The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Oct11WeeklyNews to access the complete Oct. 11th, 2014 issue in pdf format.
Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News
Diamond Bar: Local Kmart To Close
STAFF REPORTS
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Kmart, located at 249 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, is closing its doors. According to the store manager at that location, the last day of business will be conducted on Sun., Dec. 7. The manager further states that all sales to reduce inventory have already gone into effect, and signs advertising up to 80% off have been posted. Post closure, all remaining inventory will be reverted back to the corporation for distribution to other Kmart locations.
Revenue losses are suspected at the helm of the closure, although calls to Kmart’s corporate office in Illinois were not returned. A loss of customer traffic is sure to fuel some of the conjecture.
Yelp comments on this particular Kmart store consistently report dismal and rude customer service, with a common rating of only one star. One customer in particular wrote, “I wish I could give ZERO stars. This Kmart never fails to disappoint. Don’t expect any customer service here, because you won’t find any in this store. I’ve walked out angry and disappointed multiple times…”
If customer services is not your top priority, you still may be able to find some significant savings between now and December 7.
Inland Empire: Temecula Cyberstalker Gets 5 Years In Prison
STAFF REPORTS
Temecula – The owner of a Temecula art gallery who stalked, harassed and attempted to extort as much as $300,000 from art world professionals was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Jason White, 43, of Temecula, who pleaded guilty in March to two counts of federal stalking, was sentenced on Mon., Sept. 29, by United States District Judge, Stephen V. Wilson.
During the hearing, Judge Wilson called White’s crimes “horrendous” and “very disturbing.”
White was arrested by the FBI on Feb. 12 after engaging in a six-month stalking and extortion scheme that targeted art world professionals with whom he had had business relationships. When those business relationships ended, White posted derogatory information about his former associates on websites he had created, and then used threatening emails to demand hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for taking the websites down. White repeatedly made extortionate demands through harassing text messages and emails, and when his demands were not met, he threatened violence against the victims’ families, including their children.
“Given the ominous, angry and relentless nature of the messages, the victims had a reasonable fear that the defendant planned to hunt down and kill their spouses and children,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memo filed with the court. “Indeed, this case is a parent’s worst nightmare that will likely haunt the victims for the rest of their lives because they will always be fearful that defendant may find their children and make good on his threats.”
In one part of the scheme, White targeted his former employer, an art publisher, as well as White’s supervisor at the art publisher’s company. After creating derogatory websites in the art publisher’s name, White allegedly sent threatening text messages to the art publisher, the publisher’s son, and his former supervisor. In a text message to his former supervisor, he threatened to find her family and make her pay with “fear, anguish and pain.” On several occasions, White obtained pictures of her child and sent pictures of the child to the victim with comments such as, “It will be very unfortunate if something was to happen to him.”
According to the government’s sentencing position papers, White’s “conduct also demonstrates a disturbing and escalating pattern of stalking conduct, particularly since he committed these crimes less than one year after a restraining order was filed against him by another former employer for identical cyber stalking and extortion conduct. As defendant intended, his stalking crimes traumatized his victims.”
During the sentencing hearing, two of the victims spoke, telling Judge Wilson how they felt terrorized by the barrage of threatening emails and texts that White sent them.
The case against White was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Art Crime Team.
Straight Talk With Danice
BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.
Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:
Dr. Danice Akiyoshi
My niece is having her wedding on a cruise ship. Over 20 people from our family are invited to join them on this cruise. My niece asked me if I would book the largest stateroom so I can babysit the youngest kids who aren’t old enough for the kids club. This way, everyone is free to drink and go to the casino late at night. I don’t drink or gamble very often, but that doesn’t mean I want the task of nightly babysitting. I want to have fun, too. Now I’m not looking forward to the trip at all. I would feel guilty if I cancelled. I already said I would go, and everyone just assumes I will babysit because I’m not as wild as they are. I feel like I’m not really a guest at all. What should I do?
-Auntie M.
Dear Auntie:
It’s time for a family meeting. Explain that you look forward to doing your part with the youngest members of the family in the evenings. Then present a schedule with the names of all the viable babysitters. Assign a night to each capable party or couple. They are free to switch and trade off if they like, but make it clear that you intend to enjoy yourself too, even if you don’t choose to drink and gamble. Do not feel guilty when you resist being taken advantage of. Have fun!
-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.
Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.
Redemption
BY MICHAEL ARMIJO
One day, my friend told me a story about a freshman in high school named David that touched me so deeply. This is what I call, Redemption:
David saw a kid named Ron walking home from school. It looked like Ron was carrying home all of his books, which was strange because classes aren’t all on the same day. He thought to himself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.” But he shrugged his shoulders and went on.
As he was walking, David saw a bunch of kids running toward Ron, knocking his books out of his arms and tripping him. Ron’s glasses went flying and landed in the grass. When David handed the glasses to him, he looked up he saw this terrible sadness in Ron’s eyes. Somehow he felt his pain.
David said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.”
Ron looked at him and lowly said, “Thanks.”
There was a slight smile on Ron’s face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. David helped him pick up his books, and as it turned out, Ron lived near David. They talked all the way home and Ron turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
Over the next four years, Ron and David became best friends. When they were seniors, they began to think about college. Ron decided on Georgetown, and David was going to Duke. They knew that they’d always be friends, and that the miles would never be a problem.
Ron became valedictorian of their class, and had to prepare a speech for graduation. David was so glad that he didn’t have to get up there and speak.
On graduation day Ron looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. All the girls loved him. David was just jealous. He could see that Ron was nervous about his speech, so David smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!” He looked at David with one of those looks (that really grateful one) and smiled.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.
“Graduation is a time to thank those who have helped you make it through those tough years; your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly, your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I’m going to tell you a story.”
David looked at his friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day they met. Ron talked of the day he had cleaned out his locker. He talked of how he was distraught about his life. He talked about how lonely he was. So lonely, he had planned to kill himself that weekend. But he didn’t, because his new friend unknowingly stepped in. He showed kindness. He showed compassion. He showed, by his actions, that life is worth the struggle. Ron looked hard at David and gave him a little smile.
“Thankfully, I was saved,” David continued. “My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”
David heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told them about his weakest moment. He saw Ron’s mom and dad looking at him and smile with that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did David realize its depth.
It was then that David realized how important it is to never underestimate the power of one’s actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life – for the better, or for the worse.
The most compelling element about the story of Ron and David’s friendship is how it relates to so many lives. Personally, I’ve hoped that somewhere within my past that I’ve been a “David” to someone I’ve met. And what fills my spirit with even more emotion is that I know I’ve felt like a “Ron” many times. What perplexes me is that I don’t know which role I’ve felt more often.
Someone once said, “Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.” To so many, each day, this is true. I’ve always valued my friends with depth and sincerity. I’ve always believed in the importance of being friends, and the importance of having friends.
As the story continues, it emphasizes that there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. But today is a gift. This reminds me that giving the ultimate gift of friendship is what I call the inner spirit of your heart, and that gives us the true feeling of redemption.
Weather Conditions
BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER
Pastor Mark Hopper
When people ask me about the weather in California, I usually try to explain it like this. It is a contest between the desert and the ocean. The hot dry winds push in from the north and east, and the cool ocean breezes push back from the south and west.
We are caught in a tug-of-war between these two imposing forces. Fortunately, the ocean usually dominates our weather and as a result we get morning fog and cool afternoon breezes.
But when the hot, dry Santa Ana winds prevail and the heat builds up, the air conditioning bills skyrocket. We all felt the effects of the heat during the past few weeks. And, we will see the increased electric bills in another few weeks.
My wife and I grew up in Arizona. The past few days felt like we were back in Arizona. The days were really hot and the evenings provided little relief. Everyone you talked to would comment about the heat. In the Phoenix area it is not uncommon to have over 100 days a year that are over 100 degrees. The low temperature at night often does not get below 90 degrees. It stays hot all summer.
There are a lot of things that I do miss about Arizona, but one thing I do not miss is the long, hot summer.
I heard the story of a pastor who was asked to help start a new church in Arizona. After thinking about the invitation for a while, he replied, “There are three reasons that I think that God does not want me to move to Arizona…June, July and August!”
Someone said that God uses adversity and discomfort to get our attention. The hot, dry weather we have experienced certainly got our attention. It reminds us of how we expect comfort and convenience. It reminds us of how fortunate we are to have air-conditioned homes and cars, offices and classrooms.
I hope that the weather is a little cooler by the time you are reading this article. Let me encourage you to be thankful for the comforts you enjoy and don’t complain when the weather warms up for a few days. Just remember, you could be living in Arizona!
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.
Mind Changing Meditation
BY NANCY STOOPS
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with her certified therapy dog Midnight.
Since I was 17 years of age, I have been meditating. I think it is the healthiest and most effective way to clear one’s mind. Meditation can be done anywhere and anytime and does not require anything but discipline and a willingness to be patient, because to achieve total meditation takes years. I love meditation because I don’t need to use pills or alcohol to relax and quiet my mind.
Some time ago, a school district did a study with their students and the effects of daily meditation. They found that their students were able to focus and concentrate better and in turn their grades and their test scores improved drastically. They found their students to be less angry and the number of school infractions went down as well. They noticed their students having a much improved mindset, being happier and more balanced. This idea could have a profound effect on students with Attention Deficient Disorder.
So take five minutes from your day and find a quiet place. Pick one word to focus on, and just think about that word. When other thoughts come rushing back in, go back to your word to push away the thoughts. Start with small increments of time and then extend the time you are meditating based on your newly acquired skills. I like the word, “peace,” as it seems to work very well for me.
I know that I’m a much more efficient human being because I have a pretty quiet mind, and I attribute that to all the years of daily meditation. The goal of meditation is to clear your mind of all thought, acquiring total inner peace. You will sleep better and feel much happier and more balanced.
So, do yourself a favor and start the daily practice of meditation today. I promise if you practice consistently you will literally transform yourself and your life. I wish you peace.
This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Diamond Bar, and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy also runs free family support groups, anger management groups, and special groups for seniors and teens. She is also available for motivational speaking engagements. For more information on any of these services, contact Nancy at (909)229-0727.
Did You Know?
BY K.P. SANDER
With the recent finding of a deceased newborn found at a recycling facility in Hesperia, Los Angeles County Supervisor, Don Knabe, is reminding the public about the County’s Safe Surrender program.
“Awful tragedies like what occurred in Hesperia are a reminder to mothers that there is always an option for their baby,” said Knabe. “The Safe Surrender program was created to give a mother – no matter what the situation – a safe, secure and anonymous way to get her child into safe hands.”
Knabe says that 122 lives have been saved by this program, but there is still much work to be done.
Some parents of newborns can find themselves in difficult, if not critical, circumstances. Feelings of fear and not knowing where to turn can sometimes lead to harm or abandonment of these infants. But there is a choice, a very good choice that is easily available.
California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law gives parents the choice to legally and safely surrender their baby at any hospital or fire station in Los Angeles County, with no blame, no shame, and no names. It is a matter of going to any safe surrender site within 72-hours of the baby’s birth; filling out a voluntary and anonymous medical history form (or taking one home and mailing it back later) to help provide medical care for the baby; and obtaining an I.D. bracelet that matches one that will be fastened to the baby’s ankle. The bracelet helps reunite the parent with the baby if they change their mind within 14 days. No other questions will be asked.
Three newborns were safety surrendered this past July, one in them in Pomona. These infants now have the opportunity to live and thrive in a nurturing environment, possibly with parents that were unable to have their own child for one reason or another.
With the Safe Surrender program, newborns like the baby girl found at the Hesperia waste disposal plant on Oct. 1 will have a chance at life, instead of a horrific end.
Visit babysafela.org, or call (877) 222-9723, for more information.
Anyone with information regarding this Oct. 1, 2014 incident is urged to contact Detective Christine Kirby or Sergeant Jason Radeleff of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-Crim,e or you may leave information on the We-Tip website www.wetip.com.
San Gabriel Valley: Community Events
Staff Reports
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Friends of the Taylor House Artist on the Porch Summer/Fall Series
When: October 12; 1 to 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Gardens Park, 3510 East Cameron Avenue, West Covina
Details: September event will feature craftsman period stained glass with Renn Hjellum-Lim.
Contact: For this and future events, visit facebook.com/taylorhousecraftsmanhome
The Chino Hills Historical Society Presentation
When: Monday, October 13
Where: Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive
Details: Local historian, Allen P. McCombs will give a presentation on, “Chino Valley’s Role in How the West Was Won.” This event was previously scheduled on Sept. 15.
Contact: Call (909) 597-2051, or email chhistory@aol.com
City of Hope Blood Drive
When: Thurs., Oct. 16, 12:45 to 7 p.m.
Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, Gymnasium, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.
Contact: Call (909) 861-2740 for appointments, and be sure to bring your ID to the event.
World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert and Dinner
When: Saturday, Oct. 19; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dinner at 5 p.m.
Where: Walnut High School Performing Arts Center, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut
Details: The Walnut High School Jazz Orchestra will share the stage with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra for an evening of musical memories. There will also be a BBQ dinner in between shows. Proceeds from this very special event will benefit the Walnut High School Instrumental Music Department. All seats $30; BBQ Dinner $15
Contact: For more information call, (909) 594-BAND; for tickets visit http://www.seatyourself.biz/walnutmusic.
Bark For Life 5K
When: Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Boys Republic High School, 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino Hills
Details: The American Cancer Society Bark For Life honors the care-giving qualities of canine companions. Bring your best Canine Friend and join the non-competitive walk around the track, followed by demos, games, contests, awards and dog adoptions. $25 per dog; $5 per person. Raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.
Contact: Visit www.relayforlife.org/barkchinoca, or email Jennifer Rudin at bflchinoeventchair@gmail.com.
Free Intervention Information Sessions
When: Third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m.
Where: Charter Oak Hospital, 1161 E. Covina Blvd., Covina
Details: Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addition. Open to the public, space is limited and reservations are recommended.
Contact: Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.
Free ESL and Citizenship Classes
When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights
Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.
Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.
WEEKLY EVENTS:
Bookstore Blowout
Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).
Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.
Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS
When: Second Tuesday of every month.
Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.
Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.
Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders
When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.
Cost: Free
Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com
Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce
When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789
Cost: Free Admission/Parking
Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.
Contact: (909) 869-0701
DB Community Garden Space
When: Ongoing; daylight hours.
Where: United Church of Christ, 2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar
Details: The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is progressing on their Community Garden space, located behind the church. Residents interested in developing their own garden space, or helping with this project, are encouraged to visit the Labyrinth on the hilltop. This is also a wonderful location for reflection, and enjoying some peaceful moments in your day.
Contact: Susanne Potter, (909) 861-4735, or visit http://www.diamondbarucc.org.
Chino: Multiple Fatality Vehicle Collision in Chino
STAFF REPORTS
Chino – On Fri., Oct. 3, at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Chino Police Department responded to a multiple vehicle collision on Pine Avenue, between Meadowhouse and Mill Creek avenues.
The City of Chino has reported that three vehicles were involved, two of which were engulfed in flames. The collision resulted in five confirmed fatalities.
Physical evidence and eyewitness statements indicate the driver of a 2000 Chevrolet pickup was traveling at an unsafe speed at the time of the collision. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crossed into the eastbound lane of traffic colliding with a 2013 Honda that was driving eastbound on Pine Avenue.
The third vehicle, a 2002 Honda Civic, driven by Oscar Flores, 36, of Ontario, was traveling eastbound on Pine Avenue behind the 2013 Honda Accord. The vehicles collided when the Chevrolet truck and the Honda Accord traveled westbound on Pine Avenue in the eastbound lane. Flores suffered minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.
The four occupants of the Chevrolet truck who were killed in the collision have been identified as Andrew Anthony Deleon, 19, of Eastvale; Alex Emiliano Horta, 19, of Eastvale; Nathan Dominguez, 19, of Eastvale; and Nathaniel Trinidad Marin, 20, also of Eastvale.
The driver of the 2013 Honda Accord, who was also killed, has been identified as Luis Ayala Mendoza, 47, of Corona.
This collision is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.
Walnut One Of Top Ten Cities In So Cal
STAFF REPORTS
Walnut – The City of Walnut, nearly nine square miles of suburban living in the beautiful southern slopes of the San Jose Hills. Residents enjoy a peaceful ambiance, close enough to Los Angeles to enjoy many amenities and activities, but tucked far enough away to retain a charming, small-town feel.
CreditDonkey – a credit card comparison website that publishes data-driven analyses to help customers save money and make savvy financial decisions – recently published a study that evaluated the best cities to raise a family in Southern California.
The criterion used to determine the top cities was based upon populations of 25,000 plus; education levels; housing costs; household types; commute times; and residency. CreditDonkey studies have shown that the more educated residents are, the higher their quality of life seems to be.
Walnut, or Rancho de Nogales as it was originally known (Ranch of the Walnut Trees) – ranked at number nine out of ten in this particular study. Overall, the top cities highlighted are: 1) Poway; 2) Manhattan Beach; 3) South Pasadena; 4) Lake Forest; 5) Moorpark; 6) Rancho Santa Margarita; 7) Rancho Palos Verdes; 8) Cypress; 9) Walnut; and 10) Santee.
The City of Walnut has also been ranked in Money Magazine’s “America’s Best Small Towns” study in 2009 and 2011.
For more details on this study’s statistics, visit CreditDonkey.com.
Walnut Valley Names Grammy Music Educator Semifinalists
BY KELLI GILE
Diamond Bar High’s semifinalist is instrumental music director Steve Acciani. DBHS received the 2014 National Grammy Signature School Award. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Walnut – Two Walnut Valley teachers have been named semifinalists for the 2015 Grammy Music Educator Award.
Instrumental Music Directors Steve Acciani from Diamond Bar High School and Dr. Buddy Clements from Walnut High School are among 25 semifinalists recently announced by The Recording Company and The Grammy Foundation.
For the second year, the Music Educator Award will recognize an outstanding music teacher who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrates a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
“This honor has me very humbled, but also extremely proud of what our community is accomplishing through the amazing collaborative efforts and vision of our school staff, local professional musicians, business partners, parents, and the best students ever,” Acciani stated.
“To have two schools in the same school district receive this distinction is amazing!” Clements said after hearing the news. Both music teachers were selected as quarterfinalists in June.
“It would be the ultimate honor for me to represent music educators all over our nation, especially those who have devoted decades of their lives to teach their students not only about the joy of music but also how music can touch souls, heal broken spirits, mend shattered lives, build bridges across social canyons of injustice and prejudice… and because of this our love of music can be a worthy, life-long quest for excellence, compassion, creativity and expression,” said Clements.
This year, 7,000 nominations were submitted from all 50 states. The 25 semifinalists come from 25 cities across 17 states.
All semifinalists will have the chance to earn $6,000 for their music department through the Ford Drive 4 UR School program.
Ten finalists will be announced in December and will be recognized for their remarkable impact on students.
The winner will be announced during Grammy week in February 2015 and will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award and a $10,000 honorarium.
For every performer who makes it to the Grammy stage, there was a special teacher who played a critical role in getting them there. It’s time to say thank you to all the teachers who put in the extra hours to instill the love of music in their students. And that’s just what the people who bring the Grammy Awards plan to do with this award!
Congratulations and thank you, Mr. Acciani and Dr. Clements!
Diamond Bar: Woman Gets 26 Years For Slaying DB Man
STAFF REPORTS
Carmen Montelongo (Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino Co. D.A.)
Diamond Bar/Riverside County – Samuel Wiggins, 62, of Diamond Bar, met with a gruesome death in April of 2011. He was stabbed approximately 24 times in his Diamond Bar home, and then his remains were dismembered and distributed in a variety of macabre places.
Wiggins –a retired aerospace worker – was reported missing when family could not reach him.
On Aug. 27, 2012, the Rancho Cucamonga District of the Superior Court of California delivered the Complaint that on or about Apr. 20 through May 29, 2011, the crime of willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder was committed by Carmen Montelongo, who did unlawfully and with malice aforethought murder Samuel Wiggins.
Although eye-opening, the Complaint does not capture the ghastly details of what happened after Montelongo murdered Wiggins.
Whatever the details are that led to Wiggins being stabbed 22 times in the back, and twice in the chest are unclear, although reports of sexual abuse were alleged. The trial proved that Montelongo did not stop with the murder. She disposed of the remains by distributing some parts in gardens at a former residence, obscured some at the home of a relative she was staying with, and buried the head and arms in large flower pots that she reportedly gifted family with at a home in Bell Gardens on that Mother’s Day.
It was reportedly neighbors that were prompted to contact police upon smelling decay.
Montelongo was arrested on May 29, 2011 by Ontario Police in the midst of moving a large mobile trash can containing some exhumed remains down a residential street, apparently attempting to further hide evidence.
The adult children of Montelongo were also taken into custody not long after her arrest on suspicion of helping their mother dispose of the body. Ultimately, prosecutors did not file criminal charges against them.
The trial culminated on Aug. 29 when a jury found Montelongo guilty of first-degree murder for the unlawful death of Wiggins.
Montelongo, who has also used the name Montenegro, received 26 years to life at her sentencing on Mon., Sept. 29. She has maintained her innocence throughout the course of action.
The Weekly News 10.04.14 Complete Edition
The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Oct04WeeklyAll to access the complete October 4th, 2014 issue in pdf format.
Chino: Reward For Serial AK-47 Bandit Who Shot Chino Officer
STAFF REPORTS
(Photo Courtesy: FBI)
Chino – The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a $100,000 reward offered in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the AK-47 Bandit, who is linked to the robberies of six banks in four states, and the attempted murder of a Chino Police Officer using an assault rifle.
FBI offices across the nation are announcing publicity efforts and new video relative to a serial bank robber who shot a Police Officer in Chino in 2012 after robbing the California Bank & Trust on Feb. 29. Following this armed robbery, a police offer patrolling the area came upon the suspect fleeing the scene. The suspect fired upon the officer, seriously wounding him. Prior to the bank robbery, a threat was called into the 911 dispatch center from a payphone in the general vicinity of the bank by a male caller. Investigators believe the suspect employed a diversionary tactic in an attempt to delay officers responding to the bank robbery.
The suspect has also been linked to bank robberies in Washington and Idaho, with the most recent incident happening in Nebraska City, Nebraska on Aug. 22.
During this most recent robbery at the First Nebraska Bank, the suspect carried a duffel bag and an assault rifle with a drum magazine similar to the weapon seen in his earlier robberies. The suspect proceeded to remove cash from the tellers’ drawers and directed employees to comply with his demands. The suspect then fled the bank with the stolen cash.
Agents are partnering with multiple agencies across many states, and investigators believe the suspect may continue to travel extensively to commit additional crimes.
The suspect is described as a white male, 25 to 40 years of age, 5’9” to 6’0”, approximately 180 to 230 pounds, with a large, stocky build. He possibly has blue eyes, and speaks with a deep, loud voice that carries no accent. He brandishes an AK-47 automatic assault rifle with a drum magazine. During some of the robberies, the suspect wore a black balaclava-style ski mask, black gloves, and navy blue body armor. He has also been seen with a green mesh vest with the word, “Sheriff,” on the back, and a Sheriff’s star-type badge pinned to the front of his closing. He has been reported to drive a grey, four-door, 2009-2011 Nissan Maxima with dark-tint windows and stock chrome rims, and a red/orange Jeep Liberty or Patriot SUV with a tire mounted on the back.
The suspect has committed crimes including robbery, attempted robbery and/or attempted murder in Chino, California; Sacramento, California; Vacaville, California; North Bend, Washington; Rexburg, Idaho; and Nebraska City, Nebraska.
The reward of up to $100,000 is being offered collectively by multiple entities that each attach a separate set of criteria that must be met in order to be distributed (FBI, up to $50,000; City of Chino, up to $20,000; California Bank & Trust, up to $10,000; and East Idaho Credit Union, up to $20,000.
The FBI is urging residents in all states to take a close look at the photographs and listen to the audio that has been made public. Video, audio, images and additional information can be found by visiting http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2014/september/help-us-catch-the-ak-47-bandit.
The suspect is proficient with an assault weapon and will not hesitate before shooting someone to avoid capture. He is considered heavily armed and extremely dangerous. Refrain from taking any independent action. Anyone with information regarding this suspect (or someone that meets the descriptions or has access to this type of gear or weapon), or is familiar with these vehicles, is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Walnut: Vejar Elementary Star Student and Community Partners Honored
BY KELLI GILE
Andrew Osorio – giving his trademark “thumbs-up” during a summertime visit to the school – was named the Super Star Student at Vejar Elementary and was honored during the September 19 board meeting. The 8-year old sadly passed away on Sept. 3 due to a congenital heart condition. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified Board of Trustees recognized the Vejar Elementary Super Star Student and Community Partners on Sept. 17.
“Andrew Osorio was selected as our Super Star Student for his bravery, his hard work, and his positive attitude that exemplified not just the Vejar Values, but a strong human spirit,” said Principal Jennifer De Anda during the Board Meeting.
During the presentation, she showed slides from a visit with Andrew at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles earlier this month. Andrew had been on a transplant list due to a congenital heart problem.
“I had the honor of presenting him with Super Star recognition,” De Anda said.
She then recalled some memories of the special Vejar student.
“There were times when Andrew would come into the office due to his condition because he couldn’t participate in physical education,” De Anda explained. “And so during that time he would come in and rest. When other students came in because they were injured or weren’t feeling well, Andrew would console them, he would joke with them, and read them stories. He was very sweet and caring,” she said.
Andrew sadly passed away on September 3.
De Anda shared that Andrew’s unending smile and his brave “thumbs up” were inspirational to the Vejar community.
Last spring, teacher Jamie Highstreet, Office Manager Yadira Gostel, student leaders, and the community club rallied around Andrew to help raise money for his medical expenses. Kelli Gile, Public Information Liaison, and Rich Irwin, San Gabriel Valley Tribune reporter, received the Partner in Education Award for their help with the fundraiser.
“Thanks to them, our Have a Heart campaign made the newspapers and brought in even more money,” the Vejar principal explained. “They both went out of their way to publicize our fundraiser to help Andrew’s family. They spoke with him and with the family with the kindness and empathy that helped them feel at ease,” she said.
As a result, the school was able to give the family nearly $3,000 from the Walnut community.
The Osorio family has invited students, staff, and community members to share their favorite memories of Andrew at www.AndrewOsorio.Foundation.
Pomona: PUSD Celebrates 2014-15 Teacher of the Year
BY JULIETTE FUNES
Madison Elementary School teacher, Monica Whisenhunt, was named the 2014-15 Teacher of the Year for PUSD. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Pomona – The Pomona Unified School District has recognized Madison Elementary School teacher, Monica Whisenhunt, as the 2014-15 Teacher of the Year for PUSD.
Whisenhunt – who has taught Grades 3 to 6 throughout her 12-year teaching career at Madison Elementary – was honored for the achievement at the Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year Announcement and Awards Luncheon on Fri., Sept. 19.
“Monica grew up surrounded by educators, following in her mother’s footsteps, so it’s no surprise that she has come to be one of the best teachers we have in the District,” said Board of Education President, Frank Guzman. “I want to congratulate Monica for the excellent work she has done to make a difference in the lives of our students in the Pomona Unified community.”
Whisenhunt was nominated by her colleagues at the school and other teachers in the District. She was selected for the accolade by the Associated Pomona Teachers and the Pomona Unified School District.
“While I’m surprised that I was selected out of the hundreds of talented teachers we have in the district, it’s really nice to be acknowledged and recognized for working hard and being a dedicated teacher to my students,” Whisenhunt said.
Whisenhunt said she was inspired to become an educator after seeing her mother, a teacher at a continuation school, get stopped by former students to express their gratitude for what a positive influence she had been in their lives.
“It was obvious that my mother had made an impact on their lives through her kindness and dedication as a teacher,” she said. “Growing up with teachers, I would see the constant sacrifice and endless hard work they did to ensure success for their students.”
Last year, Whisenhunt partnered with Cambridge Education and immersed herself in the Common Core and best practices, and has served on several committees to learn and prepare for the changing dynamics of education.
“Although being a teacher has many challenges, I believe in my students’ potential, and it is always my goal to provide learning opportunities that will motivate and encourage them to be high achievers,” Whisenhunt continued.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Whisenhunt also serves as an executive board member with APT.
“Monica is a prime example of the committed teachers we have at Pomona Unified,” said Superintendent Richard Martinez. “Just like her mother, I know Monica will have a positive influence on her students’ lives.”
Walnut: New Mt. SAC Child Development Center
BY MIKE TAYLOR
Walnut – The New Mt. SAC Child Development Center plays a dual role in education. Imagine a service that allows people to return to school, provides quality childcare, and serves as a hands-on training facility. That’s exactly what Mt. San Antonio College‘s new Child Development Center will offer the college community’s children, students, and families.
“Moving into a larger, modern facility allows us serve more children and more students,” said Mt. SAC Child Development Center Director, Tamika Addison, about the new center that opened to students last spring and open for childcare a month ago.
The 33,800-square foot, four-building complex houses child development classrooms, labs, observation spaces, and other required facilities to provide quality education and childcare for up to 162 children, infants to five years of age.
Mt. SAC celebrated the grand opening of the Child Development Center’s new complex (Building 70) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Fri., Sept. 26. Assemblyman Curt Hagman, Senator Bob Huff, and college administrators were on hand for the ceremony.
“Childcare is sometimes the biggest barrier for people who want to return to college and continue their education,” said Addison, who added that over 200 families will use the childcare services they offer each semester.
But the center’s services are much more than babysitting or just watching the children.
“We are concerned with their early education as well. We work with the whole child,” said Addison. “We prepare the children to do well later in school in kindergarten and elementary school.”
The childcare program at Mt. SAC has received national accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which serves as the program’s seal of approval as a quality childcare center. Each semester, there is a waiting list of about 150 for people who want to get their children into the program.
The center is also one of very few childcare centers that offer subsidized programs for families that qualify. Between 18 and 25 percent of most families’ income is spent on childcare. For some families, that subsidy, offered through three sources including the Department of Education, is a lifesaver. A subsidized food program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture is also available for children.
In another role, the center also serves as a training facility for more than 50 child development students every semester who serve as assistant teachers and received practical, hands-on training.
“We are training the area’s future childcare workers,” Addison said.
Once they finish the program, the students will fill childcare positions with programs like Head Start, and will be in demand because of the training they have received.
“The childcare field is constantly growing, and because of the need for trained childcare workers, childcare centers and programs like this are in demand,” said Addison.
According to Employment Development Department statistics, new job growth in the area of childcare is up 46 percent in California, and the childcare field is ranked in the top 50 fastest growing job fields in the state.
“The jobs are there. The question is, can we meet the demand,” she said.
The grand opening for the complex comes more than four years after its groundbreaking in June 2010. The $18.5-million complex was the first of the campus construction projects funded under the college’s $353 million Measure RR bond.
The Lovely Country of Ecuador
BY NANCY STOOPS
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Every year I go on a spiritual journey. As a psychotherapist I give all of me, and this is my way of filling my mind, body and spirit back up. This year, I decided to go to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and I’m so very glad I did. I must start by telling you how wonderful and warm the people of Ecuador are. My guide, Chris, couldn’t do enough for me. She was fabulous and I know someday I will see her again.
I was fascinated when I was taken to the middle of the earth, which is about an hour out of Quito. I stood with one foot in the north equator and one foot in the south equator, and heard a wonderful talk when I was there. I was then taken to the community of Otavalo, where many Shamans and Curanderos live. I received a cleansing and a blessing from this wonderful woman that has worked as a Curandero for years. She and her husband are pretty well known for their work.
I also had the opportunity to take a yacht to the Galapagos Islands. There were six other passengers besides myself. How do I begin to describe all that I saw? I was on this yacht for almost a week and each day we would travel to a new island for hiking and snorkeling. I have never seen so many sea lions in my life. I was fascinated by them and got as close as I could without touching them (it is against the law to touch the wildlife or to take anything out of the Galapagos Islands).
During the next few weeks I will continue writing about my journey. One thing I can say with certainty: everyone should go visit these spectacular Islands and be forever changed!
This article was written by Nancy stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Diamond Bar, and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy also runs free family support groups, anger management groups, and special groups for seniors and teens. She is also available for motivational speaking engagements. For more information on any of these services, contact Nancy at (909)229-0727.
Lost in Love
BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER
Pastor Mark Hopper
We are continuing our one year journey through the Bible at our church on Sunday mornings.
I have enjoyed studying and teaching about each book along with the other pastors at our church.
There are five poetical books in the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.
You are probably familiar with some of these books. Many people turn to the Psalms to find help and hope in times of difficulties. Psalm 23 is one of the best known writings in the world, as David wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd.”
The book of Job records the suffering and tragedy experienced by a remarkable man named Job. Proverbs is filled with helpful lessons and insights for daily living. And, Ecclesiastes records King Solomon’s interesting perspective on work, family, life and death.
The one poetical book that people are probably most unfamiliar with is the Song of Songs, or also known as the Song of Solomon. This is the story of King Solomon’s love for a beautiful young woman. It contains some remarkable descriptions of their courtship and marriage. The author uses vivid word pictures to describe their romantic relationship. They were lost in love.
But the book also includes some of the problems and difficulties that the King and his new bride experienced. There were seasons where indifference and selfishness began to take root in their relationship. There were times when they did not communicate effectively.
These same problems can weaken married couples today. Couples that are engaged or newly wed are lost in love. But, they can not foresee that there will be challenges and difficulties in the future.
Marriage is more than love and romance. Marriage also involves a commitment between a husband and wife to stick together through the good times and the bad.
If you have not read the Song of Solomon before, let me encourage you to dust off your Bible, use the table of contents and find this short book in the middle of the Old Testament. You may not understand all of the imagery and figures of speech, but I think you will be surprised at how the Bible tastefully addresses romance and marriage. You, too, may find yourself “Lost in Love.”
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.
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