Category Archives: News By City

Man Detained by Chino Hills PD

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – A woman was in her Chino Hills home alone when she heard a knock at her door. Her husband and children had just left for the store when she heard a knock on the door. What happened is something that residents should take note of and inform all family members. Here is the residents experience of the incident in her own words.

We’ve realized that we need Ring more than ever, especially after what we just experienced. About 2 hours ago, my husband left for the store with our kids and shortly after I hear the door bell ring several times and knocking at the door. I look out the window and see a young man looking through our windows and trying to open our side gate. I yelled at him asking what he’s doing and to go away. He goes to my front door again, turns our door knob and yells, “open your door!” I told him to go away again and that I was calling the cops. He walked back to his truck, took another look at my house and drove off very fast. The chino hills police found him minutes later and he is detained. While this is still under investigation, I wanted to remind everyone how important it is to take notes in a situation like this because with all the detail I had, the PD was able to find him. I’m sure if I had Ring, it could have provided the police with a lot more detail about the whole situation. It also made me realize how important it is NOT to answer the door and to go with your gut. Thank you to the CHPD for responding so quickly.

Be careful who you open the door too especially if you are home alone. The resident acted quickly yelling at the intruder and calling the police.

Mt. SAC Students Win Seven Medals at Nationals

By Anthony Saude

WALNUT– Mt. San Antonio College health careers students won seven medals at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) national competition. More than 9,000 secondary and post-secondary students competed in 57 different health-related events at the national leadership event held June 26-30 in Dallas, Texas.

Derek Hawkins (Pomona),  Sho Kitada (Rowland Heights), and Griselda Venezian (Chino Hills) won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition. Hector Alvarado (Montclair), Ezra Dureault (Pomona), Hector Herrera (La Puente), and Robert Solis (City of Industry) won bronze medals in the creative problem solving competition.

“The majority of the teams that they competed against were from universities around world, and amazingly, they surpassed the university competitors,” said Mt. SAC psychiatric technician professor and HOSA advisor Mary Ellen Reyes.

HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.

The organizations core values are We value learning. We are committed to learning and becoming respected, knowledgeable and skilled health professionals.  We will respect the experiences and contributions of our teachers, peers and patients and seek to learn from them.

We value leadership. We will serve as role models in our academic program, profession and community. We will be ethical, accountable and trustworthy.  We will use our influence to empower others to strive for excellence.

We value service. We are dedicated to serving others with compassion. We believe that individuals are important, and we will treat everyone with respect and care.

We value innovation. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of others. We will continuously seek the knowledge and skills to address challenges and improve the health professions.

 

 

Basketball Hoops Not Permitted In The Street

City Of Chino Hills

 Chino Hills – City of Chino Hills officials have noted an increase in basketball hoops placed in the street. The City will be placing notices on basketball hoops as part of an educational effort to prevent this unsafe practice. “We would like to remind residents that it is unlawful to obstruct the street or sidewalk with play equipment, and that applies to basketball hoops in the public right-of-way,” said Brandi Larson, Code Enforcement Supervisor. “Basketball hoops in the street obstruct parking, motorists, and pedestrians; and can block the street sweeper leaving debris that may get into the storm drains.” The Chino Hills Municipal Code is available online at http://www.chinohills.org/MunicipalCode. The section that applies is 8.12.020(21) which prohibits the placement of any play equipment in the streets, alleys or sidewalks.

 

Major Injury Traffic Collision

Staff Reports

Pomona – On July 9th, 2018, at 2131 hours, Pomona Police dispatch received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian traffic collision in the area of Holt Ave and Clark Ave.  When officers arrived on scene, they located a male lying in lanes of traffic; the victim was unresponsive, and appeared to be severely injured. Pomona Police Officers and LA County Fire Department gave the victim some medical aid, then had the pedestrian transported to a local hospital via ambulance, he is presently listed in critical condition. At this time the victim has not yet been identified; he is a male Hispanic and approximately 40 years old.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the victim has cooperated fully with investigating officers. It has been determined that the driver was not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the collision.

The collision is being investigated by the Pomona Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team.  Anyone with information about this collision is encouraged to call the Pomona Police Department’s Traffic Services Bureau at (909) 802-7741 or (909) 620-2048.

Anyone with information that would aid in solving any crime is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

 

Sunrise

By Mark Hopper

I delivered newspapers in Scottsdale Arizona when I was in high school. In fact, I was the Arizona Republic’s Newspaper Boy of the year my senior year. In addition, I was awarded a college scholarship by the newspaper to help pay for my tuition when I enrolled at Arizona State University.

 

There were two newspapers in Phoenix in the 1960’s.  The Phoenix Gazette was the afternoon paper.  The Arizona Republic was the morning paper.  I decided to deliver the morning paper so I could earn some money and participate in sports and other after school activities.

 

Newspaper subscriptions were sixty cents per week.  I had about 100 customers on my route.  Initially, I had to collect money every week. Collecting the payments took a considerable time each week, but I had to pay for the newspapers every Saturday. Eventually, I was able to get most of my customers to pay once-a-month. This saved a lot of time.

 

Delivering newspapers involved getting up every morning at 4:45 AM, every day of the year. Delivering papers was like milking cows – you had to do it every day – rain or shine.  Newspaper boys never got a day off!  We worked 365 days of the year, even Christmas morning!

 

I used my bicycle to deliver the newspaper. Even when I bought my first car, it was still easier to ride my bike than to drive my car. You didn’t earn a lot of money delivering newspapers, but I did earn and save enough money to buy my first car – a ‘57 Chevy!

 

One of the things I remember the most about delivering newspapers every day was watching the beautiful sunrises each morning.  My family literally lived on the edge of town. Just beyond our neighborhood were cotton fields that stretched for miles. This provided an unobstructed view of the mountains on the eastern horizon. I could pause on my route to witness the sun come up over the Four Peaks and the Superstition Mountains. The colors were amazing!

 

On a recent trip back to Arizona, I enjoyed getting up early and going for a walk. The nicest time of day in the Arizona desert is just before sunrise. The birds and animals come to life and the eastern sky is filled with color. It brought me back to my newspaper delivery days fifty years ago.

 

In Psalm 19, it says, “God’s glory is on tour in the skies and on exhibit across the heavens”.  The author goes on to say, “The morning sun is like a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed or like an athlete who races from sunrise to sunset” (the Message Bible).

 

Let me encourage you to pause and watch a sunrise or sunset this summer. Whether you are camping in the mountains, relaxing on the beach or enduring the morning commute – take time to admire the beauty of God’s handiwork on display. You will be glad you did and He will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

Vacation Bible School: July 23-27

 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Reserve deputy program

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Back in the 1800’s, the Sheriff would look to the community to form a posse and deputize citizens to assist him in the apprehension of horse thieves, murderers, or other criminals.  Thankfully, we have thousands of full-time deputies to perform those duties today, but in 2018, just like the 1800’s, the Sheriff is looking to the community to find citizens to volunteer and help by becoming reserve deputy sheriffs.

Reserve deputies undergo the same training and background checks that full-time deputies receive.  It’s a year-long process, but after graduation reserve deputies can perform a wide array of duties and service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Program is one of the largest in the country, with over 600 all-volunteer sworn reserve deputy sheriffs.  Last year they worked 182,000 hours keeping the citizens of Los Angeles County safe.  Those 182,000 hours represent millions of dollars in savings to taxpayers.

Patrolling our communities is only one of many functions performed by reserve deputies.  Lifesaving search and rescue missions are performed every week by reserves as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Program.  Last year reserve deputy sheriffs performed 684 missions throughout the county, saving countless lives.

Another opportunity for reserve deputy sheriffs to serve is by becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department’s Posse.  Posse members work patrolling trails and various community events on horseback.

Reserve deputies also help solve crimes by working in many of the Sheriff’s Department’s detective units, such as Homicide Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau, and Special Victims Bureau.  We also have reserves who ride street and off-road motorcycles for the Department.

Reserve deputies come from all walks of life and from a wide variety of professions.  The common thread of all is a burning desire to give back to their community and assist their fellow citizens.

If you are interested in signing up, just like citizens did over 150 years ago, there is a reserve deputy academy scheduled to start in February 2019.  If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Forces Detail at 323-526-5100 and ask for Assistant Director Mike Leum to get started.

 

City Of Eastvale Appoints Interim City Manager

Bryan Jones

By Anthony Saude

EASTVALE–The Eastvale City Council voted to appoint Assistant City Manager, Bryan Jones to the post of Interim City Manager. The change will went into effect on June 28. With the departure of City Manager Michele Nissen’s to become the Assistant City Manager for the City of Corona, the appointment was unanimous during a closed session vote.

Bryan is a trustworthy and forward-thinking leader who displays strategic perspective that will help guide our city, Mayor Clint Lorimore said. Together we will continue to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in Eastvale. Bryan is passionate about identifying ways to help move and connect people, businesses, and communities so that we can all thrive. Bryan draws from nearly 20 years in both the public and private sectors and understands that success depends on them working together. He has led cutting-edge land use and transportation infrastructure projects throughout California and North America. With a background as a professional engineer and certified planner, Bryan is well positioned to understand the unique opportunities Eastvale faces from a land use, transportation, and economic development perspective.

“We have a talented and dedicated team who truly cares about the community they serve and I am confident we will continue to thrive together,” said Assistant City Manager Bryan Jones. “I always liked building things so I got a degree in civil engineering, through some of my projects I realized I like building communities so I went back to school and in 2012 I received my Masters Degree in Public Administration.”

“I’m honored and humbled to have been entrusted with the responsibility of Interim City Manager,” said Jones. “Fostering relationships with both residents and business in Eastvale is a priority for me.  I am a career Community and team builder and I look forward to serving our City Council and carrying their vision to fruition.”

Having more than a decade serving in local agency public sector in leadership positions, Bryan has led land use projects such as high-quality retail centers, office campuses, industrial parks, transit oriented development, downtown revitalization, and mixed-use projects. Bryan has a Master’s in Public Administration from Norwich University focused on Leadership and Sustainable Financial Strategies, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of California Davis with a Communications minor.

“I am confident that Bryan will do an excellent job in this position,” Mayor Clint Lorimore said. “I know that I am filling some pretty big shoes in this position but I see it as an opportunity to continue the expectation of excellence Eastvale has come to expect,” said Bryan.

98 Citations Issued for Illegal Fireworks

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Excitement was growing as the skies were growing dark in Chino and Chino Hills on the fourth of July just before the skies lit up like a, well like the fourth of July, as residents began their fireworks show —legal and illegal.

Chino police wrote 98 citations for illegal fireworks, modification of safe and sane fireworks, and use of fireworks in parks and off limits locations. It was the most citations written by the police for these violations since 2004.

Chino Hills police only issued three fireworks-related citations on America’s 242nd birthday after three consecutive years of writing zero.

In 2017 Chino police only wrote 64 citations.

The penalty for offenders could be fines of up to $1,000, police said.

Sale of safe and sane fireworks from noon July 1 to 9 p.m. July 4 is allowed in most neighborhoods of Chino. All fireworks are illegal in Chino Hills and the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County boundaries.

A new record was set this year when 2,210 pounds of illegal fireworks was seized by police beginning June 7, it included 1,443 pounds on July 4 alone.

Last year, officers seized 1,189 pounds of illegal devices.

If the fireworks explode, fly or do not have the California Fire Marshal’s seal of approval they are considered illegal.

Teams of police officers and Chino Valley Fire officials scoured both cities, looking for anybody using illegal fireworks, or using legal fireworks in restricted areas.

Three people suffered fireworks-related injuries; the most severe was to a man in his late 40s in the13000 block of Fourth Street. The unidentified man suffered his injury just after 9:30 p.m. when an illegal firework exploded in his hand, causing severe injuries.

Chino Valley Medical Center also reported two people were treated for fireworks-related injuries.

A 21-year-old man injured both thumbs and a 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and abrasions on his forehead.

32 fireworks-related calls for service came into Chino Hills Police Department. Fireworks calls began around 6:40 p.m. and the last call was received at approximately 4:57 a.m. There weren’t any fireworks-related fire calls received all evening. There was a large bag of fireworks was confiscated as well.

Ten Chino Hills deputies patrolled the city, he added.

A car fire in the parking lot of Harkins Theatre at 3070 Chino Ave in Chino Hills was reported at 10:27 p.m. it was reported to be due to mechanical problems, not fireworks.

In Chino, safe and sane fireworks are legal to use in certain residential neighborhoods, there were 5 fireworks-related fires all reported between 8:51 p.m. and 10:29 p.m.

Trash container fires were reported at 14235 Ramona Ave. and 13157 Ninth St. and a box of used fireworks were burning in a parking lot of Chino Chaffey College Campus at 5897 College Park Ave.

Chino police received 272 fireworks-related calls on July 4, said Chief Karen Comstock.

 

Students Take Top Awards in National Math Olympiad

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – More than fifty students from Suzanne Middle School joined nearly 150,000 students in the United States during the 2017-18 Math Olympiad.

 

The annual contest enables “mathletes” to challenge themselves and to compete against other students nationwide.

 

Math Olympiad is comprised of five monthly contests held from November through March, each containing five high-level math problems.

 

For the first time ever, Suzanne 7th and 8th grade students scored in the top 10% of all teams in their division nationwide earning a highest team achievement award.

 

The 6th through 8th grade students also competed among schoolmates during nationwide challenge.

 

Eighth grader Joshua Hsu earned the title of top school winner with a perfect score of 25. He was awarded the individual George Lenchner Award of Excellence.

 

Additionally, Joshua received a 1st place trophy and gold pin signifying his outstanding top 2% in the nation score.

 

Seventh grader Chandrark Mudddana took the 2nd place award and silver pin for scoring in the top 10% nationally.

 

Eighth graders Daniel Ji and Deven Tseng tied for the 3rd place award scoring in the top 10% nationally.

 

The top 6th grade winners were Lucas He and Louis Xie, both scoring in the top 10% nationally. They earned 1st place trophies and silver pins.

 

Second place winners Adora Ma and Harris Song also scored in the top 10% nationally and earned silver pins.

 

Phillip Chen took the 3rd place award and recognition patch for scoring in the top 25% nationally.

 

In addition, several 7th and 8th grade students were honored for their high scores.

 

Serena Huang, Benjamin Jin, Lewis Lui, and Kevin Yu scored in the top 10% nationally and received silver pins.

 

David Hu, Bella Liu, Andrew Shi, Max Eibert, and Eric Wang scored in the top 20% nationally and received silver pins.

 

Oscar Chen and Siarra Huang scored in the top 25% nationally and received patches.

 

Allison Lin and Joseph Shen scored in the top 30% nationally.

 

Jayaraman Donath, Kevin Zeng, Matthew Carreon, Andrea Florendo and Ella Lin scored in the top 40% nationally.

 

Megan So, Andrew Wang, and Aaron Zhang scored in the top 50% of the nation.

 

Several 6th grade students were recognized for their high scores.

 

Andrew Qi, Nathan Chung, Aidan Do and Eric Tsou scored in the top 40% nationally. Vito Lin and Lorraine Wu scored in the top 50% nationally.

 

Congratulations Suzanne Middle School students and coach Amy Erickson.

 

Capt. Goodman exits, Walker enters

Photo: Twitter.com
Captain John Walker is a member of the California Association of Tactical Officers and he holds a Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Supervisory Certificate, a POST Management Certificate and Role of the Police Chief, among his accomplishments

Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Captain Darren Goodman, chief of police for Chino Hills, will retire from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department after 27 years of service. He will move down the road a ways to become the Chief of Police for the city of Upland.

His last day on the job in Chino Hills will be Friday, July 6.

The former lieutenant at the Highland Police Station, John Walker, has been promoted to captain and will take command of the Chino Hills station on Monday, July 9.

Captain Goodman said the job at Chino Hills challenged him to be a better person and officer every day. He said he was welcomed and supported by residents and city leadership from day one and quickly learned how engaged and passionate residents were about their city.

Goodman always took pride in meeting the expectations of the community to keep Chino Hills one of the safest cities in the state. He praised the sheriff’s department’s men and women of the Chino Hills Police Department for making his job a whole lot easier.

Goodman said he would miss all of them and the great working relationships with city employees.

Incoming Captain Walker began his 21-year career with the sheriff’s department in 1997 during his time he has worked patrol, narcotics, gangs, internal affairs, and SWAT.

He led one of the tactical teams that was mobilized during the Christopher Dorner manhunt and was in dual tactical command during the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino.

Captain Walker is a member of the California Association of Tactical Officers and he holds a Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Supervisory Certificate, a POST Management Certificate and Role of the Police Chief, among his accomplishments.

The new captain is an avid cyclist and long-time member of the Citrus Valley Velo cycling club based in Redlands.

He is also vice president of the Sheriff’s Athletic Federation; their mission is to promote a high standard of physical and mental well-being of law enforcement officers in the sheriff’s department. This is accomplished through the sponsorship of athletic competition.

Captain Walker lives in Riverside with his wife of four years, Angela, and their blended family.

Walker said he values the concept of community policing and looks forward to collaborating with citizens, business owners, and stakeholders to promote positive police and community relations.

Captain Goodman gave a rave review of his replacement saying a better person could not have been picked for the job.

John Walker will be great fit for Chino Hills because of his integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to community policing. He has in the past done great work forging relationships with the community of Highland, and I have no doubt that he will continue that philosophy here.”

 

5 Transient Women Sexually Assaulted: Suspect Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Pomona – A man who is suspected of sexually assaulting and raping five transient women in the City of Pomona was arrested earlier this week by Pomona Police Detectives. David Tymel Cummings is the 39-year-old transient man who was  arrested for two counts of 261(a)(2) PC- Rape by Force or Fear and three counts of 243.4 PC- Sexual Assault and Battery.

The first of the five incidents showed up on the Police Departments radar in August of 2017. A woman filed a report with the Police Department in which she stated that she had been sexually assaulted. She gave the police a description of the suspect. The next few months four more women came forward with a very similar story and description of suspect. Police believe that all five women had been in or around the Pomona Armory or one of the nearby areas where the incidents had taken place.

A Crime Analyst was able to assist the Pomona Police Department in identifying the suspect when they noticed all five reports filed by the women had a similar suspect description. Upon further investigation Pomona Police Detectives and Officers were able to locate and arrest Cummings without incident. Cummings was booked into the Pomona City Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Board Member Files Claim Against CVUSD

By Anthony Saude

Chino– Some Don Lugo parents say they are satisfied with the way the school and the district handled investigations into sexual hazing incidents last year that involved freshmen on the football team. In Contrast to the statements made by Chino Valley school board member Irene Hernandez-Blair.

The parents speaking at a school board meeting said the school had notified them about the alleged incidents and student interviews were conducted by the district and the Chino Police Department.

Some of those parents also stated that the school offered counseling services to their sons but that their boys did not feel victimized in any way during the incidents. It is alleged the incidents took place over a period of several days in November 2017.

Four community members who do not have children attending Don Lugo spoke in support of Mrs. Blair.

Mrs. Blair announced she could no longer stay quiet about the “egregious acts” and this week told her story to NBC News in Los Angeles. The news station broadcast a video of an incident that appeared to show a student being held down by other students.

The students in the video were clothed and their faces were blurred.

Mrs. Blair told the media that “flesh to flesh contact” had also occurred.

On June 12, Blair filed a claim against the school district on behalf of her son, a member of the freshman football team last year.

The claim alleges sexual assault, humiliation, emotional distress and sexual harassment.

Sexual assault, by definition, places a person in fear of imminent sexual contact or sexual battery.

Sexual battery, on the other hand, is the physical sex act. Mr. Prince, Mrs. Blair’s attorney declined to answer if any physical contact was alleged in the claim.  It was reported that he said In this case there was not intercourse but there were clear victims and perpetrators.

After the investigations by the district it was recommended by the district’s human resources department that head football coach Greg Gano be terminated immediately.

At public meeting held on a February 15, the Don Lugo football community convinced the board to keep the coach. Mrs. Blair recused herself because of a possible conflict of interest.

Mr. Prince, Blair’s attorney said that parents were led to believe that Mrs. Blair was critical of the coach because her son was not given sufficient playing time in games and that the district allowed that perception to take root.

Their claim is that this was not being handled at all and was being swept under the rug and a false narrative was being perpetrated by the district. Mr. Prince also filed a claim June 12 on behalf of Corina Talamantes and her son, another Don Lugo student and a member of the freshman football team last year. The claim alleges sexual assault, humiliation, emotional distress, and sexual harassment.

The claims submitted by Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Talamantes seek an unspecified amount in damages and settlement demands.

The board rejected the claims and referred them to the district’s insurance carrier.

 

Diamond Bar Restaurant Closed By Health Board

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Cockroach, dirt and debris found near hanging ducks at Diamond Bar restaurant, and other health inspections in the San Gabriel Valley

Not only did a health inspector find numerous live and dead cockroaches during a visit to a Chinese restaurant in Diamond Bar, she also discovered filthy conditions and shut it down.

Facilities are graded with a number and letter score much like school report cards.

When a Los Angeles food facility is temporarily closed for a cockroach, rodent, or fly infestation, sewage problems, or for not having hot water, the facility loses seven points in addition to the four points deducted for major health violations. At the point of discovery of two major health hazards occurring concurrently, the facility loses an additional three points in its inspection score. Results like those will usually result in loss of passing grades (perhaps from A to B or A to C).

In contrast to the County of Los Angles Public Health department, the Pasadena health agency does not issue grades but rather one of three placards to each establishment: “Pass,” “Conditional Pass,” or “Closed.” The city does deduct points the same way the county does, but if an inspector determines a closure is warranted, the facility loses 26 points automatically.

The inspector, employed at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department paid a visit to Jade House Seafood & BBQ on June 18. She noted on a report filed with the agency that there was cockroach infestation as well as several other health code violations. The duck roasting station itself was noted for having:

One adult cockroach (living)

A heavy build up of dirt and debris on the shelf and cooking equipment

An employee’s hot beverage

There was also a lot of dust, debris and dirt on the fan being used to cool the hanging ducks. The restaurant received a score of 76 and was shut down. As of publication, it had not been allowed to reopen.

Slippery Stickers

By Mark Hopper

Recently I took one of my grandchildren to one of my favorite fast food restaurants.  She loves the french fries and I love the burgers.  Yummm!

 

The nice lady at the cash register took our order and then handed a page of stickers to my granddaughter.  This small page of stickers keeps the younger customers busy while the burger and fries are being prepared.

 

However, this small page of stickers was actually slippery.  I know that sticky and slippery are opposites, but this page of stickers kept getting away from us.  It started when we stopped at the Ketchup dispenser to fill up some small cups with Ketchup to use on our French fries.

 

After we sat down at a table, I noticed that the page of stickers was missing.  Where did it go?  It seemed like it had just slipped out of her hands. I retraced our steps and discovered we had left it by the Ketchup dispenser.

 

We really did enjoy my hamburger and her french fries.  They were a tasty treat.  But, as we got up to go back to our car, I noticed that the stickers were missing again.  Where did they go this time?  I glanced back to where we were sitting and saw them on the floor under our table.  I was able to go back and rescue our slippery stickers again.

 

When we got home, my granddaughter proudly showed my wife her sticker page.  We encouraged her to take them home and show them to her parents.   When our daughter picked up our granddaughter, I made sure that the stickers got into their car.

 

However, the next day, the slippery stickers were missing again.  My granddaughter thought she had left the stickers at our house, but I was sure I put them in their car.  Later in the day, our daughter called to say that the stickers were found on the floor at their house.  They really were slippery stickers!

 

I don’t know what slips through your fingers or what you tend to misplace, but I think there are a lot of “slippery” things in each of our lives. Some people misplace their cell phones.  Other people can never find their car keys.  My wife seems to frequently misplace her glasses. All things that we use and take for granted.

 

I’m guilty of the same thing.  I often can’t find my wallet or appointment book.  I can’t remember where I put them down and I have trouble finding them, too!  They are almost as slippery as those stickers!

 

There is an account in the Bible where an axe slips out of the hands of a worker and sinks to the bottom of a stream.  The axe was borrowed and the borrower was responsible to return the item to its owner.  You would be surprised at how God restores the slippery axe to the one who borrowed it in Second Kings 6:1-7.

 

My suggestion is that you keep a close eye and a tight grip on those things that really are valuable.  Hold your loved ones tight and keep your friends close.  Don’t let them slip out of your life.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Strong Feather

By Mark Hopper

I have probably written about this in the past, but I was reminded of it again when my wife and I were in Arizona recently.

 

My wife and I grew up in the Phoenix area in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  We actually met during our freshman year at Scottsdale High School.  We have many fond memories of Arizona and it is nice to go back to visit family members and reconnect with old friends.

 

Early one morning, I went for a walk along some green belts that meander through the neighborhood where we were staying.  These tree lined concrete trails are perfect for bicycles and casual walkers.

 

These paths are peaceful and relaxing teeming with birds and other wildlife as they enjoy these shady areas too.  The desert Doves sing in the early morning and there are usually cotton tail rabbits enjoying the abundant grass.

 

Other people get up early to enjoy the cooler morning air and take their pets for a walk before it gets too hot.  Daytime temperatures were over 100 degrees when we were in Arizona. One day the temperature reached 109!

 

My favorite sight to see on my early morning walks was the Gamble Quail.  They are very graceful with their slim size and red top knot on their head.  One morning, I saw a mommy Quail escorting 2-3 small babies as they crossed the path in front of me. I think they were looking for breakfast.  Those little ones looked so tiny but they kept up with their siblings as their mother watched over them.

 

One of the reasons I love the desert Quail is because my father wrote a book about a family of Quail in Scottsdale.  When he jogged along the canal bank years ago, he observed the activity of a covey of Quail near a horse corral.  The Quail were always busy in the early morning and early evening, but they sought shade and shelter from the hot desert sun during mid-day.

 

His book is titled, “Strong Feather – The story of the last Covey in Indian Bend Wash”. Strong Feather is a young Quail who goes from childhood games to leading the covey to safety as urban sprawl threatens his family’s survival.  Children and adults enjoy the adventures of Strong Feather and his fellow Quail.

 

Radio personality Paul Harvey actually featured the book at the end of one of his daily broadcasts. Paul Harvey shared that when he was in the 3rd grade, his teacher read a few pages from a good book at the end of every school day.  He liked “Strong Feather” so much that he said, “Every third-grade teacher must share this book with her last class of the day”. I agree!

 

Whenever my wife and I see a Quail, we think of my dad.  He worked as a writer for several newspapers, UPI and a large bank in Phoenix.  His typing skills transferred well into being a telegraph operator in World War Two. He was a writer at heart. Maybe that is why I am still writing today. It must be in our family’s DNA!

 

Next time you see a Quail in your travels, I hope it will put a smile on your face.  If you need a good book to read to your children, you might look on line or at your local library for a copy of “Strong Feather” by Richard Hopper.  You will be glad you did and I will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Sunday services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Harkins Alcohol Sales Being Appealed

Photo: ibetar.info
Two members of the Chino Hills city council, Art Bennett and Ray Marquez are not on board with the decision. They have asked for an appeal of the planning commission’s decision to allow the sale of beer and wine at Harkins Theatre

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– The Chino Hills planning commission approved a conditional use permit, earlier this month that would allow alcohol sales in a 20-seat bar area located in the lobby that will replace the arcade games.

Two members of the Chino Hills city council, Art Bennett and Ray Marquez are not on board with the decision. They have asked for an appeal of the planning commission’s decision to allow the sale of beer and wine at Harkins Theatre on Chino Avenue at the 71 Freeway.

The appeal hearing will take place during an in council chambers session at the next council meeting.

Beer and wine are classified as fermented beverages and not liquor. It was previously reported that Harkins was planning to sell liquor but have changed their tune and assure the Council that only beer and wine will be served.

A Harkins representative informed the commission that only beer and wine would be served, even though the conditional use permit stated liquor would also be served, according to community development director Joann Lombardo

Councilman Bennett said in a statement that he is concerned that drinking will take place in a setting where small children may be in the audience.

He says he isn’t against drinking but like some he feels it’s inappropriate for families going into a theater where beer and wine sales are taking place.

Patrons would be allowed to take their alcoholic drinks into the movie theaters but there is two-drink maximum allowed for safety purposes.

Harkins representative Alex Verkruijsse told the commission that there will be trained management staff monitoring the auditoriums in 30 minute intervals. Extra security will be provided on the weekends by guards that have law enforcement backgrounds.

The commission has been informed that the food menu will be expanded to include pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and other food items.

 

 

Suzanne MS Students Join Special Olympics

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Blue Ribbon Day! Four Suzanne Middle School student-athletes participated in the Special Olympics Southern California held May 18 at John Muir High in Pasadena.

By Kelli Gile 

WALNUT – Four Suzanne Middle School student-athletes participated in the Special Olympics Southern California held May 18 at John Muir High in Pasadena.

 

Several months before the games, the children began training with adapted physical education (APE) teacher Greg Sasaki.

 

“Preparing is its own challenge,” said special education teacher Melanie Kobayashi.

 

The children had to learn that the very loud sound from the starter pistol was the cue to begin racing.

 

“Loud sounds can be very disturbing to people with autism and the students had to get accustomed to that and react appropriately,” she explained.

 

The racers learned how to take their place at the starter line and run in the lane, focusing on themselves, not the stranger competing next to them, all the way to the finish line.

 

And they had to do it with hundreds of unfamiliar faces around them in a place they had never been before.

 

All four students participated in either a 25-meter walk or run earning the highest reward – a 1st Place blue ribbon.

 

They also received green participation ribbons in the softball throw event.

 

To prepare for the ball throw, they had to learn to step and throw overhand from behind the line.

 

“They were amazing!” Kobayashi shared.

 

“It was a lot of work and they made us very proud!”

 

Walnut Valley Tapped For New National Award

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Walnut Valley Unified School District will be honored with a new national recognition as a Schools to Watch District on June 30.

 

The award celebrates Walnut Valley’s dedication to providing an exemplary educational experience for students.

 

In the past two years, all three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – earned the prestigious Schools to Watch designation for demonstrating academic excellence, responsiveness to the needs of young adolescents, and social equity.

 

These model schools have been recognized at the state and national level and have become examples for middle schools across the country.

 

Walnut Valley is among only eight school districts in California and 17 in the nation that have earned this distinction.

 

“This is truly a compliment and a reflection of the commitment, dedication, and pride that all of our teachers, classified employees, support staff, administrators, board members, and personnel commissioners have placed in our 15 schools and our wonderful school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

The Schools to Watch District award will be presented by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform in Washington D.C.

 

Sexual Hazing at Chino High School

Photo: anapr
Students at Don Lugo High School in Chino were accused of sexually hazing other students in a classroom that was not being supervised by a teacher.

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Students at Don Lugo High School in Chino were accused of sexually hazing other students in a classroom that was not being supervised by a teacher.

A student caught some of the incident on video. The video shows two football players holding another player down on the ground while simulating sexual acts.

In the video everybody is clothed, but Irene Hernandez Blair says there have been other reports that the alleged assaults were even more graphic.

Some of these reports state that was actual flesh to flesh contact. Blair is not only a parent of one of the alleged hazing victims; she is also a Chino Valley Unified School District Board member. Blair spoke about these reported incidents at a recent board meeting on June 14.

“These are the facts: Egregious acts took place while the kids were unsupervised,” she said in a recording of the meeting.

She said she was notified by the school superintendent and other board members last November about several videos showing football players performing lewd acts on other players, including placing genitals on students.

“I wanted parents to be advised that their sons were being interviewed and the reason as to why,” she said.

The school board decided not to inform the parents what their children were being questioned in reference to the incidents. Technically the school board doesn’t have a legal obligation to notify parents that any students were even being interviewed, much less about what.

Chino police have been contacted and the incidents are currently under investigation.

Blair said the school district conducted their own investigation and human resources recommended terminating head football coach, Gred Gano, for leaving the class of students without any adult supervision.

But school board members voted in favor of the coach without any disciplinary action whatsoever.

Blair recused herself from the vote because her son is an alleged victim.

It was reported that four students were expelled and a 14-year-old boy has been cited by Chino police.

Two of those students were eventually reinstated and one was allowed back on the football team.

Should Coach Gano have been held accountable?

The school district released the following statement:

“At Chino Valley Unified School District, the safety of our students is our highest priority. At this point, we cannot comment on pending litigation.”

 

Artificial Turf Installation At Grand Avenue – Park Lighting Affected

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Tennis court lighting and walkway lighting at Grand Avenue Park will be off from Monday, June 18 to Monday, July 9 during electrical work that is required for the installation of artificial turf. Lighting on the basketball courts and hockey rink is not affected. Trails adjacent to the park will be gated at dusk due to the reduced lighting.

The $2.4 million project will mean less down time for maintenance, and more playing time on the fields. The turf is provided and installed by FieldTurf USA, Inc. It comes with a 10-year warranty. According to City staff, the product has a patented drainage and layered sub-system with an enhanced volume of infill which has been proven to reduce the potential for injuries.

The turf’s new and improved blades of grass have earned the industry’s highest quality certification rating issued by the nationally accredited testing
firm, LaboSports. “Players will appreciate the new “Cool Play” infill, which is the top layer of infill that holds the blades of grass in place,” said Jonathan Marshall, Community Services Director. “It reduces surface temperatures by over 30 degrees.”
Work is progressing quickly with the goal to be ready for soccer season.