Category Archives: News By City

Baldwin Park Unified Expands STEM

District partners with Cal Poly Pomona College of Engineering to strengthen career pathways

 

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Baldwin Park Unified is expanding its partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) – the nation’s leading provider of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum – to deepen student opportunities for career and college pathways.

Baldwin Park High School – which launched Project Lead The Way’s freshman-year Introduction to Engineering Design class in 2014-15 – will add Principles of Engineering for sophomores this fall. The school plans to add a grade level each year.

Holland Middle School, meanwhile, is launching PLTW Gateway, which teaches students the principles of problem solving as they design playgrounds and furniture with specialized software.

Santa Fe School, a Grade 3 to 8 school, will provide Gateway for 8th Graders with an introduction to robotics for 5th Graders, and launch a PLTW club.

“These programs will strengthen our students’ knowledge, especially in engineering, as we begin to incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards, which emphasize more hands-on learning and more real-world application of science,” Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Sevillano said.

Baldwin Park has partnered with Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Engineering as part of the effort. Cal Poly is training and certifying teachers.  Students who complete the engineering pathway will move to the front of the registration line for Cal Poly’s engineering program.

District leaders say the new curriculum complements efforts by Baldwin Park High’s STEAM Academy, Holland Middle School’s exemplary science program and Santa Fe School’s focus on STEM, especially technology.

The STEAM Academy, which includes arts as well as STEM topics, is one of three career academies at Baldwin Park High School. The program provides interdisciplinary instruction around its STEAM theme. Signature projects include an egg drop, bridge-building and vehicle-building contests. Topics weave through math, history, English and social studies.

“Project Lead The Way adds a vital engineering component to our program,” Principal Anthony Ippolito said. “Together, these elements are really helping us to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to pursue college and career pathways.”

Baldwin Park’s efforts to strengthen college and career pathways helped earn the school a California Gold Ribbon – the state’s highest award – in 2015.

Ippolito said the programs offered at Holland and Santa Fe will work in conjunction with Baldwin Park’s engineering program and could even help prepare students for the high school’s Medical Academy, which has a sports medicine focus.

Holland Middle School, which earned a state Gold Ribbon this spring for its effective science instruction, will offer the Gateway program’s foundational class in engineering modeling and design as an 18-week program in fall and spring, allowing up to 50 students to take part. In 2016-17, Holland will add a foundational program in automation and robotics; specialized courses may follow the next year.

“We’re building a pipeline of opportunities for our students that will continue in high school and eventually lead to college,” Principal Michael Rust said. “We’re dedicated to giving these students every opportunity under the sun to succeed.”

At Santa Fe School – a smaller campus with about 400 students – programs will be offered to more than 30 8th Grade students as an elective and incorporated into science classes taken by all 5th Graders, Principal Margie Clark said. In addition, the school is looking to launch a PLTW club to help spark student interest.

“The goal is to get students excited about these opportunities,” Clark said. “I think they’ll be amazed at all the things they can create, especially with the robotics elements.”

BMX World Champion In Eastvale

Photo Courtesy: Tracy Weinkauf Beadle

Photo Courtesy: Tracy Weinkauf Beadle

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – A world champion lives among us, and he is only 8-years old! Ty Beadle returned home after representing USA BMX and USA Cycling in the UCI BMX World Championship Race in Zolder, Belgium recently.

The competition places the contestants by birth year, so Ty competed against 9-year old boys, but he still won the title of World 1 during the competition. His family couldn’t be prouder of this remarkable accomplishment.

“Out of 122 riders from countries all over the world, he took home the gold – never losing a single race in his day,” says Ty’s mother, Tracy Weinkauf Beadle.

If fact, not only was Ty one of two people from the United States to bring home a gold medal, but he was the only male to come home with the win. Since the competition included contestants aged 5 to Professional, this was an amazing win for Ty and his family.

Ty has been doing BMX racing for three years and competed in the World championship last year in the Netherlands. He won World 3 last year, but was determined to compete again.

“He trained hard all year for this title,” says proud mom, Tracy. Training six

Photo Courtesy: Tracy Weinkauf Beadle

Photo Courtesy: Tracy Weinkauf Beadle

days a week paid off for Ty, who now represents the United States as a World Champion.

“Ty says he feels awesome and proud to represent his country this way! He plans to defend this title next year at the Worlds in Colombia,” says Tracy.  #teamusa

Pomona: Officer Involved Shooting

Staff Reports

Pomona – Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a Pomona Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting, which occurred near the 300 block of East Center Street in the city of Pomona on Fri., Aug. 7, at approximately 10:38 p.m.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Detectives have learned that Pomona Police Officers assigned to a joint gang suppression team accompanied by District Attorney Investigators were on patrol in the city of Pomona when they saw a Hispanic male suspect and another individual involved in a heated argument.

After the argument, the suspect rode away on his bicycle, and Pomona Police Officers attempted to detain him.  As one of the Officers exited his vehicle, he ordered the suspect to stop. Instead of stopping, the suspect rode away from the Officers westbound on Center Street.  The Officer ran after the suspect while a Pomona Officer and a District Attorney Investigator paralleled the suspect in their vehicle.

At one point during the chase, the suspect stopped his bicycle, made a U-turn, and began to ride toward the Officer who was chasing him.  The suspect then withdrew a .357 caliber revolver from his waistband and pointed it at the Officer who was chasing him on foot.  The Officer, in fear for his life, withdrew his duty weapon, fired, and struck the suspect multiple times in the upper torso.

The suspect, a 32-year old Pomona resident, was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

No officers were injured during the shooting.

A loaded .357 caliber revolver was recovered at the scene.

Smooth Aire Heating And Air Conditioning

Where quality beats price

 

By Claire Lewis

SGV – Smooth Aire strives for excellence. Since 2008, this heating, ventilation and air conditioning company has been dedicated to providing customers with the best in quality, service and pricing.

Smooth Aire has always tried to keep the current economy in mind, and they know that providing energy efficient solutions to your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) needs will help keep your home and your family more comfortable.  And with 100% financing (OAC), it has never been easier to install a system to meet your current needs.

Smooth Aire is a Trane Comfort Specialist, and they install well-known and respected Trane products so you can be sure you are getting the best quality available.  They also provide services for Water Heaters, Insulation and Gas Leak repairs.

With summer temperatures soaring, now is the time to make that call to ensure that your air conditioning unit is performing at its peak, and that your system can easily make the transition into the upcoming seasonal changes.  Service calls are just $49, and Smooth Aire will work hard to ensure your trust and give you the best solutions possible.

Smooth Aire:  Where Quality Beats Price!  Call them today at (626) 523-2476 to get a free estimate on an HVAC installation or replacement unit.  They are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  See their ad on page 8.

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

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

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

Staff Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761).  Their office is located at 1200 North Barsten Way, in Anaheim, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at www.AdvancedIMP.com, and see their ad on page 14.

Chino: Near Miss For Small Aircraft

Photo Courtesy: CVFD

Photo Courtesy: CVFD

Staff Reports

Chino – Chino Valley Fire Department (CVFD) Firefighters responded to the Chino Airport on Sat., Aug. 8 at 3:11 p.m. for a small single-engine aircraft that experienced problems with its landing gear while attempting to land.

According to the CVFD, the two-seater aircraft skidded off the runway and came to rest in the grass area adjacent to the runway.  The single male occupant of the aircraft did not sustain any injuries.

Chino Airport Ground is making contact with the FAA and NTSB.  They will be conducting the investigation.

Eastvale’s All-Stars

Photo Courtesy: Swoosh All-Stars Organization

Photo Courtesy: Swoosh All-Stars Organization

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On the weekend of July 18-19, nine student athletes from the City of Eastvale competed in their travel basketball club’s California State Games, held in San Diego. They represented Eastvale professionally, and were able to achieve the Bronze medal after competing for three days with over 20 different teams from across the nation.

 

The team members are as follows:

Keenan Cobbs, 10, Harada Elementary

Skye Jun, 10, Harada Elementary

Cole Lester, 10, Norco Elementary

Diego Mendoza, 10, Harada Elementary

Maximus Mendoza, 8, Harada Elementary

Kendall Roberts, 12, River Heights Intermediate

William Roberts, 9, Harada Elementary

Diego Saucedo, 10, Harada Elementary

Jason Van Horn, 10, Harada Elementary

 

For more information on these athletes and the travel basketball club, visit http://www.swooshallstars.com.

Ontario Airport To Return Home

Photo Courtesy: Ontario Airport

Photo Courtesy: Ontario Airport

By Claire Lewis

Ontario – Since 1923, when a small landing field was first built on land leased from the Union Pacific Railroad (three miles west of the current Airport), the City of Ontario has had a vested interest in the success and sustainability on the Ontario International Airport.

Wikipedia states that in 1929, the City of Ontario purchased 30 acres to create the Ontario Municipal Airport.  This sustained the City until 1941, when Ontario purchased another 470 acres around that airport, adding runways and a partnership with the Army Air Corps as a training/operating base.

Due to transpacific cargo flights originating in the City, in 1946, the Airport was renamed the Ontario International Airport.

On Oct. 18, 1967, the City of Ontario requested that the City of Los Angeles enter into a Joint-Powers Agreement for the operation, management, and control of Ontario International Airport (Los Angeles World Airports – LAWA).  In more recent years, that management has come into question and criticism.  In 2008, 6.2 million passengers used the airport, which was 13.5 percent less than in 2007.  Additionally, passenger volume decreased 4.6 percent from 2010 to 2011.  In early 2011, Southwest Airlines carried 54 percent of the entire Ontario passenger load.

In 2013, LAWA offered to turn the airport back to the City of Ontario for $474 million, but the offer was rejected.  And recently, once again, LAWA has agreed to turn over ownership of Ontario International Airport to the City in an agreement that includes the settling of previous lawsuits and protection of the facility’s 182 employees.

According to L.A. County Supervisor, Don Knabe, The City of Los Angeles has, in fact, agreed to transfer control of the airport back to the City of Ontario.

“For years, the idea of spreading air traffic across our region was talked about by Los Angeles World Airports.  Instead, we saw significant reductions in passenger traffic to Ontario International Airport that couldn’t be explained away by the economy,” said Knabe.

Knabe states that transferring local control back to the City and allowing it to manage and grow its airport is the best path toward creating a truly regionalized vision for transportation throughout Southern California.

The complete transfer process could take over a year to complete.  Once said and done, the Airport will reportedly be operated by the Ontario International Airport Authority, under a joint-powers agreement with San Bernardino County.

If You Can’t Take The Heat…

CVFD offers Tips for the Heat Wave

 

Image Courtesy: Google

Image Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As the temperatures increase throughout the region – in some places in excess of 105 degrees – the Chino Valley Fire District urges residents to take precautions that will help prevent heat-related illnesses.

Stay Cool and Hydrated:

  • Spend the warmest part of the day in air-conditioned buildings.
  • Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is hottest, and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Drink more water than usual. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
  • Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working.
  • Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes.
  • NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles – even for a minute!
  • Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.

Swimming Pool Safety:

  • Have an adult designated to supervise children whenever they are in or around water.
  • Remove children from water for any distractions such as a phone call or to use the restroom.

Barbeque Safety:

  • Visually inspect propane hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. A soap and water solution may be used to test for leaks. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
  • Never use a grill indoors or closer than 10 feet from a building, eaves, branches or other combustibles.
  • Never leave a charcoal or propane grill unattended.

For additional safety tips, please visit the Fire District’s website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

A New City Hall For Eastvale

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – The corner of town at what used to be Schleisman Road and Hamner Avenue was once the home of Al’s Corner, a watering hole of Eastvale’s days gone by.  The little tavern is long gone, but the battle for the land it sat on was a bone of contention for the City, the County and the owner up until last year.

The vacant land – now at the redesigned corner of Riverboat Drive and Hamner Avenue – will be the home of Eastvale’s future City Hall.  After years of litigation, the County of Riverside seized the property through Eminent Domain, and deeded it over to the City of Eastvale last year.

For some time now, Eastvale has occupied space in the Gateway Shopping Center near the movie theater.  And while this location has served its purpose, the City has outgrown the offices, finding themselves in a more-than-cozy atmosphere, with some employees even sharing cubicles.

On July 15, the City of Eastvale held a meeting inviting members of the community to hear about the plans for the new City Hall, and contribute their ideas to the mix.

Situated on one of the main arteries into the City within close proximity to Cal Fire Station 27, the new City Hall will be a municipal beacon leading residents and visitors into Eastvale.  The hope for the design will be conservative and welcoming.  The 20,000 square foot, two-story building will include public access, Council Chambers and conference rooms on the ground floor, and City Staff offices upstairs.  Just outside will be an Emergency Operations Center, and approximately 80 parking spaces, all within ecologically-friendly landscaping.

An update on the final designs and construction of the City Hall project is set to be completed this December, with the expectation that the building will be completed by March 2017.

Chino Hills: Unauthorized Curb Painter Alert

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Some Chino Hills residents are receiving flyers indicating that street addresses are being painted on the curbs in their neighborhoods.

According to City officials, these street address painters have not been authorized by the City to paint street addresses on the curbs. The notices typically do not contain any contact information, nor do they have an approved business license to operate legally in Chino Hills. In some cases, the notices ask the resident to take action if they do NOT want the service. At other times, the notices ask residents to request the service by completing the form and taping it to the curb. Some notices request payment before the curbs are painted.

“It is illegal for these companies to paint the street address on the curb because curbs are City property,” said Ben Montgomery, Deputy City Manager. “Police and Code Enforcement staff make every attempt to stop this illegal activity. However, it can be very difficult to catch them in the act.”

Residents are under no obligation to hire curb painters and should not feel compelled to pay for any service they have not requested. Residents with questions may call Code Enforcement at (909) 364-2757.

There Is Beauty In Our Brokenness

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

In 2002, a reality show involving dramatic home improvements debuted.  Every week, viewers would tune into ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover to watch as rundown residences were transformed into impressive works of art.  More often than not, the construction crew would have to completely demolish the existing building before an amazing new establishment could be built.

One of the key elements highlighted in each Extreme Home Makeover episode was the reason behind the home’s disrepair.  Even though the featured families were decent human beings, they had fallen on hard times.  Whether it was because of a natural disaster, a financial crisis, or a devastating illness, these unfortunate people had found themselves unable to make the necessary repairs.

In many ways, our lives are similar to home maintenance.  Usually, we don’t have a problem fulfilling our responsibilities, nurturing our relationships, and taking care of our personal needs.  But at some point, we also encounter times of crisis.  Whether caused by something beyond our control or the result of our own poor choices, our lives can suddenly and unexpectedly fall into disrepair.

While it is very hard to embrace these troubles, the reality is that hard times are often necessary.  Just as the construction team on Extreme Home Makeover has to tear down an existing structure before replacing it with a masterpiece, our personal and spiritual brokenness needs to occur before we can transform into stronger, more mature individuals,

Matthew 5:3 tells us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Although it is difficult to navigate a major crisis, there is always beauty in our brokenness.  Sometimes you have to tear down a shack before building a mansion.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

New Life

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

The Ninth Ward in New Orleans is filled with contrasts.  The upper and lower Ninth Ward were one of the areas of the City that were the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina ten years ago.

Recently a team from our church spent a week helping with the ongoing rebuilding effort in New Orleans.  As we drove and walked through some of these neighborhoods, I noticed several things.

On some streets you might see empty lots where houses once stood.  The foundations and concrete steps might be the only things that remain.  There were also broken down homes that had been destroyed by the flood waters and abandoned by their owners.   Roofs had collapsed, windows were gone and vines weeds had taken over these homes.

But among the empty lots and abandoned homes, new houses are being constructed and older homes are being rebuilt. New life is emerging from the destruction and desolation of Hurricane Katrina.

I enjoyed meeting some of the people living in the Ninth Ward.  Each one had their personal story of how they survived the hurricane.  Some were remarkable.  Others were amazing.

These were friendly people who expressed their appreciation for the nationwide response to help rebuild their neighborhoods.  It was a privilege to have a small part in this ongoing effort.

The Bible is filled with amazing accounts of people who found new life and a second chance through the grace and love of God.  Even today, many people who have have experienced heartaches and hurricanes in their own lives have found help and hope in the pages of the Bible.

If you are going through a stormy season in your life, let me encourage you to dust off your Bible and read through the Psalms in the Old Testament and the Gospel of Mark in the New Testament.  These and many other books in the Bible are filled with words of hope and new life.

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.

Eastvale: Shopping Area Special Enforcement

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Over a period of several weeks, the Eastvale Police Department received several calls from residents concerning vehicle burglaries and thefts in the shopping areas located in the area of Hamner Avenue and Limonite Avenue. In response to community concerns, the Eastvale Police Special Enforcement Team (SET) Officers worked closely with Eastvale Patrol Officers and Eastvale Investigators to begin several special enforcement operations in the shopping areas near Limonite Avenue and Hamner Avenue in the city of Eastvale.

Over a period of several weeks, multiple people were taken into custody for various theft and narcotic-related violations. Of those detained, two notable arrests occurred during this enforcement operation.

On June 18, plainclothes Officers witnessed a suspect breaking into a locked vehicle located in an Eastvale shopping center. Officers immediately took that suspect into custody.

On June 22, a suspect was arrested in an Eastvale shopping center for an arrest warrant. That arrest led Officers to a residence in Eastvale, resulting in the confiscation of a large amount of narcotics and the recovery of stolen property that was linked to a theft from a vehicle.

During this operation, Eastvale officers arrested Michael Cole, 29, of Corona, for parole violation; David Arroyo, 19, of Riverside, for possession of a controlled substance and burglary; and Willie Abarca, 40, of Eastvale, for possession of a controlled substance for sales.

The Eastvale Police Department will continue to conduct traditional and plainclothes enforcement in areas where crimes are reported and where enforcement activities are deemed to be most effective.

Anyone with questions regarding these incidents may contact Lieutenant Scott Forbes at the Eastvale Police Department at (951) 955-2600.

Photo courtesy: City of Eastvale

Michael Cole

Michael Cole

David Arroyo

David Arroyo

Willie Abarca

Willie Abarca

 

Competitive Coverage To Meet Your Family’s Needs

Melanie Smith-Rice of State Farm Insurance in Norco.

Melanie Smith-Rice of State Farm Insurance in Norco.

Staff Reports

Norco – At the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office, 24-hour good neighbor service is at the forefront.  Smith-Rice is confident that she can meet your needs for all insurance and financial services, and promises to wow you with expert professional service.

A State Farm Agent since 1985 and a Corona resident since 1971, Smith-Rice understands the needs of the community and has worked hard to provide a palette of services that makes one-stop-shopping easy and affordable.  Along with Auto insurance, Smith-Rice provides Home Owners and Renters Insurance.

“A home is a big investment, so let’s make sure you have enough coverage at the right rate,” says Smith-Rice.  As well, protecting your personal property may be more affordable than you think.  “The average person has over $200,000 worth of stuff that is probably not covered under your landlord’s policy.  That’s where our State Farm Renters insurance comes into play,” she adds.

More important than the care of your property is the care of your family.  Along with Life Insurance, the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office can provide various types of health insurance, including Long-Term Care should you become unable to care for yourself.

And for the business owner, Smith-Rice says, “I understand the needs of a business owner like you.  Together we can help protect your business and plan a roadmap for your financial future.

As if all this weren’t enough, the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office can provide you with financial services such as Mutual Funds, Annuities, and even Banking (yes, Banking!), including Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, and Loans.

Don’t wait another minute to help ensure your family’s well being.  Call the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office today, and get peace of mind in return.  A staff of professional experts is standing by at (951) 734-5290, or Toll-Free at (888) 734-5292.  They are located at 2027 River Road in Norco, in the Stater Bros. shopping center at Second Street and River Road.

Pomona: Band Members Surprised

Pomona Unified receives $45,000 in donated instruments

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Seated in the center are Pomona Unified School District Board Member Frank Guzman, left, Superintendent Richard Martinez, Fairplex Vice President Dale Coleman and Board Member Dr. Roberta Perlman, who celebrated the new musical instruments, which were donated to the District’s middle schools and high schools by Live Nation and Fairplex on July 30.

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Seated in the center are Pomona Unified School District Board Member Frank Guzman, left, Superintendent Richard Martinez, Fairplex Vice President Dale Coleman and Board Member Dr. Roberta Perlman, who celebrated the new musical instruments, which were donated to the District’s middle schools and high schools by Live Nation and Fairplex on July 30.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Nearly 100 band members from Pomona Unified’s high schools and middle schools were surprised with $45,000 in musical instruments – from oboes and saxophones to string basses and chrome chimes.  The students will be able to use their new instruments during their impressive performances, including their next big showcase at Pomona Day at the Los Angeles County Fair at Fairplex in September.

Thanks to a partnership between entertainment company, Live Nation, and Fairplex, more than 20 instruments were donated to band students at Diamond Ranch, Pomona, Garey and Ganesha high schools; and Fremont Academy, Lorbeer, Emerson and Simons middle schools, during a surprise ceremony on July 30 at Diamond Ranch High School.

“We are grateful to these two great partners for providing our students with this much-needed equipment, enabling us to bolster our music and arts programs and inspire students to pursue their creative talents,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong. “We look forward to hearing the wonderful music they’ll be playing with these new instruments.”

The donation was made to underscore the importance of preserving music programs in public schools, according to Dale Coleman, a Pomona High School alum and Vice President of Business Growth and Development at Fairplex, who coordinated the donation.

Donated instruments include violins, bell stands, standard basses, clarinets and trombones.

“Music is a passion of these students and it such an important fabric of society and our culture,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “We are honored to be the recipients of this generous donation of instruments, many of which are unique and expensive, but essential for our band programs to continue growing and thriving.”

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie H. Kim

Diamond Bar – Mayor Steve Tye began the Aug. 4 City Council meeting with a presentation for Diamond Bar’s own Alex Morgan, a Diamond Bar High School graduate, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, and a member of the 2015 US Women’s World Cup Championship team.

Morgan’s “talent and determination took her from Diamond Bar’s park fields to the Olympic soccer fields,” Tye said, and announced that the Council has been in touch with Morgan and are currently planning a celebration with her in person. In the meantime, over 60 banners will be placed around the City in her honor, with special photo opportunity places for citizens to take pictures of themselves next to the banners and spread the hashtag, #DBLovesAlexMorgan over social media.

James DeStefano, the Diamond Bar City Manager announced that in the month of June, the Walnut Valley Water District reduced water use by 29%, exceeding the governor’s mandate that water use be reduced by 25% from 2015 through February 2016. Although specific numbers have not yet been released for Diamond Bar, DeStefano was able to determine through the City’s water bill that water reduction is at 55%.

Pui-Ching Ho, manager of the Diamond Bar Public Library, then addressed the Council to announce several educational events, including a workshop on using the library’s online learning programs on Aug. 19, and a workshop on new ways to store and file pictures on their phones or other devices on Aug. 29.

Afterward, the schedule of future events was read, announcing the last two Concerts in the Park/Movies Under the Stars. Aug. 5 will feature Cold Duck (70s Top 40) and Alice in Wonderland from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and Aug. 12 will feature Surfin’ (Tribute to the Beach Boys) and Finding Nemo, also from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  Both events will be held at Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive.

The Planning Commission Meeting on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. is facing cancellation due to lack of quorum. The Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting will occur on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., in the Windmill Community Room, and the next City Council meeting will occur on Aug. 18.

The Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting on July 21, the Planning Commission meetings of May 26 and June 23, and the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of June 25; ratification of check register totaling $954,300.44; and Treasurer’s Statement for the month of June 2015. The Council also adopted a resolution to support the Inland Valley Humane Society’s goal to eliminate euthanasia of healthy and adoptable dogs and an ordinance to expedite the permit process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

The Council concluded the meeting with reports and comments, and adjourned with plans to meet again on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Orange County: Officers Arrest Bank Robbery Suspect

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Alleged Bank Robber, Dia Chanh Diep, 43

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Alleged Bank Robber, Dia Chanh Diep, 43

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Tues., Aug. 4, at approximately 4:57 p.m., a male Asian suspect entered the Bank of America located at 102 W. 4th Street in Santa Ana.  He presented the teller with a note, which stated he had a gun and demanded money. Out of fear for her safety, the teller provided the suspect with an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency. The suspect fled the location on foot.

With the assistance of Orange County Sheriff’s Air Support, “Duke,” the suspect was located and Officers were directed to the area of 600 W. Santa Ana Blvd.  When the Officers arrived, they were lead to a possible suspect by a security guard. The suspect was ultimately located and detained.

The suspect was positively identified during a field show-up as Dia Chanh Diep, 43, a transient. Money believed to have been taken in the robbery was located with the suspect.

Robbery Detectives and the FBI were both notified and assisted in the investigation. The suspect was arrested for bank robbery and booked at the Santa Ana Police Jail.

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Alleged Bank Robber, Dia Chanh Diep, 43

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Alleged Bank Robber, Dia Chanh Diep, 43

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Alleged Bank Robber, Dia Chanh Diep, 43

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Alleged Bank Robber, Dia Chanh Diep, 43

Corona Animal Shelter Moving

Help “Clear the Shelter” before the move

 

Photo Courtesy: Innercirclecorona.com

Photo Courtesy: Innercirclecorona.com

Staff Reports

Corona – The Corona Police Department is proud to announce the “soon to be” opening of the NEW Animal Shelter in the City of Corona. This new facility will be located at 1330 Magnolia Avenue, and will offer a larger amount of space, shelter, and kennels that are needed to better support the growing City.
This shelter will provide an increase in the overall total of dog kennels – including the number of public-view kennels – and it will also provide true isolation kennels for sick dogs and segregated secure kennels for aggressive dogs.

The new site will greatly increase security and improve the kennel layout, as it is designed to reduce noise and stress for impounded dogs, and have a larger space for an indoor cattery for feral cats. Inside, the new facility will have a much larger lobby to improve foot-traffic flow and eliminate crowding. In addition to these benefits, ease of access will be greatly enhanced as it is located near the Magnolia off-ramp of the I-15 freeway.
The City is excited about the new animal shelter, as this location will bring many benefits to the growing community.  They will begin operations at the new shelter on Aug. 24, with a formal “Grand Opening” scheduled for Sat., Sept. 12.  More information will soon be available regarding the grand opening festivities and schedule of events.
In preparation for the move, the shelter will be participating in a very special adoption event. Sat., Aug. 15 is “Clear the Shelters Day,” a national event sponsored by NBC Television. By adopting one of the great shelter pets at the current facility (located at 608 Harrington St.), you can help “Clear the Shelter.” They are also extending this one-day event and making it a week-long event through Sat., Aug. 22. Furry friends will have their bags packed, ready to move in with their new families.
Additionally, with the move to the new, larger facility, the Corona Animal Shelter will be expanding their Animal Services Volunteer Program. They are looking for people who are interested in volunteering their time in positions such as Adoption Support and Socialization Volunteer, Reception and Phone Support Volunteer, Maintenance Volunteer, Clerical Volunteer, and Rescue Coordinator. Visit www.discovercorona.com, and click on City Departments/ Police Department/Volunteers for information on how to apply and become a member of this committed team.

Diamond Bar: Locals Join Teach For America

Recent grads and career-changers commit to teach in high-need communities for educational equity

 

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Teach For America announced recently that two Diamond Bar locals have been accepted into the organization’s 2015 teaching corps.

Teach For America is a national nonprofit working to expand educational opportunity for students in low-income communities. Corps members commit to teach in high-need urban or rural public schools and become lifelong advocates for educational equity.

The Organization’s newest members are Jenifer Ford and Megan Fu. Ford is a 2004 graduate of Diamond Bar High School and a 2008 graduate of Whitworth University. Fu is a 2011 graduate of The Webb School and a 2015 graduate of UC Berkeley.

In our country’s lowest-income communities, just six percent of students will graduate college by the time they’re 25. Ford and Fu join a network of 50,000 corps members and alumni working alongside parents, principals, and communities for positive change.

“It is with incredible excitement we welcome this group of remarkable and diverse corps members,” said Elisa Villanueva Beard, co-CEO of Teach For America. “They join a group of 50,000 leaders who have raised their hand to be part of ensuring every child has access to an excellent and equitable education.”

Over the past 25 years, thousands of talented individuals have launched or continued careers in social justice through Teach For America. Hundreds of corps members and alumni have been honored as teachers of the year by their school, district, county, or state. More founders and leaders of entrepreneurial education organizations started careers with TFA than from any other organization or company. Alumni have gone on to become leaders in politics, school systems, nonprofit work, advocacy, and more. Together, they form a nationwide network helping to expand and strengthen the movement to give all kids access to a great education.

 

Teach For America works in partnership with communities to expand educational opportunity for children facing the challenges of poverty. Founded in 1990, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding college graduates and professionals to make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the movement to end educational inequity. In 2014-15, 10,600 corps members taught in 50 urban and rural regions across the country, while more than 37,000 alumni worked across sectors to ensure that all children have access to an excellent education. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.