Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Two Arrested for DUI at Checkpoint

By City of Chino

The Chino PD Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, August 24, 2018, at 11900 Central Avenue between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

 

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes.  Your PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

 

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

 

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

  • 963 vehicles screened
  • 2 DUI arrests
  • 3 other arrests (two warrants/one for drugs)
  • 7 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended or revoked
  • 18 other citations for various infractions
  • 6 vehicles impounded or stored

 

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

 

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

 

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

Man Lunged Towards Student

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On August 23, at about 3:30 P.M., it was reported a student was walking home from school in the area of Sumner Avenue and Pheasant Knoll Road, in Eastvale.

The student observed a white male adult walking towards him, who subsequently sat on the ground in some bushes concealing himself from view. As the student walked past the subject, the subject lunged towards the student and grabbed his ankle. The student broke free and immediately ran away.

The subject was described as a 50-60-year-old male with a grey beard. He was wearing a red hat, unknown type jacket with gold/tan vertical stripes on the sleeves, and light blue pants (dirty and ripped). He did not have a weapon.

The Eastvale Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a high quality of life and encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they observe. Parents are also encouraged to remind their children to always be aware of their surroundings and to walk in pairs when possible.

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Investigations Bureau at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600.

 

City Of Chino Hills Adopts Extra Fee for Credit Card Users

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Beginning September 10, the City of Chino Hills will be adding a 2.5% convenience fee when payments are made via credit and/or debit cards. This fee passes the cost of credit card transactions to the customer paying by credit or debit card. The extra charge will affect customers registering for City classes, programs, and events; and paying for facility rentals; permits; document copies; passport execution and passport photo fees; and, other payments made to the City. Customers making payments by cash or check won’t be affected by the new fee. This convenience fee will also not apply to utility bill payments, or any charges related to utilities, because those credit card transaction charges were already built into the rates. “The City of Chino Hills works to allocate the cost of service to the person benefiting from the service,” said Christa Buhagiar, Finance Director. “This credit card convenience fee is a continuation of that philosophy and charges the credit card customer the costs associated with processing the transaction.” According to Buhagiar, the City is currently absorbing approximately $20,000 for non-utility credit card transactions over the course of a year.

Residential Burglary Suspect Arrested

Staff Reports 

CHINO – After an intensive investigation Chino Police Department Detectives identified and arrested a man in connection to an ongoing residential burglary where the victims had over $50,000 in valuables stolen from their home.

 

The incident occurred on July 11, 2018, at a residence in the 14700 block of Willamette Avenue in Chino. The suspect’s image was captured on video and was then shared on the Chino PD Facebook page. That post resulted in a citizen calling in with a tip. Detectives were able to follow up on the investigative lead and identify the suspect as Octavius Jamal Woodard – age 43 of Pomona.

 

After some very thorough investigating methods Detectives were able to locate and arrest Woodard in the city of Long Beach. They brought him back to the Inland Empire and booked him into the West Valley Detention Center on burglary charges.

 

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that several pieces of the victim’s property had been sold to a pawn shop by Woodard. The merchandise has since been recovered from the shop.

 

The investigation is still ongoing.

 

Man Found Dead on Brea Canyon Road

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The body of a 24-year-old Rowland Heights man, Javier Jose Velasquez Grimaldo, was found at approximately 4:30 a.m. Monday morning, August 27 on Brea Canyon Road near the southbound Orange (57) Freeway in Diamond Bar. The CHP reported that the man had sustained serious head injuries.

The California Highway Patrol’s investigation into the accident concluded that he had been involved in a rollover crash.  Grimaldo then tried to gain entry to an occupied Freightliner big rig truck but the truck driver didn’t let him in and drove off but said he heard banging on the truck according to CHP reports.

The CHP’s initial investigation stated that Javier Jose Velasquez Grimaldo was driving his 2004 Mazda 3 on the southbound 57 Freeway at about 4 a.m The Mazda veered left, for unknown reasons,  just south of Brea Canyon Road, then hit the center divider and flipped over several times before finally coming to a rest on the right shoulder.

California Highway Patrol Officer Rodrigo Jimenez told reporters that Grimaldo took off running down Brea Canyon Road. Other reports say that Grimaldo also tried to force his way onto the Freightliner truck that was parked with the engine running.

Whether the man’s death was related to the crash or discovered as a result of it was part of the investigation is still unknown according to CHP reports.

Both northbound and southbound lanes of the 57 freeway were closed temporarily, and Brea Canyon Road to Tonner Canyon was shut down south of Diamond Bar Boulevard Monday morning during the investigation.

All lanes had been reopened before 8 a.m.

 

Being Okay With Letting Go

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

We hang on to our stuff so very tightly.  It seems as if our stuff actually becomes part of who we are.  I think it becomes the part of us that we don’t like very much, yet we have such a deep rooted sense of fear about letting go of all of it.  It’s almost as if we fear getting healthy, because our disfuction has truly ruled our lives for so very many years.  I think we actually fear living without all of it.

I understand what you are feeling and are so very afraid of, but I also know it’s what is getting in your way everyday of your life.  It gets in the way of what can turn an unhealthy relationship, into a healthy one.  It gets in the way of getting what you want for yourself from this dream, we call life.  It gets in the way of everything we seem to come in contact with.  It’s as if we are going though our lives numb, with a dark cloud hanging over our heads, always threatening to rain on us once more, for what seems like the thousandth time.  It feels like we’re in this never ending battle and there is no such thing as winning in sight.

I think as we get healthier, the people we are closest to, want to get healthier as well.  I hope you see that learning to let go of your stuff, as scary as it may be, is a win win situation for everybody in your life, as well as for yourself.  Decide, this will be the year you finally let go and stop living in the past, so you can enjoy today and all the days to come!!!!!!!!!

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 page her at (626) 9353818.  You may e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net.  You may purchase Nancy’s latest book Live, Heal and Grow at Amazon.com.

A Cup of Coffee

By Mark Hopper

There are a lot of coffee places in Diamond Bar. We have at least two Starbucks; the It’s A Grind and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.  Plus McDonalds has the McCafe.  I’m sure that the possibilities are endless.

 

My wife likes me to bring home a cup of coffee for her from one of these local shops. It is called Julie’s Cafe. It is near our home and located in the Walmart – Crunch Fitness shopping center at Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Avenue.

 

Since I don’t drink coffee, I can’t compare the tastes and flavors offered at Julies with other coffee shops in town.  But I know that my wife prefers the Hazelnut coffee with two packets of sweetener and a lot of cream.  I have memorized the formula.

 

I think that one of the things that make Julie’s so popular is the hospitality. The setting is peaceful and comfortable. I have seen Julie (the owner) personally trimming the potted plants on the patio and tending to the flowers that enhance the atmosphere.

 

They serve a variety of breakfast items and they have a large lunch menu. They prepare each item with great care on site. They are not open for dinner and are closed on Sunday and Monday. Julie’s Cafe is often filled with people of all ages enjoying good coffee and great food.   Guests enjoy the pleasant atmosphere and warm hospitality.

 

There are a number of verses in the Bible that emphasize the importance of hospitality.  You can examine a few for yourself like Romans 12:13, First Timothy 3:1, Hebrews 13:2 and First Peter 3:9. All of them highlight the importance of welcoming others into your home, church, business or office and treating them as your guests.

 

I wonder how you are doing in this area of your life.  Do people feel welcome and comfortable in your home or business?  Do you greet them with a warm welcome and friendly smile?  Do you make an effort to learn their name and how you can help them?

 

I think we could use more emphasis on hospitality in our culture today. Let me encourage you to do more to exercise hospitality to your clients, friends and strangers, too. You will be glad you did and they will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

History 101

September 1894: Labor Day Becomes a Federal Holiday

By History.com

 

Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers, and Labor Day 2018 occurs on Monday, September 3 (it’s traditionally observed on the first Monday in September). It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history.

The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it.Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when a watershed moment in American labor history brought workers’ rights squarely into the public’s view. On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives.

On June 26, the American Railroad Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, crippling railroad traffic nationwide. To break the strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers.

In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. More than a century later, the true founder of Labor Day has yet to be identified.

Many credit Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others have suggested that Matthew Maguire, a secretary of the Central Labor Union, first proposed the holiday.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

 

A Great Start!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
2018-2019 Classes begin in Walnut Valley

By Kelli Gile 

Walnut — Summer break is over and students will soon be getting into the rhythm and routine of the new school year.

Teachers and staff members on 15 campuses welcomed nearly 14,400 students in the Walnut Valley Unified School District on Monday morning.

By 7:30 a.m., Vejar Elementary Principal Whitney Prenger was out front offering high fives and hugs as families began arriving.

The energetic school leader also brought something special to kick off the new school year – a bubble-blowing machine.

The children toting new backpacks and lunchboxes were happily surprised as they walked through the stream of iridescent soap bubbles at the front gate.

“I wanted the children to have a memory from their first day at Vejar that would last a lifetime!” Prenger said.

During the opening lesson, transitional kindergarten teacher Irene Carter admitted to her new young charges that she was a little nervous.

“There are lots of parents here in our class and I had to get up early and leave my dog, Phillip!”

“And I don’t like leaving Phillip,” she shared.

“So, I’m happy, excited, and a little nervous.”

Next, the clever educator encouraged the youngsters to raise their arms like a sliding snake if they were a little scared or nervous too.

Several little arms cautiously went up in the air.

Then she invited the children to raise their arms like a wiggly worm if they were exited to begin school.

More arms went up.

And finally, she asked the kids to wave their hands to signal they were happy.

All of the hands eagerly shot up in the air!

“Monday went well, Tuesday was OK, and Wednesday was super with barely any tears!” Carter happily reported later in the week.

Over 45 new educators were hired for the new school year, including Chaparral Middle School 7th grade math teacher Macy McGuire.

“I’m excited to meet the kids and get the ball rolling!” she said.

“I already have my first month planned out – every homework assignment and every activity,” McGuire added.

“The fish tank is set up and we’ll name our beta as a class!”

“I think it’s going to be a great school year!”

Over the summer, the Board of Trustees appointed new principals Jennifer Alcazar at Castle Rock Elementary and Sandra Lee at Westhoff Elementary.

“I am thrilled to have served in Walnut Valley as a teacher, administrator, and parent,” Alcazar said.

“It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to return to Castle Rock where my children experienced so much love and growth!” said Alcazar.

“We are so excited to welcome our students back to their second home,” said Lee, a District newcomer who brings over a dozen years of educational experience to her new post.

“It’s going to be a fun school year filled with amazing memories!” she added.

Westhoff Elementary kindergarten teacher Roxanne Dennen is beginning her 25th year in Walnut Valley.

After a morning snack and water break on August 13, students took their places on magic carpet squares to join their teacher in the classic “The Wheels on the Bus” song.

“My 25th first day of school was as exciting as my very first day,” Dennen said.

“I do what I love because I love what I do!”

Over 2,700 Diamond Bar High students gathered in the gymnasium during two opening-day assemblies featuring pep and band performances.

Principal Reuben Jones encouraged the teens to set goals for themselves this school year.

“We want everyone to achieve, create opportunities for learning, and respect yourselves and each other,” he said.

Walnut High Principal Brandon Dade visited every classroom to welcome the Mustang-powered teachers and staff members.

“I’m going to do this every week throughout the year!” he said.

At Suzanne Middle School, students dashed to classes during passing periods with schedules in hand.

“I’ve been all over the school this morning!” said 6th grader Melody Yu.

“I’m excited to see my friends and meet my teachers,” shared Chloe Siu.

Suzanne Language Arts teacher Alice Chen utilized Google Classroom to connect with students a week before school began.

She was able to post a welcome message along with course information for her 120 students.

When Chen saw that some students responded with personal messages, she was absolutely thrilled.

“Digital tools gave me the ability to get to know my students before I met them face-to-face,” the tech-savvy educator said.

“I love that my students were just as excited as I was for the start of the new school year!”

Language Arts teacher Lauri Ujita begins each year with three simple rules she asks her 6th grade students to live by: Work Hard. Stay Humble. Be Kind.

“These are the rules I try to live by too!” she shared.

Fifth-grade students in Kari Penzes’ class at Westhoff Elementary were eager to log onto new laptop computers on Tuesday.

“These one-to-one Chromebooks benefit students by providing immediate access to the most current technology and keeping pace with the 21st century world,” the teaching team commented.

The children were lined up outside Janine De Vera’s 4th grade class before the first bell rang at Vejar Elementary.

“The beginning of the year is such an exciting time – everyone gets a fresh start!” De Vera shared after greeting each youngster..

“I’m looking forward to California day, track, and recess!” beamed nine-year-old Taryn Schilz.

“I’m excited to go to class and see the panda decorations,” added classmate Eleanor Reyes after peeking through the window.

Quail Summit elementary learning specialist Leann Legind used social media to communicate with educator friends the night before school began.

“Tomorrow get ready to change the world – one sweet student at a time!” she offered.

 

Housing Prices Declining?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

I reported last week that the Diamond Bar Condominium and Townhome market saw an increase of almost 11% year over year (2nd quarter 2018 as compared to 2nd quarter 2017) in its Median Sales Price (MSP). What happened to the price of detached homes in Diamond Bar for the same period? According to the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) the Diamond Bar Single Family Detached Home (SFDH) market also saw an increase in the Median Sales Price.  The 2nd Quarter 2018 saw the MSP number for this segment of the housing market go up to $750,000 for all of Diamond Bar, as compared to $720,000 for the same period in 2017. The $30,000.00 increase in one year translated into an annualized rate of increase of 4.2%. It did not increase at the same rate as Condo/Townhome MSP.  The 4.2% increase was approximately 40% of the rate of increase in MSP for the Condo/Townhouse segment of the market.

The number of sales of Single Family Detached Homes also saw a decrease of approximately 20%, going down to 101 from 125 for the same period of time the previous year. The Condo/Townhouse sales transaction numbers went up almost 21%, with 64 closed sales in the 2nd quarter 2018 versus 53 for the same period in 2017.

It is evident from the statistics as reported by the MLS, the home prices overall continue to climb here in Diamond Bar, although the rate of increase is slowing down, and the housing sales numbers have definitely seen a slowdown.  Before prices can start to decline, they must first plateau, and before they plateau or flatten out, they must first start to slow down in their rate of increase.  We are at that stage in the housing cycle now.

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca DRE lic # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

We Grow Flowers Not People

Melody Kramer – Autism Mom

School has started, and the homework has started to come home. For my eight-year-old autistic son, he had a paper to fill out titled “about me.”

I tried asking him these questions that were on this paper, but he didn’t quite understand. Usually, I have to do a lot of prompting.   One of the questions was, “what are some of my favorite things?”  He doesn’t grasp the word favorite, so I asked, do you like pizza? He replied yes. And it went from there.

Another question was, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” He answered, “A flower.”  I was surprised he said a flower. So I asked again.  The same answer. I asked are you sure that you don’t want to be a teacher or maybe a police officer when you grow up? He still wanted to be a flower.

It was a cute answer, and funny. I said if you want to be a flower, you can be a flower. Then I started thinking. The question I asked, when you “grow” up what do you want to be.  The way his mind may think it was the most logical answer. A flower grows.  So when I asked if he wanted to be a teacher or police officer and he gave me that strange look I got an understanding of how he was thinking. You don’t grow a teacher you grow a flower.

We are so used to our way of thinking, speaking and understanding a simple phrase, such as “what do you want to be when you grow up.” His autistic mind is so analytical and logical it just doesn’t make sense to him, we don’t grow people.

Now if I ask what do want to be for Halloween? Spiderman is the answer.

I guess we will leave that answer blank for now.  Just a thought, raising children is like growing a flower. We take care of them, feed them, protect them, we do everything to help them bloom.  He may not realize it now, but he’s already a flower in the garden of life.

 

Walnut Man Faces Federal Conspiracy Charges

Photo Courtesy: uomustansiriyah.edu.iq
A Walnut man pleaded guilty to providing tactical gear to Syrian rebels, including night vision scopes, boresighters & bulletproof vests.

Staff Reports

WALNUT — A Walnut man plead guilty Tuesday to conspiring to export U.S.-origin tactical gear to Syria. Rasheed Al Jijakli, 57, a Syrian-born naturalized U.S. citizen of Walnut, plead guilty Monday before United States District Judge James V. Selna, a Department of Justice spokesperson said. According to the Justice Department that is in direct violation of U.S. sanctions against Syria,.

“In a plea agreement filed in this case, Jijakli admitted that, from April 2012 through March 2013, he conspired with other individuals to export tactical gear, including U.S.-origin laser boresighters, day- and night-vision rifle scopes, and other items from the United States to Syria,” they said.

In July of 2012, Jijakli and another co-conspirator purchased and traveled with the tactical gear from Los Angeles to Istanbul, Turkey with the intent that it would be provided to Syrian rebels training in Turkey and fighting in Syria, the DOJ reported.

Jijakli provided some of the equipment, specifically the laser boresighters, to a second co-conspirator, a member of Ahrar Al-Sham. Jijakli also provided the goods to other armed Syrian insurgent groups in Syria and Turkey, they said.

Jijakli and his co-conspirators provided at least 43 laser boresighters, 85 day rifle scopes, 30 night-vision rifle scopes, tactical flashlights, a digital monocular, five radios, and a bulletproof vest to Ahrar Al-Sham and other Syrian rebels in Syria, with the knowledge that the tactical gear was earmarked for shipment to Syria.

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Thousands of dollars were withdrawn from Palmyra Corporation, a check-cashing services company where Jijakli was the chief executive officer. He used to pay for the tactical gear that got sent to Syrian rebels.

Judge Selna is scheduled to sentence Jijakli on December 4, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in a federal prison.

 

How to Recognize and Avoid College Scholarship Scams

By StatePoint

Average college costs have doubled in the last two decades, and this financial pressure along with new technologies makes today’s students particularly vulnerable to financial aid and scholarship scams.

“Scammers know to take advantage of those who are stressed,” says Robert C. Ballard, president and CEO of Scholarship America, the nation’s largest nonprofit scholarship and education support organization. “Fortunately, there are some ways you can avoid getting duped.”

To help you spot scams, Scholarship America offers the following insights.

Fees and Other Red Flags

Scholarship programs charging a fee to apply often look legitimate. But look at the bigger picture: if the provider is awarding $500 in scholarships and collecting fees from thousands of applicants, it’s not funding education so much as making money. Your chances of earning a scholarship are slight if not impossible — sham providers often collect fees and disappear.

Some providers claim to have a no-strings-attached grant or an incredibly low-interest loan to offer, as long as you pay a tax or “redemption” fee in advance. Others offer to match you with guaranteed scholarships — if you pay for a premium search service. Keep in mind, there’s no such thing as a “guaranteed scholarship.”

Free, comprehensive scholarship searching and matching services like Fastweb and Cappex will connect you to legitimate, competitive scholarships that don’t charge application fees.

Too Good to Be True

Be wary of the “too-good-to-be-true” scam model: an official-sounding organization tells you about an incredible opportunity, offers you a coveted spot at a scholarship seminar, or just sends you a check with a note of congratulations, using messaging designed to get your adrenaline pumping and make you act fast.

Remember, scholarship providers aren’t in the practice of sending funds out randomly; it’s likely the check will bounce, or you’ll be asked to send money back for “processing” or an “accidental” overpayment. Your safest bet? Tearing up the check and, if you have time, filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Often unexpected “opportunities” are attempts to get you to divulge personal information. Even clicking on links can expose your data to scammers.

Be cautious: Google the name of the scholarship or organization. Scams have often been flagged by the FTC or Better Business Bureau.

Social Scammers

A new scam making the rounds starts with a random friend request on Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat. Accept, and your new friend will start messaging you about a foolproof way to make money for college: they work for a scholarship provider and have found a loophole. They just need to enter you as a winner and you can split the money.

If this was real, it’d be incredibly unethical. However, in the midst of stress, you may be tempted — and that could cost more than money. While you may be asked to send cash as an advance, most such scammers are phishing. Give them enough info, and you’ll be worrying about getting your identity back.

For more scholarship tools, resources and opportunities, including the annual Scholarship America Dream Award, please visit scholarshipamerica.org.

“Scholarship scams seem to work just enough for people to keep trying it,” says Ballard. “However, two main rules will help you avoid them: never pay to apply and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

National Preparedness Month: Keep Your Family Safe in an Emergency

By StatePoint

September is National Preparedness Month, and with wildfires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes occurring around the world, having access to safe drinking water in the event of an emergency should be top of mind no matter where you live.

Natural disasters can contaminate and disrupt water supplies, making it difficult to access safe drinking water at home. Emergencies also force families out of their homes, making it necessary to hydrate from natural water resources where harmful contaminants like bacteria, chemicals, microplastics and heavy metals may be present.

“The everyday public health concern of water contamination is elevated during emergencies, when water can be unreliable for drinking,” says Alison Hill, managing director of LifeStraw, a manufacturer of water filtration systems that is often involved in disaster relief both in the U.S, and around the globe.

“If an emergency has your family on the move, being able to hydrate safely from any fresh water source — fountains, streams, rivers and ponds is key,” points out Hill.

When building your emergency supply kit, be sure to include a portable filter to help eliminate harmful contaminants from your drinking source.

LifeStraw makes it easy to hydrate safely at home and outdoors. LifeStraw Go is a refillable bottle that incorporates a two-stage filter removing bacteria, chemicals, microplastics and bad taste from drinking water. Another good option for personal use is LifeStraw Flex, a multi-use filter that removes heavy metals including lead as well as bacteria and parasites. Finally, those traveling in groups may find it more efficient to use a filter specifically designed for a crowd, such as the brand’s Mission model, a high-volume gravity-powered purifier that also filters viruses, available in a 12-liter compact roll bag.

Being prepared for any situation will help keep your family safe and healthy, for whatever comes your way. This National Preparedness Month, gain the confidence of knowing that you will have access to safe water for days, weeks and even months should your water supply be compromised by a natural disaster or other emergency.

Make Your Backyard Extreme

Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave. They can be reached at 909.930.6111 or online at http://www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

By Michael Armijo

Companies come and go, so longevity is key when you’re modifying your home, both inside and out. Extreme Backyard Designs is a testimony of longevity as their family run business has been designing outdoor entertainment centers with name brand components for over 20 years.

“A key component to staying in business so long is to treat people the way we would want ourselves to be treated,” said James Deeley, founder of the family business. With so many years in business, you not only get quality products, you also gets years of experience of getting things done correctly and creatively.

Extreme Backyard Designs can provide custom Barbeque islands, outdoor fireplaces, fire pit tables, spas, patio furniture, and many other items all wholesale to the public.

“We are college and trade school educated and enjoy the interaction and satisfaction of transforming backyards into a family’s personal oasis,” Deeley said. “Since we buy at such a large volume, we always have monthly specials on our website.”

The Extreme Backyard Designs staff are the most knowledgeable and friendly people in the area, as they are centrally located on the corner of the 60 Freeway and Vineyard, right across from the newest Kaiser building.

“We believe what makes a business thrive is to provide the best quality components, a superior level of customer service, while providing an affordable price,” Deeley said.

Serving all of Southern California, Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave in our neighboring city of Ontario. They can be reached at 909.930.6111, or you can view their website at www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

Rapid Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli

with Yakisoba Noodles

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 788 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Scallions- 4
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Ginger- 1 thumb
  • Sesame Oil- 1 tbsp
  • Ketchup- 1 tbsp
  • Soy Sauce- 2 tbsp
  • Hoisin- 1 1/2 tbsp
  • Broccoli Florets- 8 oz
  • Sirloin Steak Tips- 12 oz
  • Cornstarch- 1 tbsp
  • Yakisoba Noodles- 8 oz
  • Sriracha- 1 tsp

 

1  PREP AND MAKE SAUCE  Wash and dry all produce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Trim and thinly slice scallions. Mince or grate garlic. Peel and mince ginger. Whisk together sesame oil, 1 TBSP ketchup, soy sauce, 1½ TBSP hoisin sauce, and 1 TBSP water in a small bowl.

 

2  COOK BROCCOLI     Add broccoli to boiling water and cook until tender but still crisp, 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

 

3 COOK BEEF     Toss steak tips with cornstarch in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over high heat. (TIP: If you have a nonstick pan, break it out.) Toss in steak tips and cook to desired doneness, 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.

 

4  COOK AROMATICS AND NOODLES      Heat a drizzle of oil in same pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions and cook until fragrant, 1 minute, tossing. Toss in half the noodles from the package (we sent more) and a drizzle of oil. Break up noodles until they no longer stick together, using tongs or two wooden spoons.

 

5  STEAM NOODLES    Pour in 1 cup water, cover, and steam until noodles are tender, 3 minutes.  (TIP:

If your pan doesn’t have a lid, carefully cover it with aluminum foil.) Uncover, increase heat to medium-high, and toss until noodles are tender, 3-4 minutes. Add sauce and toss to coat. Cook until sauce is thickened, 1 minute.

 

6  FINISH AND SERVE.     Toss broccoli and steak into noodles to warm through. Season with as much sriracha as you like (careful, it’s spicy). Season with salt and pepper. Divide between plates and serve.

2 Chino Women Arrested for Kidnapping, Attempted Murder

Staff Reports

Chino – Two women were arrested, following a vehicle pursuit in Chino. Police discovered an unconscious woman in the passenger seat of their vehicle with a cord wrapped around her neck, said officials on Wednesday, August 22.

Authorities indicated the suspects and the victim may be acquainted. It seems they had been involved in a disagreement while they were traveling together from Los Angeles to Indio.

The victim fell asleep during the first half of the trip Tuesday morning. The suspects, Kyanna 23, and Brittney Patterson, 21, allegedly began suffocating and strangling the victim until she lost consciousness, the Chino Police Department said in a news release.

Authorities have not disclosed whether the women, both Monrovia residents, are related.

Officers responded to a call made by a witness who reportedly saw a distressed passenger screaming for help from a silver sedan near the Circle K gas station at 12895 Mountain Ave. at around 7:20 a.m.

Responding officers were able to locate the four-door sedan on Benson Avenue. The officers tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver failed to stop, police said.

The woman behind the wheel was speeding and driving recklessly before she eventually collided with two other vehicles at the intersection of Riverside Drive and 10th Street.

The suspects were seen running from the car on foot, and officers pursued on foot and shortly caught up the suspects. Both women were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and attempted murder, according to police reports.

When officers approached the vehicle, they discovered the victim unconscious in the passenger seat of the vehicle. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance, where she was listed in stable condition, authorities said.

Officials have not released the victim’s name only that she is 28 years old.

Inmate records show both suspects were being held on $1 million bail at the West Valley Detention Center and were scheduled to appear in court Thursday, August 23.

 

1 Dead in Auto Accident in Norco

Staff Reports

Norco – There was a fatal accident in Norco on Sunday morning, one person died in the single-pickup truck crash that occurred on the southbound side of the 15 Freeway in Norco, authorities reported.

According to CHP logs and Cal Fire/Riverside County reports the accident took place at approximately 7:09 a.m. on an otherwise quiet morning.

The victim who at the time of the report who was still unidentified at the time this was released, was ejected from a white Toyota pickup truck. The pickup truck landed on its side in the area of the Second Street off ramp of the freeway,

The person was pronounced deceased at the scene. The witness who reported the incident said the pickup truck nearly hit their vehicle before the accident occurred, according to CHP logs.

There was no indication that there was a passenger with the driver in the pickup when the accident took place. If anybody else was a witness to the accident it is encouraged you contact the CHP and give them a statement.

 

Being Back In School

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I work with so many young people that have recently started school again.  They are all feeling a lot of stress due to the transition from summer to school.  The homework is coming at what seems to be a rapid pace. It’s important for these students to take one day at a time and to not overwhelm themselves.  Going back to school after summer break has been hard on every generation.  It’s important for these students to be well organized with a good notebook and a separate folder for each subject.  It’s a good idea for them to have a folder for work and papers that need to come home and another for what needs to be turned in or go back with them.  A place for pens and other necessary supplies is essential.

I find so many students really struggle with time management and are starting homework much too late in the evening after they have already been up for ten to twelve hours.  It’s ideal for a student to come home and have a good snack and start their homework about thirty minutes after they have arrived home.  I think if they can get their homework out of the way they might actually have part of an evening to relax and renew to prepare the right mindset for the next day.  It’s hard to a successful anything if one is running on fumes. Another important essential is a designated place to study.

Learning is really a lifelong event and it’s important to help somebody be an effective learner.  Being organized, not becoming over whelmed, learning effective time management and having an environment conducive to learning can make a huge difference.  As parents it is our job to help our children with these things so they can be successful lifetime learners!

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

 

 

Sobriety Checkpoint In Diamond Bar Nets Two Arrests

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock
Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers.

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR – During this past weekend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted an overnight driver’s license/sobriety checkpoint in the city of Diamond Bar. The 32 hour checkpoint produced two arrests, the Sheriff’s department reported on Saturday. One of the people that were arrested was booked on suspicion of drunk driving. The 2nd motorist was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, the Sheriff’s Information Bureau reported. Deputies also issued one citation.

The checkpoint at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road began at 6 p.m. Friday and ended at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that 838 vehicles were stopped and diligently screened at the checkpoint.

Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers. These are usually set up during times when impaired driving is known to happen, such as holiday weekends.

Due to legal issues surrounding their use, not all states conduct sobriety checkpoints. Some states have laws authorizing their use. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has found sobriety checkpoints to be constitutionally permissible, ten states, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have found that sobriety roadblocks violate their own state constitutions or have outlawed them.