Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Animal Control Checking Licenses in Los Angeles County

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – Officers from the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be conducting field licensing checks in the unincorporated areas of West Covina (zip code 91792), and South San Gabriel (zip code 91770) beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The field checks will ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with licensing requirements, the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance. Officers will also be checking state-required rabies vaccinations and licenses for dogs and cats over four months old.

According to the county officials, beginning January 1, 2014, puppies may be vaccinated at three months old, but still are not required to be vaccinated until four months of age.

“Securing a dog or cat license is essential to assisting animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost,” officials said.

Pet owners are advised to be in compliance with licensing and the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance if they reside in any unincorporated area of Los Angeles County (or contract city that has adopted the County’s ordinance).

Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees and delinquency charges, including a $40 field enforcement fee to offset the cost of the Department’s field services.

“In order to avoid penalties, be sure your pet is licensed,” officials urge residents.

New animal license applications are available online at www.animalcare.lacounty.gov, or by visiting any local Los Angeles County animal care center. Owners of pets whose license is not delinquent can simply renew the license at county website: www.animalcare.lacounty.gov .

In addition, DACC offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries.

Walnut: Collegewood Kids Learn About Traffic Safety

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Collegewood Elementary students learned about traffic safety with parents driving in cardboard cars on September 25.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut— Collegewood Elementary students got a lesson in traffic safety last month.

A crew of Community Club volunteers used cardboard cars to demonstrate the rules.

Principal Joan Perez announced the lesson for transitional-kindergarten (TK) through 2nd grade students on the front lawn of the school.

“We want to keep all of you safe when you come to school and go home each day,” she said.

In the first skit, parents Betsy Castellanos and Loi Ay demonstrated the no stopping in the red zone rule.

The misguided driver, Ay, swung his tiny convertible around traffic to the red crosswalk curb.

Castellanos, playing the backpack-carrying student, exited the car with a worried look on her face.

After each entertaining skit, Perez quizzed youngsters about the rules.

“What did they do wrong?” she asked.

“They stopped in the red zone!” the student answered.

“There is NO stopping in the red zone! If it’s red, move ahead!” Perez exclaimed.

“If it’s red, move ahead!” the 200 students repeated.  The parents then modeled how to use the correct white-zone area for dropping off and picking up students.

“We just want to educate the kids on the right way to make our school safer,” Castellanos shared.

“And we want to be funny enough for them to remember it!”

Next, parents showed the wrong way to get out of the car.

A bright blue car pulled up to the white curb on Collegewood Drive and the student stepped out onto the street.

“No feet on the street!” corrected Perez.

The principal explained the dangers of double parking – when one car is on the white curb and another car parked in the street.

“And that is not OK!” Perez urged. “Do we ever get out in the middle of the street? No!”

“If you double, it means trouble,” the children and their principal rhymed.

“He could have gotten run over,” said one youngster.

Another volunteer duo in a black-flamed cutout showed students the need to be “quick as light” when exiting the car.

When they pulled up the white curb, the mother took unnecessary time brushing her daughter’s hair and taking a photo while cars waited behind them. The children howled watching the silly adults.

Volunteers demonstrated crosswalk safety when one parent got in trouble making a U-turn in the middle of the street.

The crossing guard scolded the driver when he endangered two mothers with children inside the bright yellow lines.

“I think this safety lesson is important because we often have a lot of congestion in front of Collegewood,” said third grade parent Xochitl Syrett.

“All our parents need to read the signs, pay attention, and drive cautiously,” Rebecca Durani, a fifth grade parent, said.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim
Diamond Bar – The Oct. 6 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The project, designed to exhibit and enhance the beauty of Diamond Bar, will not be completed until the end of November. Following the update on the project, the Council welcomed Crunch Gym, on 1132 South Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar’s new business of the month for October 2015. A presentation was then given, detailing the construction of Diamond Canyon Park, estimated to be complete by summer of 2016.

The City also welcomed its new Associate Planner May Nakajima. Nakajima previously worked for the city of Rancho Cucamonga, where she began as a planning aid while interning during her education at Cal Poly Pomona, and was promoted to Assistant Planner after graduating. She has worked a wide variety of different projects, and the city of Diamond Bar is excited to have her on their team.

During the public comments, the 2015 Miss Diamond Bar Alexandra Ornelas, announced that she will be representing Diamond Bar in the 2016 Miss Teen California. On Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Chili’s of Diamond Bar will be holding a fundraiser to help Ornelas in her endeavors, and she and her court will be present to greet and seat attendees.

Representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library also announced several events, such as the Read Together program, with the book China Dolls by Lisa See for adults, Farewell to Manzanar by Wakatsuki Houstin for teens, and Nim and the War Effort by Milly Lee. On Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., children ages 6-10 can enjoy an origami class; on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., the library will be swinging with swing dance; on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. children ages 6-10 can meet and discuss Nim and the War Effort; on Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. teens can meet and discuss Farewell to Manzanar; and on Oct. 24 Lisa See will be discussing her book, China Dolls.

Another resident announced the Inland Valley Partners’ Walk for the Hungry on Oct 11. Registration begins at noon, and various fun and games, such as face painting, as well as an In-n-Out truck will be available.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read: the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting is on Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting is on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting is on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including: the Planning Commission minutes from Aug. 25; a check register totalling $1,050,048.64; the Treasurer’s Statement for August 2015; a contract for annual property tax consult and audit services with HDL Coren & Cone for the 2015/16 through 2020/21 for $12,240; a contract amendment with Fehrs & Peers for citywide traffic data collection; and a contract amendment with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance to replace turf with drought tolerant planting materials and mulch in medians along Diamond Bar Blvd and retrofit irrigation systems to meet state Water Board requirements for $539,465.46.

Following Council reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Inland Empire: Hear the Beep Where You Sleep

October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month

Staff Reports

Inland Empire – Riverside County Firefighters want all residents to install and inspect smoke alarms in every room.
“I urge you to have working smoke detectors on all levels of your home, and in all areas where people sleep” Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Hawkins said.
National Fire Prevention Month is a good time to make sure all homes have working smoke alarms, on every level, in every sleeping area, and in the hallways leading to the sleeping areas.
This year’s fire prevention theme is “hear the beep where you sleep, every bedroom needs a working smoke detector.”
“When fire strikes, every second counts,” Hawkins said. “Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can mean the difference between life and death.”
According to the latest National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, three out of five fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
These alarms should be hard-wired with a battery backup in case of a power outage. In California, new smoke alarms have a 10 year long battery life.
Residents are encouraged to inspect all smoke alarms every month, clean them annually, and replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
Roughly half of all home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep, according to fire officials.
If a smoke alarm sounds, crawl low and go outside to a predetermined meeting place. Fire officials recommend practicing the plan in a fire drill at least twice a year. Families should also have an escape plan with an assigned meeting place outside the home in case of a fire.
This Fire Prevention Month CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is asking all residents in Riverside County to improve their own safety by having working smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of your home.

Wahfles, Desserts and Coffee Anyone?

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes a new member

 

By Gel Delos Santos

Chino Hills – On Aug. 16, Anthony, Lorraine and Jacob Abel took ownership of Wahfles Desserts & Coffee.  The restaurant has been open for two years located at 5751 Pine Ave. in Chino Hills.

Jacob Abel, son of Anthony and Lorraine has worked for the restaurant for almost two years before the previous owner sold it to his parents.  They decided to keep the name and the entire menu of specialty waffle and classic waffle desserts, sandwiches and a full espresso bar, shaken teas, special drinks, ice-blended drinks and affogatos.

So whether you are catching up with friends, grabbing a quick bite for lunch or taking the family  out for a Sunday morning breakfast, this place is a cozy family-friendly spot ready to serve up some savory goodness any time of day.  While you wait for your order, the family may play a game of cards or a board game, or if you simply want to read a book, they have a book shelf full of novels just for you.  Wahfles Desserts & Coffee is quite unique.  This is why Anthony and Lorraine jumped on the opportunity when the previous owner offered it to them.  Their one and only son Jacob, 18, put in his own life savings into the business making him a co-owner with his parents.  The Abel family is no stranger to Chino Valley area.  They have called Chino Hills their home for 18 years.  Lorraine teaches at the Alternative Education Center in the Chino Unified School District for independent study for high school students since 2011, and in the elementary division since 2003.  Anthony runs the restaurant full time alongside their son Jacob when he is not at school.  Jacob currently attends Cal State University majoring in Economics.  His ambition is to purchase many more businesses!

As a new Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce member, one of the things the Chamber does is hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate its grand opening and let the community know about your place of business. The mayor, city council or representatives from their office, and representatives from the district and assembly offices also come out to award the new business owner with certificates and welcome them to the community.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for Wahfles Desserts & Coffee was held on Oct. 7, 2015.  Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Wahfles, Desserts, & Coffee to the Chino valley business community.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

A Letter From Anna:

 

Q:  I have twin daughters. They are both married and have two children. My husband and I have always kept everything in their lives fair and even as we were raising them. We now have a family dilemma. One of my daughters has complained to me that I seem to be spending more time with her sister’s family. I didn’t know what to say because it’s true. One household is warm and hospitable while the other feels like a stuffy showplace with a staff of workers (nanny, chef, maid) under foot while I try to enjoy my grand kids. I love my daughters equally, but my husband and I like to spend our time where we feel comfortable.  I would invite them to my home more often, but we recently downsized to a condo.  Any ideas would be welcomed?

A:  Help your daughter understand that we live in a world of preferences. For the most part, things are not personal. Give her a few examples. For instance, remind her that you like your steak medium rare and she likes hers medium. You like onions on your burger and she prefers pickles only. You like a bath, she likes a shower. You like to be simple and homey and she prefers a higher-maintenance household. None of this is personal, people just have preferences.  Help her see that you and your husband enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Offer to remedy the situation by meeting in restaurants more often or booking a variety of activities so you can spend time together without household staff in attendance. Ask her for suggestions to make this a good experience for everyone involved. This shouldn’t be hard to work out once you get the conversations started. Good luck!

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

West Covina Appoints New City Manager

Chris Freeland

Photo Courtesy: City of West Covina
Chris Freeland

By Natalie Kim

West Covina – On Sept 15, West Covina appointed Chris Freeland to the position of city manager, filling the void left by his predecessor Chris Chung. Freeland was born in West Covina, but moved to La Verne and attended Damien High School.

To complete the 100-hour requisite for graduation, Freeland worked with La Verne’s City Manager Marty Lomeli. It was during this time of service that Freeland was introduced to, and subsequently fell in love with, city government.

To pursue this goal, Freeland majored in Civil Engineering and Political Science at Cal Poly Pomona, and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Cal State Long Beach. In February 2001, Freeland returned to West Covina and worked in various city departments and held numerous titles, from Parks and Recreation to labor negotiation, before finally being appointed to his current position of City Manager.

“Sell Your Casa” With Gil Rivera

Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

By Sarah Sanchez

Southern California – In this day and age, it’s important to know all aspects of your business. For Gil Rivera from Sell Your Casa Realty, he definitely knows every aspect of buying and selling a home. Rivera is a reliable, experienced, and affordable Realtor, Broker, and Certified Appraiser.

Rivera sells houses, condos, and two- to four-unit investment properties in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. He also does real estate appraisals for banks, estates, taxes, trusts, divorces, attorneys, refinances, and home purchases.  Rivera also has assistants that work with him who are fluent in Spanish and Chinese, which helps him to reach people of different dialects all over Southern California.

With a 24-year proven track record of success, Rivera has sold homes in 26 different cities throughout Southern California.

“I can do this because I appraise homes in so many different cities and have the knowledge and expertise associated with your marketplace. Give me an opportunity and you will surely be happy you did!” Rivera said.

Rivera’s philosophy is to “treat my clients the way I want to be treated.” In fact, Rivera said that he became a Realtor because he did not like the way his Realtor treated him when he was buying his home. Rivera shows respect for his clients at all times. He listens to what they say, so that he can better serve them.

Rivera also does not push his Buyers into a sale. “I always tell Buyers: ‘You will know right away when we walk into the house that’s meant for you.’  Rivera said, “Whether it takes a week or months, my Buyers will always be satisfied with their purchase and are never pressured into it.”

Rivera’s Sellers love the fact that he offers a discounted commission, but with full service. Rivera offers a 4 percent Total Commission for Sellers, which includes 2.5 percent to the Buyer’s Agent and 1.5 percent to Rivera’s office. Most Realtors negotiate a 6 percent commission because they have to split the fees with their brokerage. But, Rivera passes on the savings to the Seller. This will save the Seller thousands of dollars in commission fees.

Rivera’s team offers full service for that discounted rate, including high quality flyers, professional photos, open houses (as allowable by the Seller), and extended advertising coverage on the Internet and social media.

Rivera absolutely loves what he does. He loves selling homes to Buyers because he helps fulfill their dreams of home ownership. His favorite part of selling homes to is transferring the keys to the excited new owners.  Rivera also loves selling homes for Sellers. He enjoys the individuality that each property offers and promoting the positive attributes of the home.

Rivera says, “Many agents spend their time showing houses….I sell them!”

For more information, call 877-888-SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

Your Presence Is Valued In Our World

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

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

I bet you don’t think you matter or make a difference.  I am here to say you are wrong.  Every interaction we have with each other matters.  Every time we smile or share a greeting, we make a difference. Those very interactions can literally change the way another feels about their day.  We still have the power to make the world a better place and to make somebody feel good.  I’m always given hope during those brief but powerful interactions with others.  An exchange of a smile can literally fill me with warmth and a wonderful glow inside.  Just for that brief second there was a very nice exchange of good energy between two humans.

Take a minute or two out of your day, to say hi, smile, to hold a door open, to help somebody cross a street or perform any act of human kindness.  These acts really go a long way and can help you understand you matter.  I value these acts and the people that have the social graces to perform them.  Please understand how much power you have each day to help make this world a better place. I hear heartwarming stories about people doing good deeds and I think about how much I value these people and their presence in our world.

Every time somebody thanks me for my work, their kind words seem to wrap around me, hug me and fill me up with such appreciation for my life and my work.  I so value the presence of the people in my practice and in my groups.  My group members are so supportive of each other and make a huge difference for each other.  I walk through my neighborhood with my dog Midnight and I have many very brief but meaningful interactions and I am reminded of how valuable humans can be if they want!

Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy has a private practice in Diamond Bar. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and teen groups.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727 or email, nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s   books, “Live, Heal and Grow,” and “Midnight the Therapy Dog” at Amazon.com.

Chino Valley Medical Center’s Wins Pink Glove Dance Competition

Photo courtesy: Massiel Ladron De Guevara

Photo courtesy: Massiel Ladron De Guevara
Just Bust a Move, Chino! Chino Valley Firefighters from Fire Station 65 and Chino Police Officers helped Chino Valley Medical Center shimmy their way to the top in the annual Pink Glove Dance video competition raising awareness for breast cancer.

By Monique Valadez

Chino – Chino Valley Medical Center danced its way into the nation’s No. 1 spot in the annual Pink Glove Dance video contest for breast cancer awareness.

“We joined the Pink Glove Dance contest to show everyone it is possible to overcome cancer through awareness, collaboration and commitment to finding a cure,” Chino Valley Medical Center officials expressed. “CVMC wants to light a fire in the community that together our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to beat cancer.”

Medline Industries Inc. presented the $10,000 first-place prize winnings at a special community announcement event at the Chino Police Department’s community room on Oct. 1.

“This win means we’ve succeeded in heightening awareness for breast cancer,” said Dr. James M. Lally, Chief Medical Officer at CVMC. “The community really pulled together and showed that you can overcome cancer through creating awareness.  Thank you to the community and the CVMC staff for your support during our journey.”
The $10,000 prize was donated to the hospital’s breast cancer charity of choice, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Chino.
Sue MacInnes, chief market solutions officer for Medline, offered congratulations to Chino Valley Medical Center for its video that grabbed the attention of thousands.

“Some walk for breast cancer awareness. Others run. We dance wearing pink gloves for breast cancer awareness and prevention,” she said. “It is Medline’s unified mission to eradicate breast cancer. The Pink Glove Dance competition provides communities with an organized event that supports everyone who’s been touched by breast cancer.”

The winners were determined by public online voting over a two-week period. Chino Valley Medical Center received 18,836 online votes for its video. Chino Valley Medical Center won first place in the small-bed category.
In the video, more than 200 Chino Valley Medical Center doctors, nurses, hospital staff, Chino police officers, firefighters, Walnut Avenue Elementary and Don Lugo High School students donning pink gloves shimmied and shook to Bruno Mars’ song, “Uptown Funk”.

“Our video represents everyone in the community teaming up together to fight cancer,” hospital officials said. “We find hope in our community that everything is possible, which led us to our title, ‘Mission Possible: Chino.”
To view the video, visit http://www.pinkglovedance.com/…/chino-valley-medical-center/.

Pomona Police Host “Coffee with a Cop”, Oct. 21

Courtesy: DOJ

Courtesy: DOJ

Staff Reports

Pomona – Residents can meet and greet Pomona Police Chief Paul Capraro and Pomona police officers in their neighborhood at “Coffee with a Cop” on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at McDonald’s restaurant located at 445 East Holt Avenue (corner of Towne Avenue).

A free small cup of coffee will be offered to those who participate in the “Coffee with a Cop” event, according to the Pomona Police Department press release.

The informal meeting with the community will be held in a neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee, according to a Pomona Police press release.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Pomona neighborhoods. All community members are invited to attend.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Officer of Community Oriented Policing Services. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

 

Painting A Memory

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently my wife and I spent time with some of our grandkids.  While we were staying at their house, their mother (our daughter) asked if we would be willing to help paint a room in their apartment.

Our son-in-law was out of town on business, so we agreed to take on the task to surprise him when he got home.  The grandkids were excited about the idea, too.  They really wanted to help.

One of the most important parts of painting is the preparation.  We moved the furniture into the middle of the room and found some interesting things that were hidden under them. We found some lost toys and a missing puzzle piece.  I was hoping we might find some money, too, but that was not the case.

We covered some things with plastic and used blue painter’s tape to mask off wooden door frames and the corners of the ceiling that we did not want to get new paint on.  We removed some of the electrical outlet and light switch covers.  We found some large pieces of cardboard to put down along the walls to protect the floor.

When it was time to begin painting, our seven year old grandson got the brush and I got the paint roller.  His assignment was to paint in the middle of the wall, far away from doors, door frames and windows.  My job was to roll most of the open wall space and use a brush to trim around the edges.

We made a pretty good team.  He worked hard at his task and I tried to keep out of his way with the roller.  I was impressed at his steady effort and careful work.  I think I splattered more paint than he did!

My wife’s job was to keep our younger granddaughter busy while we painted.  They went shopping and to lunch.

It seems like painting always takes longer then you expect.  We ran out of one color and had to go back to the store for more.  We needed another paint roller, too.  But gradually, the project came together and our daughter was delighted with the result.  We hope our son-in-law is pleased, too.

Home improvement projects usually take more time and cost more money than you expect, but the end results are usually good.  It seems like they go faster and better when you work with others.

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)  I was glad to have a hard-working grandson helping me.  There may not have been any monetary “return” but there is a delightful memory we will share together for years to come.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. 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 10.17.15

2015-Oct17-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: 2015-Oct17-Weekly-WEB

Where Are You?

By Michael Armijo

It felt like a chill. Like a tingling inside my skull. As though I had missed something extremely important. Or something devastating. It was the shrill in her voice that really impacted me.

“Where are you? I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for over an hour!”

I was a bit confused, a bit nervous about what I was about to hear, but I had to ask the question:

“Why? What happened? What’s so important?”

I was pretty shocked to hear the outcome of the question why I was being sought out so drastically.

“I couldn’t get a hold of you!”

That was it. I felt the shrill, the panic, the worry for; ‘I couldn’t get a hold of you.’

I was left trying to figure out: when did it happen? When did we get to a point in our lives that our whereabouts are necessary at all times? Or the flip side, when did our family become so insecure that they need to know where we are upon demand?

There was a time, not too far in the past, when we had privacy. We had time alone. Time for ourselves. Technology, in this day and age, seems to have given that ‘right’ away. Those moments of reflection, moments of inner thought. Those moments of peace, of serenity. We seem to continue to a need to be clouded, distracted, or entertained constantly.

There are times we must shut the computer, the iPad, the phone, the internet, and the TV off. To take a walk, to sit outside. To talk, read, share, and to listen. To learn how to communicate without a keyboard or a text message.

But our demise for ‘instance’ isn’t just technology’s fault, we too are to blame. We are constantly allowing others to rely on us to a point of severe dependency. Our thirst for technology and our constant obsession only shows our loved ones that it’s important to obsessively see all, and to know all, every minute and every second of the day. Our behavior has taught them to react in a shrilling tone, in a panicked voice. Until we are pinpointed, marked, labeled, or GPS’d until the question is answered:  “Where are you?”

Huff Supports National Bullying Prevention Month

Senator Alarmed by Reports That Many Students Face Daily Harassment, Especially Those with Life Threatening Food Allergies

 

Photo Courtesy: Twitter

Photo Courtesy: Twitter
Senator Bob Huff

Courtesy of Senator Bob Huff

San Dimas: Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) announced his support earlier this month for National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, aimed at reducing or even preventing bullying on school campuses, playgrounds and elsewhere. The effort, created by the organization STOMP Out Bullying, observes October as a time to raise awareness and education.

“I am greatly concerned by statistics that show one out of every four students in America deal with the threat of bullying every single day of their lives,” said Senator Huff. “Being the target of a bully is a scary fact of life for far too many children and teenagers. The good news is we can take action to prevent harm done to our children. One of those steps is to raise awareness to the issue and then confront it.”

According to statistics:

  • 1 out of 4 kids are bullied
  • 9 out of 10 LGBT students experience harassment at school
  • Depending on their ages, up to 43% of kids and teens report being cyberbullied
  • 8% of kids stay home from school each day due to the fear of being bullied
  • 1/3 of children with life threatening food allergies are bullied

One particular form of bullying concerning Huff is that which is aimed at children who suffer from life threatening food allergies. A recent study from the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics discovered the following: “31.5 percent of the children and 24.7 percent of the parents reported bullying specifically due to food allergies, including threats with foods, primarily by classmates.”

“Children who suffer from food allergies face serious consequences, which could include grave outcomes, if they are bullied with the very food that can kill them,” said Senator Huff. “This is a serious threat that has recently come to my attention through my previous legislative work on this issue.  School should be safe for all students and hearing stories from children who have been spit at in an attempt to get them sick is heartbreaking.  I am looking at possible legislation to address this particular form of bullying before it gets worse.”

Senator Huff represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.

Pomona Unified Cosmetology Program Expands to IE Schools

Photo Courtesy: PUSD

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Students in the Pomona Unified Adult and Career Education’s Barbering and Cosmetology program gain experience in the field and work with clients to prepare for the State Board exam and receive a Certificate of Completion in Cosmetology.

Courtesy of Pomona Unified School District

POMONA – The Pomona Unified Adult and Career Education’s Barbering and Cosmetology program has expanded partnerships to include eligible high school students from nearby school districts who are interested in taking advantage of the innovative and popular course offering, which launched last year.

The PUSD Adult and Career Education Program is articulating with the San Antonio Regional Occupational Program – which serves students from Bonita Unified and Pomona Unified – and Baldy View Regional Occupational Program – serving students from Chino Valley, Claremont, Upland and Chaffey school districts – to provide the articulated course.

This is the first time that two regional occupation programs have collaborated to meet the needs of high school students in Pomona and surrounding districts.

“This innovative model supports Pomona Unified students who wish to pursue a career after high school, while also extending admission to local high school students who desire the same high-quality level of training but don’t have access to it in their areas,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said. “This speaks volumes of the caliber programs PUSD offers and how the partnerships we forge are able to benefit all students.”

Under the collaboration, high school students from these districts will have the opportunity to pursue Barbering and Cosmetology State Board licensure requirements, complete the two-year course and become workforce-ready by the end of the senior year.

“This offers students an incredible opportunity to pursue their careers and receive hands-on training while in high school,” said Enrique Medina, director of Career Readiness at PUSD. “We welcome all additional applicants to our program and appreciate Baldy View and San Antonio’s collaborative approach to provide real-world education and mentorship for our students.”

In order to receive a Certificate of Completion in Cosmetology, students must enroll in their junior year of high school and complete the 1,600-hour course over the next two years. Upon graduation from high school, students will begin accepting clients in preparation for the State Board exam.

Client operation hours will run from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. All work will be performed by students in training.

“We are thrilled to expand program enrollment and look forward to its continued success,” Pomona Unified Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “The increasing popularity of this program speaks volumes of the high-quality education and vocational training available to our students. We hope they will take advantage of this opportunity to develop 21st century skills.”

The San Antonio and Baldy View ROP programs are currently accepting applications.

For more information about the program, call San Antonio ROP at (909) 397-4711, ext. 6785, or Baldy View ROP at (909) 980-6490.

Two Arrested After Stabbings in Chino

Staff Reports

Chino– On Friday, Oct. 2, two suspects were in custody after an altercation that resulted in three victims suffering non-life threatening stab wounds.

Chino Police Officers responded to the 12200 block of Arlington Avenue before midnight regarding individuals fighting in the street.

Shortly thereafter, officers attempted to stop a white Dodge Charger seen leaving the area. The vehicle failed to yield and after a short pursuit, collided into the public right of way in the 12600 block of San Antonio Avenue

The driver, Brandon Coats, 19, of Chino, was immediately taken into custody. A second suspect, a 15-year-old male who had fled on foot from the scene, was later located in the area and was taken into custody without incident.

Coats was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for driving under the influence and evading police. The teen was booked at the San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Center for assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909-628-1234.

Green is the New Orange this Halloween

Discover new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle this Halloween season

 

 

Courtesy of Waste Management of Southern California

Inland Empire – Halloween is just around the corner and in the next few weeks, residents will begin transforming their homes into haunted castles. Before they do, Waste Management of Southern California wants to remind residents that there are several ways in which they can get into the spooky spirit without scaring off Mother Nature.

“Between the candy, costumes and decorations that are typically used once before being tossed to the curb, Halloween is notorious for accumulating trash,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California. “To help keep the spirit of the holiday without making it a nightmare for the environment, we’re offering our customers a handful of tips that they can easily use to reduce waste and be green during the Halloween season!”

Zombies, princesses and superheroes can keep their Halloween celebrations festive and eco-friendly by using the following tips from Waste Management:

  • Give your pumpkin a second life. Instead of tossing your used jack-o’-lantern to the curb after Halloween, remove the candle and add it to a compost pile. Organic waste, such as unwanted pumpkins and fallen leaves, is nutrient rich and can help enrich fertilizer and produce healthier lawns, plants and flowers.

 

  • Hand out eco-friendly treats. Health food stores offer a wide range of candy from organic chocolates to organic lollipops. These tasty treats are produced using methods that are not damaging to the environment.
  • Use recyclable bags for your trick-or-treaters. Create a unique candy basket or simply put a reusable bag to good use. Avoiding the plastic jack-o’-lantern containers will clear up space in the home, save money and add a dash of originality to your child’s costume.
  • Make your own costumes. Put less stress on your wallet by opting for costumes made of reusable or recycled materials. You can find Halloween costume materials from thrift stores or yard sales.
  • Walk instead of drive. Rather than drive to other neighborhoods, stay close to home and trick-or-treat in your neighborhood. By walking from house to house you are reducing fuel consumption and air pollution.
  • Throw a green Halloween party. Purchase organic pumpkins for carving and apples for bobbing from local organic farms. Once the jack-o-lanterns are carved and the bobbing is complete, use the apples and pumpkins for pies, soups and other tasty dishes.
  • Help keep neighborhoods clean while trick-or-treating. Carry an extra bag and pick up litter along the way. Candy wrappers can be a big source of litter on local streets during Halloween.

Inland Empire: Traffic Delays on Archibald Avenue

Resurfacing began on Oct. 7

Staff Reports

Eastvale– Road construction on Archibald Avenue north of Limonite Avenue will cause traffic delays over the next couple of weeks.
Traffic delays are expected on both north and southbound lanes on Archibald Avenue.
A developer in City of Ontario is resurfacing Archibald Avenue between Limonite Avenue and north of City limits, say Eastvale Public Works Department officials.
The work will continue until Oct. 15.
Local access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout all construction activities.
Commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes during resurfacing process.
According to a city-issued news release, flaggers will be provided as needed to assist traffic through the work zone.
Road work will continue through the weekend to minimize weekday traffic congestion.
For additional information, contact the City of Eastvale Public Works Department at 951-703-4470.

Chino Valley Chamber Expo Makes Connections

IMG_1422Staff Reports

Chino– On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chino Valley Medical Center, hosted its annual Business Expo featuring more than 100 vendor booths and drawing more than 500 attendees to the at the Shoppes at Chino Hills.
The crowd mingled among booths while learning about local companies, including Delicate Smiles, Cruise Planners, Pampered Chef, Welborn Media, ABC Public Relations/Armijo News, Nutrishop Chino Hills, and Smileland Orthodontics.
In addition, a variety of local agencies were represented, including The Chino Valley Police Department’s, Supervisor Curt Hagman, City of Chino, City of Chino Hills and Chino Valley Fire District. Kids also enjoyed a variety of fun activities including pony rides, petting zoo and a children’s corner.
The Chamber was delighted to see such a great turnout from vendors and visitors, the visitors and vendors themselves all seemed pleased to have taken the time to be a part of the expo.

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