Category Archives: News By City

DBHS Sophomore Wins Holocaust Art Contest

Photo courtesy of Diamond Bar HS Holocaust Art Contest Winner Hailey Shi

Photo courtesy of Diamond Bar HS
Holocaust Art Contest Winner Hailey Shi

Courtesy of DBHS

 

Diamond Bar– On Friday, March 4, Diamond Bar High School sophomore Hailey Shi won 1st place in the annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest held at Chapman University.

Hailey previously won the Holocaust Art and Writing Contest in the Middle School category when she was in the 8th grade.  Earlier this year, she decided she wanted to submit an entry as a high school student.

In order to prepare for the competition, Hailey listened to hours of tape recorded interviews of Holocaust survivors.  She played the recordings in the car as her parents drove her to school and back.  After listening to the horrific memories of a number of survivors, she chose Mr. Sol Liber as the person to whom she dedicated her painting.  Hailey felt a deep emotional connection to the suffering he endured. His memories evoked visual imagery that she created in response to his life story.

The resulting painting is a blend of portraiture, emotional drama, and heart-wrenching imagery.  Hailey is skilled at composition, color, and dramatic lighting.

In partnership with The 1939 Society, one of the largest and most active Holocaust survivor organizations in the United States, and with the support of the Samueli Foundation, Dana and Yossie Hollander and others, the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education annually sponsors an art and writing contest for middle and high school students.
Focusing on themes central both to the Holocaust and to ethical decision making in our world today, the contest gives students from public, private and parochial schools the opportunity to share their creative  works in response to survivors’ oral testimonies.

Representatives and educators from each school attend the awards ceremony, where they meet Holocaust survivors.  First-place student winners, their parents/guardians and teachers are invited to participate in an afternoon conversation, followed by a special event dinner, in Los Angeles with 1939 Society members who are survivors and witnesses to the Holocaust.

 

Ontario City Council Public Hearing on Harvest Power Permit

Courtesy of the guardian

Courtesy of the guardian

By Nicole Leiva

ONTARIO– Harvest Power appealed a conditional-use permit denial at a public hearing on March 1, during the Ontario City Council meeting. Harvest Power, who wants to establish and operate an organic materials facility on 34 acres near the Chino border at Campus and Schaefer, composts green waste, manure, food materials, fats and grease.  Ontario’s zoning administrator turned down the original permit request, and on appeal, the Planning Commission unanimously turned it down as well.  Ontario City Councilman Alan Wapner requested a council review, and Harvest filed an appeal.

Robert Vandenheuvel is the General Manager of the Milk Producers Council, a non-profit trade association representing dairy farmers in Chino, Ontario and Eastvale. He and his members are concerned about the location of the proposed waste processing facility. The designated location for this plant is right next to a newly constructed water treatment facility for the City of Chino. The farmers and residents near the location are concerned about water contamination, increased truck traffic and fire hazards that have become common with green waste processing facilities.

Ten residents and farmers were allotted time to share their concerns about the green waste facility with the council members. The citizens that live and/or work near the designated location spoke of their concerns about the lack of regulations on compost waste facilities, increased traffic, potential water contamination, potential exposure to toxic smells in the air, and potential fires at the waste facility that can spread to the nearby dairies and kill livestock.  There have already been fires at some of the other eight composting facilities in the area.

The Director of Community Development for the City of Chino, Nick Liguori, stated his concern that so far, there have been no environmental studies done regarding the plant. In addition, other representatives from Chino were concerned that the location of the plant will be too close to the newly built water treatment facility. At the very least, the City of Chino said that they would like environmental studies to be conducted before the Ontario City Council approves the contract.

In opposition to those who spoke against the waste processing facility, a representative from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce gave the Chamber’s support for the project. A lawyer for Harvest Power spoke to defend the company and dispute the statements from the residents/farmers.  A representative from Harvest Power spoke during the public hearing and he listed off prestigious awards the company has been awarded, the services they provide and told how the company will develop into a member of the community.

After all the statements, Ontario Mayor Paul Leon was ready to vote to overturn the decision from the Planning Commission, but two council members, Bowman and Avila, were still adamantly against the project, citing concerns about resident and animal safety, increased traffic and potential water contamination.  Councilman Bowman also expressed that because the testimony from the residents/farmers was very compelling, he would be voting against the project. Councilwoman Dorst-Porada also had questions and concerns about the safety of the facility.

Mayor Leon said that although he was inclined to support the project, the council members could not come to an agreement, and because of that, he will request a town hall meeting with Harvest Power, so residents have their questions and concerns addressed.  The council will schedule a vote after the town hall meeting.

 

Pomona Bicycle Rodeo

Courtesy of the Pomona Police Dept.

POMONA– The Pomona Bicycle Rodeo, for kids aged 3-10, will be held on Saturday April 16, 2016, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Pomona Civic Center at Mission Blvd. and Garey Avenue.

Police officers will inspect bicycles, provide personalized education, and assist children as they ride their bikes through riding patterns.

Kids who live in Pomona and bring their own bicycle will be provided a free helmet, while supplies last. Police officers will get behind the grill to prepare hot dogs, and chips and drinks will also be served. Several displays will be set up, including the opportunity for kids to take pictures wearing police gear and on a police motorcycle or in a police car.

A brand new bicycle will be raffled off free during the event.

Chino Hills Hosts 24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

 

Hop on down the bunny trail and join us for an “Eggstra-Special” day filled with adventures and surprises. Spend time with family and friends and create wonderful spring memories. Participate in a variety of activities including egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, musical entertainment, a craft fair, and refreshments to purchase. No outside baskets or bags allowed. The City will provide bags for egg hunts.

When
Saturday, March 26
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where
Chino Hills Community Park
3280 Eucalyptus Avenue

Egg Hunt Schedule
11:15 am Infant to 2 years old*
11:45 am 3 to 4 years old*
12:15 pm 5 to 6 years old
12:45 pm 7 to 8 years old
1:15 pm 9 to 12 years old
* Adult assistance, if needed

Answered Prayers

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

In the first church the Lord enabled me to plant, there was a little girl by the name of Mandy.  Mandy was born with serious kidney problems and at just fourteen months old she had to have surgery.

When the tubes were put down her throat, Mandy’s vocal cords got lacerated.  The medical professionals made it clear to her parents that Mandy might never be able to speak, and that if she did it would be with a low, gravelly kind of voice.

At age three, Mandy still had not made any vocal sounds, so her parents began to teach her sign language.  It was at about this same time that Mandy’s parents brought her to the church elders and myself to pray that God would intervene. (See James 5:14, 15)

Within six months, not only was Mandy speaking but singing!  And what was especially confounding was that, from a physiological standpoint, Mandy should not have had the capacity to sing because of her lacerated vocal cords.  It had been unlikely that she would ever be able to speak, but sing?  Well, that was simply never going to be a possibility.

And, yet, Mandy sang.  And at age five, Mandy was actually singing solos in the adult worship services – with a voice so strong and pure that it left the listeners amazed that one so young could sing so beautifully.

Let me say again, from a physiological standpoint, Mandy did not have the capacity to sing because of her lacerated vocal cords.  But there she was on the stage making it clear to everyone who heard her that God is still in the business of performing astounding miracles in response to the prayers of his people.

Folks, in every area of life, the followers of Jesus are authorized to pray for healings and miracles of all kinds.  And out of his great love, mercy and grace, God in his sovereignty will regularly choose to intervene and grant some of those healings and miracles.  So I want to encourage you, dear ones, to never hesitate to pray and ask God for them.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road.  For more information, visit http://www.newdaycc.net.

So Many CIF Championships!

Photo by Jennifer Heyen

Photo by Jennifer Heyen
Over 12,000 people packed the Honda Center on March 5 to watch the Chino Hills Huskies win the CIF-SS Open Division Championship.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Hills – What a great year for basketball!

The Chino Hills Huskies, the Ayala Bulldogs and the Diamond Ranch Panthers boys’ basketball teams all won their respective CIF Southern Section championships.

In front of a Honda Center crowd estimated at 12,000, the #1 team in the nation, the Chino Hills Huskies, took an early and decisive lead against Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon in the Open Division Championship.  With a first quarter score of 26-8, and a halftime score of 49-26, the Huskies were on their way to their 17th 100-point game, one shy of the state record of 18.   Mc Donald’s All-American Lonzo Ball finished with another triple-double, scoring 20 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, four blocked shots and two steals. Younger brother LiAngelo was the Huskies’ high scorer with 31 points and 7 rebounds.  All five starters finished the game in the double digits.

“We’re glad we got the win, but at the end of the day, we still got to get one more,” Lonzo said. “It’s another step. We took that step and now we have to get to the top.”

Chino Hills now advances to the State Championships with a 31-0 record after their 105-83 win.

Ayala’s #1 seeded Bulldogs dominated Edison on Saturday night to win their Division 2A Championship 63-29. The Bulldogs took the lead late in the first quarter and were never threatened again by #2 seed Edison.    John Edgar and Austen Awosika scored 19 points each, and Edgar led the rebound count with nine. Fellow senior Miles President added 13 points.

“I’ve been doing this (coaching) 25 years,” Ayala coach John Mounce said. “It means a lot to me, it means a lot to our school and it means a lot to these kids who have worked so hard.”

Diamond Ranch’s Panthers won their first 3A CIF-SS Championship under the skilled guidance of Head Coach Eric Cooper.  Cooper, who led La Verne Lutheran to two CIF championships and two state titles, was delighted to see his Panthers beat the Chaminade Eagles at Azusa Pacific University on Friday. Diamond Ranch’s constant pressure, and Roman Silva’s 22 points and 12 rebounds helped defeat the Eagles 53-48.

“I thought our guards outplayed their guards,” Cooper said. “When they made a run, we really clamped down and got stops when we needed them.”

The Huskies will take on Immanuel High from Reedly, the Bulldogs will play Bakersfield’s West High School and Diamond Ranch will take on Kern Valley in the first round of the state playoffs.

Eastvale Quarterly Town Hall Meeting

By Valerie Gutierrez

EASTVALE– Eastvale’s first Quarterly Town Hall meeting of 2016 was held on Tuesday, February 9, at Rosa Parks Elementary. The meeting was conducted to update the community on the latest news from various departments and organizations during the last couple of months.

Mayor Ike Bootsma updated residents on the issues the city is facing in 2016.

The Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)is continuing to offer free classes paid for by the city through a Homeland Security grant. An E-Notification App has been launched and will help in reporting non-emergency issues such as graffiti, pot-holes, sewer leaks, landscape and water waste.

Bootsma was proud to announce that Eastvale Gateway (South) has already opened Juice It Up! and Panera Bread. What has Eastvale residents really excited is the announcement of the Pacific Fish Grill restaurant coming to Eastvale Gateway.  It should open in early March.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has been staying busy these past couple of months. Assistant Chief of Police for the city of Eastvale, Lt. Scott Forbes, said that residents have been reporting ongoing mail theft and vehicle burglary problems. Many vehicle burglaries have occurred in the shopping centers surrounding businesses on Limonite and Hamner Avenues.

Regarding mail theft, Lt. Forbes stated that mail theft in Eastvale is not something unique to the city; it is happening in the entire region. The Eastvale Police Department is working with the postmaster in San Bernardino to deal with individual thefts and trends that are occurring. The department has identified and arrested one individual involved with mail theft.

Since the school year started, traffic has been a huge concern for residents, especially those who frequent Limonite, Hamner, Archibald and Sumner Avenues, Citrus Street and many of the school routes and main intersections. There have been seven collisions since the school year started that involved students who were riding their bicycles to school. Of those students, the majority were found to be at fault for not following the rules of the road and not wearing their helmets.

Lt. Forbes articulated that they’re trying to find ways to get the kids to pay attention to how they ride. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with the City of Eastvale and the Department of Public Health to educate the community on safe routes to school. Educational events will include bike rodeos and helmet and bike giveaways.  Police Explorers will be used as facilitators and teachers.

The new City of Eastvale Code Enforcement Officer, Avis Hatcher was introduced by City Manager Michele Nissen. Officer Hatcher is certified with the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers and has over 20 years of experience in the field working for large cities such as Beverly Hills. Officer Hatcher’s duties include implementing programs such as rental inspection programs, housing development and CDBG Funding.

Between September 1 and December 31, Code Enforcement conducted 553 inspections, removed 2,100 illegal signs and 147 shopping carts. Within the past several days, the team has notified residents that “Christmas Display Lights” need to come down.

The Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) informed residents about fun activities/events that are coming up. Movies in the park will be hosted once a month at Orchard Park. Spring registration for community classes will open on March 21, there will be an annual blood drive on March 28, and there will be a community campout at Harada Park, on April 8-9, which will include breakfast, lunch and dinner. “Picnic in the Park” will be one of the biggest events hosted by the JCSD, and will occur June 24 -26 at Harada Park. For additional information on upcoming events, visit www.parks.jcsd.us.

The Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) reported that Clara Barton Elementary School is going to begin a traditional school schedule.  The traditional academic calendar will replace the current year-round system effective July 1, 2016. CNUSD Board Member, Bill Newberry, discussed the STEM Magnet School that will place two additional buildings on the Eleanor Roosevelt campus. Newberry mentioned that the plans are completed and the opening is scheduled for the 2018-2019 school year. The first building will be placed facing Citrus Street and the second will be built on the softball field. The STEM school will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Animal Control Officer Mark Visyak gave an update on animal control in the area in 2015. Between January 1 and December 31, 2015, animal control made a total of 3,631 calls within the city.  Calls were made in response to 61 aggressive dogs, 99 animal welfare cases and 53 animal bites.  A total of 246 dead animals were picked up and 85 citations were issued throughout the year.

WHO Will Take Care of Your Eyes

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Staff Reports

WALNUT–Do you know WHO will care for your eyes?

For many years, WALNUT HILLS OPTOMETRY (WHO) has taken excellent care of the vision needs of the community, serving patients from Walnut/West Covina/Diamond Bar/Chino Hills to patients from La Puente/Rowland Heights/Hacienda Heights/Whittier. Because of the quality of service provided, as well as the trusting care given by the doctor, patients travel from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas as well.

WHO considers vision to be a precious gift, and their office takes pride in providing comprehensive eye exams.

WHO believes that quality eye care involves consistent care by a professional.  Carmela Larino, O.D., and her loyal staff, will give your eyes the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Dr. Larino is proud to serve the community she grew up in.  She attended Rowland Unified schools from elementary through high school, and then attended U.C. Irvine before receiving her doctorate degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.  In 2003, Dr. Larino was honored at her alma mater – Nogales High School – when she was inducted onto their Wall of Fame.  She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, where she stays current on the latest in eye care.  As a local resident, you might find Dr. Larino eating at your favorite restaurant, shopping in a local store, or attending a community event.

WHO offers personalized eye examinations, diabetic and eye health exams, and the management and care of a multitude of eye and vision concerns.  A wide variety of eyewear is also available, from progressive and polarized lenses to silicone high-oxygen contacts, and even designer frames. They also offer Lasik Surgery co-management. If you have used eyeglass frames scattered around the house, bring them to the WHO offices and they will donate them to those in need of frames.

WHO is conveniently located near the 10, 60 and 57 freeways, on the border of Walnut and West Covina, at 18736 East Amar Road (at the corner of Nogales Street and Amar Road, next to Papa John’s Pizza.)  Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153.  For more information visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com.

March Is The Real Month For Love

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

Last month, an estimated $13 billion was spent celebrating Valentine’s Day.  Approximately 200 million roses, 180 million cards, and 58 million pounds of chocolate were purchased in the name of love.  Despite all of the money that consumers shelled out, many people admitted that they were less than enthusiastic about February 14.  In fact, nearly 40 percent of the population did not observe the holiday at all.

Whether they consider it an unnecessary hassle or simply an excuse for consumerism, the detractors are unanimous in their belief that Valentine’s Day has little to do with real love. Even the holiday’s fans would be hard-pressed to deny that it is romance, and not love, that serves as their motivator when booking reservations and buying gifts.  Romance may be all about warm and fuzzy feelings, but love is much more complicated.  It is unconditional, sacrificial, and not based solely on emotions.  Whereas romance is a noun, love is a verb.

So, why write about love in March?  Isn’t Valentine’s Day over?  Aren’t all of the heart-shaped candies on clearance? Sure!  But, this year we will be celebrating Easter on Sunday, March 27.  And, while Valentine’s Day has chocolate and roses, Easter has the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.  What greater example of love is there than this?

In Romans 5:8, the apostle Paul wrote “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  The truth is that it doesn’t matter whether your social calendar was booked solid last month, or if you were a member of the broken hearts club.  Who needs a valentine when you have a Savior?

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sunday’s at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Chino Hills Resident Arrested For Vehicle Burglaries

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– On March 5, 2016, Noel Serna, a 19-year-old resident of Chino Hills, was observed trying to break into vehicles parked on the street and in driveways in the 15800 block of Zenobia Lane in Chino Hills.  When officers arrived, Serna provided false identifying information and was detained. He was found to be in possession of a black bag, which contained stolen property from the vehicles.  Serna is believed to be responsible for approximately 10 other vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles in the city of Chino Hills over the last several weeks. Detectives served a search warrant at his residence in Chino Hills, and are still trying to locate additional stolen property.
Serna was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center on charges of Vehicle Burglary, Attempted Vehicle Burglary, and giving false ID to a Peace Officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Popa, from the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Garretson Elementary Girl Heading to Scripps

Photo courtesy of CNUSD

Photo courtesy of CNUSD
Aisha Randhawa qualifies for National Spelling Bee

Courtesy of CNUSD

CORONA– Two-time CNUSD Spelling Bee Champion Aisha Randhawa finally achieved what she has dreamed about since the third grade: She is going to Washington D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Aisha was the last speller standing in the 39th Annual Riverside County Spelling Bee at the Moreno Valley Conference and Recreation Center. She will represent the county at the National Spelling Bee in May.

Competing against the top spellers in the county, Aisha overcame 18 grueling rounds of intense spelling, finding herself a little bewildered on “succulent” early on. She persevered and spelled toe-to-toe with her peers. In the 17th Round, 8th grader John Terry from Palm Springs Unified misspelled “obdurate”, setting the stage for Aisha’s win. She clinched the round by spelling “cologne”, and emerged victorious after spelling “ambrosia”, which means something very pleasing to taste or smell. After the final moments, Aisha shared, “I thought about it for a second but I was pretty sure I knew it.”

When asked about what she is most looking forward to in Maryland, she replied, “Probably competing at the event and maybe getting to see the Washington Monument.”

The Scripps National Spelling Bee takes place from May 22 to 27. The ESPN channel has been known to broadcast portions of the competition. Perhaps Garretson’s spelling wunderkind will make an appearance!

 

Outstanding Service

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to spend a day with some of our grandchildren and their parents at Disneyland.  It was a warm, sunny day at the Happiest Place on Earth.

This was the first time that some of the grand kids had been to Disneyland.  They were very excited to visit both Disneyland and California Adventure.  They enjoyed a number of the rides and attractions in both parks.
One of their favorites was the new “Cars” ride in California Adventure.  This attraction is based on the Disney movie “Cars” and has two cars racing side-by-side down a curving road course.
I waited at the finish line with the youngest grandchild while my wife and the other adults and kids went on the “Cars” ride.  I did not see what happened on the race course, but as the cars raced along, my wife lost the baseball cap she was wearing.  It just flew off as her car rounded a sharp curve.
The reason she was wearing a baseball cap is that she doesn’t have any hair right now.  She has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer and has lost all of her hair.
There was nothing she could do.  The hat was gone and her bald head was exposed to the world.  They operators could not stop the ride.  Her hat was gone.
But then, something unexpected happened.  As soon as the ride came to a complete stop, one of the Disney employees saw my wife’s predicament and stepped in to help.
The female employee quickly ushered my wife off the ride and led her into a souvenir shop nearby.  She instructed my wife to select a new hat at no cost.  It was a timely and thoughtful gift.
The employee said that she did not want my wife to have to spend the rest of the day at Disneyland without a hat to cover her head.  We were surprised and impressed with the Disney employee’s quick and compassionate action.
Our trip to Disneyland with our grandchildren is a day that we will remember for a long time.  We had such a nice time together.  And, it is a day we will remember the outstanding customer service of a thoughtful Disney employee, 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 visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Volunteen Summer Program

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

Are you between the ages of 13 and 15 and looking for a fun way to earn community service hours while gaining job skills in the City recreation services field?  The City of Diamond Bar is currently seeking interested teens to be part of its 2016 Summer Volunteen Program.

To be eligible to participate, you must be available to work starting May 16 and until August 12 for a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Hours are mutually arranged between the Volunteen program coordinator and the participant.

Volunteens help with popular City programs such as Summer Day Camp, Youth Baseball and Tiny Tots, and also assist with the City’s popular Concerts and Movies in the Park series.

The last day to apply to be considered for the 2016 Volunteen Program is Thursday, April 14. Only online applications submitted through the NeoGov system, available through the City website at http://www.DiamondBarCa.gov/ employment will be considered. No paper applications or emailed resumes will be accepted.

For more information, contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070.

The Living Hope

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

Perhaps the most important day for Christians the world over, Resurrection Sunday – or Easter – has such profound meaning because it all happened just as Jesus Christ said that it would, and it also showed that He had victory over death. It gave hope to believers as no other event would ever do.
More than 500 witnesses verified that they saw Him after He was placed in the grave and the stone was rolled in place. When the women who loved Jesus went to visit the grave, an angel of the Lord, sitting upon that same stone – now opened – told the women not to be afraid.
In Matthew 28, that angel tells them, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
Can you imagine this scene, especially having recently witnessed the crucifixion? Your heart is broken, you’ve come to mourn – and yet you are about to be filled with a miraculous glory in the one true Living Hope. He is risen!
Thanks be to God for our Living Hope. 1 Peter 1:3-4 tell us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.”
Come find out more about our Living Hope by joining us this Easter Season at Edgewater. We will hold a very poignant Good Friday service at 7 p.m. on March 25; and three services on Easter Sunday – beginning with a Sunrise Service at 6:30 a.m.; and additional services at 8:00 and 10 a.m. There is something special to share with your family and friends…all happening at Harada Elementary.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Alert Resident Helps Deputies Arrest Two Suspects

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- An observant citizen helped deputies catch two suspected mail thieves on Friday, February 26.  At 3:30 a.m., sheriff’s deputies received a call from a Chino Hills resident who saw two subjects carrying backpacks in the area of Shady View Drive and Mystic Canyon Drive.

After the subjects saw the caller, they attempted to hide by jumping into nearby bushes.  When deputies arrived, they noticed a vehicle driving away with passengers in the rear of the vehicle who were crouching down in an attempt to remain unnoticed.

Samantha Goode, 25, and Theodore Sanchez, 32, both of Bloomington,  used Uber to drop them off and pick them up from the location, where they were attempting to steal mail.  The Uber driver was not involved.  Goode and Sanchez were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on charges of credit card fraud and identity theft.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1 (800) 78-CRIME.

Chino Hills Police Remind Residents To Retrieve Mail Daily

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- Sometime between February 26, 2016 and February 29, 2016, several community mailboxes located throughout the city were pried open and an unknown amount of mail was stolen. The suspects targeted both community boxes and single residential boxes.

The Chino Hills Police Department is asking residents to be diligent in retrieving their mail daily. Additionally, please call 911 and report any suspicious activity near community mailboxes or suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood.  You can reach them at (909) 465-6837 or office (909) 364-2000.

Eastvale Bicycle Master Plan

By Emily Aguilar

EASTVALE– Eastvale, much like other cities, is experiencing a “quality of life issue.” The issue at hand is that citizens are not taking advantage of the opportunity to increase their fitness by riding bicycles instead of relying on their automobiles as their primary source of transportation.

According to Active Living Research, 50% of all car trips taken are to destinations that are three miles or less away from home,  while 65% of all car trips are taken to reach a destination that is under a mile away. It has become evident that cities, including Eastvale, need to develop an alternative transportation plan.

“We lack a bicycle master plan,” argues Manager of Public Works Department, George Alvarez. While bike lanes already exist in the city, studies show that cyclists are hesitant to use them.  One reason is that bicyclists fear they will be involved in a vehicle-cyclist accident; four such accidents occurred last year in Eastvale. This fear then compels bicyclists toward driving their car everywhere they go, instead of riding their bikes. In dealing with this issue, Alvarez has proposed a bicycle master plan to benefit the Eastvale community.

Since most of the city’s streets are two feet wider than the average street, the plan is to increase the width of the cycling lanes, which will give a more pronounced emphasis on the distance between the bike lane and the driving lane in order to assuage the cyclists’ fears of being in an accident. The lanes will be centered in areas near schools or near streets with a posted speed limit of 25 MPH.

In the past two years, the proposal to implement the bicycle master plan has been successful. In 2014, Southern California Association of Governments gave the project an $80,000 grant, and Alvarez has received positive feedback from two community workshop meetings.  On February 24, Alvarez and KTUA consultant John Holloway, who created the blueprint for the plan, attended a city council meeting where they introduced their idea before the council. They presented the plan’s advantages in hopes of being in good standing to receive more federal grant money to fund the project. The presentation clearly illustrated the bike master plan’s benefits, and Eastvale citizens Sydney Quage and Julia Rust, both of whom are avid bikers, expressed their concerns with biking in traffic. Having listened to the presentation, the council decided to approve the construction of the project.

The future looks promising for the bike master plan project, and so does Eastvale’s potential in fitness and alternative transportation.

Theatre Students Bring Musical And Literary Classic To DBHS Stage

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR-Diamond Bar High School’s Theatre Department will present a production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same title. Les Misérables is a story of justice and redemption in a time of social and political revolution. DBHS’ production will feature students from the Diamond Bar and Walnut area who auditioned for the children’s roles in the piece.

“We wanted to extend the great learning experience that comprises the production of our Spring Musical to younger children in our district. They are learning not just acting, music and vocal technique, but they are also having a great time learning about French history and the events that the story is based on,” said director Beatrice Casagran. “I am amazed at the depth of insights and questions that are being raised by some of our youngest cast members during our character preparation discussions.  It just highlights that theatre is a great way to for young people to access literature,” she added.

DBHS theatre productions are student-run shows, with students involved in every aspect from publicity to production management.  In fact, the ambitious, Gothic inspired set is being built by DBHS Stagecraft students.

Set in 19th-century France, Les Misérables follows the life of Jean Valjean, a man released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment. The kind act of a stranger gives Valjean resolve to turn his life around.  Hoping to find a new beginning, he breaks his parole, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police Inspector Javert. Set during the years around the Paris student uprising of 1832, Les Misérables paints a striking portrait of the dark world within the City of Light, and is a sweeping history of a turbulent age through an unforgettable cast of characters.

Shows are April 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, & 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the school theatre located at 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students. Proceeds go directly to help fund the DBHS Theatre Arts Program. Tickets are available online at www.seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama.

Mt. SAC Opens New $13.6-Million Student Success Center

Photo courtesy of Mt. SAC

Photo courtesy of Mt. SAC
Mt. SAC’s new Student Success Center

By Mike Taylor, Mt. Sac


WALNUT– Mt. San Antonio College will hold a ribbon cutting and an open house for its new $13.6-million Student Success Center, building 9E, on Wednesday, March 9, at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

“The Student Success Center configures in a central location many of the programs and support services that help our students succeed and reach their goals in college,” said Mt. SAC Student Services Vice President Audrey Yamagata-Noji. 

Located right next to the college’s Student Services Center, the new facility affords 22,800 square feet for classrooms, study labs, offices, and a computer lab. It houses the Bridge Program, the TRiO Programs, ACES, Veterans Resource Center, Upward Bound, the Accessible Technology Center for Disabled Student Programs and Services, and a Student Health Center satellite office. 

College officials will make brief presentations at the ribbon cutting, and tours of the new facility will be available. 

The center was funded by Mt. SAC’s Measure RR, the college’s $353-million facilities bond that was passed by voters in 2008.