Category Archives: SGV-IE Community News

A Growing Concern for Over 40 Years

By Michael Armijo

For those of you who know Eastvale’s history, you’re pretty knowledgeable about how abundant the ground grows green grass and fresh vegetables. Our history tells us how. Our land is very fertile.

Sunshine Growers, which currently has locations in Ontario and Corona, will soon be opening in the City of Eastvale. So now is a good time to grow your goods in a fertile environment, ridding yourself of the pesticides and the high cost of organic greens. But Sunshine Growers doesn’t stop there. They offer a variety of plants and outdoor supplies to spruce up your backyards and gardens.

The City of Eastvale is also on board as the Eastvale Planning Commission approved the development of a new 20,000-square-foot greenhouse and retail store for a new plant nursery at Sunshine Grower’s new location on Riverside Drive, east of Hamner Avenue in Eastvale.

“We are thrilled that Sunshine Growers has chosen to expand their business in our young and growing community,” said Mayor Clint Lorimore. “I am certain that our community will benefit from the variety of plant options that Sunshine Growers will provide, and I look forward to seeing how Eastvale homeowners will beautify their landscaping following the opening of this new business.”

This locally-based, family-owned business will be moving from Ontario, bringing jobs and approximately $4-million in taxable retail sales to Eastvale. Sunshine Growers is a family of wholesale and retail nurseries that sell quality plant material to the community and to landscape contractors. When they open, Sunshine Growers will be the only full-service plant nursery in Eastvale, providing a great local option for the community to continue to enhance landscaping around their homes.

“We grow a variety of Plants, Groundcover, and color so we can have a big advantage over the retail nurseries and chain stores,” said Russell Lepper, Spokesperson for the chain.

To find out more please sign onto www.sunshinegrowersnursery.com or visit them on Riverside Drive east of Hamner Avenue. Or you can call their Corona store at 951.736.6000, Ontario store at 909.923.7277, or their Yucaipa store at 909.797.9270.

City of Diamond Bar’s Annual Poster Contest to Celebrate Arbor Day

By City of Diamond Bar

The City of Diamond Bar invites all students to celebrate Arbor Day 2019 by participating in their annual art contest.  Local artist may use any art medium of their choice to create a poster depicting the theme “Trees are Terrific: for our Health and Happiness.”  Judges will select a first-place ($50 Target gift card), second-place ($25 gift card) and third-place ($15 gift card) winner. Winners will be invited to receive their prize at the Earth Day 2019 Celebration. All poster entry forms must be submitted by Friday, April 12 before 4:30 p.m.

Contest Entry Form

All fourth or fifth graders who live or go to school in Diamond Bar can participate in the annual art contest.

Artwork must be hand-drawn on letter-size paper (8 1/2 x 11 inch), and may be in color or black and white, and created using crayons, colored pencils, markers, watercolors or any other medium. Glue, stickers, and glitter are not allowed.

The top three entries will be selected and displayed at the event and artists will receive a Target gift card ($50 for first place, $25 for second place, and $15 for third place).

Posters may be dropped off at, or mailed to, Diamond Bar City Hall located at 21810 Copley Drive. A completed entry form must accompany entry.

Contest Rules

1. All entries must be original artwork created by a student who is currently in the fifth grade. A student may enter the contest only once.

2. Entries must be done on paper with sufficient clarity to allow for duplication, displaying, and framing.

3. The first-place winner’s artwork will be framed.

4. The student’s first and last name must be written or signed in the lower right-hand corner on the front of the poster.

5. Entries must be cone in marker, crayon, paint pens, watercolor, ink, acrylic, colored paper, and/or tempera paint.

6. Collages are not acceptable (Do not glue anything on your poster.)

7. Computer or photo generated art and/or printing is not acceptable.

8. Entries should not display the names of commercial products, companies, or organizations.

9. The poster must be related to the contest theme in some way. The theme: “Trees are Terrific and Energy Wise” must be on the poster. All words must be spelled correctly.

10. Entries should not be matted, mounted, laminated, framed or folded.

For more information or questions contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909-839-7015 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov or visit their website https://www.diamondbarca.gov/760/Earth-Day-and-Arbor-Day

SGV-IE News: Complete Edition March 2019

The SGV-IE News covers local news for Walnut, Diamond Bar, Chino, Chino Hills and the surrounding areas. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
https://anapr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-03-sgvienews.pdf

Golf with Your Local Sheriffs in Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: BedneyImages

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club

Chino Hills- The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in Memory of Deputy Steven Belanger on Monday, April 1, 2019. If you would like to contribute and/or cannot attend and would like to donate, the Booster Club is looking for 150 promotional items for their golf tournament.

The registration will be at 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and followed by a Shotgun Start of 11:30 a.m. on April 1 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Alfred Reyes said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as follows:

Platinum sponsor – $3,000- Includes 16 players/four teams, recognition during the awards luncheon, repeated advertising of your company in Our Weekly newspaper and during the tournament, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.

Gold sponsor – $2,000- Includes 8 players/two teams, recognition in Our Weekly newspaper, recognition during the awards luncheon, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.

Silver sponsor – $1,000-Includes one team of four players and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.

Other sponsorship opportunities include– Soft drink/Beer Cart Sponsors for $1,000, Hole-In-One sponsor for $500, Goodie Bag Sponsor for $500, Closest-to-the-Pin Sponsor for $400, and Tee Sign Sponsorship for $100.
Captain Alfred Reyes encourages community members to join this fun and meaningful tournament to continue to help provide the needed uniforms and equipment to the people who volunteer their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

For information and reservations, contact Sgt. Darren Luter, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 595-2264, or Gil Rivera, booster club member at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

WVUSD Joins Great Kindness Challenge

By Kelli Gile

Walnut- Kindness is contagious. It can begin as a warm smile or simple “thank you” and grow to include good deeds that create a culture of kindness.

For the second consecutive year, all 15 Walnut Valley USD schools joined the Great Kindness Challenge, earning the official Kindness Certified School District badge.

Over 24,000 schools across the nation participated in the event, held January 28-February 1, to promote kindness by encouraging students to brighten the days of classmates, family, and community.

Many schools distributed a checklist of 50 challenges that students could complete during the kindness revolution.

Chaparral Middle School seventh grader Troy Pisigan fulfilled over 30 tasks including his favorite, saying “thank you” to the school’s noon aides.

“I could tell by their reaction that the words meant a lot!” he said.

Pisigan said he hoped his actions would motivate others to show kindness too.


“And maybe, it will carry on and they will do something nice for someone else!”

“Troy is a genuinely kind young man and shows kindness every day,” praised teacher Sherry Robertson.

“We should all strive to be more like Troy!”

Walnut Elementary students joined a Mix-It-Up at Lunch to have a chance to demonstrate kindness to someone new and sold friendship grams with proceeds benefitting the Los Angeles Mission.

Diamond Bar High’s Wellness Team presented three days of Where’s Kindness? lunchtime activities.

Be Kind to Yourself day, held January 29, focused on self-care and self-compassion, E-cigarette education, stress management, dance clinic, and bungee run.

Wellness consultants staged activities wearing “Where’s Waldo?” inspired striped hats, t-shirts, and round glasses.

When students roll a three on the giant inflatable self-love dice, they complete the sentence, “Three kind words to best describe me,” explained senior Janice Kwon.

Ron Hockwalt Academiesstudents inspired smiles while delivering bountiful bouquets of pink roses and fresh greenery of kale, fennel, and celery produced in the school’s HOPE garden.

Castle Rock Elementary set out friendship chairs were students could relax, mingle, and complete a variety of kindness activities.

C.J. Morris Elementary students designed and decorated cheer-up messages on index cards to brighten up a schoolmate’s day.

Collegewood Elementary hosted We Life Each Other “Up” week (from the animated Pixar movie) with acts of kindness and compliments of gratitude, including writing messages to students at neighboring Westhoff Elementary.

Maple Hill and Vejar Elementary students cheered up schoolmates with chalked playground messages including “It’s going to be a great day” and “Take deep breaths – it’s going to be OK.”

Westhoff Elementary students completed their first kind acts in unison by smiling and offering compliments to each other during a kick-off rally.

“On the count of three, let’s all say, ‘You are smart and you are kind!’” said counselor Ericka Robledo.

Quail Summit Elementary students crafted Valentines cards for local senior citizens and dressed up as hippies during Peace, Love, and Kindness day.

South Pointe Middle School leadership students greeted families during the morning drop-off with “Have a Great Day” signs and collected gently used shoes for area needy.

The SGV-IE News Complete Edition: February 2019

The SGV-IE News covers local news for Walnut, Diamond Bar, Chino, Chino Hills and the surrounding areas. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: https://anapr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-02-sgvienews.pdf

Sheriff’s Deputy Killed by DUI Driver

Left: SBSD Deputy, Nicholas O’Loughlin, was off-duty & traveling south on Euclid Ave. in Chino when he was struck & killed by a drunk driver in the early morning hours of February 23rd. Right: Yijie Mao of Alhambra was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury, after police allege that he was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. (Photo courtesy Chino Police Department)

By City of Chino

Chino – Twenty-Eight year old San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas O’Loughlin of Chino Hills was killed in an off-duty traffic collision in the early morning of February 17, 2019.

Officers responded to the intersection of Edison and Euclid Avenues at 12:31 a.m. for a report of a traffic collision. The preliminary investigation indicates that O’Loughlin was traveling south on Euclid Avenue in a 2006 Chevy Silverado when he was struck by 26-year-old Yijie Mao of Alhambra who was traveling west on Edison Avenue in a 2014 BMW compact SUV.

 O’Loughlin was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mao was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and marijuana. He was booked at the Central Detention Center for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. The road was closed for approximately nine hours while Traffic Investigators processed the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Bloch at (909) 334- 3018 or mbloch@chinopd.org.

View Homes on Terraced Lots at Hillcrest in Riverside

Photo Courtesy: Frontier Communities

By Carolyn Tate/ Kovach Marketing

A collection of just 26 single family luxury homes at Hillcrest offer expansive views from large homesites.  Located in the desirable La Sierra established area of Riverside, the exclusive tucked away neighborhood by Frontier Communities is priced from just the mid $500,000s with a low tax rate of 1.176% and no Mello Roos or HOA fees.

“Hillcrest offers plenty of choices with three to seven bedrooms and up to 3,204 square feet,” said Mark Hicks, Division President for Frontier Communities.  “Many customizing options are available, as well as move-in ready homes.  Residents will love the convenient location with easy freeway access and being close to their favorite Riverside amenities for shopping and dining.”

Tour professionally decorated models with floor plans ranging from 2,541 to 3,024 square feet. Options include lofts, dens and super great rooms, a sixth or seventh bedroom, and three or four baths. Every residence is complemented by outstanding modern and energy-efficient features to enrich comfort.

Hillcrest residents will enjoy close proximity to schools including La Sierra University, nearby parks, trails and recreation spots. Outstanding local shopping can be found just a short drive away at the Galleria at Tyler, hip Downtown Riverside and Riverside Plaza. There are plenty of great restaurants, museums and other fun activities, plus outdoor events and festivals include the Riverside Artwalk and the Festival of Lights. Easy access to the 91 freeway is convenient for outings or reaching major employment centers throughout Southern California.

Hillcrest is near Norwood Avenue and College Avenue in the city of Riverside at 11758 Norwood Ave, Riverside, CA 92505. The sales center is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Wednesdays when buyers should call for availability. For additional information call (888) 837-5859 or visit www.FrontierHomes.com and be sure to sign up on the interest list.

Frontier Communities is your local neighborhood builder with a vision to help more people realize the American Dream of home ownership, offering attainable, quality homes in convenient Inland Empire and high-desert locations.  Home shoppers looking for solid home value have trusted Frontier’s small town sincerity and way of doing business, along with a commitment to a growing, thriving Inland Empire region.  A variety of programs and special incentives make it easier to qualify for financing, plus most communities have low tax rates and no or low Mello Roos and HOA fees.

Healthy Living: Addressing Chronic Pain Amidst a National Opioid Crisis

Photo Courtesy: Statepoint

By Statepoint

Chronic pain is among the most prevalent and debilitating medical conditions in the U.S. and opioids are the most commonly prescribed class of medications that are frequently relied on for the management of chronic pain. The high risk for dependence on these drugs and their frequent abuse has results in a national epidemic.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a proven, non-addictive, FDA-approved therapy available to help patients manage chronic pain. To learn more about SCS, visit http://www.ControlYourPain.com.

Awareness of drug-free treatment alternatives for chronic main management is more important than ever.

Did You Know?: How Parents Can Achieve Work-Life Balance

Photo Courtesy: Statepoint
Coworking spaces are providing parents with better work-life balance.

By Statepoint

In the pursuit of having more time to spend with their families, an increasing number of working parents are requesting flexible working options from their employers, suggests new research.

Often referred to as “co-working,” a flexible workspace offers individuals and employees a productive and collaborative environment to work. Co-working has risen in popularity over the past decade and new research from flexible workspace provider, Regus, found that 85 percent of working parents would forfeit other benefits to take up flexible working, with 81 percent surveyed believing the top benefit is a better work-life balance.

The growth of flexible workspace means that people increasingly have access to these locations no matter where they are, offering users the potential to skip a long commute and work closer to home. So, what would parents do with that extra time? According to the Regus survey, the number one activity parents would spend their time on, instead of commuting, is being with family (71 percent), followed by having “me-time,” like taking a long bath or meeting friends (38 percent).

Employers should take note, as flexible working options are a top priority for employed parents. Ninety-six percent of working parents say that they would work for an employer that provides flexible working as part of a benefits package and 74 percent say they are willing to take on a different job if it offered a range of working locations.

Looking to make the switch? Regus is sharing top tips to incorporate flexible working into your current employment situation:

• Negotiate: If this option is not yet offered by your employer, negotiate. See if you can swap one benefit you may not use. For example, 85 percent of working parents reported that they are willing to work through their lunchbreak, and 85 percent would forfeit other benefits, like a company gym membership, to take up flexible working.

• Think creatively about location: Commuting isn’t only about the time spent traveling from your front door to the office. It may be better for you to be near your child’s school or daycare, or near a client, rather than your main office. Flexible working can make this shift possible.

• Banish the 9 to 5: For many parents, a 9 to 5 schedule doesn’t match that of their child. To get the most of flexible working, see if you can adapt your schedule with a late start and late finish, or early start and early finish. Or, throw the schedule out the window and focus on delivering results.

• Flex your flexible working: If you can’t make the switch to full-time flexible working, see if you can have this option available in emergencies, such as a gap in childcare or a tight schedule.

“Parents especially struggle to ensure their careers and personal lives exist in harmony,” says Michael Berretta, vice president of Network Development for IWG, the parent company of Regus. “Using flexible workspace can allow for a schedule that better fits around personal commitments, and employers can expect more working parents to ask for this option.”

To learn more visit, http://www.regus.com.

Working parents have a lot to juggle and finding the right balance can be a challenge, but there are more opportunities than ever to add flexibility to their schedules.

Eastvale Residents Exercise the Power of Petition

By Izabella Salinas

Eastvale– Eastvale resident, James Sinnema, started a petition on the website Change.org to bring residents together who share the same concerns for a proposed project in their neighborhood.

In November of last year, the building of a self-storage facility was proposed to the City Council. The property is located east of Hellman Avenue and north of Walters Street. The family owned company proposed a zone change of the land to become commercial.

Many residents were angered by this possible project because it would be located in a residential area near a school.

“A commercial use will not fit with the character of the surrounding uses,” said James Sinnema in their Change.org statement.

The resident does not believe that this two-story storage building would be visually compatible with the surrounding area. Sinnema also expressed concerns with the storage facility leaving land only big enough for a small business to be built.

“As I’ve shared with Mr. Gossett, it seems if the Council were to grant approval for the storage facility and it is constructed, then the remainder parcel would only work for a convenience store such as 7-11,” said Sinnema.

Sinnema and other residents believe that would increase the crime rate in the area.

“As an employee of a local Police Department, I can’t begin to tell anyone the type of calls for service we get from these types of locations. We are only setting up our neighborhood up for failure. Crime rates will rise (thefts, graffiti, break-ins) traffic will increase and our home values will go down,” commented Kristen Kannard.

Over 600 residents have signed the petition.

The public hearing for the possible development took place on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Walnut Valley USD Begins Enrollment for the 2019-20 School Year

By Kelli Gile

Walnut— The Walnut Valley Unified School District will soon begin registration for the 2019-2020 school year for children transitional kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade.  Registration dates are:

January 14-18, 2019—for those children with siblings already attending school in our district;

January 22, 2019 & on—for those elementary children new to the district, at any grade level.

You may register for transitional kindergarten if your child turns 5 years old September 2nd – December 2nd.  Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, to enroll in kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year. 

At the time of registration, parents will be asked to present a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of the child’s immunizations, and for kindergarten and 1st grade proof of an oral health examination.  For residency verification, parents will also need to provide either final escrow papers, mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement, along with a current utility bill (gas, water or electric bill) and a driver’s license (or California I.D.) with current home address.  Enrollment is on-going, and your residence address determines the elementary school where you should enroll your child.

The Walnut Valley Unified School District offers a quality day care program at all elementary site, for both before and after school hours.  You may contact the Child Care office at 909-444-3460 for additional information and fees.

Man Arrested in Chino Hills Murder Case

In the early morning hours of December 19, 2018, Martin Zendejas was beat to death by Ivan Mejia in the parking lot of Hotel Chino Hills . Chino Hills PD arrested Mejia within hours of the attack.

By Izabella Salinas

Chino Hills- On Dec. 19, 2018, a suspect was arrested for the murder of a Chino Hills resident.

Ivan Mejia, 44, was arrested and charged for the murder of Martin Zendejas. The Chino Hills Police Department stated that Mejia attacked Zendejas and beat him to death. Mejia is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail, according to public inmate records.

Authorities were called to Hotel Chino Hills on Dec. 19, 2018, after a woman ran into the hotel with blood on her clothes screaming for help, according to a Chino Hills PD press release. When police arrived on the scene a man, who was later identified as Martin Zendejas, was found with severe injuries to his head and face.

Martin Zendejas, 54, was said to be in the car with the female in the parking lot of Hotel Chino Hills moments before. Detectives later discovered that Mejia was the boyfriend of the female who was in the vehicle with Mr. Zendejas.

“Mejia pulled the victim out of his car and beat him causing the injuries that led to his death,” said the Chino Hills PD in their press release.

Martin was the brother to former NFL player Tony Zendejas. Martin, Tony, and their brother Javier managed the Zendejas restaurant in San Dimas.

A GoFundMe page was started by Tony to raise money for Martin’s funeral.

“They lost a great man, father, brother & friend. Martin Zendejas was an amazing man that was taken too soon,” according to the page. They hope to raise $25,000.

There’s an outpour of love and support for the Zendejas family in the comments on the campaign.

“So sorry for your loss, Marty was the nicest man, I really enjoyed working at the Restaurant with him a long time ago. Love and Prayers to the Zendejas Family,” commented Yolanda Falciani.

Visit gf.me/u/psbbab to donate to the campaign.

Another Consumer Conspiracy

Pastor Mark Hopper of Efree Church in Diamond Bar

By Mark Hopper

     A few years ago, I wrote an article about how food manufactures were reducing the size of their packaging but not reducing the prices they charge for their product.

     The most obvious example was with ice cream.  In the old days, a standard carton of ice cream was a half-gallon or 64 ounces.  If you went to the store to get a “carton” of ice cream, you knew you were purchasing a “half-gallon” – 64 ounces.

     But, sometime during the past decade, ice cream manufactures reduced the size of their packages to three pints or 48 ounces.  The carton of ice cream looked similar, but the content was 25% less and the price has remained the same!

     In the last five years, the orange juice companies changed the size of their packaging, too.  One day I discovered that the “Half-gallon” (64 ounces) of orange juice had been reduced to 59 ounces.  Again, the packaging looked so similar that you didn’t really notice unless you read the fine print on the container.  The price did not go down, but the volume was 10% less.

     Recently, when I was shopping at a local market, I noticed that my favorite orange juice carton looked a little different.  The package looked similar but a bit smaller.  When I read the fine print, I discovered that the new carton of orange juice was now 52 ounces!  They reduced the volume by another 10% but the price was still the same!

     I suspect there is a conspiracy going on between food manufacturers and grocery stores.  Their strategy is to reduce the volume or content of their products but not reduce the prices they charge.  I think they assume that the average customer will not notice the difference.

     I believe we need a congressional investigation!  Where is the Consumer Product Safety Commission when we need it?  Where are the government watch dogs who are supposed to protect us from misleading and false advertising?

     What will be next?  Will grocers start packaging egg cartons with only 10 eggs?  Will they start altering the scales in the produce section so that a five pound bag of potatoes will only contain 4 1/2 pounds?  Will the pound of ground beef be reduced by 10%?

Where will this conspiracy end?

     There is a passage in the Old Testament that warns against defrauding others.  “Do not have two different weights in your bag – a heavy one and a lighter one.  Do not have two different measuring cups – one large and one smaller.  You must have accurate and honest weights and measures (when you buy and sell) (Deuteronomy 25:13-15).

     You have heard the phrase “Buyer Beware”.  That is still true today.  Let me encourage you to read the labels carefully at your grocery store.  Read the fine print that tells you the real size and weight of the contents.  Don’t be misled or confused.   And, you may want to write to your local Congressman and request a Congressional investigation, too!

This article was written by Pastor Mark Hopper of Efree Church of Diamond Bar. Sunday Services are held at 9:00 am & 10:45 am at 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. You can contact the church at 909.594.7604 or visit them online at Efreedb.org

Voortman’s Egg Ranch: Farm Fresh: Farm Fresh Eggs for 60 Years.

The Voortman Family circa 1956. Voortman’s Egg Ranch is located at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario. You can reach them at (909) 465-1319. They are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Staff Reports

Ontario – Voortman’s Egg Ranch has been in the business of providing farm fresh eggs to friends and visitors to the local area for over 60 years. Originally from Bellflower, the Voortman family – who has always been in the egg ranching business – moved their operation to Ontario in 1951.

Voortman’s has a small-town farm ambiance, with the latest in technology.  Their happy chickens are enjoying their newly remodeled home; and their egg-processing machine can handle about 36,000 eggs per hour at its peak. If the average bird lays one egg about every 26 hours, that equals a lot of chickens at the Voortman ranch!

Did you know that you can tell how fresh an egg is by how high the yolk stands up in the frying pan after you crack it?  Voortman’s will have your over-easies standing tall.  Their fresh eggs are the highest in quality, with dark, nutrient-dense yolks.  You will immediately notice a difference in your cooking and baking.

Have you ever wondered how long the eggs in the grocery stores have actually been sitting around?  Despite the use-by date, there is really no way to know how long ago they were produced.  With Voortman’s, the eggs are selected daily, on site, and readied for you in their store.

Third-generation egg rancher, Eddie Voortman, says, “We are a local, family-owned business that provides fresh, quality products to the public.”

Customers of Voortman’s rave about their all natural, cage free eggs, touting the freshness, and great pricing.  One customer said, “They make the fluffiest scrambled eggs!”

The eggs come in all sizes and colors, depending on your needs.  Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Voortman’s is centrally located just minutes from Chino at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario (just north of Edison).  You can reach Voortman’s at (909) 465-1319; and Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Voortmans-Egg-Ranch.

Stop by any time Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Healthy Living Recipe: Keto Pizza

By DietDoctor.com

Pizza, meet keto… A simple take on how to get your pizza fix without the carbs. It’s everything you want — pepperoni, cheese and tomato-sauce deliciousness.

Total Time: 30 mins

Servings: 2

Nutrition: 8 grams of fat

INGREDIENTS:

Crust

Eggs- 4

Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese, Shredded- 6 oz.

Topping

Tomato Paste- 3 tbsp

Dried Oregano- 1 tsp

Shredded Cheese- 5 oz

Pepperoni- 1.5 oz

Olives (optional)

For Serving

Leafy Greens- 2 oz

Olive Oil- 4 tbsp

Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper- to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Start by making the crust. Crack eggs into a medium-sized bowl and add shredded cheese. Give it a good stir to combine.

3. Use a spatula to spread the cheese and egg batter on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can form two round circles or just make one large rectangular pizza. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the pizza crust turns golden. Remove and let cool for a minute or two.

4. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (225°C).

5. Spread tomato paste on the crust and sprinkle oregano on top. Top with cheese and place the pepperoni and olives on top.

6. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the pizza has turned a golden brown color.

7. Serve with a fresh salad on the side.

Chino’s Plans to Expand Roadway Runs into Problems

City is forced to exercise their 5th Amendment right to Eminent Domain

By Izabella Salinas

Chino- The Pine Avenue Widening Project, Chino’s plan to expand Pine Avenue into six lanes, has hit an obstacle due to the City being unable to reach an agreement with the owners of the land needed for the expansion.  A resolution between the parties has not been easy, forcing the City to utilize “eminent domain.”

Eminent domain is the right provided by the Fifth Amendment in the constitution. It refers to the government’s ability to take private property for public use. However, they must provide the property owner with “just compensation,” which is determined by a property appraisal.

Lewis Operating Corporation plans to build 600 residential units, but their plan requires the dedication of certain land to the widening of Pine Avenue. This required land is part of the H&R Barthelemy Dairy Farm and has been in the Barthelemy family for over 70 years.  

Lewis Operating Corporation has been trying to obtain the land since last year but has been unable to reach an agreement with the family. Because of this, the City has voted to acquire the land by exercising their right of eminent domain.

“For the public purposes set forth herein, the City of Chino is authorized to acquire property through the exercise of eminent domain,” said the Chino City Hall Staff report.

The required easements for the project include a permanent easement of 110,766 square ft., slope easements, a drainage easement, a flooding easement, an access easement, and a temporary construction easement. An easement is the right to use another person’s land for a specified purpose.

“Pine Avenue needs to be widened to accommodate existing and future traffic due to development in the area,” said the Chino City Hall staff report.

The City of Chino states that the land owned by H&R Barthelemy Farms is necessary in order for their Pine Avenue Widening Project to move forward. The Project is deemed to be for the greater good of the public.

“The acquisition of the Easements is necessary for the Project because without them the Project cannot be constructed,” according to the staff report.

The Barthelemy family wishes to have their own appraisal of the property made and to be given a reasonable amount of time to do so.

“In order to engage in meaningful negotiation with the City, we wish to have the property independently appraised,” wrote Dan Barthelemy in a letter to the City.

In accordance to California eminent domain laws, the property owner does not have to accept the City’s offer and they are able to make a counter-offer.

No deal has yet been made.

Visit https://eminentdomain.uslegal.com/state-laws-on-eminent-domain/california/ to find more details about California eminent domain laws.

1983 Murder Case is Back in News

Governor Brown Orders Retesting of Evidence

By Izabella Salinas

Chino Hills- In his last days in office, Governor Jerry Brown ordered retesting of four pieces of evidence from a 1983 Chino Hills murder case.

35 years ago, a man named Kevin Cooper was convicted for the murders of Doug and Peggy Ryen, their daughter Jessica, their neighbor Christopher Hughes, and the attempted murder of their son Josh. Cooper was given the death penalty and was scheduled for execution in 2004. However, the execution was blocked due to a federal appellate court in San Francisco ordering a review of the scientific evidence.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos argues that two existing tests have proven that Cooper is the killer. The tests show that Cooper was in the Ryen home, he smoked a cigarette in the Ryen’s stolen vehicle, and Cooper’s blood, along with the blood of one of the victims, was found on an abandoned T-Shirt along the road. The new testing would reevaluate this evidence.

“The purpose of this new testing is to determine whether another suspected person’s DNA, or the DNA of any other identifiable suspect based on a match in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database, is present on the items tested,” said Governor Jerry Brown in his executive order.

Cooper and his attorney argue that additional testing with new available technology will show he is in fact innocent.

This quadruple murder changed the perception of the community and instilled fear amongst people near and far.

“I never let my children sleepover at their friends’ houses solely because of this case,” said Eastvale resident Veronica Sahagun, “I heard the story and was mortified.”

Doug and Peggy Ryen’s son was the only survivor of the attack. Josh Ryen’s best friend Christopher Hughes was sleeping over the night of the murders.

“I invited my best friend Chris Hughes to spend the night at my house. If I had not, Chris would still be alive today,” said Josh in a letter to Governor Jerry Brown.

At the time, Josh was only eight years old and was initially unable to identify Kevin Cooper as the killer, but he can now positively say that Kevin Cooper is the murderer of his family and best friend.

“Kevin Cooper is a liar. He lies about everything. When he is caught in his lies, he lies more and more,” said Josh in his letter as he begs for the state of California to stop subsidizing Kevin Cooper.

“I take no position as to Mr. Cooper’s guilt or innocence at this time,” said Governor Jerry Brown.

A date for the retesting has not yet been set.

Left: Kevin Cooper was convicted for the Ryen/Hughes murders and was sentenced to death in 1985. Right: Cooper smiles from his cell on San Quentin’s Death Row in 2017.
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

2019: The Magic Year

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

Happy New Year to all of you wonderful beings. Yes it’s a new beginning for us all.   It’s a chance to start fresh and finally become who you are meant to be. The New Year brings unlimited possibilities and new energy that helps us believe, the sky is the limit.  The New Year gives us hope and many new chances.  I say take these chances and make this year, the best one ever!

          Start this process by setting some small very obtainable daily goals.  Once you’re in the groove and have met the daily goals, now it’s time to set a realistic goal for the year.  You may or may not ever meet the year end goal but it’s all about the steps or the process that we take in our attempt that cause us to change.  That’s what I want you all to focus this year.  So what if you never get there all the way, you’re certainly moving in the right direction. Be proud of what you are able to do in 2018 and don’t beat yourself up for what you couldn’t do.

          I hope you will be good to yourselves this year and finally work toward who you are meant to be.  I want you to remember it’s all here for you and all you have to do is believe in yourself and go and get what you deserve.  So I dedicate this to all of you in hopes that this will be a magical year. I wish for all of you that you will get out there and find all the greatness that exists in you and our very wonderful world.  It all starts by believing in you and I believe in all of you and want you to be the very best you can be.  Make 2019 a magical year, the best year of your life!!!!!

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.

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort for Your Home

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Staff Reports

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in solar power, roofing, air conditioning and heating, water heating and water filtration. For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties. 

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Roofing: Experience and dedication to providing professional service allows Advanced Improvements to provide the most efficient and affordable roofing on the market. Whether you need a new roof or just want to upgrade your old one, they will give you an honest estimate on the most advanced and energy efficient materials on the market.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analysis, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils. Ask about their $79 special for a spring tune-up on your current system.

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks to tankless water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Noritz Tankless Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.