Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Ayala Teacher Named to Wrestling Hall of Fame

Terry Martin

Terry Martin

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO HILLS– Ayala High School’s Terry Martin will be inducted this spring into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, California Chapter, for his Lifetime Service to Wrestling.  The Lifetime Service award is given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in youth through the sport of wrestling.

Martin coached wrestling for more than 30 years, half of that time at Ayala. He began his coaching career at Oklahoma University after wrestling for the Sooners, and is a proud alumnus of the university.  Coach Martin is a member of the Mt. San Antonio College Hall of Fame and has been named L.A. Times Wrestling Coach of the Year once.  He is a member of the CIF Wrestling Advisory Committee, has 1 CIF Championship, been Runner-Up 7 times, has 11 Sierra League Championships, and has coached 16 CIF Individual Champions and 8 CIF State Champions.  Coach Martin continues to teach at the school but stepped away from coaching last year.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, pays tribute to coaches, officials, and contributors who represent “the best qualities the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and out,” according to Dan Dierdorff, President of the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held May 21 in Laguna Hills.

 

Chino Resident Arrested for Car Burglaries

Courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept.
Chino– On Monday, February 8, 2016, deputies from the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station arrested Richard Steven Silva, 22, of Chino, after being called to investigate vehicle break-ins in the 15000 block of Hanover Way in Chino Hills.

After an investigation, Silva was found to be in possession of approximately $1,023 dollars worth of stolen property.

Detectives later learned of a second subject, a 17 year old male juvenile from Chino.  Silva and the juvenile walked around the neighborhood, pulled on vehicle door handles, and stole miscellaneous items from three different vehicles.
The juvenile was cited and released to his guardian at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this incident (DR#221600464) is urged to contact Deputy Timothy Quick at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Inland Empire: Mt Baldy Trails Close After Deaths

By Lyn Taylor

MT BALDY– Icy conditions made the U.S. Forest Service shut down popular Mt. Baldy hiking trails after about a dozen injured and stranded hikers had to be airlifted from the trail on Saturday alone, according to aMt. Baldy Fire Department Twitter post. Since Friday, about two dozen people have been flown out of the mountain area due to hiking incidents, officials said. Baldy Bowl, Bear Flats, Icehouse Canyon, the Three Ts, Chapman and Devil’s Backbone trails are closed, according to a Forest Service spokeswoman.

“At one point we had four different helicopters going up here on Saturday,” said Mt Baldy Fire Department Captain Gordon Green. “One came back at least twice.”

During an earlier rescue of five stranded hikers, the sheriff’s department was advised about a married couple, Dong Xing “Tony” Liu and Linda Duan, who were hiking near the Icehouse Canyon Saddle, and who had both slipped on ice. A sheriff’s helicopter was already in the area and started searching the canyon.

Two hikers who were also in the area heard the couple’s cries for help and made their way down the steep terrain to the pair. The good Samaritans kept Duan warm while waiting for the rescue helicopter. The victims were stuck on an icy slope under a fallen tree, and rescuers were able to conduct a night hoist rescue using night vision goggles. Ms. Duan was transported to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a broken arm.  Mr. Liu sustained fatal injuries as a result of the fall and was pronounced dead at 8:12 p.m.

Liu, 47, was the just the latest person to die on the trails. Only four days earlier, 23-year-old Daniel Nguyen, a Cal State Long Beach graduate, fell to his death while trying to help a friend who had slipped on the Devil’s Backbone Trail.

The trail conditions must be evaluated before they can be reopened, according to MBFD officials.

“Anyone planning a trip up here should check with the U.S. Forest Service first,” Green advised. “Find out about the conditions and if the trails have been opened and always be prepared.”

SMS Students Medal in National Math Exam

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD Top award winners Darren Chen, William Lin, and Amber Tsao

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Top award winners Darren Chen, William Lin, and Amber Tsao

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT– Fifty Suzanne Middle School students recently participated in the challenging AMC 8 math contest.

During the national event, mathletes tackle 25 multiple-choice questions on the 40-minute timed competition. Questions cover many different topics, which exceed the normal middle school curriculum.  The top three school finishers earned medals.

Darren Chen, grade 8, took home the gold medal with a top score of 23 out of 25. He was also awarded an Honor Roll of Distinction Certificate for scoring in the top 1% in the nation.

William Lin, grade 8, earned the silver medal with a score of 20 out of 25.  He also earned an Honor Roll Certificate for scoring in the top 5% in the nation.

Amber Tsao, grade 8, earned the bronze medal with a score of 17 out of 25. Additionally, she earned an Honor Roll Certificate for scoring in the top 5% in the nation.

Joining the medal winners with Honor Roll Certificates were fellow eighth graders Joseph Xu, Katherine Lee, Tyler Xu, Rongtian Yue and 6th grader Joshua Hsu.

Joshua Hsu was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement for scoring above 15 as a sixth grader.

The top-ten middle school students will also participate in the AMC 10 on February 17.

“I am very proud of the students for all of their hard work, dedication and achievements.  Well done!” commented math teacher Amy Erickson.

“I am very proud of our Math Counts students and the level of success they have achieved this year,” added Principal Les Ojeda. “They have done a great job representing our school and I am proud to be their principal. Ms. Erickson has done an outstanding job as their coach and goes above and beyond preparing them for their competitions.”

 

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“My daughter thinks she’s ready to move out”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi,

My daughter just graduated from high school last June and she has already decided to move out with two girlfriends.  I feel she is not ready to be on her own, but when I try to give her advice she gets nasty.  How can I make sure she is okay without making her look childish in front of her friends?  I am really worried, because she is still so immature.  By the way, none of these girls are in college, but they all have jobs. They believe they can make this arrangement work out.  Please help! – Danielle

 

Dear Danielle,

This is one of those difficult times in the parenting cycle.  You sound like a very caring mom and your daughter will appreciate that some day.  Have faith that you did a good job in raising your daughter, and create space in your relationship for her to develop self reliance.   When I felt a deep need to visit and “check in” on my young adult kids, I made favorite food items, or offered to share my giant bundle of paper towels or toilet paper.  Youngsters are usually very open to receiving these gifts when they are first starting out on their own.  Be careful not to criticize their dwelling if it is messy, and resist the urge to fix all the difficulties that crop up.  When young adults make a decision to enter adult living, you should allow them to sort things out on their own.  However, let your daughter know she can seek your assistance before she allows anything to become a crisis.  I am assuming you have given her guidance about credit card debt and basic health practices.  Also, you might want to explain that you will not be taking steps to maintain her former lifestyle once she moves out. For example, clothes shopping, haircuts, cell phone bill, extra gas money, medical or dental expenses.  This talk should be informative, but not manipulative.  Often young adults are so excited at the thought of being on their own, that they don’t see the big picture.  When my son called with a very expensive utility bill he and his roommates couldn’t pay, I explained that I would assist them, but made it clear that I would not fix the same problem twice.  This shows you’re interested in a good outcome, but allows respect for the fact that you’re both functioning adults. If she still decides to move out after this friendly and informative conversation, be supportive, wish her well, and get back to your own interests in life. Be well.

National Signing Day in the Chino Valley

Courtesy of Facebook Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

Courtesy of Facebook
Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Valley – Chino Valley Unified had more than two dozen seniors sign with universities on February 3 and 4, as part of National Signing Week.

The annual event allows America’s most talented high school senior student-athletes their first opportunity to sign a binding letter of intent to a NCAA school.  The event has become well-known as major colleges such as USC, Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss and others sign their football recruits during this time.   The letter of intent restricts a recruit to signing with only one school in the NCAA.   National Signing Day is typically on the first Wednesday in February, according to Sports Illustrated.

Football is the big topic when talking about National Signing Week, but other sports are included as well.  Chino Valley Unified had several recruits sign this year in different sports such as softball, water polo, baseball, gymnastics and soccer.

Chino Hills High School’s Emily Nguyen, who will be majoring in Criminal Justice at Finlandia University in Michigan, said this week that while she will miss her family and friends in Chino Hills, she is excited for the change of scenery and the adventure that college holds.   “Signing day was one of the biggest days of my life; it meant that I knew I was going to do what I love while learning at the same time.”  She also said that Signing Day was especially sentimental because she got to sign with her best friend, Emily Luna, who will be attending Wilmington University in the fall.  The duo started playing together on a 8U Chino Hills Girls Softball team, and have been friends since.

Congratulations to all CVUSD student-athletes!

Walnut Valley Now Registering for 2016-17 School Year

 By Kelli Gile

 

WALNUT–The Walnut Valley Unified School District is currently registering for the 2016-2017 school year for those elementary children new to the district, at any grade level.

You may register your child for transitional kindergarten if he/she turns 5 years old between September 2nd and December 2nd.  Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, to enroll in kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school year.

At the time of registration, parents will be asked to present a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of the child’s immunizations, and for kindergarten and 1st grade, proof of an oral health examination.  For residency verification, parents will also need to provide either final escrow papers, mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement, along with a current utility bill (gas, water or electric bill) and a driver’s license (or California I.D.) with current home address.  Enrollment is ongoing, and your residence address determines the elementary school where you should enroll your child.

The Walnut Valley Unified School District offers quality day care programs at all elementary sites, for both before and after school hours.  You may contact the Child Care office at 909-444-3460 for additional information and fees.

 

The Winner of Your Personal Revolution

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

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

Do you ever feel like you just need to make a huge change?  Are you afraid and stay with your same old ways, because it’s what you have always done and how you’ve always been?  Maybe it’s time to have a personal revolution and really shake things up.  I think you can start your own personal revolution by making a list of what you need to keep about you and what you really need to finally let go of.  It’s time to revolt and personally attack those demons and the lies that hold you back from being a great and powerful you.

I know it sounds crazy to stage a revolution against yourself or against the pieces of yourself you are sick and tired of, but I don’t know of any other way to move forward if you are really stuck.  Fight hard and fight smart and do your interpersonal work.  What better day than today to claim the rights to you?  Stop letting others hold you hostage to being a lesser version of you.  Today is the day you take control of yourself and of your mind.  Has somebody made you doubt yourself?  Today is the day to fix that.  Today is the day you decide that you are proud of yourself and that you will fight to become the best you can be.   I know you can win that internal battle and you can revolt against all the lies.

You owe yourself this revolution and I know you can win.  The past is over, the future is uncertain, but the present is a gift that can help us unwrap our true inner being.  This is an inner being we can be proud of and can make us feel confident like never before.  This newly found confidence can help us see anything is possible and there will be no limits for us!

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.  You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Chino: Prado Lake Maintenance

 

 

Courtesy of Facebook After drainage, Prado Lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day.

Courtesy of Facebook
After drainage, Prado Lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day.

By Carol Heyen

CHINO– The lake at Prado Regional Park has been looking a little different these days.  The San Bernardino County Regional Park Department began a maintenance and enhancement project around the lake on January 31, and the lake was drained.

According to a park employee, one of the lake drains was severely damaged, and the lake needed to be emptied to investigate the problem.  Workers were able to clean out three drainage basins in the process, which will help prevent mosquito breeding in the summer.  Workers also removed hundreds of pounds of trash from the lake and, interestingly, a green mid-1990s Chevy truck, which was sitting about 40 feet from the nearest shoreline. The truck had been reported stolen at the beginning of 2009.  When park rangers went to get the VIN number for the truck to identify it, there was water in the cab and trout swimming in the truck.

The lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day, and fishing will resume on February 13.  There are still many fish in the lake, because there was a pond left in the center to keep them alive until the refill began.  The lake will be double-stocked with trout before re-opening, and there may be a possible one-time stocking of bass in the coming month.

Prado Regional Park is located in the Chino Valley basin where San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles Counties connect.  The name Prado is derived from California’s early Spanish days when the countryside was known as a “prado” or meadow.

Park entrance fees are: $8 per car Monday – Fridays (excluding holidays and special events) and $10 per car on weekends and holidays (excluding special events.)  Daily Fishing Permits are $8.00/person, all ages. For more information call (909) 387-2757.

Free Cash for College Workshop

Courtesy of Senator Connie M. Leyva

Senator Connie M. Leyva is inviting California’s high school seniors, parents, and guardians to a free Cash for College Workshop.  High school seniors are encouraged to attend the workshop and apply for a Cal Grant, a Middle Class Scholarship and/or other student financial aid between January 1 and the March 2 deadline.

California high school seniors who meet income qualifications and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 are guaranteed financial assistance through the Cal Grant program. These grants do not need to be repaid and may be used for tuition, fees, books, and access costs at qualifying public or private California two-year and four-year colleges and universities. If you are not sure whether you meet financial-need requirements, apply anyway. The California Student Aid Commission periodically raises the income ceilings depending on the budget, and changes can occur that alter a family’s situation. For information on program qualifications, visit csac.ca.gov.

A new middle class scholarship program provides undergraduate students with family income and assets up to $150,000 a scholarship to attend University of California or California State University campuses. Application is made by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act (CADA) Application

The California Student Aid Commission provides guidelines to determine whether you are eligible for financial aid; it is not the final determination of your financial need. Here’s a checklist of helpful information needed to complete the application. Bring all of the following items that apply to you:

  • Student’s Social Security card & driver license (or government-issued ID);
  • Parent or guardian’s Social Security card;
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your Alien Registration card; if you do not have an AR card, check out caldreamact.org to see if you qualify for California Dream Act financial aid;
  • Parent’s Federal Income Tax return, current W-2 forms or other records of income;
  • Records of untaxed income such as TANF, veteran’s benefits, or Social Security benefits;
  • Student’s W-2 forms, pay records or other records of income earned;
  • Bank account records or bank statements;
  • Records of stocks, bonds or investments;
  • Business and farm records.

If you know the colleges you are interested in attending, bring a list. These workshops are intended to provide information and to assist in filling out applications; attendance is not an assurance of a grant or scholarship.

Workshops will be held on the following dates:

Tues, Feb. 9, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Colony High School, 3850 E. Riverside Dr. Ontario;

Wed., Feb. 10, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Colony High School, 3850 E. Riverside Dr. Ontario;

Tues., Feb. 16, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Jurupa Hills High School, 10700 Oleander Ave, Fontana;

Wed., Feb. 24, 2016 • 6-8 pm at Montclair High School, 4725 Benito Street, Montclair.

For more information, please call 909-591-7016.

Holding Hands

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, I was on my way to visit someone at Pomona Valley Hospital when I saw something that caught my attention.

Instead of taking the freeway, I took surface streets.  I like to stay off the busy freeways whenever I can and enjoy the side streets and local neighborhoods.  As I was driving along Orange Grove Avenue in Pomona, I saw an older couple walking on the sidewalk.  It was a nice day, the sun was shining and this couple seemed to be enjoying their stroll.

The thing that caught my attention was that they were holding hands.  Yes, they were holding hands.  This couple looked like they were in their 70’s.  I’m sure they were grandparents or maybe even great-grandparents.  But as they slowly walked along the sidewalk, they were holding hands.

I suppose we expect to see some teens or young couples holding hands.  Sometimes we see couples out on a date holding hands, but I don’t think we often see older couples taking a walk and holding hands.  I wonder, why do we stop holding hands with our spouse?  I suppose that it is when we start having children. Young parents have their hands full with baby carriers and diaper bags.  It may be when we try to protect our toddlers and tell them “hold my hand” as you cross the street or navigate through a busy parking lot.

Since we are busy holding the hands of our children, we may not have the opportunity to hold the hand of our husband or wife.  In addition, there are those times when our hands are filled with groceries, shopping bags and other things so we are not able to hold someone’s hand.

I think God gave us human hands so that we can touch, caress and embrace those we love.  Touch is a powerful sense that can communicate so much.  Whether it is a soft touch or a firm grip, our hands communicate love and emotion.

Let me encourage you this Valentine’s season to hold someone’s hand.  Make an effort to hold their hand as you walk to the car or stroll through a park.  Use your hands to communicate your love and feelings for the special people in your life.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

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

Treat Your Valentine To The Whole Enchilada

Eastvale News Business Feature The Whole EnchiladaStaff Reports

Diamond Bar – Valentine’s Day is upon us, and what better way to show your love for your sweetheart than a delicious dinner at The Whole Enchilada!

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.  They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada. The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning a Valentine’s Day party?  The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event with handmade tamales – which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s a Valentine’s fiesta, business meetings or parties, promotions, fundraisers, birthdays, or just an evening out, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a sweet Valentine’s treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.  Valentine’s Day never tasted so delicious!

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift for your Valentine, or anyone you are gift-shopping for; it’s always the perfect color and size.  And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and their Kids Club.  With a wide variety of reasons to visit, it’s obvious that The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

Don’t deny your taste buds this Valentine’s Day, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com.  See their ad on the back page of this publication.

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 2.13.16

2016-Feb13-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-Feb13-Weekly-WEB

Walnut Council Meeting Recap

By Natalie Kim
The January 27 Walnut City Council meeting began with an announcement from a Walnut United Taxpayers representative, who announced that Mt. Sac’s attempt to dismiss the injunction on the parking lot structure was dismissed by the court, and that Walnut United Taxpayers was able to add Mt. Sac’s proposed solar farm to their case. The case against Mt. Sac was reported to be very strong, although currently Mt. Sac’s current master plan still includes the contended parking lot structure.
Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including minutes from the January 13 City Council meeting; an ordinance imposing an express ban on marijuana cultivation, processing, delivery, and dispensaries; a resolution allowing claims and demands of $581,050; a resolution authorizing city application for all eligible CalRecycle payment programs; a first amendment to the purchase and sale agreement by and between the City and CalAtlantic Group Inc; appropriation of CalRecycle Beverage Recycling grant funds; awarding a bid to the Creekside Park Playground Renovation Project; a waiver of parking restrictions on La Puente Rd for a special high school event; a request from Mt. Sac Relays Executive Committee to conduct a 5k/10k Fun Race/Walk on April 9; a request for a film permit; a resolution approving the recognized obligation payment schedule for July 2016 to June 2017; the administrative budget for July 2016 to June 2017; appeal of Planning Commission Conditions and a tentative tract map for a two-lot subdivision of undeveloped land within the Single Family Residential and Rural Overlay Zoning Districts.
The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Feb 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road, in the Council Chambers.

CVUSD Seniors Perform Community Service

Photos courtesy of CVUSD Caitlyn Broad surrounded by Navy sailors and the goodie bags she made them

Photos courtesy of CVUSD
Caitlyn Broad surrounded by Navy sailors and the goodie bags she made them

Courtesy of CVUSD

As part of a literary unit on heroism, 12th grade students from across the Chino Valley Unified School District devoted several volunteer hours in community service over the winter break. Projects varied from volunteering at food banks and homeless shelters to cleaning up trails and parking lots across the city. Students were asked to “pitch” a proposal to a panel of their peers and suggest projects that would be classified as heroic. As part of a culminating experience which emphasizes effective oral communication, students prepared and delivered five-minute speeches sharing their experiences and addressing major societal issues.

Caitlin Broad, an Ayala High senior, traveled to the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach with 40 goodie bags she prepared as thank you gifts for active duty sailors. Caitlin’s experience was especially meaningful to her as she was escorted by her father and grandfather, who are both Navy veterans.

Another Ayala senior, Diane Eckstrom, relieved her relatives in the daily care of her 94-year-old grandmother and delivered a speech on the need for loving elder care.

Priceless Pets, a pet adoption and care facility in Chino Hills, was a favorite organization of the volunteers, who exercised and cared for the animals. Ayala senior Terrance Seki walked dogs for Priceless Pets as part of his volunteer experience.

Ayala High senior Jake Sears, who cleaned up litter at Chino Hills State Park, told his classmates, “It shouldn’t be that difficult to clean up after yourself.”

Ayala students Jacob Axton and Calista Ho worked at a local food bank.

Most of the students involved in the program said they did not believe their efforts should be labeled heroic but rather just the actions of responsible citizens.

The curriculum unit writers included this project as part of the District’s implementation of Common Core State Standards to create real world experiences to develop 21st century skills. Teachers were impressed with their students’ passion towards the less fortunate and their appeals to their classmates to do the little things to show care for their community.

Part of Your World

By Michael Armijo

 

I remember the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid.” Ariel, the star of the show, swam in the ocean and gazed upward towards the surface. She could only see the sky filtered through the hazy water, and could never feel the warmth of the sun. She could not survive in our time, she couldn’t breathe our air. She was, simply, part of another world.

Ariel would yearn to be part of a place she felt she didn’t belong. A world she felt would never accept her. An area she believed would never understand where she came from or who she really was. So that kept her longing for the surface. For the humans.

I understand how Ariel felt, coming from a place that I understood was not the norm. Coming from an environment that reflected behavior without rhyme or reason. A place that made me feel that I was never truly accepted nor understood. I felt just like that little mermaid, an outcast. A mutant. Unequal. Inadequate. Different.

I found myself, when listening to that song, drowning within my own life looking outward to another place. To a world I felt I could not survive. An air I couldn’t breathe. A place I felt would never understand who I was, where I came from. All I wanted was to be like the “humans.”

I wanted to be like the people on “the surface.” I wanted what I felt was a normal life. Parents who loved and respected me. A family who cared about me and taught me about love, harmony, and respect. I wanted lifelong friends. That day I couldn’t help but feel inadequate.

And because I didn’t have the proper environment like so many others did, I understand that this is my fate. To walk amongst the “humans” and listen to their stories. To watch their moms, dads, and siblings live in harmony and respect. To hear the functional part of structure and logic, and the fearlessness of life. To see them RESPOND to life’s mishaps instead of dysfunctionally REACTING to them. To listen to their outlook on their future without pain and uncertainty. To feel a genuine love and respect for one another.

While there are times I feel like an underdog, I sometimes pretend as though I DO belong. I pretend that I feel equal and belong on this Earth. I roam amongst the humans but I actually feel like I’m deep inside the ocean waters and all I can see is a murky version of the sun. I cannot feel its warmth. I cannot enjoy its rays of light. I walk with a heavy heart. I walk with an empty soul. And it’s at that time my spirit silently whispers to my soul, that I someday hope to be…part of your world.

 

“To De or Not to De”….Tox that is!

Courtesy of Clark’s Nutrition

Much of the information and misinformation surrounding the concept of detox diets and supplements could only be murkier and more perplexing if it was written by William Shakespeare in unrhymed iambic pentameter. This may be due, in part, to the knowledge gaps that exist in the literature regarding how detoxification processes work in concert to keep us from acute toxicity. The science certainly doesn’t exist in large enough quantities to justify the hype. It may also be due to the lack of one dedicated detoxification “system”, like the muscular or cardiovascular system, further allowing speculation and “marketing,” with efforts to appease an impatient population with imprecise and “sciency” sounding jargon. Or it may be that the aversion one feels towards a word (CrossFit, Vegan, Paleo, Yoga, Microbrew, or Manscaping) creates an antipathy that blinds one from exploring beyond first sight or sound. In any case, the desire to detox, to effectively assist the body’s efforts to gain or remain healthy is not a futile or fruitless endeavor. It is however an effort that must be governed with safety, prudence, and a boost in health literacy. To this end, the following questions must be asked:

  1. Can we assist or speed up detoxification through supplementation and elimination diets? Here it is imperative to note that the toxins being targeted are from outside (exogenous) sources, including chemicals found in foods (fertilizers, pesticides), cleaning products (dyes, softeners, and preservatives), and household wares (chemicals used to treat carpets, leather, and composite materials).
  2. Can we approach a “detoxified” state and is this state desirable above normal (read: healthy) levels? The goal of a well-thought-out detox may be more about what we remove (toxic burden) than what we include.
  3. Is “detox” a much-maligned buzzword employed to avoid the use of trite words such as ‘resolution’, ‘goal’, ‘diet’ or ‘dedication’? Would we be better off using these words and making small and lasting changes to our diet (spoiler alert: Yes! This is the best way to achieve lasting health.)

Now that our health literacy has been boosted, what supplements are worth our time? Aloe-Vera, Senna, Red Clover, Milk Thistle (unless allergic to ragweed), and insoluble fibers in powder form can be used judiciously. While these are the least harsh and safest “detoxifiers” on the scene, always seek the advice of your doctor and inform them of any and all supplementation.

Detoxification efforts receive the majority of their benefits from the following:

  1. Increasing fluid intake (to cleanse kidneys, bladder, skin, and fat cells);
  2. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake i.e., increasing levels of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber (digestion and colon health);
  3. Secondary emphasis on grass-fed and organic meats and reducing consumption of processed carbohydrates;
  4. Tertiary emphasis on reducing food sensitivities, allergies, and trigger foods that feed the stomach but starve the brain.

Detoxification diets are fads in the classical sense; i.e., the science has not caught up with the marketing machine which includes word-of-mouth and inspiring testimonials. Yet it is vital to remember that many commonplace approaches to life started out as a fad; e.g., high fat diets have now been shown to improve the symptoms of epilepsy in children and insulin sensitivity in Type II diabetics, and high-complex carbohydrate diets are standard for some liver disorders. The goal is to engage in a behavior that is healthy, safe, sustainable, and above all eliminates deficiencies in lieu of creating them.

City Commission Vacancies

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– Do you want to help your city be better?  Office terms are set to expire next month for members of the City’s three commissions; the Parks and Recreation Commission, Traffic and Transportation Commission, and the Planning Commission, and seats are up for grabs. These commissions serve as advisory boards to the City Council in their designated areas.

Each commission is made up of five members who serve two-year terms that expire on February 28 of even-numbered years. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive a stipend of $45 per meeting, while the members of the Planning Commission receive a stipend of $65 per meeting.

The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the month; it is responsible for helping direct the short- and long-range growth and development of the city through the implementation of the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code.

The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month; it is responsible for helping coordinate all the recreation and leisure activities of the city and providing for the establishment and maintenance of sound recreation and parks programs.

The Traffic and Transportation Commission meets on the second Thursday of the month; it helps with the review and development of systems, facilities, plans, policies and programs concerning rail, bus and other forms of private and public transportation with the city and affecting the city.

Diamond Bar residents who are at least 18 years of age, registered to vote, and interested in serving on one of the City Commissions should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office by calling 909.839.7010 or visiting City Hall during the operating hours of Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016. Diamond Bar City Hall is located at 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.

Mail Theft on the Rise

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

Many local police departments have recently experienced an unusual number of calls for service regarding the theft of U.S. mail.  Police always attempt to identify suspects involved in such thefts and to recover the property stolen from its citizens.  Postal inspectors across the country also work hard to protect your mail, but with more than 100 million addresses for delivery, you can imagine the job can’t be done alone.

Criminal investigations of such thefts involve a multitude of resources to solve the crimes, but law enforcement also relies heavily on your participation to recover stolen mail and place closure on a case.  Knowing that, officers would like to suggest several steps you can take in deterring these thefts.

Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves and, thereby; reduce the number of thefts:

  • Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail or personally hand it to a letter carrier.
  • Don’t leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.  Pick it up promptly after delivery.    If you’re expecting checks, credit cards or other negotiable items, ask a friend or neighbor you trust to retrieve your mail.
  • If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately, without delay.
  • If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business through the U.S. mail.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
  • Report all suspected mail thefts to the Sheriff’s Department and a Postal Inspector.
  • Consider starting a neighborhood watch program.  Exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted neighbors and friends, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (and homes).
  • Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.

If you witness a mail theft in progress, immediately contact your local police department and report the incident.  Afterwards, contact the Postal Inspectors at 877-846-2455.

 

Preserving the American Legacy of Leadership and Service

By Jerry Silva

Americans have always faced and met great challenges.  This can be attributed to our rich legacy of thoughtful, spirited and remarkable leaders and a powerful sense of civic involvement.  Though sparsely settled, the American colonies bred brilliant statesmen – George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson – to name just a few.  Our post-colonial history continued to see the emergence of great American leaders – Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, and Dr. Martin Luther King among others.

Today, our nation faces unprecedented challenges. Adding a further level of complexity is the fact that issues cannot be confined within our borders.  The world now is truly global.  And while the world has seemingly grown smaller, our challenges have become greater.

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson was dismayed by the widening gulf between youth and government and was quite concerned about what he perceived to be an indifference of young Americans toward their government.  LBJ wanted to give the nation’s youth living in the tumultuous 1960’s the same bond with government that his generation felt in the 1930’s.

Later that year, President Johnson launched a great experiment. He announced a non-partisan program that would draw young Americans of exceptionally high promise to Washington for one year of personal involvement in the process of government.  These individuals would work alongside senior White House staff, the vice president, cabinet secretaries and other top-ranking government officials. President Johnson’s mission for this program was to give first-hand, high-level experience with the workings of the federal government and to increase the sense of participation in national affairs. In return for the year, President Johnson expected these young Americans to “repay that privilege” when they left by “continuing to work as private citizens on their public agendas.” He hoped that these remarkable individuals would contribute to the nation as future leaders.

This program lives today.  Known as the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, the program boasts nearly 700 outstanding alumni who have gone on to become leaders in all fields of endeavor.  These Americans have fulfilled the Fellowship’s mission to encourage active citizenship and service to the nation.  The White House Fellows Program has fostered leaders such as Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, United Nations Foundation President and Former Senator Timothy Wirth, American Red Cross President Marsha J. Evans, and General Wesley Clark.

President Johnson recognized a time in our history when the need was greater than ever to foster leadership and service among our youth.  This period is before us again.

Get involved in your community, don’t be a bystander during these presidential elections, and learn more about your United States of America and values of this program. For more information about this program, you can visit their website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/fellows

Jerry Silva grew up in the San Gabriel Valley and worked much of the Inland Empire as Regional Public Affairs Manager for SCE. Jerry serves as a board member for the Hispanic 100, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles, and Gubernatorial appointment to the state board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyor commission. Has been involved with community and public affairs for the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire for over 20 years. He has been involved with the White House Fellows program since 2002, serving in the capacity as Los Angeles Regional Judge for the White House Fellows and has served as Regional Judge Chair from 2003-2008. Jerry recently attended the 50th year reception of the White House Fellows program on October 22nd at the White House. Jerry can be reached at jerrysilva@earthlink.net or (626) 536-3435.