Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Straight Talk with Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Danice Akiyoshi,

My favorite Aunt is having an all-expenses paid destination wedding this summer that will be quite luxurious.  I am looking forward to this event.  I know I should take my boyfriend as my guest, but my dearest friend’s family lives on this island. She hasn’t had the extra money to visit her parents in six years and I know this would be a dream come true for her.  My boyfriend doesn’t dance and never really enjoys himself when he accompanies me to weddings. He also tries to rush through the festivities and this annoys me. When I told him that I was considering taking my friend, he said that even though he hates weddings, he was looking forward to surfing and sightseeing and that would be disappointed to miss this trip.  He seems to be taking it for granted that I will take him, but I’m not sure this is the right choice for me.  Please help me decide.

Antonia G.

 

Hi Antonia,

You give clues that show your dissatisfaction with your boyfriend when you mention things like the way he rushes you through previous wedding festivities and refuses to dance with you at these events. You also state that he takes things for granted.  I have a strong feeling that you’d prefer to take your dear friend instead of your boyfriend.  If the only commentary your boyfriend has is that he wants to see the sights and do some surfing, then he seems to be self-serving and is missing the point of the whole event, “the wedding”. Perhaps you’d like to let him know that you would be happy to join him if he’d like to plan a vacation that includes surfing and sightseeing activities.  Remind him again that the main focus is actually your Aunt’s wedding and invite the person who would be the best companion to enhance the entire experience.

Have a wonderful time.

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.

Two Arrested For Mail Theft And Drug Possession

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Police Department arrested two people last week for mail theft and drug possession.

At about 3 a.m. on Thurs., April 28, deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department observed a white Mercedes Benz driving “aimlessly around” in the area of Peyton Drive an Olympic View. Olympic View is two blocks north of Grand Ave.

The occupants of the vehicle, identified as Tasean Holt, 19, and Martin Guevara, 36, were questioned by deputies after they were seen parking in the driveway of an unknown residence. When deputies approached the car, mail was sitting in plain view, which allegedly belonged to a residence in the 13000 block of Emerald Way in the city of Chino Hills. Guevara was also in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

Both suspects were arrested for mail theft and drug possession and were booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

Anyone with additional information, please contact Deputy Chris Bassett at the Chino Hills Police Station at (909) 364-2000, and refer to Case # 221601431. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.

“Live Better” With Clark’s Nutrition

Staff Reports

 

Chino – When it comes to health and nutrition, one size does not fit all. Just ask your neighborhood’s health and nutrition market, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market who strive to make lives better one customer at a time.
Clark’s equates success not with size but with integrity, responsibility and service.

“The cornerstone of Clark’s market position is to provide reliable scientific information for the consumer’s benefit in making educated and informed decisions resulting in vibrant health,” Clark’s website states.

Spanning three generations, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets was founded in 1972 in Riverside by the Clark family patriarch, Jim Clark, whose vision of healthy living grew into what is today a 60 billion-dollar industry.

Jim’s grandchildren have taken over the reins of Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets. Grandson Jeff Clark is president, his brother Bruce Clark is vice president of retail development, and their sister Tracy Clark is the director of finance.
Their newest location in Chino, 12835 Mountain Avenue (at corner of Mountain Avenue and Riverside Drive), boasts a large selection of organic, gluten free, grass-fed beef, vitamins and raw foods. They also carry an extensive collection of health and beauty production, including celebrity Suzanne Somers’ skin care and cosmetic line, “SUZANNE Organics.”

Clark’s puts an emphasis on connecting with the community through various in-store and local events. They provide regular free lectures on various health related topics and make-up tutorials with professional make-up artists.

With locations in Loma Linda, Riverside, Rancho Mirage, and now Chino, Clark’s Nutrition lives up to their motto, “Live Better …We Can Help!”

Customers will appreciate their knowledgeable and helpful staff. Clark’s employees undergo a comprehensive in-house training curriculum, and continuing their education “which is now accredited”.
So, for all your health and nutritional needs, look no further than Clark’s in Chino or any of their other Inland Empire locals.

Clark’s is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Stop by for yourselves and experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Whatever your health goals, Clark’s can help! Visit www.clarksnutrition.com.

Game On!

Evergreen Odyssey of the mind team going to World Finals

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar—Seven Evergreen Elementary students combined creativity and STEM skills to solve challenges that have put them in a class of their own.

The school’s Odyssey of the Mind team won a regional contest in February, then swept the state championship at UC Riverside in April, securing a spot in the World Finals.

Members clinched the state title during the “Stack Attack” event by designing and building a 15-gram structure made of balsa wood and glue that held over 800 pounds.

“It’s an amazing achievement, and an incredible opportunity for these creative thinkers and problem solvers!  Congratulations, Evergreen Odyssey of the Mind team, it’s GAME ON!” said

Principal Carolyn Wills.

Third and fifth-grade-team members Ianna Lin, Annie Chen, Alexander Kuo, Alex Teng, Carrie Chen, William Qian, and Alexander Dollar are now preparing to be part of an exciting global competition to be held at Iowa State University on May 25-28.

The close-knit team wrote the script, designed costumes, decorated a backdrop, and learned how to use tools for the contest.

“We worked together, and learned to listen and to respect each other,” said 5th grader Alexander Dollar.

In addition, the team prepared for a spontaneous problem given during the challenge.

During every team meeting, students diligently practiced solving possible problems.

“It helped us learn to work as a team, to be leaders, and to make decisions under pressure,” added teammate Alexander Kuo.

The team won the top awards in Style, Long-term, and Spontaneous events during the state championship.

Odyssey of the Mind utilizes a hands-on approach to building skills, creativity, perseverance, and teamwork.

The Evergreen team is headed up by parent coaches Sam and Jean Lin, and Natasha Dollar, and everyone is excited to represent the community during the world championship.

“It’s something the youngsters have worked for all year long,” according to parent Jean Lin.

“We really appreciate Evergreen’s STEM program that provides students with many opportunities,” she added.

“Today our children built a structure that held 800 lbs., tomorrow they’ll be holding the world!

The team is looking to raise $7,000 and has set up a Go Fund Me account. To find out more information, visit https://www.gofundme.com/6cxda2g4

Calling For Responsible Pet Owners

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

It is on behalf of dogs everywhere that I write this article.  Being the proud owner of Midnight, the black lab/black shepherd mix shown with me in my photograph is truly a joy and honor.  Midnight is almost eight years old and very healthy.  Midnight and I take lots of long walks in our neighborhood and he has many buddies along the way.  Some of his buddies are very well cared for and live safe lives.  Some of his buddies aren’t so lucky and are let out to walk themselves.

I can’t believe how many wonderful dogs I have seen without tags and let out to walk themselves.  I can’t believe how many dogs end up hit by cars and die because they are illegally let out by themselves.  Legally, dogs are supposed to be licensed, vaccinated, and leashed when they are out off their property.  They should be walked by humans that can help guide them on what is safe and what is not when they are out of their house or yard.

A dog is a huge responsibility and an enormous joy.  Caring for a dog properly involves feeding them healthy food, bathing them, taking them to the vet, talking them on walks, licensing them, cleaning up after them, and always providing clean drinking water. This is in addition to sheltering them and giving them lots of love, affection and attention.  It’s not okay to have a dog or any animal that is neglected.  There have been many new laws passed to help protect animals and people lose their animals everyday because of neglect.  So I ask you to think about all of this before you get an animal.  I beg you to stop allowing your dogs to walk themselves.  I ask you to understand how helpless they are and how much they count on us to care properly for them.  Please take the time to be a responsible and loving pet owner!

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 at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. 

Collision Results In Motorcyclist Death

Staff Reports

Chino – A motorcyclist was killed last week when it collided with a vehicle that allegedly made a left hand turn in front of the cyclist.

Last Wednesday, at around 3:45 in the afternoon, the Chino Police Department responded to an injury traffic collision at the 59020 block of Riverside Drive, near Oaks Drive.

An investigation concluded that a Nissan Altima was traveling westbound and made a left turn in front of a 1998 Yamaha motorcycle that was traveling eastbound. The motorcycle struck the Nissan that was turning into an apartment complex on Riverside Drive.

The motorcyclist, Ryan Colwell, 19, of Ontario, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to an area hospital. During surgery, he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Nissan, Veronica Jimenez, 42, of Chino, suffered minor injuries. Jimenez was released after being treated by Chino Valley Fire Department personnel at the scene.

Chino Police released a statement indicating the cause of the collision is still under investigation. The roadway was closed for over five hours during the investigation by the Chino Traffic Unit.

If you have any information regarding the case, please contact Corporal Trosper:strosper@chinopd.org or (909)334-3153.

History 101

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Ron Hubbard publishes Dianetics

Courtesy of History.com

On this day in 1950, Lafayette Ronald Hubbard (1911-1986) publishes Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. With this book, Hubbard introduced a branch of self-help psychology called Dianetics, which quickly caught fire and, over time, morphed into a belief system boasting millions of subscribers: Scientology.

Hubbard was already a prolific and frequently published writer by the time he penned the book that would change his life. Under several pseudonyms in the 1930s, he published a great amount of pulp fiction, particularly in the science fiction and fantasy genres. In late 1949, having returned from serving in the Navy in World War II, Hubbard began publishing articles in the pages of Astounding Science Fiction, a magazine that published works by the likes of Isaac Asimov and Jack Williamson. Out of these grew the elephantine text known as Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.

In Dianetics, Hubbard explained that phenomena known as “engrams” (i.e. memories) were the cause of all psychological pain, which in turn harmed mental and physical health. He went on to claim that people could become “clear,” achieving an exquisite state of clarity and mental liberation, by exorcising their engrams to an “auditor,” or a listener acting as therapist.

Though discredited by the medical and scientific establishment, over 100,000 copies of Dianetics were sold in the first two years of publication, and Hubbard soon found himself lecturing across the country. He went on to write six more books in 1951, developing a significant fan base, and establishing the Hubbard Dianetics Research Foundation in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Despite his fast-growing popularity from books and touring, strife within his organization and Hubbard’s own personal troubles nearly crippled his success. Several of his research foundations had to be abandoned due to financial troubles and he went through a divorce from his second wife.

By 1953, however, Hubbard was able to rebound from the widespread condemnation beginning to be heaped upon him, and introduced Scientology. Scientology expanded on Dianetics by bringing Hubbard’s popular version of psychotherapy into the realm of philosophy, and ultimately, religion. In only a few years, Hubbard found himself at the helm of a movement that captured the popular imagination. As Scientology grew in the 1960s, several national governments became suspicious of Hubbard, accusing him of quackery and brainwashing his followers. Nonetheless, Hubbard built his religion into a multi-million dollar movement that continues to have a considerable presence in the public eye, due in part to its high profile in Hollywood.

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

An Early Harvest

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

 

Thank you for all of your prayers and support for our little garden.  Every time the grandkids come to visit, they run to the back yard to see what has been happening.

Their enthusiasm is contagious.  They are so excited to see tomatoes growing and strawberries multiplying.  They are amazed at how big some of the plants are getting.

Recently, they pulled a few carrots out of the ground.  Wow!  They looked like real carrots. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but for these young children, it is amazing!

In the past, my feeble efforts have produced a few squash and some tomatoes, but I have not had a lot of luck growing carrots.  I don’t know if my soil is too hard or if I did not water often enough.

But this year, there are real carrots – just like the ones you see in the store.  And, we grew them and harvested them ourselves!

My eight-year-old granddaughter seemed to understand how amazing it is that those little tiny seeds that we planted a few months ago have grown into these big plants and tasty carrots!

We have planted some more carrot seeds and some onion seeds, too.  We also planted some snow pea seeds in the garden.  We are already seeing some new little seedlings emerging from the soil.

However, there is a dark side to this story.  Someone or something is eating our strawberries.  On more than one occasion, I have seen a large ripe strawberry happy and healthy in the evening, but gone the next morning.  Someone is eating our berries!

In addition, I know that we will face more challenges in the weeks to come as the tomato worms and other adversaries discover our little garden.  I know that the birds and the bugs need food too, but why do they have to dine at my house?

The writers of the Bible often used examples from farming and gardening to help their readers learn.  In one passage the author says, “One plants and another waters, but God makes things grow” (I Corinthians 3:6-8).

My grandkids and I are planting the seeds and watering the soil, and we are amazed at how much God has made things grow!

Proverbs 31 Woman

our life- cropBy Sarah Sanchez

The Bible describes a perfect woman in Proverbs 31. It describes a beautiful woman who cares for her family and teaches them about God. It describes a woman that is faithful and serves God with all of her heart, mind and soul, in addition to serving His people. A Proverbs 31 woman is described as someone who works hard and is smart with her money. In addition, the passage describes a woman who is “clothed with strength and dignity” (Proverbs 31:25). These are just a few of the many traits described in this passage.

When reading Proverbs 31, many women will strive to be this “perfect” woman and many men will strive to marry someone with these qualities. But when I read this passage, I instantly think of my mom. Of course, my mom isn’t perfect, but she is pretty close and she is truly a great role model. I believe she is a Proverbs 31 woman.

My mom cares and loves others, and she has taught me to do the same. Growing up, we would drive by a person living on the street and she would go out of her way to find the nearest drive-through, purchase food, and go back to give it to that person.

My mom is also a loving mother that has always cared for our family. Growing up, she would make our lunches everyday and put a heart shaped note inside that would tell us how much she loved us. She would pack us healthy snacks to take to school too. She still brings me snacks and lunch at work and I’m already a married adult! But she just has the gift of nurturing and loving others.

Proverbs 31 talks about this perfect woman being a woman of God; and man do I owe my faith to my mom. She would be the one to drag us out of bed for church every Sunday. Even when my brother and I went through a rebellious stage, she still prayed for us and sent us scripture (whether our punky teenager-selves wanted to hear it or not). She never gave up on us. I think it paid off because we were all baptized and are currently striving to live Godly lives. If it wasn’t for my mother constantly sharing her faith with us and believing in us, I’m not sure where we would all be.

My mom is a woman I admire and hope to be one day: both as a wife and mother. She is a strong woman who never loses faith in our God, no matter what circumstance we are going through. Growing up, I always believed she had a special direct line to God because her prayers were always answered. But really, it was because she had an enormous amount of faith and she truly believed that God would answer her prayers.

My mom is amazing and I’m sure yours is too; or maybe you know someone who has been like a mother to you. Whoever it may be, as we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend I ask that you honor your mothers. Whether she is with you today or not, take a moment to remember all the good things that she has done for you…even if the only good thing is that she gave birth to you. Whatever it is, tell her, show her, write to her, and honor her. Because Proverbs 31:31 says, “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 5.7.16

2016-May07-WeeklyThe 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-May7-Weekly-WEB

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar– The Diamond Bar April 19 City Council meeting began by a proclamation, declaring April 2016 to be DMV Donate Life California month. The Council encouraged residents to register as donors on licenses and RD cards. On April 30, California State University, Fullerton will be hosting a Donate Life Run/Walk. The Council also recognized Encore Teppan as the business of the month for 2016.

During the public comments, the public liaison from the LA County Fire Department thanked the City for the opportunity to teach students at Diamond Bar High School how to properly perform hands on CPR. A representative for the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events, including a harp and violin duet that will be performed by members of the LA Philharmonic on April 30 at 2 p.m. The East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless also requested the assistance of the City in future events to provide transitional housing for the homeless.

The schedule of future events was read, including an Earth Day celebration on April 23; a Planning Commission meeting on April 26; a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on April 28; an Arbor Day celebration on April 29; and the next City Council meeting on May 3.

Finally, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including minutes from the City Council meeting of April 5; ratification of a check register totaling $1,176,416.83; a resolution adopting a restated 401 money purchase plan adoption agreement; authorization for the City Manager to purchase Hewlett Packard servers from CDWG; a maintenance services contract with DFS Flooring for the term of April 19, 2016 through June 30, 2019; and a contract to Control Air Conditioning Corporation for the City Hall server room HVAC replacement project.

Following the Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned to May 3, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

Vejar Elementary Throws A Golden Birthday Party

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Vejar Elementary celebrates its 50th birthday, shown with current and former staff members, district administration, board members, and city officials.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Vejar Elementary celebrates its 50th birthday, shown with current and former staff members, district administration, board members, and city officials.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut—When Vejar Elementary marked its 50th birthday party, scores of former students, staff, principals, and teachers returned for the milestone celebration, eager to see familiar faces, and share fond memories.

Art Hermosillo was one of the first students to attend the new school as a kindergartner when the doors opened in January 1966.

“We had such a great time!” he said standing in the courtyard of his alma mater reciting every one of his teachers’ names, including the school’s first principal, Doug Rosenow.

“We were always looking forward to the holiday parties at Halloween and Christmas. And I remember the mobile library that would visit the school.”

Mary Trout, who taught at Vejar from 1977-2001, was quick to share her favorite memory at the school.

“It was our fifth grade ‘Let’s Hear it for America’ patriotic performance,” she said. “It was amazing!”

Truman Collins, who served as the school’s fourth principal from 1981 to 1988, said that he wouldn’t have missed the party.

“I’m so happy to be here!” he said while shaking hands of dear friends and colleagues.

The party included band and choir performances, memorabilia, and of course, cupcakes for everyone during a special open house held on March 24.

“We have the best staff and students in the world!” said proud Principal Jennifer De Anda to about 400 members of the extended Vejar family gathered at the event.

“It’s been an exciting year of celebration – receiving the state’s Gold Ribbon award on the year of our Golden Anniversary is the icing on the cake!” she added.

“I know this school means so much to all of us!” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor about the school that has a “neighborhood feel.”

“Teachers and staff are so committed to student achievement and truly care about every child.”

Vejar students left a long-lasting imprint on a tile wall created to commemorate for the event.

Fifth grade teacher Karen Montgomery, who has called Vejar her home for the past 27 years, used her talents to stitch together a collection of the school’s logo t-shirts to create a 50th anniversary quilt.

“My hope was that the gift would celebrate the Vejar family and add beauty and a sense of school pride for all that see it.”

The choir even led the audience in a special rendition of the Birthday Song, written by teacher Pam Acosta.

“Happy Birthday Vejar. Happy Birthday with cheer. The year was 1966 that kids first came here!”

Fifty years of school history was on display in the school library with tables filled with yearbooks and photos, news clippings, and artifacts from the past five decades, including an “antique” rotary telephone and record player.

Retired administrator Yvonne Sevilla, who also served as the school’s ninth principal, shared details of its rich history including the early years when the school was surrounded by farmland, creeks, and orchards.

“In the 1960’s things looked quite different at the school – there was no air conditioning, no carpet or phones. Men wore ties and women wore dresses everyday!” she exclaimed.

Vejar was built on the site of the Ricardo Spanish land grant and its logo – a cowboy boot- represents the Vaqueros cowboys who took care of the rancho during the 1800’s.

A colorful carved four-foot-tall version created by 5th grade student Mora Hanks and WVUSD carpenter Mike Bromberg was unveiled for the party.

The school’s longtime motto “Future Leaders Learn Here” was etched above a cowboy on horseback depicted on the plaque.

“It’s so very true!” Sevilla commented. “And for that, we need to clap and cheer right now!”

Redemption

By Michael Armijo

One day, my friend told me a story about a freshman in high school named David that touched me so deeply. This is what I call, Redemption:

David saw a kid named Ron walking home from school.  It looked like Ron was carrying home all of his books, which was strange because classes aren’t all on the same day. He thought to himself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.” But he shrugged his shoulders and went on.

As he was walking, David saw a bunch of kids running toward Ron, knocking his books out of his arms and tripping him. Ron’s glasses went flying and landed in the grass. When David handed the glasses to him, he looked up he saw this terrible sadness in Ron’s eyes. Somehow he felt his pain.

David said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.”

Ron looked at him and lowly said, “Thanks.”

There was a slight smile on Ron’s face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.  David helped him pick up his books, and as it turned out, Ron lived near David.  They talked all the way home and Ron turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

Over the next four years, Ron and David became best friends. When they were seniors, they began to think about college. Ron decided on Georgetown, and David was going to Duke. They knew that they’d always be friends, and that the miles would never be a problem.

Ron became valedictorian of their class, and had to prepare a speech for graduation. David was so glad that he didn’t have to get up there and speak.

On graduation day Ron looked great.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. All the girls loved him. David was just jealous. He could see that Ron was nervous about his speech, so David smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!” He looked at David with one of those looks (that really grateful one) and smiled.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.

“Graduation is a time to thank those who have helped you make it through those tough years; your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly, your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I’m going to tell you a story.”

David looked at his friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day they met. Ron talked of the day he had cleaned out his locker. He talked of how he was distraught about his life. He talked about how lonely he was. So lonely, he had planned to kill himself that weekend. But he didn’t, because his new friend unknowingly stepped in. He showed kindness. He showed compassion. He showed, by his actions, that life is worth the struggle. Ron looked hard at David and gave him a little smile.

“Thankfully, I was saved,” David continued. “My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”

David heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told them about his weakest moment. He saw Ron’s mom and dad looking at him and smiling with that same grateful smile.  Not until that moment did David realize its depth.

It was then that David realized how important it is to never underestimate the power of one’s actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life – for the better, or for the worse.

The most compelling element about the story of Ron and David’s friendship is how it relates to so many lives. Personally, I’ve hoped that somewhere within my past that I’ve been a “David” to someone I’ve met. And what fills my spirit with even more emotion is that I know I’ve felt like a “Ron” many times.

What perplexes me is that I don’t know which role I’ve felt more often.

Someone once said, “Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.”

To so many, each day, this is true. I’ve always valued my friends with depth and sincerity. I’ve always believed in the importance of being friends, and the importance of having friends.

As the story continues, it emphasizes that there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. But today is a gift. This reminds me that giving the ultimate gift of friendship is what I call the inner spirit of your heart, and that gives us the true feeling of redemption.

Sitting Is The New Smoking – Really!

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Amy Movius, MD
Too much sitting is seriously bad for your health. The sobering fact is that prolonged sitting shortens lifespan. Compounding this unsettling truth is that we live in a world where prolonged sitting is encouraged, or even mandated. We sit when we commute, when we need to do anything at a desk (think work and school), and very often when we have free time – we sit or recline while watching TV. The average person in the US sits over 9 hours a day!
Sitting – like smoking – is an independent health risk factor. This means that it is as bad for athletes or fit people who otherwise sit a lot as it is for non-exercisers. Another way to think about it is this: exercising for an hour a day or being a normal weight doesn’t “protect” you from sitting. Research has found that active people can be just as sedentary as a typical “couch potato” when not engaged in exercise. Even the highest level of exercisers did not have decreased sitting time. Ironically there is some evidence that regular exercisers may put less effort into non-exercise activity than people who don’t exercise at all. One article termed these individuals “active couch potatoes.” Unless you have a job that requires you to move around, chances are you are sitting too much regardless of how regularly you go to the gym.
The negative health effects associated with sitting include heart disease, diabetes, cancer and depression. It is also associated with shorter lifespan from “all causes.” A study published in February 2016 found that every extra hour spent sitting was associated with an increased risk of diabetes, independent of high intensity exercise. The mechanism by which sitting does such harm isn’t clear.
Fortunately, it is much easier to counter the effects of prolonged sitting than it is to quit smoking.  Here are some tips to help you get healthier:

  1. Take standing or walking breaks from sitting every hour; just 1-3 minutes seems to be protective. Reminding yourself with timers or alarms can be helpful and there are several apps available for this as well. If you can’t stand up, at least change your position frequently.
  2. Stand when you don’t have to sit at work – such as when having a conversation with a coworker or talking on the phone.
  3. When watching TV, stand up whenever the commercials are on.
  4. Use standing desks if available.
  5. For encouragement, remember that merely standing uses 30% more calories than sitting, and that can really add up.

So whether you’re a jock, a bookworm, a knitter, or an executive – stand up for yourself!  Maybe take a short walk while you’re at it!

Walnut Owners Sentenced For Smuggling

By Thom Mrozek

 

Walnut – A couple from Walnut, California and two of their import and distribution companies have been sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a wide variety of criminal activity, including smuggling Harp Seal oil into the United States from China, falsely classifying goods to avoid import duties, and importing mislabeled food into the United States from China.

Lynn Leung, 61, the former president and co-owner of the UBF Group, Inc., doing business as the Nu-Health Products Company, was ordered to serve five years of probation, which will include one year of home detention. Leung was also ordered by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer to pay a $20,000 fine. Additionally, Leung was banned from working as a manager, officer or director of any business entity – including her own family companies – for a period of five years.

Daniel Fu, 65, Leung’s husband and the former vice-president of UBF Group, Inc., was also sentenced Monday to five years of probation, ordered to spend six months under home detention and fined $20,000. During the period of probation, Fu is also banned from working as a manager, officer or director of any business entity – including his own family companies.

Leung and Fu jointly owned and operated a number of local dietary supplement import and distribution companies doing business as the Nu-Health Products Company, including UBF Group, Inc. and ASN Group, Inc.

Judge Fischer also sentenced UBF Group, Inc., ordering it to pay a total monetary penalty of $1.29 million. The company was ordered to pay a $230,000 fine, to forfeit $941,000 in proceeds derived from criminal activity, and to pay $119,000 in restitution to the United States Customs and Border Protection agency for import duties it avoided as a result of the criminal scheme.

ASN Group, Inc., also on Monday was sentenced to pay a $30,000 criminal fine and ordered to implement a compliance program designed to insure compliance with all relevant United States Food and Drug Act requirements and regulations.

Leung and Fu previously pleaded guilty to introducing misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. The “food” at issue consisted of millions of capsules of honey bee royal jelly – dietary supplements that were falsely and misleadingly described in import records as “aloe vera.” The mislabeled dietary supplements were purchased from UBF Group, Inc.’s supplier in China, the Sirio Pharma Company, Ltd. Both Leung and Fu admitted that the royal jelly was falsely described in import and export documents because Sirio Pharma lacked regulatory certificates required for export of the honey bee products from China.

“Laws protecting wildlife are also designed to protect consumers, who deserve to know that products are legally obtained and do not pose a threat to their health,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Prosecutions like this one demonstrate the commitment of my office and our partner regulatory agencies to stop crimes motivated by greed that threaten our environment.”

UBF Group, Inc. previously pleaded guilty to two felonies, specifically smuggling 4 million capsules of Harp Seal oil into the United States (the shipments were falsely labeled as fish oil) and smuggling falsely classified Chinese goods into the United State to avoid payment of import duties. Harp Seals are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which forbids importation of any seals or seal parts, except for scientific or educational purposes. By falsely classifying the value of its imported products on customs documents, UBF Group, Inc. avoided payment of at least $119,000 in import duties legally owed on its Chinese merchandise.

ASN Group, Inc. previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of introducing mislabeled food into interstate and foreign commerce.

The Chinese supplier, Sirio Pharma Company, previously pleaded guilty in this case to wildlife trafficking and was ordered to pay $500,000 in monetary fines and penalties. Sirio Pharma admitted that employees of the Nu-Health Products Company asked Sirro Pharma to falsely label certain products, including Harp Seal oil and honey bee products, and invoice its shipments of various dietary products in a manner that helped the Nu-Health Products Company to disguise the true cost of the products and their true description.

“This case is victory for protected species everywhere,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Taking enforcement actions against those who violate the laws protecting marine species will always be a top enforcement priority.”

This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Office of Law Enforcement, the United States Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation.

 

Did You Know?

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

New Study Reveals Abnormally Low Blood Flow To NFL Players’ Brains

By Brittany Thomas

With concern growing in recent years about the long-term impact of head trauma in the NFL, a new study has revealed abnormal areas of low blood flow in the brains of current and retired professional football players.

Researchers made their discovery using sophisticated neuroimaging and analytics, according to the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

“Our findings raise the potential for better diagnosis and treatment for people with football-related head trauma,” says lead author Daniel G. Amen, MD, founder and head of Amen Clinics (www.amenclinics.com) in Costa Mesa, Calif.

The study examined the brains of 161 retired and current NFL players, the largest group of players investigated to date. Their average age was 52.

The researchers looked at every region of the brain and were able to identify areas of abnormally low blood flow. They did this using cerebral-perfusion imaging with SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography.)

Combining this information with a leading-edge quantitative approach called machine learning, the researchers were able to distinguish NFL players with abnormal brain patterns compared to a healthy control group with 92 to 94 percent accuracy.

 “Without functional imaging studies like SPECT, it is very difficult to know if brain trauma is present and which areas are affected,” Amen says.

“Structural studies often appear normal, but what we can do better with functional neuroimaging with SPECT is not only pinpoint specific areas of the brain that are unhealthy with low blood flow, but also demonstrate their improvement with successful brain-rehabilitation treatments in persons like football players.”

Concern about head trauma in professional football players has risen in recent years, and was the subject of the 2015 feature film “Concussion” starring Will Smith. Dr. Bennet Omalu, whom Smith portrayed in the movie, was one of the co-authors of this study.

“What our current work is doing in addition to other imaging modalities builds the foundation between identifying the negative effects of head trauma on the brain while the patient is still alive so that we can intervene with better treatments,” Omalu says.

Investigators determined that on average the NFL players had lower blood flow in 36 areas of the brain. The decreased blood flow in six regions of the brain was the most important in determining who had football-related health trauma. Those brain regions were: anterior superior temporal lobes, rolandic operculum, insula, superior temporal poles, precuneus and cerebellar vermis.

These same regions function in memory, mood, and learning. When damaged, they can produce cognitive and psychiatric problems as evidenced by the fact that 83 percent of players in this study had memory problems and 29 percent had a history of depression.

Previous studies in which the brains of deceased players were studied revealed high incidents of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a progressive degenerative disease that afflicts people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

Chino Valley National Junior Honor Society Inductees

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – Heritage Middle School announced their 2016 National Junior Honor Society inductees last week. The induction ceremony took place on April 20 at 6 p.m., where each of the recipients were honored.

The National Junior Honor Society inductees are students who have demonstrated high standards of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character.

Congratulations to the following 2016 National Junior Honor Society inductees:

  • Luis Acosta
  • Alicen Astorga
  • Camille Call
  • Madisen Cornelius
  • Magali Gomez
  • McKenna Harris
  • Jacob Hogan
  • Joelle Krogh
  • Kyra Mastin
  • Ashley McGuffey
  • Madison Morin
  • Brittany Pierce
  • Rachel Plumb
  • Emery Rock
  • Keller Rock
  • Rudy Rodriguez
  • Jessica Shuck
  • Melissa Soto
  • Emily Thompson
  • Arley Tucker
  • Keiana Vreyens
  • Abigail Watson

Girl Raises Awareness

A four-year-old is expected to donate her hair at local Relay For Life

Staff Reports

Walnut – A four-year-old girl is raising awareness of the American Cancer Society’s services and programs through her fundraising efforts for this year’s Relay For Life of Walnut Valley.

The local Relay For Life will be held Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, June 16 from 9 am to 9 pm at Suzanne Middle School.

Four year-old-Isabella Encinas’ fundraiser started after she asked her parents if she could donate her hair to a child battling cancer. “With her father’s blessing and her mother’s passion for a cancer free world, Isabella was granted permission to receive her first haircut ever, on the premise that she would raise $1000 for this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Walnut Valley,” according to a City of Walnut news release.

If Isabella is able to meet her fundraising goal by the event date, then she will be sharing in the joy of having her first haircut on the day of Relay and making a difference in another child’s life, according to the news release.

Isabella invites you to join her in this life enriching opportunity by either donating to her fundraising efforts or consider joining her for a haircut on the day of Relay. Hair donations will be made to the non-profit organization Wigs for Kids.

To make a monetary donation to her campaign, please visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/isabellarelays.

If you are interested in donating your hair, please contact Gabriela Encinas at (626) 388-7444 to schedule your haircut on the day of Relay or arrange pick-up. Keep in mind that hair donations must be 12 inches in length and free from bleaching or chemicals.

“Together we can Paint the World Purple and make great strides for a cancer free tomorrow.”

 

IE News: Information Sought For Stabbing

Photo courtesy: Corona Police Department The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a solid light/medium colored late 1990’s Toyota sedan, as pictured above.

Photo courtesy: Corona Police Department
The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a solid light/medium colored late 1990’s Toyota sedan, as pictured above.

Staff Reports

Corona– The Corona Police Department is still searching for information regarding a stabbing that took place at the Corona City Park a few months ago. The Police Department recently sent out a news release requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a vehicle that may have been involved in the stabbing death of Barnabas William “Will” Crites, 18.

On February 26, 2016 at approximately 8:43 p.m., Barnabas William Crites was assaulted near the City Park skate park located at 930 E. Sixth St., Corona, and later died from his injuries, according to the Corona Police Department. The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a solid light/medium colored late 1990’s Toyota sedan. The suspect’s vehicle was captured leaving the scene in a surveillance video from the area.

Detectives hope someone may recognize the vehicle in the surveillance photograph to assist in the investigation. If you have any information we ask that you please contact Senior Detective Dan Bloomfield at 951-817-5767. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact the Corona Police Department Tip-line at 951-817-5873.

Photo courtesy: Corona Police Department A picture of the suspect's car leaving the scene.

Photo courtesy: Corona Police Department
A picture of the suspect’s car leaving the scene.

Visit Basically BOOKS in Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar Friends of the Library

Diamond Bar – Are you looking for a great volunteer experience in Diamond Bar?  Basically BOOKS, the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library two non-profit bookstores, are friendly places serving the community as a resource for school, work and pleasure reading at exceptionally low prices.  Bookstore Manager Peggy Murphy is actively looking for new volunteers to staff both locations at 23447 Golden Springs Road (near the intersection of Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Boulevard) and the bookstore at the Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive (across from the AQMD Building).  All proceeds from both Basically BOOKS directly benefit the Diamond Bar Library.

There are many special sales throughout the month so stop by both of our beautiful locations.  Basically BOOKS gift certificates are available and make great birthday gifts.

The Diamond Bar Friends’ Book Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Basically BOOKS on Golden Springs.  The Tuesday, May 24 meeting will feature After Claire by Marjorie Eccles.  The June 28 selection will be Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon.  New members are always welcome.

For more information visit the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library website at http://www.dblibraryfriends.org or the Diamond Bar Library at http://www.colapublib.org/libs/diamondbar.