
Mira Loma: Fundraiser For Local Family
A Texas Hold’em Tournament Fundraiser sponsored by Ascension II will be held on June 14th in response to the passing of local resident Clark Riddell. The event will be held at 4:30 at 11481 Peace Ct, Mira Loma, 91752 and is a $60 buy-in and $30 add-on/rebuy. Learn more at #RallyforRiddell, Facebook.com/RalleyforRiddell.
Eastvale: L.E.A.F.F. Update
BY L.E.A.F.F. (LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIRE FIGHTERS)
Eastvale – May was a busy month for LEAFF, and with summer upon us, things are set to become much busier.
On May 15, we had the privilege to present two exceptional Roosevelt High School seniors with plaques and scholarships to honor their efforts in the Police and Fire Explorer programs. Jacob Martin and Carlos De La Torre both worked really hard in their respective programs and we are excited to hear what their futures will bring for them and the community around us.
This summer also marks the return of Picnic in the Park, which we are very excited about. This is a great way to get out and meet your neighbors and community, and enjoy local food, music, carnival rides and a spectacular fireworks show. Picnic in the Park returns this year June 27 through 29, at the new Eastvale Community Park. We hope to see everyone there!
LEAFF has also given their support to WOLFF (Wives of Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters) for the 88iMPACT 1st Annual iMpact Festival, to be held at the Mid-Hill Golf Club in support of our community, small business development, military, law enforcement and firefighters. The event will feature live entertainment, great food, vendors, and maybe even a few celebrities. It is scheduled for August 2 at 4:00pm. Get your tickets while they last by visiting http://iPactfestival.eventbrite.com.
Upland: Former Defender Sentenced to One Year
STAFF REPORTS
Upland – An Upland attorney was sentenced this week to one year and one day in federal prison for stealing $129,795 from the Social Security Administration (SSA) after her grandmother died in 2000.
Audrey Owens, 61, was a deputy public defender for Riverside County, retiring just last September. She pled guilty in March to two counts of theft of government property, admitting that she swindled the government for 12 years. On Mon., June 2, Owens was sentenced by United States District Judge, Virginia A. Phillips.
According to court documents, from June 2000 through August 2012, Owens fraudulently obtained Social Security benefits intended for her grandmother, who died in May 2000. After her grandmother’s death, Owens changed the address of a joint account she shared with her grandmother and continued to receive the dead woman’s payments.
Owens “devised and executed a plan to illicitly obtain significant amounts of SSA benefits intended for her deceased grandmother,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo filed with the court. “Indeed, within just one week of her grandmother’s death, [Owens] sprang her plan into action by immediately removing her father’s name off of the [grandmother’s] Kansas City account and changing the address of record to her own address in Upland. This allowed her to continue to receive SSA benefits, undetected, for over 12 years, totaling more than $129,000. She was only stopped when SSA began to suspect fraud – otherwise, the theft would have likely continued indefinitely and resulted in even greater losses.”
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations.
Business Feature: DV Urgent Care Takes Care Of You
DV Urgent Care & Occupational Health is located at 6080 Hamner Avenue, Suite 100, in Eastvale. They can be reached at (951) 361-0104, or visit http://www.dvurgentcare.com. (Photo Courtesy: DV Urgent Care)
STAFF REPORTS
Eastvale – A warm, welcoming attitude, along with a passion for helping and connecting with patients is what separates Dr. Dan Vasile at DV Urgent Care from the rest.
Vasile owns and operates five Inland Empire Urgent Care Facilities, including the DV Urgent Care & Occupational Health in Eastvale, and Skin Envy Med Spa & Weight Loss in Rancho Cucamonga.
“Being a doctor was my calling since childhood,” says Vasile. “It takes painstaking determination and long hours to be an effective doctor. Each and every day I’m surrounded with people from all walks of life and through medicine, I’m able to touch their lives in a way that others can’t.”
DV Urgent Care offers treatments for a wide range of symptoms and ailments for both urgent care and walk-in patients. Facilities treat ailments from fevers, colds and flu, to burns, cuts and scrapes, to breaks and sprains – and everything in between. There is also a focus on women’s health issues and minor surgeries.
“Our patient’s well-being always comes first,” says Vasile. “Our mission is to provide unilateral care and treatment to the communities we serve. Our five urgent care clinics are staffed with highly trained medical professionals who are ready to serve you. We are always ready to offer you first class service when you need it the most,” he added.
One of the major concerns facing people today is the high cost of medical treatment and that is of deep concern to Vasile.
“At all of our urgent care clinics, we truly believe that money should not be a deciding factor when it comes to getting the medical treatment you need. We offer very competitive pricing and will work with you to get you the treatment you deserve at a price you can afford,” says Vasile.
Vasile also operates Skin Envy Med Spa & Weight Loss, which offers monthly discounts on services such as laser hair removal, Botox, microdermabrasion and weight loss treatment. Other treatments include a wrinkle therapy, liquid face lift, skin tightening, facials and chemical peels.
All of the DV Urgent Care clinics treat patients from children to the elderly and all patients are welcome on a walk-in basis.
“If you are away from home, do not have a doctor, or your doctor is not available, we are the best option for non-life threatening medical issues,” says Vasile. “There is always a warm, welcoming attitude and attentive care from our physicians, assistants, and staff,” he adds.
DV Urgent Care & Occupational Health is located at 6080 Hamner Avenue, Suite 100, in Eastvale, and can be reached at (951) 361-0104 or http://www.dvurgentcare.com. This location also has X-Rays, Physical Therapy, Pain Management and Orthopedic Services on site.
Skin Envy Med Spa & Weight Loss is located at 8112 Milliken Avenue, Suite 103-1, in Rancho Cucamonga, and can be reached at (909) 989-7720 or http://www.skinenvymedspa.com.
Walnut Council Corner 05.28.14
BY RAYMOND MENDOZA
Walnut – Walnut City Council members met Wed., May 28 for their final meeting of the month, which sparked heated discussion about the parking situation at Mount San Antonio College from nearby residents.
The meeting began when City Council members awarded residents Mary Lee Saint John and Vic Saint John for their active membership in the Walnut Walkers club, which promotes healthy activity from senior citizens in the city. Mayor Tony Cartagena thanked the two for their work with the club and helping with its growth, outgoing spirit, and healthy attitude.
“Every Sunday night, Mary Lee makes individual phone calls to every walker on the list, reminding and encouraging them to show up,” Cartagena said. “Because of her commitment, the Walnut Walkers are currently an active and energetic group with about 40 members to promote exercise and staying healthy.”
After the award presentation, the City Council approved the May 14 meeting minutes and Resolution No. 14-25 for the City of Walnut allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,117,762.36.
The council then began its discussion of the parking structure construction at Mt. SAC, with a staff report from City Attorney, Mike Montgomery.
Public outcry for a Council discussion has been ongoing for several months, with residents complaining about the lack of parking at the community college and students parking in nearby neighborhoods.
“It’s parking has overflowed in the community through the years, as a result of probably outgrowing its original capacity,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery noted that Measure RR was approved in November 2008 for the $350 million bond issued to make improvements to the campus, which included a parking structure for more than 200 spaces. He said that cities have minimal authority for structures established in community college campuses. Montgomery also said that after years of planning and tests, the campus is entering its final stages before construction starts in 2015.
Residents then had the chance to ask questions pertaining to the progress of construction on the parking structure. Residents also questioned the limits of capacity at Mt SAC, stating that the population of the school has become so large that its facilities are no longer able to support the number of students.
Complaints from Walnut residents filled the council chamber pertaining to noise pollution, actual pollution, overcrowding, and unsafe traffic hazards caused by students.
With all the concerns of the residents, Cartagena then appointed Bob Pacheco and Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz to meet with the administration from Mt. SAC sometime in June to discuss matters pertaining to resolving overcrowding issues.
City Council officially adjourned at 8:45 p.m., with plans to hold its next meeting on June 11 at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers, located at 21201 La Puente Road.
San Gabriel Valley: Unofficial Election Results
STAFF REPORTS
SGV – Tues., June 3, was Election Day, and voters headed to the polls to cast their ballots for several local and statewide races in the California Primary.
Curt Hagman
Below are some of the highlights of the results, the most notable being with Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills), who was beat with just a 3% margin by Gloria McLeod for the San Bernardino Board of Supervisors District 4 seat. Hagman, a former mayor of Chino Hills, terms out as State Assemblyman in District 55 this year. He will be unofficially replaced by Diamond Bar councilwoman, Ling-Ling Chang, who ran against fellow councilmember Steve Tye.
Ling-Ling Chang
Here are the unofficial results, as posted by NBC Southern California, with 100 percent of the precincts reporting:
• L.A. County Sheriff – Jim McDonnell; 49%
• California Governor – Jerry Brown; 54%
• California Lieutenant Governor – Gavin Newsome; 50%
• Secretary of State – Alex Padilla and Pete Peterson; each with 30% of the vote.
• Attorney General – Kamala Harris; 53%
• Glendale City Council – Paula Devine; 33%
• San Bernardino County Sheriff – John McMahon; 63%
• San Bernardino District Attorney – Michael Ramos; 61%
• San Bernardino Supt of Schools – Ted Alejandre; 55%
• San Bernardino Board of Supervisors (District 2) – Janice Rutherford; 68%
• San Bernardino Board of Supervisors (District 4) – Gloria McLeod; 43%
• State Assembly (District 33) – John Coffey; 24%
• State Assembly (District 43) – Mike Gatto; 67%
• State Assembly (District 48) – Roger Hernandez; 49%
• State Assembly (District 49) – Ed Chau; 61% of the vote.
• State Assembly (District 52) – Freddie Rodriguez; 56%
• State Assembly (District 55) – Ling-Ling Chang; 28%
• State Assembly (District 57) – Rita Topalian; 51%
• Measure A, Monterey Park Zoning – YES
• Measure G, Glendale Charter Amendment – YES
• Measure W, Whittier Electrics – YES
Chino: Police Seize 25 Pounds Of Marijuana
City of Chino
Chino – Three subjects were arrested after approximately 25 pounds of unpackaged marijuana was seized from a residence on Mon., June 2.
Chino Police Officers responded to the 5400 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon to follow up on information involving possible marijuana use. Officers located a large amount of marijuana and returned later in the evening to serve a search warrant, which led to the discovery of approximately 25 pounds of marijuana, along with equipment used to grow marijuana.
Marlene Hernandez, 32, Francisco Hernandez, 40, and Eduardo Martinez, 38, all of Chino, were subsequently arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for processing marijuana and possession of marijuana for sales. Martinez was also charged with possession of concentrated cannabis.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.
Norco: Celebrate Norco’s 50th Birthday
You’re Invited!
Norco Founders Day Ride this Saturday June 14th, 2014 at the Corydon Staging Area.
$20 per Person
Registration 8am
Dedication 9am
Ride 10am-12pm
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