Category Archives: News By City

Mt. SAC Honors Student Awarded $40,000 Scholarship

By Mike Taylor

Photo courtesy: Mike Taylor Mt. San Antonio College student Kristin Ho was selected to receive the 2016 Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship

Photo courtesy: Mike Taylor
Mt. San Antonio College student Kristin Ho was selected to receive the 2016 Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College honors student Kristin Ho is one of only 75 community college students selected from a pool of over 2,000 applicants across the nation to receive the 2016 Jack Kent Cooke Transfer Scholarship. Ho’s selection marks the fourth time in the last 10 years that Mt. SAC students have been named for this prestigious scholarship.

A Pomona resident, Ho, 24, was awarded a scholarship valued at up to $40,000 annually, which she will use to continue her education next fall. She will transfer to Mount Holyoke College majoring in art history and philosophy. Ho will graduate from Mt. SAC this June with a degree in art history and a 3.64 GPA.

“Kristin has worked hard both academically and as a student leader on campus,” said Mt. SAC Student Services Vice President Audrey Yamagata-Noji. “It’s a very prestigious honor to be selected for this scholarship. Kristin is very deserving and represents the best that community colleges have to offer.”

Ho was instrumental in founding the Roosevelt Institute at Mt. SAC, which promotes progressive policy ideas and leadership. At the college, she has been fundamental in inspiring her fellow student to become engaged in policy research and analysis at local, national, and international levels.

The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program was designed to help community college students with exceptional promise and demonstrated financial need make the transition to four-year colleges and universities. It is the largest private scholarship in the nation for community college transfer students. Recipients are eligible for graduate school scholarships as well.

Every year, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selects high-achieving, low-income students from community colleges for scholarships that provide funding for tuition, room and board, fees and books. Since 2000, it has awarded about $147 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students and $90 million in grants to organizations that serve outstanding low-income students.

DUI Suspect Arrested For Domestic Violence And Possession

Staff Reports

Chino Hills- On Friday, May 20, Deputies responded to a domestic violence call in the 4000 block of Willowbend Court in Chino Hills, where the suspect allegedly assaulted a victim.

A description of the suspect’s vehicle was aired and the deputies quickly located the vehicle. The suspect, Zachary Stephens, 25, led deputies on a short pursuit where he failed to stop at a signal light on Soquel Canyon at Slate Drive. Stephens, of Chino Hills, was driving speeds of up to 50 miles per hour in residential streets, according to the Chino Hills Police Department.

Stephens was arrested on Slate Drive at Copper Road and then was booked at West Valley Detention Center for felony evading, domestic violence, possession of illegal narcotics, and driving under the influence of drugs.

ACI Institute: Unique Lesson Plans And Test Prep

By Racine Guajardo

Caption: ACI Institute is located at 660 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite 168. You can visit their website at www.studyforcollege.com or call them at (909) 860-9345. Also, see their ad in the Weekly News.

Caption: ACI Institute is located at 660 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite 168. You can visit their website at http://www.studyforcollege.com or call them at (909) 860-9345. Also, see their ad in the Weekly News.

Diamond Bar– ACI Institute is a learning center that provides after-school enrichment in English and Math for students in grade levels 2nd– 12th. They offer weekend classes for SAT, PSAT, ACT, and Writing.

The in-house team of ACI has created challenging, original materials to ensure that each child is learning what he/she needs to succeed on their road to higher education. Each classroom is equipped with smart board technology to bring lessons to life and increase interactivity within the class.

Teachers on staff are college educated, experienced professionals with a passion for teaching. Director of ACI, Diane Sartor, has served as director and curriculum coordinator since 1993. She has been teaching since 1989, majored in English and French, fluent in mandarin Chinese and, also involved in Motivational speaking for Educational Seminars. Sartor has stated, “my personal goal is to inspire students to embrace challenge and find joy and self-worth through achievement.”

“An education should foster students’ intellectual growth along with their social and emotional development. Our classroom environment is educational, yet fun and motivates student to excel in school.” Discounts are available for school-year programs and for returning students. All students in grades 2-12 are encouraged to walk-in for a free test evaluation and consultation. Currently, a full 10-week summer school program that begins June 6th is available.

ACI is serving the communities of Diamond, Bar, Walnut, Pomona, and surrounding communities with their Weekend Programs at 660 N. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite 168. This new location is equipped with a rest area for student snack time and security cameras throughout the facility to ensure that your children are learning in a safe and comfortable environment. Major cross streets are Diamond Bar Blvd., just north of Sunset Crossing; entrance is at the back of the building on the first floor.

You can visit their website at www.studyforcollege.com or email office@aciprep.org . You may also call them at (909) 860-9345.

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

Staff Reports

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

 

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in air conditioning and heating, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analyses, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.  They are also committed to the community.  Owners Jason and Athena Hayes have lived in Eastvale for over seven years, and as homeowners, they love to see Eastvale flourish. Advanced Improvements has been the platinum sponsor for the Eastvale Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournaments, and they will continue to invest in the City and support its growth.  Make sure to ask about their $500 discount coupon for Eastvale residents only.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761).  Their office is located at 1200 North Barsten Way, in Anaheim, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at www.AdvancedIMP.com, and see their ad on page 4.

Let’s Talk STEM!

Maple Hill PLTW classes enjoy engineering day with Cal Poly students

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Maple Hill PLTW students use engineering skills to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Maple Hill PLTW students use engineering skills to build spaghetti and marshmallow towers.

Diamond Bar – Cal Poly Pomona Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Women in Engineering (WE) students recently spent a day with 200 Maple Hill Elementary students to talk about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and how it relates to everyday life.

The college students visited 4th and 5th grade classes for 10-minute presentations about engineering and a spaghetti tower challenge.

The youngsters raced to build the “strong and tall” structures using dried pasta, with tiny white marshmallows as the “glue.” They quickly demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and creativity skills to successfully work with the fragile materials.

“We worked together to find lots of ways to solve the problem,” said 4th grader Joshua Chan.

“Engineering is hard, but fun too!” added classmate Leah Owens.

The Cal Poly visitors worked alongside the elementary students during the activity.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Cal Poly Pomona Women in Engineering and Project Lead the Way visit Maple Hill Elementary for a day of STEM education.


Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Cal Poly Pomona Women in Engineering and Project Lead the Way visit Maple Hill Elementary for a day of STEM education.

“It was very inspiring to see the frustration during the building turn into excitement when a free-standing structure was achieved,” Cal Poly student, Teresa Rodriquez, commented.

“We went to the school to help the students understand how engineers play a role in society, and to help them experience the process through a hands-on learning experience,” added another visitor, Jonathon Roberts.

Maple Hill launched the innovative PLTW program at the beginning of the school year, with kindergarten through fifth grade students immersed in robotics and engineering projects.

“It was a great day and our students enjoyed it a lot,” said kindergarten teacher Lisa Esse.
“We are hoping to continue and build our partnership with Cal Poly so that next year the engineering students will be coming on a regular basis.”

“I am glad to see both girls and boys so interested in STEM, and can’t wait to see the big creations their little minds develop in the future,” said Rodrigue

My Favorite Mother-in-Law

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, my wife’s mother died in Arizona.  She was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on August 20, 1924.  She was 91-years-old.

I always called her my favorite mother-in-law.   Actually, she was my only mother-in-law.  My wife and I have been married for 45 years, so she has been my mother-in-law for all that time!

She was a remarkable woman.  She was born during the “Roaring 20’s” and lived through the Great Depression in the 1930’s.  After earning her nursing degree, she worked at a hospital in Washington, DC during World War II.

After the end of the war, she married my father-in-law and they settled down on Long Island, New York in the first modern subdivision called Levitown.  It was a futuristic master planned community filled with returning veterans and their brides.

This young couple was also part of the post-war “Baby Boom”, having four kids in New York and a fifth child after they migrated to Scottsdale, Arizona.

My favorite mother-in-law was a stay-at-home mom who was actively involved in the lives of her five children.   When the kids got into high school and college, she became a school nurse and enjoyed helping young students at the local elementary school.

My in laws enjoyed their retirement years and traveled to Europe and the British Isles several times.  One of their favorite trips was to Ireland because she had Irish roots.  Her maiden name was Gallagher!

My wife and I enjoyed some memorable times with her parents.  We traveled with them to San Diego on several occasions.  And, we will always remember a special trip with them to Hawaii.

I was surprised at how many people attended her memorial service.  There were many former neighbors and friends in attendance, plus many family members.  Almost all of her grandchildren came, too.  She had five children, 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.

There were also a number of our high school friends and former classmates at the service.  They considered her to be their adopted mom, too.

Let me encourage you to take time this week to express your love and appreciation to an older adult in your life.  Why not put a note in the mail or pick up the phone and make a call?

Tell them how much they have meant in your life.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

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.

DB City Council Recap

City Council Approves Large Lists of Items

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – The May 3 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with a special presentation to Team Evergreen for winning the Odyssey of the Mind at the state level. During the public comments, a representative from the Diamond Bar public library announced several upcoming events that will be hosted by the library and are free to attend.

The schedule of future events was read, including the traffic and transportation commission meeting on May 12 at 7 p.m. and the next City Council meeting on May 12. The Planning Commission meeting on May 10 was cancelled.

The Council then approved the following items: City Council minutes of April 19; ratification of check register amounting to $944,587.43; the Treasurer’s statement for the month of March 2016; awarding a contract to Architerra Design Group, Inc. for the design of construction documents for Peterson Park Tot Lot for $21,020, appropriation of $21,020 of a Park Development fund for this work, plus the design of fourteen information panels for the City’s trails for $8,000; award of contract to Western Audio Visual, Inc. for a new projector and screen at the Diamond Bar Center; a resolution declaring the City’s intention to levy and collect assessments for landscape district no. 38 and direct the City Clerk to advertise the public hearing to be set for the regular meeting on June 21; approval of a contract amendment with Hardy & Harper Inc. for three fiscal years for on call public works maintenance services specific to asphalt pavement, sidewalk, curb & gutter and striping maintenance; and a resolution accepting a quitclaim deed and irrevocable offer of dedication from the Walnut Valley United School District for Public Uses Specific to Larkstone Park and Larkstone Drive.

Many residents protested the final item on the consent calendar, approval of the final tract map for the subdivision of an 80 acre site into 48 residential lots, located directly south of Rocky Trail road and Alamo Heights Drive, and West of Horizon Lane within the gated community of the Country Estates in the City of Diamond Bar. However, the Council also approved this item, to follow accordance of state law.

Following individual Council member reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on May 12, at 6:30 p.m., at 21865 Copley Dr.

Design-A-Sign Contest Winners Honored

City of Chino Hills

Photo courtesy: City of Chino Hills Top row (L-R): Myra Zhan, 12th Grade, Ayala High School; Sophia Yujin Yang, 11th Grade, Diamond Bar High School; Ashley Robles, 8th Grade, Canyon Hills Junior High; Joshua Chou, 7th Grade, Chaparral Middle School; Jason Goo, 6th Grade, Hidden Trails Elementary; Audrey Han, 5th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Priyasha Panigrahi, 6th Grade, Country Springs Elementary; Bottom row (L-R): Derek Yang, 4th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Zoe Villegas-Kellerman, 3rd Grade, Litel Elementary; Jay Bhullar, 2nd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary; Annie Kung, 1st Grade, Eagle Canyon Elementary; Emma Shiozaki, Kindergarten, Wickman Elementary School; Ethan Hsiao, 3rd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary

Photo courtesy: City of Chino Hills
Top row (L-R): Myra Zhan, 12th Grade, Ayala High School; Sophia Yujin Yang, 11th Grade, Diamond Bar High School; Ashley Robles, 8th Grade, Canyon Hills Junior High; Joshua Chou, 7th Grade, Chaparral Middle School; Jason Goo, 6th Grade, Hidden Trails Elementary; Audrey Han, 5th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Priyasha Panigrahi, 6th Grade, Country Springs Elementary;
Bottom row (L-R): Derek Yang, 4th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Zoe Villegas-Kellerman, 3rd Grade, Litel Elementary; Jay Bhullar, 2nd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary; Annie Kung, 1st Grade, Eagle Canyon Elementary; Emma Shiozaki, Kindergarten, Wickman Elementary School; Ethan Hsiao, 3rd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary

Chino Hills – The City of Chino Hills 16th Annual Water Conservation Design-a-Sign Contest had a total of 606 entries. Local kids designed water conservation signs to promote water awareness and to help them learn about the importance of water, the Earth’s most precious natural resource. This year’s theme was “Catch Those Drops, Don’t Let Them Get Away.”

Three grand prizes were awarded. Ethan Hsiao, a 3rd grader from Rolling Ridge Elementary won a Kindle Fire HD with 8” display; Priyasha Panigrahi, a 6th grader from Country Springs Elementary won a Lexibook 7 inch Laptab Android computer; and Myra Zhan, a 12th grader from Ayala High School won an Acer Aspire 15.6 inch laptop. All winners received a water conservation backpack filled with little gifts. Mrs. Stuchura, a 5th grade teacher at Butterfield Ranch Elementary School, had 100% classroom participation and won a $100 gift card to Staples.

Winning posters have been made into permanent water conservation street signs and are on display on streetlight poles along City Center Drive at the Chino Hills Government Center. The signs will also be moved to the winning students’ schools before they are permanently installed at various locations throughout the City.

Volunteer judges included Robert Gannon, Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Gary G. Larson, Planning Commissioner; Bill McDonnell, Public Works Commissioner; Cheryl Yeamans, Public Works Department; and Kelly Bracamontes, a volunteer with the chARTS committee; Katie Plank and Andrea Carruthers, Inland Empire Utilities Agency; and Ric Welch, Jurupa Community Services District.

 

Chino Hills Student Finalist In Music Center’s Scholarship

CVUSDCiRJItBUoAALwL8

Chino Hills– Chino Hills High freshman Ria Aldachi, who is enrolled in Chino Valley Unified School District’s virtual high school online program, has been named a Grand Prize Finalist in the Los Angeles Music Center’s 28th annual Spotlight awards program.

Ria is one of 14 student artists from Southern California to receive the honor and a $5,000 scholarship. She was one of two students named a finalist in the ballet division. Other categories in the contest included acting, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental, and jazz instrumental.

The finalists, who were selected by a panel of judges, will perform June 11 at the Spotlight Grand Finale Performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Approximately, 1,100 participants auditioned for Spotlight this year. In February, Ria was selected as one of the 111 semi-finalists from Southern California. Semi-finalists attended master classes with highly regarded artists, and were offered feedback on their performances. Each semi-finalist also received $300.

Numerous Spotlight participants have gone on to successful professional careers, according to the Los Angeles Music Center. Among those artists are pop recording singers Josh Groban and Adam Lambert; and Misty Copeland, who made history as the first African American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre.

Women Arrested For Possession

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Last Thursday, two women were arrested for possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia in the City of Chino Hills.

According to Deputy Brian Arias, at approximately 7:49 p.m. on May 12, the Chino Hills Police Department conducted a traffic stop at Slate Dr. / Cooper Rd. A Black Dodge Durango was stopped for committing several California Vehicle Code violations.

The occupants of the black Dodge Durango were identified as Lara Adams, 28, and Debra Jauregui, 39. Inside the vehicle, deputies found several pieces of stolen mail, credit cards, and personal information not belonging to either of the women. Burglary tools and drug paraphernalia were also in their possession. In addition, Adams had an active warrant for her arrest.

Authorities suspect that Adams, of West Covina, and Jauregui, of Ontario, were in Chino Hills to commit thefts. Both Adams and Jauregui were arrested.

The Chino Hills Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this case contact the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team: Maria Colombi or Brian Arias at (909) 364-2000. If you would like to remain anonymous, you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Walnut City Council Recap

Many Thanks Given At Council Meeting

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The May 11 Walnut Council meeting began with several presentations. The first of which was presented to the 2nd grade Rookie All-Star team for placing first in the NJB Championships, followed by the 5th & 6th grade boys team, who were undefeated for ten games. Next, Claudine Stines was recognized as the Older American of the Year for 2016. The Council thanked her for her many years and constant efforts to better the City, volunteering her services and being an active resident of the City. The Council then thanked West Coast Arborists for their work on maintaining the City’s greenery. West Coast Arborists gave their own presentation on drought resistant trees and other landscaping tips. Finally, Carol Anne Hagele presented information from the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control, urging residents to remove still pools of water, as they provide mosquito breeding places.

During oral communications, residents of the Three Oaks neighborhood complained of burglaries in the neighborhood. Residents called for more security from police, and a gate to keep suspicious persons out.

Following a public hearing, the Council approved a resolution regarding lighting and open space maintenance district assessments. The Council also approved all items on the consent calendar, including: a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $490,018.61; a resolution acknowledging and confirming a court order in the matter of Los Angeles SMS, a limited partnership DBA Verizon Wireless vs. the City of Walnut; adopting a measure limiting the number of terms a member of the City Council may serve; a professional services agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. to prepare an environment and technical studies for the proposed 49 acre site specific plan; final acceptance of tract no. 73294; a revision of the fixed capitalization policy; a new website policy for the City of Walnut website; a request from Walnut Youth Softball for two additional tournaments; and the Mayor’s Agency Representatives appointments to fill vacancies.

Finally, after individual reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on May 25 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

IE News: Litigation Threat Changes EV Elections

By Raymond Mendoza

Eastvale– Changes are in store for Eastvale for the upcoming November elections, as the Eastvale City Council recently voted to change its “at-large” system of city council elections to “by district” – meaning that council members must be elected from certain geographic areas within the city.

While the vote was 3-0 in favor of the change during a council meeting on April 27 (Councilmember Adam Rush was absent) the council members noted their decision was only made to appease litigation threats made by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

According to Attorney Betsy Martin, the City of Eastvale received a letter from the group in April stating that they would sue the city if Eastvale did not switch to “by district” elections in time for the November 2016 election. The group claimed that the City of Eastvale’s current election system is violating the California Voting Rights Act of 2002.

According to a statement issued by the city, Eastvale is not the only city being threatened with litigation. Inland Empire cities such as Rancho Cucamonga, Wildomar, Hesperia, Chino and Upland all received the same demands regarding by-district elections.

“We recommend that you do (change to “by district” elections),” said Martin. “No city has ever successful defended a voting rights challenge.”

Martin went on to discuss how the California Voting Rights Act of 2002 is intended to ensure that “protected groups” – such as minority races – have their voting rights protected. Martin mentioned that the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund was alerted due to the efforts of an unknown Eastvale community member.

“Rather than spend a lot of money on fighting something that will certainly be a losing proposition, we suggest you go forward and draw your own districts as rapidly as possible,” said Martin.

During the June 2010 Eastvale incorporation election, 54 percent of the voters were in favor of “at-large” elections – which allowed anyone who lives within the city to run for city council. “By district” only received 27 percent of the votes.

Council Member Clint Lorimore voiced his distaste for the election changes, stating that breaking the city into districts would accomplish very little since there is no major racial divide from one area of Eastvale to the next.

“I want to express my frustration with this process,” Lorimore said. “I believe that we in Eastvale are a homogenous community. We’re not broken into specific areas where one ethnicity lives. It is not going to be helpful, in my opinion, for our city to do this.”

To push these changes ahead at an accelerated rate, city officials hired the National Demographics Corporation to study the city’s population and prepare draft plans for the proposed districts that also meet legal requirements. The draft of proposed districts will be available to the public this month on the city’s website and residents are also encouraged to voice their opinions concerning the new districts during its upcoming public hearings on May 11, May 25, and June 8.

Politics Over Dinner In Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

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

The cost to attend is $25 and it includes dinner. The social gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner will begin at 7 p.m.

The dinner will be combined with the Puente Hills Republican Women, Federated. The guest speaker will be 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.

This event is open to the public and open to any political party. “Come join us and get up to date on California politics!” said the newsletter.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Trisha at BrahmaMama1@aol.com.  If you make a reservation and find that you won’t be able to attend, you may also email Trisha to let her know.

May 2016 SGV News

2016-05-SGVNews-COVERSGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2016-05-SGVNews-WEB

Suzanne Mathletes Win Gold

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Suzanne Middle School MATHCOUNTS coach Amy Erickson congratulates gold medal winners Tyler Xu, William Lin, Darren Chen, and Clement Chan.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Suzanne Middle School MATHCOUNTS coach Amy Erickson congratulates gold medal winners Tyler Xu, William Lin, Darren Chen, and Clement Chan.

Walnut- The Suzanne Middle School MATHCOUNTS team won a dozen gold medals during this year’s L.A. County Math Field Day on April 30.

Team members are eighth graders Darren Chen, William Lin, Tyler Xu, and Clement Chan.

Over 30 school districts from across the county sent teams to the event, which was held at Glendale High School. The competition has a new format which focuses on Common Core mathematics curriculum and teamwork.

Students worked together in teams to solve problems and explain their understanding.  Teams were graded on mathematical knowledge and judged on group interaction and collaboration.

Suzanne’s MATHCOUNTS team took the top prize in both the Problem Solving and Conceptual Understanding categories. They also took home a teamwork participation medal.

“It was a very exciting and rewarding day for our mathletes,” said coach Amy Erickson.

 

 

Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu At Sampa

Sampa LogoBy Racine Guajardo

Walnut- Right here in Walnut, people are discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most proven and effective ground-fighting and self-defense martial art: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sampa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy not only teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but kickboxing and fitness boot camp classes are also available for adults and kids. However, their main focus is developing values, self control, and self discipline.

Owner and teacher, Renato Migliaccio, goes by “Professor Renato” at Sampa.  With over 22 years in teaching and over 30 years of experience in this field, he encourages to spread the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to as many people as possible in order to affect their lives and their community in a positive way.

In addition, Sampa’s culture is different than other martial arts places. “Every place caters to what they like the most, but here we are like families, training together, and doing effective martial arts in a safe environment,” said Migliaccio.

The passion that Professor Renato has for this field has encouraged him to continue his education so he can teach and help others. He has obtained a bachelors degree in physical education, many certifications in the field and industry, 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 3rd in Judo, and he is a former MMA pro fighter.

When asked if there was anything he would like his customers to know, he states, “Yes, that many people underestimate martial arts due to the many martial arts studios that are too profit oriented. But the essence of martial arts is the priority here: education and self discipline.”

Sampa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is currently offering a $99 trial for 4 weeks special, which includes a uniform. You can visit Sampa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 18856 Amar Road Suite 4 in Walnut. They are located between Francesca Dr. and Amber Valley cross streets. You may also call them at (626) 238-3309. Further information is available on their website at http://www.sampabrazilianjiujitsu.c

Mt. SAC Students Named To State Academic First Team

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College students Jacqueline Yu and Hung Pham are two of the 93 community college students throughout the state recently selected for the 2016 All-California Academic teams, chosen by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society.

These students represent some of the best of the 2.8 million students enrolled in California’s community college system.

Yu and Pham, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, received medallions during the Community College League of California’s awards ceremony held recently at the Sacramento Convention Center. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service.

Yu, 18, is a communication major and carries a 4.0 GPA. She was selected for the All-California Academic First Team. As a Walnut resident, she is the president of the PTK chapter at Mt. SAC, a member of the speech team, and recently received the Bovero Top Speaker Award as the outstanding speaker in a national speech competition. At Mt. SAC, she also has worked on the student newspaper, assists the student government as a tour guide, and helped found the campus Performing Arts Club. She will be honored as one of Mt. SAC’s Students of Distinction this year. In the community, she volunteers as a youth leader for Rowland Heights Community Christian Church, Azusa Pacific Lighthouse, and Lucky Puppy Rescue in Hollywood. She plans to transfer to UC Berkeley or Bradley University in Illinois as a double major in communication and acting. She wants to eventually become a communication professor.

Pham, 20, is a mechanical engineering major and carries a 4.0 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic First Team. As a Chino resident, he is a student government transfer committee representative, a member of the Math and Engineering Club, and a member of the Vietnamese Association of Students on campus. He also will be honored as one of Mt. SAC’s Students of Distinction this year. He plans to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona as a mechanical engineering major and plans to become an engineer.

There are 31 first-team, 31 second-team, and 31 third-team winners.

Man Arrested For Attempted Robbery/Kidnapping

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – A Chino Hills resident was arrested last week for attempted robbery and kidnapping at a local Rite Aid.

On Sunday, May 8, a suspect entered the Rite-Aid off 4200 Chino Hills Parkway and allegedly demanded drugs from the attending pharmacy. The suspect demanded OxyContin, Suboxone and other prescription drugs, while threatening to use a gun to hurt someone if he did not get them. Chino Hills Police say that the pharmacy technician refused to give the suspect the drugs, so the suspect “jumped over the counter and chased her into a restroom,” according to a news release.

Then the suspect grabbed the pharmacy technician by both arms and “forcefully pulled the pharmacy technician to the pharmaceutical area,” said the news release. The Store Manager attempted to intervene.

Instead, the suspect held the pharmacy technician’s hands behind her back and ordered the Store Manager to give him all the drugs. The suspect threatened to hurt the technician if the Store Manager did not comply.

“After a brief standoff, [the suspect] released the pharmacy technician unharmed, and fled the store,” said the Chino Hills Police Department.

After the suspect left the store, Deputy D. Emery of the Chino Hills Police Department apprehended him within a block of the scene of the crime, according to Chino Hills Deputies.

The suspect was identified as John C. Annabel, 29. The Store Manager confirmed that Annabel was the man who entered the store and Annabel was subsequently arrested.

If you have any questions regarding this case, contact Deputy J. Patrick at (909) 364-2000.

DBHS Announces New Volleyball Coach

Staff Reports

Photo courtesy: DBHS Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Photo courtesy: DBHS
Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Diamond Bar– Diamond Bar High School recently announced their new Head Volleyball Coach, Katie Swetnam.

“We are excited to welcome Katie Swetnam back to Diamond Bar High School,” said Athletic Director, Kevin Ferguson in a news release. “Coach Swetnam is a young, enthusiastic coach who has instant rapport with our student-athletes based on her collegiate playing experience. We expect she will provide stability to our volleyball program and begin the process of building the kind of success we expect to see at Diamond Bar.”

Swetnam is a first-year Spanish teacher at DBHS. But she is also a Diamond Bar graduate. She graduated in 2009, after she led the Brahmas to a league championship in 2008 and was named 1st Team All-League and Offensive MVP in volleyball.

“Swetnam continued on to play Division 1 collegiate volleyball as a full athletic scholarship recipient at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she lead her conference in blocks in the 2011 season,” according to DBHS.

Swetnam was also named the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year after she had two shoulder surgeries; she came back strong and became team captain in 2012. After earning her degree, she started coaching club volleyball. She also became the DBHS Varsity Assistant last season, under Becky Bevans.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Diamond Bar volleyball program,” said Swetnam. “I’m looking forward to getting in the gym right away in preparation for the upcoming season.”

 

Man Killed By Freight Train

Staff Reports

Walnut – A man was killed by a freight train on the border of Walnut and City of Industry last week.

On Saturday, May 7 at about 7 a.m., a Union Pacific train approached a man on a set of train tracks near Lemon Avenue and Lycoming Street.  The personnel conducting the train sounded the horn and applied the brakes, but the train could not stop in time, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.  The train hit the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s name or age has not been released.  An autopsy will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.