Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

Haunted House and Halloween Industry Now a $10 Billion Industry

Photo courtesy: State Point

By StatePoint

Halloween is big business. The commerce of Halloween in the U.S. should exceed $10 billion during the 2017 season, according to Hauntworld.com, the industry’s leading website. That’s a lot of candy, costumes, decorations and tickets to haunted attractions.

One of the largest growth areas in the Halloween trade is the explosion in number and quality of commercial haunted house attractions, haunted farms, corn mazes, hayrides and other spooky venues. More than $1 billion of the $10 billion spending on Halloween is attributed to ticket purchases at themed haunted sites.

“Visiting a haunted attraction is now the single most popular way to celebrate the holiday,” says Larry Kirchner, founder of Hauntworld.com, which directs consumers to find and review Halloween attractions around the globe. The site provides locations and information about all major haunts, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides.

Haunted attractions strive to make guests feel like they’re experiencing a real-life horror movie, some going so far as to use computer animation, giant monsters and even virtual reality to provide scares guests enjoy. Many haunts now feature new attractions, such as zombie paintball, zombie laser tag, corn mazes, haunted hayrides and escape rooms.

This season, families have many options. Haunted houses have become more realistic, but at the same time, more family-friendly to appeal to larger crowds. So, what is the best way for your family to experience the Halloween haunt craze? Those with teenagers should seek out the scariest haunted house near them. Families with younger children should head to local farms.

Professional Halloween attractions are now often based at family farms, which typically offer traditional pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hayrides to appeal to younger guests. However, many of these farms transform into spooky attractions by night, featuring actors portraying frightening characters, creepy lighting and elaborate décor to provide fear-based fun. You can find the best haunted attraction for your family by visiting Hauntworld.com.

According to Hauntworld.com, these attractions are rated as 2017’s scariest in the U.S.

1. Netherworld – Atlanta – fearworld.com

2. The 13th Gate – Baton Rouge, La. – 13thgate.com

3. The Dent Schoolhouse – Cincinnati – frightsite.com

4. Erebus – Pontiac, Mich. – hauntedpontiac.com

5. Headless Horseman’s Hayrides and Haunted Houses – Ulster Park, N.Y. – headlesshorseman.com

6. Haunted Overload – Lee, N.H. – hauntedoverload.com

7. Nashville Nightmare – Nashville, Tenn. – nashvillenightmare.com

8. Bennett’s Curse – Baltimore – bennettscurse.com

9. The Darkness – St. Louis – scarefest.com

10. Field of Screams – Mountville, Pa. – fieldofscreams.com

11. Factory of Terror – Canton, Ohio – FOTOhio.com

12. Nightmare on 13th – Salt Lake City – nightmareon13th.com

13. USS Nightmare – Newport, Ky. – ussnightmare.com

The complete list of the “Best of” scary to not-so-scary attractions is available at: hauntworld.com.

There are many ways to give your family an age-appropriate scare this season, no matter where you live.

Goblins and Ghouls Beware

Norco Sheriff’s Office

It’s that time of year again when the ghosts, ghouls, and superheroes come out and enjoy the Halloween spirit! Our primary concern on Halloween, and any other time, is the safety of children. Across Norco, children are preparing to dress up as their favorite characters and walk neighborhoods looking to score a bag full of treats.  With that in mind, the Norco Sheriff’s Office would like to share the following safety tips to keep Halloween safe for all families in our Norco community as they begin their “trick or treat” adventure.

Kids

  • Young children should always be accompanied by an adult and older children should never trick or treat alone.
  • Visit homes that are well lit and never go inside a stranger’s house.
  • Always stay on the sidewalk and only cross at corners; never cross in the middle of the street.
  • Trick or treat in well populated areas and never cut through alleys or parks for a short cut.
  • Do not eat candy that has not been inspected by a parent/guardian.
  • Never accept food or drinks from strangers.
  • Carry a flashlight.
  • Call 9-1-1 for all suspicious or illegal activity.

Parents/Guardians

  • Do not let children eat any homemade treats or unpackaged foods.
  • Make sure all candy is tightly wrapped, look for pin holes, discoloring, and opened packaging prior to your children eating any of the items.
  • Remember Poison Control has a toll-free hotline 1-800-222-1222.
  • DRIVE SLOW!!! Be cautious in all neighborhoods for children and parents crossing streets.
  • Remember the posted speed limit is usually 25 mph in most residential areas.
  • Call 9-1-1 for all suspicious or illegal activity.

Halloween can be a safe and enjoyable evening with a little preparation, communication and diligence. Of course, we will be on patrol and available to you and your children should you need us. The Norco Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and Happy Halloween and reminds all to never drink and drive.

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 10.28.17

The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: WebWeekly10.28.2017

Easy Ways to Cut Back on Sugar

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Elena Blokhina/stock.Adobe.com29

By StatePoint

Nationwide, 30 million children and adults have diabetes, and 86 million are prediabetic, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

November is National Diabetes Month, and an excellent opportunity to take steps to decrease your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A leading risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is being overweight. But the good news is, according to the ADA, losing just seven percent of your body weight can decrease that risk by 58 percent.

One way to manage your weight is to cut back on sugar, which can often be a sneaky source of weight gain.

Before getting started, it’s important to remember that many healthy foods naturally contain sugar, a carbohydrate your body burns for energy. Processed sugars are different, adding calories that provide no other nutritional benefit, and at excessive levels, disrupting your metabolism, and potentially posing serious health risks.

The USDA’s dietary guidelines recommend that added sugar account for less than ten percent of your daily calories — that’s a maximum of 50 grams a day for average women and 62.5 grams for men. To keep your sugar consumption in the healthy range, Courtney McCormick, Corporate Dietitian at Nutrisystem offers the following tips:

• Hold the Ketchup. You know baked goods and candy are loaded with added sugar, but so are many foods you may not think of as especially sweet. A tablespoon of ketchup, for instance, has four grams of sugar. Salsa, barbecue sauce, spaghetti sauce and even bread are hidden sources of sugar.

• Sweeten with Spices. Replace sugar from coffee, hot cereal and other foods with spices that have a naturally sweet taste, such as vanilla, cinnamon and cardamom, instead.

• Flavor Your Water. A 12-ounce can of soda has as much as 40 grams of added sugar. Skip the soda and drink water sweetened with fresh fruit and herbs, like strawberries and basil or lime and mint.

• Start with Plain. The fruit in the bottom of your yogurt can come with 25 or more grams of added sugar. Buy plain yogurt and add your own fresh or dried fruit.

• Snack on Fruit. One cup of blueberries, for example, has seven grams of natural sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth, but the fruit also comes with fiber to help you feel full and slow the breakdown of the sugars, so you don’t crave more calories soon after eating it.

• Bake with Applesauce. Eating fewer baked goods is sure to reduce your sugar intake, but when the occasion calls for you to make a cake, replace a third of the sugar in the recipe with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. For a delicious no-sugar added applesauce recipe, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com/recipes.

• Eat Right and Often. When you’re hungry, you crave calories and that too often leads to sugary snacking. Reduce between-meal munching by eating healthy, filling foods four to six times a day. Programs like Nutrisystem provide portion-controlled meals and snacks throughout the day, giving you the structure you need to eat right.

This National Diabetes Month, make small swaps to reduce your sugar intake and more easily manage your weight.

 

Classic Roasted Salmon

Courtesy: Hello Fresh

with Crispy Potato Rounds, Tomatoes and Green Beans

 

By Hello Fresh

When we want a meal that’s satisfying but still full of wholesome ingredients that we can feel good about, we turn to salmon. The fish is not only nice, firm, and meaty, it’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3s. Add some thoughtfully chosen veggies to the side (we’ve opted for green beans and tomatoes this time), along with a smattering of fresh herbs for pizazz, and you’ve got the perfect equation for keeping it hale and hearty during the weeknight hustle and bustle.

 

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 560

Ingredients:

  • Heirloom Tomatoes- 4 oz.
  • Garlic- 2 Cloves
  • Dill- 1/4 oz.
  • Yukon Potatoes- 12 oz.
  • Green Beans- 6 oz.
  • Skin-On Salmon Fillets- 10 oz.
  • Butter- 1 tbsp
  • Olive Oil- 1 tbsp
  • Salt and Pepper

 

Preparation:

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Fill a large pot with water and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Halve tomatoes lengthwise. Thinly slice garlic. Pick dill fronds from stems and finely chop. Slice potatoes into ½-inch-thick rounds.
  2. Once water is boiling, add green beans to pot. Let boil until they turn bright green, 1-2 minutes. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon and transfer to a strainer, keeping pot of boiling water on stove. Rinse green beans under cold water. Add potatoes to same pot and boil until easily pierced by a knife, 12-15 minutes, then drain and let cool slightly.
  3. Meanwhile, melt 1 TBSP butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until slightly wilted, 2-3 minutes. Add green beans and garlic. Cook, tossing, until tender, 2-3 minutes. Stir in half the dill. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside, covered, to keep warm.
  4. Place salmon skin-side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle with a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven to desired doneness, 8-10 minutes.
  5. Once potatoes are done and cool enough to touch, transfer to a cutting board and lightly crush each round with the back of your knife. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in pan used for veggies over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and cook until browned, 2-3 minutes per side. (TIP: Work in batches if you can’t fit them all.) Sprinkle with remaining dill. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Divide green beans, tomatoes, salmon, and potatoes between plates and serve

 

Ready for a New Phone? How to Tell if it’s Time to Switch Your Wireless Provider

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) LoloStock/stock.Adobe.com

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) LoloStock/stock.Adobe.com

By StatePoint

When you’re buying a new phone, it’s only natural to wonder if it’s time to break up with your current wireless provider and move on. Doing so might save you money and offer you more convenience and better service.

But changing providers is a big decision and there are several things to consider when deciding to change your mobile network along with your phone.

Know Your Priorities

It’s important to make sure your mobile plan works for you. Look over your bills from the past few months and make a list of what features are important to you — calling, texting, unlimited data, international calling benefits, travel fees, etc.

Right now, there is no reason to ever run out of data each month. Almost all the major wireless networks are offering unlimited data plans and many will give a lot of free extras to get you to switch. But not all plans are created equal. Do your homework to get the best deal. For instance, some wireless providers include taxes and fees in the quoted rate, while others charge taxes and fees on top of the bill. And if you are getting more than one line, ask about family plan rates. If you are over 55, find out if there are any discounted plan rates for your age bracket and make sure the plan meets your needs.

Look for Discounts and Perks

Americans are now spending over half their screen time on smartphones and digital devices, versus watching traditional television. And the trend is only accelerating — mobile viewing is expected to more than double by 2020.

Seek out a wireless provider that understands how you really use your phone. For example, T-Mobile ONE family plans now come with a standard Netflix subscription included, so customers can binge all their favorite programs on their favorite devices, without spending a penny over the cost of their mobile plans.

Review Trade-in Options

If staying current is important to you, check out a network’s trade-in options. These days, many providers will either pay off what you owe on your devices when you switch or give you a sweet trade-in deal. For example, T-Mobile allows customers to trade in their current iPhone for the newest iPhone after just 50 percent is paid off, and customers will have their remaining payments wiped out. Such perks can make a particular network an attractive choice. To learn more, visit t-mobile.com.

Make the Switch

Do some research to decide if you need a new smartphone and what kind of smartphone works for you. When you go in to make the switch, have the customer service rep help you to back up your contacts and transfer everything correctly to your new device. Also consider the best way to protect your new phone — using a case or adding a device protection to guard it against loss, theft and damage.

Breaking up with a wireless provider can feel like a big deal. Before doing so, do your research to make the best decision for you.

 

History 101

Twenty-three diners were massacred at a Texas restaurant

History.com

In 1991, George Jo Hennard drives his truck through a window in Luby’s Cafeteria in Kileen, Texas, and then opens fire on a lunch crowd of over 100 people, killing 23 and injuring 20 more. Hennard then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. The incident was one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history.

The rampage at the Central Texas restaurant began at approximately 12:45 p.m. and lasted about 15 minutes. Witnesses reported that the 35-year-old gunman moved methodically through the large crowd, shooting people randomly and reloading his weapon several times. Hennard, of nearby Belton, Texas, was shot several times by police before he committed suicide. No clear motive for his actions was ever determined.

In the aftermath of the Luby’s massacre, Killeen residents urged officials at Luby’s corporate headquarters to let the restaurant re-open so people wouldn’t lose their jobs. Five months after the shootings, the cafeteria was back in business and stayed open for nine more years before permanently shutting its doors in September 2000. Another outcome of the Luby’s massacre was that in 1995 the Texas legislature passed a law allowing residents with gun permits to carry concealed weapons. Suzanna Gratia Hupp, who was at Luby’s with her parents on the day of the massacre and watched as they were murdered, was instrumental in getting the law passed. Hupp had a handgun with her that day, but left it in her car to comply with the law that forbid people from carrying concealed firearms.

Diamond Bar High Loses A Hero In Brandon Riley

14 Years Of Carpet Cleaning Experience

By Michael Armijo

Eastvale – Honesty and integrity are always a factor in business and are sought out continuously. But how some people get there is through longevity and experience. When you have all four of those elements you have no choice but to be successful in your field. Extreme Carpet Care clients have boasted they’ve received all four of those components. Honesty, integrity, longevity and especially experience. A great reason to get your carpets cleaned at a reasonable price. “Robert was great and did a wonderful job on the carpet in our new home,” said Daniel Radillo, who recently had his carpets cleaned in the home he bought in neighboring Jurupa. “I was budgeting for new carpet, but had to wait, but glad I did. Extreme Carpet Care saved that carpet and now I won’t need to purchase new carpet until next year, I am so thankful.” Extreme Carpet Care has a unique slogan, simple and honest: “If it comes out, we can get it out.” Their workmanship can speak for itself and their introductory special will allow you to try them out. For only $85 they’ll deep clean 3 rooms and a free hallway. That’s an entire house in many areas or high traffic rooms in larger homes. Their van mounted high powered equipment doesn’t bury the dirt but instead deep cleans and removes it with deep suction while using quality, environmentally friendly products. “You can try us at the great rate, which includes pre-spotting and deodorizer,” added Robert. “We will add carpet protection for 2 rooms ($15 a room) and get a 3rd room protected for FREE. Where else can you find $30 for added protection against stains?” Call 909.376.3766 today and have Robert and his team deep clean and protect your carpets at an affordable rate and with over 14 years of experience behind them.“If it can’t be cleaned we’ll be honest and not take your money,” he added. “We know we’ll be back to have that new carpet cleaned in the future by being honest today.”

Safety and Homeownership

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

One of the most important considerations when one is looking to buy a home is the safety of the community in which the home is located.  Diamond Bar has consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the US, and without a question, in California.

I attended Supervisor Janice Hahn’s first Annual Public Safety Appreciation Barbecue Lunch today. It was co-sponsored with the Regional Chamber of Commerce of which I am a Board Member.  I was proud to help represent the Tri-Counties Association of Realtors in honoring our First Responders at this event.  I joined fellow Realtors Laura Greene, William Jia, Lily Valdivia-Rodriguez, Dennis Ni, and Raul at their table.

This event honors the men and women who provide us with the sense of safety that we all desire in the excellent quality of life that we are able to enjoy in this beautiful city of ours. Chief Parra represented Los Angeles County Sherriff Jim McDonald, who was not able to attend. He thanked Supervisor Hahn for her support of the work that the men and women of the Department do each and every day.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl L. Osby thanked Supervisor Hahn for her support, and mentioned that the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department was the first in the world to incorporate the Paramedics within their scope of service. He mentioned that he was proud to have started his service under the leadership of  her father, Supervisor

Buyers looking to buy will always look to the safety of themselves and their loved ones, and they are sure to find it here in the Diamond Bar community.

This article was written by Nef Cortez, a licensed Real Estate Broker, Cal BRE # 00560181 since 1976. He can be reached via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or on his website at www.nefcortez.com.  Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

Green Eggs and Ham

By Michael Armijo

I’ve looked at society and the everyday human being, and I’ve come to a conclusion:  I just don’t understand.

I don’t understand why some people act the way they do.  They insist on playing games with others and sometimes, so adamantly, they convince themselves that life really is the misery that they proclaim it to be. They think that their position in life gives them the experience, knowledge and power to pick and choose whom they’re going to benefit.

Recently, I had an experience with someone who had the authority to make life easier for others.  On the day that I was dealing with this person, she decided that particular day was not a day that she was going to help anyone.  At some point in our conversation, she decided she would not be granting me any wishes.  Her logic was, “Too bad.”  She made a choice that because of who I am, I didn’t deserve anything from her; and I, in turn, had no choice but to suffer the consequences of the misunderstandings that were evident.

I understand that there are protocols in life, and procedures are put in place to reduce errors and increase productivity.  But I also understand that there is an immeasurable element that structure, protocol, and procedure sometimes need to take a back seat to.  It’s a measure I call “human compassion.”

We don’t always hear the answers that we want to, but “too bad” ranks right up there with “can’t” and “impossible”.  I believe it’s not what you say in life, it’s how you say it.  There is a way to communicate with kindness and integrity, and still get the point across.  When we forget kindness and compassion, we sometimes lose our spirit.

Regardless of these misunderstandings in life, I still believe in wonderful things.  At this time of year, especially, I still believe in the purest goodness of humanity. I still believe in the childhood premise of a handsome prince charming coming for his beautiful princess.  I still believe that a gentle kiss can awaken a deep and lonely sleep because of the love behind it.  I still believe in the big man in the red suit who brings toys to children on Christmas Eve.

And just like those bedtime stories of my past, I believe in happy scenarios with wish-like endings.  I believe the quite convincing Sam I Am, when he tells me that that there is deliciousness in the taste of “Green Eggs and Ham.”

Perhaps we need to believe in people and human compassion more, so there are more philosophical Green Eggs and Ham moments in our lives.

 

 

Chino Hills Man Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Eric Frazin, a 31 year old Chino Hills resident was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he attacked someone with a skateboard. The victim was sent to the hospital after he sustained injuries from being “struck in the head several times” according to a statement released by the San Bernardino County sheriff’s office. The Chino Hills station was called just before 11:30 am on Thursday with a report of the attack. The deputies were dispatched to the 13000 block of Emerald Way; Frazin had left the scene before the deputies arrived. Upon further investigations the deputies found that they had been called to the same location earlier in the day. That call was made by Frazin’s neighbor alledging that he had vandalized his vehicle. It was not reported if both calls were related. The victim was transported by paramedics to an area hospital. It was reported that at approximately 7:15pm, deputies learned that Frazin was in Pomona. Booking records show that Frazin was found and arrested a short time later at Holt and Gary. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs new release.

Motion Detector Cameras Deter Crime

On this Thursday, June 25, 2015 photo, a computer terminal displays a single vehicle’s license plate number, captured in multiple locations by Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) cameras at the city’s Emergency Operations Center in Long Beach, Calif. Police nationwide are buying access into expansive databases run by private companies whose repo men and tow-truckers photograph license plates on vehicles every day, raising concerns among civil libertarians and some lawmakers about the lack of protections against abuse. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

By Marissa Mitchell

Walnut, CA – A week  ago the City of Walnut announced that they would begin their “License Plate Camera Pilot Program.” The city will begin installing motion detector cameras to ward off crime in the community by catching criminal activity with exactitude. Via coordination with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Walnut city staff has identified locations for the cameras. In some of those locations, a separate pole will be placed to support camera installation. Residents voiced their concerns to the City of Walnut about the rise in criminal activity, and the city responded. Thus far, the city has promised to install ten (10) motional detection cameras that will take photographs of vehicle license plates, so as to more easily catch criminals right after or during the act of crime. These cameras will only take the pictures of license plate numbers, not persons. The date will be released to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department or the appropriate law enforcement agency investigating a committed crime. All cameras and their data will be monitored and maintained by the City of Walnut. The cameras store their data directly onto memory cards rather than a database; unlick the “typical” Automated License Plate recognition. This form of memory storage allows for increased area and time specificity. This memory-card data will be stored sixty (60) days, after which they will be recycled and recorded over, unless requested. The City of Walnut hope to enhance the safety of its residents as well as build civic pride by installing these more advanced cameras for criminal monitoring. It is hope that the motion detector cameras will help aid in crime decrease throughout the city.

Westhoff Families Join Global Fair

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT–-Westhoff Elementary families got a chance to sample foods from around the world during a Culture Fair held Friday, October 13. The school’s Community Club hosts the annual food fest with parents, students, and teachers coming together to celebrate the diversity of the many cultures represented at the school. A total of 16 different nations were represented at decorated booths with music, artifacts, and lots of delicious, authentic food. Westhoff students proudly dressed in clothing representing their heritage marched in a parade. Many also provided entertainment during the event with nearly 1,000 in attendance. “We are so thankful to all our parents and extended family members who work so hard putting this event together,” said Principal Denise Rendon.

“It’s one of my favorite nights of the school year!” Shown: Westhoff Elementary families sample foods from around the world during the Culture Fair. Board Members Cindy Ruiz, Layla Abou-Taleb and Helen Hall, shown with students, join Westhoff Elementary School’s annual Culture Fair on Oct. 13.

 

 

Fighting Depression with Gratitude

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I work with many people suffering from depression.  It seems like their minds are filled with what is wrong with their lives and lots of self –pity.  Having lost most of my family I understand what feels like paralyzing sadness.  I’m referring to the kind of emotion that makes you feel like life is over and will never ever feel good again.  I’m here to tell you gratitude for all that we have and for all that we are really helps change our mindsets. Midnight and I were out the door this morning at 6:00 a.m. for our hour walk.  I must tell you my senses were delighted with the clean air, wonderful smelling scents from trees and flowers and the sweet lullabies from all of the birds.  As we walked I felt such gratitude running through my mind, body and spirit.  I thought about all the blessings I have.  I’m grateful for my health and for Midnight being ten years and still able to climb large hills and how lucky we are to have each other as best friends.  We certainly take a lot for granted.  We have our health, food, shelter, warm and cold running water, beds, cars, and many other necessities but we also have lots of toys and things that make life fun.  I see so many people taking all of that for granted.Take out a piece of paper and fold it in half.  On one side write down all that you are blessed with and on the other write down what you still desire.  Now don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with wanting more or a better life, just don’t forget to appreciate what you already have or who you already are.  Keep this piece of paper and add to it daily when you find something else you are grateful for or desire.  Eventually you will replace the negative mindset with a positive mindset and a mindset filled with gratitude and joy.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Autopilot

By Sarah Sanchez 

 

My to do list keeps on growing

So much to do, people to see

My life is one big schedule

Penciling in the places to be

 

I drive as my mind is spinning

Same route, another day

Home already? How did I get here?

I’m on autopilot, as they say

 

Just going through the motions

Living the routine that life will bring

Tired from the lack of sleep

Really, I’m tired from everything

 

I see that your lips are moving

But I can’t hear what you’re saying

I smile and nod like a robot

As my mind just keeps replaying

 

All the errands, events, and tasks

There’s always so much to do

My body is physically here

But mentally, I can’t pull through

 

I watch as the days go by

Reality seems like a haze

Where is the manual switch?

Time to leave these autopilot days

 

Fire in Diamond Bar

Photo by Lorraine Perea-Martinez

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – More than 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene of two brush fires. At about 4:45 am authorities reported that the forward progress of the fire had been stopped.

The fires were started about a half a mile apart early Wednesday morning in Diamond Bar. The fires were reported a little after 2:15 am, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The two fires converged on the 57 freeway and combined to burn about 15 acres all before nine in the morning. The fires started on the northbound Orange (57 ) Freeway in Brea and quickly spread to the Diamond Bar area.

Resident Lorraine Perea-Martinez said “the 57 freeway northbound was closed from Lambert to Diamond Bar Blvd during my morning commute”. “It took us 20 minutes to go from to get from the 60 fwy to Lambert on the southbound side” said Perea-Martinez. Perea-Martinez also said she heard unconfirmed reports from channel 5 news that the fire was started by a guy throwing flares out his car window”.

A statement released by LA Sheriff’s Department said that arson investigators were sent to the scene after a witness reported, “seeing a man wearing a white scarf around his face, wearing blue jeans and driving a black four door sedan.”

By the time the sun came up, the firefighters of Los Angeles County Fire Department had the blaze about 70% contained and by 9 am the brave men in red had it fully contained.

One of the fires charred 10 acres and the other about five acres. ”No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. Anyone who may have been in the area of the fires that has any information about the case is asked to call the Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Arson/Explosives detail at 323-881-7500, or Crime Stoppers at (800)222-TIPS.

 

Can You Stop A Barking Dog?

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Last week, a woman in Eastvale posted her frustration on the city Facebook page regarding a very loud dog her neighbors have.

What to do about neighboring barking dogs – particularly when they consistently disturb the peace of surrounding residents – can be a relevant question for many.

If a person calls Animal Control, this will not do much to alleviate the immediacy of the barking noises. Animal Control will mail a form to the complaining resident, one that stipulates that the dog is disturbing the peace. That form, in turn, will be sent to the address of the dog’s owner, after which the reporting resident will have to attend court to finally issue a citation. This process can take quite a while.

Those affected by the barking of a neighbor’s dog may take the old-fashioned approach of simply asking the dog owner/neighbor to control their dog’s barking, perhaps through a bark collar. This may or may not be effective depending of the type and receptivity of the person approached. If so confronted, the dog owner may also voice a concern of humane animal treatment, since dog collars are suspected on some level of incurring pain to the animal.

One resident responded to the Facebook complaint by suggesting a “Sonic Bird House Bark Control” sustainable outdoors. This essentially is a bark collar but in a birdhouse form, one that can be placed outdoors, in one’s own yard, without breaking down because of weather. If a person uses this, he or she is essentially controlling the barking of a neighbor’s dog without that neighbor’s permission through ultrasonic sound waves.

Back in 2009, Riverside County – Eastvale and Norco included – approved an anti-nuisance ordinance aimed at silencing noisy dogs by increasing fines for owners up to $500 and including remedies such as obedience training. This process, however, does go through Animal Services and through the Court process, as described above.  The law is meant to expedite the process by allowing an administrative hearing officer, sometimes a practicing attorney in arbitration, to hear the complaints and make the decisions quickly, but this is not always the case.

In Chino Hills, residents are instructed to contact the Inland Valley Humane Society. In Chino, citizens must call Animal Control, and if after hours, a police officer will be dispatched, but only if the caller reveals his or her identity. Generally, simply a warning is issued initially. The same process is outlined for Diamond Bar residents. Thus, there doesn’t seem to be any one expedient way to handle barking dogs in one’s neighborhood, and, while there is some sort of process, it will not be quickly remedied through the government.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Danice Akiyoshi,

My boyfriend and I moved in together 9 months ago. He is supposed to keep our cars clean and the outside of our house looking nice at all times.  He is also supposed to supply our dinner every other week.  My job is to keep the inside of the house clean and do the laundry and make dinner every other week.  We eat out on the weekend.  We share the rent and utility bills equally.  It was good for the first 3 months, but now he is turning lazy.  The outside of our house and our porch and back yard look bad and I’m getting tired of living on pizza and take out tacos every other week.   I cook for us and make nice dinners and our house is always presentable on the inside.  When I bring it up he says he doesn’t need a mother.  How can I get through to him?

 

Barb

 

Dear Barb,

No one is interested in being a nag or a mother to their significant other, so stop nagging and start meaning business.  If your boyfriend is no longer feeling it is important for him to keep up his end of the agreement then let him know that you are giving him notice that you plan to move out.  If in fact you have a lease, call the landlord and give him the required notice.  A boyfriend who doesn’t keep his agreements is not going to magically turn into a husband who keeps his agreements.  If he is interested in restoring harmony with you then he will make serious attempts to clean up his behavior so that the two of you can return to or reestablish a new agreement.  If he does nothing, then perhaps your relationship has reached its shelf life and your boyfriend was just too cowardly to tell you and is attempting to just wear you down and get you to be the one to breaks things off.  If this is the case, then the guy’s a coward and you truly should move on.  If he’s just lazy by nature then you have plenty to think about, but don’t allow anyone to turn you in to an ineffective nagging girlfriend.  There is no joy there. Express your concerns and mean business.

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

Family Connections

By Mark Hopper

My wife and I recently traveled to upstate New York to see Niagara Falls.  In addition, we drove across the state to visit some family members near Albany.  My wife was born in Long Island, NY, but moved west with her parents when she was a young girl. When her family moved to Arizona in the late 1950’s, they left behind extended family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who remained near the east coast.

Over the years, there were phone calls and letters, but very little direct contact between the relatives in the east and relatives in the west. Some of the extended family attended a family wedding in Arizona in the 1970’s and there were a couple of visits by the Arizona clan to the east.  But, the contact was limited while parents were busy raising families in different parts of the country.

The internet and Facebook have helped to reconnect my wife with some of her east coast relatives.  They have been able to share pictures and update one another on their families. Our visit to Albany reunited my wife with a cousin that she had not seen on over 40 years.  It was a happy reunion.  In addition, another cousin drove up from Long Island and completely surprised my wife. They had a lot of catching up to do. Conversations included the death of parents, the marriages of children and the births of grandchildren.

One of the cousins had a photo album filled with old pictures.  This album belonged to their grandfather and included some photos that my wife had never seen before.  It was filled with memories and images that helped deepen her understanding of her heritage and extended family.

Hopefully, the cousins won’t wait another 40 years to re-connect with each other.  In fact, there is already talk of another reunion on the west coast next year. Are there some friends or relatives that you have not seen in a long time?  The years pass quickly.  The internet can help, but it takes time and effort to stay connected with people.

Let me encourage you to call or email a friend or family member this week.  There may be an old neighbor that would love to hear from you.  Don’t miss the opportunity to reach out and re-connect with someone soon.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-860-9556

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org