Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Wild Winds Blast through IE

Photo courtesy of Facebook A driveway covered with tumbleweeds greeted this Chino Hills’ homeowner.

Photo courtesy of Facebook
A driveway covered with tumbleweeds greeted this Chino Hills’ homeowner.

By Carol Heyen

Inland Empire – A National Weather Service wind advisory came to fruition Saturday as strong winds pummeled the Inland Empire.
Winds gusting over 40 miles per hour sent dirt and tumbleweeds flying across the 71 freeway and into Chino Hills’ yards.  Drivers swerved to avoid the damaging weeds as they flew by.
Houses were shaking from the winds and hundreds of trees were blown over as residents hunkered down to escape the gusts.
Residents took to Facebook to complain about the wild winds.  Many people lost brand-new drone and helicopter Christmas gifts as they were caught up in the gusts.  Garbage cans and Christmas decorations were found blown down streets, and wooden fences were blown over.
In Eastvale, a backyard palapa was snapped off its pole and landed upside down in the family’s Jacuzzi, and a trampoline that had been staked down flew up and over a brick wall.
Cleaning up the mess was no easy task.  Chino Hills’ resident Steven A. Velasquez Sr. likened clean-up to “bailing water out of a sinking boat.”
City clean-up crews were seen in Chino Hills on Sunday, helping to dispose of the tumbleweeds from residents’ front yards and streets.
Some blame El Niño for the windy and freezing conditions that swept across the southland over the Christmas holiday.
NASA reports that the 2015 El Niño, currently unfolding in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is the strongest since 1997-98. According to officials, the worst is yet to come with weather events likely to peak in early 2016.
The strong winds serve as a reminder to be prepared. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) say that high winds can be just as dangerous as heavy rain or snow. They remind residents to remove or secure items that are typically outside.
Bring patio furniture, garden tools, garbage cans, and toys inside. Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building. Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks.

New Laws on the Books for 2016

Staff Reports

On January 1, several new laws will hit California.  Here are some that might affect you and your family:

  • SB 172 suspends the administration of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) at least through the 2018 school year. High school seniors will receive their diploma without having to pass an exit exam.  Students who were unable to pass the exams since 2004 will also retroactively be granted their diplomas;
  • AB604 mandates that motorized skateboard users must be 16 years old, must wear helmets, and forbids the use of them while under the influence.
  • SB 178 will help protect citizen privacy by requiring law enforcement to obtain search warrants in order to examine citizens’ emails, text messages, Internet search history and other digital data;
  • In a bill authored to cut down on accidental police shootings, SB 199 will require airsoft guns to show aspects marking them as toys, such as fluorescent trigger guards;
  • In a hotly contested bill, SB 277 will require most children to obtain full vaccination by July so they can attend school in September. This bill was introduced after the Measles outbreak last spring.  It removes the “personal belief” exemption for public and private school students and those in public and private daycares and other licensed facilities;
  • SB 549 allows in-game charity raffles to allow winners to keep 50 percent of ticket sales. The previous law allowed charity raffles only when 90% of ticket sales were going to charity;
  • SB 588 permits the California Labor Commissioner to place a lien on an employer’s property to try and recoup the value of wages left unpaid if an employee has not been paid his/her full wages;
  • In a bill sponsored by California College and University Police Chiefs Association, SB 707 bans concealed firearms from college campuses and K-12 school grounds;
  • AB 329 makes participation in sex education courses mandatory for students unless parents purposely opt-out, and also includes the teaching of a fluid gender identity;
  • AB 359: Forces stores to keep employees for at least 90 days so they cannot be fired as a result of buyouts or mergers;
  • In another hotly contested fight for religious freedom, AB 775 will force crisis pregnancy centers to post a sign alerting clients of the existence nearby of public family planning programs, including abortions. These pregnancy centers are unhappy that they will have to mention abortion services when most are pro-life.
  • AB 1014 will permit family members to obtain a restraining order to keep relatives who might commit gun violence from owning a gun. This bill was introduced after Elliot Rodger stabbed his roommates and went on to shoot several others near the University of California at Santa Barbara.
  • In an effort to discourage frivolous proposals, AB 1100 will raise the fee for a statewide proposition from $200 to $2,000.
  • AB 1422 , in an attempt to enhance passenger safety, compels Uber, Lyft, and similar entities to give the California Department of Motor Vehicles access to driver records.

 

Did You Know?

Happy-New-Year-Clock-2016-WallpapersBy K.P. Sander

Happy New Year!  Did you know that the very first time the New Year was celebrated on January 1st, was in Rome in 153 B.C.  The month of January did not even exist until around 700 B.C., when the second king of Rome, Numo Pontilius, added the months of January and February to the annual calendar.

Around the world, different countries celebrate New Year’s Eve in their own particular manner, with social gatherings, eating, drinking alcoholic beverages, some sort of fireworks display…and the “countdown”.  In some U.S. cities, you can still hear firecrackers popping and the banging of pots and pans- a celebration of the 50s and 60s- in nostalgic fashion.

Perhaps the most popular celebration comes from New York City; it is watched via television the world over.  The very first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square was in 1903.  According to Wikipedia, Adolph Ochs, the owner of the New York Times, decided to celebrate the opening of his new headquarters, located at One Times Square, with a fireworks show displayed from the roof of the building.  Nearly 200,000 people attended the event.

Wanting to improve upon the spectacle each year, Ochs had one of his electricians design an electrically lit time ball to draw more attention. The ball was made of wood and iron and weighed 700 pounds.  Approximately 5 feet in diameter, the ball was lit with one hundred incandescent bulbs and hoisted on the building’s flagpole by a team of six men.  As the ball dropped, it completed an electrical circuit to a large sign indicating the New Year.  That first “ball drop” occurred on Dec. 31, 1907-welcoming in 1908- and it has been a tradition ever since.

The New Year is a brand new beginning, a fresh start, a time for resolutions- often overstatements of intent- to change behaviors and start anew.  What did you resolve to change on New Year’s Eve?  Some say the very best resolution, and the one most frequently found successful, is the resolve the implement  no more New Year’s Resolutions.  Whatever your traditions, here’s hoping that your New Year is full of blessings and joy.

No More Failed New Year Resolutions

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

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

It’s that time of year when we all start setting resolutions for the New Year.  As we do this, we also wonder why we didn’t meet our resolutions from the last year.  Usually the reason we don’t accomplish resolutions or goals is because we make them unrealistic.  We also don’t give ourselves credit for accomplishing part of the goal.  For example, let’s say you wanted to lose thirty pounds this year, but you lost fifteen pounds.  I say that you were successful because you did part of what you set out to do.  I say that if we move in the direction of our goals, we are successful.  I also believe that if we are able to incorporate this mindset into our daily lives, we will eventually meet the entire goal.  On the other hand, if you feel that you have failed, chances are that you‘ll probably put the fifteen pounds back on that you originally lost and then really beat yourself up.

Be smarter this year, set more realistic goals, and remember that all good things take time.  More importantly, meeting a goal is usually about changing a habit.  It can take a while sometimes to successfully change a habit.  Think of your goals more as lifestyle changes.  If your goal is to lose weight or to get in better shape, think about how long you have had your bad habits and the fact that you are trying to make permanent changes in your lifestyle.  Don’t be so hard on yourself this year and learn to be happy with the baby steps that you accomplish toward the big goal that you have in mind.  Also learn to reward yourself as you accomplish each baby step.  Make this New Year the year you stop self-sabotaging and finally meet those life-changing goals.  I believe in all you and know that you can be and have what you deserve if you just follow my plan. Happy New Year!

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

 

Go The Extra Mile

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper
One phrase that we have often used in our family is “Go The Extra Mile”.  We would tell our kids to do more than they were asked to do.  We wanted them to go beyond what was expected of them.
During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave a series of instructions to his followers.  He challenged them to live differently than the culture of their time.  In Matthew 5:41, Jesus said, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two”.  At the time Jesus spoke those words, the nation of Israel was under Roman occupation.  A Roman soldier could force anyone to carry his equipment and materials up to a full mile.  No one could refuse this demand.
When Jesus said, “go with him two,” He was saying that His followers should exceed what is demanded of them by those in authority.  Followers of Christ should go “above and beyond” what is required of them.  Today, many people do as little as possible.  Students in school spend as little time as necessary to complete their homework.  Employees often do the same thing.  They can’t wait to punch their time card and leave their building or factory.
I wonder about you.  When you are given an assignment at work or school, do you strive for excellence or just try to do the minimum required?  Do you exceed the expectations of your teacher or boss or do you only do as little as necessary to complete the assignment?  What would your classmates or co-workers say about the quality of your work and the level of your performance?
I read a story about a man in England who built walls out of rocks and stones.  You see these stone walls all over rural England.  He was very careful to make sure that the foundation of the wall was well built, even though it would eventually be covered up with dirt.  When his young apprentice asked him why he spent so much time and effort on the part of the wall that no one would see, he replied, “Even if no one else sees it, I will know and God will know if it was well built.”
Let me challenge you to exceed expectations and excel in what you do.  Look for opportunities to “go the extra mile.”  Others may never know the extra time and effort you invested, but God will know and you will, too!
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 1.02.15

2016-Jan2-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-Jan2-Weekly-WEB

Tomorrow

By Sarah Sanchez

It’s tough when a loved one passes away. I’ve been to four funerals in the last few years, and it seems like it gets harder each funeral.
When one of my dad’s best friends passed away suddenly two years ago, it was one of the hardest times for my family. Now with another one of my dad’s best friends passing away suddenly this week, it hurts my heart to see the pain all over again. Both were great men that we didn’t expect to leave so quickly.
Death is a hard thing to deal with, but almost every person has experienced a loved one pass, so we all know how tough it is. The only message I wanted to leave you with is make sure you appreciate the time you have with your loved ones. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be angry, just let the past go. Kiss your loved ones goodbye every time you leave, tell them you love them constantly, and make time to see them regularly.
Someone once told me that it’s not that we don’t have enough time in the day, it’s that we don’t make time…So what are you doing with your time? We need to use that precious time to make great memories with our loved ones. When someone leaves this earth, we shouldn’t feel regret, and we don’t have to.
Make the most of today… because life may be different tomorrow.

Vintage War Plane to Soar Over Chino Valley on Jan. 2

By Monique Valadez

Courtesy of Planes of Fame Museum Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the third most produced fighter plane of WWII. Photo of P-40

Courtesy of Planes of Fame Museum
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the third most produced fighter plane of WWII.
Photo of P-40

Chino – On January 2 look up to the skies for a special flyover by a vintage Curtiss P-40 Warhawk in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Flying Tigers, the 1st American Volunteer Group.

But the action starts inside the Planes of Fame Air Museum with a speaker’s panel discussion featuring aviation historians, impressive displays, and a rare movie screening on Saturday.

As part of the museum’s monthly Living History Flying Day, this year the P-40, the most advanced fighter in the US arsenal at the outbreak of WWII and of which over 13,000 would be produced by war’s end experts say, will be on display and perform a flight demonstration. The shark-faced nose art of the Flying Tigers remains among the most recognizable image of any individual combat aircraft or combat unit of World War II.

Starting at 10 a.m., distinguished aviation experts, historians and veterans will make up the speaker’s panel. Aviation Historian Kevin Thompson will moderate the discussion. The museum’s Founder Edward Maloney will also bring his expertise to the presentation and help moderate.

Author and Aviation Historian Mark Carlson will discuss his latest book, Flying On Film: A Century of Aviation in the Movies. The book will be available for purchase at the event.

Guests will also be treated to “Ways of the Warhawk” movie showing. The 35-minute black and white film was produced in 1940 by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation and provides an up-close look at the mighty P-40 aircraft.  According to museum officials, the film puts you in the cockpit to learn the controls and features of the P-40. Two screenings will be held at 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum is located at the Chino Airport, 7000 Merrill Avenue #17. The event is open to the public. The museum opens at 9 a.m.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR– The December 15 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a presentation of a City Tile to Lt. Anthony Tachias upon his retirement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Council thanked him for his hard work and praised his 32 years of dedicated service to the Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Diamond Bar.

Next, representatives from the Los Angeles County Public Works department discussed El Nino preparedness. They emphasized the importance of spreading awareness of the El Nino season and its dangers, and the importance of the community preparing for potential problems caused by flooding from El Nino storms. More information can be found online at www.lacounty.gov/elnino.

During the public comments, a representative from Donate Life invited the Council to add a dedicated rose to the Donate Life float for the Rose Parade. The float will feature donors as well as those who received a donated organ and the gift of life. Also, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced a Holiday Music Program on December 19 at 2 p.m., as well as Santa’s arrival at the Diamond Bar Public Library.

The schedule of future events was read, which includes the Holiday Diamond Ride, a free shuttle service to and from Diamond Bar shopping centers, running from November 27 to January 1; and the Holiday Tree Curbside Collection Program, that will run December 26 through January 8. Trees free of decorations and flocking may be left at the curb for free pickup, although trees over six feet must be cut in half.  The Planning Commission meeting on December 22 and the Parks and Recreation meeting on December 24 are both canceled. City offices will be closed December 24 and 25 for the Christmas holiday, and will reopen on Monday, December 28.  City offices will also be closed January 1 in observance of the New Year’s holiday.  They will reopen on January 4, 2016.  The next City Council meeting will be on January 5; and the next Planning Commission meeting will be on January 12.  The next Traffic and Transportation meeting is on January 14. The Winter Snow Fest will be held on January 16 from 9-3 p.m. at Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar. It will have four snow hills, a snow play area, snowman building, a craft area, and children’s game booths.  Sleds will be provided.

Next, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting on December 1; minutes from the planning commission; minutes from October 27; ratification of a check register totaling $421,068.45; adjourning the December 15 City Council meeting to January 19; a resolution approving the application for $267,500 of land and water conservation funds for the development of the Canyon Loop Trail; acceptance of work performed by Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to remove turf from the medians along Diamond Bar Blvd. and replace it with drought tolerant planting material and mulch, plus retro-fitting the irrigation system as necessary to meet state Water Board requirements; a funding agreement with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to secure grant funds in the amount of $1,406,860 for the Diamond Bar adaptive traffic control; adoption of a resolution amending the City compensation plan; an amended and restated City Manager employment agreement; a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a five-year administrative services agreement with ICMA-RC for 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Services; and a contract amendment to the consulting services agreement with Tait & Associates for construction administration services for the Ronald Reagan Park and Carlton Peterson Park parking lots rehabilitation projects in the amount of $40,000.

 

After a brief public hearing, the Council adopted a resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant Program allocation, including $198,757 in Fiscal Year 2016-17 funds and $72,709 from unallocated balance of funds for the total amount of $271,466. A second emergency ordinance was read, and subsequently adopted, which approved the guidelines for implementation of the City of Diamond Bar water efficient landscape ordinance.

Finally, the Council ratified City Council appointments and adopted a resolution confirming the appointment of specific representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments.  A resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement for other post-employment benefits, trust administration and investment management services with California Public Employees Retirement System was approved, and delegation of authority to request disbursements for qualified expenses was also approved.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again January 5, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

Former Cheerleading Coach Pleads Guilty to Molesting Girls on his Squad

Photo Courtesy of San Bernardino County District Attorney Kristopher Bland

Photo Courtesy of San Bernardino County District Attorney
Kristopher Bland

Courtesy of San Bernardino County District Attorney

Chino – A Chino cheerleading coach was sentenced Friday to 18 years in state prison for molesting girls on his Pop Warner cheerleading squad.
Kristofer Bland, 34, of Chino pleaded “no contest” to 13 felony counts, including one count of sexual penetration on a minor age 14 and 12 counts of lewd act on a minor aged 14 or 15. The 13 charges involved three girls on his squad.
Bland was a cheer coach with the Chino Pop Warner league, a non-profit football and cheering organization for children ages 5-15.
“The defendant is a true predator,” said Deputy District Attorney Karen Schmauss, who prosecuted the case. “He used his position as a cheerleading coach to win the trust and compliance of the girls under his care. His influence was so strong that some of the children whom he molested continue to defend him, because they love him so much.”
The mother of one of the girls called Chino police in Feb. 2014 after overhearing her discussing part of what Bland had done to her. The 14-year-old told police that Bland had committed acts of molestation on her while giving her a ride home from cheer practice. He had also told her that he had molested two other girls on the squad.
Bland admitted to police that he molested the 14-year-old. He also admitted to molesting two 15-year-olds on the squad. The crimes were committed over a span of five months between Aug. 2013 and Jan. 2014.
During the investigation, Bland was charged with molesting six additional girls on the team, aged 12 and 13. However, those charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
At the time of his arrest, Bland was a private first class of the California Army National Guard in Azusa, working in intelligence analysis. His security clearance was pulled at the time of his arrest, and he will now receive a general discharge, other than honorable, according to his commanding officer.
The courtroom was packed with victims and their friends and family members, along with family members and supporters of the defendant.
The mother of the 14-year-old spoke at the hearing, stating, “I do not believe that he is sorry. I believe he is just sorry he got caught. Kristofer Bland is a sexual predator and threat to our community. I don’t know what the future holds for my daughter but I do know that as of today she will no longer be a victim of Kristofer Bland but a survivor of Kristofer Bland. She is the strongest and bravest person I know. I know she will not let this destroy her.”

Chino Valley Students Treated to Shopping Spree

Photo courtesy: CVUSD A Walmart employee checks out a student and his chaperones.

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
A Walmart employee checks out a student and his chaperones.

Courtesy of CVUSD

Chino – Smiles, grins and laughter came easy for 100 Chino Valley Unified School District students and their parents as they were treated to a police escort, a shopping spree, visit with Santa, crafts and snacks during the annual Make A Child Smile event on Dec.15 at Walmart in Chino.
The students, selected by their schools for the field trip, pressed their noses against the glass of school bus windows as Chino Police motorcycle officers whizzed by, stopping traffic as the caravan of buses was led to the store by two Chino Valley fire engines.
The students were greeted at the store by dozens of waving Walmart employees, Chino Valley Independent Fire District firefighters, Chino Police officers, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies, Highway Patrol officers, Cal Fire officials, other first responders from various departments around the Chino Valley, and Chino Valley Unified School District employees. Santa was among the first to shake the students’ hands as they disembarked.
“We’re like celebrities!” one child yelled as he arrived at the store.
Each child, accompanied by a parent or volunteer, was paired with first responders or community volunteers and a Walmart employee and allowed to shop for $150 in items. Gift cards for the purchases were provided by Chino Valley Fire Foundation. Some students chose large gifts like bicycles. Others picked out clothes, shoes and small toys. Some students said they were shopping for holiday presents for their entire family.
Nearly a dozen volunteers, including members of the Chino Hills 55+ Club, bagged up the items so they’d be safe for the bus trip back to the schools.
The students were also treated to snacks inside a tent, crafts, two areas of man-made snow, and a formal photo with Santa courtesy of School Portraits by Adams Photography in Chino.
The event is hosted by Chino Valley Fire Foundation.

Photo courtesy: CVUSD A student and her family member have their photo taken with Santa, a Chino Police officer, and a Walmart employee at the annual Make A Child Smile event at Walmart in Chino.

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
A student and her family member have their photo taken with Santa, a Chino Police officer, and a Walmart employee at the annual Make A Child Smile event at Walmart in Chino.

Healthy Holiday Eating

Courtesy of Clark’s Nutrition

Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, or New Year’s Eve, winter holidays are traditionally celebrated with food. But no matter how delicious, not every holiday morsel provides the best nourishment for your body. Nourish both your body and soul with these tips for healthy holiday eating.

Try feeding your family and friends with foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. If you eat fish, buy it fresh since it has more valuable fatty acids than smoked or canned. Studies have shown that free range foods are 40 percent more nutritious. Free range is a method of farming husbandry where the animals are permitted to roam freely instead of being contained. Fair treatment of animals is an integral part of leading a sound life as a human.

Organic foods have more nutrients and better environmental consequences than chemically-raised foods and they taste better too. Eating organic food is practically the only way to avoid genetically engineered foods. The DNA of genetically engineered foods has been altered, and may present health risks. Besides, organic farming helps to create a spiritually better animal. There is a spiritual energy that transfers into the food itself–the animals give us life.

Some traditional holiday foods are high in fat. You can substitute lower-fat foods, or serve fewer high-fat foods. Instead of frying or roasting potatoes, bake or boil them. If you make mashed potatoes, be sparing with the butter.

Avoid holiday waste with one easy method: simply cook less. Do some math before turning on the stove. Most people won’t eat more than six ounces of protein total. So calculate. Three to four ounces per person per side dish is generous, while a 9-inch pie can satisfactorily serve eight. Have a plan for what to do with leftovers; e.g., pick up the ingredients for turkey soup (celery, carrots, onion, parsley, garlic, and noodles) when you buy the bird so scraps won’t spoil before you can return to the market. Send leftover food home with guests.

Buy whole foods, which have more nutrients and have less toxicity than “junk” refined foods. Buy freshly-baked goods that only contain real ingredients you can pronounce. Many holiday goodies — cookies, cakes, tarts — are saturated with refined sugar, which can dampen your holiday spirits if you are prone to the “sugar blues” — fatigue — a few hours after eating too much sugar. Too much refined sugar can also make children over-excitable.

Instead of packaged cookies and cakes, bake from scratch and bake recipes that call for less-refined sugar. Try dried cane juice, fructose, molasses, fruit juice, or crushed fruit instead. Make goodies just sweet enough, but not too sweet.

When offered sweet goodies, eat less. Take just one or two pieces. Eating sweets with a meal can help lessen the “sugar blues.” No matter how mouth-watering, too much food overwhelms your digestion.

A Healthy New Year

Ring in the new year with a healthy attitude toward your body. If you host a New Year’s party, offer sparkling grape juice or organic, non-alcoholic punch to guests who prefer to avoid alcohol.

Make a New Year’s resolution to give yourself the gift of healthy food every day. Your body will reward you!

Chino Valley Fire gives toys to Children’s Hospital

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District (L-R) front row: Child, Public Information Officer Massiel De Guevara, Junior Firefighter Vincent, child receiving care at Children’s hospital middle row, Firefighter/Paramedic Shane Stocking, Firefighter Jason Farnsworth, Fire Inspector Alvin Cuna. Far back, Firefighter/Paramedic Tommy Kavanaugh

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District
(L-R) front row: Child, Public Information Officer Massiel De Guevara, Junior Firefighter Vincent, child receiving care at Children’s hospital
middle row, Firefighter/Paramedic Shane Stocking, Firefighter Jason Farnsworth, Fire Inspector Alvin Cuna.
Far back, Firefighter/Paramedic Tommy Kavanaugh

Courtesy of Chino Valley Fire District

Chino – Off duty Firefighters, Fire District staff, and Junior Firefighter, Vincent Dominguez, visited Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 2015 to deliver toys to children receiving care.  Jr. Firefighter Vincent is a 7-year-old former patient of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he fought and beat cancer.  He received his Chino Valley Fire District uniform and junior firefighter badge on June 20, 2015, while still undergoing treatment.

During a recent toy drive for Chino Valley children where Jr. Firefighter Vincent was volunteering his time, he approached our firefighters with the idea of going to the children’s hospital to deliver toys to children that are currently fighting cancer.  He wanted to visit with hospital staff and to brighten the day of some of his friends that are still in the hospital, as well as any other children that have come in since he was able to leave the hospital.

The Chino Valley Fire Foundation provided $1,300 for foundation members and firefighters to purchase several toys, art supplies, sports equipment, electronic devices and gift cards that were distributed on Dec. 22. Items were delivered to dozens of children that morning.  The smiles on their faces were priceless.

The Chino Valley Fire Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting life, safety, and welfare of the public through educational programs, direct assistance, and financial support of charitable organizations, victims of tragic events, and injured firefighters.

Mt. SAC Elects New Officers, Add New Trustee

Staff Reports

Walnut – The Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees elected on Dec. 9 Judy Chen Haggerty as president, Rosanne Bader as vice president, and Dr. Manuel Baca as clerk. These roles are one-year terms and effective immediately.
The board also elected Jay Chen to represent Mt. SAC Trustee Area 5.
Haggerty was the first Asian-American to serve on the board and elected in 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2013. She has been a practicing attorney since 1986, a law professor at Rio Hondo College since 2001, and currently serves on the governing board of Whittier Medical Center.
Bader was first elected to the board in 2003. She was reelected in 2007, 2011, and 2015. In 2007, Trustee Bader was elected to the California Community College Trustees Board. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and serves as a member of the hospital’s Foundation Board. She also presides over the Pomona Rotary Board. She spent 32 years in public education, both as a teacher and administrator. Before retiring from the Pomona Unified School District in 2001, she was principal at two Pomona elementary schools.
Baca was first elected to the board in 1999 and reelected in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. He currently teaches political science at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, where he has also held key academic and administrative positions, including an interim presidency. On the state level, Dr. Baca is president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. He is a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Walnut Valley, a mentor with the El Monte Union High School District’s Graphic Arts & Communications Academy, and on the executive committee of the Rio Hondo Boys & Girls Club of Bell Gardens. He has also been a member of the 32nd Congressional District’s U.S. Military Academies Advisory Committee.
Chen previously served on the Board of Education for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District for two terms. He ran for Congress in 2012. A graduate of San Gabriel Valley public schools and Harvard University, Jay previously worked at Bain & Company as a management consultant and currently owns his own real estate business. He is a lieutenant in the United States Naval Reserve and a Marshall Memorial Fellow. He has served as an executive volunteer at Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
The board consists of seven elected community members and one student trustee. The other Mt. SAC trustees are outgoing president Dr. David K. Hall, trustee Laura Santos, trustee Robert Hidalgo, and student trustee Elizabeth Santos.
The Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Founders Hall at 1100 North Grand Avenue.

Diamond Bar: Over 150 Tons of Carbon Emissions Eliminated

Photos courtesy of Diamond Bar City Hundreds of Diamond Bar resident did their part in going “green” by participating in the first America Recycles Day Nov. 14.

Photos courtesy of Diamond Bar City
Hundreds of Diamond Bar resident did their part in going “green” by participating in the first America Recycles Day Nov. 14.

By Carol Heyen

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar’s Eco Expo set a new record for the largest e-waste collection, with over 5 tons collected at America Recycles Day, Nov.14. At the event that took place at the Air Quality Management District, the community was able to drop off unwanted electronic devices, clothing, and more.

After researching various E-Waste companies, the city decided to partner with All Green Electronics Recycling.

“We chose to partner with All Green because they made us feel that our event was in good hands during all communication and they have all of the required certifications within the E-Waste recycling industry,” said the City’s Management Analyst Alfa Lopez. “They help us provide a free, responsible and safe option for recycling E-Waste.”

Because All Green is an e-Stewards and R2 certified E-Waste recycler, no material collected will be sent overseas to developing nations or dumped into landfills.

“There were multiple educational booths, fun activities and outlets to responsibly recycle,” said Chelsea Wilder from All Green.

Out of all the services provided such as clothing and textile recycling, garden mulch giveaway, and green information booths at the Eco Expo, electronic waste recycling was “the busiest service of that day,” Lopez added.

Due to the Eco Expo’s massive success, another has been scheduled for Earth Day, Saturday, April 23, 2016.  It will also be held at the AQMD.  While electronic devices such as computers, laptops and cell phones are always accepted, it is important to check if your device qualifies for free recycling before heading to the next event.

For more information about Earth Day E-Waste Collection Drive and a list of acceptable items, please visit: http://www.allgreenrecycling.com/events-city-of-diamond-bar/.

 

Social Media Leads to Arrest of Chino Burglar

Staff Reports

CHINO– Social media helped Chino Police catch an accused burglar on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Yvess Emmanuel Ibarra-Vega, 20, of Pomona, was arrested and charged in a series of robberies – including two that occurred at Doublz restaurant in Chino.
On Nov. 11 and Dec. 3, Doublz restaurant, located at 4750 Riverside Drive, was robbed by an unknown male armed with a handgun.
On Dec. 14, Chino Police posted surveillance footage of the suspect on Facebook in hopes of getting the word out about a robbery that occurred at Doublz.

Pomona police officers contacted Ibarra-Vega on Dec. 15 based on several leads related to a string of seven armed robberies in Pomona. According to detectives, information was received that the suspect was possibly linked to the Chino robberies. The information provided to Pomona police officers was the Chino police department’s Facebook post requesting assistance in identifying the suspect.

While in custody, Ibarra-Vega confessed to the Doublz robberies in Chino. Ibarra-Vega is in custody at a Los Angeles County jail facility on multiple robbery charges.

Did You Know? Charity Checklist

Courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission

With so many charities looking for donations this time of year, make sure you take the following precautions to make sure your donation benefits the people and organizations you want to help.

  • Ask for detailed information about the charity, including name, address, and telephone number.
  • Get the exact name of the organization and do some research. Searching the name of the organization online — especially with the word “complaint(s)” or “scam”— is one way to learn about its reputation.
  • Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name. The organization’s development staff should be able to help you.
  • Find out if the charity or fundraiser must be registered in your state by contacting the National Association of State Charity Officials.
  • Check if the charity is trustworthy by contacting the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, or GuideStar.
  • Keep a record of your donations.
  • Make an annual donation plan. That way, you can decide which causes to support and which reputable charities should receive your donations.
  • Visit this Internal Revenue Service (IRS) webpage to find out which organizations are eligible to receive tax deductible contributions.
  • Know the difference between “tax exempt” and “tax deductible.” Tax exempt means the organization doesn’t have to pay taxes. Tax deductible means you can deduct your contribution on your federal income tax return.
  • Never send cash donations. For security and tax purposes, it’s best to pay by check — made payable to the charity — or by credit card.
  • Never wire money to someone claiming to be a charity. Scammers often request donations to be wired because wiring money is like sending cash: once you send it, you can’t get it back.
  • Do not provide your credit or check card number, bank account number or any personal information until you’ve thoroughly researched the charity.
  • Be wary of charities that spring up too suddenly in response to current events and natural disasters. Even if they are legitimate, they probably don’t have the infrastructure to get the donations to the affected area or people.
  • If a donation request comes from a group claiming to help your local community (for example, local police or firefighters), ask the local agency if they have heard of the group and are getting financial support.
  • What about texting? If you text to donate, the charge will show up on your mobile phone bill. If you’ve asked your mobile phone provider to block premium text messages — texts that cost extra — then you won’t be able to donate this way.

Epoh Sushi is Fresh and Affordable

Epoh Sushi is located at 5536 Philadelphia St., Suite D, Chino 91710, and can be reached at (909) 627-8862 or www.epohsushi.com.

Epoh Sushi is located at 5536 Philadelphia St., Suite D, Chino 91710, and can be reached at (909) 627-8862 or http://www.epohsushi.com.

By Michael Armijo

Chino – As a sushi connoisseur, I am very particular when it comes to sushi. I’ve had some bad experiences, so I was pleasantly surprised when a group of us went into Epoh Sushi in the Chino Town Center on Philadelphia near Central Ave.

“I recommended this place because of the freshness and the quality of the fish” said fellow connoisseur, Ben Cortes. “And the specials are great, especially the lunch specials.”

Since there was a group of us, we all ordered a dish and shared, so I was able to sample several items.

The albacore sushi was tender and fresh. It had a delicate flavor that you could savor. The soup, called Sukiyaki, was a smorgasbord of several kinds of fish that created a delicious blend of flavor that lit up your taste buds. The “half and half” chicken and beef bowl, which featured chunks of beef instead of the traditional shredded beef, boasted with tender and seasoned cuts that melted in your mouth. And the surprising part was the rice. I am not a “rice guy,” but it was flavorful and soft, but not mushy. I even took the leftover rice home, something I’ve never done with rice before.

One of my new, all time favorites has to be the Yellowtail Collar. It was baked, crispy on the bottom, and meaty. The Collar was just delicious.

They have daily lunch specials, and their dinner prices are reasonable as well. The lunch specials range from $7.95 to $9.95. From the sushi bar, specials run from $10.95 to $12. And the Rice Bowls run from $6.95 to $11. For dinner, the entrees and the specials start out at $16. For a complete menu with prices you can sign onto http://www.epohsushi.com.

They also have a unique program called a “”membership.” It costs nothing, all you do is fill out a card and supply your email. The membership includes a 10% off each visit discount and you get a free meal on your birthday! I signed up as my birthday is in January, so I’ll be celebrating it there!

I could go on and rave about the food but we all know price is always a factor. I used to believe “you get what you pay for” but Epoh Sushi gave me more for my dollar, and for my taste buds.

Epoh Sushi, 5536 Philadelphia St, Suite D, Chino, CA 91710, (909) 627-8862. www.epohsushi.com.  Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dealing with a breakup
By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi,

I recently suffered a terrible break up.  I didn’t want my family to see me crying all the time so I started taking long walks.  My walks soon turned into running and I have now lost 23 pounds.  Now everyone is asking me if I’m suffering from an eating disorder and wondering if I’m depressed.  I do look a little under weight, but this is what I need to do right now.  I don’t want to talk about the details of my break up because it is too painful for me.  I just want to run.  I want to avoid socializing right now.  How can I briefly explain myself so people will leave me alone?

-Y. P.

 

 

Dear Y. P.

It seems to me that you have found a healthy way to work through your pain and suffering.  In my opinion you are on the right track and you do not owe anyone an explanation about how you are managing your emotions.   As for your well meaning and sincere loved ones, tell them exactly what you told me.  When you feel up to talking, tell them that you are processing your suffering with exercise and that you are not willing to have long conversations about your breakup.  Well meaning people will respect your request.  However, if you find yourself unable to truly digest your difficult experience in a reasonable amount of time, please seek the guidance of a skilled coach or therapist for a bit of additional assistance. Good Luck, and keep safe.

-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 atstraighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

El Niño Preparedness

Photo courtesy: Breitbart

Photo courtesy: Breitbart

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – It sounds ironic to talk about the dangers of El Niño causing massive flood damage as California is currently in the midst of a terrible drought; however Los Angeles County officials were adamant that residents should be prepared for an emergency as the weather gets colder and rainfall becomes more frequent.
Pamela J. Manning, from the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works, and Jeanne O’Donnell, senior emergency program manager for the County of Los Angeles, gave a short presentation at the Dec. 14 Diamond Bar city council meeting to dispel rumors associated with El Niño and to offer tips to Diamond Bar residents during the winter season.
For example, Manning stated that most citizens believe that El Niño is a yearly, singular storm that brings in heavy rains and flooding- when in fact El Niño is a climate cycle that causes multiple storms over the course of several months. In Southern California, El Niño is expected to cause increased rainfall from February through May, giving residents ample time to prepare for the worst.
“I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve heard people say ‘when is THE El Niño going to hit?’, as though it were one big bucket rainstorm,” Manning said. “That’s not at all what it is. Believe it or not, it’s actually a condition that has been happening since March, which a lot of people don’t realize.”
Manning stated that the county’s flood control systems are checked and that when flooding occurs, rainfall causes mudslides or if there are any other hazardous problems, public works will work to mitigate accidents from occurring.
Residents were also asked to prepare sandbags and to report any dangers caused by storm activity, which could help avoid accidents or injuries.
Manning said that the county looks at “Possible Vulnerable Locations” (PVLs) in every city which can be affected by inclement weather. These areas are noted in order to ensure that when El Niño does arrive, proper precautions are made to ensure that residents are not affected by problems caused around PVLs.
Manning said that only one PVL exists in Diamond Bar, an access road to the Indian Creek sewer maintenance pump.
While Manning covered the county’s ongoing actions, O’Donnell spoke about how residents can be proactive, and that the Internet has been and will continue to be an invaluable tool to warn residents of any storm related dangers.
O’Donnell said the county has been preparing for El Niño for months and that public outreach is important. She mentioned that #LARAIN on Twitter and other social media is a fast and clever way to let the masses know that El Niño can be dangerous, which areas to avoid, and when and where residents can go to receive help during a storm.
O’Donnell mentioned that during El Niño, the county will be working with various cities, emergency responders and even the Red Cross in the event that problems and injuries do occur.
“We’re really working hard to reach out and bring those agencies in and have conversations so that when El Niño does start, it’s not a ‘he said that, she said this’ situation and instead people understand the threats and the risks.”
Both O’Donnell and Manning agreed that having an emergency kit with food, water, clothing, a first aid kit, and various other survival items is important during an emergency and that keeping connected and informed is what can save lives and circumvent problems during El Niño.

Helpful tips from Los Angeles County:

  • Monitor TVs and the radio for news
  • Be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation has been ordered
  • Stay away from flooded channels and rivers
  • Do not try to cross flooded areas
  • Flood water picks up sewage and chemicals- throw away any food or medication that comes in contact with flood waters
  • Stay away from steep slopes- they become unstable during heavy rainfall
  • Never touch a downed power line
  • Look for tilted trees, telephone poles, fences, and walls on hillsides
  • If trapped in your vehicle- stay inside. If the water level rises, get on top of your car
  • Be alert when driving
  • Report small problems before they become big problems

 

As Manning and O’Donnell concluded their presentation, they said that additional information can be obtained at www.lacounty.gov/elnino and www.dpwcare.org.