Category Archives: News By City

Apex Lawyers, Inc.

Law doesn’t need to be complicated

By Claire Lewis 

Apex Lawyers, Inc. is located at 21671 Gateway Center Drive, Suite 108, in Diamond Bar. They can be reached at (909) 860-0342, or visit www.apexlawinc.com for more information

Apex Lawyers, Inc. is located at 21671 Gateway Center Drive, Suite 108, in Diamond Bar. They can be reached at (909) 860-0342, or visit http://www.apexlawinc.com for more information

Do you have a legal issue? Are you not sure where to go or who to talk to? Apex Lawyers, Inc. is here to help you!  Apex Lawyers, Inc. is a full service boutique law firm that strongly believes in forming relationships with its clients by providing the highest quality of legal representation possible.

Located in Diamond Bar, Apex Lawyers, Inc. is conveniently accessible by all major counties including Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino.

Apex Lawyers, Inc. provides a broad range of high quality legal services throughout Southern California.  Their attorney’s engage in the practice of law in the following fields: Real Estate; Business Law; Family Law; DUI; Personal Injury; Civil Litigation; and Immigration.

Apex believes in providing big firm results while maintaining a cost conscientious approach normally associated with smaller law firms.

Shazad D. Omar, Esq., is the managing attorney at Apex Lawyers, Inc. and has experience in a wide variety of legal issues. Mr. Shazad is a graduate of Whittier Law School and prides himself in providing high-quality services to all his clients regardless of the type of issue the client is facing.

Contact Apex Lawyer, Inc. and ask about their free 30-minute consultation to appraise your legal situation.

Apex Lawyers, Inc. is located at 21671 Gateway Center Drive, Suite 108, in Diamond Bar.  They can be reached at (909) 860-0342, or visit www.apexlawinc.com for more information.

CNUSD held 9/11 Remembrance Assemblies

By CNUSD

Photo courtesy: CNUSD School decorated the campus with American flags.

Photo courtesy: CNUSD
School decorated the campus with American flags.

The National Day of Service and Remembrance, also dubbed Patriot Day, is held on September 11th in remembrance of the 2001 9/11 attacks.  Throughout CNUSD schools held assemblies and presentations in honor of the 2,977 people who lost their lives, and the service men and women who sacrificed their lives to help others implemented in the September 11th attacks. Students involved in the boys and girls scouts were asked to wear their uniforms while other students were encouraged to wear red, white and blue to show their respect and support. Students also participated in activities and crafts with their grandparents in order to learn more about the events of 9/11.

Campuses were decorated with flags and posters titled “We Remember” in honor of those to who lost their lives. Some of our secondary schools held assemblies that featured retired service men and women. Students had the opportunity to with speak them, ask questions and learn more about what goes into protecting our country.

While some classes gathered outside their rooms as their choir sang patriotic songs and recited the Official Proclamation from former President George Bush, others told stories of what they were doing on September 11th, 2011. Students also participated in a flag salute and moment of silence led by their principals.

 

Happiness

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

Nancy Stoops

Most people believe that there is a road to happiness.  Most people believe that certain things need to occur to be happy.  Most people spend their whole life on a quest for happiness but never get there.  I believe happiness is a choice.  I believe happiness is a mindset.  I believe it’s about looking at all that is right with your life and being grateful.  If you spend your days always thinking about what your life isn’t or what you don’t have you won’t be very happy.  Now I’m not implying that people shouldn’t dream big and make those dreams come true.  I’m just saying be happy along the way to making those dreams come true.

Happiness occurs every day I have the honor of being alive.  Yes I had a brother that was murdered, a brother that committed suicide and a father that died from Pancreatic Cancer but I am still here for a reason.  I appreciate each and every day I am here and can make a difference.  I appreciate having a healthy body and the ability to work out every day with my amazing dog Midnight.  I appreciate the sunrise and all the beauty that nature has to offer.  I am happiest doing the simple things even though I have travelled the world. Saturdays with my grandson are about horseback riding and swimming and just laughing.  Saturdays make me very happy.  Watching my dog do his happy roll on the grass makes me filled with joy as I see him filled with joy.

I tell myself every day I refuse to let anybody steal my joy.  People might do and say things that could potential steel my happiness but I decide how I want to respond to their words and behaviors.  We are in control of us and how we respond to others.  I wish happiness and joy for all of you every day!!!!!!

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 runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. 

 

Thank a Police Officer Day

Staff Reports
chinopd2-web

Chino- September 17 is the official “Thank a Police Officer Day.” The City of Chino Police Department were celebrated by the outpouring of support from the citizens of Chino and the generosity of the Chino Wal-Mart Store #3464. Multiple cards and goodies were left by citizens, and Wal-Mart brought in cake and goody bags for all the men and women of the police agency. The City of Chino Police Department responded on their Facebook page, “We appreciate you taking time out of your busy Saturday to say thanks!”

Evening Out with Dad: Adams Elementary Holds “Dad’s All In” Event

By CNUSD

Photo courtesy: CNUSD Dad participating in event activities.

Photo courtesy: CNUSD
Dad participating in event activities.

Corona – On September 15, Adams Elementary invited fathers, grandfathers, and other male role models to spend an evening of barbecued burgers and fun activities with their children. This time spent playing and engaging is crucial in the development of every student. The Dads All In event is an initiative put on at school communities that invites fathers (or other male role models) to spend some quality time with their kids. The goal of Dads All In is to increase the contributions of fathers to the well-being of their children by providing them with opportunities to engage with their child academically, socially, and within the community.

Dads and students were treated to burgers as the sun set over Adams Elementary. A photo booth was set up along with a paper airplane table. Dads and kids then got the chance to play together in activities such as an obstacle course, sack races, a pizza box run, and more. Smiles and laughter echoed throughout the late afternoon as dads and kids ran and played together.

The Adams Dads All In evening was lead by Assistant Principal Manny Gonzalez and Russo Vargas, a parent of the school’s community and Dads All In representative.

How About The Angels

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

When we want to change the subject in a conversation in our family, we often use the phrase, “How do you think the Angels are going to do this year”?  This is a little “code” to help us steer the conversation in a new direction when things get a little testy or out of hand.

However, in this case, I really am talking about the Angels.  The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  The baseball team that plays down at the “Big A” off the 57 freeway.

I suppose every competitive sports team starts off the season with high hopes and great expectations.  I’m sure that is true of the owner, the manager, the coaches and the players.

A few years ago, the Angels made the playoffs almost every year.  They were expected to win and usually did.  But, recently, the team has not done as well and many fans are disappointed and discouraged.

There will be no playoffs for the Angels this year.  They are about 20 games out of first place.  There are not enough games left to catch up.  Even if the first place team lost all of the rest of their games and even if the Angels won all the rest of their games, I don’t think the Angels could make the playoffs this year.

However, the other baseball team in Los Angeles is doing pretty well.  In fact, they are currently in first place in their division with San Francisco right behind them.  Go Dodgers!  So how do Angel’s fans deal with this situation?  How should we react to another losing season?

First, we should avoid conversations with Dodger fans.  Fans of winning teams love to ask the fans of other local teams, “How are the Angels doing this year?”   They already know the answer, but they love to rub it in a little.

Second, think about Spring Training.  Baseball will begin again next February.  There is a good chance the Angels will do better next year and they may even make the playoffs in 2017.  Don’t focus on the past, look toward the future!

Third, you may want to buy tickets for next season now.  Since ticket sales have been down this year and since attendance has fallen, you may be able to pick up some season tickets at a deep discount.  It is kind of like the stock market – buy low and sell high!

Finally, never give up hope.  Be loyal to your team – rain or shine, win or lose.  That is what true fans do.  They will be glad you did and you will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.

Exchange Zone Created At Sheriff’s Station

Staff Reports  

Photo courtesy: Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department has created an “exchange zone” for residents who are selling or buying an item from someone they met online

Photo courtesy: Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department
The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department has created an “exchange zone” for residents who are selling or buying an item from someone they met online

Walnut/Diamond Bar-Buying and selling online has become a new trend within social media sites, internet sites, and new apps that have been created. However, reports of thefts have raised an issue with Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department.  Therefore, the Sheriff’s Department has created an “exchange zone” for residents to meet safely while selling or buying an item from someone they met online. The “exchange zone” is clearly marked for either party involved.

Walnut/Diamond Sheriff’s department would like to also note that they “cannot act as official witnesses to any transactions, will not give legal advice, and will not settle civil disputes related to any transaction,” according to a Sheriff’s Department News Release.

If you have any additional concerns or questions, you may contact Captain Jeffrey Scroggin at (909) 595-2264.

Woman Found Dead At Walnut Ridge Apts

Staff Reports

Walnut, CA —Homicide detectives are investigating the suspicious death of 20 something year-old woman, who was found dead at a condominium building of the Walnut Ridge Apartments on Sentous Ave.

The body of Deborah Lagunas was discovered about 5 a.m. Monday in the 3400 block of Sentous Avenue, the sheriff’s department reported. Authorities have not released the name, age or city of residence for the woman who was only described as being in her 20s.

Authorities went to the residence on a 911 call of a woman not breathing, according to reports from the scene. Sheriff’s Homicide Lt. Joe Mendoza said the Police received a 911 call about a person not breathing in the 3400 block of South Sentous Avenue at around 2:30 a.m.

The death was classified as suspicious, in part due to her age, the sheriff’s department reported. An autopsy was pending.

He said a man discovered the body and called police. Mendoza didn’t know if the witness knew the woman. Paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene. Because of her age, detectives are looking into her death.

Mendoza said it is a suspicious death at this point and they are interviewing the witness.

They don’t know the cause of death until the coroner conducts the autopsy, he added. Mendoza said no one has been arrested.

A resident reportedly told media about hearing a man and a woman screaming around midnight or early morning. Mendoza said no one has come forward with that information. He encouraged anyone with information to talk to detectives.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.

It just takes One!

By WVUSD 

Quail Summit third grade students and staff with author Kathryn Otoshi. It just takes One!

Quail Summit third grade students and staff with author Kathryn Otoshi.
It just takes One!

DIAMOND BAR, CA —  Children’s author and illustrator Kathryn Otoshi brought her message of tolerance, acceptance, and kindness to Quail Summit and Castle Rock elementary students last week.

She read from her number books “One” and “Zero” that focus on standing up for each other and making sure everyone counts.

“These stories touch my heart!” commented Castle Rock 5th grader Nicolas Matias after a September 9 assembly.

The simply drawn pictures books feature symbolic characters with layered messages that teach children they can be part of the solution.

In “One,” when the quiet Blue dot is picked on by the hothead Red dot, the other colors don’t know what to do, until number One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count.

“Sometimes it just takes one to make a difference!” the author said.  Otoshi shared that she penned “Zero” to pay tribute to a new classmate from another country that was bullied during the fourth grade.  “I didn’t say anything because I was afraid,” she admitted.

Now, Otoshi circles the country to empower the next generation to become “upstanders” and not bystanders.  “Inside you lives courage and kindness. Don’t be afraid to tell someone in charge,” she urged.

A 15-foot mural was unveiled after assemblies at Quail Summit Elementary on September 8.  The painting features handprints of all 650 students and staff members inspired by Otoshi’s book “Beautiful Hands,” which was co-written with friend Bret Baumgarten who was battling pancreatic cancer.

For three days, artist and former parent, Margot Bloom carefully brushed red, green, yellow, or blue paint on every hand before positioning as leaves on the giant tree.

“The children all understood the connection of what we were creating,” said principal Jeanette Koh, who invited the author to add her handprint to the one-of-a-kind painting.

“It is our hope that the mural will be a ‘living piece of art’ that will inspire students, staff, and parents at Quail Summit to reach out and make a difference in the lives of others,” added elementary learning specialist Leann Legind.

Otoshi told students that Baumgarten would ask his young children “What will you do with your beautiful hands today?”  “If we do something meaningful for somebody we can touch their heart,” she said.  “Make a commitment to doing something kind for someone else. Spirits soar when we put our hands together!”

Ron Hockwalt Academies delivers hope on a daily basis

WVUSD  

WALNUT, CA –Ron Hockwalt Academies (RHA) is creating a learning environment where students can build hope-filled lives.

Through the H.O.P.E. – Heart, Optimism, Personal Responsibility, and Excellence – values program, now in its second year, teens are experiencing the correlation between hope and achievement.

Principal Dr. Donna Hunter introduced the plan that shows how hope, engagement, and well-being are conduits for success (Lopez, 2014).

During a Hope and Freedom assembly held on September 2, students demonstrated what H.O.P.E. looks like in the classroom, break room, lunch area, school office, and community.

“If you see someone sitting alone in the lunch area, sit with them. Be friendly to everyone,” said Mira Del Rosario.

The teens are encouraged to show their H.O.P.E. by being optimistic, honest, respectful, determined, and to strive for excellence.

“Students and staff have collaborated to establish a foundation for our school’s culture,” said grade level coordinator Andrea Garcia.

Representatives from the Army National Guard encouraged students to utilize the H.O.P.E. values in their daily lives.

“Keep looking to the future,” said Sergeant First Class Bradley Logo. “If you don’t know what you want to do right now, don’t give up!”

“Achieve and build yourself up – whether it’s math, basketball, or writing,” said Army Specialist Hector Ramirez. “If you can’t write a paper, go to the writing center or get help from a teacher. And surround yourself with positive people!”

“Give 110% of yourself and you’ll reap the rewards,” added Logo. “It might not happen overnight, but you’ll see the difference.”

During the assembly, RHA celebrated students who demonstrated H.O.P.E. values during a raffle drawing.  A special lunch was donated by Chipotle Mexican Grill in Walnut.

CVMC and Chino PD want your vote!

Staff Reports

Chino- The City of Chino Police Department has partnered with the Chino Valley Medical Center (CVMC) to participate in Medline’s Pink Glove Dance Competition for the third time and has chosen The Let It Be Foundation to receive the award money if they win the contest.

Medline’s Pink Glove Competition is a breast cancer prevention campaign that unites the community, healthcare practitioners and survivors to raise money for a cure and to honor those who have been affected. The original Pink Glove Dance video debuted on YouTube in 2009, where 200 people from Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon danced in support of breast cancer awareness.

Last year, CVMC took first place in the Small Bed Category that brought $10,000 for the win which was donated to Relay for Life. Also, taking a second place win in the School Health category. The Let it Be Foundation was started by the Rosen Family and says, “To understand that when a family is confronted with a life threatening childhood diagnosis, it is just too big to fight alone.” This foundation assists and cares for families who have children suffering through life-threatening diagnosis. Christen Grelling, MSN, FNP, PHN and Interim Chief Nursing Officer of CVMC states, “We are thrilled to dance for a great cause. We want to bring awareness to the survivors, they are our heroes.”

Chino Valley Medical Center and the City of Chino’s Police Department are asking for your help to vote!

Voting began on September 12 and will end September 23. Still time to vote, share, and spread the word!

HOW TO VOTE:

  1. Go to: pinkglovedance.com/videos/2016-video-voting/small-bed and select the Chino Valley Medical Center Video
  2. Verify the email address by clicking on the link sent to your inbox
  3. Vote once a day until September 23!

Top Quality Auto Body Repair and Towing

By J.D. Alberts

California Coach

California Coach

Walnut – For over 25 years, California Coach Auto Collision has served its community with top notch repair and assistance services, reaching from “Diamond Bar to Chino and beyond.”

Under original ownership, California Coach takes great pride in their quality service reputation and understands the importance of automotive safety. Their highly trained, certified mechanical technicians take great care of every vehicle they service.  And with a 16,000 square foot “state of the art” collision repair shop and one acre adjacent storage space, California Coach is well-equipped to take care of all of your auto collision needs, including:

  • Estimating
  • Complete Auto Repair, Auto Body and Paint
  • Frame, Unibody and Metal Repair/Replacement
  • General Repair
  • Refinishing
  • 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance
  • Towing (Light, Medium and Heavy Duty, and Recovery)
  • AAA Battery Service Program
  • Battery Jumps
  • Tire Changes, and much more!

California Coach has earned a reputation for courteous service, high standards, and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings since they opened in 1998.  Most new customers are a result of referrals by happy customers, and this is a standing they don’t take for granted.  They understand the stress associated with an accident or tow, and their goal is to take care of your car and reduce your frustration.  They will work hard to restore your car to its original condition and keep you updated throughout the process; and all insurance claims are welcome.

In partnership with Mercury Insurance Group and Diamond Honda of Puente Hills (as an approved repair facility), California Coach is also ASE certified, and a AAA Roadside Assistance Provider and Patrol.  They are also members of the California Auto Body Association, the California Tow Truck association, and the Walnut Sheriff’s Booster Club.

California Coach Auto Collision is located at 22064 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Body Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can reach them at (909) 595-9448, or (909) 595-6970 for their 24-hour towing service. For more information visit their website at http://www.calcoachautobodytowing.com, or send them an email at info@CalCoachAutoBodyTowing.com.  And see their ad on page 5 of this publication.

County Teachers of Year Selected, To Be Honored in October

By SBCSS

SAN BERNARDINO – Four San Bernardino County teachers of the year have been announced, and the County Board of Education will honor them in October.

The four teachers will be honored during a ceremony on Oct. 3 at the County Schools’ Brier building located at 760 E. Brier Drive in San Bernardino. Each of this year’s recipients also will be honored by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, which is a sponsor of the County Teachers of the Year program.

In addition, this year’s Teachers for Tomorrow participants from the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools’ Student Services also will be recognized.

This year’s County Teachers of the Year are:

  • Kenneth Hall, kindergarten teacher at Chapman Heights Elementary School in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District;
  • Alexis King, English teacher at Ruben Ayala High School in the Chino Valley Unified School District;
  • Heather Lewis, teacher of specialized academic instruction for the Academy of Careers and Exploration and Riverview Middle School in the Helendale School District;
  • Jennifer Nicastro, an English teacher at the Los Osos High School in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.

“Each year, it is gratifying to honor and recognize the terrific teachers who excel throughout our county,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said. “It is inspiring to see the remarkable work they do for their schools, districts and communities on behalf of our students.”

The four teachers were nominated by their individual districts and reviewed by a county panel that made the final selections. This year’s award recipients will compete in the California Teacher of the Year event, which will announce its recipients in the fall.

Following is a biography of each of this year’s County Teacher of the Year recipients:

Hall has 19 years of teaching experience, all of which he has done in Yucaipa-Calimesa. “It is a pleasure to describe the extraordinary impact Ken Hall has on our school community of students, parents and fellow teachers,” wrote Chapman Heights Principal Andy Anderson in the nomination for Hall. He describes himself as the lead learner in his classroom. “I would expect to be held accountable for continuing to learn just like the other learners in my class. As teachers, it is our responsibility to keep up with research and best practices,” he wrote about his teaching philosophy.

As an English teacher at Ayala, King has spent six of her seven years as a teacher in her current position in Chino Valley. Her principal at Ayala, Diana Yarboi, said King’s leadership style and knowledge-base are impressive. “(Our) high school has benefited from her experience, stewardship and dedication,” Yarboi wrote in the nomination of King. As a teacher, King said she continues to grow and develop in her role as an educator. “I am very proud of the collaborative accomplishments within my classroom and the opportunities for students to experience the world,” she wrote in her nomination.

With 18 years of teaching experience, Lewis has filled a variety of roles in Helendale since coming to the district in 2013. She serves in specialized academic instruction in high school grades after previously working in positions from transitional kindergarten to a school administrator. “Heather Lewis is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher and a one-of-a-kind person,” Helendale Superintendent Ross Swearingen wrote in her nomination. She takes great pride in her profession. “The best teachers are life-long learners, and we have to keep learning because in order to be better, we have to know better,” Lewis wrote about the teaching profession.

Nicastro has spent most of her 17-year career in teaching in the Chaffey district, as she begins her fourth year at Los Osos High in Rancho Cucamonga. Chaffey Superintendent Mathew Holton said Nicastro has proven to be one of the district’s best teachers. “Her extensive knowledge of the curriculum is second-to-none, while her passion and enthusiasm for the subject enhances student engagement,” he wrote in her nomination. Nicastro takes pride in challenging her students to work hard. “As a student, you will know you are loved beyond measure, but that love is a tough love that has high expectations,” she wrote in her nomination.

Anxiety and Our Youth

stoops-and-midnight-bw-ORIGBy Nancy Stoops

I have been a psychotherapist for sixteen years and have worked with people of all ages with various issues.  I’m constantly amazed when I have a child or teen brought to me for anxiety issues. We seem to have created a generation that feels very inadequate and struggles with growing up and being successful.  The issues this generation worries about are things my generation didn’t have to deal with.

Our colleges are impacted and hard to get into.  Now kindergarteners have homework and are expected to read and know many more things.  Video games and television are replacing playing outdoors in the fresh air and getting much needed exercise.  This outdoor playing is such a great way to reduce or eliminate stress.  Social media unfortunately has made this generation very lazy and childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise.

As parents and community leaders we have a social responsibility to help this generation find a healthy balance in their lives in every area.  We need to support and encourage our youth.  We need to provide the necessary tools to help them strive to become their best.  We need to have faith in our youth as so many of them are diamonds in the rough.  We need to give them guidance and tools to help them shine and reach their full potential.

We need to teach the teens that problems can we worked through and that drinking and drugs are not a solution.  We need to teach them how to meditate not medicate to quiet their busy minds.  We need to teach them how to relax by finding balance, getting organized, prioritizing and effectively managing their time and communicating what’s working and not working in their lives.  Please don’t assume they are all pot smoking video game playing lazy worthless human beings.  They are just scared and need some help finding their way!

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 runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. 

Artist Corner

Luis Oscar Martinez a.k.a. Knucklehead

By Racine Guajardotattoo-artist-louie-web

Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, Luis came from a big family and was heavily influenced mostly by his Tio Gary who was not only tattooed but would also tattoo on everyone he knew. At the young age of 13, Luis took his Tio’s homemade tattoo machine and started tattooing on his brother and friends. Once his Tio found out about his tattooing, he then started to teach Luis techniques which he has now incorporated into his own style. Luis has now established a successful career as a tattoo artist, working over 20 years in the business. Initially, he started working at a shop, and about 7 years ago has now opened his own shop called Knuckleheads Tattoo, with the recent re-location in Colton, CA.

Luis respects all other artists in the industry, but states, “what makes me different are my social skills, I am not only an artist but also a shrink,” as he smiles, he also says, “I like to help people so it doesn’t bother me to listen.” Luis also tattoos for PINK, specializing in covering breast cancer scars as well.

When asked what he thinks people should know about him, he states, “I think people should know you can’t judge a book by its cover, my cover is decorated and cool.” He has also prided himself in not only being a successful tattoo artist, but dedicated himself to being the best father stating, “They are my life.”

Luis describes his style as being well rounded. He loves to freehand his work as a true artist using the motto, “if you can think it, I can ink it.”

You can find Luis at his new shop, Knuckleheads Tattoo at 1231 E. Washington St. Colton, CA 92324, follow him on Instagram at Knuckleheadtattoo, as well as FB under Louis Martinez.

Flags honor 9/11 victims at Walnut High

9-11-web

Walnut High students display nearly 3,000 flags to mark the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

WVUSD

WALNUT, CA- About a dozen Walnut High students are making sure the school community pauses to remember the 9/11 tragedy this weekend.

Volunteers gathered after school on September 9 to place nearly 3,000 American flags on the front lawn to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

They created the 12-foot-tall 911 and pentagon shaped display with the red, white, and blue patriotic markers.

This year, the United Med club spearheaded the 6th-annual project.

“I felt it was important to continue the tradition of the display,” said senior Evelyn Tantry.

For about an hour, the teens carefully pushed the tiny flags into the grass to honor each life lost during September 11, 2001 attacks.

Several cars honked as drivers gave a “thumbs up” sign in appreciation as they drove past the school.

“I want people to remember that innocent people were murdered,” said junior Derek Wang who was just one at the time of the tragedy.

The flags will be on display at the campus located at 400 N. Pierre Road in Walnut through Sunday.

“We want the community to be able to enjoy it,” said social studies teacher Brett Landis.

Water Conservation Measures

Staff Reports

Walnut- Are you following the water guidelines? Be sure to check out the updated changes that have been made as follows by the Walnut Valley Water District:

Limits on Watering Hours: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Limits on Watering Days: Water or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water is limited to three (3) days per week. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation zones that exclusively use very low-flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than two (2) gallons of water per hour. This provision also does not apply to watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.

Limit on Watering Duration: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas with potable water using a landscape irrigation system or a watering device is limited to no more than fifteen (15) minutes water per day per station.

No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff: Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape, or other vegetated areas in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter, or ditch is prohibited.

No Washing Down Hard of Paved Surfaces: Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to  alleviate safety or sanitary hazards.

Obligations to Fix Leaks, Breaks, or Malfunctions: All breaks, leaks, or other malfunctions in the water user’s plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected and in no event more than five (5) days after receiving written notice from the District is prohibited.

Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including but not limited to any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat, or trailer, is prohibited, except by use of a hand held hose equipped with a self-closing water shut-off nozzle. This subsection does not apply to any commercial car washing facility.

Limits on Watering Following Precipitation/Rainfall:  Water or irrigating of lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area with potable water within forty-eight (48) hours following measurably precipitation is prohibited.

Re-circulating Water Required for Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features: Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use re-circulated water is prohibited.

No Irrigating Ornamental Turf on Public Street Medians: Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians with potable water is prohibited.

No Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems Water Systems: Installation of single pass cooling systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.

Drink Water Served Upon Request Only: Eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel, café, cafeteria, bar, or other public place where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered for sale, will not provide drinking water to any person unless expressly requested.

Option to Decline Daily Linen Services at Commercial Lodging Establishments: Hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments are encouraged to provide customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily.

If you wish to report water waste and unauthorized uses of water, visit Walnut Valley Water District at www.wvwd.com or you can call (909) 348-8228.

Tips From Deputy Meyers

Dear Deputy Myers:

How can I become more involved with my community and the Sheriff’s Department?

Did you know the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has numerous volunteers that assist the department with many different aspects of their day to day operations?  It’s true, and there are hundreds of volunteers department wide that are vital to assisting the department in various ways. Being the volunteer coordinator, as well as many other things, I get to see just how valuable the volunteers are to us every day! I directly supervise the Explorers, Mounted Posse, and Citizen Volunteer Patrol.

Not everyone can be an Explorer (due to age restrictions), and not everyone can be a member of the volunteer Mounted Posse (due to not having a horse), but nearly anyone over the age of 18 can be a Citizen Volunteer. The Citizen Volunteer Patrol meets once a month (the fourth Wednesday of every month) at 630pm at the Jurupa Valley Station. They have the opportunity to work hand in hand with deputies on patrol, assist with major incidents, DUI checkpoints, provide an added level of eyes and ears on the streets, logistics, and assist with community events (just to name a few). The station Volunteer Citizen Patrol helps in the contract cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and the outer lying unincorporated county areas.

If this sounds like something that may interest you and you have the extra time, please come out to one of our meetings, learn about our program, meet some of our current volunteers, and possibly pick up a background packet to get started in something that can provide you with training and a sense of community.

Deanna Myers is the Volunteer and Programs Coordinator for the Jurupa Valley Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that services the Eastvale Police Department.  She has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for about nine years, and most recently was assigned to patrol within the City of Eastvale before moving into her current position where she is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program for the City of Eastvale.

 

South Pointe History Day Team Lauded

WVUSDsp-national-history-day-web

Diamond Bar- Last spring, a foursome of South Pointe Middle School students earned state and national attention with their National History Day project titled “NASA’s Early Manned Missions” exhibit.  The team of 8th grade boys even earned a trip to compete in Washington D.C. as California champions.

Recently, another South Pointe top team that competed during the L.A. County and California History Day events received accolades for their outstanding work.

 Lauren Chen, Fiona Huang, Lindsay Kashiwabara, and Morgan Joe were honored for their documentary on the “Harlem Renaissance: A Revolution of Music and Literature.”

While conducting research, the girls had a unique opportunity to interview the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County president, Bobby McDonald.

He was so impressed with their professionalism and curiosity about the Harlem Renaissance that he requested to see their final product.

Upon viewing the documentary, he was thoroughly impressed by both the quality of the video and the depth of their research.

“He was moved by the fact that students chose to honor Black History and thought it was appropriate to pay tribute to them at the annual banquet,” explained social studies teacher Kevin Duh.

The group of girls, who are now 9th graders, spoke to the crowd of 500 guests during the celebration held at the Disney Hotel on August 20.

Each team member received prestigious county and the state awards.

Additionally, the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County presented a generous $500 scholarship to each student.

 “I am incredibly proud of how each member of the group invested their time and energy to a historical event that is rarely discussed in the classroom. Lauren, Fiona, Lindsay, and Morgan went above and beyond in their project to highlight and honor African American’s contributions to art in pop culture of today. Their work ethic and dedication to excellence is rare to see at this age,” Duh said.

Council Recap

By Tiana Goegebuer

The August 10th, 2016 City Council Meeting was attended by Council members Clint Lorimore, Adam Rush, and Richard (Dickie) Simmons, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Tessari and Mayor Ike Bootsma.

Natalie Diaz, the Student Liaison from Eleanor Roosevelt High School, kicked off the meeting by presenting her report to the Council. She discussed the quickly-approaching first day of school and back to school nights, as well as the progress of the STEM program at ERHS.

In the Public Comment section of the meeting, a representative of Dr. Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School commented on the construction taking place near the campus. He expressed his appreciation to the city for doing a great job working with the schools and construction companies to make after school pick-ups as smooth as possible.

Both items on the Consent Calendar (6.1-6.2) were approved 5-0.

There were no Public Hearings, so the topic moved to 8.1. The Council discussed making recordings of each meeting available to the public via YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud. Recordings of the meetings are currently available on the City website, but the new platform would allow listeners to toggle and listen to the portions of the meetings they would like to focus on, instead of having to listen to its entirety. Meaning, citizens who were unable to attend the meeting physically to would be able to hear the entire thing or just parts of it at their own discretion. The Council approved the use of YouTube as a platform to share the City Council Meetings 5-0.

The City Manager and Staff Members encouraged residents to attend Eastvale Day on September 10th at the LA County Fair. There will be an Eastvale Community Day parade at noon for which Eastvale Dignitaries will be in attendance, along with the 2016 Eastvale Community Hero, Jane Anderson. It was also discussed that the City had received a number of phone calls regarding the dead-end on Riverboat Drive, west of Hamner Avenue. The calls prompted the City to discuss looking into additional options that would alert drivers to the fact that it is not a through street.

The meeting ended with closing statements by the Council members.

The August 24th, 2016 City Council Meeting was attended by Council members Clint Lorimore, Adam Rush, and Richard Simmons, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Tessari and Mayor Ike Bootsma. The invocation was led by Pastor Ed Moreno from New Day Christian Church.

The Public Safety Commission updated the Council on their upcoming projects, which included updates on grant status, construction progress, and a few of the items on their agenda for the coming month. Next, Student Liaison Natalie Diaz gave her report on the events taking place in the local schools. She started by saying that “The school year is in full swing,” and then began listing some of the unique activities that each school will be hosting over the course of the next few weeks.

There were no Public Comments, so the meeting progressed to the Consent Calendar. Item’s 6.1 through 6.8 were all approved 5-0.

The meeting then progressed to the Public Hearings section of the meeting, and item 7.1, the Verizon Cell Tower Appeal, was presented. The applicant, Kevin Sullivan, a Verizon representative, presented the project and the information requested by the Councilmembers at the July 13th meeting. In a PowerPoint, Sullivan presented the design plans for a 50 ft. cell tower disguised as a palm tree that would be built on Grapewin Street. He discussed the improved coverage for Verizon customers that would be a result of the new facility, and said that the tower would not result in any material visual impact. At the request of the Council at the July 13th meeting, Sullivan also presented information on a few possible alternative sites for the facility. After Verizon evaluated the other locations, the conclusion was that from both a technical and planning standpoint, the Grapewin site was still the most effective and would cause the least impact to the surrounding communities. With that, Verizon asked that the City approve their requests to move forward with the project.

With the conclusion of the presentation, Mayor Bootsma opened the floor to comments from the public. Three citizens stepped forward one after another to state their support for the project, followed by three citizens who were opposed to it. Some of the concerns stated by those opposed included the possibility of the tower being a visual nuisance, that the antennas would not withstand the high wind speeds, and that there were better alternative locations available. Sullivan, representing Verizon again, addressed the concerns by saying that the structure would be sound and would look the way it was presented to the Council. After further questions and comments by the Councilmembers, the item was approved 3-2, with Simmons and Tessari voting against it.

Item 8.1 was approved 5-0. The Council then moved to Item 8.3, which was a report on the Roadway Adoption Program’s progress. The program allows local groups, people, and organizations the opportunity to adopt local streets and keep them litter free over a 1-year time period. The responsibilities of the individual or group would be to remove litter 6 times per year and write a report after each clean-up event. After 2 successful clean-up days, the “owner” of the roadway would have their name placed on a recognition sign on that street. Councilman Simmons and a citizen expressed concerns that the program would be used as a commercial endeavor that businesses would use as an avenue for advertisement. The Council voted to approve the draft of the Program 4-0 (Tessari had to step out to take a phone call), as long as the staff looked into ways to prevent the program from being used for advertisements.

The next Item on the agenda, 8.2, opened a discussion about the future of the Eastvale Community Foundation, which recently had 4 officer positions vacated, leaving the Foundation unable to conduct business. As a result, the Council voted to suspend the Foundation, have the City staff take over the books as well as the military banner program, and cancel this year’s golf tournament, and it passed 5-0.

The meeting concluded with closing statements by the City Manager, City Staff, and the Councilmembers. It adjourned at 9:45.