Category Archives: The Weekly News

Proud of Myself

By Michael Armijo

I remember closing my eyes, trying my hardest to embrace the way I felt. I wanted to burn into my memory the feeling of enchantment that overwhelmed me. I wanted the way I felt that evening to last a lifetime.

It wasn’t just dinner and cocktails with some co-workers. It wasn’t just a significant evening for someone special, a celebration of achievement. The evening meant more to me than it did to the person being honored. It was an evening in which I was proud to be included.

With my wife in my arms, I memorized the melody of the song as we slowly moved over the shiny, wooden dance floor.  A glance out of the window provided a beautiful view of the city.  A look around the room at people I respected and admired filled me with tremendous pride.  I will never forget how it felt to be present and included that night.

When I tried to recall the last time I felt this way, it took me back to the 7th Grade. I remember failing all my classes and my teacher, Miss Contreras, helped to change my perspective.  She told me that I deserved to be number one; that I deserved to be the best and to feel proud of myself.  What she said worked because I found the path that led me to becoming Student of the Year, along with top grades and a place on the honor roll.

Unfortunately, that feeling was taken from me. Abuse and neglect took those happy moments from my life and traded them for sadness and pain.

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to overcome those hard times and make a positive difference in the lives around me. Just as Miss Contreras did for me, I’ve tried to help people find their own path to personal worth, encouraging people to live the life of an achiever; showing people that it can be done.

Because of who I was and where I’ve been, helping others and making a positive contribution has always meant so much to me.  I’ve always dreamed of feeling the satisfaction of making a difference – without conditions or ulterior motives.  I’ve waited for the day that I knew my accomplishments were worthy of my intentions.

And that evening – an evening I will forever hold dear in my heart – I stood there with peers of mine whom I respected, with the woman I’ve loved for nearly 30 years, and I felt proud of my life.  With a tear in my eye, I realized I have made a difference in the lives around me.

And just as I felt when I won that 7th Grade Student of the Year award, I had earned a feeling that no one could ever take from me. I found the path to fulfillment for what I’ve done with my life, and realized it was okay to feel proud of myself.

Cover Picture: CH Softball Seniors Caption Caption: The Chino High School softball team now shares the Hacienda League Championship title and will be playing CIF this week. The team also celebrated their seniors on Senior Day, along with the colleges they will be attending in the fall. Congratulations to the following seniors (shown L-R): Corina Gamboa (Colorado State), Amanda Brashear (Maryland), Courtney Springman (West Point), Alyssa Gonzalez (Ole Miss), Emily Ballesteros (West Point) and Hayley Wishner (Whittier College).

Cover Picture: CH Softball Seniors Caption
Caption:
The Chino High School softball team now shares the Hacienda League Championship title and will be playing CIF this week. The team also celebrated their seniors on Senior Day, along with the colleges they will be attending in the fall. Congratulations to the following seniors (shown L-R): Corina Gamboa (Colorado State), Amanda Brashear (Maryland), Courtney Springman (West Point), Alyssa Gonzalez (Ole Miss), Emily Ballesteros (West Point) and Hayley Wishner (Whittier College).

The 10-Step Sugar Detox Plan For You And Your Children

By Brittany ThomasSugar-spelled-out

For adults who crave candy and ice cream almost as much as their children, the bad news on sugar continues to pour in.

Earlier this year, research into sugar’s deleterious effects showed a connection to cancer, heart disease and diabetes. More recently, the American Dental Association reminded parents just how bad sugar is for their children’s teeth.

“We think we’re so advanced in 2016, yet when it comes to health and a nutritious diet, many of us have a long way to go,” says nutritionist and juicing pioneer Cherie Calbom, who is known as “The Juice Lady.”

The good news for parents is that they can ferret out the sugar-laden products that may be hidden in their and their children’s diets. They can dedicate themselves to a healthy, sugar-free lifestyle, says Calbom, author of “The Juice Lady’s Sugar Knockout.” She offers her Sugar Addiction Quiz at www.juiceladycherie.com/Juice/the-sugar-knockout.

Below is Calbom’s solution: a 10-step detox plan that parents can work on with their children to eliminate sugar in both their diets.

  1. Avoid all sugar. If you can do it for 30 days, you can change your lifestyle. During this time, avoid even healthy sweeteners like honey, and substitutes, which overwhelm the taste buds.
    2. Cut caffeine intake. There are multiple benefits to cutting back on your caffeine, including the temptation to use sugary creamers and accompanying sweets along with actually causing sugar cravings.
    3. Skip foods that turn to sugar easily. This includes wheat and other grains, alcohol and starchy foods like white potatoes.
    4. Enjoy healthy smoothies. Healthy smoothies that include dark leafy greens like kale or chard make you feel good in the long term and can help eliminate the urge for sugary snacks and excessive caffeine.
    5. Power up with protein. Eggs, nuts, fish and other meats balance blood sugar and insulin.
    6. Eat your veggies. Non-starchy vegetables provide your body with much-needed vitamins that also will cut your urge for unhealthy, sugary snacks.
    7. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Sufficient pure water keeps you hydrated, reduces headaches and constipation, and flushes out toxins.
    8. Supplement your diet. GTF chromium, L-Glutamine, B vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin C assist your body in various ways to overcome sugar cravings.
    9. Sleep well; sleep enough. Lack of sleep messes with your hormonal balance and contribute to feelings of hunger.
    10. Fight sugar cravings with fat. Healthy fats like avocados and fish make you feel full and satisfied.

“Beware of sugar in places you might not have expected, like tomato sauces, salad dressing and marinades,” Calbom says. “Make a habit of studying labels.”

 

Did You Know?

Things That Are Often Missed In Financial Planning

By Brittany ThomasFinancial_Planning_Small

Our relationship with money can be complicated, and it’s for this reason many people seek professional help.

But even when we get help, there are still important aspects that can be overlooked, says Brett King, the managing/founding partner and Senior Vice President Investments for Elite Financial Associates (www.elitefinancialassociates.com). “The wrong way to look at service from a financial advisor is the ‘handing it off’ mentality – that you can put your financial destiny in their hands and not have to think about it anymore,” he says.

“A better attitude is similar to what you might have between your health and your doctor, where your participation is required. Part of that means better understanding your personal wealth by furthering your financial literacy.”

King says some of the important aspects to financial planning that might be missing from your financial wellbeing include:

  • A reliable relationship with your money manager. While you have a duty to yourself to understand your own wealth and subsequent goals, so do your money managers. Only recently has the Labor Department issued regulations requiring financial advisers and brokers handling individual retirement and 401(k) accounts to act in the best interests of their clients. You’ll want someone you feel comfortable communicating with, and who makes themselves available.
    • Accounting for inflation. Inflation erodes the purchasing power of your income and wealth. But you can fight it. Stocks, stock mutual funds, variable annuities and variable universal life insurance may be options to consider. These alternatives provide the potential for returns that exceed inflation over the long term. Growth-oriented alternatives carry more risk than other types of investments. Over the long term, however, they may help you stave off the effects of inflation and realize your financial goals. Remember to diversify investments.
    • Utilization of the right annuity. Annuities enable you to accumulate payments, tax-deferred, in exchange for a future income stream in retirement. The different types include fixed, immediate fixed, deferred fixed, variable and the hybrid fixed index annuity – the fastest-growing type of annuity providing principal guarantees and market index upside return. How you use them can make a big difference in reaching your financial goals. If you’re working with a sizeable retirement plan, you probably have some form of annuity, but you want to make sure it’s the right fit.

“Between estates and trusts, tax planning, cash management, risk management, investing and retirement, there could literally be dozens of important factors you’re missing,” King says. “That’s why it all starts with the money managers – you and your advisor.”

Design-A-Sign Contest Winners Honored

City of Chino Hills

Photo courtesy: City of Chino Hills Top row (L-R): Myra Zhan, 12th Grade, Ayala High School; Sophia Yujin Yang, 11th Grade, Diamond Bar High School; Ashley Robles, 8th Grade, Canyon Hills Junior High; Joshua Chou, 7th Grade, Chaparral Middle School; Jason Goo, 6th Grade, Hidden Trails Elementary; Audrey Han, 5th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Priyasha Panigrahi, 6th Grade, Country Springs Elementary; Bottom row (L-R): Derek Yang, 4th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Zoe Villegas-Kellerman, 3rd Grade, Litel Elementary; Jay Bhullar, 2nd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary; Annie Kung, 1st Grade, Eagle Canyon Elementary; Emma Shiozaki, Kindergarten, Wickman Elementary School; Ethan Hsiao, 3rd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary

Photo courtesy: City of Chino Hills
Top row (L-R): Myra Zhan, 12th Grade, Ayala High School; Sophia Yujin Yang, 11th Grade, Diamond Bar High School; Ashley Robles, 8th Grade, Canyon Hills Junior High; Joshua Chou, 7th Grade, Chaparral Middle School; Jason Goo, 6th Grade, Hidden Trails Elementary; Audrey Han, 5th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Priyasha Panigrahi, 6th Grade, Country Springs Elementary;
Bottom row (L-R): Derek Yang, 4th Grade, Wickman Elementary; Zoe Villegas-Kellerman, 3rd Grade, Litel Elementary; Jay Bhullar, 2nd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary; Annie Kung, 1st Grade, Eagle Canyon Elementary; Emma Shiozaki, Kindergarten, Wickman Elementary School; Ethan Hsiao, 3rd Grade, Rolling Ridge Elementary

Chino Hills – The City of Chino Hills 16th Annual Water Conservation Design-a-Sign Contest had a total of 606 entries. Local kids designed water conservation signs to promote water awareness and to help them learn about the importance of water, the Earth’s most precious natural resource. This year’s theme was “Catch Those Drops, Don’t Let Them Get Away.”

Three grand prizes were awarded. Ethan Hsiao, a 3rd grader from Rolling Ridge Elementary won a Kindle Fire HD with 8” display; Priyasha Panigrahi, a 6th grader from Country Springs Elementary won a Lexibook 7 inch Laptab Android computer; and Myra Zhan, a 12th grader from Ayala High School won an Acer Aspire 15.6 inch laptop. All winners received a water conservation backpack filled with little gifts. Mrs. Stuchura, a 5th grade teacher at Butterfield Ranch Elementary School, had 100% classroom participation and won a $100 gift card to Staples.

Winning posters have been made into permanent water conservation street signs and are on display on streetlight poles along City Center Drive at the Chino Hills Government Center. The signs will also be moved to the winning students’ schools before they are permanently installed at various locations throughout the City.

Volunteer judges included Robert Gannon, Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Gary G. Larson, Planning Commissioner; Bill McDonnell, Public Works Commissioner; Cheryl Yeamans, Public Works Department; and Kelly Bracamontes, a volunteer with the chARTS committee; Katie Plank and Andrea Carruthers, Inland Empire Utilities Agency; and Ric Welch, Jurupa Community Services District.

 

Chino Hills Student Finalist In Music Center’s Scholarship

CVUSDCiRJItBUoAALwL8

Chino Hills– Chino Hills High freshman Ria Aldachi, who is enrolled in Chino Valley Unified School District’s virtual high school online program, has been named a Grand Prize Finalist in the Los Angeles Music Center’s 28th annual Spotlight awards program.

Ria is one of 14 student artists from Southern California to receive the honor and a $5,000 scholarship. She was one of two students named a finalist in the ballet division. Other categories in the contest included acting, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental, and jazz instrumental.

The finalists, who were selected by a panel of judges, will perform June 11 at the Spotlight Grand Finale Performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Approximately, 1,100 participants auditioned for Spotlight this year. In February, Ria was selected as one of the 111 semi-finalists from Southern California. Semi-finalists attended master classes with highly regarded artists, and were offered feedback on their performances. Each semi-finalist also received $300.

Numerous Spotlight participants have gone on to successful professional careers, according to the Los Angeles Music Center. Among those artists are pop recording singers Josh Groban and Adam Lambert; and Misty Copeland, who made history as the first African American principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre.

Women Arrested For Possession

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Last Thursday, two women were arrested for possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia in the City of Chino Hills.

According to Deputy Brian Arias, at approximately 7:49 p.m. on May 12, the Chino Hills Police Department conducted a traffic stop at Slate Dr. / Cooper Rd. A Black Dodge Durango was stopped for committing several California Vehicle Code violations.

The occupants of the black Dodge Durango were identified as Lara Adams, 28, and Debra Jauregui, 39. Inside the vehicle, deputies found several pieces of stolen mail, credit cards, and personal information not belonging to either of the women. Burglary tools and drug paraphernalia were also in their possession. In addition, Adams had an active warrant for her arrest.

Authorities suspect that Adams, of West Covina, and Jauregui, of Ontario, were in Chino Hills to commit thefts. Both Adams and Jauregui were arrested.

The Chino Hills Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this case contact the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team: Maria Colombi or Brian Arias at (909) 364-2000. If you would like to remain anonymous, you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Walnut City Council Recap

Many Thanks Given At Council Meeting

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The May 11 Walnut Council meeting began with several presentations. The first of which was presented to the 2nd grade Rookie All-Star team for placing first in the NJB Championships, followed by the 5th & 6th grade boys team, who were undefeated for ten games. Next, Claudine Stines was recognized as the Older American of the Year for 2016. The Council thanked her for her many years and constant efforts to better the City, volunteering her services and being an active resident of the City. The Council then thanked West Coast Arborists for their work on maintaining the City’s greenery. West Coast Arborists gave their own presentation on drought resistant trees and other landscaping tips. Finally, Carol Anne Hagele presented information from the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control, urging residents to remove still pools of water, as they provide mosquito breeding places.

During oral communications, residents of the Three Oaks neighborhood complained of burglaries in the neighborhood. Residents called for more security from police, and a gate to keep suspicious persons out.

Following a public hearing, the Council approved a resolution regarding lighting and open space maintenance district assessments. The Council also approved all items on the consent calendar, including: a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $490,018.61; a resolution acknowledging and confirming a court order in the matter of Los Angeles SMS, a limited partnership DBA Verizon Wireless vs. the City of Walnut; adopting a measure limiting the number of terms a member of the City Council may serve; a professional services agreement with Rincon Consultants, Inc. to prepare an environment and technical studies for the proposed 49 acre site specific plan; final acceptance of tract no. 73294; a revision of the fixed capitalization policy; a new website policy for the City of Walnut website; a request from Walnut Youth Softball for two additional tournaments; and the Mayor’s Agency Representatives appointments to fill vacancies.

Finally, after individual reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on May 25 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

IE News: Litigation Threat Changes EV Elections

By Raymond Mendoza

Eastvale– Changes are in store for Eastvale for the upcoming November elections, as the Eastvale City Council recently voted to change its “at-large” system of city council elections to “by district” – meaning that council members must be elected from certain geographic areas within the city.

While the vote was 3-0 in favor of the change during a council meeting on April 27 (Councilmember Adam Rush was absent) the council members noted their decision was only made to appease litigation threats made by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

According to Attorney Betsy Martin, the City of Eastvale received a letter from the group in April stating that they would sue the city if Eastvale did not switch to “by district” elections in time for the November 2016 election. The group claimed that the City of Eastvale’s current election system is violating the California Voting Rights Act of 2002.

According to a statement issued by the city, Eastvale is not the only city being threatened with litigation. Inland Empire cities such as Rancho Cucamonga, Wildomar, Hesperia, Chino and Upland all received the same demands regarding by-district elections.

“We recommend that you do (change to “by district” elections),” said Martin. “No city has ever successful defended a voting rights challenge.”

Martin went on to discuss how the California Voting Rights Act of 2002 is intended to ensure that “protected groups” – such as minority races – have their voting rights protected. Martin mentioned that the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund was alerted due to the efforts of an unknown Eastvale community member.

“Rather than spend a lot of money on fighting something that will certainly be a losing proposition, we suggest you go forward and draw your own districts as rapidly as possible,” said Martin.

During the June 2010 Eastvale incorporation election, 54 percent of the voters were in favor of “at-large” elections – which allowed anyone who lives within the city to run for city council. “By district” only received 27 percent of the votes.

Council Member Clint Lorimore voiced his distaste for the election changes, stating that breaking the city into districts would accomplish very little since there is no major racial divide from one area of Eastvale to the next.

“I want to express my frustration with this process,” Lorimore said. “I believe that we in Eastvale are a homogenous community. We’re not broken into specific areas where one ethnicity lives. It is not going to be helpful, in my opinion, for our city to do this.”

To push these changes ahead at an accelerated rate, city officials hired the National Demographics Corporation to study the city’s population and prepare draft plans for the proposed districts that also meet legal requirements. The draft of proposed districts will be available to the public this month on the city’s website and residents are also encouraged to voice their opinions concerning the new districts during its upcoming public hearings on May 11, May 25, and June 8.

Politics Over Dinner In Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Republican Women Federated (DBRWF) is hosting a dinner and social gathering on Thursday, May 26. The event will take place at the Diamond Bar Golf Course/Country Club, located at 22751 E. Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar.

The cost to attend is $25 and it includes dinner. The social gathering will take place at 6:30 p.m. and the dinner will begin at 7 p.m.

The dinner will be combined with the Puente Hills Republican Women, Federated. The guest speaker will be the Chairman of the California Republican Party, Jim Brulte.

“Jim will no doubt have some great insights for us, having just held the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame last weekend,” said a DBRWF newsletter.

This event is open to the public and open to any political party. “Come join us and get up to date on California politics!” said the newsletter.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Trisha at BrahmaMama1@aol.com.  If you make a reservation and find that you won’t be able to attend, you may also email Trisha to let her know.

Suzanne Mathletes Win Gold

By Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Suzanne Middle School MATHCOUNTS coach Amy Erickson congratulates gold medal winners Tyler Xu, William Lin, Darren Chen, and Clement Chan.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Suzanne Middle School MATHCOUNTS coach Amy Erickson congratulates gold medal winners Tyler Xu, William Lin, Darren Chen, and Clement Chan.

Walnut- The Suzanne Middle School MATHCOUNTS team won a dozen gold medals during this year’s L.A. County Math Field Day on April 30.

Team members are eighth graders Darren Chen, William Lin, Tyler Xu, and Clement Chan.

Over 30 school districts from across the county sent teams to the event, which was held at Glendale High School. The competition has a new format which focuses on Common Core mathematics curriculum and teamwork.

Students worked together in teams to solve problems and explain their understanding.  Teams were graded on mathematical knowledge and judged on group interaction and collaboration.

Suzanne’s MATHCOUNTS team took the top prize in both the Problem Solving and Conceptual Understanding categories. They also took home a teamwork participation medal.

“It was a very exciting and rewarding day for our mathletes,” said coach Amy Erickson.

 

 

Straight Talk With Danice

I’m not my best friend’s maid of honor

By Danice Akiyoshi ND

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Danice Akiyoshi ND,

I am terribly upset.  My best friend and I have had a fight and I don’t know what to do.    Her boyfriend proposed to her a few months ago and they have started to plan their wedding.  We met at a boutique last weekend to start shopping for her wedding dress. There, she told me that she hoped I would understand, but she wouldn’t be able to have me as her maid of honor because her fiancé doesn’t feel I’m deserving of that position. He told her that he would like to see her choose his cousin that he’s close to and she agreed.  I was speechless.  I admit that I am not close to this man, but my friend and I have been best friends for three years.  I was hurt and upset and I told her that her fiancé is an idiot and so is she for allowing him to control her that way.  I left the store and we haven’t spoken to each other since that day.  I’m very upset.  Should I call her?  Should I call him?  My mom says that I should send her an apology card and accept that I will be just a regular bridesmaid.  Just the thought of that upsets me because we are best friends and she hardly even knows his cousin.  What’s your opinion?

Thank You,

Desi

 

 

Dearest Desi,

I’m so sorry to inform you of this, but it looks to me like you’ve already lost your best friend.  If your friend’s fiancé feels like he can insert his opinions about who she chooses as a maid of honor and she allows this, then she has already lost her personal identity and given away her personal power to the degree that your friendship is bound to fade away no matter what you do.  Work hard to accept the reality of that now and save yourself the expense of a bridesmaid dress and all of the painful additional drama that goes along with being involved in this wedding.  My guess is that your friend has probably reported your behavior to her fiancé and he has already been pointing out that this just proves that his cousin is the better choice.  Manipulation will probably continue to be a big part of your friend’s life until she resumes thinking for herself.   Look at it this way; she is no longer a good match for you in the best friend department.  I hope you will find some delightful new friends soon.

Danice Akiyoshi ND

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.

 

Learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu At Sampa

Sampa LogoBy Racine Guajardo

Walnut- Right here in Walnut, people are discovering the secrets of one of the world’s most proven and effective ground-fighting and self-defense martial art: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sampa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy not only teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but kickboxing and fitness boot camp classes are also available for adults and kids. However, their main focus is developing values, self control, and self discipline.

Owner and teacher, Renato Migliaccio, goes by “Professor Renato” at Sampa.  With over 22 years in teaching and over 30 years of experience in this field, he encourages to spread the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to as many people as possible in order to affect their lives and their community in a positive way.

In addition, Sampa’s culture is different than other martial arts places. “Every place caters to what they like the most, but here we are like families, training together, and doing effective martial arts in a safe environment,” said Migliaccio.

The passion that Professor Renato has for this field has encouraged him to continue his education so he can teach and help others. He has obtained a bachelors degree in physical education, many certifications in the field and industry, 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and 3rd in Judo, and he is a former MMA pro fighter.

When asked if there was anything he would like his customers to know, he states, “Yes, that many people underestimate martial arts due to the many martial arts studios that are too profit oriented. But the essence of martial arts is the priority here: education and self discipline.”

Sampa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is currently offering a $99 trial for 4 weeks special, which includes a uniform. You can visit Sampa Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at 18856 Amar Road Suite 4 in Walnut. They are located between Francesca Dr. and Amber Valley cross streets. You may also call them at (626) 238-3309. Further information is available on their website at http://www.sampabrazilianjiujitsu.c

Mt. SAC Students Named To State Academic First Team

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College students Jacqueline Yu and Hung Pham are two of the 93 community college students throughout the state recently selected for the 2016 All-California Academic teams, chosen by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society.

These students represent some of the best of the 2.8 million students enrolled in California’s community college system.

Yu and Pham, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, received medallions during the Community College League of California’s awards ceremony held recently at the Sacramento Convention Center. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service.

Yu, 18, is a communication major and carries a 4.0 GPA. She was selected for the All-California Academic First Team. As a Walnut resident, she is the president of the PTK chapter at Mt. SAC, a member of the speech team, and recently received the Bovero Top Speaker Award as the outstanding speaker in a national speech competition. At Mt. SAC, she also has worked on the student newspaper, assists the student government as a tour guide, and helped found the campus Performing Arts Club. She will be honored as one of Mt. SAC’s Students of Distinction this year. In the community, she volunteers as a youth leader for Rowland Heights Community Christian Church, Azusa Pacific Lighthouse, and Lucky Puppy Rescue in Hollywood. She plans to transfer to UC Berkeley or Bradley University in Illinois as a double major in communication and acting. She wants to eventually become a communication professor.

Pham, 20, is a mechanical engineering major and carries a 4.0 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic First Team. As a Chino resident, he is a student government transfer committee representative, a member of the Math and Engineering Club, and a member of the Vietnamese Association of Students on campus. He also will be honored as one of Mt. SAC’s Students of Distinction this year. He plans to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona as a mechanical engineering major and plans to become an engineer.

There are 31 first-team, 31 second-team, and 31 third-team winners.

The Summer of Healing

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Can you believe summer is almost here?   Have you been putting off some very necessary therapy for your family, your child, or maybe even yourself?  Well, make this the summer of healing and don’t put it off anymore.  For the past twenty years, I have been running a free counseling group that meets every Monday evening from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Walnut Teen Center.  Their address is 21003 La Puente Road in Walnut and their phone number is (909) 444-0089.  Even though we meet at the teen center, I have helped people of all ages at this group with many different types of problems.  We meet every week all year round, unless it is a legal holiday.  I invite you and your family to come on down and try it out.

I also have the honor of running a free grieving group at the Walnut Senior Center. They are located at 21215 La Puente Road in Walnut and their phone number is (909) 598-6200.  This group can help with successful recovery from all types of loss.  People that have attended have lost loved ones, lost pets, and even suffer loss from retirement.  The funny thing is that we actually do a lot of laughing and have a good time helping each other recover from what can seemingly feel impossible.  I have been running this group every month for seventeen years.  This group meets the first Friday of every month from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. It is my privilege to have Midnight, my registered therapy dog, as my co-therapist at both of these groups.

I hope you will allow Midnight and I to help you and your family.  It will truly be our honor and pleasure to help you and your family members heal, and finally grow into who you all deserve to be!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. 

Man Arrested For Attempted Robbery/Kidnapping

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – A Chino Hills resident was arrested last week for attempted robbery and kidnapping at a local Rite Aid.

On Sunday, May 8, a suspect entered the Rite-Aid off 4200 Chino Hills Parkway and allegedly demanded drugs from the attending pharmacy. The suspect demanded OxyContin, Suboxone and other prescription drugs, while threatening to use a gun to hurt someone if he did not get them. Chino Hills Police say that the pharmacy technician refused to give the suspect the drugs, so the suspect “jumped over the counter and chased her into a restroom,” according to a news release.

Then the suspect grabbed the pharmacy technician by both arms and “forcefully pulled the pharmacy technician to the pharmaceutical area,” said the news release. The Store Manager attempted to intervene.

Instead, the suspect held the pharmacy technician’s hands behind her back and ordered the Store Manager to give him all the drugs. The suspect threatened to hurt the technician if the Store Manager did not comply.

“After a brief standoff, [the suspect] released the pharmacy technician unharmed, and fled the store,” said the Chino Hills Police Department.

After the suspect left the store, Deputy D. Emery of the Chino Hills Police Department apprehended him within a block of the scene of the crime, according to Chino Hills Deputies.

The suspect was identified as John C. Annabel, 29. The Store Manager confirmed that Annabel was the man who entered the store and Annabel was subsequently arrested.

If you have any questions regarding this case, contact Deputy J. Patrick at (909) 364-2000.

History 101

Police Kill Famous Outlaws Bonnie And Clyde

History.com

Famous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde, were shot and killed in 1934.

Photo courtesy: Google Images
Famous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde, were shot and killed in 1934.

On May 23, 1934, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow are shot to death by Texas and Louisiana state police while driving a stolen car near Sailes, Louisiana.

Bonnie Parker met the charismatic Clyde Barrow in Texas when she was 19-years-old and her husband (she married when she was 16) was serving time in jail for murder. Shortly after they met, Barrow was imprisoned for robbery. Parker visited him every day, and smuggled a gun into prison to help him escape. But he was soon caught in Ohio and sent back to jail. When Barrow was paroled in 1932, he immediately hooked up with Parker, and the couple began a life of crime together.

After they stole a car and committed several robberies, Parker was caught by police and sent to jail for two months. Released in mid-1932, she rejoined Barrow. Over the next two years, the couple teamed with various accomplices to rob a string of banks and stores across five states–Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico and Louisiana. To law enforcement agents, the Barrow Gang–including Barrow’s childhood friend, Raymond Hamilton, W.D. Jones, Henry Methvin, Barrow’s brother Buck and his wife Blanche, among others–were cold-blooded criminals who didn’t hesitate to kill anyone who got in their way, especially Police or Sheriff’s deputies. Among the public, however, Parker and Barrow’s reputation as dangerous outlaws was mixed with a romantic view of the couple as “Robin Hood”-like folk heroes.

Their fame was increased by the fact that Bonnie was a woman–an unlikely criminal–and by the fact that the couple posed for playful photographs together, which were later found by police and released to the media. Police almost captured the famous duo twice in the spring of 1933, with surprise raids on their hideouts in Joplin and Platte City, Missouri. Buck Barrow was killed in the second raid, and Blanche was arrested, but Bonnie and Clyde escaped once again. In January 1934, they attacked the Eastham Prison Farm in Texas to help Hamilton break out of jail, shooting several guards with machine guns and killing one.

Texan prison officials hired a retired Texas Police Officer, Captain Frank Hamer, as a special investigator to track down Parker and Barrow. After a three-month search, Hamer traced the couple to Louisiana, where Henry Methvin’s family lived. Before dawn on May 23, Hamer and a group of Louisiana and Texas lawmen hid in the bushes along a country road outside Sailes. When Parker and Barrow appeared, the officers opened fire, killing the couple instantly in a hail of bullets.

All told, the Barrow Gang was believed responsible for the deaths of 13 people, including nine Police Officers. Parker and Barrow are still seen by many as romantic figures; especially after the success of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

 

DBHS Announces New Volleyball Coach

Staff Reports

Photo courtesy: DBHS Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Photo courtesy: DBHS
Katie Swetnam was announced as the new DBHS Head Volleyball Coach

Diamond Bar– Diamond Bar High School recently announced their new Head Volleyball Coach, Katie Swetnam.

“We are excited to welcome Katie Swetnam back to Diamond Bar High School,” said Athletic Director, Kevin Ferguson in a news release. “Coach Swetnam is a young, enthusiastic coach who has instant rapport with our student-athletes based on her collegiate playing experience. We expect she will provide stability to our volleyball program and begin the process of building the kind of success we expect to see at Diamond Bar.”

Swetnam is a first-year Spanish teacher at DBHS. But she is also a Diamond Bar graduate. She graduated in 2009, after she led the Brahmas to a league championship in 2008 and was named 1st Team All-League and Offensive MVP in volleyball.

“Swetnam continued on to play Division 1 collegiate volleyball as a full athletic scholarship recipient at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where she lead her conference in blocks in the 2011 season,” according to DBHS.

Swetnam was also named the 2011 Comeback Player of the Year after she had two shoulder surgeries; she came back strong and became team captain in 2012. After earning her degree, she started coaching club volleyball. She also became the DBHS Varsity Assistant last season, under Becky Bevans.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Diamond Bar volleyball program,” said Swetnam. “I’m looking forward to getting in the gym right away in preparation for the upcoming season.”

 

The Fifty Dollar Date

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife and I have been trying to schedule a “Date Night” once a week.  Our days are busy, so we know we need to set aside a time to get out and enjoy some time together.  But, a dinner and a movie can put a strain on the budget.  Two movie tickets can easily cost $20 to $25.  Dinner for two can easily exceed the cost of the movie tickets. Therefore, a date night can cost at least $50.

Fifty dollar bills don’t come easy.  I try to carry a little cash, but I don’t like to break a fifty if I manage to have one in my wallet.  Most couples use their debit or credit card, but I like paying cash when I can.

Recently, we planned a date night.  The plan was to go to dinner and a movie.  My wife found a movie that I had not seen and it was playing at a theater in Brea that features movies that have been out for a while.

When we arrived for the 4:40 p.m. movie, we were both surprised to hear the employee tell us the cost for our tickets was $6.50.  We both thought she meant $6.50 for each ticket, but the total for two tickets really was $6.50…nice!

After the movie, we went to a small restaurant nearby because we had found a gift card in my car’s glove compartment.  We had used the card several months ago, and didn’t know how much credit was still on it.  We were surprised to learn that the amount that was on the card almost paid for our dinner!   I think we only had to pay about $5.00 and a tip…nice!

This was the kind of Fifty Dollar Date that I like.  My wife enjoyed dinner and a movie, and I enjoyed having most of that fifty dollar bill still in my wallet!

My wife and I have been married for almost 44 years.  We have learned that we need to invest time, energy and money to keep our marriage healthy.  How much are you investing in your marriage? When was the last time you went out on a “date” with your spouse?

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit Efreedb.org.

 

Man Killed By Freight Train

Staff Reports

Walnut – A man was killed by a freight train on the border of Walnut and City of Industry last week.

On Saturday, May 7 at about 7 a.m., a Union Pacific train approached a man on a set of train tracks near Lemon Avenue and Lycoming Street.  The personnel conducting the train sounded the horn and applied the brakes, but the train could not stop in time, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.  The train hit the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s name or age has not been released.  An autopsy will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.