Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Walnut: Election Season Kicks Off For Walnut

Walnut City Council Members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco

Council members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco held their campaign kick-off last week. (Photo By: Ariel Carmona Jr.)

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Walnut – Three candidates filed their nomination papers for the Walnut City Council election, set for April 8. The three candidates include current Council Members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco, along with a new candidate, Betty Tang. The election season kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 11, when incumbents Mary Su and former assemblyman, Bob Pacheco, held their re-election campaign at their Lemon Creek Village shopping campaign headquarters.

A number of elected federal, state and local officials and other dignitaries were in attendance to support the pair of candidates seeking to retain their seats on the Council. Among those were U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park; U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerto; State Assemblyman Curt Hagman; and former U.S Treasurer, Rosario Marin. Also in attendance were Walnut Mayor, Tony Cartagena; Diamond Bar Mayor, Carol Herrera; Diamond Bar Mayor Pro-Tem, Steve Tye; and a majority of the members of the Walnut Valley School Board, the Walnut Valley Water Board and the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees.

“Mary is really a great person for this community,” said Congresswoman Chu. She added that Su’s dedication to the City goes back to when she founded the Chinese-American Parents Association for the Walnut Unified School District and continued through her days as President of the city’s Chinese-American Association. “This is a person who more than deserves being re-elected to the Walnut City Council. I think we are really lucky to have her.”

Marin said she has known Pacheco almost 20 years, and she has supported him at various positions throughout his political career.

Walnut Council Member Bob Pacheco

U.S. Representative, Ed Royce, talked about how much he supported Bob Pacheco (shown above) and Mary Su. (Photo By: Ariel Carmona Jr.)

“I am here because we want government that works. We yearn for government that really fulfills our needs. We are here for that government that supports our families and keeps them safe, and I am here to support Bob because I know he is an honest man, he’s trustworthy, and he takes his job very seriously. Everywhere he’s been he has done an excellent job,” said the former U.S. Treasurer.
“I know the citizens of Walnut have benefited from his experience, from his knowledge and his commitment. And I am here to support Mary Su because Mary has also been a magnificent public servant, and that’s all we want, we want public servants to do their best for our families,” said Marin.
Congressman Royce said he was very impressed with the work of the Walnut City Council. “There’s a lot of talent in this room, people who’ve served on the City Council for years, but think about some of the things that they did, particularly with Mary Su.”
“Mary Su used to be the Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission and in that capacity she had a certain vision, as did Bob Pacheco who was on the council at that time. They had a vision of having a rural environment here in the middle of Southern California where they would preserve those walking trails, preserve those riding trails and keep that atmosphere alive, and when things came up like those radio towers, they made sure they didn’t go up.”
Royce praised Su for her involvement with the Chinese-American Parents Association and for her efforts to strengthen the council’s relationship with Mt. SAC and the local school district. Royce also pointed out that Walnut has won award after award, including best schools, most livable city, and one of the safest cities to live in California, which Royce said was because of the City’s work with local law enforcement.

Su thanked all of the elected officials and other dignitaries in attendance for their support and friendship. “For many years we have had over 100 percent reserves in our budget. We didn’t cut a single service, we didn’t increase any taxes, and there are so many other things we accomplished, I just can’t name them all,” said an emotional Su, “Overall my heart is with the city of Walnut, I belong to Walnut, Walnut is my child, Walnut is everything to me, that’s why I am devoted to Walnut.”

Su enumerated a number of benefits that the city has seen since she assumed a seat in the Council including expansion of Grand and Temple Avenues, the restoration of City fireworks, collaborations with the local school districts, free services for seniors and many other projects.
“I will keep my promise again. No tax increases, continue to maintain high the quality life in Walnut, maintain high education in the City of Walnut, work together with Congress, the State Assembly and Los Angeles County to bring more resources to Walnut, to work together with each one of you, to listen to your opinion, your suggestions, your ideas to improve Walnut,” said Su.
“Bob’s been serving this community for 40 years. You have a man with experience, from state level, from his contacts, from the national level. You’re a very lucky city,” said Assemblyman Hagman.

Pacheco told the assembled crowd of supporters and residents, “My family grew up here, my daughter was born when we first moved into Walnut, and since that time I’ve been involved. I need your help again to make sure I get reelected and make sure I can continue the work I have started. The most important thing I see for this city is making sure that we get along and that we unite our resources so that we work together toward the proper ends.”

Sarah Armijo contributed to this story.

Pomona: National Public Conference Against Human Trafficking

The National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE) will be hosting the Southwest Conference Against Trafficking (SWCAT) in Pomona this weekend. SWCAT 2014 will bring three conferences together for one powerful, educational and inspirational weekend January 17-19, 2014 at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA.

Attendees and the public, whether attending the conference or not, are asked to bring new or gently used bras to help survivors of sex trafficking. Anyone wanting to donate bras are asked to come to the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA Friday, January 17th between 7 a.m. -5 p.m. to drop off their contribution and/or to meet the woman behind this awesome organization, Kimba Langas.

The conference will offer breakout sessions, networking receptions, keynote speakers, resources, a film screening and author book signings. Speakers and experts are from San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley and throughout the United States and Canada.

The Jane Velez-Mitchell Journalism Award will be presented on Saturday evening at the conference to Denver’s ABC 7 Investigative Reporter Keli Rabon for exposing the truth behind untested rape kits in Denver that resulted in a national change in legislation. “Fighting the ‘war on women’ must become a priority in our society…this can be accomplished only by making it a priority in our national dialogue and this conference opens up that conversation,” said Jane Velez-Mitchell, HLN.

About Free the Girls: Free The Girls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides job opportunities for survivors of sex trafficking. They collect gently used bras and donate them to the women as starting inventory for their own business selling the bras. Free the Girls is a coalition partner of the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation. Learn more http://www.freethegirls.org.

To register or more information visit http://www.SWCAT.org

This information is courtesy of NWCAVE.

I-10/I-605 Freeway Connector Closures Scheduled

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close portions of the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) and San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) as part of the Interchange Improvement Project. The following schedule will be in effect, weather permitting:

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the following will be closed:
• 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Two lanes of east and westbound I-10 from I-605 to Frazier Street
• 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Westbound I-10 Frazier Street, Baldwin Park Boulevard, Francisquito Avenue and Puente Avenue on-ramps
• 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Two lanes of north and southbound I-605 from I-10 to West Ramona Boulevard
• 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Valley Boulevard on-ramp to northbound I-605
• 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Southbound I-605 connectors to east and westbound I-10
• 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. – West Ramona Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-605
• 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to westbound I-10
• 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Garvey Avenue on-ramp
• 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Westbound I-10 connector to north- and southbound I-605
• 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 connectors to north- and southbound I-605
• 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Frazier Street off-ramp
• 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to eastbound I-10
• 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. – All lanes of westbound I-10 from Puente Avenue to I-605
• 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of northbound I-605 from Valley Boulevard to I-10
• 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. – All lanes of southbound I-605 from West Ramona Boulevard to I-10
• 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of eastbound I-10 from I-605 to Baldwin Park Boulevard

On Friday, Jan. 17, the following will be closed:
• 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. – Two lanes of east and westbound I-10 from I-605 to Frazier Street
• 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Westbound I-10 Frazier Street, Baldwin Park Boulevard, Francisquito Avenue, and Puente Avenue on-ramps
• 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Two lanes of north- and southbound I-605 from West Ramona Boulevard to I-10
• 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. – Valley Boulevard on-ramp to northbound I-604
• 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Southbound I-605 connectors to east and westbound I-10
• 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. – East and westbound I-10 connector to northbound I-605
• 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Garvey Ave on-ramp
• 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to westbound I-10
• 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Frazier Street off-ramp
• 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. – East and westbound I-10 connectors to southbound I-605
• 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. –Southbound I-605 West Ramona Blvd on-ramp
• 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to eastbound I-10
• 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of southbound I-605 from West Ramona Boulevard to I-10
• 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of westbound I-10 from Puente Ave to I-605
• 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. – All lanes of northbound I-605 from Valley Boulevard to I-10
• 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. – All lanes of eastbound I-10 from I-605 to Baldwin Park Blvd

MCM Construction, Inc. is the contractor for this $66 million Design Build project, which will create a flyover bridge from the southbound San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) to the eastbound San Bernardino Freeway (I-10). Detour signs will be posted to direct motorists.
Anticipated completion is fall, 2015. Caltrans reminds you to “Slow For the Cone Zone.”

Information courtesy of the City of Walnut.

Industry: Sheriff’s Station Offers “Solutions”

Youth Participating in the Solutions Program

Youth in the Solutions Program implement a community-friendly way of tagging a previously vandalized wall facing an elementary school. (Photo Courtesy: Deputy Jim Bickel)

BY K.P. SANDER

Industry – There are many joys that come along with parenting. Seeing your children grow into productive adults is a source of pride and love. But let’s face it, the world we live in is full of dangers. You just have to watch the news to see violence, hatred, anger and negativity rampant nearly everywhere. As parents, how do you get your children through adolescence amid not just the societal challenges, but the peer pressure of fitting in without succumbing to alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, gangs and perhaps even worse trouble? What if you lose the battle? What if you have run out of ideas to keep your children on the right path?

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Industry Station, offers a special program called “Solutions”; a diversion program in partnership with several Los Angeles County Universities and Colleges to help find solutions and strategies for families struggling with teen conflicts and destructive behaviors.The goal of this program is simple: Success. In their words, “The Solutions program aims to demonstrate to at-risk teens that poor life choices lead to a destructive lifestyle, and there are alternatives to joining gangs, committing crimes and using drugs and alcohol.”

In January of 2012, Deputy Jim Bickel and Sergeant Toni Calton created and launched an education-based program at their LASD Industry Station. After years of referring parents who were seeking help for their teenager’s destructive behavior elsewhere, they found a solution and offered a comprehensive program of parenting at-risk teens to the local community. For ten weeks, parents and their non-compliant teenagers attend simultaneous classes, free of charge.

For the parents, Sergeant Calton teaches, “Parent Project”, a certified, court-approved parenting class, and a component critical to the program’s success. For the teens, Deputy Bickel teaches them how to make better “Life Choices”. The program is assisted with student-mentors from Mt. San Antonio College, Cal Poly Pomona, the University of California at Irvine, Fullerton College, and Rio Hondo College. The college students receive undergraduate credits necessary for graduation, and are made Sheriff’s Department Volunteers (undergoing a full background check to complete the process). The Solutions program provides the internships that give these students real life experience, and they in turn provide the teens with the benefit of their education and knowledge as they work toward a career in related fields. Deputy Bickel says it’s a win/win situation.
When asked what led to the development of Solutions, Deputy Bickel says, “We were tired of turning away families looking for help with their out-of-control teen. Also, our field deputies needed a resource to help cut down on service calls related to domestic problems.” Bickel goes on to say that, “Confronting violence with violence doesn’t work. There are better ways of dealing with these situations, and Solutions works; that’s the main reason I do this.”

It does work. In fact Solutions is showing such success that Pomona courts are now sentencing offenders to the program. The courts have been impressed by what they have seen and some probationary stipulations are requiring enrollment in Solutions. In 2012, the Police Officers Association of Los Angeles County awarded Solutions with the Centurion Award for Excellence in Community Policing.
Since the inception of the Solutions program, five classes have been conducted benefiting 60 families and 50 at-risk teens. The youth who have participated in this program have remained in contact with both their mentors and the deputies. Four of the teens have joined the LASD family and become law enforcement Explorers. The parents have learned techniques to improve relationships with their children, and the fact that structure and rules, along with unconditional love, are essential for success.

If you have or know of a teen that could benefit from this program, you can get more information by contacting Deputy Jim Bickel at (626) 934-3315 or via email at jwbickel@lasd.org. Enrolling in a class could finally be the bridge that leads to an improved relationship with a child who is currently in line for a dismal future. Through Solutions, and fully participating in the behaviors associated with better life choices, a much brighter future is on the horizon.

Diamond Bar: Local Man Sentenced For Laundering Scheme

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – A Diamond Bar man was sentenced today to 24 months confinement for participating in an elaborate scheme known as a Black Market Peso Exchange, which is an underground money-transfer system that enables international drug trafficking organizations to launder narcotics proceeds.

Jia “Gary” Hui Zhou, 44, was ordered to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by six months in a residential re-entry facility. He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. In May 2013, Zhou’s wife, Dan “Daisy” Xin Li, 44, was ordered to serve a total of 14 months in custody and she is currently serving her sentence of six months home confinement.

The couple were owners of the Industry-based Woody Toys, Inc., a Los Angeles-area toy wholesale.
As part of their agreements with federal prosecutors, the couple forfeited to the federal government $2 million in proceeds that were derived from their money laundering scheme, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release. Zhou and Li pleaded guilty in September 2012 to conspiring to structure currency transactions with a U.S. financial institution to avoid the filing of a Currency Transaction Report.

The scheme used “structured” cash deposits in the United States to launder illicit proceeds generated by drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico and Colombia, according to the report. Structured deposits are cash deposits of $10,000 or less that are designed to avoid laws requiring all cash transactions over $10,000 to be reported to federal authorities. From 2005 through 2011, approximately $3 million in structured, out-of-state cash was deposited into Woody Toys’ bank accounts, according to court documents. During that same time, Woody Toys took in approximately $3 million in cash without filing the required federal documents, according to the news release.

As part of the Black Market Peso Exchange scheme alleged in this case, foreign toy retailers with Colombian and Mexican pesos would contact currency brokers to buy discounted U.S. dollars, which they used to purchase merchandise from Woody Toys. The dollars being “sold” were allegedly proceeds from illegal drug sales that had been deposited in the toy company’s accounts or delivered to the business, the news release stated. The Colombian or Mexican pesos the currency broker received from the foreign toy retailer were remitted to the drug trafficking organizations. In a sentencing memo to the court, prosecutors described Woody Toys as “the last ‘spoke in the wheel,’ that cleaned illicit proceeds and enabled drug trafficking organizations to convert their dirty dollars into clean pesos.”

The case involving Woody Toys is the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the multi-agency Southern California Drug Task Force, which is spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Previously in this case, Woody Toys, Inc. was sentenced to five years of probation in November after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy charges involving drug proceeds. The sentence prohibited the company from receiving payments of more than $2,000 in cash and the business was not allowed to received cash from anyone who was not a customer. The company had to report the identity and contact information of all its customers, and had to comply with unannounced examinations of its books and records.

The probe targeting Woody Toys began in November 2010 after evidence was uncovered in a similar investigation targeting another Los Angeles-area toy wholesaler called Angel Toys, whose owners also went to prison. Several former employees of Angel Toys supposedly went to work for Woody Toys.
Investigators say schemes of this kind benefit criminal organizations by giving them a means to launder illicit proceeds using international trade. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the system also gives foreign retailers access to discounted U.S. currency, which enables the foreign retailers to avoid steep exchange rates and other fees. Finally, for the U.S.-based company, the scheme is a way to substantially increase sales volume and cash flow.

Walnut: Red Light Cameras Stay For Three Months

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Walnut – Faced with the impending expiration of a contract with a company that maintains and operates the red light camera at the intersection at Temple, Grand and Amar, and with a growing trend of other cities taking down their cameras, the City Council voted to extend the City’s contract for another three months to further study the implications of retaining or dismantling the camera.

“I know making a decision about whether to terminate or to continue should be based on safety, whether its cost effective and what is the best for the community,” said Mayor Antonio (Tony) Cartagena as the Council voted 4-0 (Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz abstained) to extend the contract with RedFlex, set to expire on Feb. 27, 2014.

According to a report made public by the city staff, the City’s photo enforcement program was approved in 2006 and extended for five years in February 2009. The contract does not have a rollover provision, which means if the contract expires, RedFlex would remove the equipment, and the program would terminate.
The annual cost to operate the program is $141,116, with $140,016 going to RedFlex and $1,100 provided for training a Law Enforcement Technician (LET). The LET position is charged to a grant and does not come from the City’s general fund sources, according to a report by Senior Management Analyst, Rosalea Layman.

“It is difficult to determine the exact amount of revenue generated by the program because the City receives a lump sum from the county that includes all traffic violations, fines and fees received,” wrote Layman in the report. She said the City estimates it receives approximately $130,000 with $63,700 of the revenue restricted for public safety purposes.

City staff warned that if the program is eliminated, the City would realize a loss of associated revenue, in addition to a potential increase cost for additional patrol deployment of more than $260,000 per year. Walnut issued 5,053 citations to alleged violators in 2013.

Captain Jeff Scroggin said that he was concerned if the cameras were removed, that there would be an increase of people pushing across that intersection to try to get into Mt. San Antonio College. “The ability to police that area with the normal deployment would be difficult because of all the other calls we are responding to and the patrols we’re doing.”

The council also heard testimonies from residents and the public, some who favored the red light program and others who expressed concerns over possible 6th Amendment violations to pedestrian safety and the safety of Mt. SAC students crossing to reach the bus stop on the south side of the intersection. Others suggested the City install a countdown on the intersection instead of hand symbol.

Council Member Bob Pacheco questioned the efficacy of the camera, quoting the report which showed that accidents increased from 12 to 19 at the intersection between 2005 and 2013, when they were last reported. “I don’t understand, if the traffic light is to prevent injuries, and the cameras are basically to try to deter that from happening, I don’t see a reason why there was an increase,” said Pacheco. “We are always very concerned with the status of the economy and the impact on our revenue, this is a source of revenue for the City, but it should not be just a means for deciding of what we do with it, whether we make or don’t make money is not a question in my mind, it’s a question of is it providing the benefit that we’re supposed to be getting,” he added.

Jay Beeber, Executive Director of Safer Streets L.A., addressed the Council and disputed the City staff’s assertion that the intersection was less safe because there is more traffic flow. That‘s actually contrary to what you would expect with increased traffic flow. “In the five years before the program was started, there was one red light running collision. Since implementation, there have been five, a 400 percent increase. There were 24 rear-end collisions prior, 43 in the five years after, an 80 percent increase”, said Beeber.

In other actions, the Council heard a presentation on fraud and cybercrime prevention from Lt. Mark Stevens from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, and also approved the adoption of 2014-2015 Community Development Block Grant Program funds for housing rehabilitation and senior citizen activities.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 21201 La Puente Road.

City Of Chino Hills Sets Dog Park Workshop

City of Chino Hills

Dog Park Workshop Set to Gather Community Input – January 15th

The Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking input from the community as they review opportunities to potentially create a dog park in the City.  A Dog Park Workshop has been scheduled on Wednesday, January 15th from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.  Staff will make a presentation and provide background and information on earlier efforts to develop a dog park.  Attendees will break into small groups to brainstorm and share their opinions on a variety of topics related to a dog park at an existing park site, including what features are necessary.  Persons who are unable to attend are invited to submit their input by sending an email to cfructuoso@chinohills.org or by phone at (909) 364-2711.

City of Chino Hills Announces Job Opening

Planning Manager $94,000 Year

As a key member of the Community Development team, the Planning Manager is responsible to oversee the Development Services Division.  Please read the recruitment brochure at the right for additional information.

TO APPLY:  A completed City employment application with an original signature must be submitted to the Human Resources Office.  Faxed and emailed applications will not be accepted.  Resumes are encouraged but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application.  Applications may be downloaded to the right or may be obtained at the City of Chino Hills, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA  91709.  Phone:  (909) 364-2630. http://www.chinohills.org/jobs.aspx?jobID=111

Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is: five years of increasingly responsible experience in the planning field including two years of supervisory and administrative experience and the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field.

Job Details

Category

Management

Status

Open

Salary

$94,265 – $114,580 annually

Published

January 10, 2014 10:00 AM

Closing

February 21, 2014 4:30 PM

Walnut: New Starbucks Center Nearing Completion

Photo By Raymond Mendoza A Starbucks is nearly completed at the new Lemon Valley Retail Center located off Valley and Lemon.

A Starbucks is nearly completed at the new Lemon Valley Retail Center located off Valley and Lemon. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

By K.P. Sander

Walnut – The Lemon Valley Retail Center, located at 20373 Valley Boulevard in Walnut, and home of the new Starbucks Coffee Drive-Thru, is nearly finished. The 7,390 square foot, two-story building, which was approved for construction by the Walnut Planning Commission in February of 2012, will include space for an additional restaurant on the first floor, and one to two office suites on the second floor.

The 24,400 square foot lot, located on the northwest corner of Valley Boulevard and Lemon Avenue, was initially developed back in 1965. It was the site of a gas service station, which was demolished in 1995.

To ensure safety for future development, the property went through an environmental remediation from 1995 through 2010. According to the Walnut Planning Commission Minutes from January 18, 2012, the property owner has obtained the appropriate documentation from Los Angeles County certifying that the lot was properly abated of any environmental impacts resulting from the prior gas service station use, and was cleared for future development. Construction was slowed earlier this year pending approval of the drive-thru lane.

Positioning on the property, appropriate access to the main streets, and the affects the vehicle queue would have on traffic and parking for other businesses in the center all had to be finalized. The City of Walnut Building Department states that Starbucks is the only confirmed business at this time. The popular quick-service restaurant, Taco Factory, is rumored to become part of the center, but verification has not yet been provided.

Despite which business options plan to join the coffee house, the Lemon Valley Retail Center is a welcome addition to the City of Walnut. Starbucks is planning on opening for business on September 24, 2013. Pumpkin Spice Latte, anyone?

Walnut: Winter Solstice Tells A Beautiful Story

BY SARAH ARMIJO

St Lorenzo Choir performs in Walnut

The St Lorenzo Choir sang beautifully at the Winter Solstice Concert.

Walnut – When you hear a story through music, it creates a special meaning, and the story told through the performers in the Winter Solstice concert was a unique and passionate way of hearing the story of Christmas.

The Winter Solstice concert held at St. Lorenzo Catholic Parish Church on December 28, 2013 featured an impeccable performance from the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale, and Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan.

Under the direction of the talented Dr. Nové Deypalan and Collaborative Artist, Stephen Lazarus, the performers in the Winter Solstice concert were able to leave the audience speechless after each piece.

The night started off with the recently created Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra getting the audience in the Christmas spirit with “A Christmas Festival” arranged by Leroy Anderson. Then, with it’s now 100 members, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir took the stage by singing “We’ll Dress the House” arranged by Deypalan.

But the audience were left in awe when Cristina Pacheco, Walnut High School graduate and Executive Director of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra & Master Chorale took the stage to sing “As If We Never Said Goodbye” to start off the series of amazing vocalists.

After the remarkable performances from soloist Jordan Jimenez, trio Brian, Jada and Devon Roberts, and duet Ava Mills and Kristy Camarella, the Walnut Valley Master Chorale made their first appearance to sing a series of Christmas classics.

Following Chris Rodriguez’ conduction of the last two songs in the “Welcome Home” section, vocalists Jackie Madrigal, Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan, and Anna Betancourt, along with the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra took over the “Yuletide” section before the intermission.

Reverend Tony P. Astudillo’s speech started the second half of the concert. Then the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra got the audience right back in the Christmas mood, with the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir following.

After the variety of performances from the amazing vocalists, Paul Kintanar, JCris Ronquillo, Roberto Gomez, Bess de Guzman-Valenzuela, and Sal Malaki, the night ended in an outstanding version of the classic “Hallelujah.”

The Winter Solstice performers received tremendous amount of support from the community. Eighteen letters were written to the church and director by community members, office leaders, schools, and members of the Catholic parish community to show their appreciation.

Walnut Mayor Antonio “Tony” Cartagena and Congressman Ed Royce attended the show and had nothing but great things to say about the Winter Solstice concert and the St. Lorenzo Parish Community.

“This worthwhile musical production serves as an excellent way for a much needed Vellucci Hall renovation and Faith Formation programs to feature their amazing talents. Most importantly, it provides superb musical entertainment for our benefactors and community members not only in the City of Walnut, but in the entire San Gabriel Valley,” said Mayor Cartagena in his letter to St. Lorenzo.

“My deepest appreciation to all parishioners of the St. Lorenzo Catholic Parish for their continued dedication and contributions to the St. Lorenzo community, as well as their continued support in the enhancement of the City of Walnut,” Cartagena added.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the production of “Winter Solstice” for their tireless efforts and contributions to St. Lorezno’s parish. I applaud your service and unwavering commitment to your faith community,” said Congressman Ed Royce in his letter.

Pastoral Council Leader, Ed Slingluff, also gave a special thank you to Nové Deypalan, Arcel Punsalang, Honchee Natividad, and Espie Cabuntala for leading the faith community in the event, and he also thanked the “countless volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes to makes this endeavor a success.”

Deypalan, Music Director of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, also wrote a letter to the church on the day of the concert to show his appreciation, as well.

“To serve as Music Director of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church is a notable privilege because of the selfless volunteer singers whose dedication is immeasurable,” said Dr. Nové Deypalan, who is also the Founder and Music Director of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale.

“I am very proud of the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir’s accomplishments and very grateful for their continued support. In addition, I am thrilled and honored to lead this remarkable ensemble that has touched my heart,” Deypalan added.

For more information about these groups and performers, go to http://www.walnutvalleysymphony.org or http://www.stlorenzo.org.

Diamond Bar: Four Rewarded For Reporting Crime

ANAPR STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar Report for Reward Program

“Report For Reward” Program rewards local Diamond Bar residents.

Diamond Bar – Four Diamond Bar residents were recently rewarded $500 each for reporting suspicious activity that lead to the arrest of three suspected burglars.

The financial awards were approved by a committee consisted of a sworn member of the Sheriff’s Department and Diamond Bar City staff under the Report for Reward program that went into effect Nov. 15, 2013.

The Report for Reward program aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary, according to the City newsletter. The program is open to everyone, but City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

Citizen Barbara DeCarbo was recognized as the first recipient of the Report for Reward program and was thanked for her services to the city at the Dec. 17 City Council meeting.

At the meeting, DeCarbo described the incident she reported to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. She said she was home one September afternoon when saw a man walking on the sidewalk in front of her neighbor’s home and then walk to the side of the house to the backyard. Knowing that her neighbors weren’t home, she called the Police to give them information about the suspicious man and the suspicious vehicle that had been driving back and forth on her street. Sheriff Deputies responded quickly, which resulted in three male suspects being arrested that day.

DeCarbo then asked the community to please get to know their neighbors and get involved. The City Council agreed and Mayor Carol Herrera added that with 16,000 residential units in the city, it is impossible to have a deputy patrol each one.

The City website also states that one of the best ways to safeguard your neighborhood against burglaries is to get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other’s property. “The more eyes you have looking for suspicious or criminal activity, the better protected you and your neighbors will be against burglaries.” It also says to make sure to also trust your instincts, and immediately call the Sheriff’s Station if something does not look or feel right.

Suspicious activity that should always be reported includes unfamiliar persons on foot, bicycle, or vehicle driving through residential streets below the speed limit or lingering in an area, seemingly without a purpose. City officials say that when calling the Sheriff’s Station (909) 595-2264 (9-1-1 if the burglary is in progress or it is an emergency), try to provide as much as information as you can about what you are observing, such as description of the individuals, and the car color, make, model and, if possible, a license plate number.

The City also asks to consider joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group in your area by calling Community Relations Deputy Aaron Scheller at (909) 839-7079.

The Report for Reward program was established after being approved by the Diamond Bar City Council – by way of Ordinance No. 08(2013) – during its regular meeting of October 1, 2013.

To encourage wider participation in the Report for Reward program, City staff and Sheriff’s deputies in late November 2013 met with Diamond Bar employees the United States Postal Service and the City’s contract street sweeping company to inform them of the program and guide them on how to detect suspicious behavior while out in the field, according to the newsletter. Additional meetings are planned with other City vendors and area service providers in the coming weeks. Community groups who would like a presentation on the Report for Reward program may contact City Hall at 909.839.7000.

For more information about the program, including answers to frequently-asked questions, please visit the City website at diamondbarca.gov/RFR.

Rancho Cucamonga: Police Bicycle Giveaway

San Bernardino Sheriff’s Dept.

Rancho Cucamonga – Christmas came early for 22 children of the Northtown community thanks to a unique, merit-based bicycle giveaway program that focuses on improvements of students in school and their commitment to community service.

The Rancho Police Department and Northtown Community Center hosted the second annual Bike Giveaway event Thursday night at the neighborhood community center.

The students received brand new bicycles, courtesy of Target in Rancho Cucamonga, as a reward for their good attendance, great citizenship and improved grades.

Unlike similar giveaway programs in the county, this was created to encourage — and reward – improved participation in school and the community.  More than 40 children from the North Town Community, grades 4 to 5, applied for consideration to the program.  Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, as well as leaders from the North Town Community, monitored the nominees’ grades, citizenship and attendance by collaborating with school officials.

It is important to note it is not mandatory for participants to have stellar grades, attendance or citizenship to apply.  All they need is a willing-ness to do better in school and in their community.  Winners are chosen based on overall improvement, not simply a grade point average.

The finalists were chosen based on the above-mentioned criteria, with consideration given to 5th graders because it was the last year they were eligible for the program.  Those in the lower grades still have coming years to win.

The purpose of the program is two-fold: to provide a true incentive for children to strive for academic and civic excellence; as well as to bring together law enforcement, community/business leaders and educators for the common goal of motivating our youth.

All 22 bicylces were graciously donated and assembled by Target in Rancho Cucamonga.Initially, only 20 bikes were allotted for the giveaway but 22 students showed they truly deserved a reward and Target pitched in to donate the additional two bicycles. Carol Norris, a leader in the Northtown community, and Patti Coral, Vice Principal of Cucamonga Elementary, were integral in finding families to participate in the program. Sheriff’s Department officials plan to continue the bike give-away each year and give the children of Northtown an increased incentive to strive for greatness.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

I suspect my friend is seriously ill. She has recently lost a tremendous amount of weight, broken up with her long time boyfriend, and seems very withdrawn. When I ask if she is feeling ok she says yes, but it’s obvious that isn’t true. All her relatives are out of state. I’d like to help her, but she won’t open up.
Jan in Diamond Bar

Dear Jan,
When dealing with an adult peer, I think it’s best to respect the way in which they want to handle their own private issues. Make sure your friend knows you are there for her if she ever needs a friend. Make it easy for her to change her mind by respecting the boundaries she’s set. Stay available, polite, and open minded. Keep yourself in existence in her life but don’t push. Keep in mind that some people prefer to keep their personal issues private.
Take care,
Danice Akiyoshi ND

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She has a great passionfor 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.

Industry: Fourth Body Found At Industry Waste Facility

Industry – A body was found on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Athens Waste Collection Facility in Industry.  At a little before 9 a.m., Kesha Rena Williams was discovered in the 14000 block of Valley Boulevard.  She is thought to be a homeless woman who frequented the Leimert Park area, and somehow became part of the trash that was collected and transported to the facility.  An autopsy to determine cause of death is still pending.

Williams’ discovery is not the first for the Industry Waste Facility.  Back in June of 2002, a baby girl was found at the site in trash that was reportedly transported from somewhere in Azusa.  Investigators gave the infant the name of Amanda, before she was buried in the Garden of Angeles in Calimesa.  The case remains a cold file to this date.

In an ongoing investigation, another baby girl was found at the Athens facility a year ago, on December 10, 2012.  The infant’s death has been ruled a homicide, and although no arrests have been made, this is reportedly still an active case.  Authorities are looking for information about this baby, known as Jane Doe #83.  If you have information, please contact Sheriff’s Homicide at (323) 890-5500.

The third body was a more recent discovery, in July of this year.  Mark Christopher David arrived in a dumpster picked up in the Hollywood area.  He appeared to have died from an accidental drug overdose.

Just like Erin Lynn Cruz, 27, a homicide victim who was found mechanically separated at a water pollution control plant in Carson on October 26 of this year, these waste management facilities are an unfortunate way to discover that someone’s life ended and came to rest as trash.

Diamond Bar: Holiday Home Decorating Contest Winners

Best Use of Holiday Theme Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contests

The Knoll Family won the “Best Use of Theme” category in the decorating contest.

"Most Innovative" Winner Holiday Home Decorating Contes

The Mok family won the “Most Innovative” category for the contest

ANAPR Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Congratulations to the Martinez family, the Knoll family, and the Mok family for being the winners of this year’s Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contest (HHDC).

Now in its fifth year, the City’s HHDC aims to recognize Diamond Bar residents who help enhance holiday cheer in the community through their outdoor decorations. Diamond Bar homes were scored on display creativity, curb appeal and use of lighting in three categories.

Best Holiday Spirit Winner Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contest

The Martinez family was the winner of the “Best Holiday Spirit” category in the Diamond Bar Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

The first category was “Best Holiday Spirit”, which was judged on festive lights and decorations. Mark Martinez and his family were the winners of this category.

Patty Knoll and her family won the “Best Use of Theme” category, which was judged on how well a specific theme was used throughout the entire display.

Tom Mok and his family were the winners of the “Most Innovative” category, which was the use of new technologies and/original decoration methods or styles.

Winners in each category received a special recognition yard sign, a mention in the City newsletter and website, and a certificate of recognition from the Diamond Bar City Council.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Trustees Elect New Officers, New Trustees Installed

Walnut—At its annual organizational meeting on Dec. 11, the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees elected Fred Chyr as president, Dr. David K. Hall as vice president, and Judy Chen Haggerty, Esq., as clerk for a one-year term.  Also new trustees Laura Santos and Robert Hidalgo were sworn in to four-year terms as the Mt. SAC governing board expanded from five to seven members as a result of district reorganization.

The vast Mt. SAC geographic district was restructured earlier this year into seven trustee areas, requiring each representative to reside in and be elected from those areas versus the historical at-large process.

President Chyr (District 5) was elected to the governing board in November 1995 and reelected in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011.  He last served as board president in 2009.  He has nearly 30 years of experience in business and education and currently serves as Associate Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at the University of La Verne.

Vice President Hall (District 2) is the longest-serving trustee by one month over Chyr in that he was appointed to fill a board vacancy in October 1995.  Two years later, he was elected to the position and was reelected in 2001, 2005, 2009 and this past November (unopposed).  Hall previously served two terms as president of the Mt. SAC Foundation.   Professionally, Dr. Hall is senior vice president of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, which owns and operates auto dealerships throughout Southern California.

Board Clerk Chen Haggerty (District 6) was elected to the board in 2001 and reelected in 2005, 2009, and this past November (also unopposed).  She is the first Asian-American to serve as a trustee and a former president of the board.   Trustee Chen Haggerty is a practicing attorney, law professor at Rio Hondo College, and the Law Area Chair for the University of Phoenix.  (Read her bio at [link]).

Trustee Santos was elected in November to represent the newly created District 3, which covers La Puente, Bassett, Baldwin Park, and Irwindale.  She previously served on the Basset Unified School District Board since 2007.

Trustee Hidalgo was also elected in November to represent the newly created District 4, which covers most of West Covina and Valinda.  He previously served on the Rowland Unified School Board of Education since 2005.

Completing the board membership are outgoing president Dr. Manuel Baca (District 7) and trustee Rosanne Bader (District 1).  In addition, a student trustee (currently Karina Maureira), is elected annually by the student body to represent its interests on the board.