Category Archives: News By City

IE News: Man Hit by Metro Link Train

Staff Reports

Fontana– A man was hit by a Metro link train on June 6, at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Officers responded to the call in the area of Palmetto and the railroad tracks south of Arrow Blvd; calls reported that a person was hit by the Metro link train.

According to Fontana Police Department, “Witnesses told investigators they observed a 41-year-old male subject calmly walk over to the tracks and lay down on them as a Metro Link train approached.” The man was struck by the train and died from the injuries sustained.

This case is currently under investigation and being treated as a suicide.

Once the family members have been notified, the identity of the man will be released by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) has the following information on knowing what do if you see someone about to commit suicide and possible warning signs:

Know What to Do:

Stigma associated with mental illnesses can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about mental or emotional issues and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting those help and preventing suicide.

If You See the Warning Signs of Suicide:

Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with some mental illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seek professional help. Questions okay to ask:

  • “Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?”
  • “Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life?”
  • “Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?”
  • “Have you thought about what method you would use?”

Please visit www.save.org to learn more information, however also calling 9-1-1 immediately is a beneficial way to help prevent a tragic suicide.

National Night Out Registration Open

Staff Reports

Chino – A kick-off meeting will be held on Monday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue. Previous National Night Out Team Captains as well as prospective participants are encouraged to attend.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community
partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

Registration is now open for the 2016 National Night Out event taking place on Tuesday, August 2 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you or your community would like to participate in the event, please contact us to obtain a registration form.

If you have any questions regarding the event, would like to obtain a registration form or would like to RSVP for the kick-off meeting please contact Olivia Applegate at 909-334-3087 or email oapplegate@chinopd.org. You can also visit the website at www.natw.org for further information.

Chino PD DUI Checkpoint Results

Staff Reports  dui+checkpoint2

Chino – Chino Police Department conducted a DUI checkpoint June 10 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the 12300 block of Mountain Avenue.

Out of the 870 vehicles to drive through, 2 arrests were made for DUI, 12 citations for driving while suspended/unlicensed, 6 vehicles were towed, and 6 other citations were given.

Chino PD remains committed to keep drunk drivers off the street and also encourages people to look for alternate ways of transportation if they know they will be drinking.

From a recent article in http://www.quitalcohol.com, millions of people worldwide drive after drinking. Many say “What’s the harm, I got home safely and no one was hurt?”  Just because you made it home without an accident does not mean that you’ve made a right decision. When putting those keys in the ignition and driving away after drinking you are not only putting your life at risk but also risking the lives of all those you come across while driving. For more information, further read “The Dangers of Drinking and Driving” and how you can make a difference at http://www.quitalcohol.com.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Safety Administration.

 

U.S. Black Belt Center

By Racine Guajardo  

U.S. Black Belt Center is located at 20781 Amar Rd. Suite 7, Walnut, CA 91789. Cross streets are Amar and Grand Ave, next to Verizon. You can also visit their website at www.BBCblackbelt.com or call them at 1-888-763-0222.

U.S. Black Belt Center is located at 20781 Amar Rd. Suite 7, Walnut, CA 91789. Cross streets are Amar and Grand Ave, next to Verizon. You can also visit their website at http://www.BBCblackbelt.com or call them at 1-888-763-0222.

Walnut – “The average person does not earn a black belt. We take the average person and allow them to discover that they are way more than average!”

At U.S. Black Belt Center you can be assured that all students will learn.

The martial arts have become a leader in bringing families together in an era when individual family members seem to be doing their own thing. Martial arts offers you an opportunity to share the benefits of training with those you love, while developing important quality-time together. And although you work towards your Black Belt together, each member of the family will also discover a valuable personal benefit from his or her training.

For children, following instructions will become second nature. This is a huge plus for any child who has ever taken martial arts, as well as for the parents! If your child has trouble following instructions, this alone is reason enough to give the program a try.  A sense of respect will be instilled in your child. Although martial art is a contact sport, respect is ALWAYS the most important principle enforced. Your child will develop a love for self-respect followed by a desire to respect others – EVEN when this respect is not reciprocated. The desire to succeed will manifest itself. For loving parents like you, being able to see your children do well in life is truly the greatest reward that you can hope for.

Unfortunately, many kids today not only lack the desire to succeed, but also the self-confidence and belief that they can accomplish anything they set out to do. No parent wants to see their child have a low self-esteem at such an early age.

The great thing about this martial arts program is that it’s not only designed to teach your child how to defend themselves – it also boosts confidence and self-esteem.

Success in martial arts does not require athletic skills. However, through your training, you will develop key characteristics to enhance your athletic skills for other sports of interests. Benefits such as better hand/eye coordination, endurance, and physical fitness can help you improve in any sport.

And even more importantly, U.S. Black Belt Center programs are good for all ages, genders, fitness levels and abilities.

During the summer, students and their families have the opportunity to travel to Asia. The package includes meals, tour, transportation, hotel and Taekwondo activities.

To get further information or where to register you may call 1-888-763-0222, visit in person at 20781 Amar Rd. Suite 7 Walnut, CA 91789. Cross streets are Amar and Grand Ave, next to Verizon. You can also visit their website at www.BBCblackbelt.com.

Local Politics Over Dinner A Success

Staff Reports Cover--Republican-Women's-Dinner6-WEB

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Republican Women Federated (DBRWF) hosted a dinner and social gathering on Thursday, May 26. The event took place at the Diamond Bar Golf Course/Country Club, located at 22751 E. Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar.

The cost to attend was $25 and it included dinner. The social gathering started at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner began at 7 p.m.

The dinner was combined with the Puente Hills Republican Women Federated. The guest speaker was the Chairman of the California Republican Party, Jim Brulte.

“Jim will no doubt have some great insights for us, having just held the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame last weekend,” said a DBRWF newsletter.

It was an honor to have Jim Brulte as a special guest speaker at the event. He has many accomplishments such as; Chairman of the CA Republican Party in March 2013, 14 years in the CA State Legislature, recent Senate Republican Leader, joined CA Strategies to head up the IE office, and completed a term as a member of the Board of Visitors of the US Naval Academy.

Brulte has focused a lot of his efforts on education, regulatory reform, crime reduction, and common-sense legislation representing the IE to improve California’s business climate. He had been described as “arguably the most powerful elected Republican in California.”

This event was open to the public and opened to any political party. The newsletter encouraged anyone to attend and become up to date on California’s politics.

For future events, if you would like to attend, please contact Trisha at BrahmaMama1@aol.com.

Brahma Science Bowl Team Competes In DC

By Kelli Gile   

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar High took 3rd-place awards in their division at the 2016 National Science Bowl. Shown: Advisors Jose Marquez and Latitia Thomas, with students Brandon Hung, Jeff Chow, Miriam Sun, Leslie Sim, and Ben Chen.

Diamond Bar High School Jose Marquez, coach, Latitia Thomas, assistant coach, Brandon Hung, Jeff Chow, Miriam Sun, Ben Chen and Leslie Sim of Diamond Bear, CA, pose for a team photo during the 2016 National Science Bowl competition, Thursday, April 28, 2016, in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jack Dempsey, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science)

Diamond Bar—A stellar group of Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) students took 3rd place in their division during the 2016 National Science Bowl held this month in Washington, D.C.

DBHS team members Miriam Sun, Jeff Chow, Leslie Sim, Ben Chen, and Brandon Hung qualified for nationals after winning the regional competition in February.

The academic competition tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics, with more than 14,000 students from across the country participating in the bowl each year.

“Our students played brilliantly, showing strong competitive spirit, and sportsmanship,” said science teacher Jose Marquez, who coaches the team with math teacher Latitia Thomas.

Teams face off in a fast-paced format as they answer questions about biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math.

After getting off to a slow start and losing the first two rounds, the Diamond Bar students regrouped and won six consecutive rounds by impressive margins.

In the exciting last round, while down 14 points, DBHS buzzed in and answered the final question, along with a bonus question, earning the needed points to end the game in a tie.

“I have never been more proud to be a Brahma!” said Marquez, adding that DBHS, one of the largest public schools at the competition, was just one point away from moving on to the next round. “Our students achieved academic success while competing with class and poise. They left an indelible mark at the event.”

The National Science Bowl was created in 1991 to encourage students to excel in math and science and pursue careers in those fields. The two seniors on the DBHS team are doing just that.

Next year, Miriam Sun will study biology at Caltech, while Jeff Chow plans to focus on bioengineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“Attending the National Science Bowl with some of Diamond Bar’s best and brightest was definitely a highlight from high school!” Chow said.

 

Diamond Bar: Free Vacation Home Checks

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar– Going on vacation this summer? The City of Diamond Bar encourages you to call Diamond-Bar Walnut Sheriff’s Station and add them as part of your pre-travel preparation.

The Sheriff’s Station will be offering free vacation checks for the days you will be out of town, which includes a Sheriff’s Deputy or trained Volunteer Patrol member who will perform a security inspection outside of your home. They will do inspections including: checking the doors and windows for signs of forced entry, and collection and disposing of unsolicited commercial flyers lying on the driveway or porches.

The Sheriff’s Station also suggests other ways to further protect your home while you are away including: postponing the delivery or your mail, have one of your neighbors pick up your mail or newspapers to prevent it from piling up, and installing exterior lights that operate on a dawn-to-dusk, or timer function to create the illusion that you are home.

You may contact the Sheriff’s Station to learn more about this service or request a vacation check by calling (909) 595-2264. You may also go in person by visiting the Sheriff’s Department at 21695 E. Valley Boulevard in Walnut.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 6.18.16

2016-Jun18-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format:2016-Jun18-Weekly-WEB

Law Enforcement Torch Run

Staff Reports Torch-Run-WEB

Chino– On Monday, June 6, Officers from the Chino Police Department (Chino PD) and California Institution for Men (CIM) partnered to participate in the “Flame of Hope” Special Olympics Torch Run. This is an annual event that Chino PD personnel support.

The torch exchange took place at Ramona Avenue and Chino Hills Parkway, started at approximately 1 p.m. when the Chino Hills Police Department passed it onto the Chino PD and CIM. Officers ran the torch north on Ramona Avenue, east on Philadelphia Avenue, north on Monte Vista Avenue, to Phillips Boulevard, where it was then passed on to the Montclair Police Department.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run was created in 1981, and has grown to involve more than 85,000 law enforcement officers. The event is part of a larger worldwide spectrum, the officers and athletes run the torch to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympic competitions, state, and national games. For children and adults with intellectual disability, Special Olympics offers free year-round athletic training and competition opportunities. Their focus is to help them become physically fit to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

Applications For Family Festival

Staff Reports

Walnut– Early Bird Discount Ends June 23 for The 2016 Walnut Family Festival that will be held October 8 at Suzanne Park.

You may obtain the application online at http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us (keyword: Family Festival) or you may also contact the Walnut Community Services Department at (909) 598-5605 and have the application mailed to you.

The following is available for booth applications:

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Business Expo
  • Community Awareness (for non-profit and community service groups)
  • Game Booths (for non-profit and community service groups)
  • Family Festival Parade

Stay Connected with the City of Walnut and be a part of the Walnut Family Festival today!

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar High School senior Tony DiDonato signed to play soccer at California State University, San Bernardino.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar High School senior Tony DiDonato signed to play soccer at California State University, San Bernardino.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar—Three talented Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) athletes have been recruited to play sports in college.

Senior Tony DiDonato, 17, will continue his successful run on the soccer field next year at California State University, San Bernardino.

“I’m happy and can’t wait to join the program!” he said during a scholarship signing celebration last month.

A Brahma team member all four years, DiDonato most recently captained the league championship team with one of the best records in school history.

Along with being a leader, DiDonato is also known for the versatility of being able to handle every offensive and defensive position.

“When I first started playing, I was always a forward, then on club I began playing on defense,” he explained.

DiDonato began playing indoor soccer at four-years-old in Diamond Bar, graduated to AYSO, and has played on Legends for the past seven years.

“I’ve been wanting to play college soccer since I was 10-years-old; it’s a dream!”  he said.

He has an interest in pursuing criminal justice and business in college, and maybe one day going into law. “My mom’s a lawyer; it might just fit in with the family name!”

But for now, you can bet that being on the soccer field is Tony DiDonato’s favorite place to be.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Centerfielder Keola Viloria received a scholarship to play baseball at University of Antelope Valley.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Centerfielder Keola Viloria received a scholarship to play baseball at University of Antelope Valley.

“There’s such a rush of adrenaline and emotion, especially when you play with teammates that you love. There’s nothing else like it!

 

 

Centerfielder Keola Viloria, 18, received a scholarship to play at University of Antelope Valley.

Viloria played Brahma baseball all four years, securing his first varsity start during sophomore year.

He picked up a baseball glove before starting kindergarten, and never put it down.

“When I’m out there (on the field) all worries just go away. It’s my getaway zone!” he commented.

“I love baseball! Every single team I’m on those guys become my brothers!”

Safety Connor Donohue, 17, will play football as a preferred walk-on at Colorado State Un

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar High School senior Connor Donohue has committed to play football at Colorado State University.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar High School senior Connor Donohue has committed to play football at Colorado State University.

iversity.

 

“I’m really excited to be on the team,” said Donohue, who goes off to camp to begin training on June 13, which just happens to be his birthday.

Donohue didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year because before that he was focusing on soccer.

But it was a foregone conclusion that someday, he would end up picking up a pigskin.

“My dad was a big Cowboys fan and we always watched football,” he said. “So, I always knew I was going to play!”

He made the varsity team his sophomore year.

Donahue plans to major in business administration or mechanical engineering.

 

 

 

 

Chino PD Arrest Homicide Suspect

Staff Reports 

Photo Courtesy City of Chino

Photo Courtesy City of Chino

Chino–On Sunday, June 5, Chino Police Investigators arrested Alejandro Delacruz, age 33 of Chino, for the murder of missing person Jorge Romo, age 35 of Eastvale.

Romo’s family reported him missing on May 28, and he was last seen on May 26, following a fight with the suspect Alejandro Delacruz at the 8000 block of Pine Avenue. The fight wasn’t reported to the Chino Police Department until June 1. Detectives issued missing persons under suspicious circumstances crime bulletin after a preliminary investigation. During the investigation, Detectives discovered the suspect had struck Romo multiple times with an unknown weapon.

According to reports, Delacruz fled the scene and Romo was also unable to be located. Witnesses were interviewed and detectives determined Delacruz placed Romo’s body in his pick-up truck and dumped it at an unknown location.

Workers in the area of the 16600 block of Hellman Avenue located Romo’s deceased body in a field on Saturday, June 4, just before 3 p.m.

With continued investigation, detectives located Delacruz hiding in a resident in the 17300 block in the City of Fontana. On June 5, he was arrested at the West Valley Detention Center for murder.

The motive for the homicide is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

IE News: Reckless Chase

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy of Murrieta Police Department

Photo Courtesy of Murrieta Police Department

Murrieta– The California Highway Patrol (CHP) attempted a traffic stop on June 1, observing a silver Nissan Versa traveling southbound on I-215 with speeds of up to 80 mph. The suspect was later identified as David Brown, 25-years-old, and resident of San Bernardino.

As the driver of the Nissan Versa was exiting Murrieta Hot Springs Road, he failed to yield and accelerated, driving erratically and performing several illegal maneuvers in attempt to elude the CHP Sergeant. The driver then started traveling the opposite way on Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

CHP sergeant lost sight of the vehicle after it pulled into a business parking lot on the corner of Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Alta Murrieta Drive.

Together, the CHP and Murrieta Police Department units pursued the Nissan Versa as the driver continued driving in a reckless manner. The suspect entered a dead end area, making a U-turn in attempt to continuing fleeing officers. CHP utilized legal intervention to terminate the pursuit for driving and safety concerns of the community.

The vehicle became disabled, Brown was taken into custody and booked at Southwest Detention Facility for two counts of felony evading, two no bail warrants for possession of a stolen vehicle and violation of probation.

 

Nominate A CH Hero

Staff Reports Hero-WEB

Chino Hills– The Los Angeles County Fair is accepting nominations through July 1 to honor the selected Chino Hills residents at Chino Hills Day at the Fair on Friday, September 23.

Two categories have been made for nominations, one for adults and a youth for under the age of 18.

For information on how to nominate a deserving resident, please visit their website at http://www.chinohills.org/CommunityHero to download the 2016 Community Hero nomination form. The form, once complete, should be mailed directly to the Fair at the following address: L.A. County Fair, Attn: Shanell Fuquay, 1101 West McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91748. The form may also be faxed to (909) 629-2067, or emailed to Fuquay@fairplex.com.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Relations Division at (909) 364-2618.

 

CH Residents Invited To Free Attorney Advice

Staff Reports

Chino Hills- If you are a Resident of Chino Hills, you are invited to attend a free Legal Aid Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 16 at the Chino Hills Community Center.

The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino will be providing legal services to low income residents throughout the County for a variety of civil cases for qualified residents. The legal consultations will consist of a broad spectrum of legal issues as well as affordable access to the legal system. As a resident, you may receive help with document preparation, step-by-step instructions to facilitate requests for court orders, and help with navigating the court system.

The Legal Aid will allow residents to get help with lawful orders in parental rights, child and family support, custody and visitation, freedom from domestic violence and civil harassment, prevention of elder abuse, guardianship to provide care and access to health care for minors of absent parents, or conservatorship to provide care and access to health care for dependent disabled adults.

Chino Hills Community Center is located at 14250 Peyton Drive. For additional information about this free event, you may visit the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino website at www.legalaidofsb.org, or call toll-free at (866) 889-7328.

Chair Volleyball Scheduled at Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center

Staff Reports

 

Norco– The Rose M. Eldridge Senior Center will host Chair Volleyball, on Wednesdays, beginning June 1, 2016, Noon to 1:45pm. Chair Volleyball is played with a beach ball and is great for all ages, but practically perfect for seniors! FREE for ages 50 and better!

 

Using badminton net, and a beach ball, this lively game is growing in the Southern California area. Come and be part of this fun fitness trend. It’s a great way to get some exercise!

 

Come by the Rose N. Eldridge Senior Center at 2690 Clark Ave. Norco, CA. 92860 and give it a try! For ages 50 and better! A minimum of 6-10 players are needed.

 

For more information, please call (951) 270-5647.

 

 

Chino Man Sentenced In Human Trafficking Case

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino County District Attorney

Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino County District Attorney

Chino– A Chino man was sentenced to state prison on Thursday June 2, for sex trafficking an 18-year-old victim. James Anthony Otis, 36 years old, was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The victim was originally from Michigan, who moved to California and met Otis and his live-in girlfriend Sonya. Sonya was the mother of Otis’ child and also worked as the “bottom” or “manager”. Bottom is a slang word that is used to describe a prostitute who has been with the pimp the longest, who sits atop the hierarchy of prostitutes.

Motel rooms were rented for weeks at a time to work out of, advertising the victim on Backpage.com, and the couple would take the victim to work various areas in Southern California, according to Deputy District Attorney Ross.

Ross said, “During an argument in Hollywood, the defendant yanked the victim by the hair, causing her to fall and sprain her knee.” The victim was treated at a hospital, “He then picked her up from the hospital and took her to his apartment.” Two days later, the victim informed Otis that she decided she wanted to go back home to Michigan. As she was leaving and attempted to walk out of the apartment, Otis was enraged. He told her she wasn’t going anywhere, grabbing her by her hair again, which caused her to fall and reinjure her sprained knee. Then, Otis picked her up and carried her back into the apartment, according to the Police Department.

A friend was called by the victim, and able to contact the Chino Police Department to report that the defendant wasn’t allowing the victim to leave the residence.

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, “This was a collaborative effort between the Chino Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office, with great support from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department High Tech Crimes Division,” said Ross. “In addition to the crime charged, evidence at trial showed James Otis to be a prolific exploiter of young women. His aggravated sentence for human trafficking is justified.”

Otis having a prior strike offense for robbery that was found true, his sentence was doubled from the 20 years for the aggravated sentence for human trafficking to a total of 40 years in state prison.

Turn the Tassels!

Walnut High celebrates 2016 grads

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut High 2016 graduates enjoy speeches during ceremony.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High 2016 graduates enjoy speeches during ceremony.

 

Walnut— Seniors have been waiting for this day for months – graduation. After completing classes and final exams, members of the Class of 2016 proudly donned caps and gowns marking their final chapter in high school.

Nearly 1,400 Walnut Valley Unified School District seniors participated in graduation ceremonies on May 26.

At Walnut High School’s 47th commencement, 654 graduates filed into the Ken Gunn Stadium hoping to get a glimpse of families and friends gathered in the bleachers.

The band played the traditional Pomp and Circumstance march during the processional as each graduate took their place on the field.

“I’m excited, but a little nervous,” exclaimed Marissa Amaya, 17, moments before the ceremony as the seniors congregated in the gymnasium.

“It hasn’t really hit me that I’m leaving, but it’s starting to,” added Austin Si, one of the school’s 15 valedictorians graduating with highest honors. “Walking in tonight and seeing all the blue and white is overwhelming!”

The teens soon settled into their seats ready to listen to parting words from school leaders and peers, before receiving the pivotal symbol of all their hard work – a diploma.

“Having had the opportunity to watch and work with many of you, I can confidently say that you have experienced many positive opportunities to shape a personal pathway that will open many doors in your futures,” said Principal Brandon Dade.

“Dream big Mustangs and do not limit yourselves to one way of thinking, acting, or achieving,” said student speaker Leah Rickard. “This world is gaining 654 amazingly bright and intelligent individuals!”

Senior Grade Level Coordinator Danny Daher advised the class to find the courage to look for opportunities, even during times of struggle.

“Be ambitious, be optimistic, be relevant, be proud, be Mustangs,” he said.

Senior Doris Li shared that there are no set ways to achieve success during her message.

“Uncertainty exists so that we can stumble, take risks, and fall only to get back up again to find our own path in life,” she said.

“Dream big, but be flexible and be prepared for the plot twists along the way!”

The Class of 2016 marked the final moments of their time together with one last Mustang spell out, then turned their tassels and celebrated as fireworks filled the sky.

“Never ever forget where it started – right here at Walnut High, the place we can always call home no matter how far we get with our dreams,” Li added.

Fifty-three International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidates completed the rigorous academic program at Walnut High. The school also celebrated its first class of the IB Career Related/Project Lead The Way Biomedical Sciences Program, and with 46 graduates is one of the largest in the state.

Congratulations to Walnut High Valedictorians: Karim Bourenane, Alison Chang, Michelle Chang, Jonathan Chao, Benjamin Hang, Katherine Lee, Wei Tse Li, Shiyao Liang, Albert Loekman, Yuze Ma, Austin Si, Katie Sun, Derek Wan, Benson Yuan, and Maxwell Zhu.

IB Certificate Candidates: Anthony Aguilar, Maryam Ali, Joy Junyi Cai, Sylvia Cai, Biana Camacho, Lydia Cazares, Armana Chadha, Megan Chan, Adelynne Chang, Crystal Chang, En Chang, Michelle Chang, Natalie Chang, Abinav Teja Chilukuri, Celine Chong, Eric Chong, Anita Chuen, Morgan Gomez, Tiffany Gomez, Joseph Gunawan, Sara Hassan, Sriteja Kankanala, Kevin Kao, Tiffany Kao, Seo Young Kim, Brian Ko, Pei Ting Kuo, Katherine Lee, Alvin Li, Doris Li, Young Li, Nadine Lin, Giuliana Liu, Umanga Liyanage, Cindy Lo, Leroy Lu, Nikita Patel, Salil Patel, Raven Sanqui, Isabelle Thoreau, Justin Tjoa, Amy Trinh, Dalton Trinh, Vincent Tsai, Danny Wang, Tzu Ting Wei, Angel Wong, Kelsey Yim, Daniel Yoon, Samantha Yu, Yolanda Yu, Laura Zhang, and Maxwell Zhu.

IB Career-Related Candidates: Manuel Oscar Almacen, Sean Aquino, Pamella Asnata, Giselle Balanza, Tiffany Casarez, Hui Yi Chan, Thomas Chang, Fiona Cheuk, Kate De Los Santos, Mardy Lindt Fionne Diaz, Ethan Fong, Matthew Foung, Kaitlyn Fujii, Raphael Garcia, Isiah Gawaran, Ibaa Hafeez, JinRun Han, Jedidiah Hu, Daniel Kong, Sai Hao Kou, Seigmund Lai, Stephanie Lau, Dennis Lee, Carol Li, Wei Tse Li, Yun-Chin Lin, Jonas Liptak, Jude Mendoza, Derrick Moon, Nicolas Morales, Michael, Neoh, Petre Quintua, Jonathan Rodriguez, Nikita Rubio, Fernanda Sandoval, Elaine Sun, Maria Chel Sy, Jeffrey Tan, Edmund Tang, Isaac Tang, Sean Tang Wang, Emilio Triguero, Xinyu Wang, Nicholas Wen, Debby Wong, Kristen Yoo, and Gina Zhuo.

At Diamond Bar High School, 739 Brahmas participated in graduation ceremonies at the Walt Holmes Stadium. Congratulations to Valedictorians: Lauren Burdsall, Crystal Chang, Jennifer Chang, Eric Chen, Jeff Chow, Katherine Desmond, Radu Firtat, Ran Gu, Melody Guo, Charlene Hsu, Forest Hu, Ellis Jang, Jung Hyun Kim, Samantha Ku, Andrew Lee, Joshua Lee, Shana Roan, Hsuan-Te Sun, Jonathan Sun,Kathy Tong, Pansy Tseng, Jason Tsoi, Margaret Wang, Ava Wu, Jennifer Wu, Brady Yu, and Alana Zhang. IB Diploma Candidates: Kayley Marie Butler, Eunice Chung, Meanna G. Gray, Karina Kuo, Angela Song, Sara Tran, Song Quan Wang, Ava Yih Shan Wu, and Shunxing Zhang.

Water Worries

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

The night before we were scheduled to leave for an out of town trip, I discovered a major water leak at our house.

Previously, I had told my wife that I thought I heard water running.  We checked all the indoor faucets and the outdoor hoses, but did not see any water running.  But, I still thought I was hearing something.

Since we would be gone for a week or more, I decided to trim the hedge in our front yard.  The hedge was getting overgrown and I wanted the yard to look nice while we were away.

As I was trimming the hedge, I noticed a puddle of water in the courtyard that I had not seen before.  Where was that water coming from?  When I went to investigate, I discovered a major leak in the water main that supplies water to our house.

At first I was aggravated to have a major water problem just when we were getting ready to leave.  But, at the same time I was thankful that we discovered the leak before we left town.  Imagine how much water would have been wasted if the water leak continued for a week or more while we were away!  Imagine how much the water bill might be!

I immediately shut off the water at the meter near the street.  This would prevent wasting any additional water.  However, with no water, there were no showers, no dish washing, and no toilets in operation.

We decided to leave the water off until we returned from our trip.  I was thinking that I could fix the leak when we got back home.

But, how would we water the garden in our back yard?  We had arranged for a friend to water the garden each day, but now the water was off and I did not have time to fix it before we left.

In desperation, I asked a neighbor if we could hook up our hose to his house and run it to our backyard.  This would enable our friend to keep the garden watered until we returned.  Our neighbor was glad to help.

The week went by quickly and our friend kept the garden watered.  When we got home, the plants were alive and well.

As I look back on this situation, I realized that I could be grumpy about the fact that we had a water leak or I could be grateful that we discovered the leak before we left town.  Do you tend to get frustrated when unexpected problems arise or are you thankful that the problems are discovered before things get out of hand?

Everyone has problems in life.  The question is how we view them?  Is your glass half empty or is your glass half full?  Are you grateful or grumpy?  The way we view each situation has a big impact on how effectively we deal with them.

 

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