Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

CVUSD District Science Fair Winners Named

Courtesy of CVUSD

Courtesy of CVUSD

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Thirty Chino Valley Unified School District students will advance to the RIMS Science and Engineering Fair in early April, after receiving trophies at the District’s Science Fair on Feb. 24.
More than 170 projects were submitted by almost 200 students for the opportunity to represent CVUSD at the regional science fair in April, which includes students from Riverside, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino counties.
All of the students who made it to the District-level competition received some level of recognition: White Ribbon Medals, Red Ribbon Medals, Blue Ribbon Medals, and trophies.  Teachers and community members served as judges.
The RIMS Science and Engineering Fair will be held April 5 to 7 at the Bourns Technology Center in Riverside.

Straight Talk with Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“My brother’s perfect life”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Danice,

My brother brags about everything.  His wonderful job, his smart kids, his beautiful wife, his new BMW, his boat, his latest vacation, and anything else that is impressive in his life.  I’m over it.  So he’s done well in his life, it’s obvious.  Why does he have to shove it in my face by talking about it all the time?

Yvonne

 

Dear Yvonne,

Let’s take a moment to change your perspective.  If your brother announced his brain tumor, his bankruptcy, his addiction, his house fire, the failures of his kids, his mean wife – or whatever- you’d be all ears, and maybe even sympathetic enough to offer help.  Just take a look at how our society operates these days.  When we are doing well, people say things like, “It must be nice. Why doesn’t that ever happen to me?  Wish it were me.  How did you get so lucky?  He didn’t deserve that!”

Why do people so often offer support to their ailing loved ones, but criticize or shun them when they are doing well?  It makes no sense to me.  I want everyone to do well!

If your brother is a crashing bore, only interested in discussing his own good fortune, then tell him you are bored with constant conversations about him.  If you are jealous, then do something about feeling better about your own life.  Sharing success stories sounds better to me than sharing tragic stories.  All people hope for approval.

Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

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.

San Bernardino Co. Sheriff Helps Out Homeless Vet

Photo courtesy: SBCS Jack gets a new start through the HOPE program.

Photo courtesy: SBCS
Jack gets a new start through the HOPE program.

Staff Reports

San Bernardino – Jack was lying on a piece of cardboard in Perris Hill Park when San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy Collins and Jones approached him one afternoon.

Once a decorated Vietnam veteran and business owner, Jack had hit rock bottom and given up on life after his wife’s death in 2010. He had been living on the streets for over a month. He turned to drinking heavily and ended up on the streets. He did not want to bother or worry his two adult children and decided to live in the park. Jack told deputies that he did not know how to get off the streets, but was willing to do whatever was necessary to get into housing.

After contacting Veteran Affairs, deputies discovered that Jack had earned five Medals of Valor during his service in Vietnam.

His day was about to change for the better. On Feb. 23, Jack was given a fresh start on life and offered assistance by the Sheriff’s HOPE (Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement) team.

Jack was very eager to get out of the park and agreed. He had an honorable discharge and a copy of his Together with Veteran Affairs (VA) and Knowledge & Education For Your Success, Inc. (KEYS), deputies helped Jack put a roof over his head.

Jack was extremely happy and appreciative of the assistance provided to him by HOPE, and repeatedly thanked and shook the team’s hands, with tears in his eyes, deputies said.

“It was truly a pleasure to help a national hero get back on his feet and restore some dignity to his life,” Jones said. “The HOPE team is pushing to end veteran homelessness in San Bernardino County.”

This is just one of the many success stories of the SB County Sheriff’s HOPE program.

HOPE was developed in 2014 to balance proactive outreach with enforcement of the law, while connecting members of the homeless population with resources that may help them transition from homelessness. The deputies even appear less threatening sporting polo shirts and khaki pants.

According to the HOPE webpage, the ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism and reduce the current costs associated to homeless related crime.

How can you help? Deputies encourage the public to give donations to organizations that assist homeless persons, not panhandlers. Statistics show that most panhandlers are not homeless, and most homeless do not panhandle.

Photo courtesy: SBCS

Photo courtesy: SBCS

 

Avery Centre Helps Clear the Storm in Your Life

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – How do people deal with difficult events that change their lives? The death of a loved one, loss of a job, serious illness, natural disasters, witnessing a death, and domestic abuse are all examples of challenging and traumatic life experiences. Many people react to such circumstances with a flood of strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty.  A traumatic event may cause mental, emotional, psychological, and physical harm.

At the Avery Centre, our therapists are versed in many types of trauma-related therapeutic approaches. We recognize that everyone has to cope with losing someone or something they love; and for some, this can become a traumatic event, especially if it follows a lifetime of stressful events. We approach our clients with compassion and understanding.

The Avery Centre provides therapy to clients and families that are suffering from grief, loss, trauma, and PTSD.  We offer a comfortable and safe environment, complete with beautiful views of Chino Hills.  We believe that our clients are the experts in their own lives; our therapists are here to inform, empower, and act as partners in the healing process.

Our therapists and interns are specifically trained in the area of trauma and follow a flexible, evidence-based curriculum.  This allows for a greater collaboration and appreciation between client and therapist and improves patient outcome. We have 3 therapists and interns who work at the Avery Centre, with combined experience of nearly 30 years.

All therapists and interns at the Avery Centre have a minimum of a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, with a few holding two Masters degrees in a related field. All licensed therapists and registered interns are registered with the state of California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Avery Centre Founder Lyndee Venosta, M.A., M.S., says she had the idea for opening the Avery Centre after the death of her father.  His death was sudden and traumatic.  “Even though I had studied psychology in school, I had a difficult time processing the traumatic event,” Venosta said.  “I felt as if there needed to be a therapy center just for trauma and loss, where therapists knew how to approach the sensitive material.  After many years of planning, the Avery Centre came to fruition.”

In the event that you may need a therapist after a traumatic event, or if you just want to process your sense of loss, your grief or a past trauma, the Avery Centre is here for you.

At the Avery Centre, we appreciate the unique needs of each client.  If you need an intensive approach to trauma therapy, the Avery Centre can accommodate those needs by creating a specialized treatment plan.  A combination of individual and family psychotherapy, guided meditation, and group sessions may be utilized.

The Avery Centre is located in the Pine Corporate Center right off of the 71 Freeway and Pine Ave.  (After exiting the 71 freeway, make an immediate left into the Pine Corporate Center).

You can reach them at 909-597-2226.

A Scoop of Flavor

Photo by Jerry Silva Dominic Menton, Operations Manager, between rows of wine barrels at the San Antonio Winery in L.A.

Photo by Jerry Silva
Dominic Menton, Operations Manager, between rows of wine barrels at the San Antonio Winery in L.A.

By Elizabeth Childress, Food Critic

Looking for tasty Italian and American dishes, along with scrumptious dessert options, and wine tasting?  Then San Antonio Winery in Los Angeles is the place to go with your family or on a date.  As you step foot into the wine tasting area you will be greeted with smiles from their diverse staff.  A bit further and you will find yourself surrounded by unique collectables and gifts for any occasion.  A few more steps will bring you to the Maddalena Restaurant.  The friendly staff will cater to you in this trattoria-style restaurant, while your eyes land on a table which displays their signature dishes for the day, ranging from pasta and fish, meats, salads, and paninis.  After selecting Linguini w/Scampi and the Homemade Pasta Stuffed Manicotti, Robert Morrione, Special Event Coordinator, paired the dishes with Maddalena Monterey Pinot Grigio 2014.  The subtle hints of fruit made this wine the perfect match.  The Linguini w/Scampi is brightly colored with fresh vegetables and the succulent scampi is lying in a bed of perfectly cooked linguini.  The Homemade Pasta Stuffed Manicotti, made with fresh spinach, onions, and garlic, is a light dish, yet rich in flavor.  Make sure not to leave before dessert.  The cinnamon-dusted cannoli has a golden crispy shell and is filled with creamy ricotta and mascarpone, along with other decadent ingredients.  The silky Tiramisu, which has hints of espresso coffee along with the mascarpone cheese, is a slice of heaven.
Thursday through Sunday you can catch a solo artist who will fill the room with soothing music as you break bread with loved ones.
After feasting on your meal and dessert, a tour of the facility is a must! Dominic Menton, Operations Manager, took me through history of the San Antonio Winery as we strolled down the rows of beautiful oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.  After the tour, Dominic and Clifton Date, Wine Steward, who’s expert knowledge of wine, coupled with his enthusiasm for wine, made the wine tasting experience remarkably memorable.  San Antonio Winery is a must for Angelinos and those out of the area.
For any questions regarding this article contact Elizabeth Childress at elizabethchildressreq1@gmail.com.

Free Counseling is Available

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops, M.A.M.F.T.

For the past eighteen years, I have had the honor of facilitating a free counseling group every Monday evening.  Our group meets at the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium, located at 21003 La Puente Road, in the city of Walnut.  We meet year-round from 6-8 p.m. every Monday, unless it is a holiday.  The Teen Center’s phone number is (909) 444-0089 and my contact number is (909) 229-0727, should you have any questions.  You do not need to have an appointment to attend this group- you are free to drop by anytime.  This group satisfies many court-mandated needs.

Even though this group meets at a teen center, I invite people of all ages with all types of issues to come.  This group helps parents, students, and many other people who are struggling in their lives.  My goal is to make our community be healthier, make its population be effective in their lives, and create successful human beings.  We work on an array of issues that many people in this day and age are dealing with. There is no reason for anybody to be stuck in an unhealthy place.

If you are tired of the fight between you and your child regarding homework, or need more effective ways to communicate, this is the group for you.  Maybe depression or anxiety seems to be holding you or a loved one back- finding solutions could be life changing.  If you or somebody you know is struggling with drugs or drinking, this group is a great place to get some coping skills to get clean.  We talk about ways to deal with bullies and how damaging bullying can be for a person’s self-esteem.  Bring in an issue and I promise you will feel hopeful and have new tools to help you confront the issue head-on when you leave.  Don’t let embarrassment stop you or a loved one from getting the help you need to reclaim the wonderful life you are so deserving of.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjsttops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

History 101

Photo courtesy of PBS.org

Photo courtesy of PBS.org
Dred Scott

Dred Scott decision

Courtesy of History.com

On March 6, 1857, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision in the Dred Scott case, affirming the right of slave owners to take their slaves into the Western territories, thereby negating the doctrine of popular sovereignty.

At the heart of the case was the most important question of the 1850s: Should slavery be allowed in the West? As part of the Compromise of 1850, residents of newly created territories could decide the issue of slavery by vote, a process known as popular sovereignty. When popular sovereignty was applied in Kansas in 1854, however, violence erupted. Americans hoped that the Supreme Court could settle the issue that had eluded a congressional solution.

Dred Scott was a slave whose owner, an army doctor, had spent time in Illinois, a free state, and Wisconsin, also a free territory at the time of Scott’s residence. The United States Supreme Court was stacked in favor of the slave states. Five of the nine justices were from the South while another, Robert Grier of Pennsylvania, was staunchly pro-slavery. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney wrote the majority decision, which was issued on March 6, 1857. The court held that Scott was not free based on his residence in either Illinois or Wisconsin because he was not considered a person under the U.S. Constitution–in the opinion of the justices, black people were not considered citizens when the Constitution was drafted in 1787. According to Taney, Dred Scott was the property of his owner, and property could not be taken from a person without due process of law.

In fact, there were free black citizens of the United States in 1787, but Taney and the other justices were attempting to halt further debate on the issue of slavery in the territories. The decision inflamed regional tensions, which burned for another four years before exploding into the Civil War.

Three Area Teams Make CIF Finals

By Lyn Taylor

 

It’s a great year for basketball in the Inland Empire.  Chino Hills High School, Ayala High School and Diamond Ranch High School’s boys’ basketball teams have all made it into the CIF Southern Section Finals to be played this weekend, March 4-5.

Diamond Ranch High School (23-8) will play Chaminade, Friday night March 4, at Azusa Pacific University for the Division 3A Championship.    Diamond Ranch is led by former professional basketball player and multiple award-winning coach Eric Cooper.

The #1 team in the nation, Steve Baik’s Chino Hills Huskies (30-0),  have dominated this season in the Open Division, and will take on Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon (26-3) at 6:30 p.m. for the prestigious Open Division Championship.   Chino Hills’ Ball brothers, Lonzo, Liangelo and Lamelo Ball lead the team, with Elizjah Scott and Onyeka Okongwu creating a starting five who are fun to watch and difficult to defeat.

Ayala’s Bulldogs (29-3) led by Coach John Mounce, will compete against Edison (24-7) at 8:30 p.m. the same night, also at the Honda Center, for the 2AA Championship.  The Bulldogs will have 6’5” senior star John Edgar to help them in their first championship quest.

Good luck to all of the boys!

How Is Your Garden Growing?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

A few weeks ago, I shared that my grandchildren had helped plant seeds in a corner of our back yard.  We planted seeds for lettuce, radishes, carrots and tomatoes.  Every time the kids come to visit our house, they run to the back yard to see how the seeds are doing.  It is fun to see their excitement and enthusiasm.
At first, there was nothing but dirt.  For several weeks, we watered, waited and watched.  Then, at last, there were tiny little seedlings that emerged from the rich, dark soil.  These little sprouts were so small that you might not have noticed them.   A week later, there were many young plants that were emerging all over the garden.  I suppose it has been six to eight weeks since we planted the original seeds.  I wish we had recorded the date.
Now, when the grandchildren come to visit, they have a lot to see.  Small vegetable plants are growing taller and stronger.  The kids love to help water these little plants.  The lettuce looks promising.  I’m not as sure how the carrots and radishes are doing underground.  We can’t wait to see.  I think every child should experience the wonder of planting seeds.  It is amazing that a living plant emerges from a dead seed in a pile of dirt.  It is amazing that fruits and vegetables are the result of one little seed!
I know that many people believe that this is simply a result of millions of years of evolution.
But, I think it is actually evidence for the existence of God and the perfect balance of conditions that enable tiny seeds to grow into healthy, edible plants.  The conditions have to be perfect – water, sunlight, soil and nutrients all have to be there in the proper amounts.
In the Creation account in Genesis Chapter One we read, ” Then God said, let the earth sprout with vegetation, plants yielding seed after their own kind, and trees bearing fruit with seeds in them after their kind, and God saw that it was good”. (Genesis 1:11)
In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul says, “God did not leave Himself without evidence, but He has shown His kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons, He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:17)
I’m thankful that my grandchildren are able to see these tiny seeds growing into healthy plants.  I hope that they will get to taste some of the fruits of their labor in the months ahead.  And, I hope they will realize that this remarkable process is the result of God’s amazing creation.
The next time you go to the grocery store or a local farmer’s market, take a moment to remember that a hard working farmer planted the seeds that grew into the fruit and vegetables that you see.  And, take a moment to give thanks to God who designed all of this so that we might have food on our table every day.

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 visithttp://www.efreedb.org

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 3.05.16

2016-Mar5-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-Mar5-Weekly-WEB

Forgiving Yourself

Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

 

There is a saying that talks about forgiveness being a gift that you give yourself. The idea is that once you forgive those who have wronged you, you take that load off your own shoulders and release that poison from yourself.

This is true in so many ways, but never is that load so heavy as when it is your own forgiveness. It’s so much easier to forgive others than it is to forgive yourself. Often we judge ourselves so much more harshly than we judge others, and we make ourselves miserable trying to live up to some insane version of how we think we should be.  The truth is, we’re not perfect and we never will be.

Stop trying to be perfect and instead focus on who you are and the progress that you have made. Try to give yourself the same grace and charity that you give to others, and take a step back.

I do this all the time – I judge myself so much more rigidly than others and expect myself to always know better, do better and be better. But, I’m human. I mess up. I say the wrong things, do the wrong things, etc.  These things don’t make me bad and they don’t define who I am.  They are just mistakes.

Last year, I made some major life changes and decided to get real with myself. I was tired of making excuses and feeling guilty about poor choices I’ve made, and instead I took action. I forgave all those who wronged me, even if they never apologized. I set myself free from the burden of trying to make everyone else happy, and instead focused on just being a better person for myself and my kids.

The struggle to forgive myself has always been within me, and setting achievable goals has been a hard step to take. But, it’s working. I know in God’s eyes I’m amazing, and that He sees me for what I really am even when I am unable to. He sees the struggles, the heartache and all the good intentions. Most importantly, He has forgiven me.  If He can, who I am to say I am greater than He and not do the same?

That’s the thing about mistakes and bad choices, they are so easy to do; but it’s also easy to convince yourself that you are somehow not worthy of forgiveness.

So finally, after years of hurting and setting unreasonable expectations for myself, I finally have made peace within. I gave myself the same grace that I give others, and I let it all go.

Forgiveness is truly the best gift that I have ever given or received, and it turns out I had the power inside me all along.

 

Vejar Elementary to celebrate 50 golden years

 

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Vejar Elementary students and staff gather for a 50th anniversary aerial photo.

WALNUT—Vejar Elementary School, home of the Vaqueros in the City of Walnut, will mark its 50th anniversary during an Open House on March 24 from 5-8p.m.

Community members, former students, and staff members are invited to attend.

Students have been celebrating the milestone by completing acts of kindness throughout the community, including picking up grocery carts at the local Vons parking lot.

Vejar is looking for stories and memorabilia from the past five decades.  Please contact Yadira Gostel to RSVP or share your Vejar memories at (909) 594-1434 ext. 3.

 

Why A Bad Night’s Sleep Makes It Harder To Focus

By Robert Rosenberg, D.O./Everyday Health

 

You know how your brain acts when you’re tired: it’s hard to remember things and your thoughts are sluggish. Sleep deprivation strongly impairs memory and learning, and research confirms this (though the actual mechanism causing these deficits has escaped detection). However, a recent study done on persons with sleep apnea may provide some much-needed answers as to why.

The researchers from the University of California, San Diego, checked 55 sleep apnea patients’ blood cortisol levels every two hours for 24 hours. The patients underwent sleep studies the following night and then took a battery of tests to assess cognitive function. The researchers looked to see how many times they stopped breathing, and how often their oxygen levels dropped in response to airway obstruction.

Previous research has assumed that sleep-related memory problems are caused by a drop in oxygen. But this study found that it was elevated cortisol levels that best predicted cognitive dysfunction.

The results are in line with previous studies that have demonstrated chronic exposure to elevated cortisol levels can result in impaired cognitive function. In fact, prior studies have revealed adverse effects of elevated cortisol on the brain’s hippocampus. The hippocampus is a structure that resides in the temporal lobe of the brain. It is intimately involved in acquiring information and consolidating that information into long-term memory.

Why is this important? It may explain why sleep-deprived individuals frequently exhibit poor memory and concentration abilities. We know that insomnia sufferers and those who chronically get inadequate sleep because of life style choices, have elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. These folks do not have sleep apnea or low nighttime oxygen levels, yet they frequently exhibit cognitive dysfunction similar to patients with sleep apnea. Perhaps what they have in common is elevated levels of the hormone cortisol.

It is plausible that overstimulation of the adrenal gland produces the excess cortisol. The common thread is stress, produced by either insufficient sleep, or in the case of sleep apnea, fragmented sleep. Measuring cortisol levels in patients with sleep apnea and insufficient sleep may provide an important diagnostic tool. I am hopeful that this might serve as a motivator to convince people of the importance of good quality sleep. If it worked, a simple lab test may convince people to take their sleep and sleep disorders seriously. I am aware that much of this is still speculative. However, if future studies related to sleep continue to demonstrate this relationship, the possibilities are exciting.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar– The February 16 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an announcement from a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library. The representative announced two upcoming events that will be held at the library, including a Chinese Calligraphy workshop on February 23 from 3-4 p.m., and an event for Black History Month, on February 20, from 2-3 p.m. that will feature an African drum circle.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read.  The schedule includes: the Third Annual Bridal Show on February 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center on 1600 Grand Avenue; the next Planning Commission meeting on February 23 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive; the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on February 25 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive; and the next City Council meeting on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive.

The Council then approved the City Council minutes from the meeting of February 2; the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from the meetings of October 22 and November 19; the ratification of a check register totaling $1,015,874.50; appropriation of $137,747 of Prop A funds to the 2015/16 fiscal year CIP budget; a resolution approving plans and specifications and establishing a project payment amount and a construction contract award for the traffic signal infrastructure upgrades project to Elecnor Belco Electric Inc; and approval of contract amendment with David Evans and Associates Inc. to provide landscape plan checking services for three fiscal years with an option for two one-year extensions. Two items were tabled until the March 1 Council meeting.

The Council then adopted a resolution amending the 2015-16 fiscal year municipal budget, and confirmed Council appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Traffic and Transportation Commission.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.

Did You Know?

Courtesy of UCR

Courtesy of UCR

Earthquake Preparedness

By Carol Heyen

According to the Riverside County Fire Department, a damaging earthquake strikes somewhere in California approximately every two years. Many large quakes have hit Southern California, including the Northridge earthquake in 1994, the Big Bear and Landers earthquakes in 1992 and the Sylmar earthquake in 1971.

Scientists agree that another big quake is on the horizon for Southern California.  It is just a matter of time until a large quake hits either the San Andreas Fault or one of the numerous faults that crisscross the Southland.

What can you do to keep your family safe?

  • First, identify places in your home and office that are likely to be safe havens in a quake. Find strong furniture under which you can be protected while riding out the shaking.  Identify items that are not strongly secured and are likely to fall or fly if strong shaking starts, and make sure to secure them.  These can include electronics, small kitchen appliances, mirrors and picture frames, and objects on open shelves, including bookcases.
  • Make sure to keep a flashlight and shoes next to your bed. Buy fire extinguishers for each level of your home.  Secure your water heater, know where your utility shut-offs are and make sure you have the proper tools to shut off your gas and/or water in an emergency.  Connect with your neighbors and see who may have special skills and resources to help out if a large quake hits.
  • Keep an emergency kit and extra food and water in your home and in your cars. Make sure you have enough food and water for you and your pets for a minimum of three days; ideally, this stockpile will be enough for two weeks.  Portable radios, sleeping bags, tents, camping-type cookstoves and utensils, tarps, protective goggles, extra flashlights, extra toiletries and emergency cash (in small bills) is all good to add to your kits.
  • Set up a post-disaster meeting spot for yourself and your family. It is imperative that your family members know how to contact each other after a large quake.  Figure out a plan that will help your family get a hold of each other should cell phones and landlines not work.  For help on this, visit ready.gov/make-a-plan.
  • Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On. Drop to your knees before you are knocked down by the force of the quake.  Cover your head and neck to protect yourself from falling debris.  Hold on to whatever sturdy covering you have found to hide under.   Stay away from windows and glass objects that can shatter.  Research shows that the doorways of modern homes are no safer than the rest of the house, so make sure to find shelter under a table or against a wall.

After the quake is over, make sure to be alert for aftershocks, which can be as strong as the main quake.  Listen for news reports via radio, TV, social media, or smart phone.  If you are trapped, do not kick up dust so you can keep your air pocket clean. Use a whistle or tap a pipe or wall so that rescuers can locate you.   Get to your pre-determined family meeting spot.

Although we cannot stop an oncoming earthquake, we can do our best to keep ourselves and our families safe.  If you would like more information on how to survive an earthquake, visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/earthquake, www.ready.gov/earthquakes, or earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/preparedness.php.

 

Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – A Fontana man was arrested on insurance fraud charges earlier this month following an investigation conducted by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit.
Jamie Gallardo, 45, is charged with a violation of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Gallardo was employed at California Coach & Body located in Walnut, Calif. on or about April 21, 2010 through April 19, 2014. During this time, Gallardo filed a workers’ compensation claim alleging he sustained injuries to his chest and back while performing his job duties.
According to D.A. investigators, an investigation into possible fraud resulted in the current allegation that Gallardo presented a knowingly false or fraudulent statement in order to obtain Workers’ Compensation benefits.
After obtaining an arrest warrant, investigators–with the assistance of officers from the Fontana Police Department–arrested Gallardo at his place of residence Feb. 2. Gallardo was transported and booked into the West Valley Detention Center. If convicted, Gallardo faces five years County prison. Arraignment is scheduled for March 24 in the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse.

Suzanne’s Robotics Leading The Pack

Photo courtesy of WVUSD

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Suzanne Middle School 6th grade student Wolf Corps team members demonstrate award-winning can crusher robot.

By Kelli Gile 

 

Walnut– A new robotics club at Suzanne Middle School dominated a First Lego League (FLL) competition aimed at finding solutions to global environmental issues.

Two teams of sixth grade programmers vied in separate divisions while focusing on this year’s FLL theme – Trash Trek.  Students were challenged to explore the world of trash, from collection, to sorting, to smart production, and reuse, and then invent a solution to help our trash problem.

The Suzanne teams won coveted championship awards during the recent 2016 California FLL Cup challenge at Legoland in Carlsbad on January 24.  They also took numerous 1st place awards at tournaments throughout Los Angeles.

“We like having fun together and encouraging people to get involved in STEM education,” said Kaden Salvador about his enthusiasm for robotics.  “We want to show them how cool it is!”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the 14 students meet after school to build and program the little bots using Lego Mindstorm EV3 kits and refine their presentations.

Robotics encompasses all aspects of STEM education, according to teacher advisor Vicky Silcock.  “Not only must students learn to engineer and program a robot that will accomplish the task before them, but they also need to learn to do research and use teamwork to explain real world applications.”

Wolf Corps team members designed an automatic can crusher called the “BEATit” that compacts, counts the collected cans, and calculates a payout.

“We came up with the idea after our school held a pop top drive,” explained Gordon Lau. “This is the first can crusher designed for households.”

The robot bin opens using an ultrasonic sensor and motor, while two additional motors crush the can and drop it into a bottom bin.  Students believe their innovative product will encourage families to earn extra money from recycling (five cents a can), reduce landfill size, and save energy consumption.

“We work together like a pack of wolves!” said Wolf Corp member Kawin Watkins.

The Wolf Corp team was invited to represent the Los Angeles Region at the Razorback Invitational Tournament after their 1st place FLL performance.

The RoboHeroes team built a robot that completes recycling missions during a building demolition and salvage challenge.  During a tabletop demonstration, students expertly explained each step before sending their robot through the course brimming with trash reduction and recycling components  – landfill, methane energy, re-use of toy packaging, and trash sorting.

The team programmed their sturdy robot to move forward, backward, turn, pick up and drop off pieces, and then return to base.

“It was fun finding a design for our robot,” said Marcus Robles. “We started from scratch to make something new!”

“There’s a lot of trial and error in programming,” added Matthew Carreon, age 12. “We must have run the program over 100 times.”

Students must demonstrate how well they practice the FLL Core Values of teamwork and friendly competition during matches.  Along with participating in robotics competitions, the teams share their environmental plans with several community groups and local businesses.

The group of students began participating in robotics competitions during the 4th grade at Collegewood Elementary with Wolf Corp parent coaches Scott and Leh Watkins.

“I think the biggest benefits for students is collaborating and working as a team,” said coach Scott Watkins.

“The kids come up with a solution for real world programs. This year is trash reduction and recycling,” said RoboHeroes parent coach Jonathan Fong.

“We all hope to continue through middle school and into high school,” Watkins added.

Collegewood Completes 612 Acts of Kindness

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Teachers took turns playing a pie in the face game as a treat for students.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA—Collegewood Elementary showed support for second grader Coben Swanson with 612 acts of kindness during a read-a-thon at the school on February 12.

The school quickly rallied when the eight-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia in November, sending get-well video messages and fundraising to help the family with expenses.

All 612 students and staff members came together once again during a special reading time held on the upper playground.  With towels and blankets spread out on the grass, the children and their teachers opened favorite books and quietly read for about 20 minutes.

The event was the culmination of a two-week reading challenge where students were encouraged to read daily, log minutes, and collect pledges. All donations will benefit the Swanson family.

“He’s our friend and needs our help”, said Kaitlyn Tran. “We’re donating money to help his family. We miss him!”

“Coben’s going through a hard time and we should support him no matter what,” added fifth grader Cassidy Ng.

Afterward, teachers surprised the group with a pie in the face game.  The children crowded around to watch their teachers get doused with whipped cream after taking turns spinning the wheel on the tabletop game.

“Acts of kindness instill empathy and teach children the value of living a life of giving,” said teacher Jane Dyer-Smith.

Eastvale: Car Crashes into Home

By Carol Heyen

EASTVALE– The Espinoza family of Eastvale has been forced out of their home after a car crashed through a cement wall, into the back yard of their house and into their living room.

Just after 2 a.m. on Monday, February 23, the fire department was advised of a car that had crashed into the first floor of a home in the 13800 block of Dellbrook Street, in the Brookdale Place housing development.  A fire official at the scene said that the crash caused the car to burst into flames, which set the house on fire.  Firefighters were able to put the fire out within 20 minutes.

A resident of the home, Hunter Espinoza, said it sounded “like a bomb.”

“I was in shock for a little bit,” said Freddy Espinoza, Hunter’s father, who alerted the rest of his family members. “I went ‘there’s a car here and I think it’s going to catch fire.’ I told the people ‘get up, get out of the house.’ ”

One occupant of the home had minor injuries, and all five residents have been displaced so that repairs can be done.   The American Red Cross was called to help the family find shelter.

The two occupants of the Saturn sedan fled the scene, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to call the Eastvale Police Department, which is serviced by the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station, at 951-955-2600.