Category Archives: Walnut

Chaparral And Suzanne Schools Honor Students/Parents

By Anthony Saude

 

WALNUT — The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized both parent volunteers and outstanding students from Chaparral and Suzanne Middle Schools. During a board meeting held on October 18th eighth grade twins Kaitlyn and Kayla Loera, who attend Chaparral were honored with Super Star Student Awards.

Chaparral’s core belief is to educate the whole child through Academics, Athletics, Activities and Arts and these well rounded students exemplify the honor. Kaitlyn and Kayla are both 4.0 Honor Roll students and involved in on campus clubs, ASB, FBLA and Breakout EDU. They don’t stop there, they also play basketball, run cross country and golf; volunteer after school to tutor fellow students in math, technology aides and play in the Sinfonia orchestra.

Cindy Huang was also honored on this night with the Partner in Education Award for her extensive volunteer work coordinating events that benefit the school. She is the president of Chaparral’s Chinese American Parent Organization (CAPA) and has served as the vice president of the organization in the past. CAPA members work very hard all year to boost membership and have funded many projects for the teachers. They are responsible for the gold cords the school uses for its promotion ceremony and have contributed thousands of dollars to the school band and choir.

Suzanne 8th grader Chole Young received a Super Star Student Award as well on this night of recognition for the students and community members that support the schools. Chole embodies the school’s leadership class motto: Create Spirit and Serve Our Campus. One of the first school activities of the year was lead by Chole and she led her team flawlessly, her ability to work side by side with other team members until the task was finished was inspiring. She presented each team member a hand written note after the task was complete.

David Morales, a parent was honored with the Partner in Education Award for his work as a Community Club member and a supporter at Suzanne Middle School. Others have been inspired to motivate members to assist staff and students through his countless hours of service. Many of those hours are spent volunteering in the library, helping students at registration, and during the tests given at lunch and after school for the Accelerated Reader program. He is there at the WVUSD Coordinating Council and Technology Committee representing his school in exemplary fashion.

There was special recognition for the Wolf Corp Robotics Team on this special night. The team took the 2017 1st place Overall Core Values Award at the Razorback Invitational Robotics Competition at the University of Arkansas. There were 68 of the top rated teams from around the world present, including but not limited to Japan, Brazil, Israel, Slovenia, Canada, Korea, Chili and the USA just to name a few. The Wolf Corp. has been a regular at the podium having taken 1st place in Robot Performance at the Los Angeles Region Championship Tournament, Moonbot Phase One winner, Google Lunar X Prize, 1st Place Most Engaged Team from Lego Education. The team has also been awarded the So Cal First Lego League Cup Champion at Legoland on 3 separate occasions.

 

Health Hazards Close Five Local Restaurants/Market

By Marissa Mitchell

Walnut – The Los Angeles County of Public Health closed at least five (5) restaurants, one market included, in Walnut and its surrounding cities this past week. Cause of closure was deemed as public health hazards.

Between October 8 and October 14, the health permits for those facilities were suspended due to cockroach and fly infestations, as well as not maintaining  or having hot water, per a report from the Los Angeles County Public Health Department and the Pasadena Department of Public Health.

The restaurants and markets with suspended permits must shut their doors to all customers until the next Public Health inspection has determined that the  highlighted problems have been resolved. Closures may occur during routine and owner-initiated inspections, as well as complaint investigations and re-inspections.

The Public Health Department did not provided the number or estimated number of cockroaches or flies in the suspended facilities.

When a Los Angeles food facility is temporarily closed for a cockroach, rodent, or fly infestation, sewage problems, or for not having hot water, the facility loses seven points in addition to the four points deducted for major health violations. At the point of discovery of two major health hazards occurring concurrently, the facility loses an additional three points in its inspection store. This results in loss of passing grades (perhaps from A to B or A to C).

In contrast to the County of Los Angles Public Healthy department, the Pasadena healthy agency does not issue grades but rather one of three placards to each establishment: “Pass,” “Conditional Pass,” or “Closed.” The city does deduct points the same way the county does, but if an inspector determines a closure is warranted, the facility loses 26 points automatically.

The following facilities are those that have been suspended (temporarily shut down). Unless noted otherwise, the grades listed were received on the same day they were closed.

Rodeo Meat Market

Location: 13246 Valley Blvd, La Puente

Closure reason: cockroaches, flies

Closure Date: Oct. 10

Reopen Date: Oct. 12

Grade: C (76)

Jacquis Restaurant

Location: 778 Nogales Ave., Ste. E, Walnut

Closure Reason: no hot water

Closure date: Oct. 10

Reopen date: Oct. 11

Grade: B (84); received an A (94) during an owner-initiated inspection Oct. 16

Kalahi Bakery and Deli

Location: 804 N. Nogales Ave., Walnut

Closure Reason: cockroaches

Closure date: Oct. 10

Reopen date: Oct. 16

Grade: B (80)

Go Go Sushi

Location: 2269 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

Closure reason: no hot water

Closure date: Oct. 11

Reopen date: Oct. 11

Score: D (65 out of 100)

 

 

Blend It Healthy

Location: 411 E. Huntington Drive, Ste. 114, Arcadia

Closure reason: cockroaches

Closure date: Oct. 12

Reopen date: facility is still closed

Grade: B (87)

 

Motion Detector Cameras Deter Crime

On this Thursday, June 25, 2015 photo, a computer terminal displays a single vehicle’s license plate number, captured in multiple locations by Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) cameras at the city’s Emergency Operations Center in Long Beach, Calif. Police nationwide are buying access into expansive databases run by private companies whose repo men and tow-truckers photograph license plates on vehicles every day, raising concerns among civil libertarians and some lawmakers about the lack of protections against abuse. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

By Marissa Mitchell

Walnut, CA – A week  ago the City of Walnut announced that they would begin their “License Plate Camera Pilot Program.” The city will begin installing motion detector cameras to ward off crime in the community by catching criminal activity with exactitude. Via coordination with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Walnut city staff has identified locations for the cameras. In some of those locations, a separate pole will be placed to support camera installation. Residents voiced their concerns to the City of Walnut about the rise in criminal activity, and the city responded. Thus far, the city has promised to install ten (10) motional detection cameras that will take photographs of vehicle license plates, so as to more easily catch criminals right after or during the act of crime. These cameras will only take the pictures of license plate numbers, not persons. The date will be released to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department or the appropriate law enforcement agency investigating a committed crime. All cameras and their data will be monitored and maintained by the City of Walnut. The cameras store their data directly onto memory cards rather than a database; unlick the “typical” Automated License Plate recognition. This form of memory storage allows for increased area and time specificity. This memory-card data will be stored sixty (60) days, after which they will be recycled and recorded over, unless requested. The City of Walnut hope to enhance the safety of its residents as well as build civic pride by installing these more advanced cameras for criminal monitoring. It is hope that the motion detector cameras will help aid in crime decrease throughout the city.

Westhoff Families Join Global Fair

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT–-Westhoff Elementary families got a chance to sample foods from around the world during a Culture Fair held Friday, October 13. The school’s Community Club hosts the annual food fest with parents, students, and teachers coming together to celebrate the diversity of the many cultures represented at the school. A total of 16 different nations were represented at decorated booths with music, artifacts, and lots of delicious, authentic food. Westhoff students proudly dressed in clothing representing their heritage marched in a parade. Many also provided entertainment during the event with nearly 1,000 in attendance. “We are so thankful to all our parents and extended family members who work so hard putting this event together,” said Principal Denise Rendon.

“It’s one of my favorite nights of the school year!” Shown: Westhoff Elementary families sample foods from around the world during the Culture Fair. Board Members Cindy Ruiz, Layla Abou-Taleb and Helen Hall, shown with students, join Westhoff Elementary School’s annual Culture Fair on Oct. 13.

 

 

Walnut Helps Homeowners

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – The City of Walnut is offering grants and loans to the owners of single family detached dwellings to eligible low to moderate-income occupants living in Walnut. The Housing Rehabilitation Program will be able to assist these homeowners with funding for home improvements that focus on safe and sanitary housing. The funds are made available to correct dangerous structural conditions, eliminate blight, correct code violations and even provide handicapped access. The program will provide grants of up to $7500 and deferred loans at zero percent interest up to $30,000 to eligible homeowners. The grants are designed to help the homeowner with Code issues that need to be fixed in addition to any of the other improvements the homeowner requested and do not need to be repaid. The loans are no interest loans and repayment is deferred until the property changes title or is refinanced. The program is offered on a first come first serve basis to eligible homeowners. The limited funding is provided by the Federal Community Development Block Grant Program is offered to applicants whose annual income doesn’t exceed the Housing and Community Development and HUD established limits. If you think you might qualify CALL and find out for sure, what is the worst that can happen all they can say is no.

Proof of income, a copy of a recent tax bill, proof of property insurance and ID will be required. For more information click on the links below or contact the Community Development Department at 909-595-7543.

Walnut High Celebrates New Tennis Courts

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA— Walnut High students, teachers, staff, and district officials recently gathered during a tennis court grand reopening celebration.Over the summer, the courts were resurfaced, and playing surfaces painted a blue hue – the signature color of the U.S. Open – with grey around the outside. The project also included installation of new fencing with wind screens, nets, sound system, and lighting.  Players and coaches said they were ready to kick off the new season in the upgraded facility at the August 29 ceremony. “This is going to get my kids fired up to play some even better tennis!” said head coach Lee Shiomoto, who has been a part of the program for 15 years. “It’s been exciting to see the courts get resurfaced,” said senior Lauren Ao, who said her team members now feel proud to host other schools during tournaments.“It was really run-down, and now the courts are nice and clean!” added senior Sara Santos.The boys and girls tennis programs have a winning tradition, clinching numerous all-league awards, league championships, and an undefeated season last fall. Last year, the girls team competed in the CIF finals, and doubles players Santos and Vivian Lee earned their second consecutive Hacienda League MVP honor.

Walnut Valley USD Board Honors Outstanding Student, Parent

By Kelli Gile

 

Walnut—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized a standout student and parent volunteer from Vejar Elementary School during the September 20 meeting.

Fifth grader Talisa Perez received the Super Star Student Award for going above and beyond on her campus.

“Talisa is known by students, teachers, and the staff for her kindness, respect, and good citizenship,” shared interim principal Whitney Prenger.

She is a model student of the Vejar Values: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, BeSafe.

Teachers describe her as being a student leader who is kind, hard-working, and trustworthy.

She always gives 110% and encourages classmates to do their best!

Talisa has also been selected to represent the school in the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

Parent volunteer Kelley Cua was honored with the Partner in Education Award for generously offering her time and expertise organizing various events for the school.

Kelley has helped out in every class on campus, been a steadfast community club volunteer, and annual book fair coordinator.

During the summer, she celebrates students’ summer reading accomplishments by throwing an ice cream party when they return to school.

One Vejar teacher described Kelley as being “selfless and kind. Even as a working mother, she came every Thursday to help in the classroom.”

“She’s always been known to be reliable, kind, organized, and willing to go above and beyond!” Prenger added.

 

WVUSD Trustees Name New Assistant Principal at Walnut High –Kelli Gile

WVUSD

 

WALNUT, CA—The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Daisy Carrasco-Ramos as the new assistant principal at Walnut High School.

Bringing a decade of educational experience to her new post, Dr. Carrasco-Ramos has an extensive teaching background in the area of mathematics and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students.

She spent the last three years as assistant principal at Northview High School in Covina Valley USD where she oversaw curriculum, instruction, and guidance with a focus on increasing student achievement.

Prior to that, she was a secondary math teacher, AVID elective teacher, and activities director at Century High School in the Santa Ana USD.

Dr. Carrasco-Ramos completed a doctoral degree in educational leadership at Azusa Pacific University. She earned a master’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills and bachelor’s degree from University of San Francisco.

“I am so blessed to be a part of the Walnut Valley family and look forward to working with the amazing team and staff at Walnut High School,” she said.

Dr. Carrasco-Ramos resides in Anaheim with her husband, Omar and two children.

 

Community Events September – November

Kids’ Night Out
Walnut Teen Center
6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Third Saturday of every month

 

Diamond Bar Restaurant Week 

A 14-day dining event that will take place Friday, October 6 – Friday, October 20, 2017.

The event showcases Diamond Bar as a premier dining destination offering diners a wide variety of culinary experiences. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe menus with breakfast, lunch and dinner specials available.

 

Walnut Family Fun Festival

The City of Walnut and the volunteer Festival Committee invite you to join us as we celebrate all that makes Walnut Special!

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Suzanne Park – 625 Suzanne Rd, Walnut CA

http://www.cityofwalnut.org/for-residents/city-events/walnut-family-festival

 

Chino Hills Wine Walk

October 14, 2017

Presented by the Chino Hills Community Foundation

Please join the Chino Hills Community Foundation at the Shoppes at Chino Hills as they swirl, sip, and shop while raising money for a great cause in 2017!
 

Burglary Suspects Caught On Video

Photo courtesy: LA County Sheriff’s Department

Police Need Your Help To ID

Staff Reports

Walnut – It was approximately 8:50 pm on a Monday on Spur Trail Avenue in Walnut when a burglary occurred. The sound of shattering glass came from somewhere upstairs. Somebody was breaking in the yelled out so they knew somebody was home, the suspects were startled and jumped from the second story roof fleeing from the location and out of view. Sergeant Dail of the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station Detective Bureau was contacted and said that “nobody has been arrested at this time”. During the investigation a video was obtained and these pictures have now been released. Sergeant Dail said, “we are releasing these pictures because we are looking for help to ID these suspects”. The suspects are described as two male blacks in their early 20’s, they were wearing sweat suit outfits with hoodies.

California Penal Code 459 PC (burglary) is a felony and the potential consequences include a sentence of two, four or six year prison terms.

Penal Code 459 PC reads “Every person who enters any house, room, apartment, tenement, shop, warehouse, store, mill, barn, stable, outhouse or other building, tent, vessel …with intent to commit grand or petit larceny or any felony is guilty of burglary.

California first-degree (residential) burglary is a felony. The potential consequences include a state prison sentence of two (2), four (4) or six (6) years.4 Penal Code 459 PC reads : “Every person who enters any house, room, apartment, tenement, shop, warehouse, store, mill, barn, stable, outhouse or other building, tent, vessel…with intent to commit grand or petit larceny or any felony is guilty of burglary.”1

Any information regarding the above incident/suspects, please contact
DETECTIVE Alfredo Gomez (909) 859-2823
Walnut/Diamond Bar Station Detective Bureau 21695 E. Valley Blvd., Walnut, 91789
(909) 595-2264
File Number: 17-04746-29

Address/Location

Under Penal Code 21a PC, you could be convicted of an attempted crime in the California criminal court process if both of the following are true:

  1. You specifically intended to commit a certain crime; and
  2. You performed a direct (but ineffective) act toward committing that crime.1

Many people are surprised to learn that they can be convicted of “attempt” even if they changed their minds about committing the crime and voluntarily abandoned further efforts to complete it.2

As a general matter, if you are convicted of an attempted crime in California, you will face a prison/jail sentence that is half as long as the sentence you would have received if you had been convicted of the underlying offense.3

This is true regardless of whether you are convicted of an attempted California misdemeanor or an attempted California felony.4

California robbery in the first degree is any robbery where any of the following is true:

  1. The victim is a driver or passenger of a bus, taxi, cable car, streetcar, trackless trolley, subway, or other similar transportation for hire;
  2. The robbery takes place in an inhabited house, boat, or trailer; or
  3. The robbery takes place while or immediately after the victim uses an ATM.23

A house or structure is “inhabited” if someone lives there and either is present, or has left but intends to return.24

First-degree robbery in California is punished as a felony. The potential sentence and other consequences include:

  • Felony (formal) probation;
  • Three (3), four (4) or six (6) years in California state prison; and/or
  • A fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).25

BUT, if you commit first-degree robbery in an inhabited structure, in concert with two (2) or more other people, then the potential state prison sentence for PC 211 robbery increases to three (3), six (6) or nine (9) years.26

2.2. What are the penalties for second-degree robbery in California?

California robbery in the second degree is defined by the California Penal Code as any robbery that does not meet the definition of first-degree robbery.27

Robbery in the second degree is punished by the following felony penalties:

  • Felony probation;
  • Two (2), three (3) or five (5) years in state prison; and/or
  • A fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).28

 

Mt. Sac Olympic Trials: $40 Mil To Local Communities

By Michael Armijo

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College’s new incoming stadium was chosen for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, a move that could potentially bring in over $40 million in revenue for the area. “The Olympic Trials in Eugene Oregon has historically brought in around $38 million dollars to their local economy for the 9 day period that the trials were held during 2012,” said Doug Todd, Director of Track and Cross Country for Mt. Sac. “We haven’t seen the projections for 2016 as of yet, but it should top over $40 million.” Todd also noted that the national and international attention this event will bring to the city of Walnut and immediate surrounding cities, the San Gabriel Valley, the Inland Empire, and even the Los Angeles cities will benefit as well. “We hope for everyone to get on board and benefit from such a historic event.” “As a long time resident of the City of Walnut, I was pleased to hear that Walnut will be hosting the upcoming US Olympic Trials,” said Walnut councilman Bob Pacheco. “It’s a honor and privilege to be selected. I look forward to working with Mt SAC to assure that the athletes receive a warm welcome so they may enjoy the beauty and resources of our community. “WE ARE HONORED to be chosen over such prestigious institutions,” said Mt. Sac Board Member, David Hall in a phone interview Thursday morning. “Our long heritage, very successful trials in past years, the many records set at the college, and the new state of the art facility, are great factors for their choice.” The USA Olympic Trials is the National Championship meet that is held every year, but in an Olympic Year, the National Championships become the meet where the US Olympic Committee chooses who will represent the United States in the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It’s a wonderful, high stakes competition where the top three make the team and number 4 and below do not. There is no appeal process, no automatic entry process for past performances, and no special dispensation for injury or illness. On a certain day and a certain time in June of 2020 right here at Mt. SAC the best athletes in the country will run, jump or throw for the right to represent us in Tokyo, Japan. It’s a real testimony to competition bringing out the best and, sadly, sometimes the worst in people. The selection process wasn’t an easy one either. It started with the submission of a preliminary proposal. Five colleges or Organizations did that. After the initial submission the field was narrowed to three “finalists”. Mt. SAC, along with the University of Oregon and California State University, Sacramento were each scheduled for a site visit and after the site visit had the opportunity to submit a final proposal. The final step was the opportunity to state our case at USATF’s Board of Directors meeting in Sacramento at this year’s National Championships. “We were given 15 minutes to summarize our proposal and then to be ready for questions from the board,” added Todd. “Before that final presentation we were sent a list of things from our proposal that the board wanted clarification on. We needed to discuss those items within our 15 minute presentation.” Mt. Sac’s Hilmer Lodge Stadium is no stranger to such an event as the women’s Olympic trials were held there in 1968. Twenty world records have been set at Hilmer Lodge Stadium, the annual site for the annual Mt. Sac Relays for the last 60 years. The stadium is under renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2019 with an expanded seating capacity of 21,000. The trials, scheduled for Jun 19-28, 2020, will select US track and field delegation for the Tokyo Games. “I’m very proud of the team that helped bring this to fruition, and excited by the challenge” said Todd to OurWeeklyNews. com. “We are anxious to finalize the last few details for the organization to get the planning started.” Todd is the “meet manager” and Bob Seagrem, a former Olympic Gold Medalist, will be the chairperson of the committee. The last three U.S. Olympic track and field trials were held at Hayward Stadium in Eugene, Ore., the city known as Track Town for its pervasive running culture. The 2000 and 2004 trials were held at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento. Attendance was robust in both cities and both made bids for the 2020 trials. Los Angeles, once the home of many professional track and field meets, hasn’t supported the sport at the pro level in recent years, leaving the Mt. SAC Relays the area’s most prestigious competition, according to the LA Times. “Our team is cohesive and our historical successes are just many factors Mt. Sac is a great choice for this event,” David Hall concluded. “We are looking forward to another successful event.” Lots of work and excitement went into the making of this event as an Olympic site, which is for the first time in Southern California since 1984 when the games were held at the Coliseum. The Walnut stadium was chosen in an 11-2 vote by the USA Track and Field’s board of directors for the Mt. SAC proposal. Mt. Sac is also rebuilding several areas of Hilmer stadium and the plans are completed and being executed. “I couldn’t be happier with the design and the amenities built into the structure. It’s going to be a wonderful facility, one that will be worthy of the outstanding, world’s best athletes that will come here to compete,” added Todd. He also noted they are, based on conversations with the people on campus whose job it is to build this stadium, there has been a few bumps in the road, but he believes that is to be expected in any type of construction project, large or small. “You know we have an ‘Olympic Caliber’ crew of people working on this thing who not only understand every aspect of all that we are attempting to do but who also have an amazing track record, no pun intended, of bringing projects of this scope to completion on time,” added Todd. “This entire goal of bringing the trials to Mt. SAC is a very big TEAM effort. Jokingly I’ve told them a number of times that “if you build it they will come”. We’ve won the bid, the Trials are coming, so now we just need to finish the build. I’m confident our team will build it and complete it on time and I’d like to think they are equally confident that once completed we will host one heck off a great event. Everyone across the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire is very much on board and appreciative of Mt. Sac’s efforts and the leadership of the city as the build takes place. “Mt SAC is an important economic engine for Southern California. Hosting the 2020 Olympic pre-trials will expose the world to Mt SAC’s outstanding amenities and the vast resources it provides within the Greater Los Angeles Area and Southern California,” said Carolyn Anderson, long time advocate and Public Sector Solutions Manager for Waste Management Southern California. ■

Suspect Arrested for Carrying a Loaded Firearm and Impersonating His Brother

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Staff Reports

 

A vehicle that was impeding traffic was spotted by the California Highway Patrol on a routine patrol on Fairway Dr. and the 60 Freeway at 8:18 am on August, 24, 2017. Officers stopped the vehicle and upon contact with the driver, noticed a handgun holstered on the suspect’s hip. The suspect claimed that he was a security guard. 

The suspect has been identified as Alejandro Raygoza, a 25 year old of the City of La Verne. Raygoza could face up to 1 year in county jail.

Reygoza provided an ID which he claimed was his, but deputies discovered upon questioning that the ID was actually the suspects brother’s. The suspect was not licensed to carry firearms.

The driver was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm and search of the vehicle yielded two loaded handguns, one shotgun, an expandable baton, pepper spray, four magazines, and a security guard badge.

Bail was set at $35,000 but with the help of a bail reduction personnel, the suspect was able to convince the commissioner to authorize a bail reduction to $25,000.

Raygoza paid the bail via bail bond and was released on the same day, August 24, at 11:45pm. Raygoza will be arraigned at Pomona Superior Court on October 24, 2017. 

C.J. Morris Elementary Collects Supplies For Hurricane Victims

By WVUSD

WALNUT, CA—After watching news coverage of the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Harvey last week, C.J. Morris Elementary has stepped up to the plate to help victims in Texas.

The school’s leadership group quickly teamed up with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim who will be sending a truck with supplies on September 7.

Fourth grader Malia McBride and fifth grader Sofia Rodriguez recorded a message sent to parents Friday detailing a two-day collection drive of items including diapers, tooth brushes, batteries, flashlights, and cleaning supplies.

“We knew we had to do something,” shared Principal Shehzad Bhojani, following up with his own reminder message after the Labor Day weekend.

“Tomorrow is the last day to send supplies, let’s show Texas how much we care!” he said.

The group of ten student leaders collected donations in three boxes before school on Tuesday and Wednesday in front of the Walnut campus.

“Everyone was so generous, there were piles of supplies!” exclaimed McBride.

“The donations just kept coming! We had a mountain of toothpaste and toothbrushes,” said 4th grader Kailyn Park.

“The boxes were literally overflowing,” said added 5th grader Izabella Robles who said the students made several trips to the school’s Annex to empty the boxes each morning.

“I hope these donations will help them get their life back on track,” she added.

Along with the supplies, the school wanted to send something special to lift the spirits of the children in Houston.

Children in every classroom, over 500 in total, colored rainbow cards and wrote personal words of encouragement.

“I send you all my hopes, wishes, and prayers. Don’t worry everything will turn out fine because I’m sure the water will dry up,” Rodriguez penned.

“God is with you,” wrote Jasmine Torres.

The last step was attaching a bag of Skittles candy to each card that read: After every storm comes a rainbow. Sending all our love to Texas.

Teachers Carole Meade, Monica Power, and counselor Lorena Chavez advise the 4th and 5th grade leadership group.

“We are overwhelmed, truly, by our generous C.J. Morris community,” said Mead after receiving the final donations Wednesday.

“They were walking up with just bags and bags!”

“Slap Tag” Vandal Arrested

Photo courtesy: Google Images
“Slap Tagging” is a new trend that makes vandalism quick and easy for taggers.

By Anthony Saude

Walnut/Diamond Bar – On August 23rd, Deputies from the Walnut / Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station arrested a 23 year old man for possession of vandalism/graffiti tools. The tools of the trade today are nothing more than a blank postal label decorated with graffiti. It is called a “slap tag” they are commonly used by taggers/graffiti artists to quickly vandalize public or private property with less of a chance of being caught. They decorate dozens of them before they hit the streets and then all they have to do is peel and stick.
A message for parents:  Above is an example of a “slap tag”. The mere possession of these items is a crime, and could land someone in jail.  The second image is an example of common “tagger” items.

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Parents, please it is important to become familiar with these items and make sure your son/daughter doesn’t have any similar items. If you do find these items please destroy them immediately and explain the dangers this can cause to your child. The fine could be the least of their worries; an encounter with an angry property owner could lead to criminal charges for either. To the taggers/graffiti artists; just think about somebody other than yourselves and go to an art gallery if you are that talented.

 

 

 

WVUSD Students Experience Great American Eclipse

Celestial Celebration!

 

By WVUSD

WALNUT, CA–Wearing protective ISO glasses, 10-year-old Eli Gerhardt peered outdside his classroom window at just after 9 a.m. on Monday morning.

The Great American Eclipse was already happening.

“It looks like the moon took a bite out of the sun!” the Walnut Elementary fifth grader exclaimed as the moon began casting its shadow.

“This is amazing!”

Then, a few at a time, his classmates took turns viewing their first solar eclipse.

“I saw the sun and the moon was covering it a little,” said Chloe Lam.

“I’ve been excited to see the eclipse!” she added.

“The solar flares happen when the moon is covering the sun – there are orange flames,” explained classmate Giselle Quintanilla.

From Oregon to South Carolina, the total solar eclipse darkened skies across the continental U.S. for the first time in 99 years.

Although her class stayed inside due to safety concerns, Vejar kindergarten teacher Lisa Gomez made the “big event” memorable with crafts and fun lunar snacks including mini “Moon” pancakes, Sun Chips, and Sunny Delight.

Many classrooms also watched the historic event during a live NASA broadcast.

South Pointe Middle School received a generous donation of 300 eclipse glasses from Mt. San Antonio College.

“All our 6th,7th, and 8th graders will get a chance to see the moon pass in front of the sun this morning,” said science teacher Tom Woodward.

“We talked about safety on Friday. I told them never to look at the sun without the glasses,” he shared.

Students watched an astronomy video and took a 10-question quiz moments before going outside.

“Which eclipse are we seeing today, lunar or solar?” he asked the 6th graders.

“Solar!” they replied.

“Tomorrow we’ll talk about the difference,” the teacher promised.

Beginning at 10:05 a.m., each grade level, about 900 students in total, rotated outside for viewing parties.

“It looks like a crescent moon, but it’s the sun!” exclaimed sixth grader Emily Lee.

“My students were in awe,” shared Diamond Bar High physics teacher Angela Jensvold after the morning’s celestial celebration.

“Students were running to come to class in order not to miss a minute,” she said.

“We observed the sharpness of our shadows and crescent shaped images of the sun in the dappled shade of trees.”

Most of her students used ISO glasses, while some made their own eclipse viewers decorated with kittens and turtles.

“Even though I didn’t give them any extra credit!” Jensvold added.

At Walnut High, chemistry teacher Jeri Burnside bought a class set of 35 certified eclipse glasses over the summer.

“We got a chance to use our ISO glasses to see the sun at maximum coverage for our viewing area, about 67% at 10:21 a.m.,” she said.

“We saw the daylight around us fading and felt the temperature cooling as over half the solar energy was blocked.”

Burnside told students that the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will occur in 2024, and that there is only one town, Carbondale, Illinois, that will actually be in the path of totality.

“My students will be around 22 to 23 years-old then, so hopefully they will be able to travel to see a total eclipse if they so desire!”

Back to School Time: Classes Begin in Walnut Valley

By Kelli Gile

 

WALNUT, CA—On Monday morning, backpacks, books, and school bus rides, signaled the end of summer vacation in Walnut Valley Unified School District.

About 14,300 students in transitional kindergarten through high school arrived on campuses to begin the 2017-2018 school year.

At Maple Hill Elementary, third grade teacher Lisa Peterson threw a Happy New School Year party for her class.

During the summer, she mailed the children invitations to the unique first-day bash, complete with instructions to bring their “enthusiasm and love for learning.”

Students found party hats, noisemakers, and colorful leis on desks when they arrived in the new classroom.

After enjoying mini muffins, apples with caramel dipping sauce, strawberries, and Capri Sun drinks, (because every party needs refreshments!), the class gathered under a giant balloon drop bag and began a traditional New Year countdown.

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” they chimed in union.
Then as 100 balloons magically floated down from above, the children began blowing their horns and shouting “Happy New School Year!”

“I wanted the day to be more than just rules and procedures. When my students’ parents ask about their first day, I want them to be able to tell them that it was the best day ever!” Peterson shared.

“It was great! thought it was just going to be studying, but we had treats,” 3rd grader Luna Sun commented about the surprise party.

“It’s something I hope they will remember for years to come,” added Peterson.

“Making an ordinary day extraordinary is what it’s all about!”

At Quail Summit Elementary, teachers and staff welcomed students with high-fives and hugs as they paraded onto the Diamond Bar campus.

“The energy coming into Quail Summit was felt by both staff and students as they started the new school year,” said new Principal Frances Weissenberger.

“What a joyful way to welcome our students and families!” added second grade teacher Kathy McLean.

At Collegewood Elementary in Walnut, teacher Kim Horn helped her students begin making lasting connections.

During a Just Like Me activity, each 4th grader received a small tub of Playdoh with instructions to create something they like to do.

The youngsters molded beach scenes, ice cream cones, soccer balls, motorcycles, and more.

As students took turns sharing their interests, classmates who liked to do the same things stood up and said “just like me!”

“The goal of the project is to start building community so that the kids understand that they have lots in common with their classmates,” Horn said.

“It is also fun and a way to lower the kid’s stress on the first day of school!”

Chaparral Middle School 29-year veteran-educator Gary Imai plans to engage his social studies classes by offering numerous hands-on manipulatives.

“It makes the learning more interesting than just reading from a textbook,” he offered.

Imai, who taught 7th graders for over a decade, will be working with 6th grade students again this year.

He’ll kick off with Ancient History lessons and students will soon be digging through sand to hunt for “fossils.”

During the summer, Imai found some old teaching treasures while rummaging through his attic.

“I thought, I can still use these because history doesn’t change!” he quipped.

Over 50 new educators were hired for the new school year, including Walnut High School environmental science teacher Alyssia Infante.

“It was exciting and a lot of fun meeting my students and working with the amazing staff on campus,” she offered.

Infante, the daughter of a Walnut Valley educator, chose to pursue teaching so she could share her passion for science with students.

Her most memorable moment on the first day was arriving on campus and being greeted by the teens she worked with as a student teacher.

“They all wished me a good luck and were eager to look at my classroom and tell me about their summer!” she said.

“I am looking forward to a wonderful first year!”

Jonathon Chung, a new 7th grade Language Arts teacher at Chaparral, also stepped in front of his first class on Monday.

“I was too used to substitute teaching and informing the students that I would be their teacher for the day.  To get up there and tell them I would be their teacher for the rest of the semester was kind of a, ‘No duh,’ moment for a lot of them,” he said.

Chung hails from a family of Walnut Valley educators and said he has always taken great pride in the work they have done.

He also applauds the entire Chaparral staff for “popping in” to offer their help while he was setting up his classroom.

“It is a very friendly and caring staff and I am fortunate to be able to work at this wonderful campus.”

After a morning recess at Collegewood Elementary, Jayne Knight’s kindergartners were sitting crisscross applesauce-style on the carpet as she delivered rules for being good listeners.

The wiggly youngsters immediately began raising their hands to ask some pressing first day questions.

“Can I get a drink of water?”  “Do we have to take a nap after lunch?” “Do we have to come back tomorrow?”

Yes, and just 179 days to go. Welcome back and have a wonderful school year!

 

Mt. Sac Olympic Trials: $40 Million For Local Communities

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Michael Armijo

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College’s new incoming stadium was chosen for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, a move that could potentially bring in over $40 million in revenue for the area.

“The Olympic Trials in Eugene Oregon has historically brought in around $38 million dollars to their local economy for the 9 day period that the trials were held during 2012,” said Doug Todd, Director of Track and Cross Country for Mt. Sac. “We haven’t seen the projections for 2016 as of yet, but it should top over $40 million.”

Todd also noted that the national and international attention this event will bring to the city of Walnut and immediate surrounding cities, the San Gabriel Valley, the Inland Empire, and even the Los Angeles cities will benefit as well. “We hope for everyone to get on board and benefit from such a historic event.”

“As a long time resident of the City of Walnut, I was pleased to hear that Walnut will be hosting the upcoming US Olympic Trials,” said Walnut councilman Bob Pacheco. “It’s a honor and privilege to be selected. I look forward to working with Mt SAC to assure that the athletes receive a warm welcome so they may enjoy the beauty and resources of our community. 

“We honored to be chosen over such prestigious institutions,” said Mt. Sac Board Member, David Hall in a phone interview Thursday morning. “Our long heritage, very successful trials in past years, the many records set at the college, and the new state of the art facility, are great factors for their choice.”

The USA Olympic Trials is the National Championship meet that is held every year, but in an Olympic Year, the National Championships become the meet where the US Olympic Committee chooses who will represent the United States in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.  It’s a wonderful, high stakes competition where the top three make the team and number 4 and below do not.  There is no appeal process, no automatic entry process for past performances, and no special dispensation for injury or illness.  On a certain day and a certain time in June of 2020 right here at Mt. SAC the best athletes in the country will run, jump or throw for the right to represent us in Tokyo, Japan.  It’s a real testimony to competition bringing out the best and, sadly, sometimes the worst in people.

The selection process wasn’t an easy one either. It started with the submission of a preliminary proposal.  Five colleges or Organizations did that.  After the initial submission the field was narrowed to three “finalists”.  Mt. SAC, along with the University of Oregon and California State University, Sacramento were each scheduled for a site visit and after the site visit had the opportunity to submit a final proposal. The final step was the opportunity to state our case at USATF’s Board of Directors meeting in Sacramento at this year’s National Championships.  

“We were given 15 minutes to summarize our proposal and then to be ready for questions from the board,” added Todd. “Before that final presentation we were sent a list of things from our proposal that the board wanted clarification on.  We needed to discuss those items within our 15 minute presentation.”

Mt. Sac’s Hilmer Lodge Stadium is no stranger to such an event as the women’s Olympic trials were held there in 1968. Twenty world records have been set at Hilmer Lodge Stadium, the annual site for the annual Mt. Sac Relays for the last 60 years. The stadium is under renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2019 with an expanded seating capacity of 21,000 capacity. The trials, scheduled for Jun 19-28, 2020, will select US track and field delegation for the Tokyo Games.

“I’m very proud of the team that helped bring this to fruition, and excited by the challenge” said Todd to OurWeeklyNews.com. “We are excited by the challenge and anxious to finalize the last few details for the organization to get the planning started.” Todd is the “meet manager” and Bob Seagrem, a former Olympic Gold Medalist, will be the chairperson of the committee.

The last three U.S. Olympic track and field trials were held at Hayward Stadium in Eugene, Ore., the city known as Track Town for its pervasive running culture. The 2000 and 2004 trials were held at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento. Attendance was robust in both cities and both made bids for the 2020 trials. Los Angeles, once the home of many professional track and field meets, hasn’t supported the sport at the pro level in recent years, leaving the Mt. SAC Relays the area’s most prestigious competition, according to the LA Times.

“Our team is cohesive and our historical successes are just many factors Mt. Sac is a great choice for this event,” David Hall concluded. “We are looking forward to another successful event.”

Lots of work and excitement went into the making of this event as an Olympic site, which is for the first time in Southern California since 1984 when the games were held at the Coliseum. The Walnut stadium was chosen in an 11-2 vote by the USA Track and Field’s board of directors for the Mt. SAC proposal.

Mt. Sac is also rebuilding several areas of Hilmer stadium and the plans are completed and being executed. “I couldn’t be happier with the design and the amenities built into the structure.  It’s going to be wonderful facility, one that will be worthy of the outstanding, world’s best athletes that will come here to compete,” added Todd. He also noted they are, based on conversations with the people on campus whose job it is to build this stadium, they’ve had been a few bumps in the road but abelieve that’s to be expected in any type of construction project large or small.  

“You know we have an ‘Olympic Caliber’ crew of people working on this thing who not only understand every aspect of all that we are attempting to do but who also have an amazing track record, no pun intended, of bringing projects of this scope to completion on time,” added Todd.  “This entire goal of bringing the trials to Mt. SAC is a very big TEAM effort.  Jokingly I’ve told them a number of times that “if you build it they will come”. We’ve won the bid, the Trials are coming so now we just need to finish the build.    I’m confident our team will build it and complete it on time and I’d like to think they are equally confident that once completed we will host one heck off a great event.  

Everyone across the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire is very much on board and appreciative of Mt. Sac’s efforts and the leadership of the city as the build takes place.

“Mt SAC is an important economic engine for Southern California. Hosting the 2020 Olympic pre-trials will expose the world to Mt SAC’s outstanding amenities and the vast resources it provides within the Greater Los Angeles Area and Southern California,” said Carolyn Anderson, long time advocate and Public Sector Solutions Manager for Waste Management Southern California.

Former Mayor’s Wife Killed In Car Collision

By Mireya De La Paz

Walnut – A 49 year-old woman, Tiffany Chiali Yi Ching, died after crashing into a big rig off the 60 freeway East of Santa Anita Avenue in South El Monte last week. She was later identified as former Walnut Mayor Eric Ching.

Ching was elected as a member of Walnut city council in April of 2012, and he was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem in July 2014.  On July 13, 2016 he Was appointed as Mayor of the City of Walnut.

The trailer tractor had been stopped on the right side of the shoulder of the freeway due to a vehicle breakdown. According to Officer J. Calder of the CHP’s East Los Angeles-area office “(The BMW driver) made a turning movement to the right toward the Santa Anita Avenue off ramp,” he said. “The BMW struck the right, rear corner of the stopped commercial trailer, continued in a westerly direction, collided a second time into the commercial trailer and the redirected to the north and came to rest on the right shoulder of the off ramp.”

After running an autopsy, the driver had suffered from traumatic injuries and they pronounced her dead at 1:54 pm. The speed at which Ching was driving was unknown but the incident was a ruled accident and did not involve any drugs or alcohol. The big rig driver did not suffer from any injuries.

Safe Drug Disposal

By Walnut/DB Sheriff’s Station
Do not flush unused, unwanted, and expired medications down the toilet or put them in drains!

How should I dispose of my medications?

For your convenience, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers a Safe Drug Drop Off program where both controlled and non-controlled substances are accepted. Take medications/drugs to the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station for safe and anonymous disposal. The mailboxes on the front steps of the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station are designated for anonymous drop-off of all types of drugs.

You can also return your medications to a pharmacy near you. Some pharmacies offer take-back and/or mail-back programs.

What kind of medications/drugs can be dropped off?

Prescription medications
Illegal drugs
Over-the-counter medications
Aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
Cold/flu remedies
Birth control pills
Hormone replacement drugs
Veterinary medicines
Codeine, phenobarbital, and anabolic steroids, narcotics, tranquilizers, etc

Why is this important?

Medications flushed down the toilet or in drains pass through the sewer system and eventually enter our streams, lakes, and rivers. Medicines and synthetic hormones have been detected in trace amounts in bodies of water. This could lead to increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interference with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms such as fish, frogs and all marine life.

The presence of medications in the environment is a complex issue and the risk to humans and the environment is still being determined. With tens of thousands of medicinal products on the market and more being developed each year, the long-term risks have not been determined on the effects on the environment. However, in order to minimize the potential negative and irreversible impacts, it is important that we limit the disposal of waste medications to the sewer.

(Some excerpts taken from Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Environmental Programs Division)
Contact Information: Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Station – 909-595-2264,

 

Brush Fire In Walnut

Staff Reports

Walnut, CA – Last Monday, July 10th, about 40 firefighters battled a small brushfire in Walnut, knocking down the blaze that endangered homes in about a half hour, authorities said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Inspector, Gustavo Medina, said the first-alarm fire, which was reported right after 3 p.m., burned a quarter acre of brush. He said that no one was injured and no structures were damaged and firefighters stopped the fire’s progress.

On the 800 block of North Plantation Lane, the fire broke out and Medina said the initial call was a half-acre fire running uphill. Later, firefighters updated the size of the area burned to a quarter acre. No evacuations were necessary, according to deputies from the Walnut Diamond Bar sheriff’s station. Sheriff’s officials alerted residents of a neighborhood near Silver Valley Trail and Snow Creek Drive in Walnut.