Category Archives: The Weekly News

Walnut Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The April 13 Walnut City Council Meeting began by recognizing the many volunteers that gave their support to the City. To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Month, the Council recognized the Rotary Club, the American Youth Soccer Organization, the Walnut Valley Women’s Club, the Chinese American Association of Walnut, the Walnut Lion’s Club, the Walnut Valley Relay for Life, and several residents who have offered many hours of hard work and service to the City.

Following the presentations, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including an ordinance amending water efficient landscaping requirements of the Walnut Municipal Code; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $49,335.71; an alcoholic beverage license application for Valley Market & Liquor; a request by Canning Hunger for a non-profit solicitation permit and waiver of business license tax; rate increases for the fiscal year of 2016-17 and 2017-18 of a three year contract with West Coast Arborist for City wide tree trimming and related services and extension of the contract for an additional year, fiscal year 2018-19; the American Cancer Society 2016 Relay for Life request and fee waiver for City service and equipment fee; and an announcement for application period for the Senior Citizens, Parks and Recreation, and the Planning Commissions. The Council also approved a resolution of the Successor Agency allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,250.00.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on April 27 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd. in Walnut.

Diamond Bar: Striking A Chord

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
South Pointe Middle School choir performs during a National School to Watch awards ceremony.

Chaparral, South Pointe music programs receive national recognition

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR— Two Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) middle schools – Chaparral and South Pointe – have been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from the nonprofit NAAM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education.

A total of 118 schools across the country recognized with the prestigious award in 2016.

“This award puts Chaparral and South Pointe on an exclusive list that receives national attention – and that is something to celebrate!” said Chaparral band director Leslie Schroerlucke.

The SupportMusic designation is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The award recognizes schools that are leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), that recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Congratulations to Chaparral music teachers Greg Rochford-orchestra, Leslie Schroerlucke-band, Rich Langham-choir, South Pointe music teachers Susan Willmering- band, and Robin Wadsworth-choir.

“It is such an honor to be recognized for the second consecutive year by NAMM. It is fantastic to know that Chaparral is seen in such high regard,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.

“Our music programs are essential to our students and their families,” Schroerlucke added. “The NAMM award reaffirms once again that music programs in WVUSD are exemplary in terms of the number of students in our programs, the quality of the programs, and parent support.”

At South Pointe, over 500 students participate in music arts classes. Choir teacher Robin Wadsworth, who works with about 150 students in her classes, is passionate about the benefits of music education.

“There have been many scientific studies that show that music helps creativity, coordination, reasoning skills, and improving test scores,” she said.

Wadsworth also sites another benefit of being a part of music groups.

“Music performing groups give kids a place to belong. Playing, singing, or just listening to music relieves stress and gives groups of students that perform together a common purpose.”

Her students agreed. “Music makes me happy. When I’m sad, I sing!” said 6th grader Shannon Kelly.

“Music helps me express my feelings,” added 7th grader Maxine Magpayo.

“We are fortunate to have remarkable teachers and a district that understands the importance of the arts in education,” said South Pointe’s Principal, Susan Arzola.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Hundreds of Chaparral Middle School students participate in music education courses each year. Shown: Orchestra in rehearsal with director Greg Rochford.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Hundreds of Chaparral Middle School students participate in music education courses each year. Shown: Orchestra in rehearsal with director Greg Rochford.

Fresh vs. Canned vs. Frozen

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

What’s the best produce to buy?

 

Courtesy of Food Network

Spring is finally here! And with it, fresh, locally grown produce is starting to return to farmers markets that have peddled root vegetables all winter. But how do frozen and canned rank? Are they always inferior to the fresh stuff? Let’s break it down.

Fresh, uncooked produce tends to be highest in the nutrients that break down or get leached out with heat (especially water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C). Many nutrients in produce are also highest at the moment the fruits or vegetables are picked and then start to degrade with time — so if it’s fresh but has been shipped a long distance and takes a week or more to get to the supermarket, it’s probably not bursting with nutrients. The same is true if you buy a picked-that-morning lettuce from your farmers market and then let it sit in your fridge for several days.

Canned produce is cooked as part of the canning process, so it’s often lower in water-soluble vitamins. On the other hand, some vitamins get intensified by cooking — canned peas, for instance, have three times the vitamin A of fresh, uncooked peas. Most canned vegetables have salt added, although you can sometimes find “no salt added” varieties (typically for an up charge). Canned fruit can be canned in fruit juice or in syrup — syrup adds a lot of extra sugar that’s not good for you.

Frozen produce is frozen soon after picking, so a lot of the nutrients are locked in. And, since it stays frozen until you’re ready to use it, it’s often a better bet nutritionally than those fresh peas you bought last week and meant to use but didn’t. However, the texture is definitely compromised, and so it works better in some dishes than in others — you can’t use frozen spinach in a spinach salad, for instance.

Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Explore your supermarket and see what new foods await you!

IE News: Youth Takes Unique Approach to Leadership

Photo courtesy: Doug Gaehle

Photo courtesy: Doug Gaehle

4-H proven to empower area youth through life skill development

By Doug Gaehle

CORONA– It’s no secret that today’s youth feel pressure. Pressure to excel in school, to go to college, to get a job, etc. How they overcome those pressures is a true testament to their character. Take Corona native Aidan Longridge for example.

Aidan, 17, credits his enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping him overcome adversity and build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H helped Aidan learn to work with others, overcome challenges and complete jobs once he started them.

Aidan took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.

“I enrolled in 4-H after my mom received a recommendation to join from a family friend,” said Aidan, a member of the Alvord Aggies 4-H club. “I’ve always had a passion for speaking in front of people and through my years in 4-H I’ve had many opportunities to get involved in projects that have made me more confident in myself and my abilities as a speaker.”

Aidan started in 4-H when he was 5 years old, and since then has participated in the communications project.

Today, Aidan is involved in communication, chess, drama and leadership projects as well as part of a national home school speech and debate league.

“Joining a speech and debate league was a direct result of the confidence and experience I gained through my 4-H projects,” said Aidan.

America needs more true leaders focused on today’s challenges, as well as the issues of tomorrow. A recent survey by National 4-H Council found that 71 percent of today’s youth view leadership as something they can practice improve over time. But those same youth need supportive adults to help them along the way.

4-H brings a community together to grow true leaders in today’s youth – helping build confidence, teamwork, curiosity and resilience.

“My advisor Heather Bean has been a positive impact on my 4-H experience,” said Aidan. “In addition to valuable life skills, 4-H teaches you about building character, problem solving, fostering friendships and to keep challenging yourself.”

Any child can grow with 4-H, an organization that has something for every interest. But 4-H is always looking for adult volunteers and funding to help expand their reach and empower young people through doing. To find out more about helping 4-H in your area, contact your local extension office or visit 4H.org. Or, visit www.ca4hfoundation.org to make a donation to the California 4-H Foundation.

Four Chino Valley Juveniles Arrested

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– Four juveniles were arrested for a string of vandalisms at Chino Hills schools.
Numerous vandalisms and arsons were reported at Litel Elementary and Ayala High School between January to March of 2016, according to the Chino Hills Police Department.

Following a lengthy investigation regarding these crimes, deputies arrested four suspects responsible for the crimes. The suspects were identified as a 14-year-old male resident of Chino Hills, two 15-year-old male residents both of Chino Hills, and a 15-year-old male resident of Chino.

The suspects were involved in setting fire to the Ayala’s athletic field and a building section of Litel, graffiti of racial slurs and phallic images, and damage to school equipment. It is estimated the suspects caused over $5,000 in damages.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-TIP Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the website at www.wetip.com.

Three Arrested In Connection To San Bernardino Terrorist Attack

Three People Connected to Shooter in San Bernardino Terrorist Attack Arrested on Federal Conspiracy, Marriage Fraud and False Statement Charges

By Thom Mrozek, Public Affairs Officer of the United States Attorney’s Office
RIVERSIDE, California – Three people with family connections to Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the perpetrators of the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center (IRC), were arrested this morning on federal conspiracy, marriage fraud and false statement charges.
A five-count indictment returned yesterday by a federal grand jury charges three defendants in a marriage fraud conspiracy that involved making false statements under oath for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits for one of the defendants.
The three defendants arrested this morning are:
• Mariya Chernykh, 26, of Ontario, who, according to official records, is married to Enrique Marquez, Jr., who is awaiting trial on charges of conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to provide material support to terrorists;
• Tatiana Farook, 31, of Corona, who is Chernykh’s sister; and
• Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, who Tatiana Farook’s husband and Syed Rizwan Farook’s brother.
The indictment charges all three defendants in a conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States. This charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The indictment also charges Chernykh with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents; perjury; and two counts of making material false statements to federal agents. These four charges carry a combined statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
When Marquez was indicted by a federal grand jury at the end of 2015 with conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook to provide material support to terrorists, he was also charged with entering into a sham marriage with Chernykh in November 2014 and illegally signing an immigration form that falsely declared he was living with her (see: http://go.usa.gov/cuKEm).

“This is the latest step in the comprehensive investigation into the horrific attacks in San Bernardino last year that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and deeply affected so many more,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “As I have said previously, we owe the victims, and the entire community of San Bernardino, a thorough investigation that uncovers all criminal activity surrounding these events. Today’s arrests open a new phase in the process of bringing to justice all individuals who allegedly committed crimes that were uncovered during our exhaustive investigation. The charges also reflect the importance we place on statements made to law enforcement officials during a terrorism investigation. Those who lie to or conceal material information from law enforcement officers investigating terrorist acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, James Struyk, said, “Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force worked around the clock in an attempt to find immediate answers in the days and weeks following the December murders in San Bernardino to ensure no additional threats to the community were present. As proof of our enduring commitment to the victims and their families, the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue all leads developed in this matter to build cases when evidence of a crime is revealed.”
Joseph Macias, Special Agent in Charge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Los Angeles, stated: “Last year’s tragedy in San Bernardino showed yet again how our nation’s legal immigration system can be subverted and exploited by those intent on doing this country harm. As the second largest presence on the nation’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, HSI special agents, in collaboration with their JTTF partners, are using their unique skills and authorities, including their immigration expertise, to pursue individuals and organizations that pose a threat to domestic security. As this case underscores, that vigilance extends to those whose actions directly or indirectly put our communities and our country at risk.”
The case against Chernykh and the Farooks stems from the overall investigation into the IRC terrorist attack. While investigating the terrorist attack, federal agents obtained official records showing that Marquez, a former neighbor of Syed Rizwan Farook’s, is married to Chernykh. The investigation determined that Marquez agreed to marry Chernykh so she could obtain immigration benefits that were not available to her because she is a Russian citizen and did not have legal status in the United States. The indictment alleges that Marquez received money from Chernykh to enter into the sham marriage.
In furtherance of this conspiracy, both Marquez and Chernykh signed immigration documents, under penalty of perjury, that included information that they lived at the same address, when they did not.
Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook participated in the conspiracy by, among other things, witnessing Marquez and Chernykh’s wedding, taking staged family pictures of Marquez and Chernykh, establishing a joint checking account for Marquez and Chernykh, and creating a back-dated lease for Marquez and Chernykh to create the illusion that they shared a marital residence with Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook.
FBI agents interviewed Chernykh as part of the investigation into the IRC terrorist attacks, and she allegedly made false statements that she lived with Marquez at Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook’s residence in Corona.
All three defendants are expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
Today’s operation is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes partners with HSI, the San Bernardino Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Ontario Police Department, the Riverside Police Department, the Corona Police Department and the Chino Police Department.

Did You Know?

Courtesy of Google Images

Courtesy of Google Images

Not So Fast, Not So Furious 


Courtesy of the California Highway Patrol
From Greased Lighting to Eleanor, street racing has been woven into the fabric of Southern California both in real life and the movies. What is the allure of street racing?

Those involved have said it’s an adrenaline rush similar to being on a roller coaster. The only difference is you are safely strapped into a roller coaster that has a beginning and an end. When you mix thousands of pounds of a vehicle with speed, it only takes a second for tragedy to occur. What is the draw for young people to street race even though many admit to the dangers and consequences? For many young people, it’s the sense of belonging to a select group, for some it’s a way to find some semblance of an identity they long for, and for others it’s the thrill of doing something that’s on the verge of recklessness.
Street racing is always illegal and extremely dangerous to both participants and onlookers. The California Highway Patrol actively investigates street racing and takes enforcement action whenever possible. The CHP has partnered with several allied agencies to combat the issue of illegal street racing. This partnership has led to arrests, vehicle impounds and citations.
Here are just a few hazards associated with street racing:

  • Some people think a vehicle is a toy and when used in this manner it becomes a deadly weapon.
  • Street racers often don’t wear safety belts and sometimes have been drinking or using illegal drugs.
  • Racing should only be done on a dedicated track, not on public roads were accidents can occur.

If you engage in street racing, remember these possible consequences:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Injury resulting in death
  • Injury to yourself or others
  • Damage to property

The community’s concern makes a big difference. Anyone who hears about a street race, planned or already taking place should advise the CHP promptly. We’ll take it from there.
The CHP wants to remind you-don’t live your life a quarter mile at a time, you might not ever get a chance to cross the finish line. For more information, visit http://www.chp.ca.gov.

Who Defines Your Worth?

By Sarah Sanchez

One day about a year ago, I told my dad that I had struggled with self-esteem issues. He was extremely shocked at my statement and he asked why I would feel this way because as he stated, “everyone loves me”. He went on to say that all his friends always compliment how wonderful I am. 

I thought it was interesting how my dad associated my self-esteem with the acceptance of others. If everyone loved me, then I should love myself right? This is the way we are trained to think: that the way we feel about ourselves should be based on if we’re accepted by others. 

I lived with this mentality growing up because I constantly compared myself to others. For example, if I see a beautiful woman with a thin waist, I’ll instantly wish I had a thin waist so I can look at beautiful as her. I think many of us compare ourselves like this. 

I’ve also noticed that when I go out with my group of girl friends, I’ll get more dressed up than I would if I went out with my husband. Why? Because if you’re in a group of women who are all wearing dresses and heels to dinner, you will feel compelled to wear a similar outfit so you can look just as nice as them. 

It’s sad that this way of matching others is the way many women (and even men) think today. It’s all about comparing ourselves with others because we care too much about what others think.

I struggled with these self-esteem issues for a while but I recently learned that there are actually two separate ideas: self-esteem and self-worth. Self-esteem is what we think of ourselves but it’s usually based on what others say to us, such as praise, compliments, or disapproval. So the reality is that our self-esteem can constantly change because we base it off of what others say. 

But self-worth is not supposed to change because it’s how we value ourselves personally. It’s the high standard we are supposed to set ourselves at. However, we tend to combine self-esteem and self-worth together. We tend to rely on what others think of us in order to determine our own value. 

We are taught to determine our self-worth based off how much others like us, compliment us, and accept us. Then when they don’t like us or accept us, we no longer like ourselves. We are no longer valuable. We are no longer worth anything because they don’t think we are worth anything. 

But I think it’s time we go against the norm and separate our self-esteem and our self-worth. Our self-worth should never change. It’s how we value ourselves, not how others value us. So it’s time to ask ourselves… who defines your worth?

Legislation Approved For State Cyber Security

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Establishes Strong Foundation for Securing the Most Sensitive Information Systems

 By Chris Wangsaporn

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) announced that her legislation to put California’s troubled cyber security system back on track was approved by the Assembly Privacy & Consumer Protection Committee. On the heels of a troubling audit of the state’s cyber security program, AB 1881 will ensure the state’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) establishes minimum security controls for state departments and agencies. California is vulnerable to thousands of hacking attempts per month but has a porous information security operation.

“Without proper security controls in place, it’s akin to leaving your front door unlocked at night,” said Assemblywoman Chang. “It doesn’t matter if we have state-of-the-art technology or firewalls in place if you lack proper policies to keep data secure.”

AB 1881 will require the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) to develop baseline security controls (minimum security requirements) for all state agencies and departments.  The CIO would further be required to report on compliance to the Legislature.  Security controls are procedures — sometimes performed by people rather than IT systems — that reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities such as password procedures, personnel access, or data disposal.

In 2015, the California state auditor outlined an extensive assessment of the Department of Technology’s oversight of California’s State’s information security operations.  The results of the audit painted an alarming picture of California’s cyber security system and practices. For example, 95% of surveyed departments and agencies stated they are not fully in compliance with existing state security standards.   And shortly after a recent committee hearing on cyber security discussing the audit, a top cyber security official stepped down.

“The state is falling short on some of the most basic aspects of cyber security,” said Chang.  “There really shouldn’t be an information security program in place without developed security controls.”

State government is responsible for securing highly sensitive information of its citizens. From social security numbers and medical records, to the integrity of wastewater treatment plants, state government’s information systems ensure our privacy as well as the reliability of critical infrastructure and resources.

Two Suspects Arrested At CH Shoppes

Chino Hills Police Department
Chino Hills– On Wednesday, April 13th, at approximately 6:19 p.m., deputies from the Chino Hills Police Station responded to The Shoppes regarding suspects stealing merchandise from businesses.

Shoppes security officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot and gave deputies a general description of the suspects. Deputies and Shoppes security located Felicia Kelley and Andrew Rodriquez in The Shoppes parking lot as they returned to their vehicle.

During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, deputies located stolen property from Barnes and Noble, along with illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Additional suspected stolen merchandise was located and collected for further investigation.
Both suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on various charges.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1(800)78-CRIME.

CVFD Announces Award Recipients

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

By Massiel Ladrón De Guevara

Chino Valley– The Chino Valley Fire District is proud to recognize former San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt and Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council founding member Ron Nadeau as the 2015 recipients of the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award. Both award recipients were instrumental in the implementation of programs that reduced the fire risk in the Carbon Canyon area. “These two members of our community are certainly well deserving of the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award,” Board President Brian Johsz said, “Mr. Ovitt and Mr. Nadeau have made a real impact on protecting our community and removing a fire threat to many homes in Carbon Canyon.”

The Fred L. Burns Community Service Award was established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Fire District in the area of furthering the District’s Mission Statement and/or who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Community in the area of community service in support of public safety.

Mr. Ovitt served as Fourth District Supervisor from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure as Supervisor, Mr. Ovitt demonstrated a commitment to public safety by supporting several projects related to reducing fire risks in the community. He was a strong supporter of the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council, which was founded in 2001 under the guidance of the Fire District to support and implement programs and events related to fire safety within the Carbon Canyon community. Mr. Ovitt was instrumental in securing funds to remove overgrown vegetation that posed a fire danger in Carbon Creek. He also played a vital role in securing a location for a critical fire communications repeater in Carbon Canyon.

Mr. Nadeau has taken a lead with various projects that help protect Carbon Canyon from the devastating effects of fire. He has been instrumental with brush removal programs in the Canyon, wildfire defensible space planning and public outreach events. He also helped lead the arundo donax hazardous vegetation removal project in Canyon Creek that Mr. Ovitt helped fund. The overgrown brush in the creek is what helped fuel the fires that burned through the creek west of the San Bernardino County line during the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire.

Mr. Nadeau and Mr. Ovitt’s partnership with the Fire Safe Council has dramatically reduced the potential for loss of life, property destruction and damage to the environment that is associated with wildfire. The Chino Valley Fire District is proud to honor them for their work in keeping our communities safer from the detrimental effects of wildfires.

Straight Talk with Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“My new guy is a drinker”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Danice,

I’m going out with a new guy that I met at my spinning class.  He always takes me out for smoothies after class and seems like he is very health conscious.  He drinks lots of water during our work out and eats fruit and protein bars as snacks.  Last weekend we went to the beach.  When he went into a sandwich shop to get food for our picnic lunch, I took a drink of what I thought was iced tea in his travel tumbler cup.  I was surprised to taste alcohol and he was driving us around while he was drinking.  I really like him so I decided not to say anything, but this bothers me.  My health is my top priority and he knows that I only drink on special occasions.  Should I wait and try his drinks a few more times to see if this is a habit?  Did I mention that I really like him?  I’m so disappointed.  Help…

Linda

 

Dear Linda,

Intelligent, healthy people are generally opposed to drinking and driving.  I’m having great trouble making sense of your date’s behavior.  On one hand he displays healthy behavior; on the other hand, he is secretly putting you both in danger by drinking and driving.  It’s my experience when people take steps to hide what they are doing, that’s a red flag and cause for concern.  If he was openly taking you to lunch in a restaurant and ordering a cocktail, I would be fine with it.  If he took you on a picnic and openly had a cocktail I would not raise an eyebrow, but hiding the fact that he is drinking is unimpressive and causes me to wonder what his consumption is really like.  Causal drinkers don’t feel the need to hide the fact that they have a drink on occasion.  If you really like him then address it, but don’t be surprised to find out that this is a much bigger problem than you’re prepared to handle.  If he admits he has a problem and is willing to seek help, consider sticking around awhile and perhaps show support for his progress, but don’t count on this happening.  He knows he has a problem, that’s why he’s hiding it.  Ultimately, he has to be ready to do this for himself.  Please be wise in your choices.  This is a big issue for a new relationship.

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.

Local Company Looks To Help Others In Need

Staff Reports

According to The Knot, which is the #1 wedding site in the nation, the average cost of a wedding is $33,118, with nearly $5500 of that money going towards creative services such as providing a DJ, photographer, and videographer.  The average cost to throw an event in California with the same services ranges from $5,000 to $40,000!

With high costs and high demand for these services, a local company began thinking of ways in which they could leverage those services listed, while giving back to local and global communities around us that are in need!

Remedy Collective plans to use creative services in DJ’ing, photography, and videography in order to provide excellent service and an opportunity to help change people’s lives in the process.

For every event they provide services for, they are going to have an opportunity to provide remedy (cure, help, aid) and provide impact to a local or global outreach.

For global impact they are going to provide rent for families serving in unreached, unchartered villages overseas for an entire month.

For local impact, they are going to provide food for people that live in lower social-economic areas, or who are homeless and living on the streets and or shelters!

Remedy Collective’s mission is “Healing Culture with Creativity” and their hope is that through their creative gifts, they can provide ways to give back and love on today’s culture. “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, and we just want to use our gifts to point to Jesus. So we invite you to join us as we seek to provide a remedy to this world!”

Be a part of Remedy Collective’s cause by supporting their campaign, which will help them purchase the resources and equipment they need for several upcoming events in the near future. This will also finalize their insurance and web development. Also check out their video on their GoFundMe account at: https://www.gofundme.com/4dzpjft8

All donations are greatly appreciated. But if you provide a $50 donation, you will receive a Remedy Logo Sticker.  If you provide a $100 donation, you will receive a limited Remedy Collective T-shirt. And for a $500 donation, you will receive DJ/emcee services for 5 hours!

DB High Ranked Best School

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, April 19, the US News & World Report published their 2016 Best High Schools Report. Diamond Bar High School was once again ranked among the best schools in the state and the nation.

Diamond Bar High School was ranked 51st in California and 338th in the Nation. Their Magnet rank was 60th and their STEM rank was 98th. This means that they received Gold Medal Status out of 30,000 US high schools.

Diamond Bar High School’s student body makeup is 52 percent male and 48 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 89 percent, according to the US News website. In addition, the school’s data, district’s data, AP® participation rate, and test scores calculated on student performance were also listed.

Visit the following website to see the full list of Diamond Bar High’s results: http://www.usnews.com/…/walnut-valley…/diamond-bar-high-3634.

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.

Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.

By K.P. Sander

Walnut – If you are looking for a local automotive repair center that performs quality work at reasonable prices – and delivers it all with excellent service – look no further than Peterson Auto Repair Center.

Peterson now houses a full mechanic shop to serve all your automotive needs.  They not only specialize in lube and oil changes, but also repair and maintain radiators, alternators, starters, brakes, clutches, shocks and struts, axles,  air conditioning, belts and hoses, and much, much more.

In business for over 15 years, owner Eric Peterson says, “For me, it’s all about providing quality automotive repair for the neighborhood.  I grew up in La Puente and Walnut, and we have so many good customers in this area.  We really appreciate the business and word of mouth referrals.”

Carhelp.com customers agree constantly giving Peterson high marks for quality workmanship and fair pricing.

Look for Peterson to add quality auto-body services to the business in the future.

Peterson Auto Repair is located in the Big Valley Industrial Park, at 3980-A Valley Boulevard in Walnut.  They are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (909) 598-3881.  Mention their ad and get an oil change for just $21.99 (plus tax and fees).

Mt. SAC Students Win 14 Medals at HOSA State Competition

Health career students advance to national competition in June
By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College health career students won a total of 14 medals, including seven gold medals and seven silver medals, at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) state leadership conference held April 6–10 in Anaheim. More than 2,500 students competed at the state competition.

Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Sierra Gomez (San Bernardino), Keili Hiniker (Walnut), and La Tonya McDaniel (Perris) won gold medals in the creative problem solving competition. Eduardo Guzman (Baldwin Park) Maria Jauregui (Covina), and Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park) won gold medals in the biomedical debate competition.

Remington Cole (Pomona), Sue Mass (Chino Hills), Sandra Medina (La Puente), and Felicia Ngo (Alhambra) took silver medals in creative problem solving. Rebecca Cruz (Rancho Cucamonga), Kirk Loualhati (Covina), and Joe Sanchez (Covina) won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.

All 14 Mt. SAC students will advance to the national HOSA competition to be held June 22–25 in Nashville, Tenn.

HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.

Feel Very Proud

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I have one child named Bryan.  Bryan, or should I say Dr. Stoops, will be 38 years old in July.  This past week, Bryan became an Assistant Principal at the high school he was working at.  He had been at another high school where no matter how great his work and qualifications were his boss just never gave him the promotion he was so very deserving of.  For at least five years he would get his hopes up and then he would be let down.  As his mother, it was heartbreaking to see him go through this.  He finally moved to another school where he was a Dean for barely a year and now they have promoted him to an Assistant Principal.

I am very proud of how hard he has worked on getting a Doctorate Degree and an Administrative Credential.  I am equally proud of his tenacity and how he never gave up on his dreams.  As defeated as he was made to feel, he never quit.  Most parents love their children and I love mine, but I also like who he is.  I have so much respect for this incredible man and his amazing spirit.  I feel better about this world knowing Bryan is in it.  I love seeing how confident he has become.  He has accomplished all of this while raising two children and running his Martial Arts school.

So this week I celebrate Bryan and tenacity.  Very rarely do I use this column to brag but this week I need to shout it out to the world how very proud I am to be this man’s mother.  I also want to remind all of you parents to have faith in your children and to continue to support them however you can.  So my hats off to Bryan and all of you that keep having the tenacity to make your dreams come true!

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.

Toddler Bit By Snake In Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: Digital Media Services

Photo Courtesy: Digital Media Services

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– A three-year-old girl was airlifted to the hospital after a snake bit her in Chino Hills last week.

On Tuesday, April 19, Chino Valley Fire District firefighters responded to the snake bite incident at 9:22 a.m. The girl was bit on her left leg while walking on a local walking trail on Soquel Canyon Road and Pipeline Avenue.

CVFD Firefighter/Paramedics provided advance life support care and the girl was transported by air ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center. She is currently in critical but stable condition.

The Chino Valley Fire District warns that the chances of coming across a rattlesnake increases when the temperatures increase. The warm weather encourages rattlesnakes to come out, so it is important to watch where you are walking and to stay on designated trails when out hiking and enjoying the outdoors.  If you see a snake, stop and back away to a safe place.  Never try to touch a snake or scare it away.  Snakes seek warmer areas when it is cool, so be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially in the cooler times of day.  Conversely, when it is hot, snakes seek cooler areas.  Use extra caution when around areas where there is high brush or when stepping over logs or fallen trees.

Below are additional safety tips provided by the Chino Valley Fire District.

Safety tips to help you avoid a rattlesnake bite:

  • Never go barefoot or wear sandals when hiking or walking through grassy areas. Always wear hiking boots.
  • When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
  • Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see.
  • Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
  • Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom.
  • Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

What to do if bitten by a rattlesnake:

  • Do not panic. Remain calm and slowly move away from the snake.
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately or send someone for help.
  • Keep the bite at or below heart level.
  • Do not apply a cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite or attempt to suck out the venom.
  • Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Do try to remember what the snake looked like.
  • Take note of the time the bite occurred, if possible.

History 101

Photo courtesy: Biography.com

Photo courtesy: Biography.com

William Shakespeare Born

Courtesy of History.com

According to tradition, the great English dramatist and poet William Shakespeare is born in Stratford-on-Avon on April 23, 1564. Shakespeare’s date of death is conclusively known, however: it was April 23, 1616. He was 52 years old and had retired to Stratford three years before.

He probably attended the grammar school in Stratford, where he would have studied Latin and read classical literature. He did not go to university but at age 18 married Anne Hathaway, who was eight years his senior and pregnant at the time of the marriage. Their first daughter, Susanna, was born six months later, and in 1585 William and Anne had twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet, Shakespeare’s only son, died 11 years later, and Anne Shakespeare outlived her husband, dying in 1623. Nothing is known of the period between the birth of the twins and Shakespeare’s emergence as a playwright in London in the early 1590s, but unfounded stories have him stealing deer, joining a group of traveling players, becoming a schoolteacher, or serving as a soldier in the Low Countries.

The first reference to Shakespeare as a London playwright came in 1592, when a fellow dramatist, Robert Greene, wrote derogatorily of him on his deathbed. It is believed that Shakespeare had written the three parts of Henry VI by that point. In 1593, Venus and Adonis was Shakespeare’s first published poem, and he dedicated it to the young Henry Wriothesley, the 3rd earl of Southampton. In 1594, having probably composed, among other plays, Richard III, The Comedy of Errors, and The Taming of the Shrew, he became an actor and playwright for the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which became the King’s Men after James I’s ascension in 1603. The company grew into England’s finest, in no small part because of Shakespeare, who was its principal dramatist. It also had the finest actor of the day, Richard Burbage, and the best theater, the Globe, which was located on the Thames’ south bank. Shakespeare stayed with the King’s Men until his retirement and often acted in small parts.

By 1596, the company had performed the classic Shakespeare plays Romeo and Juliet, Richard II, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. That year, John Shakespeare was granted a coat of arms, a testament to his son’s growing wealth and fame. In 1597, William Shakespeare bought a large house in Stratford. In 1599, after producing his great historical series, the first and second part of Henry IV and Henry V, he became a partner in the ownership of the Globe Theatre.

Shakespeare died in Stratford-on-Avon on April 23, 1616. Today, nearly 400 years later, his plays are performed and read more often and in more nations than ever before. In a million words written over 20 years, he captured the full range of human emotions and conflicts with a precision that remains sharp today. As his great contemporary the poet and dramatist Ben Jonson said, “He was not of an age, but for all time.”

Chino Valley Percussion Teams Excel At World Championships

Chino Valley Unified School District

Chino Valley– Congratulations to three Chino Valley Unified School District percussion teams for their winning performances at the 2016 Winter Guard International (WGI) Percussion World Championships, held April 15 and 16 in Dayton, Ohio.

A percussion team from Ayala High bested 14 other high schools from across the nation to be named the 2016 WGI Percussion Scholastic World Champions on April 16. Ayala won first overall in the prestigious division. Ayala also took first in caption awards for music effect, visual effect, and visual. They won second in music.

Chino Hills High’s percussion team took second overall in the Scholastic World division. They also won first in music; second places in music effect and visual effect; and a third place in visual.

Ayala’s Scholastic Concert World team came in first overall in that division of five teams at the WGI Championships on April 15. Ayala also took first in music, and second in artistry.