Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News
Walnut: Suzanne Students Join Connected Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize Winner
On Jan. 15, Alice Chen’s 8th Grade Language Arts students participated in a Connected Classroom Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
BY KELLI GILE
Walnut —Suzanne Middle School students got a special lesson from Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, on January 15. Teacher Alice Chen’s 8th Grade Language Arts class participated in a live Connected Classrooms Conversation to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., just days before the National holiday held in his honor.
Three classrooms from across the United States participated in the Google Hangout On-Air event. Each educator invited to participate is a member of Google’s “Connected Classrooms”.
“I was invited to join Connected Classrooms last fall when this community first launched. The invitation initially went out to Google Certified Teachers. Then it was opened up to other teachers as the program grew,” Chen explained. She is also a moderator for Connected Classrooms.
“Educators who want to be involved in this kind of project, they don’t specify which one, are welcome to sign up. Then, they’ll match you according to content and age appropriateness,” she explained.
Chen found out about the opportunity the day before the live conversation and was eager for her students to participate.
At 10 a.m., PST, moderator Dawn Engle introduced Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee to the Walnut classroom.
“She is a woman who exemplified the Peace Jam movement. In fact, she’s a Liberian Peace Activist and is responsible for leading a woman’s peace movement that helped put an end to the second Liberian Civil War,” she said.
After each class took turns introducing themselves to the honored guest, who was in New York during the event, Engle started the one-hour conversation by asking the Nobel Peace Prize winner “Why is so it important to honor the life and the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King at this time every year?”
“First, I think he is in a class all by himself,” Gbowee answered. “He really was a trailblazer and it’s important to celebrate him at this time. It’s a reminder that even the most difficult of challenges in the world we can overcome if we focus, if we preserve and if we do it non-violently,” she said.
She described Dr. King as being a change agent for his belief. He was willing to go all out, persevere, be consistent, focused, and not get distracted with the negativity. Dr. King started something at a time in the world when everyone felt it was not possible,” Gbowee said.
“He decided we’re going to do this and break this barrier,” she added.
“When I sit and think of Dr. King and the incredible work that he did, and at the end of the day, when we look back, there are a lot of things that have happened in this world beyond the Civil Rights struggle. We see other situations in the world, and people say, ‘If King could do it, I too can do it’,” she said.
“The most important thing that Dr. King taught us is we are the change that we hope to see. It is in each and every individual,” she added.
Two students from each classroom also asked questions. When it was their turn, Suzanne students, Kaitlin Garrett and Steven Sakamoto, stood next to the projection screen face-to-face with the international legend. 8th Grader, Kaitlin Garrett, asked the first question during the event.
“I really liked what [Gbowee] said about us being the change. And how we can start it and I thought it was really inspiring because it is very true. I think if one person starts it and everybody joins in, it continues on,” Garrett said.
Garrett said she plans to begin finding ways to become a change maker. “This will inspire me to start thinking about changes and how we can help the community,” she said
Gbowee shared several of her own experiences about making a difference through non-violent struggle.
She said she wrote her book, Mighty Be Our Prayers, to share that it doesn’t matter if your life has taken a downturn, you can be an agent of change. “No matter how hard you fall, you are not judged in this life by the magnitude of your fall, it’s your ability to rise up and stand tall,” she said.
She also advised the students to find their own passion and that they could be difference makers too.
“When I was growing up, I never thought about a Nobel Peace Prize. I always thought about how I could make a difference,” she said
“Dr. King said anybody can be great. Those who see problems can be great through service, be great through humility, be great through doing good and not expecting anything in return. That is the kind of greatness Dr. King talked about and that has guided my work,” she explained to the students.
The recorded broadcast will also be shown to Bishop Desmond Tutu, who is on the Peace Jam board. And the kids got to wave hello to him.
Gbowee concluded the conversation by offering a challenge to the students. “Dr. King was a great man in a class all by himself. He stepped out when no one thought it was possible. I think to the young people of the world, if you read the life and legacy of Dr. King, he was one ordinary person who decided to try to do the impossible and leave an extraordinary mark on the world. We all have a light in us. If we ever decide to tap into that light, we too, can make the impossible possible. And leave an extraordinary legacy,” she said.
“You have the light, you have the examples, and you have the platform. Step out and make big changes. I hope someday I will read about one of you from these three classrooms of the great work you have done,” she added.
The Connected Classrooms broadcast can be viewed at https://plus.google.com/events/ckfsc2s5dg1aqvglm1h4ha902uo.
Inland Empire: Is Anything Really Forever?
Is Anything Really Forever?
BY MICHAEL ARMIJO
Originally published in August of 1998, this is the very first “Our Life” ever printed in The Weekly News, and the reason why we started publishing newspapers. It was after writing this story that we decided how short life was, and how important it is to do what you believe in. This story helped us realize what we believe in.
The hardest day of my life was a year ago in May. It was like every other morning with the exception that it was their anniversary. Mom and dad got up, went to brunch, went home, and then got into a little argument. My dad wanted somewhere to go to be by himself, so he went to check on his rental property that was recently vacant.
I got home that night around 9 p.m. and my wife told me my mother called. She said mom was wondering why dad wasn’t home yet, but it was like him to stay at his rental property and fix things. Mom wasn’t too worried, so I went to bed. A few hours later she called me again; “Your father still isn’t home yet, now I’m worried.” At a frantic pace, I went to his rental property and found his truck in the front of the house, which was completely dark. My heart raced and I was afraid to go in and find him lying there, so I called 911 from my cell phone.
LIFE MAKES A LEFT
I told the operator that I was afraid to enter the house by myself, I was afraid of what I might find. Four minutes later, the Sheriff’s Department arrived. The officer shined his flashlight on the front door and, since it was pitch dark, I didn’t even know it was wide open. We walked inside and there was my daddy, lying in the hallway, as still as can be. I yelled, “He isn’t moving? Why isn’t he moving?” The officer grabbed me and dragged me outside, calmed me down, and told me to wait while he checked what on was going on.
At that point, I tried to convince myself he was asleep on the floor or just passed out. I was in complete denial that he would be gone – and gone forever – until the paramedics came. They ran into the house in the hopes of helping a victim survive, but three minutes later, they walked out. I wasn’t sure what to do, but I knew one thing, I had to try to be responsible, I had to go home and tell my mom.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
When I told my brother and sisters the news of our father, I received a different reaction from each. But the strongest reaction embedded in my memory is the one from my mom. I called my sisters to help me tell mom about dad, but they lived so far away they couldn’t be there for quite some time. I knew I couldn’t let my mom wait that long, she was waiting for me to bring my father home. I knocked on my neighbor’s front door, but they couldn’t hear me from their back bedroom. It was at that time I realized that no one was around and I’m going to have to do this on my own, so be it.
It wasn’t the screaming or the crying that affected me so much; it was what my mother said. She was angry because she and my father had promised each other they’d leave this earth together. They made a pact. They had a deal. She was angry because he broke that pact. The deal was off. At that point, I admired how strong their love was; I admired how much they really loved each other. So much so, they not only discussed how they’d be together, but how they’d leave together as well. I never knew this, and it saddens me that I had to find out about it this way. I guess sometimes regardless of what this life gives you, and regardless of how much you think you know, you find out that you never know what to expect.
A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING
Whoever said, “the hardest time after a death is the first year” was right. It has been interesting and difficult. Death really does something to people; it really makes them change. You hear things you never thought you’d hear; you see things you never thought you’d see. That first Thanksgiving, that first Christmas. The first time one of your parents isn’t at your son’s sixth grade graduation or your daughter’s recital. Your kid’s birthday parties, your son’s little league games. You sit there enjoying yourself and then sense that something’s missing. The first time I felt stressed and dad wasn’t there to tell me; “it’ll all work out ok,” that was my hardest. Dad wasn’t kidding when he told me: “there’s a first for everything.”
YOU NEVER KNOW
If there was one thing I’ve really had to push into my life it is to enjoy it. If one of my children gets out of line or has done something wrong, I talk about it. I don’t scream and yell, and I don’t smack them. I never send them to bed on a bad note, and whenever I leave, I always give them a hug and a kiss (something my 12-year-old son tries to avoid, but I force it on him). I do this because my father and I had the worst relationship in the world. And then one day, five years before he passed, for a reason only God may know, I confronted him with my feelings. We really opened up, laid it all on the table, and enjoyed ourselves. It took time for us to heal, but we worked on it, and in the end I had the fortunate opportunity to have a close and loving relationship with my dad. It was the fastest five years of my life.
We had fun, forgave each other, and told each other we loved each other. I am very fortunate to be able to say that I don’t have any regrets about our friendship. I always wanted more from life but he always told me to “stop striving for bigger toys and invest yourself in love, because you never know, son, you just never know.”
SOME THINGS ARE FOREVER
There’s something about seeing your parents in enormous grief that does something to a person. They’re your safety net in life, they’re the one thing you can bet your life on who’ll always take you back if you failed out there in the world. They’re the ones that you knew would love you forever, regardless of what you’ve done or where you’ve been. When that gets destroyed or damaged, you come to the realization that you’re definitely, and I mean definitely, on your own. Life becomes this big “do or die” situation. Ready or not, it’s time to grow up. You get kind of nervous that the encouraging source in your life is gone. The one who always said, “You can do it, you can do anything,” can only be heard from a distant memory.
It’s kind of like when you were in school; you’d walk into the class and find you were having a pop quiz. You felt this panic overwhelm you, and you’d try your hardest to remember what the teacher told you the day before. You had no warning, no time to prepare, the test is here and it’s now. You never anticipated this coming; it never even entered your mind. All you can do now is hope you were paying attention all that time, all you could do was hope you were a good student. Teacher’s not going to give you any answers today; you’re on your own.
And then someday, when life tests you and you see that big “A” across the top of that “life test,” you realize that what makes you a better person is to recognize that there are some things in life that you just have to believe in. Like the love you never knew your parents shared, some things really are forever.
Diamond Bar: Evergreen Elementary Announces School Spelling Champ
Evergreen Elementary spelling champion, Thordar Han, will now concentrate of preparing for the regional contest. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
BY KELLI GILE
Diamond Bar— Thordar Han, a 5th Grade student, is Evergreen Elementary’s Spelling Champion! Jason Chen took Second Place honors, and Jason Kim earned Third Place during the school’s Spelling Bee, held on January 10.
All 4th and 5th Grade students participated in classroom competitions that narrowed the field of 200 students down to 18 finalists, who competed in front of their peers on the Multipurpose Room stage.
In the final round, Han won the school championship when she correctly spelled, “Monochrome.”
“When I heard the word, I knew how to spell it,” the 10-year-old said.
Han said she has always liked spelling and practiced with online tests for the competition. She is also an avid reader and likes to play the drums in the school band.
“It felt good,” she said about winning the Spelling Bee. The soft-spoken Diamond Bar student said she kept her excitement on the inside and shared the good news with her family when she got home from school.
Han will now represent Evergreen and compete in the 2014 Inland Valley Regional Competition that could lead to the ultimate competition at the nationwide contest in Washington, D.C.
4th and 5th Grade teachers, Lily Chang, Sally Choi, Shelby Coomber, Cathy Patterson, Lynn Otsu and Kris Kobzeff, coordinated this exciting activity for their students with help from volunteer, Bernice Bromberg, and support from the Evergreen Community Club.
“This is another great example of our dedicated staff and fabulous volunteers working together to create wonderful opportunities for our talented students,” said Principal, Carolyn Wills.
“Evergreen is rooting for Thordar in the next round of competition. Congratulations to Thordar, Jason Chen and Jason Kim! Great job,” she said.
Three Men Charged in Colby Fire
STAFF REPORTS
Glendora – Three men were recently charged in the United States District Court with illegally setting a campfire above Glendora that erupted into a destructive wildfire, known as the Colby Fire, perpetuated by the Santa Ana wind conditions.
Federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint that charges the three men with unlawfully setting timber afire, a felony offense that carries a possible five-year prison term. Clifford Eugene Henry, Jr., 22, of Glendora, Steven Robert Aguirre, 21, a transient, and Jonathan Carl Jarrell, 24, also a transient, were taken into custody by local officials last Thursday after the fire started and turned over to federal authorities.
The Colby Fire started on the morning of January 16. By that evening, the fire had consumed more than 1,700 acres of federal, state, local and private lands. The fire had also destroyed five residences, damaged 17 additional structures, and resulted in injuries to one civilian and two firefighters.
Henry, Aguirre and Jarrell were detained by Glendora Police Officers after they were seen escaping the fire. During interviews with Glendora Police and personnel with the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Arson Investigations Unit, all three defendants admitted to playing a role in the starting of a campfire that started the Colby Fire after wind blew burning paper into the brush in the hills above Glendora, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint.
A United States Forest Service fire investigator has determined that the origin of the Colby Fire was at a point near a fire ring built by Henry, Aguirre and Jarrell; the cause of the fire was embers from the campfire that set dry grass adjacent to the campfire ring afire. Both the campfire ring and the origin of the fire are clearly located on Federal lands within the Angeles National Forest.
The investigation is being conducted by the United States Forest Service, the Glendora Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Walnut Valley: WVUSD to Honor Classified Employees
Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) will honor the monthly 2013 Cornerstone Award recipients during the 15th Annual Class Act Gala on Friday, Feb. 7, at the Pomona Valley Mining Company.
Twelve classified (non-teaching) employees received this award for providing outstanding service to the District.
Congratulations to the following honorees:
January: Margaret Wong, School Office Manager, Evergreen Elementary
February: Sharon Liu, Instructional Aide-I, Bilingual/Bicultural, Maple Hill Elementary
March: Laura Morris, Instructional Aide-II, Special Education, C.J. Morris Elementary
April: Shelley Patton, Instructional Aide-II, Special Education, Maple Hill Elementary
May: Lorraine Gomez, Health Clerk, Suzanne Middle School
June: Yenny Ong, Food Service Worker-II, Quail Summit Elementary
July: Monica Cazares, Accounting Assistant-II, Child Care Program
August: Patricia Acevez, Office Assistant/Health Clerk, Vejar Elementary
September: Patti Malatacca, School Office Manager, Quail Summit Elementary
October: Maria Cabrera, Instructional Aide-II, Vejar Elementary
November: Marilyn Higa, Instructional Aide-II, Special Education, Evergreen Elementary
December: Gale Taylor, Library Media Technician-II, South Pointe Middle School
The Classified Employee-of-the-Year will be announced at the culmination of the program, sponsored by the WVUSD Personnel Commission and Walnut Valley Educational Foundation.
Tickets are $25 for Adults. For reservations, please contact the Human Resources Department at (909) 595-1261, by January 24.
The Pomona Valley Mining Company is located at 1777 Gillette Road in Pomona.
Diamond Bar: Hotel To Replace Honda, DB Bans MJ
By Ariel Carmona, Jr.
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council approved several resolutions at the Jan. 21 meeting dealing with crucial development decisions in the City, including a proposal to establish a zoning district for the possible construction of a hotel at the site formerly known as the Honda Dealership, and an emergency ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in order to comply with Federal laws, among other items.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1(2014), which would establish a new overlay zone district to promote and facilitate the development of a prominent site, which was formerly the location of the Honda Dealership and a Burger King drive-thru restaurant, located across the 60 Freeway off-ramp, in a manner staff reports describe as, “Consistent with the City Council’s adopted goals and objectives since 2009.”
The City’s Staff Report to the Council specified the City’s plans for redevelopment, including specific plans to revitalize the Burger King and Honda property areas, “In a way that provides the greatest net benefit to the community.” The staff determined, based on the criteria set forth in the Council’s goals and objectives, that the highest and best use for the overlay would be a hotel.
“Any future reuse of the land would require a hotel to be the anchor use,” said Greg Gobman, Community Development Director. “And, any secondary uses on that site would be limited to those prescribed in the Development Code,” he added.
City staff told the Council that a world-renowned consultant took several factors into account to determine what would be the most optimal use of the property. According to the report, two major, mutually exclusive projects have been approved next to the Honda site: The Industry Business Center (IBC), and an NFL Stadium. Under the IBC scenario, a business park including office and industrial space would be built out, while the stadium project would include an ancillary office, medical and retail uses. Neither option would include a hotel.
The staff concluded that based upon the analysis of the consultant, the highest and best use of the Honda property is one with a hotel anchor, with project-specific characteristics dependent upon other factors. “The Honda site itself is literally set aside from the rest of the City. That’s also true figuratively in that its physical isolation and its prominent location at the convergence of two freeways is where we see 200,000 vehicles passing by each day, and in addition to this site being located right at existing and future on/off ramps, there is tremendous opportunity to develop this site in ways that really are not possible elsewhere,” said Gobman.
After hearing feedback from a resident opposing the proposed hotel development option, the Council weighed in on the issue. “I think the opportunity there is to capture the between $600,000 and $1 million in transient occupancy taxes, so I think it makes sense to take that action on this property,” said Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Tye.
In other actions, the Council voted 5-0 to adopt an emergency ordinance prohibiting the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City. Previously, the City’s code permitted one use, but City Manager, James DeStefano, said that code may be in conflict with Federal law. He pointed out that the City does not have any dispensaries currently operating.
According to staff reports made public by the City, the conflict between State and Federal laws has led to many Southern California cities, including Whittier, San Dimas, Fullerton, and other cities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, to place restrictions on medical marijuana dispensaries, as a permitted land use or place a moratorium on the establishment of such a use.
In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215, which enabled seriously ill patients to legally possess, use, and cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes under State law. Subsequently, SB420 was enacted by the State Legislature to clarify the scope of the Act, and to allow local jurisdictions like Diamond Bar to adopt and enforce rules and regulations consistent with the Act.
The emergency ordinance prohibits the establishment or operation of what the City deems retail marijuana dispensaries for a period of 45 days and ultimately provides the City time to adopt an ordinance permanently prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries as a permitted use under the City’s zoning laws.
During the subcommittee reports part of the meeting, Mayor Carol Herrera said that with a lot of people being out of work, there was a minor rash of burglaries during the holiday season. “We are intersected by two major freeways, so we are a relatively easy target,” said Herrera. “I have said before that we have an outstanding Sheriff’s Department that is on the alert to watch out for all of you”, she added. Herrera said officers noticed burglary tools and merchandise in a vehicle during two recent traffic stops. “That’s further evidence that our Sheriff’s Department is doing an outstanding job looking out for the homeowners, and for all of us.”
The next meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is scheduled for Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m., in the Government Center South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Main Auditorium, located at 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.
Walnut: Council Corner- Conserve Water
The Walnut City Council warned residents to conserve water due to California’s drought. (Photo courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)
By Raymond Mendoza
Walnut – There was a short supply of agenda items at the Walnut City Council and Housing Authority meeting on Wednesday, but a major warning was given from Council Members about California’s drought problems.
After the approval of the Dec. 11, 2013 Study Session and City Council Meeting Minutes, and the Jan. 8 City Council Meeting Minutes, the City Council unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar.
The consent calendar included Resolution No. 14-03, for a resolution of the City of Walnut to allow certain claims and demands in the amount of $548,442.32; Walnut’s participation in the Cal Recycle Used Oil Competitive Grant for the 2013/2014 fiscal year; and youth sports groups requests for bi-annual facility use for FC Man United Soccer, Walnut Valley Pony Baseball, Walnut Youth Softball and the American Youth Soccer Association.
During the comment and updates section, Council Member, Mary Su, urged Walnut residents to be mindful of wasting water for the foreseeable future due to the latest statewide drought.
Council Member, Bob Pacheco, agreed with Su, saying that citizens should be careful not to waste water in an “unnecessary” manner.
The Housing Authority Meeting then started, which unanimously approved the only item on the consent calendar: Resolution No. 14-01 for the Walnut Housing Authority, allowing certain claims and demands to be paid in the amount of $52,820.25.
Mayor Antonio Cartagena then asked for all attendees of the City Council Meeting to join him in a moment of silence for the passing of Walnut Parks and Recreation’s Commissioner Ernie Quejado’s mother, Theresa.
Cartagena officially adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:17 p.m., with the next scheduled meeting planned for Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.
A Better Place
BY SARAH ARMIJO
I went on a Missions trip to Haiti with a team last year, and lately we’ve been talking about going back. The team and I always talk about how much we miss Haiti, but I think it’s strange that we’re talking about how much we miss a Third World country, where people lived in poverty and barely had enough food to eat. So the other day, I really thought about what it was that I missed about Haiti and the first thing that popped into my head was: the people.
The Haitian people who lived in the villages were always so friendly to us. They would wave at us as we walked by, have us hold their children, or ask us to pray with them. They were so welcoming everywhere we went. They treated us as we were family, even though we were strangers who didn’t even speak their language.
And the Haitian children were a whole new level of welcoming. Whenever we had an opportunity to play with the children, my arm would end of being tired from holding so many of them and my legs would be tired from running around with them the entire day. At one point, I had a little over ten children surrounding me, each fighting to hold my hand, trying to play with my hair, try on my sunglasses, ask me questions in Creole or do anything to get my attention. The funny part was that as soon as I turned around to look at them, all they would do was give me the biggest smile. The love they showed us was truly remarkable.
It wasn’t until we were back in a United States airport that I realized how different Haiti was. The moment I realized we weren’t in Haiti anymore was the moment I turned to say “Bonswa” (meaning hello in Creole) to someone, and I didn’t see a smiling face like I was used to in Haiti.
It’s amazing to think that I miss a country where we didn’t have any electricity, where we didn’t have clean water, where we barely had enough food, and where I’ve sweated more than I’ve sweated my entire life. But still, I have the urge to go back just so I can see those friendly faces and feel that special love all around me.
The question I found myself asking is, why do I have to go back to feel this way? Why can’t I have that same feeling when I’m in my own hometown? Why can’t we be friendly to one another here? So I ask you to please help me spread love around the community. Say hi to one another, smile at each other, open doors, help with grocery bags, or do a simple act of kindness to show a stranger this love. As the years progress, I find the world becoming less civil. But who says we can’t change it? Let’s work together to make this world we live in a better place.
Diamond Bar: Stay or Go?
BY MARK HOPPER
We are in the beginning of a new sermon series at our church in the Old Testament book of Ezra. I have really enjoyed studying and preparing for this series.
The book of Ezra records events in the life of the Jewish people in the 500s BC. Leaders and families from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin have been living in exile in Babylon (Iran / Iraq) for about 70 years.
After the fall of Babylon, the new Persian King, Cyrus, issued a decree that allowed exiles to return to their homelands. In the British Museum, there is a cylindar (the Cyrus Cylindar), which was discovered in the 1800s, that records this remarkable event.
The decree, which was written in the 500s BC, allowed exiles from many countries to leave Babylon and return to their homelands.
The book of Ezra provides an account of how the Jewish exiles responded to this unexpected opportunity. Some decided to “go” while others decide to “stay”.
How do you think you would respond in their situation? Many of the exiles had built homes and raised families in Babylon. They were not anxious to leave.
Others felt this was a unique opportunity to return to their homeland, even though they knew that Jerusalem had been destroyed and was mostly uninhabited for the past 50-60 years. They were willing to “go”.
How do you respond to unexpected opportunities? Do you play it safe or are you willing to take a chance? Do you prefer the familiar or are you willing to venture into the unknown?
A lot of it has to do with your faith. Are you willing to venture out and trust God to lead and guide you or do you prefer to stay in your comfort zone?
If you have a Bible at home, I hope you will dust it off and use the table of contents to find the book of Ezra and read it for yourself. If you don’t have a church home, let me invite you to come to our church on Sunday morning and learn with us as we study the book of Ezra together.
Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, (909) 594-7604; Sunday Services; 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org.
Inland Empire: Don’t Put Off Your Healing Anymore
BY NANCY STOOPS
The New Year is here and it’s time to start healing from the past. How many years have you put off your healing? How many thousands of excuses have you come up with over the years to not do the work to heal? Having healed from the pain of a brother committing suicide, another brother being murdered and a father dying from pancreatic cancer, I can certainly understand your fear and hesitance. It takes an incredible amount of courage to confront our demons that cause us to stay stuck in the past. It also takes the perfect fit between the client and the therapist.
The truth is that there is no time like the present to start your healing work. Don’t allow yourself to stay in that debilitating pain for another day. Ask people for referrals of good and effective therapists. Take the time to find that special therapist that you can totally trust and open your heart to. Isn’t it time that you or your loved ones were able to be set free and allowed to soar once again? I think we all deserve this, but many hard and horrific things keep us down, fearful and stuck.
Keep in mind that we all only have one life and deserve all the greatness life has to offer. Give yourself and your loved ones a chance to heal and be set free. I promise it’s much harder to stay in the pain than to do the work needed to heal from the pain. I have faith in all of you and know that you can do this. I see so many in pain and it breaks my heart. All I want is for all of you to be healed and to finally have the life that all of you so deserve. So go make that phone call you have been putting off and make today the day that you start your healing and/or the healing of your loved ones!
This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. She can handle many court mandated needs. Nancy is now accepting new clients. She also works as a motivational speaker.
For more information about any of these services, feel free to page Nancy at (626) 935-3818. You may email her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. Her new book, “Live, Heal and Grow”, is available for purchase http://www.RoseDogBookstore.com or at Amazon.com.
Walnut: Family Excursions In Walnut
NEWS RELEASE
Walnut – On Sunday, Feb. 16, the City of Walnut is off to see the most magical adventure of them all- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz. This new production is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. It contains all the beloved songs and characters and iconic moments from the Oscar-winning movie, plus a few surprises along the way. Seats are $70 and are located in the orchestra section of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Round trip transportation from Walnut, leaving at 5:15 p.m. and returning to Walnut approximately at 10:30 p.m., is included.
If a pirate adventure is more your style, join us on us on Saturday, April 5, for the Real Pirate exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Exhibit highlights include rare gold coins, jewelry, weaponry such as cannons, pistols, and knives, and a replica of an actual ship that visitors can board. After our time at the Museum, enjoy lunch and shopping on your own in San Diego’s Seaport Village. Ticket prices are $30 per person and include round trip transportation from Walnut, leaving at 8 a.m. and returning to Walnut at approximately at 5:30 p.m.
All busses depart from the Park N Ride Lot, located at 20983 La Puente Road in Walnut, (cross street Gartel Drive.) For more information or to register, please call the Walnut Community Services Department at (909) 598-5605.
Weekly News 1-25-2014
Straight Talk With Danice
DEAR DR. AKIYOSHI,
I have been suffering with terrible menopausal symptoms. I do not want to take synthetic hormones because I heard there is an increased risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer and thyroid cancer run in my family. My quality of life is terrible and all of my relationships are suffering. You once recommended some natural remedy for hot flashes and I lost that paper. Will you please mention it again?
Thank you
Sandra. H.
Dear Sandra,
The herbal remedy I recommend for hot flashes is called ‘Fem Drops.’ Or ‘Fem Drops plus’ if you are irritable or struggle with fluid retention. Female ‘Plus’ will help you relax, so take it at night. You can order it from Dr. Richard Schulze’s website at http://www.herbdoc.com.
I would also recommend that you gather information about bio identical hormone replacement. This is quite different from synthetic hormone replacement. Maybe you would consider reading the book by Suzanne Somers called “Ageless.” It is full of valuable information that will help you realize that you are not alone in your suffering. Doing an online search will direct you to many great sources of information as well. Another doctor I’m impressed with is Christiane Northrup. Her books have been helpful to many of my patients.
I wish you the best of luck. I hope you will be feeling better soon.
Danice Akiyoshi ND
Dr. Danice Akiyoshi
Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She has a great passion for alternative healing and has over 20 years of experience in this field. She provides a form of energy psychology called The Emotion Code, where she helps people literally get rid of their emotional baggage. She also 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.
New Riverside County Sheriff Captain
Sheriff Stan Sniff and Captain Michael Lind (Photo Courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff Department)
RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT.
Riverside County – Sheriff Stan Sniff promoted Lieutenant Michael Lind to the rank of Captain on Jan. 13, 2014. Captain Lind will begin his new assignment Feb. 6, as the Commander of the Sheriff’s Communication Center. He is replacing Captain Dean Wright who is retiring this month.
Captain Lind has over 26 years of full-time law enforcement experience, all with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Captain Lind began his career in 1987. After completing the Basic Peace Officer Academy, he was assigned to the Corrections Division as a Deputy Sheriff working at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Jail in Indio. In 1990, he transferred to the Banning Sheriff’s Station where he served in the patrol division and as a Field Training Officer.
In 1994, Captain Lind was promoted to the rank of Investigator, and transferred to the Moreno Valley Police Department where he worked auto theft, child abuse, sex crimes, and homicide investigations. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Investigator.
In 2002, Captain Lind was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Banning Sheriff’s Station where he worked as a patrol sergeant and served as the sergeant for the Department’s K9 Team.
In 2007, Captain Lind was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to the Robert Presley Detention Center, where he worked Floor Operations, the Classification Unit, and Administration.
In March 2010, Captain Lind was transferred to the Perris Station, where he managed both Patrol and Administration Divisions. In September 2011, he was transferred to Dispatch, where he managed Fleet Operations, the Telephone Reporting Unit, and several large construction projects.
Captain Lind has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal Baptist University, in Riverside. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Cherry Valley, where they have raised two daughters.
Detectives Seeking Help in Identifying Three Suspects
Staff Reports
Rowland Heights – The LA County Sheriff’s Department sent out a news release stating that the Sheriff’s Parks Bureau detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects in connection with numerous vehicle burglaries that occurred between Nov. 16, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2013 at Peter F. Shabarum Regional Park, located at 17250 East Colima Road, Rowland Heights.
The suspects burglarized the victims’ vehicles by smashing a window and grabbing any purse left inside the vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The suspects then immediately used the victims’ credit cards to purchase gift cards and other merchandise from local business stores.
The suspects are described as two male Hispanic adults and one female Hispanic adult. The suspects’ pictures were obtained from video surveillance at stores where the suspects used the stolen credit cards, including various Target stores in the area.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents or the whereabouts of these suspects are encouraged to contact Detective Jack Prentice, Parks Bureau, at (661) 294-3544 or (310) 749-5821.
Photo courtesy: LA County Sheriff’s Department
Diamond Bar Woman’s Club Update
NEWS RELEASE
Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club’s Roaring 20s Casino Night will be an exciting evening on Friday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Golf Course, 22751 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.
Chairs Paula Dryburgh, Debbie Avila Mott, and Rachel Myer suggest you purchase your tickets early so you won’t miss this fun and festive evening. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes a delicious dinner, $50 worth of gaming chips and one drink ticket. You are encouraged to come in 20s dress and enjoy the fun with all proceeds to benefit the Club’s many philanthropic efforts. For tickets or information, please call Debbie Avila-Mott at (909) 860-1063.
The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club sponsors many local and regional charities, such as scholarships for local students, The House of Ruth, Shoes That Fit and many more.
The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Diamond Bar Golf Course, located at 22751 E. Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 15 starting at 10 a.m. and featuring a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club. The meetings are always a great opportunity for fellowship and informative topics. For a luncheon reservation, please call Sharron Tanzer at (909) 861-3138.
New members are encouraged to join this very active group. The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club organized in 1963 and is one of the longest-running service organizations in the San Gabriel Valley. For information on any of our programs, please call President, Rosette Clippinger, at (909) 525-8828.
RUSD District Climate Survey and Common Core Meeting
RUSD
Rowland Heights – The Rowland Unified School District announced it will launch its District Climate Survey once again, where the community can provide valuable feedback on programs and services the District provides. This recurring survey provides data responses that assist during planning and review of District operations and educational services. The District also announced that it will hold information meetings this month for parents to learn more about the Common Core State Standards, how it will impact their child, and will share the implementation efforts made in RUSD.
To participate in the online survey (also available in Chinese, Korean and Spanish), the community can visit the “Your Voice” section of the District website (www.RowlandSchools.org) and on every school website. It is also located on the free Rowland Unified School District “Mobile App” available for iOS and Android phones/devices. The District Climate Survey is available now through Jan. 30. Individuals who do not have access to computers may visit any RUSD school to take the survey online, or visit the District Office located at 1830 S. Nogales Street in Rowland Heights. The district phone number is (626) 965-2541. The results from the survey will be shared with the community in the “Your Voice” section on the District website in the Spring.
Parents and interested community members are also invited to attend an informational meeting about the Common Core State Standards that will be implemented next year. The next meeting date is Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Giano Intermediate in the Multipurpose Room (located at 3223 S. Giano Avenue, West Covina 91792). For additional resources and information about the Common Core, a Parent Common Core Toolbox with videos and handouts is located on each RUSD school website or at http://www.RowlandSchools.org.
The Rowland Unified School District is proud to serve 16,000 students in the communities of Rowland Heights, Walnut, La Puente, City of Industry, and West Covina at our award-winning schools. More than 5,000 adults (16+) are also served by the Rowland Adult and Community Education School. For more information about Rowland Unified, the community can download the free Mobile App for iOS and Android phones/devices that has news, school calendars, a safety Tip Line, high school sports news for Nogales and Rowland High Schools, and helpful parent and District resources. Visit http://www.RowlandSchools.org or call (626) 965-2541.
Diamond Bar: Trial Date Set for Former Lorbeer Teacher
Steven Andrews (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)
STAFF REPORTS
Diamond Bar – Former Lorbeer Middle School teacher, Steven Andrews, appeared in court this week for a pre-trial hearing. The trial has been delayed several times and will not likely get underway until next month.
Andrews surrendered to Police back in September 2011, admitting he committed lewd acts on a 14-year-old student. Andrews is facing 17 charges, including six counts of sexual penetration with a foreign object, six counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, two counts of oral copulation with a child under 16, and three counts of lewd acts on a child.
Steven Andrews is set to return to court Jan. 28 for a defense motion. The trial date is tentatively set for Feb. 10, according to the Pomona Superior Court.
Collegewood Robotics Team Wins 2nd Place at Regional Tourney
Collegewood Robomasters Cougars 4-1, shown with team coaches, were recognized for their impressive 2nd Place award during the school’s Spirit Day assembly on January 10. Each member received a trophy. (Photo Courtesy:Kelli Gile)
BY KELLI GILE
Walnut—Collegewood Elementary School’s new robotics team won 2nd Place for their project presentation during the Los Angeles Region First Lego League (FLL) Championship Tournament held on Dec. 14, 2013.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 Team is comprised of ten 4th graders: Nathan Fong, Nafiz Islam, Madrid Nevarez, Evan Walker, Sarah Wang, Emmy Hsu, Collin Lee, Codey Ma, Kaden Salvador, and Kawin Watkins.
They were considered one of the youngest teams in the tournament, which included 4th to 8th grade student teams.
Kawin Watkins said his favorite part was “is learning to build and program the robots.”
“I started the project presentation and ended it,” said Evan Walker, age 9. “It’s fun being a part of the club and I will definitely be part of it next year,” he added.
“The best part was programming the robot,” said Sarah Walker. FLL is dubbed a sport for the mind.
“It went really good and it was fun,” added Madrid Nevarez. She said competing with the robot was the most exciting part and she won her match.
Kaden Salvador said he was impressed with his teammates at the regional contest.
“During the competition all the kids really focused and we won!” he said.
They advanced to the Championship Tournament and completed with another 48 teams from different schools throughout Los Angeles County at South High School in Torrance.
“Our little kids tried their best and had great fun working as a team with gracious professionalism to apply science and technology into real world problems,” said team coach and parent Scott Watkins.
The team researched Wildfire Disasters and presented their idea of a Firefighting Robot to the judges.
They also competed among 48 teams in the Robot Game by building and programming their robot using NXT Mindstorms kits to complete different missions.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 took the 7th Place award in the robot performance contest.
“They were also one of the most consistent teams, scoring over 300 points in every round,” Watkins said.
“The children had a successful season, taking full advantage of the great opportunity that has been provided at Collegewood Elementary,” he added.
“This is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud of our students!” said Principal Joan Perez.
“Mr. Watkins did an amazing job at coaching the kids and teaching them the real world skills they need to be ready to solve problems of the 21st century. They represented Collegewood well and I look forward to watching them continue to grow with the First Lego League robotics,” she added.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 were honored during the school’s Spirit Day assembly on January 10.
“We wanted to reward our students by giving them individual trophies,” Coach Watkins said.
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