Category Archives: Walnut

Walnut/West Covina: Suspect Shot After Walnut Robbery

STAFF REPORTS

LA SheriffWalnut/West Covina – A suspect was fatally shot in West Covina after a car chase and a home invasion robbery occurred in Walnut.

On Friday, Feb. 13 at around 4:57 p.m., a male called the Walnut Sheriff’s Station and stated that a man was in his home with a gun demanding money from his mother, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. The caller also stated that a black car was parked in front of his residence, which was located near Lemon Avenue and Amar Road.

When Sheriff’s deputies arrived to the Walnut residence, a black vehicle was reported to be driving towards them at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was initiated and police followed the suspect to the parking lot off Nogales Street and La Puente Road in unincorporated West Covina.

The male suspect then ran from the vehicle and into a Bestway Market, where he ran through the back door and into the neighborhood behind the market. The suspect ran through several backyards in the neighborhood in an attempt to evade Sheriff’s deputies, according the Sheriff’s Department.

At around 5:20 p.m., the suspect was located in the 19100 block of Elberland Street, in unincorporated West Covina. A deputy-involved shooting occurred and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. However, no weapon has been found at or near the scene, according to sheriff officials.

The suspect was later identified as Javier Mendez, 35.

A female adult passenger of the suspect’s vehicle was taken into custody and a young child who was in the vehicle was taken into protective custody.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Walnut Valley: WVUSD To Host Parent And Community Meetings

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District will host three parent meetings in late February to discuss the new Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessment.  Kindergarten through 12th Grade families and community members are invited to attend.

“We want to really get the word out to our parents and community about the shifts taking place and how we’re preparing our students, and answer any questions they may have,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

The District-wide meetings will be held at Walnut and Diamond Bar High Schools and the District Office. The same presentation will be offered at each meeting.

•       Tuesday, Feb. 25:  Walnut High School Performing Arts Center – Presentations in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, and English.

•       Wednesday, Feb.  26:  Diamond Bar High School Theater – Presentation in English.

•       Thursday, Feb.  27:  WVUSD District Office Board Room – Presentation in English.

In addition, all WVUSD schools will continue to provide information on these new standards and assessments.  Schools across the nation have been transitioning to new standards in language arts and math.  The Common Core standards focus on teaching students not only foundational skills, but how to think critically to be better prepared to succeed in college and the workplace.

To better align with 21st Century skills, nearly all future state testing, beginning this spring, will be computer based.  These new tests are called the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC).  The pilot SBACs will be administered this spring in Walnut Valley Schools.  All public schools in California will have the opportunity to pilot the computer-based assessments before the official SBAC assessments begin in 2014-2015.

For further information, please visit the website at http://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us.

Walnut/Diamond Bar: Patch.com Suffers Massive Layoffs

BY GLENN FREEMAN

(photo courtesy: Patch.com)

(photo courtesy: Patch.com)

Walnut/Diamond Bar – Just two weeks after an abrupt announcement in mid-January that AOL was partnering with Hale Global to run its troubled Patch.com network of hyper-local community news sites, the joint venture laid off hundreds of staff members.  With media reports saying upwards of 80 to 90 percent of the staff was let go, the move has severely impacted each of the 900 local sites.

According to news reports, staff members were notified of their termination via a conference call, wherein Patch’s Chief Operating Officer, Leigh Zarelli Lewis, relayed information on the restructuring.

“Patch is being restructured in connection with the creation of the joint venture with Hale Global,” Lewis said, according to an excerpt of the call printed on Jim Romenesko’s media blog. “Hale Global has decided which Patch employees will receive an offer of employment to move forward in accordance with their vision for Patch and which will not. Unfortunately, your role has been eliminated and you will no longer have a role at Patch and today will be your last day of employment with the company…Thank you, again, and best of luck.”

Locally, there are Patch sites for the communities of Diamond Bar-Walnut, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, Glendora, Claremont-La Verne, and Redlands-Loma Linda.  A Jan. 30 posting on the Diamond Bar-Walnut site by Editor, Melanie Johnson, says the local staff was among those let go.

“Hi, Diamond Bar-Walnut Patchers!  I am posting to let you know that Patch was recently purchased by a company who has decided to do some restructuring. As a result, the local editor positions have been eliminated, including mine,” Johnson posted.

The website is still being updated, but not as frequently and the content appears to be more broad and regional in nature. Former staffers say the sites are being updated from afar, with a small staff now covering all Patch sites within California (which had the most sites within the Patch network, by far).  What the future holds is still unclear, but more user-generated content has been mentioned by some.

In the Jan. 15 press release announcing the partnership, AOL and Hale Global said they are “Committed to re-launching Patch as an efficient platform that allows citizens and businesses to create and share locally-themed news and content – not just with those in their own communities, but to the wider world.”

Patch began in 2007 with the help of AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, who eventually encouraged AOL to buy the collection of hyper-local news sites in 2009.  Armstrong expressed confidence in Hale Global’s ability to turn the sites around, despite Patch’s financial problems.

“Hale Global has a strong track record of operational excellence and platform experience, and we are looking forward to working closely with them on Patch,” Armstrong said in the press release.  AOL plans to maintain a minority stake in Patch.

 

Walnut: Abductee Escapes Kidnapper

STAFF REPORTS

Walnut – The T.J. Maxx parking lot at Grand Avenue and Valley Boulevard beheld a frightening scene as a Walnut woman was kidnapped in a carjacking on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 6.

The Walnut resident in her late 30s was confronted by a strange man as she was getting into her car at around 2 p.m.  L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies report that the man prevented her from closing her door at gunpoint, and forced himself into her car.

The suspect made the woman drive around for over an hour, and headed into south Los Angeles.  At that point she noticed a police car, stopped her vehicle, and bravely ran toward safety.

The Los Angeles Police were able to confront the suspect without incident and seized the BB gun (which looked like a Beretta 9mm handgun) used in the kidnapping.  He was subsequently turned over to Sheriff’s deputies.

Witnesses in the T.J. Maxx parking lot reported the incident, and deputies first responded to that location.  They are still looking for additional witnesses and other possible crimes committed by the suspect, reported only as a parolee from San Gabriel Valley in his 30s.  The suspect has not given any indication to his motives for committing this crime.

Walnut: Council Corner-Conserve Water

Walnut City Council Feb12, 2014

The Walnut City Council discussed a variety of items at their recent meeting, including the possibility of adopting a program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met for its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with major concerns from the Walnut Valley Water District for water conservation in the City.

Walnut Valley Water District Manager of Administration, Jose Martinez, gave a presentation urging residents to reduce water usage after a state of water emergency was declared this month.

“We encourage all citizens to reduce water use and to save every drop that they can,” Allen Wu, director of the Walnut Valley Water District director, said.

Martinez and Wu were also joined by Walnut Valley Water District Director of Administrative Services, Sandra Olson, and Director for the Board of Directors, Scarlett Kwong, who each took turns answering questions from City Council members.  Martinez mentioned that the Walnut Valley Water District offers rebates for water efficient toilets, washing machines, and rain barrels for collecting rain water. He asked interested residents to visit the water district’s website at wvwd.com for more information.

After the presentation, City Council members approved the minutes for the Jan. 22 City Council meeting and adopted Resolution No. 14-04 for amending the housing element of the City of Walnut General Plan.

City Council members then approved all items on the consent calendar, which included: resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $783,377.47; Resolution No. 14-06 for changes in position classifications; authorization for the City Manager to enter into contract with the Planning Center Consultants to prepare environmental and technical analyses for the She Homes Mixed-Use Project on Valley Boulevard; mid-year request for additional appropriation of funds; and plans and authorization to receive formal bids for the Amar Road Street Rehabilitation Project.

City Council members then discussed the possibility of adopting a crime tip reward program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests.  Council Member Nancy Tragarz argued that citizens should be willing to provide information to police without the possibility of money.  The Council then agreed to look into the program further at a later meeting and would not vote on approval of the item.

The City Council then approved both items on the successor agency consent calendar, for Resolution No.14-07 for approving the administration budget for July through December 2014, and Resolution No. 14-08 for approving ROPS for July through December 2014.

After council member announcements, the Walnut City Council returned to closed session and scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Walnut Valley: WV Named to AP Honor Roll

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Caption: Walnut Valley Unified School District is an AP Honor Roll recipient.

AP Honor Roll

Walnut Valley Unified School District is an AP Honor Roll recipient. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut—Walnut Valley Unified School District has been named to College Board’s 2013 AP District Honor Roll.

The 4th annual list includes 477 districts across the U.S. and Canada being honored for increasing access to AP® course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.
Walnut Valley has achieved the honor for multiple years.

“Congratulations to our outstanding students, teachers, staff members and administrators. This distinction confirms Walnut Valley’s ongoing commitment to preparing our students for college, careers and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

Reaching these goals indicates that these districts are successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work, according to College Board.

Data from 2013 show that among African American, Hispanic, and Native American students with a high degree of readiness for AP, only about half of students are participating because their schools do not always offer the AP course for which they have potential. These 477 districts are committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds.

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators, to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to simultaneously expand access and improve student performance.

Inclusion on the 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2011 to 2013, for the following criteria:

  • Increased participation/access to AP by at least four percent in large districts, at least six percent in medium districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts;
  •  Increased or maintained the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students, and;
  • Improved performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2013 scoring a three or higher to those in 2011, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a three or higher

Walnut: Red Light Camera Ticket Controversy

BY K.P. SANDER

Walnut – It was close, but you ran a red light; or maybe you turned right on a red because you didn’t see the posted sign not to.  The camera above the traffic signal took a glamour photo of your car, your license plate, and possibly you (with that charming look of, “OMG, I hope no one saw that!” captured for all eternity).  Soon after, you receive a ticket in the mail stating, Congratulations!  You owe us $470!  Yay!  But do you really have to pay the fine?  The controversy surrounding this topic is quite prevalent.

Called “Scam Cams”, some say the red light cameras are just a ploy by the government to get your money, and that they have nothing to do with safety.  Some say they are unconstitutional and a violation of our privacy.  There are articles that say you don’t have to pay the “Snitch Ticket” fine, because there is no officer to appear in court to defend the ticket.  Also, photos may be inadmissible in court because the technical calibration of the cameras can be called into question.  Still others report there will be no warrant issued and it won’t go on your DMV record.  Who do you believe?

Privacy violation has been addressed in the U.S. courts, but according to a 2009 ruling, (7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals), “No one has a fundamental right to run a red light or avoid being seen by a camera on a public street.”  The cameras are triggered by sensors only when a vehicle has run a red light, in most cases six seconds before the approach of the intersection, and six seconds after.

If you receive a red light camera citation, a copy is sent to the Superior Court where it remains in their traffic record system.  If you don’t pay the citation by the due date, you’ll receive a letter imposing a civil fine of approximately $300 on top of the original amount, and possible penalties and other legal consequences according to the law.  A collection company will take over an ignored citation, which can appear on a background check.  An additional violation can alert the court’s record system, which could create even more problems.

The City of Walnut has one red light camera installed at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Amar Road.  It is clearly marked with signs, and is in the jurisdiction of the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station.  It is a fact that police officers cannot be everywhere at any given moment.  So the cameras are another way to enforce safety in intersections.  But is the cost prohibitive?

The City Council in Walnut voted to extend the use of their camera for further testing until Feb. 27, 2014.   It costs the City approximately $141,000 to operate and brings in revenue of about $130,000 stemming from citations issued (5,053 in 2013).  Still, it is less than the cost of an additional patrol, which could exceed $260,000 annually.

Red lights actually mean stop, not try and make the yellow light; and of course, the yellow is a warning to stop, not gun it through the intersection.  Drivers admit to cutting it close all the time, but the accident statistics for signal violation are staggering, and among the most deadly.  The Los Angeles Police Department states that 1,000 people die each year, and another 200,000 are injured nationally as a result of running red lights.  The annual overall costs associated with this violation are $14 billion in the U.S.

Do the cameras help to prevent accidents?  Some claim they cause accidents by scaring drivers into more sudden stops, causing rear-end collisions.  The City of Walnut states that there is another important consideration, that of the potential danger associated with police officers following red light runners through heavily congested intersections; the pursuit of which can pose of serious risk to motorists, pedestrians and police officers.  The camera simply captures the crime.

Whatever controversy surrounds red light cameras, and whatever you believe – scam or safety – the DMV states that if you receive a violation, you shall be permitted to review the photographic evidence of the alleged violation.  Regardless of the controversy, if you ran a red light – or even came close to it – you are guilty of jeopardizing the safety of those in your vicinity; pay the piper.  If not, contest it.

If you receive a ticket, you have the option to pay the citation or appear before a judge and take your chances.  The City of Walnut’s website has some excellent information on red light cameras.  Visit http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us/general.asp?id=355 to view your violation video, request a copy of your ticket, or just become more informed.

The bottom line is that traffic laws require obedience to traffic control signals and devices.  If you slow down a bit, stop at red lights, and eliminate the “rolling stop”, chances are you won’t ever have to figure out your personal place in the red

Walnut: Board Honors Outstanding Students and Parent Volunteers

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut — The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees paid tribute to outstanding students and parent volunteers during the January 15 meeting.

WVUSD Holiday Card Contest winner

Michelle Xu, winner of the 2013 WVUSD Holiday Card Contest.

Evergreen Elementary 5th grader, Michelle Xu, won the 2013 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest. The talented young artist was recognized with a certificate and framed copy of her original artwork by Board President, Cindy Ruiz. She also received a gift certificate to Chick-fil-A restaurant, courtesy of owners Bob and Michelle Sun.

WVUSD Super Star Student Awardee 2014

Andrew Zambrano won the Super Star Student Award

Walnut Elementary School 5th grader, Andrew Zambrano, was honored as a Super Star Student.“Since kindergarten, he has taken advantage of several opportunities to become involved in school. He plays saxophone in our school band, sings in the Showcase Choir, won awards in chess and is an assembly greeter, which highlights his terrific interpersonal skills,” Principal Green said. Andrew has been able to do all this with the loving support of his parents who make sure he is enrolled in after-school wrestling, jujitsu and basketball.

WVUSD Partner in Education Awardee 2014

Walnut Elementary parent volunteer, Ceping Chao (shown with Board President, Cindy Ruiz), was honored with the Partner in Education Award. (photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut Elementary parent volunteer, Ceping Chao, was introduced as the school’s Partner in Education. “She is a founding parent of our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Mandarin program and her two daughters are currently in DLI Kindergarten and Grade 2,” said Principal Green.

“Ceping volunteers her time in the classrooms and the teachers say that she is always ready to lend a helping hand. They love her because she is so patient with students. She attends parent education meetings and convinces more parents to become involved. She has even taken on the task of revamping and revising our school website – I believe there were five pages of changes to be made!” said Green.
Diamond Bar High School junior, Josh DeSoto-Rivera, was honored with the Super Star Student Award.

WVUSD Super Star Student 2013

Josh DeSoto-Rivera (shown with Board President, Cindy Ruiz) was honored as a Super Star Student

“I want to recognize Josh for the growth he has shown through the past years. He really didn’t have any goals and didn’t see the intrinsic reward of a good education. As a sophomore, he entered the Pathways Communications Academy,” she said.

“It is a great program, now 17 years old that offers our kids a school within a school opportunity. It incorporates concepts of multiple intelligences, career guidance, interactive instruction and applied learning – all while focusing on interpersonal relationships,” Real explained.

The curriculum includes a broad spectrum of college prep and career tech electives as well as a steering committee of local businessmen and educational institutions who work closely with students. “The program offers an opportunity for real life experiences and it makes students aware and competitive in today’s job force. Because of this program, I think Josh saw the light,” Real explained.

Partner in Education Awardee 2013

George Ganesh (shown with Board President, Cindy Ruiz and Principal, Catherine Real), was recognized with the Partner in Education Award

“This summer, he took on registration for the Boosters Club. Mr. Ganesh’s job was to organize and get the Booster parents enthusiastic to work at the booth during four weeks of registration appointments,” Real explained.

“And of course, the process went a lot like him: it was organized, it was pleasant and it was productive. I can’t say enough about the contributions that he made because at the end of registration, the Boosters had reached a new level of unity, sign-ups and participation,” Real said.

“When I think about Mr. Ganesh, I also think of his children, Namesha and Niraj. They are a lot like him. They are equally enthusiastic, well-rounded, intelligent, kind, compassionate and humble. I think it’s true what they say about apple not falling very far from the tree!” Real said.

Walnut Valley: Governor Declares Statewide Drought

California Governor Jerry Brown

Gov. Jerry Brown declares statewide drought conditions during a Jan. 17 Press Conference in San Francisco. (Photo Courtesy: CA.Gov)

BY GLENN FREEMAN

Walnut Valley – On the heels of the driest recorded year in state history, Gov. Jerry Brown declared drought conditions in California. The statement came during a Jan. 17, 2014 Press Conference in San Francisco, where the Governor issued a State of Emergency, asking residents to conserve water.

“We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities and increased fires in both urban and rural areas,” said Gov. Brown in a press release. “I’m calling all Californians to conserve water in every way possible.”

State water officials reported that snowpack conditions are about 20 percent of normal average for this time of year, with river and reservoirs below their record lows, particularly in the State’s northern and central regions. The proclamation gives state water officials more flexibility to manage supply throughout California.
The Governor directed State agencies to use less water and hire more firefighters. He also expanded a public awareness campaign on water conservation at http://www.saveourh2o.org.

Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which provides water to nearly 19 million people in Southern California via 26 cities and water districts, released a statement supporting Gov. Brown’s declaration, asking users to take conservations measures.

“Lowering water demand in Southern California is a big reason why this region has sufficient supplies short term, but this drought is a wakeup call … to conserve every possible drop,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

MWD has conservation tips available at its website, at http://www.bewaterwise.com.

Locally, the Walnut Valley Water District says water use is down in recent years.

“We’re supportive of the call for reduction in water usage and have always been about water efficiency. We’re buying 15% less water now than in 2006,” said general manager Mike Holmes.

Holmes also says the district encourages customers to visit their website (www.wvwd.com) for water conservation tips, as well as a program for getting up to 25 sprinkler nozzles for free.

The district serves approximately 100,000 customers in six San Gabriel Valley communities.

Walnut: Suzanne Students Join Connected Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Suzanne Middle School Students

On Jan. 15, Alice Chen’s 8th Grade Language Arts students participated in a Connected Classroom Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut —Suzanne Middle School students got a special lesson from Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, on January 15. Teacher Alice Chen’s 8th Grade Language Arts class participated in a live Connected Classrooms Conversation to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., just days before the National holiday held in his honor.
Three classrooms from across the United States participated in the Google Hangout On-Air event. Each educator invited to participate is a member of Google’s “Connected Classrooms”.
“I was invited to join Connected Classrooms last fall when this community first launched. The invitation initially went out to Google Certified Teachers. Then it was opened up to other teachers as the program grew,” Chen explained. She is also a moderator for Connected Classrooms.
“Educators who want to be involved in this kind of project, they don’t specify which one, are welcome to sign up. Then, they’ll match you according to content and age appropriateness,” she explained.
Chen found out about the opportunity the day before the live conversation and was eager for her students to participate.
At 10 a.m., PST, moderator Dawn Engle introduced Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee to the Walnut classroom.
“She is a woman who exemplified the Peace Jam movement. In fact, she’s a Liberian Peace Activist and is responsible for leading a woman’s peace movement that helped put an end to the second Liberian Civil War,” she said.
After each class took turns introducing themselves to the honored guest, who was in New York during the event, Engle started the one-hour conversation by asking the Nobel Peace Prize winner “Why is so it important to honor the life and the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King at this time every year?”
“First, I think he is in a class all by himself,” Gbowee answered. “He really was a trailblazer and it’s important to celebrate him at this time. It’s a reminder that even the most difficult of challenges in the world we can overcome if we focus, if we preserve and if we do it non-violently,” she said.
She described Dr. King as being a change agent for his belief. He was willing to go all out, persevere, be consistent, focused, and not get distracted with the negativity. Dr. King started something at a time in the world when everyone felt it was not possible,” Gbowee said.
“He decided we’re going to do this and break this barrier,” she added.
“When I sit and think of Dr. King and the incredible work that he did, and at the end of the day, when we look back, there are a lot of things that have happened in this world beyond the Civil Rights struggle. We see other situations in the world, and people say, ‘If King could do it, I too can do it’,” she said.
“The most important thing that Dr. King taught us is we are the change that we hope to see. It is in each and every individual,” she added.
Two students from each classroom also asked questions. When it was their turn, Suzanne students, Kaitlin Garrett and Steven Sakamoto, stood next to the projection screen face-to-face with the international legend. 8th Grader, Kaitlin Garrett, asked the first question during the event.
“I really liked what [Gbowee] said about us being the change. And how we can start it and I thought it was really inspiring because it is very true. I think if one person starts it and everybody joins in, it continues on,” Garrett said.
Garrett said she plans to begin finding ways to become a change maker. “This will inspire me to start thinking about changes and how we can help the community,” she said
Gbowee shared several of her own experiences about making a difference through non-violent struggle.
She said she wrote her book, Mighty Be Our Prayers, to share that it doesn’t matter if your life has taken a downturn, you can be an agent of change. “No matter how hard you fall, you are not judged in this life by the magnitude of your fall, it’s your ability to rise up and stand tall,” she said.
She also advised the students to find their own passion and that they could be difference makers too.
“When I was growing up, I never thought about a Nobel Peace Prize. I always thought about how I could make a difference,” she said
“Dr. King said anybody can be great. Those who see problems can be great through service, be great through humility, be great through doing good and not expecting anything in return. That is the kind of greatness Dr. King talked about and that has guided my work,” she explained to the students.
The recorded broadcast will also be shown to Bishop Desmond Tutu, who is on the Peace Jam board. And the kids got to wave hello to him.
Gbowee concluded the conversation by offering a challenge to the students. “Dr. King was a great man in a class all by himself. He stepped out when no one thought it was possible. I think to the young people of the world, if you read the life and legacy of Dr. King, he was one ordinary person who decided to try to do the impossible and leave an extraordinary mark on the world. We all have a light in us. If we ever decide to tap into that light, we too, can make the impossible possible. And leave an extraordinary legacy,” she said.
“You have the light, you have the examples, and you have the platform. Step out and make big changes. I hope someday I will read about one of you from these three classrooms of the great work you have done,” she added.
The Connected Classrooms broadcast can be viewed at https://plus.google.com/events/ckfsc2s5dg1aqvglm1h4ha902uo.

Walnut Valley: WVUSD to Honor Classified Employees

Walnut Valley Unified School District

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) will honor the monthly 2013 Cornerstone Award recipients during the 15th Annual Class Act Gala on Friday, Feb. 7, at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.

Twelve classified (non-teaching) employees received this award for providing outstanding service to the District.

Congratulations to the following honorees:

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

The Classified Employee-of-the-Year will be announced at the culmination of the program, sponsored by the WVUSD Personnel Commission and Walnut Valley Educational Foundation.

Tickets are $25 for Adults. For reservations, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 595-1261, by January 24.

The Pomona Valley Mining Company is located at 1777 Gillette Road in Pomona.

Diamond Bar: Dr. Jeffery W. Lowe Passes Away

By Michael Armijo

Jeffrey Lowe

Jeffrey Lowe (Photo Courtesy of SB County Sheriffs Dept/Chino Hills)

Diamond Bar – Dr. Jeffrey W. Lowe, a long time Chiropractor and Community Activist, passed away at 48 years old on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 of apparent heart failure.

Dr. Lowe held his practice in the Albertsons shopping center on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue for almost 20 years. He was the current President of the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Booster Club, former Diamond Bar Rotary President, past board member of the Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce, and a San Bernardino County Sheriff Reserve Deputy for over 20 years, in the patrol and homicide division.

Dr. Lowe was born in Montebello, California and grew up in La Habra, where he graduated from La Habra High School in 1983. From there, he went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in 1992 from the Los Angeles Chiropractic College.
He was described by his peers as a “giver, family man, compassionate individual, special, caring, and a loving man.”

“Jeff always made me feel special and beautiful,” his wife, Kim Lowe said. “I am so very proud of all his accomplishments.”
“He was an excellent partner, neighbor, and friend,” said fellow Deputy Mike Kreeger. “Laughter and friendship are both words that describe Jeff well, as he loved to laugh.”

I write this story, as a reporter, but more importantly, as a personal friend to Jeff. I will always miss his infectious smile, his servant’s heart, warmth-filled hugs, and compassionate element of being a healer, brother, giver, deputy, friend, and leader.

Dr. Lowe was married in 2005 to his wife, Kim, and has been a Chino Hills Resident for over 20 years. He is survived by his step-daughter Robin, grandmother Nana, parents Ron and Karen, sister Kellee, brother-in-law Paul, and nephews Dylan, Karissa, and Sydney. On his wife’s side, he is survived by his brother-in-law Larry, his wife Edenna, and his three nieces Lilly, Tori, and Violet.

Walnut: Council Corner- Conserve Water

Walnut City Council

The Walnut City Council warned residents to conserve water due to California’s drought. (Photo courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – There was a short supply of agenda items at the Walnut City Council and Housing Authority meeting on Wednesday, but a major warning was given from Council Members about California’s drought problems.

After the approval of the Dec. 11, 2013 Study Session and City Council Meeting Minutes, and the Jan. 8 City Council Meeting Minutes, the City Council unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar.

The consent calendar included Resolution No. 14-03, for a resolution of the City of Walnut to allow certain claims and demands in the amount of $548,442.32; Walnut’s participation in the Cal Recycle Used Oil Competitive Grant for the 2013/2014 fiscal year; and youth sports groups requests for bi-annual facility use for FC Man United Soccer, Walnut Valley Pony Baseball, Walnut Youth Softball and the American Youth Soccer Association.

During the comment and updates section, Council Member, Mary Su, urged Walnut residents to be mindful of wasting water for the foreseeable future due to the latest statewide drought.

Council Member, Bob Pacheco, agreed with Su, saying that citizens should be careful not to waste water in an “unnecessary” manner.

The Housing Authority Meeting then started, which unanimously approved the only item on the consent calendar: Resolution No. 14-01 for the Walnut Housing Authority, allowing certain claims and demands to be paid in the amount of $52,820.25.

Mayor Antonio Cartagena then asked for all attendees of the City Council Meeting to join him in a moment of silence for the passing of Walnut Parks and Recreation’s Commissioner Ernie Quejado’s mother, Theresa.

Cartagena officially adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:17 p.m., with the next scheduled meeting planned for Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.

Walnut: Family Excursions In Walnut

NEWS RELEASE

Walnut – On Sunday, Feb. 16, the City of Walnut is off to see the most magical adventure of them all- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz. This new production is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. It contains all the beloved songs and characters and iconic moments from the Oscar-winning movie, plus a few surprises along the way. Seats are $70 and are located in the orchestra section of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Round trip transportation from Walnut, leaving at 5:15 p.m. and returning to Walnut approximately at 10:30 p.m., is included.
If a pirate adventure is more your style, join us on us on Saturday, April 5, for the Real Pirate exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Exhibit highlights include rare gold coins, jewelry, weaponry such as cannons, pistols, and knives, and a replica of an actual ship that visitors can board. After our time at the Museum, enjoy lunch and shopping on your own in San Diego’s Seaport Village. Ticket prices are $30 per person and include round trip transportation from Walnut, leaving at 8 a.m. and returning to Walnut at approximately at 5:30 p.m.
All busses depart from the Park N Ride Lot, located at 20983 La Puente Road in Walnut, (cross street Gartel Drive.) For more information or to register, please call the Walnut Community Services Department at (909) 598-5605.

Collegewood Robotics Team Wins 2nd Place at Regional Tourney

Collegewood Robomaster Cougars Robotic Team

Collegewood Robomasters Cougars 4-1, shown with team coaches, were recognized for their impressive 2nd Place award during the school’s Spirit Day assembly on January 10. Each member received a trophy. (Photo Courtesy:Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut—Collegewood Elementary School’s new robotics team won 2nd Place for their project presentation during the Los Angeles Region First Lego League (FLL) Championship Tournament held on Dec. 14, 2013.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 Team is comprised of ten 4th graders: Nathan Fong, Nafiz Islam, Madrid Nevarez, Evan Walker, Sarah Wang, Emmy Hsu, Collin Lee, Codey Ma, Kaden Salvador, and Kawin Watkins.
They were considered one of the youngest teams in the tournament, which included 4th to 8th grade student teams.
Kawin Watkins said his favorite part was “is learning to build and program the robots.”
“I started the project presentation and ended it,” said Evan Walker, age 9. “It’s fun being a part of the club and I will definitely be part of it next year,” he added.
“The best part was programming the robot,” said Sarah Walker. FLL is dubbed a sport for the mind.
“It went really good and it was fun,” added Madrid Nevarez. She said competing with the robot was the most exciting part and she won her match.
Kaden Salvador said he was impressed with his teammates at the regional contest.
“During the competition all the kids really focused and we won!” he said.
They advanced to the Championship Tournament and completed with another 48 teams from different schools throughout Los Angeles County at South High School in Torrance.
“Our little kids tried their best and had great fun working as a team with gracious professionalism to apply science and technology into real world problems,” said team coach and parent Scott Watkins.
The team researched Wildfire Disasters and presented their idea of a Firefighting Robot to the judges.
They also competed among 48 teams in the Robot Game by building and programming their robot using NXT Mindstorms kits to complete different missions.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 took the 7th Place award in the robot performance contest.
“They were also one of the most consistent teams, scoring over 300 points in every round,” Watkins said.
“The children had a successful season, taking full advantage of the great opportunity that has been provided at Collegewood Elementary,” he added.
“This is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud of our students!” said Principal Joan Perez.
“Mr. Watkins did an amazing job at coaching the kids and teaching them the real world skills they need to be ready to solve problems of the 21st century. They represented Collegewood well and I look forward to watching them continue to grow with the First Lego League robotics,” she added.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 were honored during the school’s Spirit Day assembly on January 10.
“We wanted to reward our students by giving them individual trophies,” Coach Watkins said.

Walnut: Election Season Kicks Off For Walnut

Walnut City Council Members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco

Council members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco held their campaign kick-off last week. (Photo By: Ariel Carmona Jr.)

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Walnut – Three candidates filed their nomination papers for the Walnut City Council election, set for April 8. The three candidates include current Council Members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco, along with a new candidate, Betty Tang. The election season kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 11, when incumbents Mary Su and former assemblyman, Bob Pacheco, held their re-election campaign at their Lemon Creek Village shopping campaign headquarters.

A number of elected federal, state and local officials and other dignitaries were in attendance to support the pair of candidates seeking to retain their seats on the Council. Among those were U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park; U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerto; State Assemblyman Curt Hagman; and former U.S Treasurer, Rosario Marin. Also in attendance were Walnut Mayor, Tony Cartagena; Diamond Bar Mayor, Carol Herrera; Diamond Bar Mayor Pro-Tem, Steve Tye; and a majority of the members of the Walnut Valley School Board, the Walnut Valley Water Board and the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees.

“Mary is really a great person for this community,” said Congresswoman Chu. She added that Su’s dedication to the City goes back to when she founded the Chinese-American Parents Association for the Walnut Unified School District and continued through her days as President of the city’s Chinese-American Association. “This is a person who more than deserves being re-elected to the Walnut City Council. I think we are really lucky to have her.”

Marin said she has known Pacheco almost 20 years, and she has supported him at various positions throughout his political career.

Walnut Council Member Bob Pacheco

U.S. Representative, Ed Royce, talked about how much he supported Bob Pacheco (shown above) and Mary Su. (Photo By: Ariel Carmona Jr.)

“I am here because we want government that works. We yearn for government that really fulfills our needs. We are here for that government that supports our families and keeps them safe, and I am here to support Bob because I know he is an honest man, he’s trustworthy, and he takes his job very seriously. Everywhere he’s been he has done an excellent job,” said the former U.S. Treasurer.
“I know the citizens of Walnut have benefited from his experience, from his knowledge and his commitment. And I am here to support Mary Su because Mary has also been a magnificent public servant, and that’s all we want, we want public servants to do their best for our families,” said Marin.
Congressman Royce said he was very impressed with the work of the Walnut City Council. “There’s a lot of talent in this room, people who’ve served on the City Council for years, but think about some of the things that they did, particularly with Mary Su.”
“Mary Su used to be the Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission and in that capacity she had a certain vision, as did Bob Pacheco who was on the council at that time. They had a vision of having a rural environment here in the middle of Southern California where they would preserve those walking trails, preserve those riding trails and keep that atmosphere alive, and when things came up like those radio towers, they made sure they didn’t go up.”
Royce praised Su for her involvement with the Chinese-American Parents Association and for her efforts to strengthen the council’s relationship with Mt. SAC and the local school district. Royce also pointed out that Walnut has won award after award, including best schools, most livable city, and one of the safest cities to live in California, which Royce said was because of the City’s work with local law enforcement.

Su thanked all of the elected officials and other dignitaries in attendance for their support and friendship. “For many years we have had over 100 percent reserves in our budget. We didn’t cut a single service, we didn’t increase any taxes, and there are so many other things we accomplished, I just can’t name them all,” said an emotional Su, “Overall my heart is with the city of Walnut, I belong to Walnut, Walnut is my child, Walnut is everything to me, that’s why I am devoted to Walnut.”

Su enumerated a number of benefits that the city has seen since she assumed a seat in the Council including expansion of Grand and Temple Avenues, the restoration of City fireworks, collaborations with the local school districts, free services for seniors and many other projects.
“I will keep my promise again. No tax increases, continue to maintain high the quality life in Walnut, maintain high education in the City of Walnut, work together with Congress, the State Assembly and Los Angeles County to bring more resources to Walnut, to work together with each one of you, to listen to your opinion, your suggestions, your ideas to improve Walnut,” said Su.
“Bob’s been serving this community for 40 years. You have a man with experience, from state level, from his contacts, from the national level. You’re a very lucky city,” said Assemblyman Hagman.

Pacheco told the assembled crowd of supporters and residents, “My family grew up here, my daughter was born when we first moved into Walnut, and since that time I’ve been involved. I need your help again to make sure I get reelected and make sure I can continue the work I have started. The most important thing I see for this city is making sure that we get along and that we unite our resources so that we work together toward the proper ends.”

Sarah Armijo contributed to this story.

Walnut: Red Light Cameras Stay For Three Months

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Walnut – Faced with the impending expiration of a contract with a company that maintains and operates the red light camera at the intersection at Temple, Grand and Amar, and with a growing trend of other cities taking down their cameras, the City Council voted to extend the City’s contract for another three months to further study the implications of retaining or dismantling the camera.

“I know making a decision about whether to terminate or to continue should be based on safety, whether its cost effective and what is the best for the community,” said Mayor Antonio (Tony) Cartagena as the Council voted 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz abstained) to extend the contract with RedFlex, set to expire on Feb. 27, 2014.

According to a report made public by the city staff, the City’s photo enforcement program was approved in 2006 and extended for five years in February 2009. The contract does not have a rollover provision, which means if the contract expires, RedFlex would remove the equipment, and the program would terminate.
The annual cost to operate the program is $141,116, with $140,016 going to RedFlex and $1,100 provided for training a Law Enforcement Technician (LET). The LET position is charged to a grant and does not come from the City’s general fund sources, according to a report by Senior Management Analyst, Rosalea Layman.

“It is difficult to determine the exact amount of revenue generated by the program because the City receives a lump sum from the county that includes all traffic violations, fines and fees received,” wrote Layman in the report. She said the City estimates it receives approximately $130,000 with $63,700 of the revenue restricted for public safety purposes.

City staff warned that if the program is eliminated, the City would realize a loss of associated revenue, in addition to a potential increase cost for additional patrol deployment of more than $260,000 per year. Walnut issued 5,053 citations to alleged violators in 2013.

Captain Jeff Scroggin said that he was concerned if the cameras were removed, that there would be an increase of people pushing across that intersection to try to get into Mt. San Antonio College. “The ability to police that area with the normal deployment would be difficult because of all the other calls we are responding to and the patrols we’re doing.”

The council also heard testimonies from residents and the public, some who favored the red light program and others who expressed concerns over possible 6th Amendment violations to pedestrian safety and the safety of Mt. SAC students crossing to reach the bus stop on the south side of the intersection. Others suggested the City install a countdown on the intersection instead of hand symbol.

Council Member Bob Pacheco questioned the efficacy of the camera, quoting the report which showed that accidents increased from 12 to 19 at the intersection between 2005 and 2013, when they were last reported. “I don’t understand, if the traffic light is to prevent injuries, and the cameras are basically to try to deter that from happening, I don’t see a reason why there was an increase,” said Pacheco. “We are always very concerned with the status of the economy and the impact on our revenue, this is a source of revenue for the City, but it should not be just a means for deciding of what we do with it, whether we make or don’t make money is not a question in my mind, it’s a question of is it providing the benefit that we’re supposed to be getting,” he added.

Jay Beeber, Executive Director of Safer Streets L.A., addressed the Council and disputed the City staff’s assertion that the intersection was less safe because there is more traffic flow. That‘s actually contrary to what you would expect with increased traffic flow. “In the five years before the program was started, there was one red light running collision. Since implementation, there have been five, a 400 percent increase. There were 24 rear-end collisions prior, 43 in the five years after, an 80 percent increase”, said Beeber.

In other actions, the Council heard a presentation on fraud and cybercrime prevention from Lt. Mark Stevens from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, and also approved the adoption of 2014-2015 Community Development Block Grant Program funds for housing rehabilitation and senior citizen activities.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 21201 La Puente Road.

Walnut: Local Woman Goes To Trial for Murder

STAFF REPORTS

Walnut – A woman accused of fatally stabbing her estranged husband is scheduled for trial in Pomona Superior Court, beginning January 28, 2014.

Socorro Mora, 45, of Walnut, has been charged with murdering George Mora, 47, in his home back in October of 2011. Deputies responding at that time to a domestic violence call on the 21600 block of Brookside Court in Walnut, found George inside the home, dead from multiple stabbings.

Socorro was found in front of the home, where George lived with the couple’s four children (who were not home at the time). She was apparently injured from stab wounds. It was not clear how she received the injuries, but she was treated at a local hospital before being charged and booked into the regional detention center in Lynwood. She has remained there on $5 million bail.

Socorro and George Mora had been married since 1993, but had separated in September 2011. Ironically, George reportedly obtained a restraining order against his estranged wife, just three weeks before he was killed.

There have been multiple postponements leading up to the scheduling of a trial date. Socorro is charged not only with murder, but felony complaints of increasing violence, animal cruelty (from stabbing and killing the family dog in a previous incident), and domestic violence. She has pleaded not guilty.