Category Archives: News By City

Glendora: It’s A Dirty Job

Photo Courtesy: Troy Case/LASD

Photo Courtesy: Troy Case/LASD
First responder, Deputy Noe Ramos

Staff Reports

Glendora – On Sun., Aug. 30, at approximately 8:40 p.m., a vehicle went 300 feet over the side of a cliff at Glendora Mountain Rd. and Glendora Ridge Mtwy., about six miles north of Glendora in the Angeles National Forest.

Deputies Noe Ramos and Jeff DeMooy of the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station were the first on scene. A first aid and CPR instructor, Ramos heard there were six people still in the Audi, so he scrambled over the side and made his way down the embankment to the car, assisted by DeMooy. Passers-by quickly joined in the effort to get help to the crash victims as soon as possible.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, it was soon discovered that two of the car’s occupants – the ones not wearing seatbelts – were ejected from the car. Ramos stayed with the six injured passengers for hours and medically triaged them until they could all be extracted from the crash site and taken to the hospital. Breathing dirt and helicopter fuel got him “a little dirty” said Ramos.
Ultimately, six people were rescued through the teamwork of numerous Los Angeles County Sheriff San Dimas Station Deputies, San Dimas Mountain Rescue Reserve Sheriff Deputies, Los Angeles County Fire Department Firefighters, Angeles National Forest Rescuers, and California Highway Patrol (CHP) Officers.
While there were no fatalities, some of the injuries were very serious.  The joint effort included the Los Angeles County Fire Department airlifting several of the crash victims to area hospitals. Two Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopters spent about two hours on scene in hazardous conditions, and a fire truck was used to add special lighting for rescuers. The incident is being investigated by the CHP.
Our local mountain roads lead to some beautiful vistas and excellent outdoor recreational activities. This incident is a stark reminder of the hazards of these challenging roads. The passengers in this car did not anticipate or appreciate this outcome for their Sunday evening drive. Please reduce your speed and wear your seat belts. The life you save may be your own.

Lost Something Lately?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife is beginning to worry about me because I keep losing track of things.  Recently, I lost my cell phone and could not find it.  I could not remember where I had left it. It was very frustrating.

I started my search by trying to retrace my steps.  When was the last time I used my phone? Where was the last place I had my phone with me?

The first thing we did was to look around the house.  Did it fall between the cushions on our couch?  Did I leave my cell phone in a pair of pants?

I asked a family member to call my phone number and hope we could hear the ringer somewhere in the house.  No luck.  We didn’t hear a thing.

Then I looked in my car.  Maybe I left it there or it fell under the seat.  No luck there either.

Maybe I left it in my office.  But, a careful search of my office did not reveal anything either.

My son suggested we try to use the Apple phone search app.  I guess this can help guide you to your phone’s location.  A friend of mine had done this and actually recovered phone that had been stolen!  But, apparently my phone’s battery was dead and we were unable to locate it.

Now I was beginning to get desperate.  I have phone numbers and contact information that I frequently use on that phone.  I could go buy a new phone, but how would I recover this vital information?

I finally resorted to prayer.  I genuinely prayed, “Lord, please help me find my phone.”  I know this is not a deep, theological prayer, but I was sincere.  I needed help to find my lost phone.

The answer did not come immediately.  I did not hear an audible voice.  But, later that day a thought came to my mind that I had not considered before.

A few days before, a friend of mine had driven me in his pickup truck to buy some building materials at Home Depot.  Did I have my phone with me when we went to Home Depot?  Could I have left my phone in his truck or at Home Depot?

We drove to his house, knocked on his door and looked in his truck.  We found my cell phone under the passenger seat!  The phone is black and his interior is black, so he had not seen it.  You would not have noticed it for months unless you were specifically looking for it!

I was so thankful to find my lost cell phone.  It really was an answer to prayer.  I was ready to celebrate!

There is a passage in the Bible where Jesus tells a parable about a lost sheep, a lost shekel and a lost son (Luke 15).  There is a celebration at the end of each parable when the lost sheep and the lost coin are found and when the prodigal son came home.

Each of these stories illustrates how much God loves us and wants us to come back to Him.  The passage says that there is a celebration in Heaven every time a child or adult comes to Him.

If you have lost something and can’t find it, you might want to stop and pray and ask God for help.  If you want to start a celebration in heaven, open your heart to God.  Put your faith in Jesus today.

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.

Diamond Bar: A Changing Of The Guard

A beloved Pastor retires and passes the reins to his successor

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez Mark and Jeanne Hopper

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez
Mark and Jeanne Hopper

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – On Sun., Aug 30, more than 400 people gathered at the Diamond Bar Community Center to celebrate two very special people: Mark and Jeanne Hopper.
The Hoppers have dedicated 27 years of faithful ministry to the Evangelical Free Church in Diamond Bar. Mark was the senior Pastor for all those years, but this fall he will step into his new part-time role as Pastor-at-Large.
“That’s what this is about. It’s not so much about retirement; it’s more of a reassignment. We’re not leaving, we just won’t be leading. So now I’m going to be there part-time, but I’ll still continue to be a part of the church,” said Pastor Mark.
Mark said they were so surprised to walk into the Diamond Bar Center to see hundreds of people there to celebrate them. “I thought we were just having cake and punch at the church with a few people. We could have never imagined something like this,” said Mark.
But their friends, family, and members of the church couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than celebrating these two amazing people. Everyone spoke highly of both of them, being impacted by the couple in some way.
Two members of Jeanne’s discipleship group, Madelyn Zaragoza and Amy Winter, have felt the love each week as they visit the Hopper’s home.
“They have been so uplifting, encouraging, empowering, and just really helping us grow while teaching us along the way,” said Winter. “They are prominent figures of the church, but they are also willing to show that they are imperfect, which is rare. Jeanne is so real in the sense that she will show you her flaws and her weaknesses, but I still look up to her as a great child of God because God loves us even though we are imperfect. Jeanne is even more willing to show us her humility and that makes me more willing to love her and love God even more.”
Even the Mayor of Diamond Bar, Steve Tye, talked about how the Hoppers have been there for him and his family through difficult times.
“Mark and Jeanne have impacted our lives in so many different ways. It gives me goose bumps even thinking about it. They really, truly treat you as family. It’s really wonderful,” said Tye.
Bruce Biller, a member of the church for 25 years and Chairman of the Elder Board, said that Mark and Jeanne have been tremendous friends and have been there alongside his family through tough times, too.
“Watching him in ministry, Pastor Mark devotes himself and gives himself to his people. He is just a great Pastor and a shepherd. Mark is always about people; people first,” Biller said.
Waldir Guerrero, the Worship Director, said that he has also seen Mark be a remarkable shepherd.
“He is a loving man, a great pillar of the church and also the community.”
Guerrero said that Mark has had an impact on his life as a great mentor, but he has also been there for him through difficult times.
Pastor Mark said that he was the one who was thankful and blessed to be a part of the church.
“We’re just very grateful and thankful to have been servants.”

Photo By Sarah Sanchez New pastor Tim Park with Mark Hopper

Photo By Sarah Sanchez
New pastor Tim Park with Mark Hopper

But he expressed his excitement for the next chapter, and said that they all love the new Senior Pastor of efreechurch, Tim Park.
On the morning of Aug. 30, a baton was literally passed from Mark Hopper to Tim Park at both church services. The baton had Park’s name engraved on it, the church name, the date, and a Bible passage.
“It feels exciting [to be the new Lead Pastor] and I’m humbled by the opportunity to receive the baton from Mark and to hopefully carry on the legacy that he has built for 27 years at our church,” said Park. “The neat thing about this transition, is that over the last almost four years, working side by side, I’ve become very familiar with his passion, his philosophy of ministry, and his leadership style. We could not have asked for a smoother Pastoral transition.”
When asked what his goals are for the church, Park said, “I will aspire to carry on the foundation that has already been set.”
Park talked about how he would like to continue to see how God’s going to use this Pastoral transition to reach a whole new generation in the community. He has already seen a change in the last year as the church has become a multi-generational and multi-cultural church.
“My hope is that in the future we will continue to see a church that reflects this community,” Park continued.
The church showed love to the Hoppers at the Diamond Bar Center as they displayed a slideshow of their lives over the years. Many members of the church, community, and his family also spoke on stage about them. In addition, Mayor Tye gave them a plaque on behalf of the City of Diamond Bar for the many years of their dedicated service in the community. Lastly, they were given luggage and two first class tickets to Europe to go see their grandchildren.
Mark Hopper was overjoyed with the love he was receiving from everyone. “I’m so thankful for the church and being a part of the community.”
Pastor Mark said that one of the greatest things the church has done while he was Pastor was start VantagePoint Church in Eastvale. He said he’s thankful that Mark Lee and Tom Lanning had the dream and willingness to go out and start the new church. Now, over 1,100 people go to Vantage Point Church and they have baptized close to 1,000 people at this church.
Pastor Mark Lee of VantagePoint Church gave a speech thanking the crowd for their giving and generosity in order to start up this church. He explained that Mark Hopper has always treated him like a son and that the Hoppers have truly impacted his and the community’s life
Guerrero said, “The legacy that Mark leaves behind is a great example for his love for people and his love for the Lord.”

 

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition September 2015

2015-09-EastvaleNews-COVERThe Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2015-09-EastvaleNews-WEB

Walnut Valley Middle Schools Are Golden

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Walnut Valley middle schools set the Gold standard – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne have been named 2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools for having exemplary standards and practices.

“This is an honor that we at Chaparral are very proud of,” Principal Ron Thibodeaux stated. “We’ve put a lot into making our school a 21st century learning environment, and the Gold Ribbon validates the hard work of our learning community. Our teachers and staff, parents and students are wonderful!”

According to the Walnut Valley Unified School District, the state’s highest recognition went to only 373 of the 10,366 public schools. In addition, all three schools were distinguished for having Exemplary Programs in Arts Education.

Gold ribbon schools were cited for best practices that can be replicated by other schools. WVUSD programs include the 21st Century Classroom Initiative at Chaparral, STEAM Program at South Pointe, and Global Citizenship at Suzanne.

This was the first year the state issued gold ribbon awards that temporarily replace the California Distinguished Schools Program while officials create new assessment and accountability systems.

“South Pointe is proud to be recognized by the state for its innovative approach to implementing 21st century Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math programs,” said Principal Susan Arzola. “We believe that by putting the “A” (the Arts) in STEM, we provide all students a well-balanced, joyful learning experience. Come watch them STEAM ahead!”

Eastvale City Council Recap

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
On Aug. 26, Kelly Howell, a founding member of the Eastvale Community Foundation, was awarded with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to the City’s development (L-R Joe Tessari, Howell, Clint Lorimore, Sharyn Link, William Link, and Mayor Ike Bootsma).

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – The August City Council meetings primarily focused on events, programs, and projects that would benefit the development of Eastvale.

The first Council meeting took place on Aug. 12, where the Public Safety Commission announced the success of the traffic safety map for back to school week. They also mentioned the community’s desire for a Neighborhood Watch leader.

During Presentations and Announcements, Rob Bishop, who is part of the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee (TUMF), said the group and the Riverside County Transportation Commission have collaborated to work on road projects in the city. TUMF states they will work with Eastvale not only on projects, but will also provide updates on road works and fees based on public growth through NEXUS studies every five years.

Next, Khuzaima Rangwalla and Zahra Rangwalla, two Eastvale City Hall interns, were recognized for their volunteer work. The City was also recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) because they have been successful in arresting 54 drivers for DUI in 2014.

The Student Liaison, Julia Sung, reported that Michael Reagan will be present for the official opening of Ronald Reagan Elementary on Aug. 28. As a result of Reagan’s opening, nearby Clara Barton Elementary has seen a decrease in students, and as a result, there is less traffic for parents to drop off and pick up students. Also, this school year will be the tenth anniversaries for Eleanor Roosevelt High and Harada Elementary.

During Public Comments, Hari Dhiman from the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce elaborated on his hope to reorganize the Chamber, and invited the public to the Evening Mixer on Fri., Aug. 21.

The Council motioned for all items on the Consent Calendar to be approved, including authorizing the Mayor to execute the amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement of the Western Riverside Council of Governments to add the Morongo Band of Mission Indians to the WRCOG Governing Board.

For Council Business, discussion began on initiating projects for flood plain and open lot space in the southwest quadrant of the City, and a professional services agreement with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center to offer workshops to aid small businesses.  The item that brought about the most debate was the proposal to hire a professional lobbyist for the City, surrounding the controversy of Assembly Bill 113.  A motion was passed 3-2 with regard to the hiring of Joe A. Gonsalves & Son short term.

The City Manager report focused on the completion of the Schleisman Road Project the week of Aug. 2, the selection of a Motorcycle Officer for the Eastvale Police Department, and staff members coordinating City tours.

Before adjournment, Council spoke about the success of National Night Out, and Mayor Bootsma mentioned formulating a committee to support the building of a new public library in Eastvale.

The Aug. 26 meeting began with an update from the Eastvale Community Foundation Update.  Sharyn Link shared some details for the City’s 5th Anniversary celebration, and mentioned that Council members were welcome to enter a float in the parade.  Link also announced that the Foundation would be donating $5,000 toward the creation of a new City Library.  Council thanked the Foundation for their generous donation.  Kelly Howell, the founding member of the Foundation was also recognized with a certificate of appreciation for her dedication to the City’s development.

Next, two new staff members were introduced to the council: Chris Hanson and Ramon Gibbons.  Hanson will work for the City’s water regulation, and Gibbons will be working in Fields Services.

For the Student Liaison Report, it was announced that Ronald Reagan Elementary will have its official opening on Fri., Aug. 28.  Also, ERHS is looking to hold a Winter Festival, possibly on Dec. 12.  The event will include games and booths.

There were no public comments, and all items on the Consent Calendar were approved.

Moving on to the Public Hearings, the Council was introduced to the proposal of amending the Goodman Commerce Center Plan. The amendments included approving Chapters 1 and 2, which focused on redefining glossary definitions, and increasing the size of the Business Park area from 40,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet. The motion was approved.

Under City Council Business, Items 9.1 through 9.4 were approved, agreeing to topics such as renaming Cleveland St. to Scholar Way (between 58th St. and Bellegrave Ave. by Sept. 9, and allocating $2,500 to support the International Walk to School Day event taking place Oct. 7.  For Item 9.4, Mayor Bootsma and Councilmember Tessari were motioned as the two new library subcommittee participants to ensure the development of the future library. While the Council is eager to create a new library in Eastvale, Tessari took the initiative to propose the possibility of creating a Civic Center to accommodate a new city hall and library; his recommendation was motioned. Item 9.7, which was intended to find funding for state and local transportation infrastructure, was not approved, as the Council believes that receiving the funds could lead to an increase in taxes.

The City Manager staff announced the 9/11 Memorial Event would take place at Cal Fire Station 27. Also, it was announced that a sign, promoted by the Goodman Commerce Center, will be erected on the freeway front facing the I-15 freeway. The sign will be 30 feet tall and 150 feet long, and it will be made of with reflective material that will illuminate images as drivers pass by.  Advertisements placed on this sign can also benefit the City by promoting businesses in the area.

Moving onto Council Comments, Mayor Bootsma stated that he will be meeting with Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA); and that he will visit the Reagan Elementary grand opening ceremony.  Before adjournment, he encouraged everyone to participate in the International Walk to School Day event on Oct. 7.

Diamond Bar Burglary Suspect At Large

The investigation continues after an extensive search went cold

 

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The incident began around noon on Wed., Sept. 2 in Diamond Bar when Deputies from Walnut/Diamond Bar Station responded to a Burglary Just Occurred call in the 800 block of Pantera Drive.

The victim of the burglary gave Deputies a description of the suspect and the car he was driving.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, while the Deputies were responding to the call, they saw the suspect driving the vehicle, as described by the victim, away from the residence.  At that time Deputies attempted to stop the suspect and when he did not yield, a pursuit ensued.  After approximately five minutes, the ground units terminated their part and a Sheriff’s Air Unit arrived overhead and monitored the pursuit from the air.

The suspect drove eastbound on the San Bernardino (10) Freeway, and continued to the northbound Orange (57) Freeway, west on the Foothill (210) Freeway, and south on the San Gabriel (605) Freeway, where he exited at Washington Boulevard in Pico Rivera.  The Air Unit had been surveilling the suspect the entire time.

Once the suspect left the freeway, he abandoned his vehicle and ran into the San Gabriel River wash. Deputies set up a containment perimeter and a Sheriff’s K-9 was brought to the scene to search for the suspect.  The wash is chock full of dense brush and covers an extensive area. Assisting with the search operation are Deputies from Pico Rivera and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, and California Highway Patrol personnel.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the search operation for the burglary suspect concluded.  The suspect was not located; however Detectives are actively investigating his whereabouts.

Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station at  (909) 595-2264.

 

Diamond Bar Princess Party

Diamond Bar Queen and her court.

Diamond Bar Queen and her court.

Calling all Diamond Bar Princesses!

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Miss Diamond Bar Scholarship Pageant, Inc. is hosting the 2015 Princess Tea Party for all little princesses age 10 and under.  Diamond Bar’s Queen Alexandra and her court of Princesses – Cynthia, Katherine, Megan and Rebecca – are hosting this year’s popular event, with reading, games, gifts and lots of fun!

This year’s party will be held at the Diamond Bar Library, and you can reserve a place for your little princess by calling (909) 861-4978.  More information is also available at http://www.MissDiamondBarPageant.org.   This is an event not to be missed!

DB-Princess-Invite-WEB

Forgiveness

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

Why is forgiving others so difficult for humans to do?  Forgiving others should be relatively easy for believers to do, because we, of all people, know how much forgiveness has been extended to us through Christ, right?  And, yet, we seem to have just as much trouble forgiving those who have sinned against us as unbelievers do.

Jesus talked a lot about humans forgiving other humans.  Peter thought he got it when he asked Jesus if we should forgive a repeat offender seven times.  This was up from the four times prescribed by the Rabbis, so Peter probably thought he’d get commended by Jesus (Matthew 18:21-22). But Jesus said, “No, seventy-times seven would be more like it.”  By that he meant: Just keep on forgiving.  After all, isn’t this what our heavenly Father does for us?

You know the parable Jesus went on to tell.  He said (to paraphrase), “The President and CEO of a large company found out that one of his V.P.’s embezzled a ‘zillion’ dollars (i.e., an amount he could never hope to pay back).  So, the big boss was going to throw the book at the V.P.  The V.P. knew he was finished.  There was no getting out of this mess.

But feeling the full weight of his wrongs, and the reality of the consequences he deserved and was about to get, the V.P. breaks down and is sincerely remorseful.  In this state he falls to his knees, confesses his guilt, and begs for mercy.

To everyone’s surprise, the big boss feels compassion; lifts the V.P. to his feet; and tells the man that he is going to forgive his entire debt.  The big boss will suffer great personal loss by doing this, but he lets the guy go anyway.

One would think that after being forgiven an unpayable debt, that the V.P. would feel obliged to readily extend such mercy to those who (by comparison) committed minor offenses against him.  But he didn’t.

The big boss found out about this, reversed his decision and held the V.P. accountable for all his offenses (Matthew 18:23-35).

There are many lessons to be drawn from Jesus’ parable.  We’ll just share one:

Mercy is supposed to beget mercy, according to Jesus.  If humans want mercy, we should show mercy.  If we want grace, we should extend grace.  Those who show no mercy, and who are unforgiving, will receive back in like kind – from both God and man.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road, next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visit http://www.newdaycc.net.

Walnut Student Awarded Scholarship

Staff Reports

Walnut – Shawn Wu, of Walnut, has been awarded a 2015-16 Stater Bros. Markets Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 through the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF).

Wu graduated from Walnut High School in 2014.  He will attend UC Riverside this fall and major in Business Informatics.  Wu’s accomplishments include winning 3rd Place for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) 2013 Sectionals; 1st Place for FBLA 2014 Sectionals; AP Scholar with Honor award; National Financial Literary Challenge; AP Scholar with Distinction Award; and UCR’s Chancellor’s Scholarship.

Foundation scholarships are awarded annually to college students who are either employees or dependents of employees of California Grocers Association member companies, such as State Bros. Markets.

College scholarships are awarded on academic merit, evidence of outstanding character and leadership potential.  Applicants must enroll at an accredited, nonprofit college or university in the United States in the fall of 2015.

This year, the CGAEF awarded 327 scholarships totaling a record $552,500.  Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships.

“We are proud to award college scholarships to these deserving students,” said CGAEF President, Ronald Fong. “We are encouraged by their desire, drive and determination to obtain a higher education and are grateful to assist in that cause.”

For more information regarding the Foundation and its programs, visit ccgaef.org.

Orange County Barber Arrested For Lewd Acts With Minor

Public assistance requested in identifying additional victims

 

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Ruben Olguin

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Ruben Olguin

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Fri., Aug. 14, at approximately 11 a.m., Santa Ana Police Detectives arrested Ruben Olguin, 51, of Santa Ana, for Lewd Acts with a Child. Olguin was arrested from his place of employment, the Salon De Belleza Nuevo Guadalajara, located at 118 E. 4th St. in Santa Ana.
According to the SAPD, this past July, a 14-year old victim and his mother went to their usual barber – Olguin – at the Salon De Belleza Nuevo Guadalajara. The victim and his mother had been to the same barber several times and trusted him. Olguin took the victim to a private location in the back of the Salon to wash and shampoo the child’s hair. There, it is alleged that Olguin molested the victim while the mother waited in the front of the store.
Olguin is currently being held at the Orange County Jail with bail set at $100,000.
Due to Olguin’s access to children and the public, the SAPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims or witnesses who may have observed him acting inappropriately.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Corporal Javier Aceves at (714) 245-8542 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

Baldwin Park Unified Students Praised For AP Success

Photo Courtesy: BP Unified

Photo Courtesy: BP Unified
Sierra Vista High senior, Anel Castellanos, earned Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction honors for passing six AP exams with scores of 4 and 5 during her sophomore and junior year. She is taking additional AP classes this year.

By William Diepenbrock

Baldwin Park – 104 students at Baldwin Park Unified’s two comprehensive high schools are being honored as AP Scholars by the College Board for their stellar success on Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

The exams are the culmination of the College Board’s AP program, that is designed to give high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses. Students who succeed on AP exams show they are ready for the rigors of college, may be allowed to skip some college courses and are more likely to graduate college on time.

AP exams are graded from 1 to 5 points. To be an AP Scholar, a student must earn a minimum score of 3 – the lowest passing grade – on three or more exams. To be an AP Scholar with Honor, a student must average 3.25 with a minimum score of 3 on four or more exams. To be an AP Scholar with Distinction, a student must average 3.5, with a minimum score of 3 on five or more exams.

Of the 104 students honored at Sierra Vista and Baldwin Park high schools, 68 were recognized as AP Scholars, 17 as AP Scholars with Honor, and 19 as AP Scholars with Distinction.

“We are proud of all our students who take on the challenge of these AP classes. These are extraordinarily demanding programs, but they deliver equally rewarding benefits,” said Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano.

In 2014-15, 1,579 Baldwin Park Unified students took AP exams, including some who took more than ten. Subjects included art history, studio art, English language, European history, U.S. government, U.S. history, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics and Spanish.

Sierra Vista senior, Anel Castellanos, achieved one of the District’s highest average scores, earning three 4s and three 5s on six AP exams. That success earned her the status of AP Scholar with Distinction, the College Board’s second-highest honor.

Castellanos said the AP program helped inspire her passion for science and medicine.

“It helped me pick the career I wanted,” said Castellanos, who is also a forward on the Don’s varsity girls basketball team. “I want to become a biomedical engineer, perhaps specializing in helping create better artificial limbs.”

Castellanos began kindergarten at De Anza Elementary as an English learner. In 2008, after passing exams, she was designated as fluent English proficient. She is a graduate of Sierra Vista Junior High, where she participated in an accelerated math program, passing geometry as an 8th Grader.

Castellanos took her first AP exams as a sophomore, scoring a 5 on AP Calculus AB, and a 4 in AP World History. As a junior, she scored 5s in AP Calculus BC, AP Spanish Language and Culture, and 4s in AP U.S. History and AP English Language.

Sierra Vista High calculus teacher, Daniel G. Toohey, said he could tell in the first two weeks of Castellanos’ sophomore year that she was something special.

“She excels because she shows great attention to detail, a commitment to do her work exactly as I demonstrate it, and a level of maturity that I rarely see from someone her age,” Toohey said.

Castellanos’ perfect grades in AP and regular classes elevated her 4.0 GPA to a weighted GPA of 4.5, matching her 4.5 average on AP exams. This year, she will take AP Biology and AP Computer Science. If she earns at least 4s in those subjects, she will qualify as a National AP Scholar – the College Board’s highest honor.

 

 

Walnut Council Recap

Photo Courtesy: Natalie Kim

Photo Courtesy: Natalie Kim
Joelle Julve (shown with fiance, Danny), Assistant Planner, is recognized by the Walnut City Council.

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The Aug. 26 Walnut City Council meeting began with two presentations. The first was for Joelle Julve, in recognition of her outstanding work as Assistant Planner. The second was for the Chinese American Association of Walnut, in recognition of 26 years of sharing and celebrating Chinese traditions and culture with the residents of Walnut.

Following the Communications, the Council approved the minutes of the July 22 meeting, and performed the first reading of an ordinance to amend the City’s current regulation on antennas and communication facilities, requiring a greater distance from schools and residential areas. The ordinance is set for a second reading and public hearing on Sept. 9.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including an allowance of $884,330.06 in claims and demands; authorization to destroy certain records pursuant to Resolution No. 01-18; the award of a bid to All City Management for school crossing guard services; and appointed Jackie Chan, Codie Chang, Renee Hua, Sarah Kim, Robert Lee, Candice Ma, and Paula Yang to the Youth Advisory Commision. The Council also waived parking restrictions on La Puente Road for the evening of Sept. 5 in light of Mt. Sac’s football game hosted at the Walnut High School football field, to prevent overflow parking from clogging residential streets. The Council will discuss waiving parking restrictions on same such evenings for the rest of the season on Sept. 9, after observing traffic and overflow parking on Sept. 5.

Next, the Council moved to discussion and transaction items. Term limits, which Walnut residents have been claiming are long overdue for the City, was the first item discussed. Although all members of the Council agreed that new blood and new ideas led to a better City and a better City government, some also expressed concern over possible drawbacks of term limits, such as a City Council that was unable to effectively run due to lack of expertise. The Council will vote to put term limits on the April 2016 ballot during its next meeting on Sept. 9. The Council also approved a utilization of $6,000 from the General Fund reserve to print and distribute a City-wide mailer notifying Walnut residents of the current state of the Mt. Sac parking structure, and Mt. Sac’s future plans concerning the structure. The Council also allowed the Planning Commission additional time to approve a tentative tract map for the development of a two lot subdivision of undeveloped land.

After reports and comments, the Council adjourned.  The next meeting will be held on Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers located at 21202 La Puente Road.

Inland Empire: Sheriff’s Air Rescue

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Staff Reports

Forest Falls – On Tues., Aug. 25, hiker Alexis Lopez was climbing at Big Falls, in Forest Falls, when he fell approximately 15 feet, hitting his face on the rocks.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Air Rescue 306, manned by Pilot Corporal Mike Gilley, Crew Chief Deputy Paul Kowalski, SBCFD Captain Jack DeJong, and SBCFD Firefighter/ Paramedic Eric Sherwin, were dispatched to assist with Lopez’ rescue.

Kowalski lowered Sherwin via hoist to access Lopez. Due to the extent of Lopez’ injuries, and the remote location of his fall, the crew determined a hoist rescue was necessary.

Lopez was hoisted 120′ out of the falls and then transported in stable condition to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Chino Farmer’s Market At The Preserve

Image Courtesy: HealthyChino.com

Image Courtesy: HealthyChino.com

Staff Reports

Chino – The City of Chino and the Southland Farmer’s Market Association recently launched the Chino Farmers’ Market at the Preserve Community Center.  The Market features a variety of fruits and vegetables, hummus, breads, spices, freshly squeezed lemonade, and much more.

Approximately 400 to 500 visitors attended the Market on opening day, Aug. 8.

Interested patrons can visit this year-round Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Preserve Community Center, located at 15800 Main Street in Chino.  Cash, credit cards, EBT, and WIC are accepted.  Visitors are encouraged to think green and bring reusable bags.

The Chino Farmers’ Market not only offer an opportunity for residents to eat healthy, but locals can get in a little exercise by walking or biking over to do their shopping.

For more information about the Chino Farmers’ Market at the Preserve, please contact (909) 334-3478, or visit www.healthychino.com.

“Well Done”

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Paul the Apostle penned these words as he saw his approaching death.  He was able to say that he finished the course of faith God set him on.  His faith in God remained strong in both tribulation and as the end drew near (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique.  The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit.

You are born in this specific generation to fulfill God’s specific plan.  The first step in God’s plan is to trust your life to Christ.  As you trust Him, He will direct you (Proverbs 3:5-6). You have a purpose in this generation, and through “living” that purpose, a message to send to the next generation.   What will your message be?

On July 31, my dad graduated to Heaven. There is no doubt in our hearts that he is in Heaven, because he left a legacy of great faith.  He and his smile were bigger than life, but his faith was even bigger.  His testimony of faith in Jesus Christ will forever resonate with all who knew him.

In his last days, I saw his light burning brighter than ever.  I miss him dearly, but I am grateful for my dad showing me the way of finishing well and accomplishing His purpose.  There is no doubt he heard the Lord say, “Well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of the Lord,” (Matthew 25:23).

Let’s finish well.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave., Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Chino Hills Burglary Arrest

Photo Courtesy: Flickr

Photo Courtesy: Flickr

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Fri., Aug. 21, Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department responded to the Mission Hills Apartments located at 3100 Chino Hills Parkway in reference to a vehicle burglary.

According to the Chino Hills Police Department, investigation found that a suspect had broken the passenger window of a vehicle and took a laptop computer and an Apple iPad.  The victim was able to activate the Find My iPad app, which led Deputies to the 13300 block of Saddle Lane in the city of Chino.

At that residence, the Chino Hills Detective Bureau had also responded to a report of a stolen vehicle, which was located with the suspect – Gerardo Cebreros-Vargas, 23, of Chino.  The vehicle was found to have stolen property – including the stolen iPad – from at least six victims from Chino and Chino Hills.

Through investigation, Deputies determined that an additional stolen vehicle was involved in these crimes.  The second vehicle was located at 4200 Village Drive in Chino Hills.

Cebreros-Vargas was booked into the West Valley Detention Center without further incident, and was charged with Vehicle Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Possession of Stolen Property.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at (909) 364-2000, or WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Rowland Heights: Woman Charged With Fatal Stabbing

Photo Courtesy: DMV Lisette Kimberly Moreno

Photo Courtesy: DMV
Lisette Kimberly Moreno

Staff Reports

Rowland Heights – On Tues., Aug. 18, a 19-year old woman was charged with killing her brother’s girlfriend with a pair of scissors.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Lisette Kimberly Moreno has been charged with one count of murder. The felony complaint includes a special allegation that the defendant personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon – scissors – during the commission of the crime.
Moreno was scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 18, but the court appearance has been continued to Sept. 17 in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Pomona Branch.
Prosecutors said on Aug. 16, Moreno reportedly got into an argument with her brother’s girlfriend at a Rowland Heights home. Following the verbal exchange, Moreno allegedly stabbed the victim, Annette Martinez, before fleeing the area.
Authorities were called and Martinez was taken to the hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
After the attack, law enforcement located Moreno and arrested her in connection with the fatal stabbing.
If convicted as charged, Moreno faces a possible maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison.

Tools Of The Trade

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

I have a great respect for people in the construction trades.  Plumbers, carpenters, electricians and many others help build our homes, schools, churches and industries.

One of the things that they have in common is the “tools of their trade.”  Each craftsman has to have specific tools in order to do their work.  That is why many of them drive pickup trucks filled with saws, hammers, wire cutters and pipe wrenches.

Pastors and teachers have their own “tools of the trade.”  One of their tools is books.  Teachers use books to help their students read and learn, and for preparing their lessons.  Students use books to learn on their own.

Pastors use books to study and prepare sermons, and for Bible lessons.  We use them to broaden our understanding of theology and gain insight into passages in the Bible.

Today, many pastors and teachers are using books and other resources that are available on the Internet.   The number of these resources is almost unlimited.

I have gathered my “tools of the trade” over the past 45 years.  I have books that I purchased decades ago that are still very helpful in my studies.  Some of the books in my library were given to me as gifts from friends, family and church members.

In addition, I have dozens of notebooks filled with over 40 years of sermons, study notes and illustrations.  I am grateful that I have preserved years of material that I can refer to as I prepare new studies and sermons.

I have often told the people at our church that if there is ever a fire on our property, don’t worry about the music equipment or office computers – save my books!  These are priceless resources that cannot be replaced.

When the Apostle Paul was near the end of his earthly ministry, he wrote a letter to his young apprentice, Timothy.  In that letter he instructed Timothy, “When you come, bring the books and the parchments that I left with Carpus,” (2 Timothy 4:13).

These resources were some of the “tools of Paul’s trade.”  They were portions of the Bible and other resources that he used in his ministry.  Even in his older years, he had an insatiable desire to keep on learning.

What are the tools of your trade?  For many people today, it is their smart phone and computer.  For others, it may be some specialized piece of equipment or a motorized wheelchair.

Whatever your “tools” are, treat them with care and use them to help others.  You will be glad you did, and they will, too!

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 Receives National School Safety Honor

Staff Reports

Corona/Norco – The Corona-Norco Unified School District’s Project Safety Net Program has been selected to receive the 2015 Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award by the School Safety Advocacy Council, a recognized leader in school safety based services and training. CNUSD was honored at the National School Safety Conference on July 27, in Las Vegas, NV.

The Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award honors Districts nation-wide that have implemented programs that have had a significant impact in school safety and the community. The Project Safety Net Program serves over 53,000 students and their families in the District.

Under the outstanding leadership of Associate Superintendent of Instructional Support, Michael Cobarrubias, Project Safety Net was implemented in the summer of 2013 to ensure that each and every member of the school community experiences a safe and caring educational environment.

The overarching goal of Project Safety Net is to identify and anticipate safety concerns and systematically address each concern through the application of best practices. A key component to the success of the program is the development of innovative partnerships between the District and the Corona Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, students, parents and community organizations.

School safety is of paramount importance to CNUSD, and this accolade confirms the District’s ongoing commitment to keeping its campuses safe.