Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Walnut Family Festival

STAFF REPORTS

Walnut – Mark your calendars, because the popular City of Walnut Family Festival is coming to town on Sat., Oct 11. This is definitely an event not to be missed.

The Festival highlights a variety of businesses, service clubs, youth organizations, art, products and technology, all aimed at improving the quality of living in the City of Walnut. Part of the fun includes an Arts & Crafts Alley, Business Expo, Community Awareness booths, and a special Food Court featuring samples of cuisine from around the world.

 

Schedule of Events

  • 8 to 10 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast at Suzanne Park (sponsored by the Lions Club)
  • 10 a.m. to Noon – Parade along La Puente Road from Lemon Avenue to Suzanne Road
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Kid’s Kamp at Suzanne Park
  • 11:30 a.m. to Noon – Opening Ceremonies at Suzanne Park
  • Noon to 6 p.m. – Entertainment at Suzanne Park

 

If you would like to participate as a vendor for products or services, or show your Walnut pride in the parade, applications and additional information are available online at the City of Walnut’s website at http://ci.walnut.ca.us.

 

It’s The Little Things

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

JenniferIt’s the little things in life that really define you, and leave an impression on others.

The way the one you love comes across the room to throw their arms around you at the end of a long day; the glass of ice tea that is lovingly set out on a table for you by someone who cares; the way your son walked behind the little boy who wet his pants so that no one would make fun of him; and the friend that drove all day and across two states to hold your hand at your mom’s funeral. It’s those little things that make a life, define a relationship, and show you the depths of a person’s love.

When you truly love a person, you have their heart. Their happiness is your happiness. Their smile makes you smile. Their pain wounds you, too.

It’s the little things, like the way their eyes crinkle in the corner when they really smile, or the connection that you have with them with just a look across the room. It’s the comfort in knowing that that one person truly has your back and is truly your protector.

Fancy gifts and bouquets of flowers are nice, but they are nothing compared with the gift of doing something special for someone that only you know will make their day.

While Love is a choice that one must make every day, it is also something that takes work and effort – and a whole bunch of little things – to build and maintain. The most beautiful garden, planted with all the best soil, seeds and care, will rot and die away without continued tending and water from the gardener. Relationships require tending and consistently choosing that person over yourself and making their happiness your happiness. It may be as simple as making lemon brownies because you know he loves lemons, or going to that Kings game when you are a die-hard Ducks fan, but what remains is the little things that make the ordinary grand.

Someday when your life is ending or the one whom you have loved has passed away, you won’t remember the flowers he bought you from Von’s, or the pearl necklace he spent all his money on. What will warm your heart in the quiet times when you are all alone, is the way she laughed so hard telling a joke that she couldn’t even finish the punch line, or the way he lip-synched and danced to the goofy song in your car to make you laugh.

These are the little things that make a relationship work and blossom and make you feel loved. It’s always been, and will always be, the little things.

Walnut: Collegewood Celebrates Creativity

BY KELLI GILE

 

Walnut – Everybody loves a parade! Hundreds of parents lined up to watch a kaleidoscope of colors and designs during the Collegewood Elementary Dot Day Parade on Sept. 18.

Students brought in boxes, paper and supplies from home and then let their creative juices flow.

One group stretched their imaginations making puppies from simple cardboard boxes. Another group of youngsters decorated a fluffy arctic polar bear float.

“It was 100% on their own,” 2nd Grade teacher, Diane Zell, explained.

Students were encouraged to make their mark using critical thinking and collaboration. Classes marched through the campus showing off creative floats banners, displays, posters, and decorated boxes.

One clever 5th Grader carried a bright blue bird painted on a square box complete with feathers and golden wings. Another artsy group designed and built a 5-foot long horse covered in black tissue paper and tape, with a mane of black felt and red felt bridle.

A group of fourth graders in Scott Jones’ class proudly wheeled a white block-shaped Minecraft wolf float made from cardboard boxes, tape, and paint.  Transitional kindergarten students wore adorable decorated crepe paper hats. Second grade groups marched through with a Tinkerbell float and a time machine.

The idea for the creativity parade began with a letter written to the principal by 3rd Grader, Sophia Hill. She asked her principal for a reward if the class filled its gold coin incentive jar. Collectively students earn gold coins for demonstrating ways they exceed expectations with the 4Rs: Ready-to-Learn, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, and Respectfulness.

“I thought it would be fun to have a parade with floats and invite the president!” the courageous 8-year old said.

When Principal Joan Perez gave the green light for a school-wide parade, the 3rd Grader wrote a letter to President Obama.   But, because he was busy running the country, our Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor, rode through the parade as the official Grand Marshall.  Watch out, Rose Parade!

“When our students learned of Sophia’s idea, they were so excited!  They were inspired to innovate and create parade floats all while practicing our 4Rs.  Our entire school community was amazed how rigorous and relevant the entire process was.  I can’t think of a better way to model for students that hard work and determination yields great rewards!” Perez said.

Perez combined the school parade with the international Dot Day, an event that celebrates courage, creativity, courage, and collaboration. And it all begins with a dot.

“The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who fosters students to trust in their abilities to be creative and being brave enough to make their mark in the world,” Perez added.

 

 

Run The World 2K15

BY ANDREW RODRIGUEZ

 

In December of 2012, after flying home to California for winter break and concluding my sophomore year at Rutgers University, my father sat my brother and me down in our kitchen and turned off the television. My mom had an unusual look on her face, which I had never seen before.  Then he said three words that nobody should ever have to hear, “I have cancer.”

The City of Hope National Medical Center treated my dad in February of 2013 for his prostate cancer diagnosis.  He had his prostate surgically removed, and was in recovery for several months afterward.  I am very lucky to have my dad around today because of this hospital, but some of my friends have not been as fortunate.

Run the World 2K15 will take place in March of 2015.  This month long philanthropic event will be held to raise money for The City of Hope, one of Southern California’s largest research hospitals for Cancer and HIV research.  My teammates and I will be running five half-marathons in five weeks, circling the planet and running in countries that have a high cancer rate.

The five-week event will begin and conclude at Rutgers University, signifying a journey around the world to promote cancer awareness.  We would like to raise $30,000, or about a dollar for every mile travelled around the world.  Each race will be dedicated to a close family member or friend who has suffered or passed away from cancer.  A loved one will also be running the race in memory or honor of their dedicated individual.  Here is our race schedule:

 

  • , March 8: Semi-Marathon De Paris, Paris, France.  In Memory of Terry Cardoza.
  • , March 13: Jerusalem Marathon and Half-Marathon, Jerusalem, Israel. In Memory of John Perez.
  • , March 22: Twilight Run for Cancer, Brisbane, Australia. In Memory of Michael Miyamoto.
  • , March 28: Pacific Half-Marathon, Agoura Hills, California. In Honor of Frank Rodriguez.
  • , April 12: Rutgers Unite Half Marathon, Rutgers University, New Jersey.In Memory of Sandy Wang Chiang.

 

I have five teammates who will be traveling to specific races to run in memory of their loved one.  Addam Rodriguez, Jaclyn Miyamoto, Emerald Chiang and I are all graduates of Walnut High School. Addam and Emerald are both running for their moms who passed away from cancer.  Jaclyn is running for her brother, Michael, who lost his battle in 2012.

 

If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause or find out more information on Run The World 2K15, you can email Team Leader Andrew Rodriguez at andrewedrod@verizon.net, or visit his personal page at: http://nationalevents.cityofhope.org/site/TR/HopeSweatampCures/General?px=2008425&pg=personal&fr_id=2370

            Andrew’s team can be emailed at runtheworld2k15@gmail.com, or visit their web page at:  

http://nationalevents.cityofhope.org/site/TR/HopeSweatampCures/General?pg=team&fr_id=2370&team_id=44472

The team’s Project Manager, Danielle Sapia, can be emailed at dsapia@coh.org.    

 

 

Chino: Jury Duty Scam

STAFF REPORTS

 

Chino – The Chino Police Department is warning citizens about a Jury Duty Scam that has brought about a recent increase in calls from victims and concerned citizens who have been targeted by a telephone swindle.

Scammers are contacting victims by phone, claiming that they are from the San Bernardino County Court. They are telling victims that they have missed jury duty and a warrant has been issued. They are then told that they can clear the warrant if they pay a fine – usually in the amount of $495 – by sending a money order. Most of the victims being targeted are Senior Citizens.

Citizens are urged to not provide any personal information or send money to anyone attempting to collect fees over the phone. Also make sure to ask specific questions as to the identity of the caller anytime someone tries to solicit information or money from you.

The County does not use this process for dealing with jury duty summons.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to your local police department.

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

Staff Reports

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Walnut High Presents, “The Understudy,” by Eddie McPherson

When: October 1 – 4, 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on October 4.

Where: Walnut High School Performing Arts Center, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut

Details: Acting can be murder! The Walnut High School Drama Department is bringing this charming murder-mystery comedy to theatre-in-the-round. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door.

Contact: Tickets may be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/walnutdrama, or at the door. For more information, call (909) 594-1333, extension 34212.

Wheel Food Fest

When: Fri., October 3; 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.

Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.

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.

Walnut: City Council Recap 09.24.14

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Members of the City Council commended Lou and Joanie Simonelli and named them the "Walnut Community Heroes" for their extensive volunteer work at Walnut High School and throughout the Community. Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Members of the City Council commended Lou and Joanie Simonelli and named them the “Walnut Community Heroes” for their extensive volunteer work at Walnut High School and throughout the Community. Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

 

Walnut – The Walnut City Council held its final meeting of the month on Sept. 24, and it included more complaints about Mt. San Antonio College’s proposed parking structure, as well as a proclamation for this year’s Community Heroes.

After the invocation, Mayor Nancy Tragarz and the other council members congratulated Lou and Joanie Simonelli, and named them “Walnut Community Heroes” for their extensive volunteer work for Walnut High School and throughout the community.

“Lou and Joanie Simonelli are well known in the Walnut community as dedicated volunteers,” Tragarz said.

Tragarz also said the Simonellis were chosen after more than130 Walnut High School students signed a petition to have them named this year’s community heroes- showing that their years of work continues to touch the lives of many.

Council Member, Tony Cartagena, thanked them for all their civic work over the years and said the Simonelli’s volunteerism is what makes Walnut great.

Following the proclamation, the City opened its public comment section and was once again met with concerns about Mt. San Antonio College’s proposed parking structure and concerns with Michael Montgomery being a less than affective City Attorney.

The council then went on to approve the City Council and Housing Authority minutes for the Aug. 27 meeting before discussing one of the items on the council’s consent calendar.

Tragarz pulled Resolution No. 14-48 for claims and demands in the amount of $923,023.81, citing that part of the payment to Montgomery was worded incorrectly and therefore should not be approved. Her motion failed and the item was approved for its entire amount.

The council then approved two additional consent calendar items to support the “War on Child Sex Trafficking” legislation, and the appointment of five individuals to the Youth Advisory Commission.

The council also approved all of its items concerning the claims and demands for the Successor Agency, in the amount of $3,000, adopting the Recognized Obligation Payment schedule for the period of Jan. 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015, and an approval for the administrative budget for the Walnut Improvement Agency for January to June 2015.

The City Council then adjourned with plans to meet at 7 p.m., Oct. 8, at the City Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

 

 

 

Diamond Bar: Freeway Construction Projects A Go

STAFF REPORTS

(Image Courtesy: Caltrans)

(Image Courtesy: Caltrans)

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar was recently notified that a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant (TIGER) was awarded by the federal government in the amount of $10 million for the 57/60 freeway confluence construction project.

According to City staff, the program was created by the 2009 Economic Stimulus Bill, which allows states and cities to apply for funding for transportation projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area or a region.

The confluence project is designed to improve traffic operation on Grand Avenue from Golden Springs Drive to the interchange at SR-60 in Pomona, increase the capacity at the Grand Avenue Interchange, improve traffic operation on the freeway mainline, reduce traffic weaving and increase weaving distance, and improve safety.

David Liu, Public Works Director for the City, said the application process was an incredibly competitive process. This is the sixth year of the grant program, and the City’s second try in pursuing this grant. $600 million in grant dollars were appropriated in the current grant cycle. 72 projects were selected from the U.S. Department of Transportation, with grants awarded from applications in 49 states. Liu added that the award validates the project as a national priority.

The grant will be matched with $4.5 million in Los Angeles County MTA funds, $10.6 million in City of Industry funds, and $9.4 million in federal funds – for a total of $34.5 million – to be used for the ongoing project. The funds will be used to implement the first three phases of the project to accelerate the congestion relief, starting in early 2016.

“The folks that travel that every day probably would attest to the fact that it is the seventh most congested interchange in the United States,” said Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tye. “It will get worse before it gets better, but now we know that the funding is there and it’s on the horizon to get better.”

Along with this confluence comes the agreement between Diamond Bar and the City of Industry to move ahead with new interchange on the 60 Freeway, at Lemon Avenue, helping to alleviate the traffic on Brea Canyon Road. The interchange will include a westbound on-ramp, eastbound on-ramp, and an eastbound off-ramp.

This Lemon Interchange construction project will match Diamond Bar’s Metro Prop C funds in the amount of $405,430, with $80,725 from the City of Industry, and $1,751,045 in federal right-of-way funds. The right-of-way phase should begin in June of 2015, with completion scheduled for January 2017.

 

 

 

 

Chino: Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder of Local Family

 STAFF REPORTS

 

Chino – On Sept. 23, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Chino Police Officers responded to a call regarding a stabbing in the 6800 block of Cosmos Street. Upon arrival, the responding officers witnessed a male suspect, later identified as Aaron Hernandez a 19-year old Chino resident, walking down the street with a knife.

According to the City of Chino, Officers attempted to make contact with Hernandez, who was fleeing the scene of an attempted murder. He became uncooperative and Officers used a Taser to safely take him into custody.

The investigation revealed that Hernandez stabbed two family members. The victims were transported to a hospital with multiple stab wounds and are expected to survive. Hernandez was also transported to the hospital with minor self-inflicted wounds and has been arrested for attempted murder. He has a history of mental health issues and drug use.

This is an ongoing investigation, anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

 

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 09.27.2014

Weekly CoverThe 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 Sept27WeeklyAll  to access the complete Sept 27th, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Chino Hills Gets A Dog Park

(Photo Courtesy: SSPCA)

(Photo Courtesy: SSPCA)

STAFF REPORTS

Chino Hills – Chino Hills’ dog-lovers have long desired a community dog park, and it looks like their wish will be coming true.

The Kramer family – long time owner/operators of the Los Serranos Golf Course and Country Club – has donated a parcel of land at the southeast corner of Los Serranos Country Club Drive and Los Serranos Road. This land was originally intended to house a tennis club, but times have changed and the land has been vacant for some time.

Local attorney and City Council candidate, Rossana Mitchell, who is the dog park committee president, said they are working with a budget of approximately $42,000 to bring this park to life.

“The construction should take approximately four to six months, depending on the processes with the City,” said Mitchell. “We will start clearing and cleaning up the land right away, and then there will be the site review and the environmental review. The land is already zoned for commercial/recreational purposes, so the hard part is done.”

Mitchell says that the design will be very straightforward and simplistic. The park will be divided into two areas, for large and small dogs, and will include a safety release gate with two openings, iron rod fencing, grass areas (irrigated with reclaimed water), and regular drinking water for the dogs and their humans.

“We may even invite some student involvement with architectural designs from Cal Poly, and choose from one of their ideas,” says Mitchell.

One of the most time consuming parts of construction will be the parking facilities and making sure they are in compliance with City standards.

Mitchell said that they have waited two years for this project to come to fruition, and everyone is really excited about it.

“The Kramer family has really stepped up and they have been so gracious. They are great animal advocates and are really excited about the project. And the best part, they will be able to name the park after their parents, Jack and Gloria Kramer, who have passed away.”

Chino Hills dog lovers, get ready for the “Jack and Gloria Kramer Dog Park,” coming in 2015.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

My husband was not invited to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. She chose a close family friend instead. My husband and his ex-wife had a horrible relationship which made it impossible for him to have a decent relationship with his daughter. He is very down on himself and feeling depressed. I don’t know how to help him. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Ali V.

Dear Ali:

Maybe your husband’s ex-wife was able to influence his daughter when she was a child, but most women who are getting married are adults. Certainly he had access to his young adult daughter without the influence of her mother.   In my experience, no one can keep a good parent away from their child (especially an adult child). If the bride is not interested in a relationship with her father, he should do his best to find out why. Everyone is an adult now. Try for a fresh start when they return from their honeymoon. Do not add any additional stress to their lives before the wedding.

-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.

Not Again

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Many years ago, my wife suggested that we add a small mint plant to our vegetable garden.  We had a beautiful bed of strawberries and never thought the mint would be a problem. But over the next few years, the mint completely took over the garden.  We discovered that mint is like a weed.  It grows quickly and spreads rapidly.

I actually wrote an article about this problem and asked for advice on how to get rid of the mint in my garden.  One person sent me an email with a simple solution: Never plant mint in your garden in the first place!

The only way I was able to get rid of the mint was to dig up every square foot of my garden and sift every shovel of dirt through a screen.  It took many weeks and many hours to completely remove every small twig and root of mint.

That was several years ago.  Since then I have planted a variety of vegetables in my garden. This year we have enjoyed fresh tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini squash. But, a few days ago I saw something that I never expected to see again.  Several small twigs of mint appeared in my garden.  I had not seen any mint for years. How could this be?

It reminded me that there may be old habits and sins in our lives that we think we have conquered and defeated, but they reappear when we least expect it.  I wonder if there are things from your past that might resurface and invade your peaceful life unexpectedly.

All of us are vulnerable to temptation and sin.  All of us have our weaknesses.  All of us can fall back into some old habits if we are not careful and prayerful.

If you see a small “twig” of mint resurfacing in your life, don’t ignore it.  Ask God for help and strength to face the temptation.  Ask a friend to help keep you accountable and have the freedom to speak into your life.  Don’t try to handle it alone.

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.

 

Walnut: WV School Board Approves New Administrative Positions

BY KELLIE GILE

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees has approved the following administrative positions for the 2014-2015 school year. Congratulations to the following team members!

  1. Sergio Canal is the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services/Secondary Education in the Educational Services Division. Canal brings 18 years of expertise in the K-12 educational system. Most recently, he served as principal at Nogales High School. He has also been an elementary teacher, middle school assistant principal, and a high school administrator.

David Suarez was approved as Director of Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities.  Suarez comes highly recommended and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the District. For the past five years, he supervised over 300 employees as director of maintenance at Foothill Transit. Suarez is also a retired Air Force E-7 Technical Sergeant and served our country for 20 years.

Jeanette Koh is the new principal at Quail Summit Elementary School. Koh brings 22 years of experience in education to her new post and she has been in Walnut Valley for the past 18 years.  Last year, Koh served as Assistant Principal at Suzanne Middle School.  Previously she was the Title I Coordinator at Vejar Elementary and a teacher at Maple Hill Elementary. Koh is the GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) trainer for the district and was honored as the Outstanding Contributor to Literacy by The American Literacy Corporation. She spent 19 years as a teacher and earned the prestigious National Board Certification.

  1. Resma Chamadia-Byrne has been approved as the new principal at Castle Rock Elementary School. She brings 19 years of experience in several school districts including Pasadena Unified, Ontario-Montclair, and Corona-Norco. Chamadia-Byrne has taught several grade levels, served as a teacher on special assignment, and worked with various school programs and parent groups, and most recently served as assistant principal for one of the largest elementary schools in Southern California serving nearly 1,800 TK-6th Grade students on a multi-track calendar.

Jennifer Alcazar is the new Assistant Principal at Chaparral Middle School. For the last three years Alcazar has implemented technology with staff and students as a Technology Coach at Chaparral. Jen has been a science teacher for 19 years, with ten of those years at Chaparral. Alcazar has been implementing professional development for the past decade through the University of California, Irvine.

Amy Smith has been approved as the new Assistant Principal at Suzanne Middle School.  For the past four years, Smith was a teacher at Vejar Elementary School. She has taught at several schools during her career, including Quail Summit Elementary. Amy began her career as a middle school teacher and brings 14 years in education to her new post.

 

 

Fall In Love With Autumn

BY: K.P. SANDER

This is one of the hottest summers that I can remember. The barometer hasn’t even glanced toward anything less than 90 degrees in what seems like months. Being of British descent, it’s in my DNA to appreciate downright cold weather. It’s invigorating! As of late, however, I’m feeling a bit lazy. Normally one to enjoy dressing the part, I am reduced to t-shirts, shorts and a wet pony tail. The thought of getting out the blow dryer is, well, ewww.

The hissing of summer lawns is overshadowed by the whirl and whine of air conditions trying to keep one step ahead of the sweltering heat and humidity. Like me, you’ve probably had the electric company reduce your ability to run the A/C at peak times – and rightly so. At 106 degrees, a hot community could bring a grid to its knees.

So you try to enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures of the evenings by sitting outdoors, but then those little darlings of the West Nile [virus] start sipping on you like you’re a piña colada. Back indoors you go and make an attempt not to sweat and sleep at the same time.

But enough complaining, already. Let us turn our thoughts to all things autumn. Ah, sweaters, scarves, warm fires, hot chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, trips to local mountains, colors changing, the baking of pies and breads, apple cider, and jack-o-lanterns. It’s no longer hot, but most wonderfully cool. The word ‘Crisp’ comes to mind (although a friend who lived in Wisconsin once told me I didn’t know the meaning of the word).

Fall Festivals start cropping up and electric bills go down. Wardrobes change, dinner menus start to include casseroles and turning the oven on is no longer a crime. Lawns start perking up as they feel able to muster up a bit more green, and if you’ve planted a summer vegetable garden, you’re gathering the last of the harvest.

Soon, Halloween costumes will be selected and Thanksgiving plans will start to formulate. It seems the whole color palette around us changes to burgundies, golds, reds, greens, and plums. As leaves begin to drop and decorate the neighborhoods, the air feels fresher, and life just seems a bit cozier. People, in general, seem to generate a warmth, and appear a little friendlier.

As the poet, Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote, “…Pile high the logs till the flame be leaping; at bay the chill of the autumn keeping; while pilgrim-wise, we may go a-reaping – in the fairest meadow of memory!”

‘Tis autumn, at last!

 

 

Walnut: Mt. SAC Art Gallery Revisits Exploration of Figurative Art

BY MIKE TAYLOR

 

Walnut – The Mt. San Antonio College Art Gallery will kick off its 2014-15 season with, “The Way of Flesh II,” which runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 16, at the Art Gallery. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

“The Way of Flesh II” displays the legacy of figurative art through the eyes and hands of three generations of contemporary artists, without geographical limitations. By contextualizing, juxtaposing, and challenging the limitations of traditional media, this exhibition offers the audience a complexity of inventive approaches to rendering the figure in the classical tradition. “The Way of Flesh II” picks up 20 years later, after the original “The Way of Flesh” exhibit at the Mt. SAC gallery in 1994.

Participating artists are Sigmund Abeles, Sharon Allicotti, Juliette Aristides, Steven Assael, Ron Brown, Dawn Butler, Thomas Butler, Wes Christensen,Domenic Cretara, Dirk Hagner, F. Scott Hess, Jared Linge, Pamela Diaz Martinez, Daina Mattis, John Nava, Odd Nerdrum, Ryan Schroeder, Robert Schultz,Luis E. Serrano, Betty Shelton, Richard Shelton, Cynthia Sitton, Thomas Stubbs, Ruth Weisberg, Jerome Witkin, and Peter Zokosky.

A special opening reception will be held Thurs., Sept. 18, 4:30 to 7 p.m., in the Art Gallery, Building 1B. An artists’ panel for the exhibit will be held Sun., Sept. 28, 1 to 4 p.m.  Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Tuesday nights, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call the Art Gallery at (909) 274-4328.  .

9-2014 IE Community News

2014-09-IEcommnewsThe Inland Empire Community News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, Ontario, Corona, Riverside and surrounding areas of the Inland Empire and portions the San Gabriel Valley and northern Orange County. Click this link 2014-09-IEcommnewsAll to access the complete issue in pdf format.

9-2014 SGV Community News

2014-09-SGVcommnewsThe San Gabriel Valley Community News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley and portions of the western Inland Empire and northern Orange County. Click this link 2014-09-SGVcommnewsAll to access the complete issue in pdf format.

Walnut: WVUSD Seniors Named Semifinalists in Scholarship Program

BY KELLIE GILE

Walnut – 42 Diamond Bar and Walnut High School seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.  The nationwide pool of about 16,000 Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors in each state.

The following students have been recognized for demonstrating exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies:

Diamond Bar High School: Kyu Seo Ahn, Saakib Akbany, Athena Chen, Zhen H. Chen, Matthew Chiu, Justin J. Choi, Kali A. DeCambra, Sophia Y. Deng, Gregory J. Gunadi, Shyam F. Hassan, Jeannie C. Huang, Mandy Hung, Christopher L. Ivanoff, Rena Jiang, Catherine H. Larcheveque, Young D. Lin, Michelle Lyu, Alvin R. Ma, Alexander J. Song, Emily K. Wong, and Jordan C. Wong.

Walnut High School:  Ao Henry, Bobbie Chen, Jackson T. Deng, Joanna Hao, Jefferey S. Huang, Mindy A. Huang, Yu Ting Kuo, Andrew S. Lee, Xiang Li, Rhea Lin, Theresa T. Lo, Ethan Ma, Johnny Mok, Christopher Qian, Allison Y. Tang, Yun-Ta Tsai, Rachel Wang, Brian S. Weng, Manyue Zhang, Xin Zhang, and Ted N. Zhu.

About 1.4 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools across the country entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

These academically talented seniors will now go on to compete as Finalists for 7,600 scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, private companies, colleges, and foundations.  Students submit detailed applications, recommendations, essays, and SAT scores.  All National Merit Scholarship winners are selected from the group of Finalists on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

Congratulations students, parents, and teachers on this outstanding accomplishment!