Category Archives: News By City

Walnut Happenings

Staff Reports

Walnut– This week, Walnut is gearing up for the holiday season with the Walnut Valley Women’s Club hosting their annual Tree of Lights fundraising sale starting Oct. 29 at the Von’s supermarket, on Lemon Avenue, selling holiday ornaments to raise scholarship funds for local high school seniors. Fundraising sales will be held every Thursday through November, except for Thanksgiving. Sales will also take place on Dec. 3 and 4.  Club members will be selling lights for $5 and ornaments for $10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds go toward scholarships for 2016 graduates of Walnut and Nogales High Schools.
The more the merrier is the saying Mt. San Antonio College’s Student Life Office is gearing up for when they host a Community Volunteer Fair for local organizations on Nov. 19. The Fair assists organizations in recruiting student volunteers especially with the busy holidays around the corner.

The Volunteer Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on campus just north of the library and west of the Student Life Center, building 9C.
The fair provides an opportunity for students to engage in public service, obtain hands-on learning experiences, and make a difference in the community. Participants include AmeriCorps, Inland Empire United Way, the Learning Centers at Fairplex, the City of Pomona, the City of Walnut, the Latino Diabetes Association, the Pomona Courthouse, Holy Families Hospice, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, and more.
Community organizations that would like to participate should call the Mt. SAC Student Life Office at (909) 274-5953.

Walnut Valley Students Join Global Shakeout Earthquake Drill

Drop, Cover, and Hold On!

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Diamond Bar High drama students took part in today’s Great Shakeout earthquake drill, playing victims in triage units around the campus.

 

Diamond Bar – On Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m., the alarm sounded at Diamond Bar High School.

It was time for the annual Great California Shakeout earthquake drill and students and staff prepared to take action.

On cue, they immediately dropped and took cover under their desks and tables, and held on to something sturdy for one-minute.

Then the classes went to three designated areas around the campus to take roll call.

The school also practiced their emergency response plans with search and rescue and medical evaluation drills.

Beginning drama students were on hand in staged triage areas to help act out roles as earthquake victims. They took their parts seriously, researching and practicing prior to the earthquake drill.

Photo: Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo: Courtesy of WVUSD
Coleen Gee’s art history class students dropped under their desks and took cover during the minute-long drill on October 15.

“It’s always necessary to have these types of drills because it helps the site prepare for disasters – especially here in earthquake-prone California,” said Assistant Principal John Terry. “So the more we can practice, the safer and more prepared we’ll be.”

A special thanks to Chase Paulson, Terry Guest, Lorraine Gomes, Doug Medford, Beatrice Casagran, USB and Drama students, and all the staff and volunteers who made the school-wide event a success.

“Practicing these drills supports and reinforces the importance of emergency care in a disaster until medical assistance is available,” said school nurse Terry Guest, who led one of the triage units.

The drill began as the Great California ShakeOut in 2008, but now the annual earthquake drill has gone global.

More than 22 million people worldwide, including 10.5 million Californians signed up to simultaneously practice “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” this year, the safety protocol recommended by experts during an earthquake.

All 15 Walnut Valley Unified School District campuses and the District Office took part in the Great Shakeout.

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Freshman Zoe Marquez gets in character with an arm injury. School nurse Terri Guest, teachers Stephanie Green, and Beatrice Casagran access the situation.

Eastvale’s Military Banner Program

Applications now being accepted

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Courtesy City of Eastvale

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale’s Military Banner Program recognizes and honors Eastvale residents and immediate family members that are serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. For the purpose of this program, “Active Duty” is defined as 12 months of continuous service.
To participate in the program, each application will be reviewed to ensure that the following requirements are met before a banner is created and displayed within City limits:

  • Applicant must be a current City of Eastvale resident and include a copy of driver’s license or a current utility bill showing the Eastvale address.
  • Applicant must be an immediate family member of the serviceperson. Immediate family members are classified as the serviceperson’s spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling, or legal guardian.
  • Banners can be created with the serviceperson’s portrait or without. Portraits should be of the serviceperson in formal uniform and a minimum of 1MB in size. If emailing the portrait, please ensure the file is a JPG or PNG format. Applicants are responsible for supplying the picture and all pictures will be returned.

Once the application is approved, the Eastvale Community Foundation will create the banner. Banners will remain on display as long as the banner honoree is still on active duty. The installation location and the removal of the banners are the Foundation’s discretion. Banners will be returned to the applicant upon removal, if available.
In the event a service person is killed in the line of duty, his/her banner will be removed and replaced with a “Gold Star” banner indicating their sacrifice, or presented to his/her family at a City Council meeting – depending on the family’s wishes.

The Eastvale Military Banner Program is funded completely by the Eastvale Community Foundation through their fundraising efforts as well as donations from local businesses, residents and supporters. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

Military Banners are printed when donations are made available.  If you are interested in donating to Eastvale’s Military Banner Program, please send your contribution to:

Eastvale Community Foundation
Military Banner Program
12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910
Eastvale, CA 91752-3667

Questions can be emailed to: eastvalefoundation@gmail.com

Chino: Elected Officials, Aides Take Flight

Photo credit: Andie Castañeda/Supervisor Curt Hagman’s Office – Fourth District

Photo credit: Andie Castañeda/Supervisor Curt Hagman’s Office – Fourth District

By Monique Valadez
CHINO – San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman joined dozens of state and local district representatives at Chino Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 21 for the newly-formed Inland Empire Field Representative group.

Initiated by Senator Connie Leyva’s (D-Chino) San Bernardino District Representative Henry Castillo earlier this year, the Inland Empire group is comprised of district aides, elected official’s field representatives and staff throughout the Inland Empire. The group meets quarterly at various locations hosted by a representative’s department.

“Fostering partnerships was the goal when we first started these meetings with Inland Empire representatives,” Castillo, a seasoned district aide said. “Growing up in Pomona, I knew the political climate here is really splintered. When I ran it by Senator Leyva and staff, they thought it was a great way to foster partnerships with all the other levels of government in our area.”

Castillo also highlights that the Inland Empire group was developed to discuss hot issues, learn about the Inland Empire’s points of interest and improve their relationships with constituents.

“Most of the time a constituent will call a state representative office with a federal issue or a county issue and instead of just giving them a number for them to call we can actually refer them to a specific person and follow up with that representative personally,” he said.

Hosted by Hagman’s office this month, the group gathered at The Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino Airport for a docent-led tour, a lunch discussion on airport’s economic development plans and an airplane restoration demonstration by Aerotrader.

“Given the recent success of the county on developing Chino and control of Ontario airports, it’s only fitting that this group meet at Chino Airport,” Hagman said. “It’s the perfect setting to build working relationships, improve our leadership and explore the county’s gems.”

The group was guided through the museum’s hangars filled with historical aircrafts including the museum’s rare P-38 Lightning exhibit featuring WWII 475th Fighter Group artifacts.
Matt Smith, a museum guide for over two years, corralled the pack along the well-manicured hangars of the museum while some of the patrons lost themselves in the exhibits snapping photos of a bygone era.

“The museum’s history is mind boggling,” Smith, a retired employee from Northrup Grumman said. “As a docent, every tour is a learning experience for me. I’m always learning from the guests.”

Following the guided tour, guests were treated to pizza and a quick recap of the district’s upcoming development goals.

According to Hagman, the county is currently assembling money and muscle for future development of Chino Airport, one of the busiest county airports.

“We’re aiming for big results this year,” the supervisor said. “Chino Airport is underutilized and we hope to bring FedEx very soon as an anchor tenant bringing more jobs and revenue to the area.”

Hagan also mentioned his efforts to expand the underutilized Prado Regional Park in Chino and the county’s recent regain of control of Ontario International Airport.

Castillo admits that since starting this group, participants have been astonished with what they have learned from the group’s quarterly gatherings.

“It’s surprising how many parts of the Inland Empire we are unfamiliar with or resources we are not aware of,” Castillo expressed. “By having these quarterly meetings in different locations it’s a great way to highlight and learn about the different resources available in our areas.”

About 15 people attended the meeting at Chino Airport, and while the group will continue to grow and learn, Castillo hopes to accomplish strong working relationships to solve constituent issues.

“A couple of months ago, I called both the county and the city to resolve a new rehabilitation center licensing question from a resident,” Castillo said. “I was able to depend on the relationships built through our I.E. Representatives meeting to not only educate myself on the issue but also the concerned constituents.”

Mission accomplished.

Photo by Monique Valadez Inland Empire Field Representatives gather at Chino’s Planes of Fame Air Museum to form an alliance to build stronger bonds and effective leadership.

Photo by Monique Valadez
Inland Empire Field Representatives gather at Chino’s Planes of Fame Air Museum to form an alliance to build stronger bonds and effective leadership.

Halloween Safety Tips

Courtesy of Pomona Police Department

Pomona– The Pomona Police Department would like to offer the following simple tips to make Halloween safe and fun:

  • Be sure older children take friends and younger children are accompanied by a trusted adult when trick-or-treating.
  • Accompany younger children to the door of every home they approach and make sure parents and guardians are familiar with every home and all people from which the children receive treats.
  • Teach children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission from their parents or guardians.
  • Teach children to NEVER approach a vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Make sure all children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick when out at dusk and at night to help drivers see you.
  • Teach your children to be aware of drivers on the road before they cross the street. Only walk on sidewalks, use established crosswalks and look both ways before crossing the street to stay safe.
  • Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly and easily when using facial masks. All costumes and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
  • Teach children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit both inside and outside.
  • Teach children to stay alert for any suspicious incidents and report them to their parents, guardians, and/or the proper authority.
  • Teach children if anyone tries to grab them to make a scene: loudly yell, “This person is not my father/mother/guardian,” and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.
  • Consider organizing or attending parties at home, in schools, or in community centers as a good alternative to trick-or-treating.

 

The Cost Of Discipleship

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head,” (Matthew 8:19–20).

It has become commonplace to make the call of discipleship appealing to the natural man.  The truth about discipleship has been replaced with a “better you” mantra.  The importance of man has been elevated, instead of the importance of God.  As a result, the gift of God is no longer received with gratitude, but instead expected as some type of entitlement.

Jesus’ call to discipleship was far different than what is often taking place today.  Jesus always laid out the cost of discipleship.  Popular opinion today says, “Laying out the cost of discipleship is not good church-growth practice.”

It is believed that such truth would discourage individuals from following Christ.  If Christ is our example, why would we present discipleship any different from him?  After all, it is God who adds to the church those who are being saved (Acts 2:47).

Are we more concerned with the number of attendees than we are with those who are being saved?  God help us if this is the case!  Christ was concerned with truth.   Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).  The truth is… discipleship has a cost.

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Famous Last Words

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Someone said that “last words are lasting words”.  Words that people have spoken to us can have a lasting impact and words that we have spoken can too.

We often associate words or phrases with the individuals that said them.  For example, in the movie, “The Godfather” there is the memorable line, “It isn’t personal, it’s just business.”  And in one of the Clint Eastwood movies Clint says, “Go ahead, make my day.”

These words and phrases tend to stick in our minds and remind us of the person who said them.

I learned a lot about construction from veteran carpenters like Ed and Carl.  These men knew their craft and did their work very well.

When Carl was trying to teach me about framing a wall or hanging a door, he always found a way to encourage me with a timely word.

When I would ask him if my small mistake or imperfection was a problem, he would reply, “You won’t be able to see it from my house”.  It was his way of encouraging me even though I didn’t have the skill or experience to do the job as well as he could.

Another phrase that I remember Carl used to say was, “We’ll do something even if it is wrong.”  That may sound like a contradiction, but what he meant was let’s get busy and get to work.  Sometimes we can spend so much time talking about a project that nothing actually gets done.

My old friend Joe was a pattern maker.  He worked in the aerospace industry using wood to make patterns that became molds for small parts for planes and missiles.

When we worked on projects at our church like framing a wall or remodeling a room, he would say, “Hand me the persuader.”  The “persuader” was a long-handle sledge hammer that proved helpful aligning a row of two by fours.

What are some words or phrases that your children or grandchildren have heard you say that they still remember today?  I wonder what are some words or phrases that I have used that people in our church remember about me?

Proverbs 22:17-18 says, “Listen with your ears and hear the words of the wise…and keep them in your heart.”

Let me encourage you to treasure the words that you have heard from those in your past and choose your words carefully, you never know who is listening and what they will remember!

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

CNUSD School Resource Officers Honored

Courtesy of CNUSD

Corona/Norco – The School Safety Advocacy Council recently awarded the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) with the 2015 Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award for its Project Safety Net Program.

CNUSD was the only district in California to receive this award, and one of eight in the entire nation.

The Project Safety Net Program is a partnership between CNUSD and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, whose mission is to provide a safe and caring environment so students can excel in their academic studies. The principal goal of Project Safety Net is to identify and anticipate safety concerns and systematically address each concern through the application of best practices.

On Sept. 15, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors recognized and honored CNUSD and Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies Cooper, Huggins, and Thompson for receiving this prestigious award. These Deputies serve as school resource officers for Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Norco High School, and five middle schools in CNUSD.  Each of these Deputies utilized hard work, dedication, and integrity to serve the staff and promote a safe learning environment for the students.

West Nile Virus on the Rise in San Bernardino County

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Staff Reports

Ontario– Local medical centers have reported a rise in West Nile virus exposures in San Bernardino County.

In response, San Bernardino County’s Public Health Department, local vector control agencies and San Bernardino County’s Sheriff Department have joined forces to reduce the risk of exposure.

On Oct. 10, the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (WVMVCD) reported a total of 212 mosquito samples tested positive in the district.

The San Bernardino County Vector Control Program also had 8 positive mosquito samples in basins and channels in Chino, Ontario, and Chino Hills during the past two months.

County entities will remain vigilant with reporting the common breeding areas for mosquitoes, district officials said in a news release. These areas are typically found in stagnant bodies of water and unmaintained pools.
“Aviation helicopters utilize mapping systems that are downloaded with the County’s parcel information,” sheriff officials said. “If an area is observed during the crew’s proactive patrol, the flight officer can obtain the specific address information. Once identified, the information will be forwarded to Vector Control for any enforcement or corrective action.”
The West Valley District’s Board President Glenn Duncan urges residents to maintain vigilant and wear repellents when outdoors at peak biting times, dusk and dawn.

In addition, the West Valley District is distributing repellent wipes and mosquito dunks (a larvicide homeowners can use) to residents in an effort to help them in the fight against mosquito-transmitted diseases.

The West Valley District also provides mosquito fish, a small, guppy-like fish that residents can put in standing, permanent sources of water like ponds, fountains, and water gardens. West Valley Vector Control District consists of the cities of Chino, South Montclair, South Ontario and areas of unincorporated county land, including Chino Hills and the Dairy Preserve. Visit their website for more information, www.wvmvcd.org.

Most people infected with the virus do not become seriously ill, some experience flu-like symptoms and about 1 percent of them can develop serious neurologic illness. People who are 50 and over or who have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure have the greatest risk of developing complications.

Until the weather cools, residents are urged to continue taking precautions, by remembering the three D’s:

  • DEET:Use it as insect repellent.
  • Dawn and dusk:Mosquitoes bite in the early morning and evening.
  • Drain:Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, because that’s where mosquitoes breed.

 

Clark’s Helps You Live Better!

Staff Reports

Chino– When it comes to health and nutrition, one size does not fit all. Just ask your neighborhood’s health and nutrition market, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market who strive to make lives better one customer at a time.
Clark’s equates success not with size but with integrity, responsibility and service.

“The cornerstone of Clark’s market position is to provide reliable scientific information for the consumer’s benefit in making educated and informed decisions resulting in vibrant health,” Clark’s website states.

Spanning three generations, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets was founded in 1972 in Riverside by the Clark family patriarch, Jim Clark, whose vision of healthy living grew into what is today a 60 billion-dollar industry.

Today’s, Jim’s grandchildren have taken over the reins of Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets. Grandson Jeff Clark is president, his brother Bruce Clark is vice president of retail development, and their sister Tracy Clark is the director of finance.
Their newest location in Chino, 12835 Mountain Avenue (at corner of Mountain Avenue and Riverside Drive), boasts a large selection of organic, gluten free, grass-fed beef, vitamins and raw foods. They also carry an extensive collection of health and beauty production including, celebrity Suzanne Somers’ skin care and cosmetic line, “SUZANNE Organics.”

Clark’s puts an emphasis on connecting with the community through various in-store and local events.

With locations in Loma Linda, Riverside, Rancho Mirage, and now Chino, Clark’s Nutrition lives up to their motto, “Live Better …We Can Help!”They provide regular free lectures on various health related topics and make-up tutorials with professional make-up artists.

Customers will appreciate their knowledgeable and helpful staff. Clark’s employees undergo a comprehensive in-house training curriculum, and continuing their education “which is now accredited”.
So, for all your health and nutritional needs, look no further than Clark’s in Chino or any of their other I.E. locals. Clark’s is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Stop by for yourselves and experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Whatever your health goals, Clark’s can help! Visit www.clarksnutrition.com.

Animal Control Checking Licenses in Los Angeles County

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – Officers from the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be conducting field licensing checks in the unincorporated areas of West Covina (zip code 91792), and South San Gabriel (zip code 91770) beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The field checks will ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with licensing requirements, the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance. Officers will also be checking state-required rabies vaccinations and licenses for dogs and cats over four months old.

According to the county officials, beginning January 1, 2014, puppies may be vaccinated at three months old, but still are not required to be vaccinated until four months of age.

“Securing a dog or cat license is essential to assisting animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost,” officials said.

Pet owners are advised to be in compliance with licensing and the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance if they reside in any unincorporated area of Los Angeles County (or contract city that has adopted the County’s ordinance).

Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees and delinquency charges, including a $40 field enforcement fee to offset the cost of the Department’s field services.

“In order to avoid penalties, be sure your pet is licensed,” officials urge residents.

New animal license applications are available online at www.animalcare.lacounty.gov, or by visiting any local Los Angeles County animal care center. Owners of pets whose license is not delinquent can simply renew the license at county website: www.animalcare.lacounty.gov .

In addition, DACC offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries.

Socially Speaking

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – Holiday season is upon us, but what happened to September?

If you feel like September flew by, here is a recap of the events and news that were popular last month, according to our Facebook page (facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews).

The most trending event posted last month was about the Ramirez Intermediate Annual Food Truck Festival and Vendor-Craft Fair. Multiple members of the community liked, commented, and shared this event to family and friends. Also shared, was an update on the repair of the 91 freeway – the reason we sat in traffic for three hours on the way to work one day last month. If this ever happens again, make sure to follow our Facebook page for updates and alternate routes.

Another trending post was a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department press release that stated three drivers under the influence were caught. Thank you, Eastvale Police Department!

Also, some great visuals that the community loved were pictures of the City of Eastvale’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony/Moment of Silence at the Cal Fire Station 27; and a video of trainer Alex Griffiths from AG Performance Horses at the 2015 Norco Fair.

Our Facebook page consists of yard sales, meetings, events, and stories on a daily basis. Every Thursday, we post local yard sales for the weekend and allow you to post your own yard sale in the comments. On Fridays, we post the weekend events and link it to our monthly calendar, which includes a variety of meetings and outings in the surrounding areas. We also post the online version of the full Eastvale Community Newspaper for you to download, save, or print out.

Don’t forget to LIKE our page at Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews, follow us on Instagram at @EastvaleNews, and subscribe to our website at anapr.com in order to stay up to date on what’s happening in the community. Use #ILoveEastvaleNews to tell us why YOU love Eastvale News.

Keep on Trending, Eastvale!

 

Walnut: Collegewood Kids Learn About Traffic Safety

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Collegewood Elementary students learned about traffic safety with parents driving in cardboard cars on September 25.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut— Collegewood Elementary students got a lesson in traffic safety last month.

A crew of Community Club volunteers used cardboard cars to demonstrate the rules.

Principal Joan Perez announced the lesson for transitional-kindergarten (TK) through 2nd grade students on the front lawn of the school.

“We want to keep all of you safe when you come to school and go home each day,” she said.

In the first skit, parents Betsy Castellanos and Loi Ay demonstrated the no stopping in the red zone rule.

The misguided driver, Ay, swung his tiny convertible around traffic to the red crosswalk curb.

Castellanos, playing the backpack-carrying student, exited the car with a worried look on her face.

After each entertaining skit, Perez quizzed youngsters about the rules.

“What did they do wrong?” she asked.

“They stopped in the red zone!” the student answered.

“There is NO stopping in the red zone! If it’s red, move ahead!” Perez exclaimed.

“If it’s red, move ahead!” the 200 students repeated.  The parents then modeled how to use the correct white-zone area for dropping off and picking up students.

“We just want to educate the kids on the right way to make our school safer,” Castellanos shared.

“And we want to be funny enough for them to remember it!”

Next, parents showed the wrong way to get out of the car.

A bright blue car pulled up to the white curb on Collegewood Drive and the student stepped out onto the street.

“No feet on the street!” corrected Perez.

The principal explained the dangers of double parking – when one car is on the white curb and another car parked in the street.

“And that is not OK!” Perez urged. “Do we ever get out in the middle of the street? No!”

“If you double, it means trouble,” the children and their principal rhymed.

“He could have gotten run over,” said one youngster.

Another volunteer duo in a black-flamed cutout showed students the need to be “quick as light” when exiting the car.

When they pulled up the white curb, the mother took unnecessary time brushing her daughter’s hair and taking a photo while cars waited behind them. The children howled watching the silly adults.

Volunteers demonstrated crosswalk safety when one parent got in trouble making a U-turn in the middle of the street.

The crossing guard scolded the driver when he endangered two mothers with children inside the bright yellow lines.

“I think this safety lesson is important because we often have a lot of congestion in front of Collegewood,” said third grade parent Xochitl Syrett.

“All our parents need to read the signs, pay attention, and drive cautiously,” Rebecca Durani, a fifth grade parent, said.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim
Diamond Bar – The Oct. 6 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The project, designed to exhibit and enhance the beauty of Diamond Bar, will not be completed until the end of November. Following the update on the project, the Council welcomed Crunch Gym, on 1132 South Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar’s new business of the month for October 2015. A presentation was then given, detailing the construction of Diamond Canyon Park, estimated to be complete by summer of 2016.

The City also welcomed its new Associate Planner May Nakajima. Nakajima previously worked for the city of Rancho Cucamonga, where she began as a planning aid while interning during her education at Cal Poly Pomona, and was promoted to Assistant Planner after graduating. She has worked a wide variety of different projects, and the city of Diamond Bar is excited to have her on their team.

During the public comments, the 2015 Miss Diamond Bar Alexandra Ornelas, announced that she will be representing Diamond Bar in the 2016 Miss Teen California. On Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Chili’s of Diamond Bar will be holding a fundraiser to help Ornelas in her endeavors, and she and her court will be present to greet and seat attendees.

Representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library also announced several events, such as the Read Together program, with the book China Dolls by Lisa See for adults, Farewell to Manzanar by Wakatsuki Houstin for teens, and Nim and the War Effort by Milly Lee. On Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., children ages 6-10 can enjoy an origami class; on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., the library will be swinging with swing dance; on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. children ages 6-10 can meet and discuss Nim and the War Effort; on Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. teens can meet and discuss Farewell to Manzanar; and on Oct. 24 Lisa See will be discussing her book, China Dolls.

Another resident announced the Inland Valley Partners’ Walk for the Hungry on Oct 11. Registration begins at noon, and various fun and games, such as face painting, as well as an In-n-Out truck will be available.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read: the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting is on Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting is on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting is on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including: the Planning Commission minutes from Aug. 25; a check register totalling $1,050,048.64; the Treasurer’s Statement for August 2015; a contract for annual property tax consult and audit services with HDL Coren & Cone for the 2015/16 through 2020/21 for $12,240; a contract amendment with Fehrs & Peers for citywide traffic data collection; and a contract amendment with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance to replace turf with drought tolerant planting materials and mulch in medians along Diamond Bar Blvd and retrofit irrigation systems to meet state Water Board requirements for $539,465.46.

Following Council reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Inland Empire: Hear the Beep Where You Sleep

October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month

Staff Reports

Inland Empire – Riverside County Firefighters want all residents to install and inspect smoke alarms in every room.
“I urge you to have working smoke detectors on all levels of your home, and in all areas where people sleep” Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Hawkins said.
National Fire Prevention Month is a good time to make sure all homes have working smoke alarms, on every level, in every sleeping area, and in the hallways leading to the sleeping areas.
This year’s fire prevention theme is “hear the beep where you sleep, every bedroom needs a working smoke detector.”
“When fire strikes, every second counts,” Hawkins said. “Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can mean the difference between life and death.”
According to the latest National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, three out of five fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
These alarms should be hard-wired with a battery backup in case of a power outage. In California, new smoke alarms have a 10 year long battery life.
Residents are encouraged to inspect all smoke alarms every month, clean them annually, and replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
Roughly half of all home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep, according to fire officials.
If a smoke alarm sounds, crawl low and go outside to a predetermined meeting place. Fire officials recommend practicing the plan in a fire drill at least twice a year. Families should also have an escape plan with an assigned meeting place outside the home in case of a fire.
This Fire Prevention Month CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is asking all residents in Riverside County to improve their own safety by having working smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of your home.

Wahfles, Desserts and Coffee Anyone?

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes a new member

 

By Gel Delos Santos

Chino Hills – On Aug. 16, Anthony, Lorraine and Jacob Abel took ownership of Wahfles Desserts & Coffee.  The restaurant has been open for two years located at 5751 Pine Ave. in Chino Hills.

Jacob Abel, son of Anthony and Lorraine has worked for the restaurant for almost two years before the previous owner sold it to his parents.  They decided to keep the name and the entire menu of specialty waffle and classic waffle desserts, sandwiches and a full espresso bar, shaken teas, special drinks, ice-blended drinks and affogatos.

So whether you are catching up with friends, grabbing a quick bite for lunch or taking the family  out for a Sunday morning breakfast, this place is a cozy family-friendly spot ready to serve up some savory goodness any time of day.  While you wait for your order, the family may play a game of cards or a board game, or if you simply want to read a book, they have a book shelf full of novels just for you.  Wahfles Desserts & Coffee is quite unique.  This is why Anthony and Lorraine jumped on the opportunity when the previous owner offered it to them.  Their one and only son Jacob, 18, put in his own life savings into the business making him a co-owner with his parents.  The Abel family is no stranger to Chino Valley area.  They have called Chino Hills their home for 18 years.  Lorraine teaches at the Alternative Education Center in the Chino Unified School District for independent study for high school students since 2011, and in the elementary division since 2003.  Anthony runs the restaurant full time alongside their son Jacob when he is not at school.  Jacob currently attends Cal State University majoring in Economics.  His ambition is to purchase many more businesses!

As a new Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce member, one of the things the Chamber does is hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate its grand opening and let the community know about your place of business. The mayor, city council or representatives from their office, and representatives from the district and assembly offices also come out to award the new business owner with certificates and welcome them to the community.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for Wahfles Desserts & Coffee was held on Oct. 7, 2015.  Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Wahfles, Desserts, & Coffee to the Chino valley business community.

Arrest Made In Centennial Bomb Threats

Staff Reports

Corona – After an extensive investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the Corona Police Department (CPD) has confirmed the arrest of a Colorado Springs minor for making false bomb threats at Centennial High School in Corona, on Tues., Sept. 8.

According to the CPD, the false bomb threats made to the school resulted in significant monetary costs for law enforcement, and the Fire Department’s response and investigation. The CPD’s costs alone exceeded $21,000. The costs for additional security totaled approximately $20,000. In addition, there was the cost of wages and benefits paid to Centennial staff, unable to teach due to the campus closure.

The City of Corona and CNUSD officials intend to pursue restitution for those costs from the responsible parties.
“The Corona Police Department takes threats to our schools very seriously and will devote all necessary resources to investigating threats to their full potential so that people who engage in these crimes can be held accountable,” said Chief of Police Mike Abel. “The safety of our children and schools is our top priority.”

West Covina Appoints New City Manager

Chris Freeland

Photo Courtesy: City of West Covina
Chris Freeland

By Natalie Kim

West Covina – On Sept 15, West Covina appointed Chris Freeland to the position of city manager, filling the void left by his predecessor Chris Chung. Freeland was born in West Covina, but moved to La Verne and attended Damien High School.

To complete the 100-hour requisite for graduation, Freeland worked with La Verne’s City Manager Marty Lomeli. It was during this time of service that Freeland was introduced to, and subsequently fell in love with, city government.

To pursue this goal, Freeland majored in Civil Engineering and Political Science at Cal Poly Pomona, and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Cal State Long Beach. In February 2001, Freeland returned to West Covina and worked in various city departments and held numerous titles, from Parks and Recreation to labor negotiation, before finally being appointed to his current position of City Manager.

“Sell Your Casa” With Gil Rivera

Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

By Sarah Sanchez

Southern California – In this day and age, it’s important to know all aspects of your business. For Gil Rivera from Sell Your Casa Realty, he definitely knows every aspect of buying and selling a home. Rivera is a reliable, experienced, and affordable Realtor, Broker, and Certified Appraiser.

Rivera sells houses, condos, and two- to four-unit investment properties in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. He also does real estate appraisals for banks, estates, taxes, trusts, divorces, attorneys, refinances, and home purchases.  Rivera also has assistants that work with him who are fluent in Spanish and Chinese, which helps him to reach people of different dialects all over Southern California.

With a 24-year proven track record of success, Rivera has sold homes in 26 different cities throughout Southern California.

“I can do this because I appraise homes in so many different cities and have the knowledge and expertise associated with your marketplace. Give me an opportunity and you will surely be happy you did!” Rivera said.

Rivera’s philosophy is to “treat my clients the way I want to be treated.” In fact, Rivera said that he became a Realtor because he did not like the way his Realtor treated him when he was buying his home. Rivera shows respect for his clients at all times. He listens to what they say, so that he can better serve them.

Rivera also does not push his Buyers into a sale. “I always tell Buyers: ‘You will know right away when we walk into the house that’s meant for you.’  Rivera said, “Whether it takes a week or months, my Buyers will always be satisfied with their purchase and are never pressured into it.”

Rivera’s Sellers love the fact that he offers a discounted commission, but with full service. Rivera offers a 4 percent Total Commission for Sellers, which includes 2.5 percent to the Buyer’s Agent and 1.5 percent to Rivera’s office. Most Realtors negotiate a 6 percent commission because they have to split the fees with their brokerage. But, Rivera passes on the savings to the Seller. This will save the Seller thousands of dollars in commission fees.

Rivera’s team offers full service for that discounted rate, including high quality flyers, professional photos, open houses (as allowable by the Seller), and extended advertising coverage on the Internet and social media.

Rivera absolutely loves what he does. He loves selling homes to Buyers because he helps fulfill their dreams of home ownership. His favorite part of selling homes to is transferring the keys to the excited new owners.  Rivera also loves selling homes for Sellers. He enjoys the individuality that each property offers and promoting the positive attributes of the home.

Rivera says, “Many agents spend their time showing houses….I sell them!”

For more information, call 877-888-SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

Home Of The Brave

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Maurice “Mo” Cheeks has enjoyed a long and successful career as a player and coach in the National Basketball Association. But in my opinion, his greatest moment in basketball had nothing to do with the action on the court.

On April 25, 2003, 13-year old Natalie Gilbert began singing the national anthem in front of the Portland Trail Blazers’ home crowd — as well as a national TV audience. Shortly into the song, she jumbled some words, and then she froze. Panicking, she held the microphone to her forehead, as if searching her brain for the right words. But just as she was about to give up (and look for the proverbial hole to crawl in), “Mo” Cheeks stepped to her side and began singing the song with her, helping her hold the microphone in place.

Urging the crowd to join in, he stayed with her the whole way, his off-key voice shadowing hers in sweet duet. It sounded awful, but it was beautiful. And you could see (and hear) Natalie’s confidence grow stronger with every line.

“He totally saved me,” Natalie told an interviewer. “I was walking off afterward, and he said, ‘Don’t worry, kid — everyone has a bad game once in a while.'”

As our kids would say, “Cool.”

The episode reminded me of the power we have as parents to come alongside and encourage our children. They need to dream big and shoot high, to put themselves out there into the battle where they run the risk of failure. And when they stumble — as they sometimes will — they need us to be there. Be all there, occasionally with the right words to see them through. They should never have to fall on their face too far from where our arms are.

Discuss:  Regardless of your children’s ages, in what areas do they need your active encouragement right now?
Pray:  Pray that your words of affirmation, belief and support will be encouraging and uplifting.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.