Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

The Great and Powerful You

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops

I grew up in love with the movie The Wizard of Oz.  My favorite part of the classic was when Glenda the good witch told Dorothy that she always had the power in her.  She also told her that she needed to believe in her power if she was to make her way home.

So let’s assume that Glenda’s theory is correct for all of us.  What if I was to tell you I think Glenda was not only right but really on to something?  What if you had the power to change yourself and your life?  What if you could actually obtain the life you want and deserve?  Now please understand Dorothy was able to just click her heels three times and she got her wish; it will be harder than that for you.  Your magic will begin with a newly found faith in yourself and in your capabilities, just like Dorothy.  I have found dreams come true when people begin to believe in themselves.

Please keep in mind that you are never too old to change and to grow into somebody you will be proud to be.  It may take forgiving yourself, letting go of all the reasons to fail and looking very deep within for that courage to change.  I personally believe a life of regret is much more frightening.  So look deep within and find that inner strength and confidence.  Take a look at all you have already survived and stop doubting your abilities, intelligence and tenacity.  Each and everyday put one foot in front of another and soon you will be exactly where you want to be.  Just for a moment, close your eyes and think about how great that would feel.  I believe in you and know you can do it!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy atnancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s latest books Midnight the Therapy Dog Live, Heal and Grow at Amazon.com.

 

Chino Man Sentenced In Human Trafficking Case

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino County District Attorney

Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino County District Attorney

Chino– A Chino man was sentenced to state prison on Thursday June 2, for sex trafficking an 18-year-old victim. James Anthony Otis, 36 years old, was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

The victim was originally from Michigan, who moved to California and met Otis and his live-in girlfriend Sonya. Sonya was the mother of Otis’ child and also worked as the “bottom” or “manager”. Bottom is a slang word that is used to describe a prostitute who has been with the pimp the longest, who sits atop the hierarchy of prostitutes.

Motel rooms were rented for weeks at a time to work out of, advertising the victim on Backpage.com, and the couple would take the victim to work various areas in Southern California, according to Deputy District Attorney Ross.

Ross said, “During an argument in Hollywood, the defendant yanked the victim by the hair, causing her to fall and sprain her knee.” The victim was treated at a hospital, “He then picked her up from the hospital and took her to his apartment.” Two days later, the victim informed Otis that she decided she wanted to go back home to Michigan. As she was leaving and attempted to walk out of the apartment, Otis was enraged. He told her she wasn’t going anywhere, grabbing her by her hair again, which caused her to fall and reinjure her sprained knee. Then, Otis picked her up and carried her back into the apartment, according to the Police Department.

A friend was called by the victim, and able to contact the Chino Police Department to report that the defendant wasn’t allowing the victim to leave the residence.

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, “This was a collaborative effort between the Chino Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office, with great support from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department High Tech Crimes Division,” said Ross. “In addition to the crime charged, evidence at trial showed James Otis to be a prolific exploiter of young women. His aggravated sentence for human trafficking is justified.”

Otis having a prior strike offense for robbery that was found true, his sentence was doubled from the 20 years for the aggravated sentence for human trafficking to a total of 40 years in state prison.

History 101

The Miranda rights are established

History.com

On June 13 in 1966, the Supreme Court hands down its decision in Miranda v. Arizona, establishing the principle that all criminal suspects must be advised of their rights before interrogation. Now considered standard police procedure, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can, and will be used against you in court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed to you,” has been heard so many times in television and film dramas that it has become almost cliche.

The roots of the Miranda decision go back to March 2, 1963, when an 18-year-old Phoenix woman told police that she had been abducted, driven to the desert and raped. Detectives questioning her story gave her a polygraph test, but the results were inconclusive. However, tracking the license plate number of a car that resembled that of her attacker’s brought police to Ernesto Miranda, who had a prior record as a peeping tom. Although the victim did not identify Miranda in a line-up, he was brought into police custody and interrogated. What happened next is disputed, but officers left the interrogation with a confession that Miranda later recanted, unaware that he didn’t have to say anything at all.

The confession was extremely brief and differed in certain respects from the victim’s account of the crime. However, Miranda’s appointed defense attorney (who was paid a grand total of $100) didn’t call any witnesses at the ensuing trial, and Miranda was convicted. While Miranda was in Arizona state prison, the American Civil Liberties Union took up his appeal, claiming that the confession was false and coerced.

The Supreme Court overturned his conviction, but Miranda was retried and convicted in October 1966 anyway, despite the relative lack of evidence against him. Remaining in prison until 1972, Ernesto Miranda was later stabbed to death in the men’s room of a bar after a poker game in January 1976.

As a result of the case against Miranda, each and every person must now be informed of his or her rights

Turn the Tassels!

Walnut High celebrates 2016 grads

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut High 2016 graduates enjoy speeches during ceremony.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High 2016 graduates enjoy speeches during ceremony.

 

Walnut— Seniors have been waiting for this day for months – graduation. After completing classes and final exams, members of the Class of 2016 proudly donned caps and gowns marking their final chapter in high school.

Nearly 1,400 Walnut Valley Unified School District seniors participated in graduation ceremonies on May 26.

At Walnut High School’s 47th commencement, 654 graduates filed into the Ken Gunn Stadium hoping to get a glimpse of families and friends gathered in the bleachers.

The band played the traditional Pomp and Circumstance march during the processional as each graduate took their place on the field.

“I’m excited, but a little nervous,” exclaimed Marissa Amaya, 17, moments before the ceremony as the seniors congregated in the gymnasium.

“It hasn’t really hit me that I’m leaving, but it’s starting to,” added Austin Si, one of the school’s 15 valedictorians graduating with highest honors. “Walking in tonight and seeing all the blue and white is overwhelming!”

The teens soon settled into their seats ready to listen to parting words from school leaders and peers, before receiving the pivotal symbol of all their hard work – a diploma.

“Having had the opportunity to watch and work with many of you, I can confidently say that you have experienced many positive opportunities to shape a personal pathway that will open many doors in your futures,” said Principal Brandon Dade.

“Dream big Mustangs and do not limit yourselves to one way of thinking, acting, or achieving,” said student speaker Leah Rickard. “This world is gaining 654 amazingly bright and intelligent individuals!”

Senior Grade Level Coordinator Danny Daher advised the class to find the courage to look for opportunities, even during times of struggle.

“Be ambitious, be optimistic, be relevant, be proud, be Mustangs,” he said.

Senior Doris Li shared that there are no set ways to achieve success during her message.

“Uncertainty exists so that we can stumble, take risks, and fall only to get back up again to find our own path in life,” she said.

“Dream big, but be flexible and be prepared for the plot twists along the way!”

The Class of 2016 marked the final moments of their time together with one last Mustang spell out, then turned their tassels and celebrated as fireworks filled the sky.

“Never ever forget where it started – right here at Walnut High, the place we can always call home no matter how far we get with our dreams,” Li added.

Fifty-three International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidates completed the rigorous academic program at Walnut High. The school also celebrated its first class of the IB Career Related/Project Lead The Way Biomedical Sciences Program, and with 46 graduates is one of the largest in the state.

Congratulations to Walnut High Valedictorians: Karim Bourenane, Alison Chang, Michelle Chang, Jonathan Chao, Benjamin Hang, Katherine Lee, Wei Tse Li, Shiyao Liang, Albert Loekman, Yuze Ma, Austin Si, Katie Sun, Derek Wan, Benson Yuan, and Maxwell Zhu.

IB Certificate Candidates: Anthony Aguilar, Maryam Ali, Joy Junyi Cai, Sylvia Cai, Biana Camacho, Lydia Cazares, Armana Chadha, Megan Chan, Adelynne Chang, Crystal Chang, En Chang, Michelle Chang, Natalie Chang, Abinav Teja Chilukuri, Celine Chong, Eric Chong, Anita Chuen, Morgan Gomez, Tiffany Gomez, Joseph Gunawan, Sara Hassan, Sriteja Kankanala, Kevin Kao, Tiffany Kao, Seo Young Kim, Brian Ko, Pei Ting Kuo, Katherine Lee, Alvin Li, Doris Li, Young Li, Nadine Lin, Giuliana Liu, Umanga Liyanage, Cindy Lo, Leroy Lu, Nikita Patel, Salil Patel, Raven Sanqui, Isabelle Thoreau, Justin Tjoa, Amy Trinh, Dalton Trinh, Vincent Tsai, Danny Wang, Tzu Ting Wei, Angel Wong, Kelsey Yim, Daniel Yoon, Samantha Yu, Yolanda Yu, Laura Zhang, and Maxwell Zhu.

IB Career-Related Candidates: Manuel Oscar Almacen, Sean Aquino, Pamella Asnata, Giselle Balanza, Tiffany Casarez, Hui Yi Chan, Thomas Chang, Fiona Cheuk, Kate De Los Santos, Mardy Lindt Fionne Diaz, Ethan Fong, Matthew Foung, Kaitlyn Fujii, Raphael Garcia, Isiah Gawaran, Ibaa Hafeez, JinRun Han, Jedidiah Hu, Daniel Kong, Sai Hao Kou, Seigmund Lai, Stephanie Lau, Dennis Lee, Carol Li, Wei Tse Li, Yun-Chin Lin, Jonas Liptak, Jude Mendoza, Derrick Moon, Nicolas Morales, Michael, Neoh, Petre Quintua, Jonathan Rodriguez, Nikita Rubio, Fernanda Sandoval, Elaine Sun, Maria Chel Sy, Jeffrey Tan, Edmund Tang, Isaac Tang, Sean Tang Wang, Emilio Triguero, Xinyu Wang, Nicholas Wen, Debby Wong, Kristen Yoo, and Gina Zhuo.

At Diamond Bar High School, 739 Brahmas participated in graduation ceremonies at the Walt Holmes Stadium. Congratulations to Valedictorians: Lauren Burdsall, Crystal Chang, Jennifer Chang, Eric Chen, Jeff Chow, Katherine Desmond, Radu Firtat, Ran Gu, Melody Guo, Charlene Hsu, Forest Hu, Ellis Jang, Jung Hyun Kim, Samantha Ku, Andrew Lee, Joshua Lee, Shana Roan, Hsuan-Te Sun, Jonathan Sun,Kathy Tong, Pansy Tseng, Jason Tsoi, Margaret Wang, Ava Wu, Jennifer Wu, Brady Yu, and Alana Zhang. IB Diploma Candidates: Kayley Marie Butler, Eunice Chung, Meanna G. Gray, Karina Kuo, Angela Song, Sara Tran, Song Quan Wang, Ava Yih Shan Wu, and Shunxing Zhang.

Water Worries

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

The night before we were scheduled to leave for an out of town trip, I discovered a major water leak at our house.

Previously, I had told my wife that I thought I heard water running.  We checked all the indoor faucets and the outdoor hoses, but did not see any water running.  But, I still thought I was hearing something.

Since we would be gone for a week or more, I decided to trim the hedge in our front yard.  The hedge was getting overgrown and I wanted the yard to look nice while we were away.

As I was trimming the hedge, I noticed a puddle of water in the courtyard that I had not seen before.  Where was that water coming from?  When I went to investigate, I discovered a major leak in the water main that supplies water to our house.

At first I was aggravated to have a major water problem just when we were getting ready to leave.  But, at the same time I was thankful that we discovered the leak before we left town.  Imagine how much water would have been wasted if the water leak continued for a week or more while we were away!  Imagine how much the water bill might be!

I immediately shut off the water at the meter near the street.  This would prevent wasting any additional water.  However, with no water, there were no showers, no dish washing, and no toilets in operation.

We decided to leave the water off until we returned from our trip.  I was thinking that I could fix the leak when we got back home.

But, how would we water the garden in our back yard?  We had arranged for a friend to water the garden each day, but now the water was off and I did not have time to fix it before we left.

In desperation, I asked a neighbor if we could hook up our hose to his house and run it to our backyard.  This would enable our friend to keep the garden watered until we returned.  Our neighbor was glad to help.

The week went by quickly and our friend kept the garden watered.  When we got home, the plants were alive and well.

As I look back on this situation, I realized that I could be grumpy about the fact that we had a water leak or I could be grateful that we discovered the leak before we left town.  Do you tend to get frustrated when unexpected problems arise or are you thankful that the problems are discovered before things get out of hand?

Everyone has problems in life.  The question is how we view them?  Is your glass half empty or is your glass half full?  Are you grateful or grumpy?  The way we view each situation has a big impact on how effectively we deal with them.

 

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 6.11.16

2016-Jun11-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format:2016-Jun11-Weekly-WEB

Three Arrested After DUI Checkpoint

Staff Reports

Chino– A DUI/driver’s license checkpoint was conducted by the Chino Police Department on Friday May, 20 between the hours of 8 p.m. and 3 a.m., at the 14400 block of Pipeline. With providing the greatest safety for officers and the public, checkpoints are conducted in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence.

With a total of 773 vehicles that went through the checkpoint, 3 arrests were made including 1 DUI suspect and 2 drug arrests. Also, 11 citations were made for driving while unlicensed or suspended licenses, along with 9 other citations and 1 vehicle impounded.

The Chino Police Department would like to encourage you to report anyone suspected of drunk driving by calling 9-1-1.

Funding for these checkpoints is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For any additional information regarding traffic enforcement and education programs, you may contact the Traffic Services Unit at (909) 334-3073.

The Bible Is True

 

By Sarah Sanchez

 

I have a family member who I constantly have discussions with about the Bible. He asks me questions and we go back and forth about facts and theories. Usually, I’m grateful that he’s so interested in the Bible and that he comes to me to ask questions. However, we recently had a discussion that I wasn’t too fond of.

Last week, my family member started asking questions about the validity of the Bible. I told him what I knew and what I’ve heard in church, but he is a “I need to see proof” kind of person. He needed to see the facts for himself in order to believe that the Bible was reliable. I didn’t have the physical facts on me so he wasn’t convinced.

I was on my way to work after the discussion and I decided to pray to God in the car. I usually talk to God while I’m driving, as if he was sitting in the passenger seat. I started to tell him about my frustration with my family member and how I wish I had the physical facts to show him that the Bible was valid. But then, I started to question the validity myself. I said these words to God, “What if he’s right, what if the Bible isn’t as valid as I thought?”

Then, at the exact moment that those words came out of my mouth, I saw a sticker on a pole that said, “The Bible Is True”. I’ve driven this same exact way to work every day for the last two years and I’ve never seen that sticker on that pole before. What are the chances that right when I was questioning the validity of the Bible, I was to see a sticker that said, “The Bible Is True”? Maybe it was a coincidence… maybe. But I didn’t think it was because I wasn’t looking for an answer. It just showed up.

I immediately started laughing after I saw the sticker because I felt like it was God telling me to stop doubting. God is funny in the way he teaches us. I think a sticker randomly placed on a pole did the trick.

No, the sticker didn’t prove that the Bible is true. It didn’t show me facts or statistics to prove my point. The sticker did more than that. I believe it showed me that I needed to stop doubting and have faith. But most importantly, I think it showed me that God actually listens. As soon as I asked Him a question about the validity, I saw that sticker. He showed His presence and His comfort in a time of doubt. I think that was better than any statistic or chart I could’ve seen.

So I know I may not have all the answers, and many may disagree with what this sticker meant or if the Bible is valid or not. But that’s okay, because all that does is encourage me to learn more about my faith and to find the answers not for myself, but to help others believe. That’s what we as believers of God should do; be like that sticker and show others that… the Bible is true.

 

Walnut Valley Schools Named ‘America’s Most Challenging Schools’

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are ranked among America’s Most Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post. Shown: 2016 DBHS Super Star Seniors Garrett Masuda, Meanna Gray, Miriam Sun, and Jeff Chow.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are ranked among America’s Most Challenging High Schools by The Washington Post. Shown: 2016 DBHS Super Star Seniors Garrett Masuda, Meanna Gray, Miriam Sun, and Jeff Chow.

 

Walnut- Walnut Valley Unified School District is pleased to announce that Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools have made the listing of “2016 America’s Most Challenging High Schools” by The Washington Post.

“Our exemplary high schools continue to be recognized on a national stage for preparing students to be academically competitive for the next chapter in their lives,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “We are honored that Diamond Bar and Walnut have been named among the nation’s most rigorous high schools!”

Diamond Bar scored 59th in California and 537th in the nation and Walnut scored 63rd in California and 568th in the nation.

Schools are ranked through the College Index formula, invented by education columnist Jay Mathews, which is a simple ratio: the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests given at a school in 2015 divided by the number of graduates.

Schools with ratios of 1.00 or above made the list, with approximately 22,000 U.S public high schools included this year.

Brazilian Leaders Visit U.S.

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: Michael Armijo Jerry Silva hosted a dinner for local officials to meet with Brazilian leaders as part of the IVCLA.

Photo Courtesy: Michael Armijo
Jerry Silva hosted a dinner for local officials to meet with Brazilian leaders as part of the IVCLA.

Ontario– Local resident, Jerry Silva, hosted a Home Hospitality dinner for Brazil Leaders last month thanks to the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (IVCLA). The visitors were invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project: Meet with youth initiatives, campaign organizers, political candidates, party officials, and media representatives to examine methods of youth engagement; learn about the structure, processes, and financing of political campaigns; discuss the role of political parties, conventions, and grassroots political organizations in federal, state, and local elections; examine the influence of domestic and international issues, media coverage, and civil society on candidates; and study young people’s impact on the upcoming Presidential, Congressional, and State 2016 elections.

Silva’s event did just that, as many Brazilian leaders and dignitaries were in attendance, including the Mayor of El Monte, Councilman Jerry Velasco, and political consultant Luis Alvarado. Various media agencies were also in attendance, including OurWeeklyNews.com.

Silva said that he hosted and paid for this event because he loves bringing people and groups together. “It allows me to share my values and the values of my guests with these dignitaries from other countries.”

“As a board meeting with IVCLA, I am able to assist our organization on the programming that is done in IVCLA on behalf of the State Department, and the quality of meetings and dialogue we are to put together will help better understand our similarities, rather than focus on the differences,” said Silva.

Another benefit from these meetings can be that each country will have a better understanding of how one country may solve a problem, based on their resources and knowledge. “By sharing our experiences and knowledge, you hope there is better dialogue in the future of how we both learn and take it back to our colleagues and communities, regardless of their branch of government,” said Silva.

Silva said he believes the dinner went very well. “My guests and I were able to build new friendships in Brazil in better understanding their challenges and their resources. In return, they have done the same and hopefully see IVCLA and my involvement as a future resource.”

Silva plans to host future events, however he would only be able to if the state department approves travel and programming for dignitaries that request to visit Los Angeles as part of their education.

“I would like to do 3-4 events per year. As a traveler of many countries, I’ve learned to appreciate various cultures and their traditions,” said Silva.

Silva is a former Public Affairs Manager for Southern California Edison, board member for Hispanic 100 and a former White House Fellows regional judge, among other titles.

For more information about the International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, visit http://www.ivcla.org.

Did You Know?

Living with Diabetes

 

Courtesy of IEHP

Nearly 16 million people in the United States have diabetes. But diabetes can be treated.  With the right care and some lifestyle changes, you’ll feel better, and enjoy a long and healthy life.

What is diabetes?

When you have diabetes, your body does not have enough of the hormone “insulin”, or it is not working correctly. If you have type 1 diabetes, your body makes little or no insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body is making insulin but is not able to use it.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure for diabetes, but many people with the illness can live healthy lives. Your Doctor will work closely with you to set up a plan. Here are some changes you can make to stay healthy:

  • Eat a well balanced diet
  • Exercise each day
  • Take your medicine the way your Doctor tells you
  • Keep a healthy weight
  • Check your blood sugar levels
  • See your dentist every six months, and your eye doctor yearly
  • Practice good foot and skin care

When to see your Doctor:

Whether you have diabetes or not, you should see your Doctor often. If you have diabetes, Doctor visits are important. Your Doctor will review your blood sugar levels, perform tests and check your feet.

You don’t always have to wait for regular visits. Call your Doctor if:

  • You have the flu, cold, or respiratory infection
  • You have discomfort in your hands or feet
  • You have any vision problems

 

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

 

Diamond Bar – The May 17 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with a presentation to the outgoing Los Angeles County 4th District Supervisor Don Knabe, celebrating years of service to Diamond Bar and Los Angeles County. Following a reception for Knabe, the Council proclaimed May 2016 as Water Awareness Month.

After the public comments, the schedule of future events were read, including the Planning Commission meeting on May 24; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on May 26; City wide recognition of Memorial Day on May 30; and the next City Council meeting on  June 7.

The Council approved the following items on the consent calendar: City Council minutes from the meeting of May 3; the Parks and Recreation minutes from the meeting of March 24; ratification of a check register totaling $750,250.23; approval of a second contract amendment with Siemens Industry, Inc. for a one year extension for traffic signal maintenance; and appropriation of Prop A funds to the fiscal year 2015-16 CIP budget; and award the design and construction management services contract to Iteris, Inc for the Traffic Signal Infrastructure Upgrades Project Phase II. The Council agreed to amend the contract with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance to a six month extension and alert the company that current maintenance of landscape and parks is subpar.

Following Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned to the next meeting on June 7.

South Pointe Named State Champs!

 ‘History Day’ team going to nationals

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile California History Day winners Joshua Chung, Raymond Cheng, Cyrus Phan, and Phillip Huynh, shown with advisor Kevin Duh, will compete in Washington D.C. in June.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
California History Day winners Joshua Chung, Raymond Cheng, Cyrus Phan, and Phillip Huynh, shown with advisor Kevin Duh, will compete in Washington D.C. in June.

 

Diamond Bar – Four South Pointe Middle School honors students are headed to Washington D.C. for the National History Day competition on June 12-16.

Eighth graders Joshua Chung, Raymond Cheng, Cyrus Phan, and Phillip Huynh created the winning “NASA’s Early Manned Missions” exhibit.

“They were declared California champions and will be representing the state at the national contest,” said social studies teacher and advisor Kevin Duh.

A total of three groups from South Pointe competed during the California History Day contest on May 6-8.

The students spent several months researching topics revolving around the 2016 NHD theme “Exploration, Encounter, and Exchange.”

Their projects qualified for the state competition at the L.A. County History Day at Azusa Pacific University in March.

 

 

Is Your Water Safe to Drink?

Courtesy of State PointSafe-Water-WEB

Although many Americans are aware of the water crises taking place in different parts of the country, such as Flint, Michigan and New Jersey, most believe themselves to be far removed from these situations. Experts caution however, that what’s happening there could happen anywhere, anytime to whole neighborhoods, individual streets or even just to a specific house.

Indeed, plumbing components still could legally contain up to eight percent lead as recently as January 2014. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your family.

“The most important thing individual families can do to improve water quality is to filter it at home,” says Joseph Harrison, former chief of the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Branch.

Harrison says there are filters that require installation, but the easiest option is to purchase a filtering system available at a local retailer that you fill with water and put in your fridge. Such systems come in various shapes and sizes, making them a good option for any size family or fridge.

For example, ZeroWater offers the only portable gravity-fed pour through filtration device that reduces the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measurement down to virtually zero and are certified by the NSF for lead reduction and other heavy metals to a safe level.

By removing 99.6 percent of all total dissolved solids, the filters get a 000 measurement on the digital water meter, which is equivalent to purified bottled water. They also remove more pharmaceuticals and chemicals than other leading two-stage filter brands, according to Good Housekeeping Research.

“Until all lead pipes in the water infrastructure system are safely replaced, consumers are largely on their own when it comes to protecting their families from lead,” says Harrison. “That’s why it’s so important to treat your water with a filter certified to reduce lead content.”

While all families should take steps to protect their health, proactive measures are especially crucial for families with pregnant women and children under six years old. This is because lead toxin exposure primarily affects developing brains and causes reduced intelligence, learning disabilities, developmental delays and fetal deaths.

To learn more about water filtration and how to test your water for lead, visit ZeroWater.com.

You don’t have to accept your local water quality as-is. By filtering your water, you can improve both its quality and its taste.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 6.04.16

2016-Jun4-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format:2016-Jun4-Weekly-WEB

Gas Leak At CH Shoppes

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– Construction workers reportedly hit a natural gas line Friday morning at The Shoppes in Chino Hills. Officials said crews were called and several businesses were evacuated for their safety.

A crew of construction workers were near Forever 21 on the 13800 block of City Center Drive and the Chino Valley Fire District were notified at around 7:45 a.m. about the gas line. A spokeswoman for the fire district, Massiel Ladron De Guevara, said “they had struck a 2-inch natural gas line.”

De Guevara also stated that about a dozen neighboring businesses were evacuated, and the Chino Police and the gas company were at the scene.

Spokeswoman for the utility company, Rosa Santana, said “Southern California Gas crews brought the gas leak under control at 9:22 a.m.”

According to an update on Twitter, Chino Valley Fire District lifted the evacuation order around 10 a.m., determining that there was no longer a leak.

If you have any concerns about the location and depth of gas lines, SoCalGas authorities advise contractors, homeowners, and businesses to call 811.

Walnut Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The May 25 Walnut Council meeting began with several presentations, the first of which went to Collegewood Elementary School. Collegewood received an award for the Trash Free Lunch Challenge. Stanley G. Oswalt Academy also received a California Gold Ribbon School achievement. The Council proclaimed May 2016 as Water Awareness Month, and announced New York Pizzeria as the Spring 2016 Business of the Quarter.

Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including the Study Session minutes of May 11; the City Council meeting minutes of May 11; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $1,147,134.41; and an award of a bid to L. Barrios & Associates, Inc. for Trail Improvements.

After Councilmember reports and comments, the Council adjourned to the next City Council meeting on June 8 at 21201 La Puente Rd., Walnut.

Youth Science Center Open During Summer

YSC_logo-color-WEBBy Racine Guajardo
Hacienda Heights- The Youth Science Center’s (YSC) primary focus is a highly rated noteworthy summer program. Various programs offer children fun ways to learn more about computers, science, technology, and the world around them.
YSC is a nonprofit organization established in 1962, whose motto is to Inform, Instruct, and Inspire students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects. Programs specifically offered are: Science Learning Center, StarLab Planetarium, Year-Round Classes, Inquiry-Based Science Classes, Field Trips, Water Education Programs, Sewer Science Program, and the Science Store is available to purchase books and other materials.
Chairman of YSC, Ron Chong, has 32 years experience in this field with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Berkeley. The instructors are also credentialed public school teachers from local districts who have won awards including “District Teacher of the Year.”
Many children that have attended YSC pursue degrees in science fields. Chong states, “It is rewarding to see children who have come through our classes and gone on to become doctors, scientists, and engineers.”
The Youth Science Center is serving families from Whittier to Chino Hills. They are located at 16446 Wedgeworth Drive. Hacienda Heights, CA 91745. If you have any questions, you may call (626) 854-9825 or visit their website at http://www.youthsciencecenter.org
Any readers who mention “Our Weekly News” will receive a $25 discount on the total for classes taken at the summer program at Bixby Elementary in Hacienda Heights. Sign up Today!

Chino Valley Schools Place In Solar Cup

Staff Reports

Courtesy of CVUSD A Chino High team member participates in the endurance race at this year’s Solar Cup.

Courtesy of CVUSD
A Chino High team member participates in the endurance race at this year’s Solar Cup.

Chino/Chino Hills– Last week, two Chino Valley high schools placed in this year’s Solar Cup, which is a high school competition involving solar-powered boats. The event was held May 13 to 15 at Lake Skinner in the Temecula area.

A Chino High School team placed second overall in the race, and also took first in the public service announcement category of the event. Chino Hills High also participated in the Solar Cup and took 32nd place overall.
“The Solar Cup program has students building and racing 16-foot-long solar-powered boats, learning about conservation of natural resources, electrical and mechanical engineering, problem solving, and more,” according to the Chino Valley Unified School District.
All teams are entered in the competition and sponsored by Metropolitan Water member agencies and local water utilities.
“This year, after overcoming a number of obstacles, the team from Chino High School placed second overall in the competition,” said team advisor Kevin Britten, an environmental science and chemistry teacher at Chino High in a CVUSD news release. “This was a remarkable and unexpected result based on the problems that we were having with the boat. For a period of time, there was some question as to whether we would even have an operating boat. We overcame the problems and competed quite well over the period of three days.”

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Is Laser Eye Surgery Safe? – A Letter from Alex

 

By Danice Akiyoshi ND

Q: I have been considering laser eye surgery.  Do you think it’s safe?

A: With any surgical procedure, it’s important to do your research.  You want to make sure you are choosing the right surgeon and facility.  Read as many reviews as you can before making your decision.  I had laser eye surgery a few years ago and I’ve been very satisfied with the results.

Danice Akiyoshi  ND

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.