Category Archives: The Weekly News

Walnut Valley USD is a Great Place to Be!

Photo: Kelli Gile
Nearly 1,000 teachers, classified personnel, and district leaders gathered to kick off the 2018-2019 school year during a Welcome Back celebration held this week at Calvary Chapel in Diamond Bar.

Staff members kick off 2018-2019 school year

 Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Nearly 1,000 teachers, classified personnel, and district leaders gathered to kick off the 2018-2019 school year during a Welcome Back celebration held this week at Calvary Chapel in Diamond Bar.

 

The 15th annual rally featured recognitions of over 200 long-service employees, Teachers of the Year, Cornerstone Award winners, and keynote message by Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

As staffers from all 15 schools and departments mingled and visited during the outdoor continental breakfast on August 8, they enjoyed music provided by the Diamond Bar High commercial music rock band under the direction of Steve Acciani and Daryl Hernandez.

 

Inside the venue, the program began with pep music provided by 100 members of the Walnut High Blue Thunder marching band under the direction of Corey Wicks and Katie Takahashi.

 

Diamond Bar High junior Taylor Moore took the stage to perform the national anthem and Boy Scout troop #777 led the opening flag ceremony.

 

“Regardless of what your job is and what you do – all of you touch kids in a way that betters their education. And for that, I really thank you,” Superintendent Dr. Taylor said to the assembled group.

The schools chief reminded educators that the impact they have on their students lasts “forever and is truly immeasurable.”

 

Over the summer, Walnut Valley was recognized as a National Schools to Watch District – one of only 17 out of more than 11,000 school districts in America.

 

“This is truly an amazing achievement,” Dr. Taylor said.

 

To mark the occasion, every employee received a “I work for a nationally recognized school district” t-shirt symbolizing the District’s 48 years of excellence, tradition, and history.

 

In addition, the WVUSD staff members were given backpacks filled with classroom supplies made possible through a generous donation.

 

“We want to say thank you for all that you do and hope this helps you have a fresh start to the new school year!” Dr. Taylor said.

 

Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matthew Witmer and Administrative Director Dr. Sergio Canal hosted the special event that included over 30 raffle prizes provided by local businesses.

 

Criss Sykes, the District Teacher of the Year and Kathy Frith, the Classified Employee of the Year, offered encouraging words to their peers during the program.

 

“It just takes one teacher, who teaches with passion and warmth to spark a child into a life of amazement. And here in Walnut Valley our students have 600 such teachers!” said Criss Sykes, a third-grade teacher at Quail Summit Elementary.

 

“This is a fantastic community and I am so proud to be a small part of it,” commented District Office receptionist Kathy Frith about the caring and supportive culture at the schools.

 

“Classified or certificated, it is the people here in Walnut Valley that make it such an amazing place!”

 

Diamond Bar Condo Market Update

By Nef Cortez

The Diamond Bar Condominium and Townhome market continues to roll along! The Median Sales Price (MSP) of Diamond Bar condos and townhomes went up Year over Year by almost 11%. The increase of the condominium/townhouse MSP went up from $360,000 in the 2nd quarter (April-May-June) of 2017 to $399,000 in the 2nd quarter 2018 (The Median Sales Price is the price which was the mid-point between the highest and the lowest priced sale). The lowest priced condominium transfer was at $230,000, and the highest priced sale transaction closed at $855,000.00. In comparison, the lowest priced condo sale in the 2nd quarter of 2017 was at $200,000, with the highest sales price for the same period closing at $742,000.  The MSP price increase paralleled the Single Family Residence (SFR) Medium Sales Price increase in Diamond Bar as well.

The sharp increase in the MSP was not accompanied by the same problem that has plagued the SFR market. Whereas there has been a decreased number of transactions in the SFR market in Diamond Bar for the 2nd quarter this year as compared to 2017, the condominium and townhome sales number saw an increase at the same time that the MSP increased.  The sales transactions number went up almost 21%, with 64 closed sales in the 2nd quarter 2018 versus 53 for the same period in 2017. In comparison, the SFR market saw transaction numbers drop by 19%, going down from 120 for the 2nd quarter 2017 to 97 in the 2nd quarter 2018 (data drawn from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service-CRMLS). It appears that as the Diamond Bar Single Family Residential Median Sales Price became less affordable (exceeding $735,000 in  the 2nd Quarter 2018), the buyers shifted over to purchasing the comparatively more affordable Condominium or Townhome. This is typical for  fluctuations that occur in the residential housing market.

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca DRE lic # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

 

How to Turn Your Side Hustle Into A Business

By StatePoint

Whether you’re looking to pick up a side hustle or make the leap into starting your own business, there are many ways to be your own boss.

No one knows how to trailblaze better than the motivated individuals who run their own businesses, according to Avon, the iconic beauty company with an over 130-year track record empowering women and men to be their own bosses. That’s why the brand’s latest campaign catalog honors and features the brand’s very own Avon Representatives. From top-sellers to accomplished leaders, the first-of-its-kind catalog for the brand recognizes the Avon Representative community by highlighting the real people from across the country who are not only the cover models but also the role models.

To get inspired, check out these tips from a few of the men and women featured in the campaign, based on their own real-life successes.

Be Authentic

A former Marine and full-time pharmacist, Starsky Clark of Baton Rouge, LA, initially joined Avon to make some extra income as a side hustle. She quickly realized her potential to grow her business in a big way and has since forged a career as a successful Representative and leader in the community.

Her recipe for success? “Be passionate about your business and the products you’re selling,” says Starsky. “Use the products yourself! That way, you’ll be able to share your authentic anecdotes with others to build personal relationships and special connections with your customers.”

Lean on Your Mentors

Andres Taberes of Grayson, GA, was working in a car body shop when he met his now wife, Valeryn, and it was love at first sight. A few years ago, when they were expecting their first child, Andres realized that his long hours at the body shop would keep him from partaking in important milestones. So, he turned to his mentor for help: his mom, who happened to be a successful Avon Representative.

“My mom encouraged me to become an Avon Representative and I’ve never looked back, says Andres. “Listening to her share her own journey and the mistakes she made helped me carve out my own path. Soon after, my wife joined as well and now we live an incredible lifestyle and still make time for our son and each other.”

Dedicate Time Consistently

Donna Reid-Mitchell of Frisco, TX was a single mother working as a hairstylist when she joined Avon on the side. She very quickly learned that consistency was the key to an effective business. By laying the groundwork and pushing herself to continuously make time to work on and grow her business, Donna was able to transform her side hustle into a lucrative business long-term.

“As soon as I started, I found that consistency was the difference between a good business and a great business,” says Donna. “I wanted to build something that would be sustainable; an empire that I could pass on to my children. I developed a real business plan that unfolded consistently over time, and 15 years later I’m continuing to reap the benefits.”

Interested in learning more about starting your own business with Avon? Visit http://www.avon.com.

With passion, dedication and a bit of helpful guidance, you can turn your side hustle into a full-time business.

Unison Supply: Landscaping Made Simple

By Anthony Saude

Industry – Unison Supply carries only the best irrigation and landscape supplies and materials, priding themselves in providing the best service in the industry.

“Our goal is to make sure each customer feels and understands they make a difference to us,” said Vanessa Acosta, CEO/President, who manages the overall operation and resources of the woman Owned Corporation.

Unison Supply strives to set up professional partnerships with their clients and the community that we serve, Acosta added. “From the time a customer walks in to the time they leave they will feel like they are the only person on our schedule for that time.”

You can find top quality products and equipment for any size job big or small. For those big jobs they have layaway plans or easy financing to fit an array of budgets. They take great pride in making it your one stop shop for whatever the need is. They are an officially approved, certified dealership for Toro and Stihl products.

Customers will enjoy the reasonable prices and the friendly, knowledgeable, expertise of the staff and management. “We are planning to open a repair shop in the very near future,” said Acosta. For their local customers they offer free delivery within 30 miles.

Unison Supply is conveniently located on Valley Blvd near Hacienda Blvd. They are open to both Residential and Commercial Wholesale clients. Feel free to pick up materials in your own vehicle or take advantage of the delivery service for any size load to the entire community. Until December 2018, they’re offering 10% off your total purchase if you check into Yelp and leave a review.

You will be able to choose from the largest selection of landscape materials & supplies in the San Gabriel Valley. The sheer amount of choices a client has will give them their best chance of finding exactly the right tools and materials for any job without having to go elsewhere.

Unison Supply is located at 15715 E. Valley Blvd, City of Industry CA 91744. For more information you can visit their website at https://www.unisonsupply.com/ or call the office at 626-333-1553. Send a fax to 626-333-1535 or email them at unisonsupply@hotmail.com.

Spanish One-Pan Chicken

with Chorizo and Bell Pepper

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 45 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 630 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Dried Chorizo- 6 oz
  • Chicken Breasts- 24 oz
  • Bell Pepper- 2
  • Yellow Onion- 2
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Lemon- 1
  • Scallions- 4
  • Southwest Spice Blend- 2 tbsp
  • Basmati Rice- 1 cup
  • Chicken Stock Concentrate- 2

 

 

1  SLICE CHORIZO.    Wash and dry all produce. Slice chorizo into 1/4 inch thick rounds.

 

2  CRISP CHORIZO.     Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook until crisp and some oil releases, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate, keeping as much oil in pan as possible.

 

3 COOK CHICKEN.       Return pan used for chorizo to medium heat. (TIP: If pan seems dry, add a drizzle of oil.) Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until no longer pink in center, 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.

 

4  PREP AND COOK VEGGIES.     While chicken cooks, core and seed bell pepper, then thinly slice. Halve, peel, and dice onion. Mince or grate garlic. Cut lemon into wedges. Trim, then thinly slice scallions, keeping greens and whites separate. Add a drizzle of oil to same pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, scallion whites, half the chorizo, and Southwest spice. Cook, tossing, until veggies are just softened, 3-4 minutes.

 

5  SIMMER RICE.    Add rice to pan and stir to coat. Stir in 1 cup water, stock concentrate, and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. TIP: If your pan doesn’t have a lid, cover it carefully with a piece of aluminum foil.

 

6  FINISH AND SERVE.      Fluff rice with a fork and season generously with salt and pepper. Place chicken on top of rice and sprinkle with remaining chorizo. Remove pan from heat and garnish with scallion greens and a few squeezes of lemon. Divide between plates and serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Chino Loses $1.5 Million Dollar Lawsuit

Staff Reports

Chino – The City of Chino reached a $1.5 million settlement with a mobile home park owner who brought a lawsuit against the city, alleging the council’s actions caused a loss of income by delaying and interfering with plans to convert the park to resident ownership.

The lawsuit originally asked for $34 million when it was filed in 2010 by Chino MHC the owner of Lamplighter Chino Mobile Home Park located on the northwest corner of Philadelphia Street and Ramona Avenue.

The debate that has been going on for years between the city and Chino MHC began in the spring 2010. The planning commission approved a tentative tract map to the mobile home park owners who wanted to require residents living there to purchase the individual spaces their homes sat on, along with shares in common facilities such as the clubhouse.

In April 2010, the city council overturned the planning commission’s decision based on a plea for help from the residents.

The council’s decision prompted Chino MHC to file two lawsuits, one alleging the loss of income, and a second, asking the court to approve the mobile home park owners’ conversion plan.

In early 2011, Superior Court Judge Joseph Brisco ruled that the city could not prohibit the conversion of the park, regardless if most of the residents were against the plan.

The city appealed and lost in October 2012, when it was ruled the city council doesn’t have the power to stop the conversion of the mobile home park to tenant ownership.  Unless the city could prove the owner was taking the step to avoid the city’s rent control policy unless mobile home parks they just don’t have a case.

In October 2013, after a three-hour public hearing, the council voted 3-0 to allow Chino MHC to sell the lots in the park thus ending the legal battle that the city estimates had already cost the taxpayers half a million dollars. The only comfort the residents who opposed the plan got was a written guarantee by Chino MHC that no one would be evicted.

One of the documents filed by the park owner during its lengthy confrontation with the city was a “tenant impact report” that waives the owner’s right to evict any tenant.

About 80 percent of the residents qualified as low-income tenants 2013 according to court documents. The park owner will be allowed to increase those rents at the same rate the cost of living index allows each year after the park is converted and the city’s rent-control ordinance was no longer in effect.

Fred Galante, the City’s Attorney, said, “The Settlement Agreement resolves long-standing disputes and litigation between the parties.  The settlement makes clear that it is not an admission of any wrongdoing whatsoever on the part of the City. The City believes it had good defenses, the settlement resolves long-standing litigation and saves further expenditure of legal fees and eliminates any risk of potential liability.”

 

As part of the settlement approved by the council on July 17, the city must approve, permit, and allow the recording of the final tract map for the mobile home park conversion by the end July.

The settlement gave the City until the middle of this month to pay the 1.5 million dollars awarded to Chino MHC.

 

Prediabetes and High Blood Pressure Can be Managed: What to Know

By StatePoint

Even as chronic diseases like prediabetes and high blood pressure touch more and more Americans, physicians are urging patients to keep in mind that early detection is key, and that chronic disease can often be managed with lifestyle changes.

“To confront our increasing chronic disease burden, patients must be aware of their risk for type 2 diabetes and hypertension,” says Barbara L. McAneny, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “To prevent both of these chronic diseases, awareness and action are key.”

As part of the effort to empower Americans to confront chronic disease, the AMA offers the following guidance.

Prediabetes

While prediabetes — the precursor to type 2 diabetes — has serious health implications, people who are at risk can take steps to reverse the condition and prevent or delay type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes like weight loss, healthy eating and increased physical activity. Unfortunately, not everyone is even aware they are at risk. Eighty-four million people in the U.S. are living with prediabetes, and of those that have it, 90 percent are unaware, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The AMA urges patients to find out their risk by taking a one-minute online test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. In addition to the risk test, the site contains other resources and links. Developed as part of a first-of-its-kind joint national prediabetes awareness campaign launched in 2016 by the AMA, Ad Council, CDC and the American Diabetes Association, the campaign has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans learn their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The campaign website also features lifestyle tips and links to CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, which connects visitors to a registry of CDC-recognized programs across the country.

Hypertension

“With nearly half of all adults in the U.S. now living with high blood pressure and at increased risk of heart attack and stroke, more Americans should be monitoring their blood pressure levels and taking quick action to get their high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, under control,” says Dr. McAneny.

Unfortunately, there are often no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” If left untreated, the condition damages the blood vessels and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and other serious conditions.

To help understand and manage your blood pressure numbers, visit LowerYourHBP.org, a site launched by the American Heart Association, American Stroke Association, and the AMA in partnership with the Ad Council. The site helps raise awareness of the life-altering consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure and motivates people to work with their doctors on developing and committing to a treatment plan.

By being proactive and knowing your risks, you can take control of your health.

Deputy for a Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Five year old David Corrales was honored to be “Deputy for a Day” at the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. “It was sort of an impromptu situation, I got a call from a friend of mine who was a former commander on the force that a teachers grandson wants to be a police officer,” said Captain Reyes. David showed up dressed in his own law enforcement uniform so Captain Reyes pulled out the red Carpet for the young man. Captain Reyes with the help of a couple of deputies gave David a tour of the station, let him visit dispatch and he was given a ride in a radio car. Captain Reyes said he had an experience when he was in the 6th grade that cemented he desire to go into law enforcement. The school had a safety assembly about looking both ways before crossing the street, a highway patrol officer gave a riveting presentation. “The officer picked me out to take a ride in the patrol car to show us that a car isn’t able to stop on a dime. We got in the car, sped down the street, slammed on the brakes and came to a skidding stop about 50 feet later.  “That childhood memory has stuck with me all these years, so I took the opportunity to give another young man a childhood memory of his own in hopes that it may make an impression enough for him to take the same path,” said Reyes. David was sworn in by Capt. Reyes as an honorary deputy for a day while he was at the station. Everybody at the station would like to extend our gratitude to David Corrales for visiting our station and wanting to follow in the footsteps of our deputies.

Help Make This Your Child’s Best School Year

By Nancy Stoops

School has just begun and you already feel worried.  You worry about your child repeating last year’s mistakes and you wonder just how to prevent this.  You tell yourself you did all you could to get them off to a good start and now you know most of it is truly up to them.

Maybe this year you need to get them some tutoring or maybe even some counseling.  It’s important for a student to feel good about him or herself.  It’s important for a student to believe that they can be successful if they truly try their best.  I know it’s hard sometimes to figure out the missing component but don’t wait this year until they are at the point of no return.

If your child is being bullied or having emotional problems I guarantee it will get in the way of their academic performance.  Think about how it feels to go to work when you’re emotionally struggling, it’s just as bad if not worse for your child.  Don’t be afraid to talk with your child or to ask for some help. You may have to learn to ask very specific questions to get them to give you more than a” yes” or a” no” or an” okay”.

There are so many pressures on our children and teens today.  So many of the children and teens I’ve had the honor of working with just feel so very alone and different.  These feelings can really get in the way of their academic performance and in the way of them being successful adults.  Many of our students get into drugs and other bad things because they think that’s the only way they can make it through their days.  Make this the year you don’t ignore the red flags.  I know you are vey busy but you only have the here and now to help your child grow into a responsible and proud individual.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy atnancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

Special Day For Special Needs By Scout Pack 2017

Melody Kraemer – Autisim Mom

Eastvale – The 2nd annual Special Needs Game Day event in Eastvale was held on Saturday, August 4th at Harada Park. I was so excited for this day since both my boys are autistic. It was very special day that was made possible by Tom Donatoni and Scout Pack 2017.

It was a special gesture to have a free event that was designed just for them, the little heroes in our lives. The event ran from 4 pm to 8 pm and had over 1000 participants, approximately 3 times as many as the first year.

 

I had been excited for weeks waiting for this day, both my boys are autistic and participants in the games.

We all were given a wristband upon check-in, and the kids were given numbers on their wristband.  The numbers were for the groups they would be in for the games.

 

There was opening ceremony, it consisted of the pledge of alliance and a prayer from Mark Lee, the pastor of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale.

 

After the opening ceremony, an announcement was made about where to line up for the games according to the number that each child had on their wristband.

 

The games that were in the middle of the event consisted of Tug a war, an obstacle course, bean bag toss, foot races, water balloon toss and many more.

 

There were some very helpful vendors in attendance that had program and services information for the parents of special little heroes. They also had special activities for them to participate in. Pack 2017 thought of everything on this day, having three jumpers and a slide set up for the kids. (I think this was my youngest son’s favorite. He loves to bounce and bounce).

 

There were also many characters in cosplay costumes walking around interacting with the kids and posing for pictures.  My boys loved the Power Rangers, and the characters from the Star Wars universe and many others.

 

Water stations were set up, and free water bottles were given out to all that needed cold water. It was a very hot day, and that water was much needed and appreciated.

 

A BBQ Dinner was served to everybody in attendance and there was plenty of food to go around and was enjoyed by all.

 

The organization of this event was very well orchestrated and made possible by many wonderful volunteers who were in attendance.  I am so happy that we attended this event.  It was a great day, and my little heroes sure enjoyed themselves.

 

A huge thank you to Tom Donatoni and Eastvale Scout pack 2017 for bringing this unforgettable selfless event to our little heroes. It indeed was a fantastic day!

Back To School – Drive Safely

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Most students in the Chino Valley Unified School District started back to school on Monday, August 13. That means more drivers on the roads and more kids walking to school. “Some back-to-school advice for parents and students is to try and get to school 15 to 30 minutes before school starts,” said Denise Cattern, spokesperson for the City. Parents are encouraged to check their school’s website for information on drop-off patterns. Motorists need to be aware of crosswalks and pay attention to signage that may prohibit left or right turns, U-turns, parking, or stopping. Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department will be conducting extra enforcement around schools.

“No speeding, no texting, no cell phones, and no U-turns where signs are posted,” said Ms. Cattern. A “no stopping” sign means that motorists MAY NOT EVEN STOP to drop off students. High school students need to obey the “walk” and “do not walk” signs that coincide with green and red traffic signals. If motorists give themselves enough time to get to school, and are courteous to other drivers, the streets and school zones will be a lot safer.”

“The City of Chino Hills and the School District often work together to address safety concerns related to school traffic,” said Captain Walker. “When student drop offs are prohibited or “no left turn” signs are posted, they were placed to address safety concerns caused by those actions.”

A permit is required to park in neighborhoods near Litel Elementary School and Chino Hills High School between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Residents may obtain a free permit at City Hall for vehicles registered to their address. On-street parking on Eucalyptus Avenue is limited to two hours except for vehicles that display a permit. Parents of Ayala students can take advantage of a student drop-off area at the Chino Hills Community Center. Staff will provide direction to motorists during the first few weeks of school. Student drop off is not allowed anywhere on Peyton Drive. The north side of Boys Republic Drive from City Center Drive to Peyton Drive may also be used to drop off Ayala High School students. A wider lane allows drivers travelling on Boys Republic Drive from Grand Avenue to Peyton Drive to pull over on the north (right) side, between City Center Drive and Peyton Drive, to drop off students.

“Ayala parents have the option to travel from Grand Avenue to southbound Boys Republic Drive to access the drop-off area,” said Ms. Cattern. Parking in the City’s parking structure is limited to two hours between 6:00 a.m. and noon unless the vehicle has a parking permit issued to employees of The Shoppes at Chino Hills or the Government Center. Parents picking up students in the parking lot must wait in a parking space. Stopping is not allowed at all in the circular area of City Center Drive near the Library. Many businesses along Peyton Drive, including the Post Office and several churches, prohibit student parking and drop offs because their parking lots were built to accommodate their customers, not students.

A Familiar Face

By Mark Hopper

Some of our grandchildren and their parents have been staying with us for a few weeks.  It has been fun to have a house full of four energetic and enthusiastic young children.

 

One day one of them found a small newspaper on our driveway and brought into the house. I suggested that we look through the paper and see if there was a picture of anyone we might recognize in it. I said, “I wonder if there is a picture of Pop Pop (me) in the paper”.  My six year old grandson replied, “No Pop Pop – they only put pictures of famous people in the newspaper”.

 

I wasn’t exactly sure how to reply to his comment, but I thought it might be fun to look through the paper anyway. As we proceeded to turn the pages, he did not see anyone he recognized.  Several of the advertisements had pictures of people and several of the news articles did too.

 

As we looked at each page, I asked him, “Is there a picture of Pop Pop on this page?” His  answer was always the same – “no”.  But, when we got to page eight, he was startled to see a picture of me!  The expression on the face of my grandson was priceless.  He looked at the photo and looked at me several times. He couldn’t believe it – there was a picture of his grandfather in the newspaper!

 

I explained that I get to write articles for the “Weekly News” publication. I assured my grandson that a lot of people read my article every week. I don’t know the exact number of readers but I’m sure there are a lot.  He asked what kind of things I wrote about so I showed him a few copies of articles that I had cut out from past issues.

 

We sat on the couch and read a few of the articles together. I was surprised at his level of interest in what his grandpa had written. I told him that I had even written a few articles about him and his sisters. He was surprised but seemed happy to hear that I had written about them.

 

I couldn’t help but smile as I thought back on that conversation. “Only famous people have their pictures in the newspaper”.  I don’t consider myself famous.  I’m just glad I get to share my thoughts with a few readers each week. But, if my grandson wants to think that his Pop Pop is famous – I’m ok with that!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

History 101

August 19, 1964: The Beatles Kick Off First U.S. Tour at San Francisco’s Cow Palace

By History.com

The Beatles took America by storm during their famous first visit, wowing the millions who watched them during their historic television appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. But after the first great rush of stateside Beatlemania, the Beatles promptly returned to Europe, leaving their American fans to make do with mere records. By late summer of that same year, however, having put on an unprecedented and still unmatched display of pop-chart dominance during their absence, the Beatles finally returned. On August 19, 1964, more than six months after taking the East Coast by storm, the Fab Four traveled to California to take the stage at the Cow Palace in San Francisco for opening night of their first-ever concert tour of North America.

Although in retrospect it would seem a laughable underestimation of their drawing power in America, Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein chose venues like the 17,000-seat Cow Palace for the 1964 tour expressly because he feared that the Beatles might not sell out large sports stadiums like San Francisco’s Candlestick Park, where they would play their final official concert in 1966. Suffice it to say that the Beatles had no difficultly filling the Cow Palace, which was packed with 17,130 screaming fans when the group bounded to the stage shortly after 9:00 p.m. on this day in 1964 and launched into “Twist And Shout.”

The Beatles’ set that night and throughout the tour that followed featured only 12 songs, most often in this order:

”Twist and Shout”, “You Can’t Do That”, “All My Loving”,  ”She Loves You”, “Things We Said Today”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Can’t Buy Me Love”, “If I Fell”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “Boys”, “A Hard Day’s Night”, “Long Tall Sally”

At other stops on the tour, the Beatles’ performances would last approximately 33 minutes, but the show that night in San Francisco lasted some five minutes longer—not because of any difference in the Beatles’ performance, but because of police intervention to stem the growing pandemonium. Within the first few seconds of the first song that night, at least one radio journalist traveling with the Beatles had been trampled to the ground along with a young female fan who broke a leg in the melee. And thanks to an offhand comment  by George Harrison about the group’s favorite candy in the days leading up to the show, the Beatles themselves were pelted with flying jelly beans throughout that night’s set. Though John, Paul, George and Ringo were uninjured, they left the Cow Palace that night by ambulance after their limousine was swarmed by berserk fans. It was a scene that would become familiar to them as they continued on their first historic tour of America in the months ahead.

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 08/18/18

The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: ALL.2018-18-08.WeeklyNews

Are You Living to Die or Dying To Live?

By Nancy Stoops                                     

Our lives are truly about our mindset and how we view our lives.  I must ask you if you are living to die or are you dying to live.  These two ways for which people live sure do look and sound the same but they couldn’t be more different.  Take a look at the first one, living to die.  To me that means the person is merely existing and just going through the motions until they die.  I don’t believe there is much joy or quality of life with this style of life.  I believe a pretty unhappy and dissatisfied person lives according to the idea of living to die. Now on the other hand a person who is dying to live has a life of joy and quality.  I believe they are satisfied with their lives and appreciate each and every day they are honored with life.

 

So how do you live?  Which of these two mottos do you follow? It’s never too late to change.  It all starts by changing your mindset.  It starts by letting go of your past, forgiving yourself and others and on being grateful each and every day we are honored to be here.  As you begin the healing process your mindset will start to help you see all the good in everyday and you will start to feel empowered by the self- induced changes in you and the way you think.

I hope the change will start by reading this article.  I hope you believe you deserve a better life and use this as a road map to take you there.  I have faith in you that you can make the change and get the life you are worthy of!

 

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 nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

 

HPV and Throat Cancer in Men: How Vaccines Can Help

By StatePoint

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. and cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer — a cancer that develops on the back and sides of the throat, tonsils and base of the tongue — in middle-age men have tripled in the past three decades.

But did you know that vaccines can help reverse this trend? August is Immunization Awareness Month and a good opportunity to learn more.

“Nearly all sexually active men and women get exposed to HPV at some point in their lives,” says Dr. Tom Thomas, director, Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery and Transoral Robotic Surgery at Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center. “Symptoms may develop decades after you become infected, so it’s often impossible to know who transmitted the virus to you.”

You’re at higher risk for oral HPV if you:

• Haven’t been vaccinated against HPV

• Have had unprotected oral sex

• Have many sexual partners

• Have a sexual partner who has had many sexual partners

• Started having sex when you were 16 or younger

The good news is that when caught early, treatment for HPV-related throat cancer is often successful.

Symptoms include a lump on the neck that isn’t painful but doesn’t go away, a sore throat or difficulty swallowing that doesn’t go away after 3-4 weeks, unexplained weight loss and a change in voice.

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away. If you have a history of known HPV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases, see a head and neck expert.

“Even with no symptoms, you can pass HPV on to others, and you can get HPV from someone who doesn’t show any symptoms,” says Dr. James Wong, medical director, Leonard B. Kahn Head and Neck Cancer Institute at Morristown Medical Center.

As one of the leaders of the new Atlantic HPV Center, the country’s first center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, research and survivorship of HPV-associated cancers of the head and neck, Dr. Wong points out that understanding HPV and cancer can mean catching the disease early.

Unfortunately, experts say that persisting misconceptions associated with throat cancers caused by HPV create stigmas and fears and prevent many patients from having important conversations with loved ones and doctors.

“We need to overcome the embarrassment associated with throat cancer caused by HPV,” says Dr. Thomas. “Anyone who’s sexually active is at risk for getting HPV, even if you’ve had only one sexual partner.”

There are more than 150 types of HPV, but the HPV vaccine protects against both types 16 and 18, which cause the majority of cases of oropharyngeal cancer. More widespread use of the vaccine could lower the rate of high-risk HPV infection in men and women and consequently lower the rate of HPV-related cancer in both sexes. The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting the HPV vaccine for children at ages 11-12, before they are exposed to HPV, in order to protect them from certain cancers later in life. However, those who have already been infected can still get some protection from the vaccine, which is recommended for females aged 13 through 26 and males aged 13 through 21 who were not adequately immunized previously.

 

Mt. SAC Sporting Complex

Photo: Mt.SAC Athlectics
The opportunity to build a sporting complex nestled amongst mountains and valley’s in such a natural setting is a unique opportunity in California.

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – Mt Sac may have lost the Olympic Trials but that will not deter them from moving forward with the planned upgrades they had in place when the trials were coming to town. The athletic tradition runs deep at Mt. Sac and the new upgrades will carry that tradition well into the future.

“All the construction on the major buildings has begun, the finish work is pending, the project is about 25-30% completed,” said Gary Gidcumb, the manager of the design and construction of the project. ““We have the opportunity to build a sporting complex nestled amongst mountains and valley’s in such a natural setting is a unique opportunity in California. The complex is in the city but the location makes one feel that they have escaped to an urban setting if even for an hour or two,” said Gidcumb. Nobody knows what the future brings and if it brings the Trials back someday, they will be ready.

Mt. SAC has always prided itself on providing service to the sport by hosting world-class events. Like the Mt. SAC Relays and Cross Country Invitational that they have hosted for more than 60 years. Gidcumb said that the motivation for the design is to preserve the integrity and history of the past but overlaid with new, said Gidcumb. We wanted to preserve the most loved traditions of the program without remaining stagnant.” We are proud and passionate about the role this new complex will play in the future histy here at Mt. SAC,” concluded Gidcum.

The college’s plans to build a stadium for their students and community and to keep hosting top notch sporting events remain remains unchanged. Mt. SAC officials are confident that they can continue to be the place where the world’s best athletes compete.

 

One of Nine SpaceX Astronauts Hails from Pomona

Pomona — NASA on Friday assigned the astronauts who will ride the first commercial capsules into orbit next year and bring crew launches back to the U.S.

SpaceX and Boeing are shooting for a test flight of their capsules by the end of this year or early next, with the first crews flying from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by next spring or summer.

Nine astronauts were named to ride the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner capsules — five on the first crew flights and four on the second round of missions to the International Space Station.

One of those announced by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine is someone from right here in Southern California. Victor Glover is from Pomona, California

I am overwhelmed and humbled to be a part of the @SpaceX team for my first flight! Feeling extremely grateful that the agency and our leadership have confidence in these crews to be part of such a critical mission. This is a big step for @NASA and for our Nation! #LaunchAmerica

NASA has been paying billions of dollars to SpaceX and Boeing to develop the crew capsules to pick up where the shuttles left off, while also paying billions for cargo deliveries to the space station by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The cargo missions started in 2012. The crew missions have been delayed repeatedly because of the technical challenges and difficulties of making spacecraft safe for humans.

Boeing’s Starliners will soar on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rockets. Dragons, meanwhile, will fly on SpaceX’s own Falcon 9 rockets. The race to get astronauts to the space station first is real; a U.S. flag that flew on the first space shuttle flight in 1981 and the last shuttle flight in 2011, awaits the winner.

Housing Bubble Chatter

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

 

As a licensed agent since 1976, I have seen a few cycles of the Real Estate market.  None that I have seen have been exactly like one of the others.  Lately, there has been a lot of “Chatter” in real estate circles, or in articles written about whether we’re in the middle of another housing bubble, or at the brink of and about to head into a real estate housing recession.

The interest rate environment had been trending upward for the previous few months this year, and it seems to have had an impact on the number of sales being transacted, with fewer properties being sold in the first part of this year as compared to last year.  After reaching an average high of close to 5% in the last few months, the 30 year mortgage has settled back into the mid 4% range.

The decreasing affordability of housing has triggered the increasing number of news articles and housing industry pundit discussions about a slowing down of the housing market.  The increase in home prices year over year exceeding 5% combined with the interest rate increase seen lately in the 30 year fixed rate mortgages are but two financial factors that have led to fewer sales transactions this year (as compared to last year). These discussions lead into the topic of a recession in home prices as well in the not to distant future. The inventory of homes on the market is slowly increasing, with the length of time that homes are on the market slightly increasing as well. These two factors in combination will provide an easing in the upward pressure on prices. Before a drop in prices can occur, a slowing down in the rate of increase must occur, followed by a leveling off in the increase in prices.

According to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), a Government Sponsored Entity created by Congress to provide liquidity to the housing market, the “Consumer optimism about purchasing a home continued tot fade in July, as low inventory, rising prices and higher interest rates are affecting their market perception”, Fannie Mae said.

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca DRE lic # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

Stress Makes a Mess

Melody Kramer – Autism Mom

All my life I have been an emotional eater. I eat when I’m happy, sad, grieving, angry,  and mostly when stressed.

Stress plays a huge part in my life.  Which in turn stress eating plays a more prominent role.  My stress levels of each day can rise to full capacity. How do I control my stress, I eat.

 

What is emotional eating?

“Emotional eating (or stress eating) is using food to make yourself feel better—eating to satisfy emotional needs, rather than to satisfy physical hunger. … Emotional hunger can’t be filled with food. Eating may feel good in the moment, but the feelings that triggered the eating are still there.

(www.helpguide.org/articles/diets/emotional-eating.htm)”

 

Raising two autistic boys, my level of stress can get to a high point during the day, but I am learning now, through a health coach, to not reach for unhealthy food while stressed.

We all know stress eating is not healthy.   When I am at the limit of my stress, I reach for that comfort food, it tastes so good, for that “moment.”  After that “moment” I’m still stressed. Even more so because now I feel tired and/or sluggish and my head is cloudy all filled up with the sugary and/or salty item I just ate.

So why eat when stressed?  For me, at that moment of stress, it’s an automatic trigger to go binge, for an “instant” rush of satisfaction.

 

Thank goodness for my health coach, he is teaching me how to change my lifestyle of eating and get on the right track to healthy living and to make better choices and not emotional eating.

I am sure many of you are living a healthy lifestyle, but for the ones that need that extra help of getting on the road to healthy eating, email me I’ll put you in contact with my health coach. Let’s get healthy together. I would love to hear from you, and my coach would like to help you.

autismmomofboys@gmail.com