Category Archives: The Weekly News

Feed The Kids First

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Several years ago, we had our whole family together during the Christmas holidays.  My wife and I have four adult kids, three son-in-laws and seven grandkids.  That is a lot of people!

To save money, we decided to eat most of our meals at home.  Each family was assigned to prepare a dinner for the whole group.  This included purchasing the food, preparing the meal, and cleaning up afterward.

It sounded like a good idea and each family member accepted their assignment enthusiastically.  As they planned their meal, they tried to select different foods that would also be kid friendly.  Pizza, tacos and spaghetti were at the top of the list.

The shopping went well and the food preparation too.  But, when it came to serving dinner, things were not as easy.  We learned quickly that is was difficult for the adults to eat dinner and feed the children at the same time.

We adopted a new plan.  Feed the kids first!  The adults could wait, but feed the kids first.  After the kids were fed, we put on a movie so they would be entertained while the adults enjoyed dinner and conversation.

It made dinner so much more relaxed and enjoyable.  The kids were fed and happy to watch a movie.  The adults were happy to enjoy warm food and good conversation.

I have heard that leaders in the military always make sure that the troops are fed first, before the officers eat.  An important responsibility of a leader is to serve and help others.  Good leaders put the needs of others first.

In the Bible, Jesus emphasized the importance of serving others.  He said that He did not come expecting others to serve Him, but He came to serve and help others (Mark 10:45).  The Apostle Peter wrote, “Use whatever gifts that God has given you to serve others” (I Peter 4:10).

Let me encourage you to watch for an opportunity this week to put the needs of others ahead of your own needs.  Remember – “feed the kids first”.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

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.

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

2014-03-advanced-solar-300x250-01Staff Reports

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in air conditioning and heating, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  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).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar 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 Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank 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.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analyses, 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.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

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.  They are also committed to the community.  Owners Jason and Athena Hayes have lived in Eastvale for over seven years, and as homeowners, they love to see Eastvale flourish. Advanced Improvements has been the platinum sponsor for the Eastvale Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournaments, and they will continue to invest in the City and support its growth.  Make sure to ask about their $500 discount coupon for Eastvale residents only.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761).  Their office is located at 1200 North Barsten Way, in Anaheim, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at www.AdvancedIMP.com.

DB Setting New Record for their Largest E-Waste Collection to Date

Over 150 Tons of Carbon Emissions Eliminated Last Year 

City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar invites you to their annual Earth Day Celebration! The event will take place at the Air Quality Management District on April 23rd from 9 am to 1 pm. The Earth Day Celebration will provide the community with the opportunity to drop off unwanted electronic devices, textiles, and much more!

Last year, Diamond Bar set their new record of eliminating over 150 tons of carbon emissions at their Eco Expo. The Eco Expo took place on America Recycles Day, November 14th. Now, the City of Diamond Bar is looking to reach their goal of eliminating 200 tons of carbon emission on their Earth Day Celebration! In order to meet this new projected goal, “We decided to partner with All Green Electronics Recycling once again!” exclaimed Alfa Lopez, City of Diamond Bar Management Analyst. Last year, we chose to partner with All Green because “they made us feel that our event was in good hands during all communications and they have all of the required certifications within the E-Waste recycling industry.” Because All Green is an e-Stewards and R2 certified E-Waste recycler, the community could rest assured that no material collected would be sent overseas to developing nations or dumped into landfills.

This year’s Earth Day Celebration will include a garden mulch giveaway, e-waste recycling, and earth-friendly activities for children. Additionally, “this year, we are also super excited about our electric vehicle display and smart gardening workshop,” stated Lopez. Like always, the City takes extra measures to take care of its environment and provide essential resources to residents. Out of all the services provided at last year’s Eco Expo, electronic waste recycling was “the busiest service of that day!” said Ms. Alfa Lopez “and we hope to see more people attend.”

Be sure to check out City of Diamond Bar’s Earth Day Celebration! This will be a great way to remind everyone what we can do to help preserve the environment. “Help us be part of the solution!” says Lopez. While electronic devices such as computers, laptops and cell phones are always accepted, Diamond Bar’s E-Waste Recycling Event Page provides a full list of all accepted and prohibited items for this particular event. It is important to check if your device qualifies for free recycling before going to the next event.

 

For more information about Earth Day E-Waste Collection Drive and a list of acceptable items, please visit:

http://www.allgreenrecycling.com/events-city-of-diamond-bar/.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 4.23.16

2016-Apr23-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2016-Apr23-Weekly-WEB

Golf Fore The Kids

Photo by: Sarah Sanchez Steve Almquist, Pastor Mark Hopper, Jack Penzes, and Al Smith at last year’s “Golf Fore The Kids” event.

Photo by: Weekly News
Steve Almquist, Pastor Mark Hopper, Jack Penzes, and Al Smith at last year’s “Golf Fore The Kids” event.

By Mark Hopper

Walnut Valley– The Walnut Valley Rotary Club and the Diamond Bar Community Foundation are co-sponsoring their annual “Golf Fore The Kids” golf tournament on Monday, May 9 at Western Hills Country Club.

This annual event raises funds for programs that impact children and teens in our community, including leadership training, sports programs, and the fine arts.

All golfers are welcome to come. There will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. at Western Hills with a Scramble format. In addition, there will be a putting contest before the tournament begins.

The cost is $150 per person, but each player will receive breakfast burritos before the tournament and a sack lunch on the course. In addition, an early dinner will be served at the end of play at the golf course.

Every participant will have an opportunity to win a new car at the Hole In One contest! A variety of raffle prizes will be given away at the dinner and silent auctions items will be available too.

More Tournament sponsors are needed to help raise funds “Fore the Kids”.  Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship are available. Businesses can also promote their products and services through the purchase of Tee-signs for $150 each.

For more information about the “Golf Fore the Kids” Tournament on May 9 and to register for the event, contact Lew Herndon at lewherndon@hotmail.com.  Proper golf attire is required including collared shirts and no denim pants or shorts.

Modest Is Hottest

By Sarah Sanchez

From shirts that show midriffs to bikini bottoms that only cover half of your bum – has anyone noticed the change in fashion trends? It seems like what’s “in,” is to show more skin.

It’s hard to talk to teens and young adults about going against the trend, but local youth pastor, Chris Kirish, at IgniteVPC, gave it a shot with a modesty-themed sermon last year.

Pastor Kirish talked about how bikinis were invited by French designer, Louis Reard, in 1946. Bathing suits at that time were more modest, only showing a small section of the midriff.   In fact, when the bikini was introduced, it was so scandalous that Reard couldn’t find a model to wear it.  He resorted to having an Exotic dancer being the first woman to ever wear a bikini in public.

Kirish went on to educate the students about a study that was done to determine what men thought of when they saw a woman in a bikini. Men in the study were hooked up to a machine and given a variety of pictures. When they saw women in bikinis or sexually-related clothing, the region of the brain associated with tool use lit up. Therefore, the conclusion of the study indicated that when women wear bikinis or sexually-related clothing, men see them as objects, not a person they can socialize with.

As a woman, I personally thought this study was eye opening on how important it is to dress modestly. Our youth looks up to us, whether we want them to or not. So if we’re wearing a bathing suit that looks like it could be underwear (or smaller than underwear), then our youth will do the same, thinking that it’s okay.

Getting a bad tan line in a modest bathing suit is the rising issue when this topic is discussed with women. But really, what’s more important: getting a good tan line (that you probably will be the only one seeing), or setting a good example to the youth in your life? Considering there are so many cute bathing suits and clothing that cover up, I believe that we can set a good example and still look fabulous doing so.

Many believe this is a controversial issue, but personally, I believe that “Modest IS Hottest”. Does your wardrobe show where you stand?

5 Warning Signs of Magnesium Deficiency

Courtesy of Natural News

Many Americans do not understand the importance of magnesium in the same way they understand calcium or iron, for instance. Nonetheless, adequate magnesium levels are crucial for brain, cardiac and muscle function and it is needed, along with silica and Vitamins D and K to promote bone health. Magnesium deficiency is more common than many people suspect, and below are 5 warning signs that could indicate a deficiency in this important mineral.

  1. Ringing in the Ears or Hearing Loss
    Tinnitus, or a constant, high-pitched ringing in the ears is a common symptom of magnesium deficiency, as is hearing loss. There are have been a number of studies done on the relationship between ear health and sufficient magnesium levels. In one Chinese study, it was found that magnesium in sufficient quantities will prevent the formation of the free radicals that can lead to hearing loss. In a study at the Mayo Clinic, it was found that treating patients who had experienced hearing loss with magnesium supplementation often helped restore that loss within three months.
  2. Muscle Cramps or Tremors
    Magnesium is crucial to optimum muscle function. Without it, the body would be in a state of convulsion, because it is this mineral that allows the muscles to relax. That is why, for instance, a magnesium oxide drip is used to ease women in labor and why magnesium is found in so many sleep-inducing supplements. A lack of sufficient magnesium, therefore, can lead to facial tics, muscle cramping and twitching or cramping of the feet while trying to sleep.
  3. Depression
    The link between low magnesium levels and depression was understood over a century ago, when doctors would use it to treat this mental health disorder. Modern science has backed this up, with a study at a psychiatric hospital in Croatia finding that many attempted suicide patients had severely low levels of this important mineral. One advantage of magnesium over traditional antidepressants is the lack of side effects sometimes associated with these medications.
  4. Abnormal Heart Function
    As previously discussed, low magnesium levels can have an effect on muscles throughout the body and this includes the heart muscles. Insufficient magnesium can induce a condition known as a cardiac arrhythmia, in which the heart fails to beat regularly and this, in turn, can cause a greater risk for complications like heart attacks and strokes. That is why, for instance, doctors at the Henry Low Heart Center in Connecticut treat their arrhythmia patients with a medication which contains magnesium.
  5. Kidney Stones
    Many people believe that kidney stones are caused by an excess of calcium, but in fact it is a lack of magnesium that is the culprit. Magnesium prevents the formation of these stones by inhibiting the binding of calcium with oxalate, the two compounds which make up these stones. Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful, so it is good to know that something as simple as magnesium supplementation can prevent them!

If experiencing any of these symptoms, consulting with a healthcare practitioner is a good idea. It is also wise to follow a diet which includes foods like okra, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, almonds, soy or black beans, cashews and spinach as these are all natural magnesium sources.

Chino Mayor Says Farewell

Photo courtesy of City of Chino Chino Mayor Yates

Photo courtesy of City of Chino
Chino Mayor Yates

Staff Reports

Chino – Chino Mayor Dennis Yates will be saying farewell at this year’s Chino State of the City since he will be retiring this year at the end of his term.

Mayor Yates has been a member of the Chino City Council since 1992 and has served as a Council Member from 1992 to 2004. During those years, he has served as the Mayor Pro Tem for two years and then as Mayor in 2004. He was reelected as Mayor three different after that and is currently serving his third four-year term.

Mayor Yates will be bidding farewell at the Chino Annual State of the City Address on Wednesday, April 27 from 11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Chaffey Chino Community Center located at 5890 College Park Ave., in Chino.

This year’s theme is Chino-At Your Service, which will highlight the local agencies, organizations and people that work tirelessly to provide services that enhance the quality of life in Chino, according to a City news release.

Tickets are available at the Chino Chamber of Commerce for $40. Please make a check payable to the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. Presenting and Table Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For further information, please contact the Chamber at 909-627-6177.

IE News: Robbery, Thefts, and Vandalism

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Ryan Filkins

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Aaron Allen

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
Robert Filkins

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Three suspects have been arrested for crimes related to the thefts, vandalism, and a strong-arm robbery.

There have been a number of crimes reported related to theft of packages, theft from unlocked vehicles, and vandalism within a relatively small area within the city of Eastvale. These crimes have occurred since November 2015.

The Eastvale Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) worked closely with the Jurupa Valley Station’s crime analyst, patrol deputies, and the Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) parks deputy to narrow down dates, times and locations of the crimes.  SET deputies identified several persons of interest and conducted extensive follow-up investigation over a period of several months.

As a result of the investigation, three suspects were identified and arrested.  Ryan Filkins, 18 of Eastvale, was arrested for felony warrants and bringing a controlled substance into a jail.  Robert Filkins, 18 of Eastvale, was arrested and booked for felony warrants.  Aaron Allen, 23 of Eastvale, was arrested for felony warrants.  Charges against all three suspects are being sought related to the thefts, reports of vandalism, and a strong-arm robbery.

Anyone with additional information regarding these incident is encouraged to call Deputy Ramirez at (951) 955-2649.

Information courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Did You Know?

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Ways to stay sane caring for an elderly relative

By John Shore, MadDad

One of the most emotionally complex and difficult things a person can experience is taking care of an elderly parent. I recently spent time tending to my aging, widowed father, and thought I’d pass along these 8 points, each of which I found to be significantly helpful during this phase of my own life.

  • Accept that things have changed– When a parent starts in any way depending upon their child, the world has turned upside down. Be prepared for that radically new paradigm. Old roles may not apply; old methodologies may not apply; old emotions may not apply. Be prepared to work from – and write- a whole new script.
  • Take it slowly– Taking care of an elderly parent is generally a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t rush it. You and they both are in uncharted territory. Let the process reveal itself to you; to the degree that you can, let whatever happens unfold organically. As much as you lead what’s happening, follow it.
  • Expect nothing emotionally– At the end phase of their life, your parent might open up to you emotionally and spiritually; they might express for you the love that, for whatever reason, they haven’t before. But they also might not do that; your parent might even more tenaciously cling to their crazy. If as you care for your aging parent you bond with them in a new and deeper way, of course that’s fantastic. But if you’re expecting or even hoping for that to happen when you go into caring for them, you will wade into dangerous waters. Better to have no expectations and be surprised, than to have your hopes dashed.
  • Expect their anger– When you start taking care of your parent, they lose the one thing they’ve always had in relationship to you: authority. That’s not going to be easy for them to give up. Expect them, in one way or another, to lash out about that loss.
  • Give them their autonomy– Insofar as you can, offer your parent options instead of orders. It’s important for them to continue to feel as if they, and not you, are running their lives. Let them decide everything they can about their own care and situation.
  • Ask their advice– A great way to show your parent love and respect — and, especially, to affirm for them that they are still of true value to you — is to sincerely ask them for advice about something going on in your life.
  • Separate their emotional dysfunction from their cognitive dysfunction– Insofar as you can, through your conversations and interactions with your parent, learn to distinguish between their emotional and cognitive dysfunction. The patterns of your parent’s emotional dysfunctions will probably be familiar to you; those, you’ll know how to deal with. But their cognitive dysfunction will probably be new to you. Track it; react to it gingerly; discuss it with your parent’s health care providers. Mostly, just be aware that it’s new, and so demands a new kind of response.
  • Pray or meditate– Life doesn’t offer a lot more emotionally salient or complex than caring for an aging parent. Accordingly, then, open yourself up to God, whatever that might mean to you. Be sure to get down on your knees regularly, or sit comfortably in a quiet place; close your eyes; breathe deeply and slowly; and wait to come over you the peace that surpasses understanding. What you’re undergoing with your parent right now is bigger than you, your parent, or anyone else involved. Do not fail to avail yourself of the great and mighty source from whose perspective it has all, already, been resolved.

Arbor Day Celebration

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR– In commemoration of Arbor Day and Diamond Bar’s 15 consecutive years of Tree City USA designation, the City is planning a special tree-themed celebration on Friday, April 29 at Pantera Elementary School.

The celebration will start at 9:30 a.m. and include tree-themed student performances, recognition of the winner of the school’s Arbor Day Poster Contest, and a tree planting ceremony on school grounds. Founded in 1872, Arbor Day is the nation’s oldest environmental holiday celebrating trees and their energy-producing and conserving role.

The Tree City USA program recognizes communities that invest and manage their urban and community forest resource.

Event attendance is free and open to the public; however guests must first stop by the school’s main office, 801 Pantera Drive, to obtain a visitor’s pass. For more information, contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070.

WHS Dive-in Day!

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut High School will celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of its aquatic center on April 20.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High School will celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of its aquatic center on April 20.

Walnut High School swimming pool renovation complete

 By Kelli Gile

Walnut—Walnut High School is set to celebrate the completion of a $2.3 million pool renovation during a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 20.

The community is invited to join the 3:30 p.m. poolside event that will feature an inaugural dive-in by swim team members.

The huge construction project began in July 2015 with the removal of the outdated pool and surrounding decking.

The star of the Walnut High Aquatics competition venue is a brand new 304,603-gallon swimming pool with nine racing lanes.

Additionally, the swim complex features new decking and lighting, locker room with men’s and women’s restrooms, coach’s room, pool storage building, pool equipment building, public restrooms, aluminum bleachers with shade structure, and scoreboard.

Construction and modernization projects in the Walnut Valley Unified School District were made possible by voter approval of Bond Measures S & Y passed in November 2007.

Walnut High School is located at 400 N. Pierre Road in Walnut.

History 101

Photo courtesy: Mt Vernon President George Washington

Photo courtesy: Mt Vernon
President George Washington

Washington leaves Mt. Vernon for his inauguration

Courtesy of History.com

On April 16, 1789, newly elected President George Washington leaves his Mount Vernon, Virginia, home and heads for New York, where he is sworn in as the first American president.

Before leaving, Washington addressed a group of citizens in nearby Alexandria, Virginia, to whom he expressed his inner conflict at assuming the role of president. He admitted that he would have preferred to stay in retirement and wondered aloud, “at my age what possible advantages [could I gain] from public life?” However, disturbed by growing antagonism between the fledgling nation’s political factions, Washington felt duty-bound to help resolve what he feared was an impending crisis. He recounted the day in his diary: “I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity; and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express.”

Washington was 57 years old when he took leave of his family, friends and staff at the Mount Vernon estate, to which he had retired after leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War. On his way to New York, citizens flocked to see Washington as he rode through petal-strewn streets, under decorative triumphal arches and to the accompaniment of church bells. In Trenton, New Jersey, girls in white robes sang an honorary tribute to “The Defender of the Mothers, The Protector of the Daughters.” In his diary, Washington recorded a resplendent display of decorated ships and boats that joined the procession as it sailed across the Hudson River. “The roar of cannon, and the loud acclamations of the people which rent the skies, as I passed along the wharves, filled my mind with sensations as painful as they are pleasing.”

The pomp and splendor of the procession did not distract Washington from his anxiety about ruling the country, nor the disappointment of traveling without his beloved wife and closest confidante, Martha, who planned to meet him in New York after the festivities ended. In addition, his oldest and most trusted personal servant, Billy Lee, had to abandon Washington s entourage in Philadelphia due to painful arthritis in his knees. Eight days after leaving Mt. Vernon, Washington arrived in New York, where he gamely set out to “render service to my country with less hope of answering its expectations.”  Official inaugural ceremonies commenced on April 30.

Straight Talk with Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“How do I stay neutral in my parents’ divorce?”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Danice,

I am twenty five years old.  My parents are in the middle of a divorce.  I notice that both of them are bending over backward to do nice things for me and buy me gifts so they can get me to be on their side.  This makes me mad.  I want to be close to both of my parents without having to choose sides.  Do you think this is possible?

Jena

Hi Jena,

Yes, I do think it’s possible to stay neutral with your parents.  Let them know that you are not open to hearing unsolicited negative comments from either of them.  In order to do this successfully, you will have to stay out of their business.  If they try to draw you in, gently remind each of them of your desire to love and respect them both as they work through this crisis in their lives.  You are not obligated in any way to wedge yourself in the middle of their marital issues.  Spend time with them individually and try to enjoy their company.  If they remain miserable, suggest that they seek some counseling or coaching individually in order to keep a healthy relationship with you.  If you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask for it.

Good Luck.

 

Danice Akiyoshi ND.

Many Win At Chamber Mixer

By Araceli Hernandez

Chino – The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce March Mixer was a fun-filled event with food, karaoke, great prizes, and networking. The mixer was held on March 24 at ABC Public Relations and Armijo News, located at 14144 Central Ave., Ste. H, in Chino.

After members of the community ate and mingled, Zeb Welborn, Chino Valley Chamber Chairman of the Board, welcomed the crowd and announced the Chino Valley Chamber ambassadors in attendance. Other government officials were also in attendance, including City of Chino Public Information Officer Monica Gutierrez, and Supervisor Curt Hagman representatives Karen Haughey and Melissa Compani. In addition, members of local businesses from Chino, Eastvale, Diamond Bar, and Walnut also stopped by the mixer.

Business owners and community members gathered outside to network while listening to music by Bobby’s Mobile DJ Show. Some Chino Chamber members even had the courage to sing karaoke in front of the crowd.

Many local businesses contributed to the mixer by providing services and prizes. All chairs and tables were provided by Koki’s Bouncers in Eastvale. There was also a wide selection of prizes that were donated, including a bread and treat basket by Great Harvest Bread Co.; a Car Care Service gift certificate from Gabriel’s Automotive; a goodie basket from Marcia McBean of Chino Commercial Bank; a gift basket from Loretta Szudy of Legal Document Services; a well-dressed screwdriver kit from The Bountiful Baskets; a dessert basket by Gift Baskets by Rita; a Starbucks gift card; and Girl Scout cookies.

Our grand prizes were a $165 razor scooter donated by The Shop Pro Scooter Lab, and an Android Tablet donated by ABC Public Relations.

Congratulations to all the prize winners:  Jeff Feather of Forest Lawn, William Yu of AVIS, Kyle Schneider of IEShineOn.com, Marilyn Taylor of The Bountiful Basket, Karen Kaplan of DamselINDEFENSE, Michael Lujan of New York Life, Zeb Welborn of Welborn Media, Suzanne Burt of Real Time Pain Relief, and Tom Haughey of Haughey Insurance. The scooter winner was Raziel Fuentebella Arcega of LNR Promotions and the tablet winner was Scott Flatten of World Financial Insurance Agency, Inc.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to the Chino Valley Chamber mixer. It was a great event and we were happy to host the March Mixer. Also, thank you to all the sponsors that donated prizes,” said Michael Armijo, President of ABC Public Relations.

Jeff Feather won a bread and treat basket donated by Great Harvest Bread Co. Visit their website at www.greatharvest.com.

Jeff Feather won a bread and treat basket donated by Great Harvest Bread Co. Visit their website at http://www.greatharvest.com.

William Yu won a Car Care Service gift card donated by Gabriel’s Automotive. Visit their website at www.gabrielsauto.com.

William Yu won a Car Care Service gift card donated by Gabriel’s Automotive. Visit their website at http://www.gabrielsauto.com.

Kyle Schneider won a Starbucks gift card provided by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at www.anapr.com.

Kyle Schneider won a Starbucks gift card provided by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at http://www.anapr.com.

Linda Ragland with a beautiful basket donated by Gift Baskets by Rita. Call Rita at (909) 354-9610.

Linda Ragland with a beautiful basket donated by Gift Baskets by Rita. Call Rita at (909) 354-9610.

Karen Kaplan won a goodie basket donated by Marcia McBean of Chino Commercial Bank. Call Marcia at (909) 230-7600.

Karen Kaplan won a goodie basket donated by Marcia McBean of Chino Commercial Bank. Call Marcia at (909) 230-7600.

Michael Lujan won a well-dressed screwdriver kit donated by Marilyn Taylor of The Bountiful Basket. Visit her website at www.thebountifulbasket.net.

Michael Lujan won a well-dressed screwdriver kit donated by Marilyn Taylor of The Bountiful Basket. Visit her website at http://www.thebountifulbasket.net.

Loretta Szudy of Legal Document Services gives winner Zeb Welborn the gift basket she donated. Call Loretta at (909) 223-8515.

Loretta Szudy of Legal Document Services gives winner Zeb Welborn the gift basket she donated. Call Loretta at (909) 223-8515.

Suzanne Burt won a box of Girl Scout cookies, which she shared with fellow colleagues at the mixer.

Suzanne Burt won a box of Girl Scout cookies, which she shared with fellow colleagues at the mixer.

Raziel Fuentebella Arcega gave her daughter the $165 razor scooter she won that was donated by The Shop Pro Scooter Lab. Visit their website at www.shopproscooterlab.com.

Raziel Fuentebella Arcega gave her daughter the $165 razor scooter she won that was donated by The Shop Pro Scooter Lab. Visit their website at http://www.shopproscooterlab.com.

Scott Flatten won the Android Tablet donated by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at www.abcpublicrelations.com.

Scott Flatten won the Android Tablet donated by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at http://www.abcpublicrelations.com.

Top Quality Auto Body Repair and Towing

California Coach

California Coach

By J.D. Alberts

Walnut – For over 25 years, California Coach Auto Collision has served its community with top notch repair and assistance services, reaching from “Diamond Bar to Chino and beyond.”

Under original ownership, California Coach takes great pride in their quality service reputation and understands the importance of automotive safety. Their highly trained, certified mechanical technicians take great care of every vehicle they service.  And with a 16,000 square foot “state of the art” collision repair shop and one acre adjacent storage space, California Coach is well-equipped to take care of all of your auto collision needs, including:

  • Estimating
  • Complete Auto Repair, Auto Body and Paint
  • Frame, Unibody and Metal Repair/Replacement
  • General Repair
  • Refinishing
  • 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance
  • Towing (Light, Medium and Heavy Duty, and Recovery)
  • AAA Battery Service Program
  • Battery Jumps
  • Tire Changes, and much more!

California Coach has earned a reputation for courteous service, high standards, and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings since they opened in 1998.  Most new customers are a result of referrals by happy customers, and this is a standing they don’t take for granted.  They understand the stress associated with an accident or tow, and their goal is to take care of your car and reduce your frustration.  They will work hard to restore your car to its original condition and keep you updated throughout the process; and all insurance claims are welcome.

In partnership with Mercury Insurance Group and Diamond Honda of Puente Hills (as an approved repair facility), California Coach is also ASE certified, and a AAA Roadside Assistance Provider and Patrol.  They are also members of the California Auto Body Association, the California Tow Truck association, and the Walnut Sheriff’s Booster Club.

California Coach Auto Collision is located at 22064 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Body Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can reach them at (909) 595-9448, or (909) 595-6970 for their 24-hour towing service. For more information visit their website at http://www.calcoachautobodytowing.com, or send them an email at info@CalCoachAutoBodyTowing.com.

“Swinging Good Times” Dinner & Dance

Teens and senior citizens come together at swing dance!

Staff Reports

Walnut– Join us as we swing the night away! Students from the Walnut High School Jazz Band will usher in the distinctive sounds of 1930-40’s swing-era music during a dinner and dance on April 22. Members of the school’s Swing Club will provide instruction, comradery, and entertainment with local senior citizens!

Walnut High English teacher Jennifer Maletz came up with the idea for the multi-generational social event as a way to create a sense of connection, joy, and understanding through dance. About 40 students and 100 seniors are expected to come together for this new event!

The dinner and dance will take place at the Walnut Senior Center, located at 21215 La Puente Road. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Please call the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200.

 

Coming To America

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I met a young man that has just been in this country for one year.  He came here to get an education.  He is fifteen-years-old and a freshman at a local high school.  He came with his mother from China and his father stayed back in China to make a living to pay for his wife and his son living here.  He teared up as he spoke about not seeing his dad and grandparents often enough.  He spoke of how he wants to make his mom and dad proud, but there were tremendous expectations on him.  He has a long day of high school, then more school and tutoring after school.  He also has art lessons.

I was very impressed with him and his wisdom at fifteen.  He told me he doesn’t play video games and doesn’t use drugs.  He’s very disciplined and told me he loves watching funny movies to relax.  He struggles on tests because English is his second language, but the school is giving him some help.  He is determined to succeed for himself and his family.  He understands the sacrifices they are making so that he can get the education he is so very deserving of.  He wants his family to be proud of him.

His parents have done an amazing job with their only child.  He doesn’t use his struggles as a reason to fail.  At fifteen, his priorities are such as they should be.  He was happy and grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon him.   As I listened to him, I felt so hopeful for the future.  If there are more teens like him, I believe our world will be good in the future when my grandchildren are coming of age!

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 (909229-0727.  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.

Walnut Election Results

Staff Reports

Walnut–  The Walnut City Council election results are in! Incumbents Nancy Tragarz and Eric Ching were elected to the City Council on Tuesday night. However, Tony Cartagena’s open seat will be occupied by 23-year-old newcomer, Andrew Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is a Walnut High School graduate and he is the youngest City Councilmember ever elected in Walnut’s history.

“Over the last few months, it has truly been an honor and privilege to have met so many different people who genuinely care about the future of our community… I would like to thank the residents of this city for giving us a chance to showcase our vision for Walnut,” Rodriguez said a week before election day.

When he found out he won, Rodriguez posted a picture on his Facebook page with the caption, “Thank you Walnut! I look forward to serving as your City Councilman for the next 4 years!”

Unofficial results reported that Tragarz received 2,358 votes; Ching received 1,896 votes; and Rodriguez received 1,668 votes. They will take the three final seats on the Walnut City Council, joining Mayor Robert Pacheco and Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Su.

The unofficial results also reported that the candidate in fourth, Bella Cristobal, received 1,281 votes; Dino Pollalis in fifth place received 1,170 votes; and Betty Tang in last received 1,064 votes.

 

Mt. SAC Will Stage ‘And Then There Were None’

By Mike Taylor

Walnut–– The Mt. San Antonio College Theater Program will stage its production of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” on Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, at 8 p.m., with a special Sunday matinee, April 17, at 2 p.m., in Mt. SAC’s Studio Theater.
This thriller from murder mystery maven Agatha Christie brings together eight unsuspecting strangers for what promises to be a pleasant weekend at a quaint island estate. That promise turns more than ominous when the sullen staff play a recording from the absent host threatening each of the guests with dire consequences for their “crimes.” A desperate game of survival results as the guests pull together to battle an unseen enemy, and their numbers dwindle.
Theater Professor Alan Brooks directs this Mt. SAC production. Tickets are $14 for general admission, $10 for seniors, students, and children under 12.
For tickets and more information, call the Performing Art Box Office at (909) 274-2050. Tickets may also be purchased online at https://tickets.mtsac.edu.