Category Archives: Walnut

Walnut: South Pointe Student Wins Top Award in Holocaust Art Contest

BY KELLI GILE

South Pointe 8th Grader, Hailey Shi, with Holocaust survivor, Engelina Billauer, and the artwork that her story inspired the young artist to create.

South Pointe 8th Grader, Hailey Shi, with Holocaust survivor, Engelina Billauer, and the artwork that her story inspired the young artist to create. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Hailey Shi, an 8th Grader at South Pointe Middle School, has been named a National First Place Winner in the 15th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest, presented by Chapman University and the 1939 Society.

Shi learned she was a semifinalist from her Honors Art Teacher, Trinidad Garcia. She attended an Awards Ceremony on March 7 with her proud parents, Garcia, and Principal Susan Arzola.

This year, students from 175 schools across 20 states entered the national contest. Middle school and high school students created poetry, artwork or films in response to survivors’ oral testimonies about their Holocaust experiences.

About 40 survivors, their families, and the young students who told their stories of hope and survival came together for the event held at Chapman University’s Memorial Hall.

“When Hailey took the stage and shared the story behind the art, the room silenced. Mrs. Billauer stood and listened.  It immediately brought the artwork to life and both the artist and subject were changed from the experience.  It was a remarkable moment and we all felt it,” said Principal Arzola.

The 13-year-old artist learned about the contest while she was looking online for a competition to help build her portfolio for college.  The contest required research, listening to testimonies, and then creating the art piece about the story.  Shi began the process by listening to oral testimonies and eventually selected survivor Engelina Billauer for her artwork.

“I chose her because her story was the only one I listened to for the entire time,” she said.

It took Shi four weekends, working six hours each day, to create her entry titled “Never Again.”  The piece combines sketch and watercolor techniques to depict a 15-year-old Billauer and her older sister, Frieda, who were separated from their deaf parents and taken away by the Nazis in 1942.

“When they were first separated, they boarded a train. A Nazi officer made the young girls stay back to clean the train tracks. They looked up and saw their parents arrive on another bus and they ran onto the bus to comfort them. But a Nazi officer saw them, forced them out, and told them they would see them again,” Shi explained.  Billauer used sign language, but didn’t know if her parents knew what was happening.

“I named [the artwork] Never Again because they never saw each other again, and I hope the Holocaust never happens again,” Shi added.

It ended up being a day she would never forget. Shi spotted Engelina Billauer with her husband at the reception held before the event.  “We saw the couple walking. I didn’t know she would be there and felt very lucky,” she said. Shi was one of the only contestants who had the opportunity to meet the subject of their project.  The pair took a photo with the original artwork. Shi also received a copy of the Jewish Journal that featured the survivor’s story.

“Meeting her was very wonderful. I hope that people generations from now will still hear it and understand that it was a very hard time to live through, but it will never be forgotten,” Shi said.

Shi won $500 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

 

 

 

Complaints About Tang Signs Reach City Hall and Sheriff Station

Staff Reports

Walnut – With the Walnut City Council campaigns drawing closer to Election Day on April 8, the past week saw numerous complaints filed at Walnut City Hall and the Walnut Sheriff’s Station about supporters of Betty Tang trespassing on private property and placing their political signs on private lawns without permission.
Walnut resident Gary Lin reports that Tang came to his home in February to personally ask permission to display her sign on his lawn next to the existing signs for Bob Pacheco and Mary Su. Lin, who lives on Avenida Amadis near Vons on Lemon Avenue, said he declined because he was voting for Pacheco and Su. Afterwards, Lin says his neighbor notified him that someone had placed a Tang sign on the side of his yard.
Lin says another sign appeared on the side of his yard two weeks later after he refused to accept a Tang sign from individuals walking through his neighborhood. Finally, on March 16, someone placed a Tang sign on Lin’s front yard without his permission. “These people do not respect us and our private property rights,” Lin said. “They just do whatever they want. It has happened to other people, not just me. A lot of people are having the same problem.”
Lin says the most recent act of trespassing on his property prompted him to call the Walnut Sheriff’s Station to file a formal complaint about Tang’s supporters illegally placing signs.
Walnut resident Phil Bennett reports he witnessed two individuals placing Tang signs on every yard along Loyalton Drive around 10 p.m. on March 14. “It was well after dark. I just happened to be walking through my kitchen and saw two people on my front yard,” Bennett said. “I have signs for Su and Pacheco and I thought they might have been taking the signs down. I walked out and they were putting signs up for Tang in my yard and on my neighbor’s yard across the street.” Bennett said he went down to Tang’s campaign office on Valley Boulevard the next day to confront Tang and her campaign crew, telling them it was a “shame” they were placing their signs on private property without consent of the homeowners.
Other Walnut residents known to have complained to City Hall or the Sheriff’s Station about Tang signs being place on their property without permission include Arcel Punsalang, Rhonda and Jim Melton, and Keith Walton. Another citizen photographed a Tang sign that had been placed directly in front of the fire hydrant at Carrey Road and Commerce Way.
Samuel Liu, Tang’s campaign manager, denied the allegations of any improperly placed signs and said he would not stand for any “shenanigans” involving poor campaign tactics.
Liu said he was unaware of who was improperly placing Tang’s signs and that a large number of their campaign signs had been moved onto city property without his permission.
Liu said he knows that someone is stealing and moving their signs because one of Tang’s friends woke up to find 15 campaign signs on her front lawn. Liu claims that the “sign wars” in Walnut are nothing more than a smokescreen for the real policy issues in the City Council campaign. (Michael Armijo and Raymond Mendoza contributed to this story)

Walnut: Mt. SAC Flying Team Advances to Nationals

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Walnut — With a third-place finish at the recent regional air-meet, the Mt. San Antonio College Flying Team advanced to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s national competition, and claimed its 23rd consecutive Regional Community College Award.

“This year marks the 23rd consecutive year our team has won the top community college trophy, a truly remarkable run,” said Mt. SAC Flying Team Advisor and Aeronautics Professor, Robert Rogus.

With 112 points, Mt. SAC placed third behind first-place Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University from Arizona with 333 points, and second-place San Jose State University with 114 points.  The 2014 Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), a competition for university and community college flying teams, was hosted this year by Embry-Riddle, Feb. 4 through 8.

In addition to the Top Two-Year School Award, the Mt. SAC team took second in the flight event rankings. Manutea Maurin of Diamond Bar placed second overall in the short-field landings event, and Josh Spolar of West Covina took second in the instrument flight event.

The top three regional teams receive invitations to the national competition. The national SAFECON air-meet will be hosted by Ohio State University, May 12 through 17.

Over the years, the Mt. SAC Flying Team has consistently earned top honors as one of the best collegiate flying teams in the country. The team has won the Top Community College trophy at the regional competition every year since 1991. Mt. SAC has won the Top U. S.  Community College Award at the national air-meet in 1984, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Walnut: Westhoff Students Experience Colonial Faire

BY KELLI GILE

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel.

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls.

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games.

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Westhoff Elementary fifth graders got a chance to experience 18th Century life during a Colonial Faire held on March 7.  About 100 students, dressed up as peasants, royals, and soldiers were excited as they rotated through hands-on activities at the annual event.

Over 50 parent volunteers headed up each station. Students weaved rag rugs and cut paper whirligigs.  They played simple games, learned quill writing, colonial dancing, made cornhusk dolls and hand-dipped candles.  Students sat very still as parent volunteers traced their silhouettes.  In the manners and etiquette station, they learned the importance of using a napkin.

“Putting on a napkin was a big deal during colonial days because clothing was washed only once a month. So they really tried to keep them clean,” said parent Katharina Tang.  “Now, if you get your clothes dirty you just put them in the laundry basket,” she said.

After the morning activities, students looked forward to sampling delicious cornmeal Johnny Cakes and apple rings topped with cinnamon and sugar.

The event is the culminating activity on their recent studies on the colonial era of American History.

“Seeing all of the parent volunteers and teachers working together to make this event possible is really powerful. It’s good for the parents, good for the kids, and good for the staff,” said Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor.

Walnut: WVUSD Middle School Mathletes Dominate at Regionals

BY KELLI GILE

The Suzanne Middle School 1st Place Team: Matthew Nguyen, Aaron Chang, Amy Erickson, Ethan Lin, and Christopher Wong, with advisor Amy Erickson. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The Suzanne Middle School 1st Place Team: Matthew Nguyen, Aaron Chang, Amy Erickson, Ethan Lin, and Christopher Wong, with advisor Amy Erickson. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The South Pointe Middle School MATHCOUNTS team. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The South Pointe Middle School MATHCOUNTS team. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School competitors at the MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School competitors at the MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Walnut Valley Unified School District’s three middle schools, Suzanne, Chaparral, and South Pointe, again took three of the top four places at the East San Gabriel Valley Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition, held Feb. 21 at California Polytechnic University, Pomona.

The Suzanne MATHCOUNTS Team won 1st Place, Chaparral Mathletes took 2nd Place honors, and South Pointe brought home the 4th Place award.

Congratulations to the Suzanne MATHCOUNTS competition team who will now advance to the California State Competition. Two individual competitors will also advance to State:  Chaparral 8th Grader Matthew Ho, who placed first overall, and South Pointe 8th Grader Austin Sun, who placed second overall. The California State Competition will be held at the University of California, Irvine, on March 14.

“I am enormously proud of the students. They have been working very hard toward this goal for the past several years.  This is only the second time in our school’s 52-year history that we have placed first.  I would also like to commend the Walnut High School Math Club and especially their president, Andy Tsai, for all the volunteer hours spent coaching the Suanne Mathletes. This is truly a team win,” said Suzanne math teacher and advisor, Amy Erickson.

Walnut: Council Corner – Crime Tip Program

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut –- Members of the Walnut City Council held a special meeting on Monday, March 10, to discuss and consider a number of resolutions for the City.  This took the place of the regular Wednesday City Council meeting.

Council members, after seeing that no minutes and public hearings were scheduled for the agenda, quickly approved three items on the consent calendar including Resolution No. 14-12, which allows certain claims and demands in the amount of $313,009.09; Resolution No. 14-13, concerning the direction and filing of the Engineer’s Report for the 2014-15 Lighting and Open Space Maintenance Assessments; and the Award Bid of the 2013-14 Maintenance Area 2 Slurry Seal Program.

At the insistence of Council Member Mary Su, Walnut’s Senior Management Analyst, Rosalea Layman explained the details of the City’s proposed Crime Tip Reward Program.  Layman explained that reporting a tip to the police department is the first step in the program and that the reporting individual would receive a reward after a conviction is established.

“It’s difficult to gauge when (the reward will be disbursed) because sometimes it takes a while for a conviction to be determined,” Layman said. “But that is per our program and as soon as we do get the conviction, our staff can review the tip and award the reward.”  Layman also confirmed that each successful crime tip that leads to a conviction would be rewarded with $100.

Captain Jeff Scroggin of the Walnut Sheriff’s Department said that a recent tip in the Three Oaks area of Walnut led to the arrest of three individuals who were in the area with the purpose of burglarizing a home.

“The tip from the resident helped us catch those people,” Scroggin said. “That’s what we’re always after.  Great information that would lead us to these criminals that come into the City.”

After Scroggin addressed the council, Council Member Nancy Tragarz reaffirmed her stance that reporting crimes should not be rewarded and that citizens should be willing to help out the police without an incentive.  The item was approved with Tragarz giving a dissenting vote.

After the council member’s announcements of events from around the City, Mayor Tony Cartagena officially adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.

Job Opportunity: Digital Media Specialist

Application Deadline: March 20, 2014 @ 4:00 p.m.

Walnut Valley Unified School District

880 S. Lemon Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789

Phone: (909) 595-1261     Fax: (909)444-3432

http://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us

Employment Opportunity:

Job Description: Digital Media Specialist

Hourly Pay Range: $16.46-$21.29

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

Any combination of experience and training that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain these requirements would be:

Experience:

One (1) year of experience working with children in a library, licensed school age program, or other educational setting. In addition, one (1) year of experience in a clerical capacity to include experience working with computer applications and related multimedia technology is required.

Education:

Completion of an Associate of Arts Degree or its equivalent.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Wins Four Gold Medals at SkillsUSA

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Walnut — Mt. San Antonio College vocational education students won four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held recently at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, with seven students qualifying to advance to the 47th Annual State Leadership Conference competition, April 24 through 27 at the Town Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego.

Rhiannon Britney of West Covina and Kevin Velasquez of Ontario won gold medals in technical drafting and will advance to the state competition. Sukhdev Singh of Chino won a gold medal for technical design and will also advance to state.  In the electronics technology competition, Jose Gomez of Azusa won first place and Cesar Bustamante of Anaheim took the silver medal. Both will advance to the state level. In telecommunications cabling, Samuel Arrieta of Monrovia took second place, and Hyun Cha of Rowland Heights won third place with both advancing to state.

Other competitors for Mt. SAC were Carlos Galdamez of West Covina with a silver medal in technical drafting, Trevor Lauritson of Pomona with a fifth-place finish in technical drafting, and Rodrigo Del Villar of El Monte with sixth place in the computer maintenance technology competition.

First-place winners at the state competition will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference slated for June 21 through 27 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 5,600 students are expected to compete at this year’s national event.

SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.

Walnut: New Date for Walnut Family Health and Fitness Fair

Walnut –- With last weekend’s heavy rainstorms, the Family Health and Fitness Fair originally scheduled for Saturday, March 1, has been officially rescheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Walnut Senior Center.

Health IconMost vendors have confirmed their attendance at the new event date, including sponsors Kaiser Permanente and Pomona Valley Medical Center. Attendees will still be able to take advantage of free health screenings, including blood pressure, and bone density; talk to vendors; collect plenty of freebees; and listen to lectures given by health professionals.

“We wanted to provide a successful event, and with the rain forecast last weekend, it would have been difficult for families and seniors to attend,” Council Member Bob Pacheco said.  “Also, we didn’t want the community driving in unsafe conditions during the wet weather.”

The day-long event will provide fun for the whole family as well as opportunities to get informed on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Walnut Senior Center is located at 21215 La Puente Road, in Walnut. For additional information, please call the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200. For information about the City of Walnut, please visit the website at www.ci.walnut.ca.us.

Walnut: Tang Accused of State, Federal Campaign Law Violations

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

Betty Tang (Courtesy of Betty Tang- Walnut City Council)

Betty Tang (Courtesy of Betty Tang- Walnut City Council)

Walnut –- An organization of Walnut residents, “Citizens to Protect Walnut” announced yesterday that they filed legal complaints against Walnut City Council candidate, Betty Tang, with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s Attorney General and with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   The residents claim Tang has illegally received and reported political campaign contributions from at least two tax-exempt charitable organizations, and they cite the City of Walnut’s website for the proof.

Walnut resident, Phil Bennett, speaking on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut, said that since the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School of Walnut are organized as nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, they are completely prohibited from participating “in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.”  The Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra is organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, and the Confucius Chinese Language School is organized as a 170(b)(1)(a)(ii) tax-exempt charitable organization.

When asked for proof of these violations of the law, Bennett said the evidence was “right there in black and white, on the current websites of the City of Walnut, the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School  of Walnut.”

“Campaign contributions are political activity.  And if you look at Betty Tang’s Campaign Statement filed with the City of Walnut on February 25, 2014, she reports that she received a $1,000 campaign contribution from the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra on February 18, 2014 and a $500 campaign contribution from the Confucius Chinese Language School on February 16, 2014,” he said. He also noted that if you go on the websites of these two organizations, they both show that they are classified by the IRS as tax-exempt charitable organizations.  “That’s all you need to know to establish that there has been a violation of the law,” Bennett said.

Bennett said what made Tang’s violation of campaign contribution laws particularly bad was the fact that she is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra, as she states on her campaign literature.

“First, as a Board Member, she has actually participated in steering her organization’s charitable funds into this illegal political activity, and she has placed this entire organization at legal and financial risk.  I can’t believe she is that ignorant about what tax-exempt charitable organizations are allowed to do.  I wonder what contributors to this organization will think about this diversion of their money into political activity?”

Bennett said he was displeased that a City Council candidate is violating state and federal campaign laws and engaging in unfair political activity.

“I think Walnut citizens would expect their candidates to be aware of the campaign laws before they decide to run for elective office and then to respect these laws.  I don’t want anyone on our City Council who got there illegally and unethically.”

Bennett said he hoped the complaints he has filed on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut with the FPPC, California Attorney General and IRS will not only result in fines for these violations of the law, but also trigger a wider investigation into other possible violations of contribution laws by Tang’s campaign.

Tang’s office did not return a call regarding the allegations.

Tang Accused of State, Federal Campaign Law Violations

 

By Michael Armijo
 
Walnut – An organization of Walnut residents, “Citizens to Protect Walnut” announced yesterday that they filed legal complaints against Walnut City Council candidate Betty Tang with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s Attorney General and with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   The residents claim Tang has illegally received and reported political campaign contributions from at least two tax-exempt charitable organizations, and they cite the City of Walnut’s website for the proof.
Walnut resident Phil Bennett, speaking on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut, said that since the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School of Walnut are organized as nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, they are completely prohibited from participating “in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.”  The Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra is organized as a 501(c)(3) tax tax-exempt charitable organization, and the Confucius Chinese Language School is organized as a 170(b)(1)(a)(ii) tax-exempt charitable organization.
When asked for proof of these violations of the law, Bennett said the evidence was “right there in black and white, on the current websites of the City of Walnut, the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School  of Walnut.”
“Campaign contributions are political activity.  And if you look at Betty Tang’s Campaign Statement filed with the City of Walnut on February 25, 2014, she reports that she received a $1,000 campaign contribution from the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra on February 18, 2014 and a $500 campaign contribution from the Confucius Chinese Language School on February 16, 2014,” he said. He also noted that if you go on the websites of these two organizations, they both show that they are classified by the IRS as tax-exempt charitable organizations.  “That’s all you need to know to establish that there has a violation of the law,” Bennett said.
Bennett said what made Tang’s violation of campaign contribution laws particularly bad was the fact that she is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra, as she states on her campaign literature. 
“First, as a Board Member she has actually participated in steering her organization’s charitable funds into this illegal political activity, and she has placed this entire organization at legal and financial risk.  I can’t believe she is that ignorant about what tax-exempt charitable organizations are allowed to do.  I wonder what contributors to this organization will think about this diversion of their money into political activity?”
Bennett said he was unpleased that a City Council candidate is violating state and federal campaign laws and engaging in unfair political activity. 
“I think Walnut citizens would expect their candidates to be aware of the campaign laws before they decide to run for elective office and then to respect these laws.  I don’t want anyone on our City Council who got there illegally and unethically.” 
Bennett said he hoped the complaints he has filed on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut with the FPPC, California Attorney General and IRS will not only result in fines for these violations of the law but also trigger a wider investigation into other possible violations of contribution laws by Tang’s campaign. Tang’s office did not return communications regarding the allegations.

Walnut: Council Corner

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut — The Walnut City Council meeting held its final regular meeting for February, which bid farewell to the outgoing Philippine Consulate General.

The City Council’s first action of the evening was to honor Maria Hel Barber de la Vega, the outgoing Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles, and welcome Imelda Panalong, the Deputy Consul General of Los Angeles.

The Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles strives to protect Filipino nationals as well as perform community outreach and perform passport and visa services.

Mayor Tony Cartagena congratulated Hel Barber de la Vega for her years of work, including sending disaster relief to the Philippines following Typhoon Yolanda last November.

Following the recognitions, Adrian Flores, Project Manager for Southern California Edison, gave a presentation regarding the Gridlock 12 KV Project that would help support the energy needs of Walnut and surrounding cities.

The project, according to Flores, would have a major affect on Grand Avenue since Southern California Edison would have conduit construction stretching from La Puente North to San Jose Hills, which would result in lane closures for several weeks.  Flores said that Edison is hoping to start construction in April and finish construction before summer due to the increased energy needs of the season.

During public comment, a large community outcry for increased police protection was asked by citizens. For more information, read the story on page 1.

City Council members then approved the minutes for the Feb. 12 City Council meeting; study session minutes; and items on the consent calendar for Resolution No. 14-09, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $790,637.33; Resolution No. 14-11, supporting the state route 57/60 mixed flow interchange improvements; and Resolution No. 14-10, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $284,114.00.

City Council also added and approved an action that would allowed the Walnut successor agency and housing agencies to recover a minimum of $150,000 each year, which was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Feb. 18. Since the state deadline is March 3, the council added the item and voted for approval.

The council approved Amended Item 7 on the consent calendar, which was resolution for the City of Walnut acting as successor agency for the Walnut Improvement Agency, approving and adopting the recognized obligation payment schedule pursuant to ABX126 and Health and Safety Code 34177, for the period of July 1 through Dec. 31.

After the final item of City Council was approved, the Walnut Housing Authority approved its only consent calendar item, which was Resolution No. 14-02 for the Walnut Housing Authority, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $25,501.01.

Mayor Cartagena then officially adjourned the City Council and Housing Authority Meeting at 9 p.m., with the next regular meeting scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 12.

 

Walnut: WVUSD Schools Shine at 2014 Science Olympiad

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut — Five schools and over 100 students from the Walnut Valley Unified School District distinguished themselves during the 28th Los Angeles County Science Olympiad Competition held Feb. 22 at Occidental College.

 

2014 Science Olympiad

Quail Summit Elementary School 2014 Science Olympiad Team (Photo Courtesy Kelli Gile)

2014 Science Olympiad

South Pointe Middle School 2014 Science Olympiad Team (Photo Courtesy Kelli Gile)

2014 Science Olympiad

Chaparral Middle School 2014 Science Olympiad Team (Photo Courtesy Kelli Gile)

2014 Science Olympiad

The Walnut High 2014 Science Olympiad Team (Photo Courtesy Kelli Gile)

2014 Science Olympiad

Suzanne Middle School 2014 Science Olympiad team (Photo Courtesy Kelli Gile)

The competition was fierce with over 135 elementary and secondary schools ready to show their scientific prowess.  A total of 140 schools were represented in the competition, which is the largest region in the nation. Several thousand students, teachers, and parents attended the all-day event.

For the first time, two Walnut Valley elementary schools sent teams to the competition. Teams from Quail Summit and Westhoff competed and took home silver medals. Most of these young scientists competed in 4 to 6 thirty minutes events. There is no state contest for the Elementary Division A tournament.

In Division B, Walnut Valley middle schools took three of the top six-team trophies.  Of the 39 middle school teams, South Pointe earned 3rd place, Suzanne earned 4th Place, and Chaparral earned 6th Place.  Because of their outstanding performances, all five WVUSD middle school and high school teams have been invited to the State Championships on April 5.

These students worked in teams of two to prepare for 23 events in the categories of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science Physics, Technology, Engineering, and Inquiry.  Most students competed in three or four team events.  Some teams were focused on topics of anatomy, heredity, entomology, rocks/minerals, forensics, water quality, experimental design, solar system, and meteorology.  Other teams pursued engineering and created helicopters, a wheeled vehicle, rotor egg drop machine, a cantilever, and musical instruments.

“The Science Olympiad experience is a culmination of dedication, commitment, sacrifice and passion on the parts of the students, parents and coaches.  The Science Olympiad requires not only head work, but heart work,” said Susan Warren, Suzanne Middle School coach and science teacher.

“Just as in the recent Winter Olympics, every minute spent in actual competition represents hours spent in preparation and hard work.  I am so proud of this group of talented young scientists, who were willing to take risks and pursue advanced studies.  I am thankful for everyone who helped make this experience possible for them,” she said.

Both Walnut High School and Diamond Bar high school earned trophies in the coveted top team placements for Division C.  Of the 39 high school teams, Walnut High earned 2nd Place and Diamond Bar High earned 4th Place.

Walnut High School received two 1st Place medals, three 2nd Place medals, five 3rd Place medals, two 4th Place medals, one 5th Place medal, and one 6th Place medal. There were 23 events and the Mustang team placed in the top six in 14 of these events.

“We may have had the largest representation there, medaling and receiving the top six place finishes, of any district,” said Tony Goossens, who coaches the Mustang team.  Goossens describes the events as extremely difficult and beyond what is taught in the classroom.

“Each student has spent countless hours studying for exams in such topics as anatomy and physiology, astronomy, chemistry, diseases, entomology, forensics, genetics, geology, material science, planetary science, problem solving, circuitry, water quality, as well as building gliders, magnetic levitation, boomilever (structure stress designs), scrambler cars, and compound machines,” he said.

Special thanks to parents Anne and David Sonner who have spent countless hours to make the Walnut High School Team such a success.

Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous, academic, interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of individual and team events in which students prepare for during the year. There are approximately 23 challenging and motivational events that are drawn from the various disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology.  There is a balance between events requiring knowledge of science facts, concepts processes, skills and science applications.

Walnut: Ten Walnut Valley Schools Applauded for Student Achievement

Walnut Valley Unified School District logo

(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut–Ten Walnut Valley Schools have recently been named 2013 Honor Roll Schools by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE).

Castle Rock, Collegewood, Evergreen, Westhoff, Maple Hill, Quail Summit, and Vejar Elementary Schools; Chaparral and South Pointe Middle Schools; and Walnut High School have been designated as Scholar Schools.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, Feb. 26 after an extensive analysis of student data for every public school in the state.

Once again, Walnut Valley Schools stood well above the rest in getting students to grade-level proficiency and beyond. Every Honor Roll School will even receive a free banner to display on their campus.

Each 2013 WVUSD Honor Roll School has been named to the roster in past years. It is a testament to their ongoing focus on students and their success.

The CBEE Honor Roll is a growing resource for schools to learn about best practices that increase student achievement. Visit http://www.cbee.org for more information.

Puttin’ on the Hits! Faculty Show to Raise Money for Student Scholarships

Show Times

Friday March 7th—7:30pm Saturday March 8th—3:00pm & 7:30

Don’t miss your opportunity to clap, dance, and sing along to your favorite music artists impersonated by Mt. SAC’s talented community. More importantly, don’t miss your opportunity to make a difference in deserving students’ lives.

For the past sixteen years Mt. San Antonio College Board members, Professors, Administrators, Classified Staff and Students have volunteered their personal time, energy and talent to raise money for student scholarships. Last year the Faculty Association awarded over $15,000 to deserving students.

To purchase your tickets today: Visit our website: http://www.4tix.org

Call the Mt. SAC Performing Arts box office (909) 468-4050 Ticket prices start at $15.00

Visit the Faculty Association website at http://www.msac-fa.org to learn more about Puttin’ On the Hits 2014

If you can’t attend, please mail a tax deductible donation to be applied directly to student scholarships or your may call (909) 274-4531 for more info.

MSAC Faculty Association Student Achievement Fund 1100 N. Grand Ave. Walnut, CA 91789

Show times Friday March 7th &;#0pm Saturday March 8th 3pm and 7:30pm

Show times Friday March 7th &;#0pm Saturday March 8th 3pm and 7:30pm

Walnut: Tang A No Show At Candidates’ Forum for City Council

Bob Pacheco and Mary Su participated in a candidates’ forum

Walnut City Council candidates Bob Pacheco and Mary Su participated in a candidates’ forum this week, but third candidate, Betty Tang, did not show up.

Caption:
BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – In preparation for Walnut’s general municipal election on April 8, City Council members Bob Pacheco and Mary Su participated in a candidates’ forum on Feb. 24 at the Walnut Senior Center that was organized by the League of Women Voters of East San Gabriel Valley for the purpose of helping Walnut voters ask questions of their City Council candidates.

Betty Tang, the third Council candidate invited by the League to participate in the candidates’ forum, did not show up for the candidates forum, did not send a representative in her place, and did not present written comments for the audience. When the Weekly News Editor in Chief, Michael Armijo, left a message for Tang at her campaign office requesting an explanation for her failure to attend the candidate’s forum, Tang failed to return the call. He then left a public message on her website, but there was no response as of press time. Tang’s campaign manager, Samuel Lee, claimed that Tang “had another appointment that evening”, but refused to say what that appointment was.

During the candidates’ forum, Pacheco said in his opening statement that his main focus for his next possible term would be to increase tax revenue to the city, bring in more businesses, and adding an additional volunteer sheriff to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff Station.

During the event, Pacheco said he plans on creating a city swimming pool and an amphitheater for outdoor arts performances that would make Walnut a destination for performing arts.
Su, who served as Walnut’s Mayor in 2009 and 2012-2013, said her priorities were preserving Walnut’s rural atmosphere, maintaining the city’s low crime rate, and retaining and attracting high-quality businesses.

One of the first questions of the evening concerned filling vacant storefronts in the City, notably the former Albertsons building at the corner of Nogales Street and Amar Road. Both candidates said they were already taking steps to fill the vacancy.

Su said she had tried to bring a Trader Joe’s Market to Walnut while she was Mayor because she enjoys its products. However, Trader Joe’s informed her at that time that the population of Walnut was not considered to be large enough to fulfill the requirements of the supermarket chain.
Su said she has been actively working with the property manager of the former Albertsons store to attract a suitable business to fill the vacancy.

Pacheco mentioned his recommendations to bring a 99 Ranch Market, Walmart or Northgate Market to the former Albertsons lot. “(City Council members) have to be proactive in how we go out to look for these markets,” Pacheco said. “So I’ve actually taken it upon myself to make special calls (to businesses) to welcome them to the city. I spoke to the owners and representatives of 99 Ranch Market … and they’re a good market.”

When asked about their views on the city’s budget, Pacheco said that Walnut has maintained a balanced City budget by adopting a cautious spending plan that stayed away from high cost and high risk projects. He also said that he would push for more property development since property taxes were essential to maintaining the city’s revenue growth and ability to pay for the City’s outstanding public services.
Su said that eliminating some city jobs, such as Assistant City Manager, had allowed the City to have a financial surplus for the past two years, and she estimated that Walnut might have as much as a $600,000 surplus at the end of the current fiscal year.

While most attendees of the forum appeared to be satisfied with Su’s and Pacheco’s answers, several Walnut residents were left questioning Tang’s chances of being elected to the Council when she ignored such an important chance to talk to Walnut citizens about her plans for the City.
“To be honest, I was very disappointed that Betty Tang did not come,” Walnut resident Karen Breitkreutz said. “Because she’s the one candidate that we’re not familiar with and because she’s never been on the City Council.”

Breitkreutz also said that she had thought she might vote for Tang, but after Tang’s failure to appear at the candidate’s forum, she was more likely to re-elect Su and Pacheco.
Joe Hahn, Walnut resident and former City Mayor, also said that he had been looking forward to learning more about Tang at the forum, since he was uncertain about her views on the issues Walnut is facing, but he was also disappointed that Tang did not choose to show up.

Walnut residents will have the opportunity to vote for the two available City Council positions on Tuesday, April 8.

Walnut City: Fundraiser for Candidate Bob Pacheco

Bob Pacheco Candidate for Walnut City Council

Bob Pacheco Candidate for Walnut City Council

STAFF REPORTA fundraiser dinner in support of Walnut City Council candidate Bob Pacheco is set for Thursday, March 6, 2014. The event will be held at Seafood Village Restaurant, located at 1463 S. Nogales Street in Rowland Heights and will include a social hour at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 7:00 p.m.

Please join the host committee made up of Congressman Ed Royce, Michelle Steel of Board of Equalization, Assemblymember Curt Hagman, Walnut Mayor Tony Cartagena, David Hall of Mt. SAC Board of Trustees, and Phillip Chen of WVUSD Board of Trustees.

Sponsor levels are as follows:

$99 – Individual

$250 – Friend

$500 – Gold Sponsor

$1,000 – Platinum Sponsor (Includes 10 tickets to event)

For more information or to RSVP, please call Gayle Pacheco at 909-274-9222 or electbobpacheco@gmail.com. See Bob Pacheco Flyer for more details.

Walnut: WVUSD Honors “A Class Act” Classified Employees

BY KELLIE GILE

Walnut– The Walnut Valley Unified School District continued its longstanding tradition of recognizing outstanding employees on February 7.

The twelve 2013 Cornerstone Award winners were lauded with personalized tributes and gifts during the 15th Annual “A Class Act” awards held at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.

The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation and WVUSD Personnel Commission co-sponsored the recognition event. Dr. Michelle Harold, assistant superintendent of human resources and Robert Chang, director of human resources, hosted this year’s ceremony.

The Cornerstone Award recognizes exemplary (non-teaching) employees who have gone “above and beyond the call of duty” in providing outstanding customer service to the District and community. Recipients are announced during monthly Personnel Commission meetings.

Congratulation to the following 2013 Cornerstone Award honorees:

Margaret Wong, School Office Manager at Evergreen Elementary; Sharon Liu, Instructional Aide I-Bilingual/Bicultural at Maple Hill Elementary; Laura Morris, Instructional Aide II Special Education at C.J. Morris Elementary; Shelley Patton, Instructional Aide II Special Education at Maple Hill Elementary; Lorraine Gomez, Health Clerk at Suzanne Middle School; Yenny Ong, Food Service Worker II at Quail Summit Elementary; Monica Cazares, Accounting Assistant II at the Child Care Program; Patricia Acevez, Office Assistant/Health Clerk at Vejar Elementary; Patti Malatacca, School Office Manager at Quail Summit Elementary; Maria Cabrera, Instructional Aide II at Vejar Elementary; Marilyn Higa, Instructional Aide II-Special Education at Evergreen Elementary; Gale Taylor, Library Media Technician II at South Pointe Middle School.

“Thank you for what you do every single day for our kids. You represent the very best of an outstanding group of classified employees across the District,” Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said.

Gale Taylor was named the 2013 Classified Employee of the Year at the culmination of the program.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as the WVUSD 2013 Classified Employee of the Year. Thank you to my principal, Susan Arzola, for nominating me for the Cornerstone Award. It is both a challenge and pleasure to be able to play a role in preparing our students for the 21st Century,” she said.

For the past 11 years, Gale has been dedicated to instilling the love of reading at South Pointe. One of the ways she inspires students is with The Read Along Challenge, a lunchtime group that meets to read and discuss select novels and prepare for a competition. Gale has also taken the lead in introducing eBooks to the Walnut Valley Library. A partnership with the two high schools and lots of fundraising enabled the rollout WVUSD’s first eBook program.

“It is our pleasure to present the award for Classified Employee of the Year to Gale Taylor for her work above and beyond what is normally expected, preparing students for the 21st Century with eBooks and other resources. What’s coming in the next generation of our libraries and literacy is phenomenal. We’re planting the seeds for the future in the District,” said Commissioner Ron Everett.

Taylor also received special awards from the WVUSD Board of Trustees and Walnut Valley Educational Foundation.

The City of Walnut honored each recipient with a Certificate of Recognition.

Thanks to the following sponsors: Schools First Federal Credit Union, Sandy Best – BB & T Insurance Services, Massage Envy and LifeTouch Photography.

 

Walnut: Music Legends To Be Featured In Scholarship Fundraiser at Mt. San Antonio College

Mt. SAC

Walnut – For the 16th year, Mt. San Antonio College will have the only stage in the world where you can see stars such as Lady Gaga, U2, Johnny Cash, David Bowie, and Queen together in one show as the Mt. SAC Faculty Association sponsors its annual scholarship fundraiser, “Puttin’ on the Hits.” Show times are Friday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, March 8, at 3 and 7:30 p.m., in the Clarke Theater.

Mt. SAC employees, students, and trustees, donning authentic costumes, will impersonate famous celebrities and lip sync their hit tunes. The program showcases several styles of music, including country, swing, R&B, hip-hop, and rock ‘n’ roll. This year’s show will pay special tribute to Mt. SAC professors Joe Franko and Phillip Maynard, who performed in the Hits for many years and who both passed away recently.

Last year, the Faculty Association raised over $12,000 for student scholarships, and over the past 15 years, “Puttin’ on the Hits” has raised more than $135,000.

Tickets are $25 and up for general admission at the evening performances and $15 at the Saturday matinee performance.

For more event and ticket information, go to http://tickets.mtsac.edu or call the Mt. SAC Performing Arts Box Office at (909) 274-2050.

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events: Week of Feb 24, 2014

STAFF REPORTS

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Walnut Senior Center Just Desserts Baking Contest

When: Thursday, Feb. 27 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..

Where: Walnut Senior Center, located at 21215 La Puente Rd. in Walnut

Cost: $2 for seniors and $3 for all others per dessert

Details: Contest is open to all ages. Contestants will have the opportunity to enter their best dessert to be judged and receive a prize. Registration forms available at Walnut Senior Center.

Contact: Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200

City of Walnut Family Health and Fitness Fair

When: Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut

Details: Information booths, FREE screenings, lectures every 30 minutes, Q & A session, Family Fun Walk, family fitness corner, blood drive, live entertainment, and more!

Contact:  Gabriela Encinas at the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200.